Forensic Friday

In this midweek mini, we have a quick discussion about the complex relationship dynamics behind the idea of "mankeeping". Are women doing the emotional labor? Who is carrying the mental load? And how can we put these things aside and help achieve relationship equality?

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they are not functioning as...

In September 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas. Six months later, Biggie Smalls met the same fate in Los Angeles. This episode takes a detailed look at the final days of these two iconic artists and the investigations into their deaths. We examine the alleged connections between the murders, the role of their famous feud, and the theories that have circulated for over two decades, revealing a story of a rivalry that ended in tragedy and left behind a legacy of unanswered questions

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So you're telling us that this girl, on tiktok, is in a love/hate triangle with her psychiatrist and her AI chatbot? We have to talk about this! What is transference in a therapy setting? How close is too close (emotionally) to your therapist? And who should be helping maintain those boundaries? And don't miss us at CrimeCon 2025 in Denver!

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are...

The 2012 disappearance and murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway in Westminster, Colorado, shattered a community and forced parents everywhere to re-evaluate their children's safety. This episode revisits the tragic case and the unsettling capture of her killer, Austin Sigg. We engage in a difficult but necessary debate about sympathy for the killer—examining his troubled history and whether it holds any weight in the face of his horrific crime. Most importantly, we then pivot to a broader, more personal conversation: how do we balance our innate need to keep our kids safe with their need for freedom, a topic brought in...

A data breach on an app touted as a safety tool for women inadvertently exposed personal private information about its users. Women using the app to share information about men then had their information leaked by men. Where does the line fall between sharing red flags and defamation? Is it okay to share pictures of men without consent in the name of safety? We spill the tea on the Tea app. Tell us what you think!

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are...

Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, better known as the Hillside Stranglers, were a pair of cousins who became one of the most infamous serial killer duos in American history. In this episode, we revisit their reign of terror and the victims they left in their wake. We also explore the critical psychological themes that emerged during the investigation. We'll discuss malingering, as one killer attempted to deceive investigators, and the Barnum effect, a powerful psychological tool used by detectives to break his false narrative. This episode serves as a powerful case study in criminal psychology and the destructive nature...

A listener (who we love) submitted a question that we really want to talk all about. What is trauma, and do all traumas require therapy? We talk through some common definitions, talk a little about trauma therapy, and give you some things to look out for if trauma might be sneaking up on you without your knowledge.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to...

 Join us as we recount the baffling case of Amy Bradley, a college student on a family vacation who disappeared from a cruise ship more than 25 years ago. We'll walk through the timeline of the events on the Rhapsody of the Seas, from Amy's last known interactions to the moment her absence was discovered. We’ll also analyze the various leads, from her family's tireless search efforts to the multiple, unconfirmed sightings of a woman believed to be Amy, and how this case has become one of the most prominent mysteries of the sea. We also talk about some com...

In this episode, we give our takes on the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger. We read through our favorite portions of the families' victim statements and the harsh words from the judge. We also talk about what we know more about the unsealed evidence, and why we think he took the plea instead of fighting it out in court.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant...

Who among us hasn't been caught snuggling an affair partner in the kiss cam at a rock concert and gone mega-viral? Oh...none of us, that's right. 

But why do people cheat? And can a relationship recover? Moving beyond simplistic explanations, we consult Esther Perel's transformative insights into why people cheat, often revealing a longing not just for another person, but for a different self. We'll dissect the interplay of desire, secrets, and the modern romantic ideal. Crucially, we then tackle the question of recovery: what does it truly take to process the pain, grieve the past, a...

In this episode, Nat and Jeannine give a quick look at two developing cases a little too close to home: a man who tried to commit a legit axe murder in a parking lot near the office, and a body that was found on the side of the highway. We talk a little bit about the demographics of DV, prevention and self-preservation, and why you gotta look out for those red flags.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in...

Shortly before and less than 5 miles away from the largest annual gathering of domestic violence providers in Colorado, an offender was arrested and charged with multiple violent offenses and then released on bail. Then, while the conference was ramping up, Nat and Jeannine (along with all the other early attendees) got a cell phone alert to lock down due to an active shooter in the nearby Blue River area. Nat gives us the details of what we know on the case of Daniel Devito (no relation) and the shooting of Jordan Labarre that led to this alert. We discuss...

Y'all...we are so tired! We're back from our annual conference with brains full and voices shot. We just want to shout out some of our wonderful friends and fans we met in the mountains and let you know we appreciate all our listeners. We're keeping it brief this week to let our voices (and out producer) rest, but we love our Forensic Friends!

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in...

In this episode, we discuss the July 20th, 2012 mass shooting at the midnight premier of the Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado. We talk about the events that took place and the heroic actions of law enforcement in the immediate aftermath. We dissect the deep psychological issues that plagued Holmes throughout his life and discuss his mindset in the lead up to the atrocity, including a debate about the balance between mental illness, detachment from reality, and premeditation in criminal act. We also talk about prevention and the heart we have for the victims of this heinous crime.

