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Artwork for The Outlaw Ocean

The Outlaw Ocean

CBC
Libya
Human Rights Abuses
Forced Labor
Mediterranean Sea
European Union
Seafood Industry
North Korean Labor
Labor Abuse
Uyghur Labor
Chinese Seafood Industry
Migrant Workers
Environmental Degradation
Libyan Prisons
China's Offshore Fishing Fleet
Aliou Candé
Migration
Al Mabani
Choice Canning
Chinese Fishing Fleet
Seafood Supply Chain

Where the law of the land ends, the story begins. Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Ian Urbina returns with a new season of his riveting podcast anthology, The Outlaw Ocean, which explores the most lawless place on earth — the vast unpoliceable ocean. New episodes starting June 4, 2025.

In season two, Urbina sheds light on the secretive Libyan prisons swallowing up sea-faring migrants; flagrant... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes19Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Outlaw Ocean

Latest Episodes

On the night of September 11, 2012, a deadly attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. What followed this tragedy was a political storm that raised questions about America’s... more

They say you should never meet your heroes. Daemon Fairless disagrees. He takes us behind-the-scenes on The Outlaw Ocean, S2, from his intimate vantage point as its story editor. Fairless begins by asking host Ian Urbina why he takes the kinds of ris... more

Spread across the Earth’s oceans, the Chinese distant-water fishing fleet is the single largest armada in human history. This three-part series is an unprecedented investigation into their secretive fishing practices. The fleet is so gargantuan that ... more

YouTube

Spread across the Earth’s oceans, the Chinese distant-water fishing fleet is the single largest armada in human history. This three-part series is an unprecedented investigation into their secretive fishing practices. The fleet is so gargantuan that ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Daniel Aritonang
Indonesian deckhand who died due to severe mistreatment and malnutrition aboard a Chinese fishing vessel.
Episode: S2 E6: The undisputed superpower of the seas (China Pt. 1)
Jessica Reyes
Interpreter based in Montevideo, Uruguay, who assists Indonesian fishermen in medical crises.
Episode: S2 E6: The undisputed superpower of the seas (China Pt. 1)
Max Hardberger
A maritime repo man known for his daring ship recoveries
Episode: S2 E4: The repo man of the seas
Michael Bono
Managing Director of Vessel Extractions LLC, a company that specializes in ship repossessions
Vessel Extractions LLC
Episode: S2 E4: The repo man of the seas
Aliou Candé
28-year-old migrant from Guinea-Bissau who attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Italy
Episode: S2 E2: A place “worse than hell” (Libya Pt.2)
Mohammed David
Fellow migrant who traveled with Aliou Candé
Episode: S2 E2: A place “worse than hell” (Libya Pt.2)

Host

Ian Urbina
Pulitzer-prize winning journalist known for his immersive investigation into the lawlessness of the ocean, utilizing firsthand accounts and a narrative style that brings complex issues to life.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.4k ratings
  • A Powerful Wake-Up Call for Consumers

    In S1 E3, the host conveys the urgent, arduous task of using his medium, newspaper articles, to truly bring readers into this lawless, inhumane place and to “connect them as human beings with the human beings on the other side of their plate of fish.” With every episode (and I’m only three in), I find myself confronting my conscience and my duty as a consumer. I’m wrestling with how to adjust my lifestyle choices so I don’t further fuel demand for an industry that harms both ocean and human life... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    littlesunflowersoul
    United Statesa month ago
  • Investigative reporting at its best, and does an excellent job of conveying the visuals of the situations being reported, no mean feat in an audio format! Ian Urbina took some serious risks to report these stories, alternatively enraging and saddening in equal measures. Not an easy listen, but a gripping one.

    Podchaser
    5
    Louise Reeve
    a month ago
  • More seasons please! Excellent reporting.

    I stumbled upon this after listening to “Sea of Lies”. Binged thus in a day and a half, and it’s really opened my eyes to what happens in and on our oceans. Fascinating stories and covers many topics.

    Some reviews knock it from five stars down to four stars due to Ian’s cadence. That’s not fair. If it was out of 100 stars I could see knocking it down to 98 but the work and information far outweighs his slower talking. Just put it on 1.5 speed and you’re good to go! Don’t let some little pau... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wa-shaka
    United Statesa month ago
  • Best podcast

    I have ever listend to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    aaaalleeeeexxxxx
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • b

    This is an incredibly well done and important podcast. Season 1 was excellent and season 2 is somehow even better. In a podcast landscape with more and more sloppy and poorly reported content, this is one of the best podcasts of the year and should get a lot more attention and acclaim. Chapeau to the podcast team. These are truly harrowing stories.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    benk5123456
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback highlights the emotional impact of the content, emphasizing the podcast's ability to provoke thought and inspire action regarding ocean-related issues.
Listeners praise the exceptional investigative journalism and immersive storytelling that makes complex issues accessible.
The unique focus on untold stories from the sea resonates deeply with audiences, generating a strong following and regular engagement.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#68
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#138
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#218
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#225
Germany/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#47
Denmark/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#75
United Arab Emirates/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S2 Bonus: Let’s go below the surface with host Ian Urbina
Q: What is the broader implication of the reporting Urbina has done?
Urbina discusses the worrying trend of the EU increasing funding to Libya to control migration and draws parallels with the situation in the U.S.
S2 Bonus: Let’s go below the surface with host Ian Urbina
Q: What was the investigation in Libya focused on?
Urbina's team was investigating the migrant crisis, particularly how the EU uses Libya to prevent migrants from reaching Europe and the horrific conditions in Libyan detention centers.
S2 Bonus: Let’s go below the surface with host Ian Urbina
Q: Why do you take these risks to get these stories?
Urbina feels an obligation to report on the dark issues he encounters, driven by a sense of guilt for not doing enough to help.
S2 E4: The repo man of the seas
Q: What are some of the unique aspects of piracy that you explore?
Max describes modern piracy as encompassing not just violent acts at sea, but also bureaucratic and legal maneuvers that can trap ships and their owners.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Outlaw Ocean

What is The Outlaw Ocean about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This immersive audio documentary series explores the lawless realities of the oceans while highlighting critical issues such as human rights abuses, forced labor, and environmental degradation. It often features gripping narratives from the perspectives of journalists, migrants, and industry insiders, revealing the darker aspects of the seafood industry, the dangers faced by sea-faring migrants in Libya, and the complex dynamics of maritime piracy. With a commitment to deep investigative journalism, the series is renowned for its compelling storytelling combined with meticulous research and firsthand accounts, making it both educational and emotionally resonant. The host frequently puts themselves in perilous situations to shed light on sto... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Outlaw Ocean?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Outlaw Ocean:

1. Dirtbag Climber from Uncover
2. Sea of Lies
3. Hunting Warhead
4. White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse
5. Front Burner

How many episodes of The Outlaw Ocean are there?

The Outlaw Ocean launched 3 years ago and published 19 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Outlaw Ocean?

Recent guests on The Outlaw Ocean include:

1. Daniel Aritonang
2. Jessica Reyes
3. Max Hardberger
4. Michael Bono
5. Aliou Candé
6. Mohammed David

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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