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I binged part of a new true crime podcast yesterday. I'm four episodes in, with two more downloaded. I'm not sure how many more episodes are due to be released, but it's safe to say that I'm hooked.
If you liked The Dropout podcast (about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos), you'll love this one.
Here's a your first look, and my first impressions.
The Missionary Podcast Review
Podcast Name: The Missionary
Hosted By: Journalists Rajiv Golla, Halima Gikandi and Malcolm Burnley.
What It's About: How a (then) 19-year-old American Christian missionary started her own clinic in Uganda. She claims that she was saving lives; her critics say she was masquerading as a medical doctor, and that more than 100 children died in her care.
Where You Can Find It: Listen on iHeartRadio or in your favorite podcast player.
Average Episode Length: 40 minutes
Episodes Listened To:
- Episode 1: The Lord's Work
- Episode 2: 37 Pounds
- Episode 3: Good Samaritan
- Episode 4: The Video
My First Impressions: Like I mentioned above, this podcast has all the vibes of The Dropout. It's about a young woman who captivated others through her good deeds and ability to overcome huge challenges. Her young age and confidence only added to the level of admiration poured on by those around her.
The story started more than 10 years ago. The missionary, Renee Bach, has since left Uganda, and she's fighting some serious allegations and criminal charges about the treatment she provided at her clinic.
The Missionary is reported by three journalists, all of whom have spent time in Uganda, and some have first-hand experience with missionary work.
One of the journalists manages to interview Renee Bach in person, and maintains an open-door policy with her. You'll hear Renee defend herself in her own words.
The podcast also includes readings from Renee's (now defunct) blog, in which she wrote in detail about her time in Uganda and specific patients; some she helped, some who died in her care.
There are also interviews with people who worked with and for Renee, her critics (both American and Ugandan), and from her mom and other supporters.
I get the feeling that the journalists have really tried to leave no stone un-turned, but they're honest when they doubt certain first-person accounts and details.
I'm not just hooked on this podcast for the "19-year-old masquerading as a doctor in another country" story line. There's also a fair bit of discussion about "white savior syndrome", the term used to describe white Westerners who provide help to non-white people in a self-serving manner.
My only criticism about the podcast so far: It can sometimes be hard to figure out who is talking.
Between two male hosts, one female host, and a LOT of interviews with American women (who sound similar to one another AND to Renee Bach), you do have to listen closely to determine who is speaking. Sometimes, it doesn't matter. Other times, it's super important.
I like The Missionary a lot, and I look forward to the rest of the episodes. You should definitely check it out.
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