Back by request, we bring you more of our hand-picked, ripest, reddest flags. Who is paying for dates? Who's criticizing whom? And bro, why is your ex calling me rn? Listen in and sound off in the comments and DMs about your own list of dating red flags

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they...

How does a seemingly reckless act by teenagers escalate to murder? We dive into the Joseph Koenig case, where a night of throwing rocks tragically ended a life. This episode unpacks the psychological factors behind such actions, including the unique challenges of juvenile impulsivity and the powerful, often unseen, force of peer dynamics that can lead young individuals astray. We'll also provide a brief overview of juvenile recidivism statistics and the distinctions between conditions like conduct disorder and psychopathy. Our aim is not just to understand what went wrong, but to equip parents and mentors with strategies to guide...

In this episode we talk about the effects of DV and high-conflict relationships on kids in the house. Yes, they hear it. Yes they notice. Yes it affects them. No, being on the ipad doesn't protect their brain from the stress. Listen in for a breakdown of some statistics, some brain physiology, and a whole lot of experience from Nat and Jeannine. And remember, it's never too late to turn it around by getting some help for you and your kids.

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This episode we turn our focus to the ongoing Lindsey Shiver case, using it as a lens to explore the critical issues surrounding high-conflict divorce, the welfare of children, and adherence to legal mandates. We investigate the dynamics of the Shivers' separation, discussing the failures in co-parenting that often accompany such disputes. A significant part of our conversation will center on Lindsey Shiver's documented challenges in following court orders, examining the implications of such actions for legal proceedings and, most importantly, for the well-being of the children involved. This is a crucial conversation for anyone navigating or observing difficult...

Ever wished you had a roadmap for trust? This mini-episode introduces you to just that: Brené Brown's transformative BRAVING framework for the Anatomy of Trust. Discover how setting Boundaries, demonstrating Reliability, practicing Accountability, holding a Vault, showing Integrity, offering Non-judgment, and extending Generosity are key to both earning and discerning trust. We'll explore each piece in detail and share our own honest reflections on the aspects of BRAVING that push us the most. Learn to build more robust and trustworthy connections, starting today.

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Catch a quick update on the Karen Read verdict before we plunge into a true crime story almost too wild to believe: the case of Michelle Hadley. Imagine being falsely accused, jailed, and facing life in prison for horrific crimes you didn't commit, all at the hands of your ex-partner and his new spouse. This episode uncovers the intricate and twisted 'rape fantasy' Craigslist scheme, the layers of deception employed to frame Michelle Hadley, and the painstaking investigation that brought the real perpetrators to justice. It's a shocking look at betrayal and the terrifying power of a meticulously crafted...

Caution: spoilers ahead! 

In this episode, we talk about the Netflix series Ginny and Georgia and discuss what the writers absolutely nailed about the characters' personalities (and personality disorders, maybe?) and the real world consequences we've seen in kids who grow up in emotional turmoil and traumatic, criminogenic, and antisocial households.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any c...

Join us as we recount the chilling story of Ariel Castro, the Cleveland man who abducted and held three young women captive for years. This episode walks through the disturbing timeline of how Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus disappeared, their agonizing decade in captivity, and the complex investigation that eventually led to the charging Castro with 977 horrific crimes. We examine the details of the case that shocked the world, the conditions that led to this level of trauma, and the devastating impact on the victims and their community.

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When it comes to a relationship, there's a fine line between quirk Rom-Com persistence and being on the wrong end of a Lifetime thriller. In this episode, Nat and Jeannine share their list of the top red flags you might miss in that pink relationship cloud. From cyberstalking to early codependency to the underhanded leaving-my-earring-behind, we help you identify problem behaviors before you fall down the dating rabbit hole. 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain a...

In this follow up episode, we talk about Sherri Papini's not-so-glorious return to the spotlight. We dissect the latest documentary and try to suss out what part of her latest story is truth or fiction (or somewhere in between).

We also give our thoughts on things like histrionic personality disorder, childhood trauma and attention seeking, and how easy it is for some therapists to get snowed. 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and a...

Do you believe you're the architect of your own success, or a pawn in a game of chance? This quick dive into locus of control will help you figure it out! We explain the core tenets of internal locus of control – where your efforts drive outcomes – versus external locus of control, where luck, destiny, or other people call the shots. Discover how identifying your dominant locus of control can empower you to better navigate challenges and build resilience in your life.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case...

How did one individual's hatred and sense of entitlement spark a dangerous movement? In this episode, we explore Elliot Rodger's profound influence on violent incel culture. We break down the elements of his worldview, including his distorted locus of control, and his acts of violence that resonate within these communities, leading to his 'saint'-like status among some. We'll draw disturbing parallels to the Columbine shooters and the alleged Moscow Idaho killer, demonstrating the tangible and deadly consequences when radicalized incel beliefs incite violence and misogyny. We conclude by discussing actionable steps for prevention, including training for therapists and law...

