Stage Talks with Bellingcat

Bellingcat
  • 5.0 (3)
  • News Commentary

Join Bellingcat and a live audience in our discord server, where every two weeks we host discussions with leading voices within open source research and investigations. Be part of the audience at the next stage talk by joining our discord community here: https://discord.gg/bellingcat

  1. "Reporting On Hidden Networks Of Online Abuse" with CNN

    9m ago

    "Reporting On Hidden Networks Of Online Abuse" with CNN

    This week we spoke to the CNN team behind the investigation into the porn site Motherless. Anonymous accounts. Private chat groups. Hidden online communities. We unpacked how reporters gained access to these spaces, spoke with users sharing intimate imagery of people they knew, and navigated the challenges of reporting in communities designed to stay hidden. It's a conversation about newsroom resources, risk assessment, digital safety, and the realities of reporting where others aren't looking. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on June 11th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat TW: Discussion of sexual assault and abuse Links: CNN's Motherless Investigation: https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2026/03/world/expose-rape-assault-online-vis-intl/index.html Full As Equals series: https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/asequals/ Pelicot investigation (one piece by CNN of many): https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2024/12/europe/gisele-pelicot-france-case-messages/ NY Times article hiding CSAM: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/09/us/internet-child-sex-abuse.html?unlocked_article_code=1.pVA.dz84.Qj8Ln4P6btpe&smid=nytcore-android-share Berkeley Protocol https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/OHCHR_BerkeleyProtocol.pdf Talk by Alexa Koenig on GBV investigation https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/1908244/ Discord discussion space for investigations into Gender Based Violence And Misogyny: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/1118448280435687506 Discord discussion space for investigations into anti LGBTQI+ messaging: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/1199853259742003300 Maintain mental hygiene as a researcher: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2022/11/23/how-to-maintain-mental-hygiene-as-an-open-source-researcher/ Reporting on gender based violence: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2023/03/03/sexual-and-gender-based-violence-open-source-researche-osint-digital/

    1h 1m
  2. "Monitoring Violence In Myanmar" with Bellingcat's Pooja Chaudhuri

    May 29

    "Monitoring Violence In Myanmar" with Bellingcat's Pooja Chaudhuri

    This week we spoke to Bellingcat's Pooja Chaudhuri about the ongoing violence in Myanmar. After tracking developments in Rakhine State for three years, Pooja has recently published a longitudinal data analysis of what has happened to the villages and townships disappearing off government maps. Within the talk, she guides us through this work and the obstacles faced in order to monitor this difficult to access region. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on May 28th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: Her 2026 report: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/05/27/the-lost-villages-of-myanmars-rakhine/?utm_source=rss Her previous reporting: 2024: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/06/05/myanmar-military-territorial-losses-war-conflict-human-rights-burma/ 2025: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/04/29/open-sources-show-myanmar-junta-airstrike-damages-despite-post-earthquake-ceasefire/ Human Rights Watch report: https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/05/18/myanmar-no-redress-for-rohingya-muslims-in-arakan-army-massacre Resources mentioned: https://acleddata.com/ https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/map/ https://themimu.info/ https://www.info-res.org/myanmar-witness/ Stage Talk on munitions identification: https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/2625938/ Discord spaces: Myanmar: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/1087357245400035350 Bombs, Arms, Drones, Other Killing Machines: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/709771086228619337 Asia: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/709783693857783929 Contact Pooja on pooja@bellingcat.com

