Hidden Threads: Real Private Investigators. Real Cases. Real Stories.
Hidden Threads uncovers the untold true crime stories behind private investigators' most chilling and high-stakes cases. Each episode exposes hidden connections, dark secrets, and shocking twists—from unsolved murders and missing persons to betrayals that span decades—while revealing the rare political threads that quietly shape the shadows of justice.Available on ALL Streaming PlatformsSpotify • Apple • YouTube • Amazon
Power, Allegations, and Proof: The Eric Swalwell Case & How Sexual Assault Investigations Really Work
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In this episode of The Hidden Threads Podcast, Macky and Jus break down the recent allegations surrounding Eric Swalwell—but this isn’t just about headlines.
This is about how cases like this are actually investigated.
We go beyond the noise and get into:
What multiple accusations really mean from an investigative standpoint The difference between allegations, evidence, and proof How digital evidence (phones, messages, timelines) can make or break a case Why most people misunderstand how sexual assault investigations unfold The legal and ethical boun...They Ran, Hid, and Lied—We Served Them Anyway
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In this episode, we break down some of the wildest service of process stories we’ve experienced in the field. From people hiding in plain sight to running, denying, and doing everything possible to avoid being served—we’ve seen it all.
We talk about the tactics, the close calls, and what it actually takes to get papers served when someone really doesn’t want to be found. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in real-world process serving, this episode pulls back the curtain.
Real stories. R...
Inside the Mind of a First Amendment Auditor | Josh Abrams (Part 1)
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What really happens when a camera meets authority?
In Part 1 of this explosive interview, Josh Abrams sits down to break down the world of First Amendment auditing—what it is, why he does it, and the moments that changed everything.
We get into:
The truth behind viral police encounters How everyday situations escalate fast The legal line between rights and resistance What people misunderstand about auditorsThis isn’t theory—this is real-world confrontation, raw footage, and the mindset behind it all.
Whether you think it’s accountab...
Crossing the Line or Holding the Line? | Josh Abrams (Part 2)
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In Part 2, the conversation with Josh Abrams goes deeper—and gets more intense.
We move past the viral clips and into the consequences:
What happens after the cameras stop rolling Arrests, lawsuits, and the real risks behind auditing Where the line actually is—and who decides it Encounters that almost went sideways The mental game of staying calm under pressureThis is the side most people never see—the fallout, the strategy, and the moments that test everything.
If Part 1 made you question it…
Part 2 will make yo...
Use of Force Continuum: Marine Lessons and Capitol Police Procedures
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Macky Outlaw and Jus continue their discussion on the use of force continuum — the step-by-step levels of response that law enforcement and military personnel are trained to follow, from presence and verbal commands all the way to deadly force as a last resort.
Drawing from their Marine Corps experience, they talk about how this structured approach keeps situations from escalating unnecessarily and protects everyone involved. They address heated online debates where many have claimed that an unarmed woman climbing through a broken window during the January 6 events at the Capitol should ha...
Stupid Criminals in Uniform: Marines Stealing Weapons and a Cop Selling His Service Pistol
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Macky Outlaw and Jus are back with another raw episode, kicking it off with some wild Marine Corps stories from the old days — the good, the bad, and the straight-up dumb decisions that happen when young guys with too much testosterone and not enough supervision get their hands on serious firepower.
They dive into real cases of Marines doing incredibly stupid shit: stealing weapons from the armory, trying to smuggle gear off base, and the predictable (and often hilarious in hindsight) ways they got caught. From court-martials to ruined careers, they br...
Vanishing Messages, Hidden Trails: Why Signal, Snapchat & Cloud Apps Still Rat You Out
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Macky Outlaw and Jus are back for a straight-talking episode that might make you rethink your entire digital life.
They start by swapping some classic Marine Corps stories — the kind of lessons in vigilance and situational awareness that hit different once you’re back in the civilian world.
Then they go full forensic deep-dive into the apps everyone thinks are “safe”: Signal, Snapchat, Telegram, WhatsApp, iCloud, Google Photos, and every other cloud-based messaging and storage app.
