Operation Alepo

This week, Julie and Douglas are joined by a special guest to tell an in-depth true crime tale. Nearly four decades after the death of dictator, Francisco Franco, and the onset of democracy in the Spanish state, hundreds of Basque women robbed of their children and Basque children who have been robbed of their identities seek justice - at least those whose suspicions were strong enough, who were ready to fight for the truth and who had the tools and support to do so. This is part one of a two-episode story so stay tuned for the second half coming out in April!

We follow the tribulations of the ancestor to the cinema, a circus theatre's fate and the challeneges of health and safety rules from the beggining of the 1900s to today. Hear about how Bilbao came together once again in face of tragedy and showed the word how to deal with tragedy. Come listen to the touching scenes of times gonebye.

In this episode, Julie and Douglas are back in the USA. In 2005, a shocking incident at a fast-food chain involving a supposed gruesome discovery in a chili dish led to widespread media attention and significant financial repercussions for the company. This is not a tale for the squeamish!

In our 8th instalment of one of our favourite formats, this Txikisode includes an update on a gruesome suitcase that was discussed in a previous episode. Also, we go through a family accident in San Francisco CA; a weird casino scam in Biscay and Alava; human trafficking in San Sebastian and not to be left behind, even Pamplona features in today's episode to include all four Basque capitals in the southern Basque Country. Come discover what the good and the bad people have been up to, and all the weird ways they connect to the Basque Country.

This week, Douglas tells a historical story set in what was to become Argentina in the 1800's and a Basque businessman who played an important role in its early development.

In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it. This week, Julie and Douglas discuss a road rage shooting in Texas, a selection of crimes that happened during Fiestas in the Basque Country, a mysterious and shocking case involving a body inside a suitcase in Bilbao and more...Content Warning: Discussions of violent crime

Irene Garza, a young schoolteacher and beauty queen from McAllen, Texas, mysteriously vanished in 1960 after attending confession at a local church. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part One for the full context of this gripping two-episode saga. In Part Two, hosts Julie and Douglas continue to unravel the complexities surrounding Irene's case. The discovery of her lifeless body days later exposed a disturbing crime that remained unsolved for decades. Join us as we delve into the aftermath, exploring the impact on McAllen and the challenges faced in seeking resolution and closure for Irene Garza's tragic fate.Content Warning: this episode discusses sexual assault, gender violence and child sexual abuse

This week, Crimes of the Basquelands uncovers Part One of the story surrounding Irene Garza, a schoolteacher and beauty queen from McAllen, Texas. In 1960, after attending confession at a local church, Irene's life took a dark turn. Days later, her lifeless body was discovered, revealing a grim and shocking truth. Join hosts Julie and Douglas as they unravel the details of Irene Garza's tragic story.Content warning: mentions of sexual assault and descriptions of extreme violence

In this episode and in honour of the 40-year anniversary, Julie and Douglas delve into the harrowing events of the 1983 floods. This natural disaster which happened during Bilbao's "Aste Nagusia", was a celebration turned catastrophe.As the festive spirit swept through the city, an unexpected villain emerged—the relentless rainfall. Bilbao, caught in the grips of torrential downpours, witnessed the Nervion River swell beyond its banks. What began as a joyous occasion soon transformed into a disaster of epic proportions.Join us as we unravel the tale of nature's wrath, exploring the devastation that ensued and the city's struggle to cope. Festivities drowned in the rising waters, but the true crime lay in the economic and emotional aftermath. Lives disrupted, livelihoods lost, and a city left grappling with the scars of a disaster.

In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.This week's lineup is quite the whirlwind: a shocking local femicide that hits close to home, kidnapped priests in Nicaragua, and believe it or not—a Basque eel trafficking operation! Join us for swift, punchy stories that'll keep you in the know on all things Basque and crime.Content Warning: The first story details gender-based violent crime