Ahead of this Friday's episode, here's an introductory episode designed to clarify the often-mystifying world of incels and the redpill movement. We define essential terms, from the symbolic 'red pill' to the archetypes of 'Chad' and 'Stacy,' explaining the foundational beliefs that fuel these online groups. This episode is crucial listening to understand the increasing dangers posed by the more extreme members of these communities, and providing context for our upcoming, deeper exploration of one such case.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and...

In this episode, we talk about the case of the so-called "cool mom", Silvia Ann Johnson, who engaged in drug fueled sex with her high- school- aged kids' friends, ultimately ending some lives and destroying others. We talk about the underlying psychology of what kind of person does something like this, the criminogenic needs that do and don't feed this kind of behavior, and touch on the discrepancies that exist in the courts and public opinion when it comes time to compare women who prey on young male victims vs adult men who prey on young female victims. 

Now it's Jeannine's turn to tell us about a Power Ranger murder, this time with 100% more actual ranger. A story of power and control, ambiguous self defense stories, and the dangers of getting in the middle of a bad relationship. Nat and Jeannine discuss Ricardo Medina Jr's actions and mindset, and share a little about the potential pitfalls of bad roommates and being the third wheel. 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely s...

Have you ever wondered what your therapist thinks of you? Or what's going through their mind when they're sitting with you? And how do they sit with all these people with all these different emotions all day? 

In this episode, Nat and Jeannine tell all, giving you a little insight into what your therapist might have going on behind the scenes. 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Th...

In this episode, we talk about a murder perpetrated by a former power rangers actor... but not that one! Skylar Deleon is a former child actor turned career criminal who built a cadre of inmates, guards, and a baby mama to try to scam and murder their way to wealth at the expense of a very nice retired couple. We discuss the convoluted crime, the sloppy way they covered their tracks, and how they totally failed to achieve their aims. 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case i...

Another (Allegedly) Awful Husband, a much nicer cliff! In this midweek mini, we discuss what we know so far about the Gerhardt Konig case. We talk about the facts of what likely happened, detail the allegations of power and control and abuse, and compare this case with some of our past (least) favorite forced cliff diving coaches (ew, Steve!). Be sure to check out our merch store for the newest drops! 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the p...

The narrative surrounding Natalia Grace is filled with confusion and conflicting accounts. In this episode, we dissect the timeline and dig into the truth surrounding her age, while also holding her adoptive parents accountable for their deeply troubling behavior. We discuss the potential psychological factors influencing the parents, such as histrionic personality disorder and narcissism, and how reactive attachment may have manifested in Natalia's actions. Our central focus remains on the fact that, irrespective of her age, Natalia was fundamentally failed by the adults in her life, through no fault of her own.

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'Adolescence' on Netflix offers a chilling portrayal of youth violence. This week, Nat and Jeannine, along with our husbands, unpack the series (spoilersahead!). We discuss its psychological realism, particularly the unpredictable nature of young offenders and the complexities of pre-trial evaluations. The conversation then shifts to the challenges of parenting in the digital age, the impact of cyberbullying, and a vital exploration of the red pill and incel movements. The husbands offer their perspectives on toxic masculinity and how manosphere influencers manipulate the concept of 'traditional' masculinity to ensnare young men.

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In the concluding part of our Columbine series, we examine the horrific events of April 20th, the elements of Harris and Klebold's plan that failed, and the devastating consequences. As Colorado natives, this episode is especially poignant. We then shift our focus to prevention, discussing the critical importance of teaching empathy early, the necessity for parental intervention with troubled youth, and the complex debate surrounding parental liability in such tragedies. (Producers note: be kind about Nat's sound quality, she's literally trying to bounce that baby out of her tummy while she talks!)

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In this episode, we go deeper into the dynamics and typologies of paired criminals, psycho duos, and kill teams. Are both partners usually psychopaths? What does folie a deux mean? And how do these definitions apply to famous true crime cases and in a treatment context? Listen in and find out! 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for l...

Marking the anniversary of a day that forever changed Colorado and the nation, we begin our two-part series on the events leading up to the Columbine High School shooting. Part 1 dissects the early warning signs and the disturbing dynamic between Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. We examine Harris' potential psychopathy and his role in grooming Klebold into increasingly violent thoughts and actions, as evidenced by their escalating petty crimes. As Coloradoans, this is a deeply personal story for us.

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Wow! It's been a year since our first episode dropped, and we couldn't have hoped for a more fun year thanks to our Forensic Friends! Tune in to hear about our favorite moments and guests, our shoutouts, and our plans for the next exciting year! 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they are not functioning a...

As a thank you gift for hanging in there with us for a whole year, please enjoy another round of auditory wtf, courtesy of producer G! 

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they are not functioning as licensed therapists providing services on the show. Any information shared based on general client experiences is coincidental and n...

In this episode, we examine the horrific Fox Hollow murders, highlighting how serial killers often prey on vulnerable populations, in this case, those within the 1980s Midwest gay club scene. We discuss the gruesome scene uncovered at Fox Hollow Farms and detail the critical failures of local police that allowed the primary suspect to escape, leading to his death. We also explore the possibility of a secret accomplice and the bizarre behavior of a self-professed 'victim', raising questions about his true involvement.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information...