Josh Baker, a journalist and documentary producer, has created the third season of his BBC podcast series “I’m Not a Monster,” focusing on the case of Austin Tice, an American marine-turned-foreign correspondent who disappeared in Syria in 2012. If still alive, Tice would rank as the second-longest detained journalist in the world. Baker describes the investigation as evolving from a missing person case into an exploration of espionage, intelligence operations, and authoritarian regimes.
The podcast delves into Syria’s civil conflict and the systematic practices of disappearance and torture within the regime’s infrastructure. Baker notes that the investigation into Tice’s fate has generated an unprecedented volume of intelligence leaks from sources across multiple countries and agencies. The series examines broader themes about American foreign policy and how the United States positioned itself internationally during this period.
Baker’s background includes extensive experience in conflict reporting and documentary work. He previously directed “Battle for Iraq,” a Guardian and PBS production documenting the conflict with Iraqi special forces. While embedded in Mosul, he was caught in a car bombing attack by ISIS operatives that resulted in a broken back and forced evacuation to England. During his recovery, a source shared footage revealing an American child being forced to assemble explosives, leading Baker to investigate further.
This investigation became the foundation for his second podcast season about a woman named Sam who joined ISIS with her young children. The experience also connected Baker with sources regarding Shamima Begum, another subject of his documentary work. That investigation uncovered Canadian intelligence involvement in facilitating Begum’s border crossing, raising questions about complicity in radicalization.
Baker’s documentary work has addressed complex questions regarding national identity, government transparency, counterterrorism strategy, and the distinction between victims and threats in cases involving extremist organizations. His investigations have generated significant public interest and controversy.
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