Voices Against Filicide
Welcome to Voices Against Filicide, where Hope Hooton courageously shares her personal story of losing her two children to filicide at the hands of her estranged husband. Through her journey, this podcast shines a light on the silent epidemic of filicide—an often-overlooked tragedy rooted in custody battles, domestic violence, and untreated mental illness.Each episode will look a little different, Hope will be solo or inviting other parents and advocates to share their stories, break the silence, honor the innocent lives lost, and push for the systemic change so desperately needed.Join us as we navigate the complexities of gr...
020: Silenced No More - A mother's battles against the courts
Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both.She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforcement to intervene in parental kidnapping cases even without a custody order.
Topics Covered:
Parental kidnapping and police inactionChild sexual abuse disclosure and forensic interviewsGuardian ad litem biasHow the court system silences pr...
019: Silenced No More - A mother's battle against the family courts
Melissa is a Michigan mother and activist whose daughter was taken from her through the family court system. In this episode, she shares her story — from her daughter's father refusing to return her child in 2019, to her daughter disclosing sexual abuse at age three, to a system that repeatedly failed to protect them both.She also discusses the Rowan Act, legislation that would require law enforcement to intervene in parental kidnapping cases even without a custody order.
Topics Covered:Parental kidnapping and police inactionChild sexual abuse disclosure and forensic interviewsGuardian ad litem biasHow the court system silences protective pa...
There's Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith
In this special update, Hope shares an important milestone — the release of her memoir, There’s Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith
This deeply personal book tells the story of Hope’s life, her unwavering faith, and the profound love she holds for her children, Alec and Lydia. Through unimaginable loss, Hope has transformed grief into purpose — advocating for child safety, raising awareness about filicide, and giving a voice to families through the Voices Against Filicide podcast.
There’s Still Hope is more than a memoir. It is a story about resilience, faith, and...
018: From Coercive Control to Crisis with Dr. Cocchiola
In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton speaks with Dr. Cocchiola, a licensed psychologist specializing in high-risk mental health cases involving trauma and complex family systems.
They discuss warning signs of coercive control, the dangers of untreated or poorly managed mental illness, and common misconceptions surrounding personality disorders. The conversation explores love bombing, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), and how abusive dynamics can escalate and increase filicide risk.
Dr. Cocchiola also shares insights from her professional journey and TEDx talk on trauma, emphasizing the importance of proper assessment, early intervention, and greater accountability...
017: Protecting Children in Family Court: Voices from Arizona Safe Parents
In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton sits down with Amber Snodgrass and Kandra Durfield, founders of Arizona Safe Parents, to discuss the urgent need for child safety reforms in the family court system.
They share personal experiences navigating systemic failures, highlight issues like coercive control, judicial accountability, and trauma-informed mental health evaluations, and offer practical steps listeners can take to support legislative change.
This episode is a call to action: speaking out can save lives.
TRIGGER WARNINGÂ
This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from p...
016: Violence Prevention and Child Safety - A Conversation with Dr Katherine Spearman
In this episode, the host welcomes Dr. Katherine Spearman, assistant professor at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nee College of Nursing and a member of the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network and the Center on Children and the Law.
Dr. Spearman shares insights from her work in child welfare, violence prevention, and trauma support, exploring the critical connection between domestic violence and filicide. The conversation highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessment, stronger family court interventions, and better protections for children and survivors.
They also discuss Dr. Spearman’s upcoming filicide research, aimed at closing research gaps...
015: Protective Parents Michigan: Fighting for Child Safety
In this impactful episode of Voices Against Filicide, Hope is joined by Geralyn Morris, founder of Protective Parents Michigan, and Nicole Massey, a domestic violence survivor, to discuss the systemic challenges that put children and survivors at risk.Key topics include:
The failures of family courts in understanding domestic violence and risks of default 50/50 custody
Nicole’s 13-year struggle navigating Wayne County family courts
The importance of speaking out, joining support networks, and advocating for legislative change
This episode highlights how advocacy, education, and community support can help reform systems and protect vulnerable ch...
014: Filicide Beyond Borders - An Australian Advocate
In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, Hope Hooton speaks with Amber, an Australian advocate working to make change and honor victims of filicide and medical child abuse.Amber shares how learning about five-year-old Garnett Spears led her to advocacy, highlighting red flags of medical child abuse and systemic failures that put children at risk.
The conversation also examines the ongoing fight for justice for Macy Grace Diddy, the case of Gabriel Fernandez, and the shared challenges facing child protection systems in the U.S. and Australia.
This episode underscores the importance...
013: Legislating for Child Safety: Family Court Reform with Rep. Rachel Keshel
Hope is joined by Representative Rachel Keshel from Arizona, who shares her personal journey into politics and a desire to protect children and improve family court systems. They discuss:
Legislative efforts to reform family courts and address systemic failures
Challenges around judicial immunity and accountability
The role of faith in guiding advocacy and public service
The community impact of the late Charlie Kirk and the spiritual reflection it inspired
Throughout the conversation, Hope and Rachel emphasize the urgent need to prioritize child safety, speak out about systemic shortcomings, and take meaningful...
012: Advocacy Born from Loss: Kayden’s Law and the National Safe Parents Organization
In this episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton is joined by Danielle Pollock, co-founder of the National Safe Parents Organization and Kathie Sherlock who is a mother who lost her daughter to filicide, they discuss their work in family court reform and child safety advocacy. Danielle explains the importance of Kayden’s Law, how it prioritizes child safety in custody decisions, and the systemic failures it aims to address.
