It’s been over seven years since the podcast debuted on Audible. In 2021, it became widely available, coinciding with Ian Bailey’s trial in France, where he was convicted of Sophie Toscan du Plantier’s murder. Created by Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde, is considered a top-tier true crime podcast, comparable to the first season of
Despite subsequent promotion, events, and related deals (including a TV adaptation agreement in 2021), Bungey and Forde managed to pursue a separate investigation for the BBC Sounds series In the premiere episode, Forde states: “A recording of the otherworldly sound was posted on Twitter. At the time, we were on an all-consuming deadline for a podcast about an unsolved murder in West Cork, Ireland.”
Bungey adds: “But we were pulled in by this mystery sound.”
Havana Helmet Club delves into this unusual and enigmatic sound, reportedly experienced by over 200 victims of ‘Havana Syndrome’. Starting in 2016, CIA agents and US diplomats in Cuba reported sensations like standing in an invisible energy beam, experiencing throbbing pressure, or being overwhelmed by a piercing noise. They described debilitating after-effects, including vision and hearing loss, vertigo, brain fog, and balance issues.
However, some believe the syndrome is a fabrication, possibly a case of mass psychogenic illness fueled by hysteria and exaggerated perceptions. Bungey and Forde aim to investigate this possibility.
“We were fascinated by the unsettling nature of Havana Syndrome – how it seems to exist in a space between science, politics, and human perception,” says Forde. “We’ve spoken to key figures, whistleblowers, and those directly affected to uncover what might be behind this mystery.”
Bungey explains: “Our aim is to present the human stories at the centre of this phenomenon — those who say their lives have been upended, and those who believe this is all an illusion. It’s a puzzle that remains unsolved, and we’re excited for listeners to join us on this journey.”
The shift from West Cork to Cuba is significant, and listeners will need to concentrate on the 10-part series. It’s information-rich and, with tales of undercover spies at funerals and glasses shattering at dinner parties, it is ideal for fans of John Le Carré or podcast.
