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Artwork for The Surgeon Of St Helena

The Surgeon Of St Helena

Always True Crime
Pitcairn Island
Child Sexual Abuse
St Helena
Legal Trials
Sergio Villatoro Bran
Abuse
Wondery Plus
Cultural Justifications
Pitcairn Trials
Naval Mutiny
Journalism
Simon Moore
Saint Helena
Police Investigation
Bounty
Statutory Rape
Pitcairn
Operation Unique
Glenda
Seventh-Day Adventist Church

What happens when a dangerous surgeon arrives on one of the world’s most remote islands? How much damage can he do before he is stopped?

St Helena is a small British island in the South Atlantic, over 1000 miles from the nearest landmass. It is famous for hosting Napoleon in exile, and boasts the world's oldest living land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, as one of its residents.

But this tiny Briti... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes20Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Surgeon Of St Helena

Latest Episodes

Following the release of The Surgeon of St Helena, Luke has updates. Producer Louisa Adams joins him in the studio to ask some of your questions.

This episode is also available as video - to watch, and see some of the footage from Luke's time on St ... more

Back in the UK, Ruth and co take their fight against the St Helena government to court. But there is another twist. 

Luke also tries to find out where Dr Sergio is now.

Got questions for Luke? Email luke.jones@alwaystruecrime.com  

To listen to ep... more

Luke is on the island, but getting a meeting with those in charge is proving almost impossible.

With Ruth, he digs into how the bureaucracy of St Helena works, and why it appears the government is  trying to block Sergio’s victims from receiving com... more

Solicitor Ruth travelled to the island to see Sergio sentenced, but nothing went the way she expected.

Luke meets The Peters, one of the families Ruth is representing on St Helena, and learns of the profound impact Dr Sergio has had on their lives. more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Andrew Duncan
Attorney General of St Helena
St Helena Government
Episode: Hostile
Jillian Patrick
Saint resident contact
Saints on St Helena
Episode: Hostile
Ruth Powell
Criminal defense/legal professional involved in the case
Lawyer, Central London law firm
Episode: Driftwood
Mark Willems
Barrister who represented clients in the case
Barrister, UK
Episode: Driftwood
Catherine Turner
Head of Human Rights Commission on St Helena
Human Rights Commission, St Helena
Episode: Driftwood
David Jeremiah
Former Attorney General of St Helena
St Helena government
Episode: Driftwood
Bernard McCabe
Retired detective, Metropolitan Police
Former Met Police
Episode: The Bone Man
Sandra McCabe
Former Metropolitan Police Officer
Metropolitan Police
Episode: The Bone Man
Simon Moore
Public prosecutor involved in the Pitcairn trials
Episode: The Aftermath

Host

Luke Jones
Host and writer of the series; focuses on investigative storytelling surrounding scandals on remote territories.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 631 ratings
  • Enjoying this podcast, hate the loud startling sound effects

    This is a well-researched and produced podcast. However some of the sound effects (like the judge’s hammer) are startling and painful. It takes away from the listening experience. I do have autism and I recognise not everyone will have the same experience from loud noises, but it would be great to consider accessibility.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    labonneétoile
    Ireland25 days ago
  • Very interesting

    Well written and a timely reminder of why we need effective governance and also a free press

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    maxinec1
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Starts well

    but runs out of steam

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    radio4atemyhamster
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Excellent podcast

    This is an excellently narrated, researched and produced podcast and brings to light the unacceptable injustices the people of St Helena have to put up with from their corrupt and inadequate government. As a British Oversees Territory this is completely wrong and makes me so angry. I will keep following this story in the hope that justice will be served.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MadameBlaireau
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Incredible Storytelling.

    The Always True Crime team are back with a bang!! I absolutely loved The Pitcairn Trials and honestly didn’t think there would be a story more shocking than that. Then… The Surgeon of Saint Helena dropped and my jaw was on the floor.

    The production is fantastic and Luke is an amazing presenter who really builds a picture for a strong narrative. Cannot wait for more episodes to drop and see what this scummy man has actually done to this community!!! (The surgeon, not Luke lol!)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    IzzyEllis
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critiques focus on ad placements and paywalls affecting listenability.
Listeners praise rigorous research and compelling interviews.
Many notes highlight sensitive handling of traumatic topics with empathy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#244
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#97
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#11
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#109
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#49
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#232
Germany/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What Next?
Q: Who regulates doctors on St Helena and holds accountability for hires?
The Chief Medical Officer at the time, Dr. Carlos Soto, would have been responsible for hiring and oversight, with the governor approving practice; the lack of a centralized local regulator complicates accountability across jurisdictions.
What Next?
Q: Was Sergio qualified?
Evidence suggests he claimed qualifications from Guatemala and appeared in certain records, but there was no conclusive public confirmation of his full credentials, and some researchers could not establish his actual qualifications.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Did it at any point make you want to go however many miles away it is?
Absolutely, the unique nature of Pitcairn is undeniably fascinating and exploring its current society would be intriguing.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How has Glenda felt about the series since it's been released?
Glenda has listened to most of it and appears pleased with her story being shared, emphasizing the need for detailed and truthful representation.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What's the response been like for you?
The response has been really good, with many listeners reaching out after each episode with shock and engagement as the story unfolds.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Surgeon Of St Helena

What is The Surgeon Of St Helena about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series focuses on investigative storytelling from one of the world's most remote British territories, unpacking complex, often sensitive issues around medical care, governance, and justice. Each season combines on-the-ground reporting with interviews from legal, medical, and community voices to illuminate how local systems respond to alleged misconduct and the toll on residents. A standout angle is deep, narrative-driven documentation of accountability efforts in isolated settings, with careful handling of difficult subjects and a clear emphasis on evidence and testimony. The show is likely to appeal to listeners who enjoy rigorous journalism, legal and ethical analysis, and long-form storytelling that situates crises within broader po... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Surgeon Of St Helena?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Surgeon Of St Helena:

1. We call her Emma | Tortoise Investigates
2. Royal Swindle
3. Intrigue
4. Swingers
5. Strangely

How many episodes of The Surgeon Of St Helena are there?

The Surgeon Of St Helena launched 2 years ago and published 20 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Surgeon Of St Helena?

Recent guests on The Surgeon Of St Helena include:

1. Andrew Duncan
2. Jillian Patrick
3. Ruth Powell
4. Mark Willems
5. Catherine Turner
6. David Jeremiah
7. Bernard McCabe
8. Sandra McCabe

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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