Original audio documentaries from around the globe.

On Spec Podcast brings you independently produced, unvarnished, and transparent field reporting that goes beyond clickbait.

Each season has a distinct theme: we take you from Mexico to Malawi, Iran to China, Armenia to the United States, offering unexpected deep dives into the everyday lives of people behind international news headlines. These stories —so personal to the reporters on the ground— will give you a nuanced and intimate perspective beyond your own borders.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST SEASON

Lethal Dissent: Iran’s hunt for its citizens abroad

On Spec’s 18-month investigation takes you inside the secret war waged on Iranian dissidents in exile. We follow poets, soldiers, politicians and ordinary folk who have escaped the Islamic Regime but still live in fear of being hunted down and forced back to Iran to be imprisoned or executed.

Lethal Dissent is produced in partnership with The World, with funding from the Pulitzer Center and Radio Zamaneh.

ATTENTION: If you are seeing a “Preview” badge in the podcast player, you can click on “On Spec Podcast” next to it to listen to the full episodes on Spotify.

Learn more about this season

Listen to Previous Seasons

Season 5: Lethal Dissent

On Spec’s 18-month investigation takes you inside the secret war waged on Iranian dissidents in exile. We follow poets, soldiers, politicians and ordinary folk who have escaped the Islamic Republic but still live in fear of being hunted down and forced back to Iran to be imprisoned or executed.

listen now
Season 4: The Walls We Build

On Spec explores the stories behind borders in France, Peru, Zambia, along the Mediterranean Sea, the frontiers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and between the United States and Mexico — how they divides and defend us, who’s profiting from them, and how they impact communities.

listen now
Season 3: Disinformation

On Spec takes a deep dive into the global abyss of fake news, bringing you the story of how the scourge of disinformation is effecting ordinary people in seven different countries— Turkey, Russia, Brazil, India, the US, Hong Kong and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Listen Now
Season 2: Pandemic

Season 2 of On Spec takes you to Spain, Kashmir, the US, Turkey, Canada, Lebanon, Tunisia, Cyprus, Mexico, Hong Kong, Poland, where people share their experiences of religious faith, mental health, food, illness, incarceration, and family life.

listen Now
Season 1: On Spec

This season takes you to the countries where our eight founding members have close connections: Turkey, Iraq, the USA, Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iran. We’ve chosen topics based on our passions, expertise, and personal connection to the story.

Listen now