Finding Natasha

Follow Finding Natasha
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

In the early 70s, Debbie Gayle was one of Britain’s most promising young ballerinas. At the age of 17, she was chosen to go to the Soviet Union and become the first Westerner to train at Russia’s finest ballet academy. It was a dream come true for her, but just a few months later, things took a near deadly turn for her. She made it out of the country thanks to a young girl named Natasha who she never saw or heard from again. In Finding Natasha, Debbie’s son Jake Warren – a journalist and podcaster – sets out to understand the story of his mum’s past, and to find the woman who saved her 50 years ago. Finding Natasha is a Message Heard production.

Message Heard


    • May 18, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 6 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS


    Latest episodes from Finding Natasha

    Part 5: Don't Cry, Debbie

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 29:13


    Debbie hears the other side of the story, and Jake has one more surprise for her.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Part 4: Home Sweet Home

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 22:56


    Debbie returns home and renounces her past. Fifty years later, Jake prepares his mum to confront it.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Part 3: Isolation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 21:06


    A simple mistake marks the beginning of the end of Debbie's dreams in Russia. Jake gives his mum some much-needed good news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Part 2: Enter Natasha

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 26:05


    Debbie travels to Russia and things go downhill quickly. Jake makes an important discovery.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Part 1: A Myth and a Dream

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 29:55


    Jake Warren explores a family myth about a mysterious woman in his mum's past, and begins his search for her. Debbie Gayle recounts her difficult childhood and her dreams of ballet stardom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why are we trying to find Natasha? Series Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 3:47


    In 1974, a young woman saved the life of up-and-coming prima ballerina, Debbie Gayle – never to see each other again. Fifty years later, Debbie's son, journalist Jake Warren, sets out to find her.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Claim Finding Natasha

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel