This was fascinating though so much time was given to the DESA investors and executives without appropriate scrutiny. I feel sorry for any listeners exposed to David Castillo before getting to the follow-up episode 7. This is not a two sides story of equivalence in power, a “dance” of a conflict between activists and a corporation, but one involving more than 100 people dead and disappeared among the environmentalists, LGBTQ, and labor leaders in the context of a U.S. supported coup in a narco state with US powerful investors pushing for private development opportunities. This story is so much bigger than Berta Cáceres. Ongoing disappearances also include the Guarafina Afro Hondurans fishing association members in Cayo Cochinos who are the targets of “green” capital investors backed by the Honduran Coast Guard and Navy. Just scratch the surface, in this case and elsewhere along the coast you’ll find a perverse upside down version of eco tourism or renewable energy private projects. While the many recent murders and threats of Guarafinas fisherman goes unpunished and continue, refuse this tourism backed by death squads. There are so many other paths to preserve ecology. State sponsored displacement and murder of the Guarafinas and all people asking questions, claiming voice and participation in their futures, must end. We don’t learn until episode 7 that US military-trained David Castillo rigged the establishment of the “green” capital firm DESA to exorbitantly and illegally profit off both the state of Honduras and the hydroelectric company through inflated rates and by creating a shell before becoming its president to carry out this illegal set up. As this podcast reports all too briefly, Castillo was trained and worked in counterintelligence. Castillo is a master manipulator of media and intelligence (information) by profession and should have been handled with greater scrutiny when introduced in the second half of the series. His treatment of his ex-wife is just one indication of gross abuser behavior. Recall that the Honduran people without means (or even subsistence work) are the ones being murdered - not the other way around. The people of the world who aim for democracy and climate resilience and basic human dignity see right through David Castillo & co.‘s phony story. Hopefully listeners will continue to the end of this series. And when they do they should investigate further the US role in the right-wing coup that made Honduras “open for business” at any cost to its democracy, safety, ecology and people.

Horrible Persecution by International NGOs. Watching Bertha’s interviews she is clearly an avowed communist (No justification for anyone killing her) but the fact she is being raised as a “hero” for opposing a dam which would help a third word country be self sustainable looks shady. I wonder who is funding all this chaos? Driving out investments and jobs? Could it be that Bloomberg or others like him have an agenda or an interest against these types of projects? Just hearing then ambassador Nealon speaking how he made this possible makes it even more shady. Did the U.S plot this and tried to frame others?

Ufologistsouu is I I I I just

This is a great true crime podcast in my opinion. I also feel the topic is an important one and not always talked about.

This is very engaging and well done and I’m recommending it but here’s one mistake made. You talked about the assassination in mid March 2016 of Nelson Garcia. He was gunned down By a member of MS 13 in front of his wife and two of his children in Peña Blanca Cortez which is in Northern Honduras near Lago Yokosuka. You say he was someplace hundred miles south of La Esperanza repeating a mistake in Nina Lakhani’s book. The Garcia family was involved in a land struggle against a corrupt mayor. Once the MS 13 assassin was arrested the police abandoned the investigation of who hired him and also failed to protect the family which had to flee because of threats from the gang. They were told by police that the investigation was ended on orders from Tegucigalpa.

I am impressed with this podcast and have been chomping at the bit for each new episode to come out. I did not think I would love it as much as I did!

Very interesting story. I like that we can hear the interviews in the original language with the translation over it. It’s an intense story with a lot going on and I appreciate the reporter speaking slowly. I can’t wait to find out what happens as the story unfolds in the future.

Monte Reel does a wonderful job capturing all the twists and turns in Berta Caceres’ murder, the arrest of suspects, including taped conversations with the accused, David Castillo. This is a significant environmental murder mystery that’s worth your time. Looking forward to future updates as Castillo goes to trial. A very well produced podcast.

Truth to disturb the soul Such shameless greed. So satisfying to know justice does come! Viva BERTA!!!

Great reporting of a sad and complex story. Great to see this is being investigated and not forgotten. Unfortunately, Bertha’s murder is not solved yet. The intellectual authors of her crime are still free, being protected by their wealth and influence. Why did DESA hire such an expensive international law firm? Why is Castillo’s family living in USA? How did Castillo afford a $1.6 mililon house in USA? IMHO Castillo isn’t naming names (DESA’s “board” as everyone knows by now) because he is protecting his young family. Otherwise he would have sang like a bird. Bertha is sadly one of many women and/or environmentalists that have been murdered in Honduras because of their cause and what they fight for. In the 90’s another environmentalist was murdered. Her name is Jeanette Kawas. A national park is now named after her.

