I'm Not a Monster

by BBC Radio 5 Live
3,656
News #198

Seeking to separate fact from fiction, the multi award-winning series returns to investigate the divisive story of Shamima Begum.

When three London school girls went missing in 2015, they generated global headlines and the media storm that ensued continues to this day. Back then, investigative journalist Josh Baker was filming at a mosque in the girls' neighbourhood as their families came to seek help; their daughters were on the way to Syria to join the Islamic State group. But it was too late, and they disappeared inside the so-called caliphate.

For four years, their fate remained a mystery - with only occasional glimpses and sometimes conflicting reports of what they were doing with the terror group being made public. Only one of the girls emerged from the ashes of the so called caliphate - Shamima Begum.

The new series will take listeners inside Josh's attempts to figure out what really happened, unearthing new information about one of the most talked about stories of our time. He travels from Bethnal Green in East London to the depths of what was ISIS controlled Syria as he challenges Shamima Begum and investigates if the story she tells is true.

Series One - 'I'm Not A Monster: from BBC Panorama & FRONTLINE PBS'

The first series of I'm Not A Monster told the story of Sam Sally, an American mother who left behind a comfortable life and travelled to the heart of what the Islamic State group called its caliphate with her family. Her husband became an IS sniper and her 10 year-old son was forced to appear in an infamous propaganda video threatening President Trump. It's the BBC's most awarded podcast series to date, having received 16 nominations, winning 11 awards in 10 different international programme competitions including the Rose d 'Or for Best Audio series, three Golds and the Grand Jury Prize at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and Best Documentary Series at the Webbys and the inaugural Podcast Academy Awards (the Ambies) in 2021.

