American ISIS

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American ISIS

By: Trevor Aaronson
Narrated by: Trevor Aaronson
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Summary
 American ISIS tells the story of Russell Dennison, an American who converted to Islam and traveled to Syria to fight for the Islamic State. For more than six months, Russell secretly communicated with journalist Trevor Aaronson, sending more than 30 hours of recordings that detail his suburban upbringing, his pursuit by the FBI, his embrace of extremism, and his decision to live and die on distant battlefields. Russell’s recordings provide an unprecedented firsthand account of what it was like for an American to be part of one of the world’s most fearsome terrorist groups. A remarkable work of journalism and narrative storytelling, American ISIS brings listeners into a hidden world few Americans have witnessed - filled with jihadis, human smugglers, FBI agents, government informants, and nightly bombings. Trevor Aaronson, a journalist for The Intercept, tracks down the people who knew Russell in the United States and in the Middle East as he investigates and corroborates Russell’s incredible story, from his childhood in Pennsylvania to bombed-out Syrian villages thousands of miles from the life he’d once known. An Audible Original produced by The Intercept, Topic Studios, and Western Sound.©2021 First Look Institute, Inc. (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC Murder True Crime
Episodes
  • American ISIS Trailer

    American ISIS Trailer
    Jul 1 2021
    American ISIS is an eight-episode podcast that tells the remarkable story of Russell Dennison, an American ex-convict and Muslim convert who joined the Islamic State in Syria. As US and coalition airstrikes rained down on ISIS fighters in 2018 and 2019, Dennison secretly recorded dozens of hours of audio about his past and his life with ISIS and sent them to journalist Trevor Aaronson with one condition: Nothing he said could be revealed until he was captured or - more likely - killed.
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    Less than 1 minute
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  • Episode 1: Death and Life

    Episode 1: Death and Life
    Jul 15 2021

    As the Islamic State collapses in Syria, Russell Dennison contacts journalist Trevor Aaronson and says he wants to talk.
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    35 mins
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  • Episode 2: Beginnings

    Episode 2: Beginnings
    Jul 15 2021
    Russell’s typical suburban childhood features Saturday-morning cartoons, action figures under the Christmas tree, and a basketball hoop in the driveway. But his life takes a turn in his 20s, when he’s arrested in Pennsylvania for selling marijuana.
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    27 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
intimate, well narrated and gives so much context to the war and the different motivations.

gripping

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What a story, kept me hooked the whole time. Sad story but very interesting.

Amazing story

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I have been a big fan of the intercept for a long time, donated at points as well. this kind of content is the reason. level headed, well thought through and explaining topics with a clear perspective of how all the parties see the matter.

wouldn't have expected anything less from intercep

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Recommended listen. Interesting insight into isis and why some westerners end up in the terror organisation

Very interesting listen

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Thus podcast is fantastic! as someone that is an atheist but extremely interested in others personal views on religion and what drives them to it, this was fascinating. Hearing about Russ's internal struggles with life, religion and what drove him to be in his position was interesting. Hats off to the journalist who covered this story. Fantastic work all round!

just wow!

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