    59 min
  3. "Tracing Deportation Flights" with Gillian Brockell

    May 15

    "Tracing Deportation Flights" with Gillian Brockell

    This week we dove head first into the world of flight tracking. How can you identify an ICE flight? What can tracking tools actually tell us? And what kinds of conditions are those being deported facing? We discuss all this and more with independent journalist and former Washington Post staffer Gillian Brockell. Think of this one as a one stop intro to flight tracking workshop, and listen whilst you have the tools in front of you. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on May 14th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: Gillian's work: https://gillianbrockell.com/ Flight tracking site: https://globe.adsbexchange.com/ Another flight tracking site mentioned: https://www.flightradar24.com/ New ICE flight tracking tool designed for legal professionals for when clients touch their jurisdiction (includes ICE hubs/callsign prefixes): https://lexingtonalarm.org/hfw-dashboard/ Acars site: https://tbg.airframes.io/dashboard/ Aviation channel in Bellingcat Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/1319318313519812619 ICE discussion channel in Bellingcat Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/709752884257882135/1371571764525535242 Seattle airport livestream: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive-services/transit-transportation-roads/airport/about/ice-flights LiveATC.net: https://liveatc.net/ ATC.com: https://www.atc.com/ Advice on ADSB feeders: https://adsb.im/home Bellingcat's historical flight tracking data tool (Turnstone): https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2026/03/05/turnstone-flight-tracking-tool/

    55 min
  4. "Navigating Chinese Social Media For Research" with Chu Yang

    May 1

    "Navigating Chinese Social Media For Research" with Chu Yang

    This week’s episode features researcher Chu Yang, a specialist in Chinese audience insights. She joins us to break down the most popular social media platforms in China, offering a clear overview of how they work and why they matter. Chu also shares practical tips for accessing these platforms from outside the country, along with useful tools for analysing trends both within China and across global Chinese communities. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on April 30th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: The guide on Xiaohongshu written by Chu Yang: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2026/04/20/xiaohongshu-rednote-open-source-guide/ Mentioned resources: weibo.com/hot newrank.cn whatsonweibo.com chinadigitaltimes.net citizenlab.ca https://zh.greatfire.org/analyzer Chu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chu-yang-cn

    59 min
  5. "Synthetic Propaganda - Tracing an AI-Driven Political Operation" with Effie Webb

    Apr 17

    "Synthetic Propaganda - Tracing an AI-Driven Political Operation" with Effie Webb

    This week we spoke with The Bureau of Investigative Journalism's AI reporter, Effie Webb about the use of AI in the political sphere and what researchers/journalists can effectively report on AI misuse. Effie uncovered what some experts are calling a first-of-its-kind case—where a registered political party paid for content from an AI-generated influencer pushing ideological messaging. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on April 16th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: Effie Webb's original reporting: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-03-12/danny-bones-meet-the-ai-rapper-funded-by-a-far-right-party Effie's follow up investigation on the cash in following her reporting: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026-03-26/the-hate-economy-in-action-how-an-ai-rapper-tried-to-cash-in-on-our-coverage Advance UK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_UK Bellingcat coverage of Indian political parties using AI-generated images to spread hate: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/31/india-bjp-hate-speech-ai/?utm_source=rss The Node Project website: https://www.thenodeproject.com/ On AI lego videos from Iran conflict: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/15/iran-beating-us-social-media-wars AI generated band finding success on Spotify: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/14/an-ai-generated-band-got-1m-plays-on-spotify-now-music-insiders-say-listeners-should-be-warned One of our previous talks on digital political influence campaigns: https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/2021916/ On AI and the first amendment: https://www.freedomforum.org/artificial-intelligence-first-amendment/ Bellingcat's Auto Archiver: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2025/08/13/the-open-source-tool-that-has-preserved-150000-pieces-of-online-evidence/ Effie's contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/effie-webb-ab29941938

    1h 1m
  6. "Tracking The Traffickers" with Foeke Postma

    Apr 2

    "Tracking The Traffickers" with Foeke Postma

    This week we spoke with Foeke Postma of Bellingcat about the online trade of rare and protected species. He found traffickers not operating on the dark web, nor hidden forums but in plain sight- on social media platforms. Many of them used coded language to avoid detection. In this talk he discusses his investigative methods, what platforms could do more of to stop these networks and how you can help protect these vulnerable animals in small ways. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on April 2nd 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: Foeke's investigations on this topic: Indonesian trafficker: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/19/how-wildlife-traffickers-are-using-coded-language-to-sell-protected-animals-on-facebook/ Mongabay's coverage: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/facebook-shuts-indonesia-groups-after-mongabay-and-bellingcat-report-illegal-wildlife-trade/ Malaysian trafficker: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/02/11/the-hunt-for-malaysias-elusive-wildlife-trafficker/ Dubai trade: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/middle-east/2021/02/08/how-instagram-celebrities-promote-dubais-underground-animal-trade/ Digital tips: Facebook bookmarklets: https://tools.myosint.training/ Wildlife specific organisations: Cities: https://trade.cites.org/ Pitch to Bellingcat: submissions@bellingcat.com Mental hygiene guide: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2022/11/23/how-to-maintain-mental-hygiene-as-an-open-source-researcher/ Link to Discord environment/wildlife topic channel: https://discord.gg/GQDsGvXJdf

