S02 Episode 02: The Golden Chicken

Serial

2015/12/17

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

On the move with Bergdahl, the Taliban slip past the U.S. Army’s massive effort to find him. During those days and weeks, each side is asking, what is Bergdahl worth to us?

Highlights

This podcast delves into the complex and contradictory story of Bowe Bergdahl's capture by the Taliban, exploring the perspectives of both his captors and the U.S. soldiers who risked their lives to find him. It examines the value placed on Bergdahl by each side and the chaotic, dangerous aftermath of his disappearance.

02:52

A golden chicken, valuable alive.

12:27

They compare him to a small cat, a Buddha statue, and a drunk person

42:26

The military was like a lumbering machine unable to see the granular details.

48:24

80% of MRAPs were damaged, half from IEDs.

Chapters

A 'Ready-Made Loaf': How the Taliban Saw Bergdahl as a Gift from God

00:00

The Captive and the Captors: A Tale of Strength, Weakness, and Pashtun Hospitality

12:27

The Lumbering Machine: Why the U.S. Army's Massive Search Kept Falling Behind

34:35

Broken Trucks and Broken Spirits: The Devastating Toll of the Manhunt

48:24

Transcript

Sarah Koenig: Before we get on with episode two, some news. A few days ago, the Army announced that it will take Bowe Bergdahl's charges to court-martial, to trial, basically. He's charged with two crimes, desertion and something called misbehavior. Before...