logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2020
32m 6s

Series 1: 6. Now I’m calling the shots

Bbc Radio 5 Live
About this episode

A torture prison, buying slaves and a dramatic escape: Sam continues her account of her years in Raqqa.

This episode includes references to sexual abuse, extreme violence and some upsetting moments involving children.

Reporter: Josh Baker Written by: Josh Baker and Joe Kent Producers: Joe Kent and Max Green Production assistant: Lucie Sullivan Composer: Sam Slater Mixed by: Rod Farquhar Series Editor: Emma Rippon

Commissioning Executive: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor: Jason Phipps

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country.

For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline

“I’m Not a Monster” is a collaboration between BBC Panorama and FRONTLINE (PBS) and is a BBC Radio Current Affairs production for BBC Sounds.

Up next
Aug 2023
The Shamima Begum Story: Our Live Show
What do you want to know about The Shamima Begum Story and the making of the podcast? Join us on Tuesday the 12th of September in London, as Josh answers your questions about the series, share more about how it was made and some extra things we’ve learnt about the story.Apply for ... Show More
1m 10s
Dec 2020
Series 1: 5. We had a great life
Josh is face-to-face with Sam after a year trying to track her down. On a military base in Syria, she begins to tell her side of the story. She says it all started as a family holiday.Reporter: Josh Baker Written by: Josh Baker and Joe Kent Producers: Joe Kent and Max Green Produ ... Show More
30m 28s
Nov 2023
The Shamima Begum Story: Josh Baker Answers Listener Questions
Josh answers your questions about Shamima Begum and the making of the multi-award winning series. Recorded in front of an audience at the BBC’s Radio Theatre in London, Naga Munchetty puts your questions to Josh including: what is it about this story that captures the imagination ... Show More
53m 6s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Episode 5: Overseeing Outcries
<p>Every day children are abused both physically and sexually. Every day they have to tell someone about what happened to or is still happening to them. So, whose job is it to  interview that child and learn the dark details of their outcry? We're finding out in this episode of D ... Show More
28m 54s
Apr 2023
Understanding Evil
Nicky talks to forensic psychiatrist and author Dr Gwen Adshead about working with violent offenders, psychopaths and the dangers of certainty. WARNING: This episode includes discussion of violent crimes, child sexual assault and rape. Produced by Audio Always Producer: Ailsa Roc ... Show More
36m 55s
Jan 2024
The Disciples: 1. Sin no more
Shots ring out at a church guarded by gunmen in Lagos, Nigeria. Behind the blacked-out windows and high walls are secrets. In a pub in Oxford, England, a woman comes to us with a story. Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke investigate the cult of TB Joshua. Please note, som ... Show More
34m 42s
Oct 2022
Season 1 | 6. Meltdown
This episode contains descriptions of violence or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.  Thomas Becket is on trial, facing a string of serious charges and in danger of losing his freedom. Once he was Henry Plantagenet’s right hand man, but now he’s become ... Show More
20m 49s
Mar 2025
male rage
Warning: this episode contains content on sexual assault Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. 
44m 13s
Oct 2025
E1 The Revelation: "I could kill my children's father"
A knock at the door changes everything. A secret that shatters a family. Consumed by rage, Lydia considers vengeance. But instead, she chooses another path: justice. She calls the police and the hunt begins. The Hunter is a thrilling true crime documentary following one woman’s r ... Show More
34m 18s
Jan 2019
Tammy Faye Bakker and Jessica Hahn
<p>“She only said one thing her whole life”: Sarah tells Mike how two decent women became scapegoats for the actions of one terrible man. Digressions include Larry Flynt, NPR tote bags and Playboy back issues. This episode contains a detailed description of a sexual assault.<br/> ... Show More
1h 7m
Jan 2024
Patient 11: Episode 3 – Escape Plan
Enduring long periods in solitary and having descended to the darkest reaches of psychiatric care, Alexis plots an escape, one, that if successful, will take her thousands of miles from England. This series discusses rape and sexual assault. 
19m 47s
Sep 2024
Episode 591: Josef Fritzl Part I - Dungeon Master
<p>The boys are back in full effect and it's gonna' get dark as we begin a tale of kidnap, rape, child abuse, torture, slavery, and murder with the story of one of the worst fathers in human history - Josef Fritzel.</p> <p><p><strong>For Live Shows, Merch, and More Visit: </stron ... Show More
1h 23m
Apr 2021
Abuse and What Comes After
This episode is perhaps the dearest thing to me at the moment. It is not for sensitive ears. Warning: graphic depictions of violence and abuse. I urge anyone who can hear it to listen closely as these events are very real and very present.ربما تكون هذه الحلقة هي أعز الاشياء بالنس ... Show More
35m 36s