They break down exactly how these platforms leave behind recoverable evidence on your...
From Marine Corps Battles to Courtroom Wars: Old Times, Ironclad Evidence & Insulin Murders
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In this raw and unfiltered episode of the podcast, Macky Outlaw and Jus sit down to shoot the shit about their wild days in the Marines — the brotherhood, the chaos, the lessons that still hit hard today.
Then they pivot hard into the brutal reality of divorce and custody battles: why evidence is everything, how one photo, one text, or one bank statement can make or break your case, and the dirty tactics people use when kids and money are on the line.
Finally, they dive into one of th...
Digital Ghosts: How Floppy Disks, Cell Phones & Surveillance Data Caught BTK and the Idaho 4 Killer
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Macky Outlaw and Jus start the show with a quick, no-nonsense chat about the War Powers Resolution — why they don’t think Trump is violating the law, and what the 1973 rules actually mean in practice. It’s fast, fun, and straight talk before they dive into the real meat of the episode.
Then it’s all about the digital clues that are changing the game for catching killers in the 21st century. The guys break down two chilling cases where technology left no place for murderers to hide:
Dennis Rader (B...Ashli Babbitt's Death: Hero or Hypocrisy? Deadly Force Rules Broken on January 6
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In this hard-hitting episode, Macky Outlaw and Jus break down the shooting of Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 Capitol events. An unarmed Air Force veteran and mother was fatally shot while climbing through a broken window in a barricaded door—yet the officer who pulled the trigger has been widely labeled a hero and cleared of any wrongdoing.
We examine how this case directly contradicts the long-standing American legal standard on deadly force: Deadly force is generally not authorized to protect property or to eject a simple trespasser. In th...
From Marine Corps Battles to Courtroom Wars: Old Times, Ironclad Evidence & Insulin Murders
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In this raw and unfiltered episode of the podcast, Macky Outlaw and Jus sit down to shoot the shit about their wild days in the Marines — the brotherhood, the chaos, the lessons that still hit hard today.
Then they pivot hard into the brutal reality of divorce and custody battles: why evidence is everything, how one photo, one text, or one bank statement can make or break your case, and the dirty tactics people use when kids and money are on the line.
Finally, they dive into one of th...
Best Of: From Marines to Badges to Shadows: Our Real Careers in Service & Investigation
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Join us for an unfiltered, no-BS chat about the wild ride from the Marine Corps to the police force and finally landing in private investigations. We break down the highs, the challenges, the skills that carried over (and the ones that didn't), funny stories from the field, and what it's really like switching worlds—from structured military life to street-level policing to running your own cases as a PI.
If you're a veteran thinking about law enforcement, a cop eyeing the private sector, or just love hearing authentic career stories with rea...
War Powers in Action: Trump's Bold Defense of America Against Threats in Venezuela and Iran
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In this no-holds-barred episode of Hidden Threads, Macky Outlaw and Jus break down the War Powers Resolution of 1973—not as a shackle on the presidency, but as a framework that smart, decisive leaders like President Trump use to protect the nation without getting bogged down in congressional gridlock. We celebrate how Trump is fully exercising his Article II Commander-in-Chief authority to strike fast and hard against real threats to American security.
We dive into the game-changing January 2026 Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela: U.S. forces deliver precision strikes in Ca...
Albert Fish: The Boogeyman, Cannibalism, and the Depths of Pedophilic Evil
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In this chilling episode of Hidden Threads, Macky Outlaw and Jus thread through one of history's most depraved monsters: Albert Fish, the "Gray Man," "Werewolf of Wysteria," "Brooklyn Vampire," and true Boogeyman. Born in 1870, Fish was a seemingly mild-mannered painter and family man who hid unimaginable horrors—molesting hundreds of children, torturing and murdering at least three (likely more), and committing acts of cannibalism.
We break down his traumatic childhood in an abusive orphanage, the development of extreme paraphilias (including sadomasochism, pedophilia, coprophagia, and self-harm like embedding needles in hi...
