Explosive Lies Podcast Launched by Global: Alice Levine Exposes Deadly Global Scam
Global has officially unveiled Explosive Lies, a gripping new investigative podcast hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Alice Levine, shining a harsh spotlight on one of the most shocking frauds ever to infiltrate global security systems.
Launched under Unmissables, Global’s brand-new podcast strand dedicated to standout narrative storytelling, Explosive Lies is a six-part series that exposes how a seemingly revolutionary bomb detection device—later revealed to be a worthless novelty—was trusted by governments, deployed in war zones, and may have contributed to the loss of countless innocent lives.
Blending dark humour with devastating truth, the podcast explores how deception, corruption, and institutional failure allowed a dangerous lie to flourish on an international scale.
At its core, Explosive Lies tells the unbelievable true story of a scam so audacious that it deceived:
National governments
Military organisations
Security services across multiple countries
The series centres on a charismatic conman—referred to as Jim—who convinced powerful decision-makers that a cheap plastic golf ball finder was actually advanced bomb detection technology capable of saving lives in conflict zones.
Despite mounting scientific evidence that the device did not work, it was widely purchased, deployed, and defended—while fatalities increased and its creator quietly amassed millions.
The Fake Bomb Detector That Changed Lives—For the Worse
A “Revolutionary” Device That Wasn’t
The so-called bomb detector was marketed as cutting-edge security equipment, able to locate explosives without batteries, electronics, or any credible scientific basis.
In reality, it was little more than a novelty item repurposed and rebranded with slick marketing and bold promises.
Yet it was:
Bought in bulk by governments
Used at checkpoints in war zones
Trusted by soldiers, police, and civilians
The consequences were catastrophic.
How Governments and Militaries Were Fooled
One of the most disturbing questions Explosive Lies confronts is how this deception was allowed to continue for so long.
Alice Levine: A Trusted Voice for a Shocking Story
Award-winning broadcaster Alice Levine brings empathy, clarity, and sharp investigative focus to the series.
Known for her ability to balance accessibility with depth, Levine guides listeners through complex systems of power, responsibility, and failure—never losing sight of the human cost.
Alice Levine on the Series
“The scale of the deception at the heart of this story is shocking, but what really matters are the consequences.
People trusted this technology to keep them safe, and the failure of that trust had real-world implications.”
She adds:
“Explosive Lies is about examining how this happened, who was responsible, and the human cost of lies presented as lifesaving solutions.”
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
Beyond the fraud itself, Explosive Lies places strong emphasis on those most affected:
Civilians navigating checkpoints
Soldiers relying on faulty protection
Families living with irreversible loss
The podcast avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on how ordinary people paid the price for extraordinary deception.
Inside the Podcast: What Listeners Can Expect
Each episode builds on the last, combining:
In-depth investigative reporting
Archive footage and documents
Never-before-heard testimony
Expert analysis and survivor accounts
Key Themes Explored
How pseudoscience infiltrates power
Why institutions resist admitting failure
The psychology of trust and authority
Accountability in global security systems
The result is a narrative that is as compelling as it is unsettling.
The Birth of “Unmissables”: Global’s New Podcast Strand
The launch of Explosive Lies also marks the debut of Unmissables, Global’s new curated podcast feed designed to spotlight must-listen stories with urgency, relevance, and impact.
What Is Unmissables?
Unmissables aims to help listeners cut through the noise by highlighting:
High-quality narrative journalism
Stories with real-world consequences
Podcasts that demand attention
Other Podcasts Featured on Unmissables
Alongside Explosive Lies, the Unmissables feed will feature:
Coining It – the chart-topping Global series hosted by Lewis Goodall, exploring money, power, and influence
Filthy Ritual – a gripping investigative narrative narrated by Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala
Together, these titles reflect Global’s growing commitment to bold, investigative audio storytelling.
Global’s Vision for Investigative Podcasting
Vicky Etchells, Director of Podcasts at Global, described Unmissables as a platform for stories that simply cannot be ignored.
She highlighted Explosive Lies as a powerful example of the strand’s ambition—combining rigorous journalism with storytelling that resonates beyond the headlines.
Why “Explosive Lies” Matters Now
In an era marked by misinformation, declining trust in institutions, and global conflict, Explosive Lies feels particularly timely.
The podcast raises urgent questions:
How do lies become policy?
Who is accountable when systems fail?
What safeguards exist to prevent this from happening again?
It is not just a story about the past—it is a warning for the future.
When and Where to Listen
All six episodes of Explosive Lies will be available from:
📅 Tuesday, 13 January 2026 🎧 Global Player 🎙️ All major podcast platforms
Listeners can binge the entire series or follow along episode by episode.
Final Thoughts: A Podcast That Demands Attention
Explosive Lies is more than a podcast—it is an indictment of how easily truth can be buried under authority, confidence, and profit.
With Alice Levine at the helm and Global’s investigative backing, the series stands out as one of the most important audio releases of 2026 so far.
For anyone interested in journalism, global affairs, or the real-world impact of deception, this is essential listening.
