I'm Not a Monster
News & Politics
About
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...
Episodes
- Series 2: The Court Decides
In Series 2 of "I'm Not a Monster," the Royal Courts of Justice hears the case of Shamima Begum's citizenship nine years after she entered ISIS-controlled Syria. Her lawyers argue the removal of her citizenship was unlawful and that traffi…
- Series 2: Josh Baker Answers Listener Questions
Josh Baker addresses listener questions regarding Shamima Begum and the production of the acclaimed 'I'm Not a Monster' podcast. Naga Munchetty hosts this live recording, discussing the public's fascination with the story and safety measur…
- Series 2. Our Live Show
Josh from the podcast 'I'm Not a Monster' will host a live event in London on September 12th to answer audience questions about 'The Shamima Begum Story' podcast series and its production.
- Series 2: 10. The World’s Unwanted
This episode explores the story of a girl who influenced Shamima Begum's decision to join the Islamic State group, with the answer revealed shortly before publication. The episode is written and produced by Josh Baker, Sara Obeidat, and Jo…
- Series 2: A Message From Josh
The podcast episode titled "Series 2: A Message From Josh" is part of "I'm Not a Monster" and will be available on March 22nd.
- Series 2: 9. State of Mind
This episode of I'm Not a Monster, reported by Josh Baker, examines the public perception of Shamima Begum after a series of media interviews from Syria. The episode discusses the consequences of these interviews in shaping her public imag…
- Series 2: 8. No Plan B
In episode 8 of Series 2, titled "No Plan B," Shamima Begum is discovered in a detention camp after the fall of Raqqa and the crumbling of the Islamic State group. An interview given from the camp significantly impacts her life.
- Series 2: 7. Trapped
In "Trapped," part of Series 2 of "I'm Not a Monster," reporter Josh Baker explores a situation where an individual close to Shamima Begum is attempting to leave the caliphate.
- Series 2. 6. Father Figure
Josh Baker travels to the former caliphate to investigate Shamima Begum's life within the Islamic State group and her situation with a new guardian after her husband's imprisonment. This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual…
- Series 2: 5. Empty Paper
Shamima Begum recounts her unexpected and difficult life in an ISIS guesthouse, which she likens to a prison after joining the group at 15. Her husband, ISIS fighter Yago Reidjik, shares details of their life together in his first intervie…
- Series 2: 4. When You’re In Love
This episode of I'm Not a Monster explores Shamima Begum's departure from London at 15 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, examining the influence of friendship and propaganda. It questions how she overlooked the group's violence and…
- Series 2: 3. Double Agent?
In "Double Agent?", the man who facilitated Shamima Begum's journey to Syria alleges he was working as a spy for Canada. The episode questions his claims and investigates the possibility of preventing Begum and her schoolmates from joining…
- Series 2: 2. The Point of No Return
Josh Baker investigates Shamima Begum's path, exposing an ISIS smuggling network and a deceptive taxi firm. The episode culminates in a discovery of secret documents and a warning.
- Series 2: 1. It Felt Like a Dream
Josh Baker meets Shamima Begum in Syria to investigate her disappearance with two friends, their involvement with ISIS, and her emergence four years later. Baker was present when news of their disappearance broke and their families sought…
- Introducing… The Shamima Begum Story
This episode of I'm Not a Monster investigates the story of Shamima Begum, who left London to join ISIS at age 15 and is now seeking to return. Host Josh Baker explores the events that transpired since 2015.
- Series 1: 13. Your questions answered
Josh Baker and Dr. Julia Shaw answer listener questions related to the series 'I'm Not a Monster'. Dr. Shaw is a criminal psychologist and host of the BBC Sounds podcast 'Bad People'.
- Series 1: 12. Those we leave behind
Reporter Josh Baker revisits Ayham and Saud, Yazidi survivors of ISIS, in Northern Iraq. He learns about their current lives and future aspirations after their experiences of enslavement and escape.
- Series 1: 11. Epilogue - The wounds and the scars
Reporter Josh Baker revisits Mosul, Iraq, where he was injured by an ISIS truck bomb in 2016. He discovers that while the physical conflict has subsided, the city's inhabitants are now facing a significant mental health crisis.
- Series 1: Update
Josh Baker provides an update on the 'I'm Not a Monster' podcast, outlining future content and reminding listeners of past episodes. The podcast is a collaboration between BBC Panorama, FRONTLINE (PBS), and BBC Radio Current Affairs.
- Series 1: 10. It’s all behind me now
Matthew, Sam's son, was taken to Syria at age seven by the Islamic State group and has now returned. He shares his feelings about being home, and reporter Josh Baker follows up with Matthew and Sam's other children.
- Series 1: 9. The rest be damned
Sam pleads guilty to charges after years of claiming innocence, leading to a debate about her motivations and the influence of her husband. The episode examines conflicting portrayals of Sam as she awaits sentencing.
- Series 1: 8. I take my book back
Reporter Josh Baker investigates Sam's potential ISIS support by retracing her steps in Syria. He interviews her former neighbours, visits a prison, and speaks with someone who knew her personally.
- Series 1: 7. On American soil
Reporter Josh Baker investigates discrepancies in Sam's story, uncovering a family past and a connection to the FBI. A connection to the FBI raises new questions about Sam's involvement. Investigation details can be emailed to notamonster@…
- Series 1: 6. Now I’m calling the shots
In this episode of 'I'm Not a Monster,' Sam details her time in Raqqa, describing experiences in a torture prison, buying slaves, and her eventual escape. The episode contains references to sexual abuse and extreme violence.
- Series 1: 5. We had a great life
In "We Had a Great Life," Josh Baker interviews Sam on a Syrian military base. Sam claims her experiences began with what was supposed to be a family holiday.
- Series 1: 4. She’s like my mother
Reporter Josh Baker investigates a young boy in Northern Iraq and an offer of help in war-torn Syria. This episode contains descriptions of violence and upsetting moments involving children.
- Series 1: 3. My name is Yusef
This episode follows reporter Josh Baker's investigation into the Islamic State group's propaganda, which involves Sam's son Matthew. The search for the family leads to Syria, prompted by an obscure tweet. The episode contains strong langu…
- Series 1: 2. Read between the lines
This episode follows a man offering help to a family while their past is investigated. New details emerge about Sam's identity, with the episode containing descriptions of violence and upsetting moments involving children.
- Series 1: 1. I love you, I miss you
This episode follows reporter Josh Baker as he investigates a family trapped in Syria, beginning with a suicide bombing in Iraq and a plea from an American woman seeking to escape the Islamic State with her children. It includes descriptio…
- Introducing... I’m Not A Monster
The podcast 'I'm Not a Monster' follows journalist Josh Baker as he investigates the story of an American mother whose husband was an ISIS sniper and whose son was featured in a propaganda video. Baker unravels her claims of being tricked…