The Brutal Beating of Robert Brooks: A Death in Custody and What It Says About America's Prisons
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On Hidden Threads, Macky Outlaw and Jus unpack one of the most disturbing prison cases in recent memory: the brutal beating death of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old Black man, at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York on December 9, 2024. Transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility, Brooks was handcuffed and shackled when officers unleashed a savage assault—punches, kicks, chokeholds, even striking him with a shoe—captured on body cam footage that shocked the nation.
Brooks died the next morning from neck compression and blunt force trauma. What followed was a rare wave...
Best of Hidden Threads: "How Private Investigators Hunt for Cheaters on Dating Sites" – with Samantha McNamara
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In this eye-opening "Best Of" episode from Hidden Threads, hosts Macky Outlaw and special guest Samantha McNamara pull back the curtain on one of the most common—and digital-heavy—types of infidelity investigations: catching partners who are active on dating apps and sites like Tinder, Bumble, Ashley Madison, and others.
We break down the modern PI toolkit for uncovering online cheating, starting with digital footprint analysis: searching public profiles, reverse image searches on photos, username cross-referencing across platforms (using tools similar to OSINT methods), and monitoring for hidden or secondary accounts that...
Best of Hidden Threads: "The Carroll County Double Murder – Unpacking the Sarah Grace Patrick Case" – with Samantha McNamara
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In this gripping "Best Of" episode from Hidden Threads, hosts Macky Outlaw and special guest Samantha McNamara dissect one of the most shocking family-related crimes to emerge from Georgia in recent years: the February 2025 murders of Kristin Brock and James Brock in their Carrollton home.
We walk through the chilling timeline: the couple, ages 41 and 45, were found shot multiple times while sleeping in their bed in a quiet rural area of Carroll County. Their then-16-year-old daughter, Sarah Grace Patrick (who turned 17 by the time of her arrest), called 911 after the...
Best of Hidden Threads: "Why It's Nearly Impossible to Be a Serial Killer Today" – with Samantha McNamara
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In this standout "Best Of" episode from Hidden Threads, hosts Macky Outlaw and special guest Samantha McNamara dive deep into one of the most fascinating shifts in modern criminology: why the era of prolific, long-running serial killers like Ted Bundy or the BTK Killer feels like ancient history.
We break down the key reasons these predators get caught before they can rack up multiple victims—often after just one or two killings. Advances in forensic science, especially DNA evidence (including touch DNA and familial genealogy databases like those that cracked the Go...
Why Evidence Wins (or Loses) Your Divorce: Insider Secrets from Attorney Josh Holcomb
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by jurisdiction, and every case is unique. Nothing discussed here creates an attorney-client relationship or substitutes for personalized advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your area. Always consult your own lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Divorce isn't just about emotions—it's about proof. In this eye-opening episode, host Macky Outlaw sits down with family law expert Attorney Josh Holcomb, Founding Partner at M&H Le...
Grandparents' Rights, Miranda Warnings, Perjury Pitfalls, and Contempt in Alabama Courts: Expert Insights with Attorney Josh Holcomb
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Join host Macky Outlaw for an in-depth conversation with special guest Attorney Josh Holcomb, Founding Partner at M&H Legal Services (mhlegalservices.com), a seasoned north Alabama family law attorney based in Guntersville and Huntsville.
In this wide-ranging episode, Josh breaks down key legal concepts that often come up in family disputes and court proceedings in Alabama:
Grandparents' rights — We explore Alabama's Grandparent Visitation Act (Ala. Code § 30-3-4.2), including when grandparents can petition for visitation (such as in cases of divorce, parental death, abandonment, or out-of-wedlock birth), the h...Unlocking Alabama Custody Changes: Breaking Down the McLendon Standard with Attorney Josh Holcomb
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In this episode, we sit down with special guest Attorney Josh Holcomb, Founding Partner at M&H Legal Services (mhlegalservices.com), a north Alabama family law expert based in Guntersville and Huntsville. Josh dives deep into one of the most important — and challenging — aspects of Alabama family law: the McLendon standard.
