Embedded

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.

Kenyan sprinter Maximila Imali, affected by DSD policies, fights regulations in court. The podcast explores the history of sex testing in sports, genetic research impact, and the controversy over gender verification tests, highlighting the challenges faced by female athletes.

The podcast discusses the doubts and skepticism faced by women athletes in elite sports almost 100 years ago, leading to the implementation of sex testing policies. It explores the historical context of sex testing, controversies in gender verification tests, and the challenges faced by transgender athletes like Zdeniek Kobek in track and field.

Meet Christine Mboma, an Olympic silver medalist facing a tough decision due to new track regulations. Explore her rise to success and the challenges she faces with high testosterone levels. Learn about the impact of regulations on female athletes with Differences of Sex Development and the debate on fairness in sports.

The podcast delves into the struggles faced by elite female runners who are being told they can no longer race as women due to their biology. It explores the challenges of proving femininity in sports and the 100-year history of gender testing, as athletes are forced to decide whether to take drugs, quit their sport, or fight back.

Conservative parents in Tennessee navigate new politics post-school shooting. Controversial decisions strain their beliefs and relationships. They grapple with the aftermath and the impact on their advocacy work. How will they reconcile their views with the changing political landscape?

A mother, Melissa Alexander, advocates for gun control measures after a school shooting. The podcast discusses her efforts at the Tennessee statehouse and the support she finds from Republican senator Richard Briggs, who represents a more moderate faction of the GOP. The episode explores the challenges faced by lawmakers on issues like economic relief, party politics, abortion bans, and running for office, highlighting the complexities of navigating political pressures.