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Recent Reviews
  • SPWilds
    Shocking & Engaging!
    Amazing journalism. Such a shocking, yet engaging story. Thank you for telling this story. I hope that young people who might not otherwise think through their actions, will hear this story.
  • melissadTEXAS
    The Best
    One of the best podcast I’ve ever listened to and I’ve listened to 100s. Top-notched journalism.
  • ranby rude
    Excellent journalism
    Risked his life to bring us this story. I love how he questioned everything. Perfect.
  • Littleworldcunningly
    Strong storytelling, careless in its representation of Islam
    Season 1: This is an example of strong journalism that needs more input from members of the Muslim community and an intersectional approach. The host needs to do more to distinguish between ISIS and Islam. By focusing all of the attention on this white woman, the host fails to interrogate the roles of race, prejudice, and western.
  • MJqqqqqqq
    Excellent journalism
    Amazing storytelling paired with excellent journalism. Josh does a great job!!
  • weddingwench
    Interviewers
    Ms.Begum was a 15 year old teenager girl, when she left England. She is a young woman who has buried 3 children, 2 who literally starved to death, I’m shocked that no acknowledgement of that has been taken into consideration, she was not there for decades, only 4 years, I think that’s reversible. When I listen to the interviewers, I hear men interview her, some the day she was due to give birth and others, 2 days after she gave birth. I’m deafened by the misogyny of those interviews and quite frankly the stupidity of some of the questions. I would be curious to hear an interview by a woman, I feel the right questions have not been asked of Ms. Begum. This is a fascinating story and great podcast. I’ll be curious to see what happens to Ms. Begum in the future.
  • Mshelia
    Binge worthy documentary
    Best in class documentary. Josh Baker & Sara Obeidat did an excellent job impartially narrating the stories of Samantha Elhassani & Shamima Begum. There’s something to learn for everyone in this documentary.
  • LWKM
    Fascinating and Brilliantly Reported
    This has become my favorite podcast. Both seasons were amazing and I couldn’t stop listening. Stories are so intriguing and fascinating, and the reporting is absolute perfection. 100% recommend this to everyone.
  • oatbun
    Can’t turn it off
    Interesting stories, the narration keeps you engage to the story. As the events are presented it I kept debating if these people were involve or just irresponsible who made very poor decisions. I hope season 3 comes soon.
  • Kay Louie
    Major 5 Stars
    Brilliant journalism and amazing story!
  • taggman96
    Very well written
    This was produced VERY well. I would be anticipating the next episode like I would watching my favorite TV show as a kid, with each episode ending only you on to wanting more!
  • cakers999
    5 Star Journalism
    Awe-inspiring journalism. Shamima seems like a broken, lost, deeply unintelligent person. She is also a frustrating person because she takes almost no accountability for any of her actions and tries to paint herself as someone with zero agency, yet she traveled 3,000 miles as a 15 year old to join a known terrorist organization. I understand both sides of the argument for letting her back into the UK and not. Her lack of remorse (still) is alarming and her inability to apologize without adding a caveat isn’t helpful for her case.
  • kaleidopop
    Truly a poignant show
    Hats off to the main presenter and the entire team - beautifully produced. They take us on an immersive journey to help us grasp it all. I wish so many things had been different and the decision to surrender took place much sooner - at so many different junctures. Alas, it happened like this. And to imagine just how many broken teens and young people chose to go there.
  • Mlcassa
    So good
    Loved both series… very well done. I left wanting more!!
  • ninahaydock
    Insightful and impartial
    Amazed by the extensive research and interviews with all those involved. Tells a story, provides you with the information but it’s up to you to form an opinion either way.
  • ecosse in boulder
    Beautifully Balanced
    This was a wonderfully researched series. Keeps you debating it after the series ends.
  • MalfisonAve
    Good story but…
    It was great storytelling and fantastic journalism hence the 4 stars. But I can’t seem to get over how cold and matter of fact Shamema was. She sounded like a psychopath. All her family suffering the whole world worried about her and she sounds like she does not give a crap at all. Really disliked her as a person. Nevertheless I pity her.
  • VALKYRIE.31.25
    Objectively On Point
    We need more Josh Baker’s researching these topics in forgotten, dare I say forsaken, lands. Mr. Baker objectively researched the complex and controversial subject of female Westerners joining ISIS. In his journey, he stumbles on the bigger subject of human trafficking and detention camps. In season one, he outlines the Yazidi trafficking and genocide, giving survivors a voice. In contrast, in season two, he brings up the burden detention camps have on the already traumatized Syrian people. Ultimately, Baker makes us face ISIS and the role Westerners played in furthering their violent and bloody agenda. We certainly need more of this conversation.
  • monica harris24
    Fascinating and well-researched
    I listened to both series and wow! Both stories were suspenseful and thought provoking, and balanced about the subjects. Highly recommended!
  • rootdr
    Amazing & gripping
