‘Speaking of Serial’: Idaho memories of Bergdahl’s capture

“Serial,” the popular podcast produced by the people behind “This American Life,” is focusing this season on Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the Hailey soldier held captive for five years after leaving his post in Afghanistan.

In turn, we’re examining Bergdahl’s story and the reporting by “Serial” in more depth. Here’s the newest episode of “Speaking of Serial,” a joint effort of the Idaho Statesman and Boise State Public Radio (KBSX):

This week, our panelists share their reactions to “The Captors,” and dissect the language used by Bowe Bergdahl to describe the torture he endured. We also bring unique Idaho perspectives when we chat with KBSX journalist Adam Cotterell. He covered the story early in Bergdahl’s captivity, and shares his experience of what it was like reporting from Hailey.

There’s an important schedule change to tell you about. “Serial” just announced it’s now posting new episodes every other Thursday, with the next one due Jan. 21. You’ll find the latest one here.

We’re adjusting our schedule to match. Future “Speaking of Serial” episodes can now be found every other Wednesday on weeks when “Serial” is off, for the length of that podcast’s second season, on SoundCloud or iTunes. Our next episode will post Jan. 27.

Bergdahl walked away from his unit in Afghanistan in 2009, saying he wanted to draw attention to problems within the military. Captured soon after, he was held for five years by a group affiliated with the Taliban before he returned to the U.S. as part of a controversial prisoner swap in May 2014. Now, he faces a full military court-martial, charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Each week on “Speaking of Serial,” reporters with the Idaho Statesman and Boise State Public Radio will discuss Bergdahl’s case, Serial’s reporting and what happens when an Idahoan becomes the center of international news.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 2:41 PM with the headline "‘Speaking of Serial’: Idaho memories of Bergdahl’s capture."