As NPR correspondent Emily Feng reported on the Kucar family, she encountered a mysterious figure working to keep her sources from speaking out. Later, she meets another Uyghur man who - perhaps unwillingly - becomes an actor within China's systems of control. These men are accused of working to silence others, but they say they've found themselves silenced as well. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Abdullatif Kucar returns to China, determined to find his children, who have been sent to state-run "boarding schools," and his wife, who has spent two years in prison. They're among hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs arrested and detained over the years. Kucar is trying to do what is virtually impossible in China: bring his loved ones home for good. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Emily Feng, NPR's dedicated China correspondent, dives deep into the harrowing story of Abdullatif Kucar, a Uyghur man searching for his wife and children detained by the Chinese government. She highlights the oppressive realities faced by Uyghurs in Xinjiang, revealing the emotional toll of their separation. The podcast also touches on the historical context of the Uyghur struggle against oppression and the deceptive narratives surrounding the detention camps. Personal testimonies and leaked documents provide a poignant look into their plight.

This is the story of a people being erased, one family at a time. For almost a decade, the Chinese government has been detaining hundreds of thousands of ethnic Uyghurs in what critics call a systematic attempt to dismantle their culture. And since the beginning, NPR correspondent Emily Feng has reported on these detentions, which were described by the United Nations as possibly constituting crimes against humanity. In this three-part series, Emily follows one man desperately trying to reunite with his wife and children. Along the way, she uncovers surprising new details about some of the Uyghurs enabling this massive surveillance state. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Explore the gripping case of Sergeant Joshua Abate, caught in the crosshairs of military ethics after January 6. Hear contrasting courtroom arguments about his actions and the implications for the Marine Corps. The podcast scrutinizes extremism within military ranks and the efforts to define it amidst political tensions. Delve into the impact of oaths and shifting politics on military integrity. Personal stories and testimonies unfold the struggle between individual beliefs and collective responsibility in a transforming military culture.

Joshua Abate, a Marine Sergeant, shares his gripping experience of being part of the January 6th Capitol attack. He reflects on the complexities of identity and accountability within the military, questioning his role during the chaos. Abate discusses the psychological aftermath of his actions and the fear of losing his military reputation. He highlights the troubling ties between extremism and the armed forces, examining moral obligations amid political turmoil and the ongoing struggle with personal versus public reality in the wake of the events.

Sergeant Joshua Abate says that he's not a rioter or an insurrectionist. Those closest to the active-duty Marine call him "a good guy." But he was part of the mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. On the eve of a new presidential election, what does his case tell us, as the nation still grapples with the legacy of that day? As they look into the military's reckoning with extremism in the ranks, NPR's Tom Bowman and Lauren Hodges examine Abate's main line of defense: Don't focus on what he did; focus on his promising career as a Marine, instead. Embedded's new two-part series "A Good Guy" drops Thursday, October 24. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Christine and Max are trailblazing female athletes navigating the murky waters of sports eligibility and stigma. They share their personal journeys toward the Paris Olympics and the emotional struggles linked to qualifying. Their stories shed light on the regulatory pressures facing female athletes, particularly around testosterone rules. The conversation dives into broader questions of gender identity in sports, exploring potential solutions for inclusivity and fairness while confronting the systemic inequalities that persist.

Caster Semenya, a DSD athlete and advocate for fairness in sports, dives into the complex world of athletic eligibility laws. She discusses her battle against new policies that target athletes like herself, questioning what truly constitutes an 'unfair' advantage. The conversation highlights the intense debate over testosterone guidelines and the challenges faced by athletes under strict regulations. Semenya also shares her personal journey as she prepares to challenge these controversial rules, emphasizing the emotional toll and ethical implications involved.

South African sprinter Caster Semenya, faced gender speculation and regulations in track. The podcast explores the controversies, ethical dilemmas, and challenges she endured. It also discusses the complexities of hormone regulations for female athletes and the impact on athletes from the global south.