    59 min
  7. "Identifying Munitions In The War With Iran"- with Bellingcat Researcher Trevor Ball

    Mar 13

    "Identifying Munitions In The War With Iran"- with Bellingcat Researcher Trevor Ball

    This week we spoke with Trevor Ball of Bellingcat about how to identify weapons used in conflict, including the munitions appearing in the Iran conflict. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on March 12th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in our Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links: The Weapons Being Deployed https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/03/bombs-will-fall-everywhere-the-american-israeli-and-iranian-weapons-being-deployed-in-middle-east/ The Incendiary Bomb Never Seen in Israel https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/07/the-incendiary-bomb-never-seen-in-israel-before/ Video Of US Tomahawk Missile Strike Next to Girls’ School https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/08/video-shows-us-tomahawk-missile-strike-next-to-girls-school-in-iran/ US Missiles Spotted Over Iraq https://www.bellingcat.com/news/middle-east/2026/03/11/iran-war-iraq-tomahawks-munitions-syria-located-kurdistan-missiles-fired/ OSMP The Iran War 2026 https://osmp.ngo/collection/the-iran-war-2026/ Iran-Israel conflict June 2025 https://osmp.ngo/collection/iran-israel-conflict-june-2025/ US munitions used in Yemen 2025 https://osmp.ngo/collection/us-munitions-in-yemen/ Bulletpicker - https://www.bulletpicker.com/index.html ODIN- https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG Images shared by Iranian state media show remnants of a US Tomahawk missile https://bsky.app/profile/bellingcat.com/post/3mgnv5iscv226 Talk with the OSMP team last year: https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/1945244/ SIPRI https://www.sipri.org/ Identifying possible crater in Gaza: https://www.bellingcat.com/?p=40534 CAGE: https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree Conflict Armament Research field investigation on the Kh-101: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ea22b213d5414fefbcfe2f977ff07910

    59 min
  8. "Real-Time Monitoring For Research" with Aram Shabanian

    Feb 27

    "Real-Time Monitoring For Research" with Aram Shabanian

    This week we spoke to Aram Shabanian, a Bellingcat contributor and experienced open source researcher. Aram is somewhat of an expert in monitoring live events. He's often the first to spot something on a livestream or hear an emergency call on a radio. In this talk he walks us through his preferred open source tools for watching things unfold and provides insight into how this type of research can save lives, prevent panic and create an important archive of historic incidents. The talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on Thursday February 26th 2026. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist. Recorded live in the Bellingcat Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat Links discussed: Broadcastify: https://www.broadcastify.com/ Compilation of resources including the aforementioned spreadsheet can be found on our Discord here: https://discord.com/channels/709752884257882135/1144296259805528256 Watch Duty: https://www.watchduty.org/careers Earth Null School: https://earth.nullschool.net/ IQ Air: https://www.iqair.com/ Weather and Geological Phenomena channel in our Server: https://discord.com/channels/709752884257882135/1204206076493434930 US River gages: https://water.noaa.gov/rfc/mbrfc VidGrid: https://vidgrid.tk.gg/ Sewage map (UK): https://www.sewagemap.co.uk/ This is for disease: https://www.wastewaterscan.org/en

    58 min
See All (91)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Bellingcat and a live audience in our discord server, where every two weeks we host discussions with leading voices within open source research and investigations. Be part of the audience at the next stage talk by joining our discord community here: https://discord.gg/bellingcat

Information

You Might Also Like