‘Speaking of Serial’: How do you rescue someone trapped in Pakistan?

“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 “Meanwhile, In Tampa,” and dive in to the bureaucratic efforts made in the U.S. to get Bowe Bergdahl home — some of which were more successful than others. We also talk to George Prentice of the Boise Weekly about the story of another Idaho soldier who got into big trouble while serving in Afghanistan, and his thoughts on how local media reacted once Bergdahl was released.

“Speaking of Serial” episodes can 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 Feb. 10.

“Serial” posts new episodes every other Thursday, with the next one due Feb. 4. You’ll find the latest one here.

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 27, 2016 at 1:54 PM with the headline "‘Speaking of Serial’: How do you rescue someone trapped in Pakistan?."