We explore what the McLendon standard (established in the landmark 1984 Alabama Supreme Court case Ex Parte McLendon) really means for parents seeking to modify an existing child custody order. Josh explains the key requirements, including proving a material change in circu...
Dumb Crook Chronicles: High Dealers Dial 911 on Themselves, Cocaine Theft Victim Calls the Cops, & the Olive Garden Fryer Tragedy ft. Macky Outlaw & Jus
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Macky Outlaw and Jus are back with another round of Dumb Crook News—where criminals become their own worst enemies in the most mind-blowing ways. This episode is packed with stories that'll have you yelling "Why would you do that?!" at your speakers.
First up: The all-time classic from Rexburg, Idaho (2015, but timeless)—two guys hauling 20 pounds of weed get so stoned and paranoid they think undercover cops are tailing them everywhere. Solution? Pull over, call 911, announce they're the "two dumbasses" with drugs, and beg police to "end it." Hands up, prod...
Alimony Gotcha: When Cohabitation Evidence Crushes Spousal Support (Speculating on Proof, Private Eyes & Courtroom Battles) ft. Macky Outlaw & Jus
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Buckle up—Macky Outlaw and Jus are back, this time tearing into one of the most explosive post-divorce money fights: modifying or straight-up terminating alimony when the ex starts cohabitating with a new partner. We're talking the "live-in lover" loophole that saves (or costs) payers thousands every month.
Why does cohabitation matter? In places like California, there's a rebuttable presumption of reduced need if the supported ex is shacking up with a non-marital partner—shifting the burden to them to prove they still need the cash. Other states (Florida, New Jersey, Geor...
Best Of: The Investigator's Code – List Goals, Challenge Assumptions, Test Everything, Report Facts Only
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Dive into one of the most requested and impactful episodes ever on Hidden Threads: Macky Outlaw lays out the unbreakable investigative process that top private investigators live by. No fluff, no shortcuts—just proven steps that turn chaos into clarity and hunches into courtroom-ready evidence.
In this video episode, Macky walks you through:
Setting razor-sharp goals to keep every case on track Brutally honest listing of assumptions (and why 90% crumble under scrutiny) Ruthless testing of those assumptions with surveillance, records, interviews, and intel Delivering facts...Shadows on the Porch: Wild Theories & Deep Dives into the Nancy Guthrie Disappearance (ft. Macky Outlaw & Jus)
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In this raw, no-holds-barred episode, Macky Outlaw and Jus dive headfirst into one of the most baffling missing persons cases gripping the nation right now: the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026.
Two weeks in (and counting), authorities are treating it as a likely abduction after chilling doorbell camera footage captured a masked man—around 5'9"-5'10", average build, rocking an Ozark Trail backpack—tampering outside her door in the early hours. Gloves matching the suspect's have turned up nearb...
Dirty PIs Exposed: The Dark Side of Private Investigators with Jus
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Join Macky Outlaw and special guest Jus as they pull back the curtain on the sleaziest side of private investigation. From "Dirty DUIs" where PIs set people up for drunk driving arrests, to honey traps, pretexting scams, illegal phone hacks, and even working with ex-spies to dig up political dirt—we're talking real scandals that have made headlines and ruined reputations.
We'll break down infamous cases like the "Dirty DUI" kingpin who got prison time, Black Cube's Weinstein-era ruses with fake identities, tabloid-hired PIs bribing corrupt cops, and the ethical gray zo...
2 U.S. Military Heroes Turned Killers: The Shocking Death Row Stories You Won't Believe
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In this explosive episode, Macky Outlaw and Jus dive deep into the chilling cases of two U.S. military service members sitting on death row at Fort Leavenworth. From battlefield betrayals to brutal crimes that stunned the nation—these aren't just any convicts... they're soldiers who crossed the line into unimaginable darkness.
How does someone sworn to protect end up fighting for their own life? Is justice served in the military system?
Hit play if you can handle the truth. Drop your thoughts below: Should these sentences stand?
Don...
Ezra Miller's Legal Nightmare: Arrests, Allegations & The Flash Fallout – What Really Happened?
