Guest Host Nadene Ghouri tells the story of how her search for a surrogate mother for her child brought her to Ukraine, and how she found herself repaying the ultimate kindness by helping one woman flee the war there. On Spec is an independently produced podcast based in Istanbul, Turkey. We’re a team of freelance journalists from diverse backgrounds living across the globe. On Spec provides unpredictable deep dives in international news through storytelling from places like Brazil to Hong Kong to Malawi. Reporters on the ground will transport you with an intimate, personal look at what’s going on in their communities. Each season has a distinct theme. By listening to these stories, you’ll get a nuanced perspective beyond your own borders and learn how we are connected globally.