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Episode details

World Service,15 Aug 2026,26 mins

The Happy Pod: How Neil the Seal won hearts across the world

Happy News

Available for over a year

Neil the Seal has captured the hearts - and laughs - of people across the world with his mischievous antics. The elephant seal keeps returning to the Australian island of Tasmania to chew traffic cones, attack street signs, and block traffic with his 1,000 kg body. His hijinks have made him a local icon and an internet celebrity. We find out why Neil keeps venturing to Tasmania's suburban streets to cause a ruckus. Also: How a group of Afghan women defied the odds to return to international football. Despite opposition from the Taliban, the players - now scattered across the globe - reunited to form Afghanistan's new national team. The woman who accidentally threw away a million-dollar lottery ticket - and the incredible way she found it again. Scientists say they've created the first-ever truly biodegradable party balloons. They say existing options kill tens of thousands of marine animals a year. Plus: how an ordinary man in Italy made one of the most important archaeological discoveries in decades; and a world surfing championship - for dogs. (Photo: Neil the Seal in Tasmania, Australia. Credit: @neiltheseal22) Presenter: Helena Burke. Music composed by Iona Hampson

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