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In this eye-opening episode, Macky Outlaw and Jus break down the shocking legal troubles that rocked Ezra Miller's career right around The Flash movie. From multiple arrests in Hawaii (disorderly conduct, assault), felony burglary charges in Vermont, grooming and harassment allegations, to protective orders and public apologies—we cover the full timeline and the big questions:
How did these issues almost derail a major DC superhero film? What role did mental health play in Miller's public statements and resolutions? Was justice served, or was Hollywood too quick to move on?We dive...
Vanished in Bloomington: The Unsolved Disappearance of Lauren Spierer | Hidden Threads with Macky Outlaw and Jus
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On this episode of Hidden Threads, hosts Macky Outlaw (@MackyOutlaw) and Jus pull at one of the most perplexing loose ends in recent true crime: the disappearance of Lauren Elizabeth Spierer.
The 20-year-old Indiana University student vanished from the streets of Bloomington, Indiana, in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011, after a night out that ended in blackout-level intoxication. We retrace every documented step—from her time at Kilroy’s Sports Bar, the heavy drinking, the fragmented memories of friends and acquaintances (including Corey Rossman, Jay Rosenbaum, and Michael Beth), the last...
Highway Horrors & Hidden Monsters: Deep Dive into Robert Ben Rhoades and the BTK Killer with Macky Outlaw and Jus
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Buckle up for a chilling episode of [Your Podcast Name] as hosts Macky Outlaw (
@MackyOutlaw) and Jus take you down some of the darkest roads in true crime history. We unpack two infamous American serial killers: Robert Ben Rhoades, the "Truck Stop Killer," and Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer.
First, we explore Rhoades—a long-haul trucker who turned his semi into a mobile torture chamber. With confirmed murders (including the heartbreaking case of 14-year-old Regina Kay Walters and her boyfriend) and suspicions of 50+ victims targeted along America's highways from the 1970s...
Charging Premium: Inside Our High Fees and Ironclad Client Contracts with Macky Outlaw and Jus
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In this no-holds-barred episode of [Your Podcast Name], hosts Macky Outlaw (@MackyOutlaw) and Jus dive deep into the world of premium pricing and the nitty-gritty of client contracts. Ever wondered why top-tier services come with a hefty price tag? We break it down—explaining how our high fees reflect unmatched value, expertise, and results that keep clients coming back.
From justifying those rates to real-world examples of deals gone right (and wrong), we share insider tips on setting boundaries that protect your business without scaring off prospects.
But we don...
Best Of: You Have the Right to Remain Silent – Miranda & Terry Stops Exposed with Jus
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Relive a fan-favorite "Best Of" from Hidden Threads. Macky Outlaw sits down with Jus to dissect the Supreme Court bombshells that redefined police power and suspect rights: Miranda v. Arizona and Terry v. Ohio.
We go deep on Miranda's origins—how Ernesto Miranda's coerced confession led to the iconic warnings protecting against self-incrimination during custodial questioning—and why violations can exclude statements from trial, even if the suspect is guilty. Then we tackle Terry v. Ohio, the 1968 ruling that allowed officers to stop and frisk based on reasonable suspicion alone, sparking ongoi...
Best Of: Uncovering Digital Secrets – Deep Dive into Digital Forensics with Victoria Clark
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In this fan-favorite "Best Of" episode, host Macky Outlaw revisits one of the most eye-opening conversations from the Hidden Threads archives. Joining me is digital forensics expert Victoria Clark for a no-holds-barred discussion on the hidden world of digital evidence.
We break down how PIs and investigators recover deleted files, trace online activity, analyze devices in high-stakes cases, and navigate the chain of custody that can make or break courtroom testimony.
From phone hacks and cloud data myths to the real costs and certifications needed to do this work ri...
Best of Hidden Threads #22: How to Own a PI Franchise – Real Talk on Costs, Requirements & Reality
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Private investigator Macky Outlaw and Victoria Clark get real about franchising in the private investigation world in this fan-favorite "Best Of" from Episode 22. Dreaming of owning your own PI agency? We discuss what it actually takes: franchise opportunities (like training programs that help with licensing and setup), startup costs (often $30k–$200k in liquid capital), exclusive territories, ongoing support, marketing help, and the pros/cons compared to going independent.
