Stacey Dooley and Ben Zand Launch Channel 4’s “Untangled” Podcast | Honest Conversations on Today’s Biggest Stories
In a media landscape overflowing with headlines, hot takes, and misinformation, two of Britain’s most respected documentary storytellers are teaming up to make sense of it all. Stacey Dooley and Ben Zand have launched “Untangled,” a bold new weekly current-affairs podcast from Channel 4 and ZANDLAND, aiming to bring clarity, compassion, and calm to chaotic times.
“Untangled” isn’t just another news recap show — it’s an antidote to today’s fast-scrolling, reaction-driven media culture. Produced by ZANDLAND, the Liverpool- and London-based production company founded by Ben Zand, the podcast focuses on making complex stories understandable and emotionally resonant.
The Mission of the Show
Each weekly episode will:
Break down major breaking news from social media and beyond
Explore under-reported stories shaping global conversations
Offer factual, compassionate analysis rather than partisan commentary
Help listeners understand why stories matter, not just what happened
In a world where headlines often polarize, “Untangled” aims to humanize the news — a calm space to explore the truth beneath the noise.
Meet the Hosts: Stacey Dooley and Ben Zand
Stacey Dooley – Empathy Meets Insight
Known for her fearless investigative journalism and documentary work across the BBC and beyond, Stacey Dooley MBE has built a career on asking the right questions — and listening to the answers.
She has tackled global issues such as child exploitation, domestic violence, and women’s rights, earning a reputation as one of Britain’s most trusted media voices.
“There’s so much happening in the world; it can feel hard to know what really matters or who to trust,” says Stacey. “With Untangled, we want to make sense of it all — to have open, honest conversations about the stories everyone’s talking about, without it feeling overwhelming or heavy.”
Ben Zand – The Storyteller Who Digs Deeper
Ben Zand, founder of ZANDLAND and a BAFTA-winning filmmaker, is known for his immersive documentaries and explorations of the human condition. His work has taken him from conflict zones to internet subcultures, always seeking the “why” behind the “what.”
“We wanted to help people get to grips with the biggest stories without feeling overwhelmed,” Ben explains. “Untangled is about slowing things down — having reasonable, honest conversations in a world that feels increasingly polarised.”
Channel 4’s Vision: Reliable News for a New Generation
Louisa Compton, Channel 4’s Head of News and Current Affairs, praised the show as part of a wider effort to reach younger, digital-native audiences who are increasingly skeptical of traditional news outlets.
“Young audiences are drowning in disinformation and toxic views,” she said. “Stacey and Ben will provide reliable, fact-checked reporting to help make sense of the world. We’re thrilled to bring Stacey to Channel 4, and we think this duo will prove an audience favourite.”
Why “Untangled” Matters in 2025
The launch of “Untangled” comes at a crucial moment for news media:
Trust in journalism is at an all-time low, particularly among under-35s.
Social media platforms amplify sensationalism over substance.
Audiences crave authenticity and context, not confrontation.
Dooley and Zand’s podcast seeks to rebuild that trust, giving listeners an alternative to divisive media ecosystems — a place where facts and empathy coexist.
Inside “Untangled”: What Listeners Can Expect
Each episode of “Untangled” will feature:
Deep-dive conversations about trending and overlooked issues
Interviews with journalists, experts, and witnesses offering multiple perspectives
Contextual storytelling, explaining how stories connect to larger global shifts
Practical takeaways on how audiences can engage responsibly with information
Listeners can expect the tone to be accessible, intelligent, and reassuring — a reminder that curiosity, compassion, and facts still matter.
The Partnership Between Channel 4 and ZANDLAND
This collaboration marks a milestone for both Channel 4 and ZANDLAND. ZANDLAND, founded in 2020 by Ben Zand, has become known for high-impact documentaries like The Cult Next Door and The Internet’s Darkest Secrets. Its partnership with Channel 4 signals a growing commitment to audio storytelling that combines journalistic integrity with creative innovation.
The Format: News That Breathes
Unlike fast-paced news bulletins, “Untangled” offers slower journalism — thoughtful reporting that allows audiences to pause, reflect, and reconnect. The show embraces transparency and emotional intelligence, elements often missing in today’s quick-hit media.
The Core Values of “Untangled”
Honesty – No spin, no agenda
Clarity – Simplifying complex issues without dumbing them down
Empathy – Putting people, not politics, at the center of every story
Accountability – Fact-checked reporting rooted in evidence
Stacey and Ben’s Shared Vision
Both hosts share a mission: to empower listeners to understand, not just react. Their on-air chemistry blends Stacey’s warmth and moral clarity with Ben’s analytical storytelling.
Together, they represent a new generation of journalism — grounded in truth, curiosity, and care for the audience.
A Podcast Designed for the Social Media Era
In the age of algorithm-driven outrage, “Untangled” challenges the clickbait model. Episodes will often begin with viral moments or controversial headlines, then methodically deconstruct the story, separating fact from fiction.
Key Features for Digital Audiences
Available across all major podcast platforms
Social media segments designed for quick, shareable clips
Supplementary explainers and infographics on Channel 4’s digital channels
Why Listeners Are Excited
Early reactions on social media suggest strong anticipation for the show. Fans of both presenters praise the idea of “smart, calm news you can actually trust.” Given Stacey Dooley’s popularity and Ben Zand’s track record, “Untangled” is positioned to become a go-to current-affairs podcast for young audiences.
Final Thoughts: A Timely, Necessary Initiative
As misinformation spreads faster than facts, “Untangled” feels less like a podcast and more like a public-service mission. By combining two seasoned storytellers, Channel 4 is reinforcing its role as a trusted source for independent journalism — one that values context, nuance, and truth over sensationalism.
In a world tangled by noise, “Untangled” offers clarity.
Where to Listen
“Untangled” is available weekly on Channel 4 Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and BBC Sounds. Episodes drop every Thursday, with bonus digital features released throughout the week.
