This policy explains what cookies are, which ones this website uses, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They let the site remember things about your visit, such as your preferences or whether you have been before. Similar technologies such as pixels, local storage and tracking scripts work in much the same way, and this policy covers those too.
Cookies set by us are called “first-party” cookies. Cookies set by other companies whose content appears on our site are “third-party” cookies.
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR, we need your permission before setting any cookies that are not strictly necessary for the site to work.
When you first visit, a banner lets you accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or choose which categories to allow. Non-essential cookies are not set until you make a choice. You can change your mind at any time using the “Cookie settings” link in the footer of every page.
These are needed for the site to function and cannot be switched off. They do not store any personal information beyond what is needed to operate the site.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie consent | Disaster Debrief | Remembers your cookie choices | 12 months |
| Session / security | Disaster Debrief / our hosting provider | Keeps the site secure and protects the contact form | Session |
These help us understand how visitors use the site. All information is aggregated and we cannot identify you personally from it.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
| ga* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | 2 years |
Set when you play an embedded episode or interact with embedded social content. These are controlled by the third party, not by us.
| Provider | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Embedded podcast player |
| Apple Podcasts | Embedded podcast player |
| YouTube (Google) | Embedded video player; may set advertising cookies |
| Social media platforms (e.g. X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Bluesky) | Embedded posts and share buttons |
Where possible we load these embeds only after you consent, so no third-party cookies are set until you choose to allow them.
These are used to show you relevant adverts, limit how often you see the same one, and measure whether campaigns work. Affiliate cookies let a retailer know you came from our site if you make a purchase.
| Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising partners | Ad delivery, frequency capping and measurement | Up to 13 months |
| Affiliate networks | Tracks referrals so a retailer knows you came from our site | Typically 24 hours to 30 days |
We only work with partners who follow UK data protection rules. These cookies are not set unless you accept advertising cookies in the banner.
On this site: use the cookie banner or the “Cookie settings” link in the footer.
In your browser: every major browser lets you view, block and delete cookies. Blocking all cookies may stop parts of the site (including episode players) from working properly. Instructions for common browsers:
Opting out of Google Analytics across all sites: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Opting out of personalised advertising: https://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/
We may update this policy when we add or remove tools on the site. The date at the top shows the latest version.
Questions about cookies or this policy: podcast@disasterdebrief.com
One email when a new episode drops. No digests, no marketing – just the new episode, the key sources, and anything I couldn't fit in.
Unsubscribe any time.