We cover key requirements—clean background, state licensing (which some franchises sponsor), business acumen—and whether franchising provides the edge for su...
Best Of: Miranda Warnings & Terry Stops – Landmark Rulings That Changed Policing with Jus
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Dive back into one of our most requested "Best Of" episodes from the Hidden Threads archives. Host Macky Outlaw teams up with legal expert and investigator Jus to unpack two Supreme Court decisions that every PI, cop, and true crime fan needs to know: Miranda v. Arizona (1966) and Terry v. Ohio (1968).
We break down how Miranda requires police to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and to an attorney before custodial interrogation—why failing to do so can tank confessions and evidence in court—and the real-world myths vs. reali...
Best of Hidden Threads #12: Simple Legal Ways PIs Solve Cases Without Breaking the Law – Real Talk with Victoria Clark
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In this standout "Best Of" edition from Episode 12, private investigator Macky Outlaw sits down with Victoria Clark to break down the simple, everyday ways private investigators fit into society—and how we gather rock-solid evidence without ever breaking the law.
From public records searches and ethical surveillance in plain view, to witness interviews, photo/video documentation from public spaces, and using technology legally—no trespassing, no illegal hacks, no shortcuts. We discuss real-world examples of how PIs help in civil cases, family matters, insurance claims, and more whil...
Best of Hidden Threads Ep 1: Uncovering Hidden Evidence in the Antonio Jerido Alabama Capital Murder Case
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Private investigator Macky Outlaw and special guest Victoria Clark dive deep into one of Alabama's most controversial cases: the 2009 Elmore County shooting that resulted in capital murder charges against Antonio Jerido. One man dead, another critically injured—leading to a life sentence. But is the full story hidden behind allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, evidence issues, and wrongful conviction claims?
This fan-favorite "Best Of" edition pulls the most gripping moments from the full episode: the crime timeline, trial controversies, appeals history, prison lawsuits, and why advocates (including Change.org petitions and coverage on...
What Makes a Great Attorney vs. a Poor One: Client Perspectives | Macky Outlaw & Jus
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As clients who regularly hire and collaborate with attorneys on various matters, Macky Outlaw and Jus discuss the qualities that set apart excellent attorneys from those who do not meet expectations.
From our experiences, we highlight the key traits of a great attorney: clear and prompt communication (explaining legal concepts in plain language, providing timely updates, and responding to inquiries), strong listening skills and empathy (understanding client needs and concerns), relevant experience and expertise in the specific area of law, thorough preparation and attention to detail, integrity and transparency (honest evaluations...
The Killer Dentist: Glennon Engleman's Chilling Murder-for-Hire Spree | True Crime Deep Dive
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In this episode, Macky Outlaw and Jus dive into one of the most shocking true crime stories you've probably never heard: Dr. Glennon Edward Engleman, the respected St. Louis dentist who secretly became a cold-blooded serial killer and contract killer.
Over more than two decades (from the late 1950s to 1980), Engleman planned and carried out at least five confirmed murders—possibly up to seven or more—all driven by greed through insurance scams, murder-for-hire schemes, and manipulation of the women in his life. From shootings and dynamite explosions to car bombings, his m...
What Makes a Good Private Investigator: Everyday Habits, Interview Skills, and Building Connections | Macky Outlaw & Jus
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As private investigators with years of hands-on experience in the field, Macky Outlaw and Jus discuss the practical qualities and daily habits that separate good investigators from the rest.
We emphasize foundational everyday practices that contribute to consistent success: showing up on time (punctuality builds trust with clients and ensures you never miss key opportunities during surveillance or meetings), inspecting your gear before starting the day (checking cameras, batteries, notebooks, vehicles, and other equipment to avoid failures in the moment), maintaining strong interview skills (asking open-ended questions, actively listening, reading non-verbal...