As an Hondureño who travels there almost every year or two. I love the informative part of the podcast I think it was well delivered and very informative. Well down guys!👏🏻👏🏻 It is so embarrassing for me to hear how corrupt Honduras has gotten. I left there 24 years ago when I was only 12 yoa. What this country did with Berta Cáceres and the continuos killing of others, it’s shocking to say the least But this a Narco state as stated in the podcast and there is no hope for the poor, uneducated, minorities or anyone who is not tied up to the government mob. Thank you so much for shedding so much light into the killing of this great Angel and o hope we continue fighting the good war against the Nat resources abusers and greedy families of not just Honduras but in the our home of the USA. Thank you🙏🏻

K ke

The murder of Berta Cáceres is such a complex story and I’m satisfied with the choice to tell it in the long-form. I do wish the tone was a bit more righteous and indignant, given the subject matter of corporate executives ordering the murder of brave environmental activists. I was wondering why this podcast is only rated 3.5... Then I read the reviews of red-faced white guys haranguing that a factually told story about a horrific assassination somehow embodies “cancel culture.” Other negative reviews were that the “Podcast ended abruptly at Episode 3!” As if the episodes aren’t released week-by-week. God save these morons.

So many crime stories end unsolved. I hope this isn’t just another one. Episode 1. Pass 2... Ugh, I’m sorry, Karen is who? Rewind! This is a very complicated story. Find I must keep notes on the people to follow the narrative. Pausing, jotting down names, roles, rewinding, play... more work than I care to do. I use podcasts for relaxation...

I love this podcast. The excellent coverage of the ins and outs of a corrupt government is riveting. Really makes you appreciate the US and our judicial process. I’m finished with episode 5 and can’t wait for the next twist to this tragic story. No matter if you are an environmentalist or not, the corruption and murder should not have happened.

This is a Very engaging and well written story that honors all of the people involved, even those who may be difficult to understand. It begins with tragedy and then explores the nature of corruption, integrity, development, activism, and justice in a fair and balanced way. These are complex and relevant constructs that are essential to understand. Some of the less enthusiastic reviews criticize the completeness of covering the context within which this story unfolds. From my perspective the detail is more than sufficient and is plenty to inform why people did what they did and what is alleged. Really enjoying this podcast and hope others like it will be produced.

Just super boring. Expected something like shrink next door

The reporting seems thorough but the second episode glides over some things. Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was not ousted in a vaccuum. He had been trying to stage an illegal referendum and defying the courts and the legislature in the process.

So far I’ve listened to three episodes of the case. It is a case that has become emblematic of women environmental rights defenders because since Cáceres there have threats and intimidation of human rights defenders especially women who have a whole different circumstances than their male counterparts. The reporter does a good job of interviewing folks of all sides. He narrates it well and does a fair job of presenting all sides.

I find this subject of no interest. “Environmental Activists” are an arm of the cancel culture that’s destroying the world. Spewing how everything and anything “should be” but with NO thoughts/answers or even ideas how to get to what they determine “should be”. Attempting to shame anyone that disagrees or has an idea that isn’t theirs as “racist “, “greedy “ or anything vile they can think of. Who cares if she was shot to death. Honestly, there are a lot of people that deserve just that.

Wow I love this podcast.....first off the theme music with it's ominous tone is perfect.... This story is like peeling and onion.....so many layers to uncover to get to the truth...Aweaomw job!!

I stumbled upon this gem!! Nice work!!

I appreciate the investigation into Berta’s death as justice is needed. I wish there was even more information on her philosophies & practice & her goals for the future instead of just the gore of how she was killed.

Cuts off at the third episode and there’s no conclusion to the story

This is a well researched and produced podcast. Fascinating and tragic subject matter that needs to shared. Bloomberg is creating fantastic investigative journalism podcasts! I’m looking forward to future episodes.

I lived over three years in Honduras and know that it is a difficult place to track down information. This podcast is so interesting and so needed for justice!

Very well done, well researched. Very intriguing story, sucked me right in. Definitely recommend thus far!

Such an interesting topic that I had no idea about, and thrillingly told. Great sound design too.

Only 2 episodes in and I’m really interested. Finally, after many years, this mystery will be solved.

Story seems decent but it’s pretty annoying to have the Spanish interview played then translate it into English. Just give us the English and leave the interview out of it. It’s annoying and used as a filter.

I’m loving this podcast but your jewelry is really distracting!!! Every time she talks she jingles. Thanks bye

Two episodes in and I am absolutely addicted to this fascinating podcast.

The unfolding of this story is suspenseful and well told. Very timely as well. Thank you! I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming episodes.

I didn’t know anything about this part of the world, but learned a lot here. Loved the authenticity of the interviews sprinkled throughout. When’s the next episode? I can’t wait!!

Bloomberg always has great podcasts.

Bloomberg makes some of the best podcasts

Unbelievable. I even cried for this. Wonderful woman. Can’t wait to continue

Super interesting and also very sad