Deep in the American desert is a tiny, tiny, tiny nation: The Republic of Zaqistan. Guarded by robots, Zaqistan nonetheless welcomed new citizens for more than 15 years - until it fell into ruins. Now the eponymous founder wants to rebuild. Join hosts Ryan Murdock, Gabbie Watts and Zaron Burnett on a journey to uncharted territory … to the nation of Zaqistan…and the upside-down world of micronations. Along the way, they meet some crazy characters - the President of Molossia, the Sultan of Slowjamastan, the Princess of Sancrotosia to name a few. Follow Murdock as he risks life and limb in the name of nation-building, and find out the answer to the question: what exactly is a nation, anyway?

Listen here and subscribe to Escape From Zaqistan on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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In this bonus episode, Melissa talks with Laura Crimaldi — a reporter for The Boston Globe — who is covering a contemporary case with eerie similarities to Sandy Beal.

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The Beal family is faced with a daunting task that threatens to divide them. Sandy’s final words are cast in a new light.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741

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Sandy’s cousin Kim meets with a cold case detective who offers her something unexpected - and transformative.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741

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The Beals' distrust of police leaves even the most basic facts about Sandy's case up for interpretation.

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Sandy’s newly released police file reveals that she sought help from law enforcement months before her death.

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The exact nature of Sandy's relationships with local police officers comes under new scrutiny.

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A journal entry sheds light on Sandy’s desires to be a police officer. When she suddenly dies, the homicide detective tasked with her case is inundated with strange phone calls.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text "STRENGTH" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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