Podcast Summary: The Mystic and The Mayor – Episode 4: "The System"
Podcast: The Mystic and The Mayor
Episode: 4 - The System
Date: August 5, 2025
Host/Presenters: Anna Richardson and Leo Schick
Producer: Audio Always
Episode Overview
This episode digs into the hidden power structures and personal dynamics that roil a seemingly idyllic French coastal town. Investigative journalist Leo Schick and presenter Anna Richardson unravel the complex bond between the charismatic mayor, Gilles d’Ettore, and mystic healer Sophia Martinez. The episode probes whether Gilles used his considerable influence to benefit Sophia—and what role Sophia played in leveraging her proximity to power. As the façade of tranquility crumbles, the hosts question who is truly in control and how vulnerability can be exploited or transformed into strength.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Introducing Gilles d’Ettore – The Mayor's Persona
- Charisma and Popularity: Gilles is described as warm, well-liked, and deeply connected to the town he’s led for over two decades.
- Personal Motivations: His profound grief over his deceased father is highlighted as a driving force behind some of his vulnerabilities and choices.
- “He has been mayor for over 20 years, which has been a lifelong dream of his. And also his deceased...dad, who he misses terribly.” – Anna Richardson [01:06]
- People-Pleaser Nature: Leo observes that Gilles' core trait might be people-pleasing, necessary for his role but potentially a vulnerability.
- "I think his core trait is that he's a people pleaser." – Leo Schick [01:32]
2. The Unique Politics of Agde – The "D’Ettore System"
- A Town of Contrasts: Agde deals with massive seasonal influxes—from families to swingers—underscoring the managerial complexity Gilles faced (permanent population: 20,000; peak summer: up to 350,000).
- “A mixture of those who come to swim, those who come to swing at sex parties, and those who come to lounge au naturel on the nudist beach.” – Leo Schick [02:55]
- Centralized Power Structure: Locals and political opponents describe a system dubbed “the D’Ettore System”—a network of personal loyalties, little transparency, and a ‘clan’ mentality.
- “This D’Ettore system is like a clan system. It has no transparency, and I am against it.” – Dr. Thierry Nadal [04:11]
- Absence of Accountability: Gilles has vertically stacked power, holding multiple influential roles, drawing comparisons to a ‘local prince’.
3. The Darker Side – Aggression Beneath the Charm
- Allegations of Intimidation: While Gilles is publicly charming, political rivals describe him as cutting, mocking, and unwilling to tolerate dissent during council meetings.
- “He could be cutting in his responses...use levers to destabilize the person in front of you.” – Fabrice Mour [06:57]
- “He's someone who doesn't think twice about interrupting others...he can then be very harsh and become argumentative, let's say very aggressive.” – Thierry Nadal [07:53]
- Lack of Democratic Debate: Opponents note that while not outright insulting, Gilles’ style leaves little room for constructive disagreement.
4. Gilles, Sophia, and The Use of Power
- Favors for Sophia: Gilles is accused of repeatedly pressuring a local civil engineering company (via its director Thiel) to build a veranda for Sophia, concealing the cost within another invoice.
- “He started to call Thiel every two days to see if he'd made up his mind about building the veranda for Sophia. Until finally Thiel agrees.” – Leo Schick [10:22-10:45]
- Potential Quid Pro Quo: The hosts discuss whether businesses comply because of subtle payback expectations or fear of angering Gilles.
- “Let's just keep the mayor on side because he's going to look favourably on us further into the future. Let's just keep him happy.” – Anna Richardson [10:48]
- Claims of Harassment: Thiel’s lawyer characterizes Gilles’ actions as a form of harassment, asserting Thiel received no benefit.
- “He was the victim of a form of harassment by Mr. Gilles de Torch, and there was no personal benefit to him...” – Statement from Thiel’s lawyer [11:44]
5. The Sophia Question – Manipulator or Survivor?
- Who Holds the Power? The hosts debate whether Sophia is manipulating Gilles or if he’s inclined to abuse his power independently—"a little bit chicken and egg."
- “Did Sophia pressurize Gilles into doing these things for her, or is Gilles just the kind of man who abuses his power anyway?” – Anna Richardson [12:14]
- Sophia’s Charisma and Identity: Sophia’s ability to get what she wants, her change of name after moving to Agde, and what this says about her self-presentation are explored.
- “She knew exactly how to manipulate situations in order to get what she wanted...So this is a woman who absolutely somehow knew how to play this system and got right into the heart of power.” – Anna Richardson [12:53]
- “When she moved in [Agde] suddenly, she was going by the name of Sophia...she said, 'Actually, my real name is Sophia and it was a mistake.’” – Louise Colcombe, Le Parisien [13:47]
6. Vulnerability & Power – Who Abuses Whom?
- Reflections on Agency: The episode closes with the unresolved question of whether Sophia’s behavior represents the first abuse of her own power.
- "Is this the first time that Sophia has abused her power?" – Anna Richardson [14:35]
- Teaser for Next Episode: A new voice hints at the pain and vulnerability that might have left him open to Sophia’s influence.
- “I opened my eyes, but it was too late. I had become fragile and vulnerable.” – Anonymous male [15:19]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- “Gilles’ core trait is that he’s a people pleaser.” – Leo Schick [01:32]
- “This D’Ettore system is like a clan system. It has no transparency, and I am against it.” – Dr. Thierry Nadal [04:11]
- “But that comes from behaving like a career politician—having this aim to leave very little room for those to contradict you and what you do.” – Fabrice Mour [07:48]
- “He was the victim of a form of harassment by Mr. Gilles de Torch, and there was no personal benefit to him.” – Statement from Thiel’s lawyer [11:44]
- “Did Sophia pressurize Gilles into doing these things for her, or is Gilles just the kind of man who abuses his power anyway?” – Anna Richardson [12:14]
- “She knew exactly how to manipulate situations in order to get what she wanted.” – Anna Richardson [12:53]
- “Her name was Sophia. And then I was kind of struck because...I would find not Sophia, but Sophie.” – Louise Colcombe [13:47]
Important Timestamps
- 01:06 – Discussion of Gilles’ personal story and people-pleasing nature
- 04:11 – 05:00 – Dr. Thierry Nadal explains the “D’Ettore System”
- 06:57 – 08:27 – Political opponents describe Gilles’ aggressive side
- 10:19 – 11:44 – The veranda story: Gilles’ pressure on local builders for Sophia
- 12:14 – 13:20 – Debating the dynamic between Gilles and Sophia
- 13:47 – 14:27 – Journalist Louise Colcombe on Sophia’s name change
- 15:19 – Preview of next episode with a victim’s perspective on vulnerability
Tone and Style
The hosts maintain a probing, investigative tone—balancing skepticism, compassion, and journalistic curiosity. Candid soundbites from locals and opponents help paint a vivid picture of political intrigue and psychological complexity. There’s an undercurrent of suspense as the story inches closer to revealing how individual vulnerabilities and ambition can upend a whole community.
Closing Remarks
This episode leaves listeners with more questions than answers: Who is pulling the strings in Agde—the seasoned mayor with unchecked powers, or the enigmatic mystic with a knack for influence? As Anna notes, “it’s a little bit chicken and egg.” The investigation continues, promising deeper insights into manipulation, vulnerability, and the blurry lines between help and harm.