    Just amazing reporting in one of the most dangerous places in the world. Journalists putting their lives on the line to bring us news & great investigations. Are there any bad podcasts from the BBC?? Be safe
  • aak-mtl
    Im not a monster
    Brilliant reporting. Factual and in depth. The best.
  • SHK 2023
    The best podcast I’ve ever listened to!
    Excellent journalism! I really enjoyed this series. I’m hoping you make another one soon.
  • ThankfulListenerNOLA
    Excellent and Worth It!
    Couldn’t stop listening! The horrors of war, influence of friendship, and the media all mixed up in messy truths and painful realities.
  • Ceejae c
    I’m not a monster series 2 Shamim Begum
    What a captivating sad story. Very well done. I hope there will be follow ups to tell the tale of this young naive 15 yr old girl.
  • A1988te
    Shamima ugh
    Love this pod but I can’t stand shamima. She’s very childish, emotionally stunted even. Hearing her speak so nonchalantly, so immaturely, it is like fingernails on a chalkboard.
  • WV Lynn
    Compelling Storytelling
    I can’t believe how invested I became in this girl’s experience. This story really isn’t over, is it?
  • murrymcfluff
    Riveting!
    I looked forward to driving so I could listen!
  • Darbybow
    RIVETING!!!
    This story is unreal and I can’t believe it actually happened…CRAZY! Josh is really good at his job… He deserves every award!
  • beanandmochi
    Brilliant storytelling
    Worth a listen
  • Gamble3866
    Incredible journalism
    What a thorough and detailed investigation this is. it is put together in a compelling and thoughtful fashion. Those who made it, confronted the important questions without flinching and without fear or trepidation. BBC journalism at its best.
  • abareem
    Thumps up for Joshua Baker
    What a brilliant story teller and investigator, the way he describes the details of the story makes you listen non stop
  • sunshine meadows
    Brilliantly, insightfully done
    Sticks to facts, allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. Thoroughly dives down the rabbit holes. Tracing a taxi ride uncovers a city-wide transportation scheme for people-smuggling. For the first time I feel like I understand something about the way Isis worked in Syria.
  • VolcomX311
    Just wow
    In a sea of investigative podcasting, this one stands out as something special. What an ending too, no spoilers.
  • BBC Fan 12345
    Couldn’t stop listening!
    Fantastic journalism and storytelling
  • Mahaliawithlove
    Incredible
    Truly incredible incredible journalism. I’m listening from the USA and it feels as if I have been on the journey with Shamima from start to finish. The only thing I wish he had asked her was how she even was able to find people. If I wanted to join isis today I would have no idea how to do that and I am adult. I would have no idea how to find other members online or even how to access material to be radicalized. That’s the part I feel have never gotten from any documentary.
  • SweetChrissy483
    AMAZING
    Incredible journalism. I’ll never know the truth about Sam with 100% certainty, but what I do know is that I was weeping over the audio of Matthew and thinking of all the children affected and all of the lives taken or changed by ISIS.
  • EliseeMarisee
    Very Gripping!
    This was a great listen. It kept me interested and was an excellent conversation to the inner workings of a complex subject. It shed light on a topic I knew nothing about and was done very well. I would love to hear more about anything, on any topic, from Josh and his team!
  • UnshakabIe Faith
    Thank you BBC
    This was such great reporting and well researched. I hope you all continue the great work and excellent journalism. I appreciate the unbiased coverage and the care you took with each person interviewed. Well done all the way through. 🤩
  • Ex Uk living in US
    My new Addiction
    Anything Josh Baker you have to listen too!
  • ILoveAllDogsAlways
    Yazidi victims ignored by BBC
    Funny how the Yazidis are ignored, they are her victims
  • Jaxxe13
    Highly recommended! A must listen
    Really brilliant empathetic reporting. Well done!
  • Beastinfection
    Binged
    Excellent podcast.
  • Dr. SHM
    Excellent series
    Wonderful podcast! Provided listeners with good context that resulted in Shamima Begum's current predicament.
  • sweetgherkins
    Great once again
    Season 1 was excellent. Season 2 - also excellent. Wish there was a way to discuss with others or need others takes-maybe a call in episode !
  • jag312
    Outstanding Journalism
    Just finished bingeing season 2. Phenomenal journalism. Please keep going with this Josh. The world needs more investigative journalists like you
  • GatsbyNYC
    How did I feel? Bored
    Repeatedly asking everyone how they felt is not reporting. "How did you feel when your friend died?" How did you feel when you lost your baby?" I'm sure they felt like anyone would. I wish Josh would ask more probing questions and not always go for the easy questions.
  • buckaroo ba
    100% agree with “this is real journalism”
    Fantastic reporting great series really well-made
  • Shelby K B.
    AMAZING
    Such great journalism to tell such a complicated and nuanced story. All the while remaining unbiased and leaving the listener to decide on their own. Amazing work Josh, thank you!
  • AleahLani
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Journalism
    This is incredible journalism all around. Great storytelling, investigative skills, interviews, telling everyone’s sides allowing the audience to form their own opinions.
  • JaneBerlinH
    This is journalism!
    I feel like this should be used in schools as an example of what journalism actually really is. Before we lose it. We can’t let it be a dying art
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