Listeners will hear how legislation can save lives, what families should know when navigating family court, and how to get involved in ch...
011: Rowan’s Legacy: Fighting for Children Through The Rowan Project
In this deeply moving episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton sits down with Brandi Morey-Pols, mother of Rowan Morey-Pols, a child tragically lost to filicide. Brandi shares heartfelt memories of her son and the devastating impact of his death, shedding light on the systemic failures that contributed to this tragedy.The conversation explores:
Brandi’s journey of grief and healing with her husband
The creation of the Rowan Act, designed to reform the Amber Alert system in Michigan
The widespread issue of filicide in the U.S., affecting over 500 children annually
Ca...
Voices Against Filicide Season One: From Awareness to Action
SEASON TWO DROPS JANUARY 20th SUBSCRIBE TODAY
This bonus episode recaps Season One of Voices Against Filicide, a podcast created to raise awareness about filicide and the systemic failures that too often surround it. As we prepare for Season Two, we honor the voices that were heard—and commit to doing more.
This trailer reflects on the stories, lessons, and lives that shaped the first season, and sets the stage for what comes next as we continue the fight for awareness and change.
Connect with Hope Hooton:
Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.co...
Season One Recap: Live Q&A and Merch Giveaway
This episode covers a TikTok Live event featuring Hope, the creator behind 'Voices Against Filicide,' a podcast aiming to raise awareness about the tragic phenomenon of filicide, the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The event includes discussions about the emotional rawness of the podcast, Hope's personal story of losing her children Alec and Lydia in 2024, and her advocacy efforts, including the upcoming Alec and Lydia Act in Arizona aimed at reforming family court laws to better protect children. The conversation also highlights the podcast's transition from focusing on filicide cases to including interviews with other...
Mark Your Calendar: Live Episode, Q&A, and Free Merch
✨ Special Announcement ✨
While Season 2 of Voices Against Filicide is coming in the new year, we’re not waiting to connect with you. On December 3rd, I’ll be hosting a LIVE podcast taping on TikTok at @HopeInThePain — and you’re invited.
We’ll record an entire episode together, open the floor for Q&A, and give away free merch to show our gratitude for this community.
To enter the giveaway, simply leave a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. And then send us a screenshot so we can enter you in the drawing! D...
BONUS: The Skelton Brothers: A Case of Unresolved Tragedy and New Developments
In this episode, Hope revisits one of the most heartbreaking missing children cases in recent history: the disappearance of the Skelton brothers — Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner — who vanished over Thanksgiving weekend in 2010. Host Hope Hooton walks listeners through the chilling timeline leading up to their disappearance, the deeply troubled family situation surrounding the case, and the emotional aftermath that has lingered for more than a decade. Recently, a major development has shaken the case: new murder charges filed against the boys’ father, John Skelton. This episode explores what these charges mean, how we arrived here, and why continued awareness is critic...
010: Filicide in Port Huron - The Smerer Family Tragedy
In today's episode, Hope Hooton, a mother and advocate, shares raw and emotional firsthand accounts of families impacted by the murder of children by parents or caregivers. This episode recounts the tragic events of September 11, 2025, in Port Huron, Michigan, where three siblings, Kayleb, Bentley, and Kinzley, were shot by their father, Jeffrey James Smerer. Kayleb did not survive, while Bentley and Kinzley sustained severe injuries. The podcast urges for better mental health services and child protection reforms while honoring these children's stories and lives. The community has rallied in support, and listeners are called to action to help the affected...
009: Breaking the Silence: Understanding Abuse and Filicide
In this deeply emotional episode of 'Voices Against Filicide,' host Hope Hooton shares her personal journey of abuse and unimaginable loss, honoring her late children Alec and Lydia. Hope delves into the cycle of abuse, learned helplessness, codependency, and the dangerous link between domestic violence and filicide. Offering vital resources and practical advice, this episode seeks to empower and assist those trapped in abusive situations to find safety and support. Trigger warning: this episode contains raw and distressing content.
TRIGGER WARNINGÂ
This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from p...
008: Walking Beside the Brokenhearted - Friendship and Support Through Filicide
In this deeply emotional episode of 'Voices Against Filicie,' host Hope Hooton, who has personally experienced the tragedy of losing her children Alec and Lydia to filicide, welcomes her long-time friend, Lauren Webb.
Together, they discuss their lifelong friendship, the unimaginable loss of Alec and Lydia, and the red flags in Hope's marriage that preceded the tragedy. They also talk about their efforts to raise awareness about filicide, the support systems they've leaned on, and the importance of community and advocacy in the face of such devastating loss.
Listeners are reminded of the pressing need...
007: A Tragic Tale from Huntsville
In this emotionally charged episode of Voices Against Filide, host Hope Hooton shares the harrowing story of a tragic filicide that occurred in Huntsville, Alabama, in August 2025. The episode explores the raw and painful experiences of those affected, including the first-hand accounts from a grieving community. Hope honors her own children, Alec and Lydia, and underscores the critical need for awareness and action against filicide. Listeners are educated on the warning signs and risk factors associated with such tragedies and encouraged to engage in advocacy and support for mental health interventions.
TRIGGER WARNINGÂ
This podcast c...
006: Warning Signs
TRIGGER WARNINGÂ
This podcast contains deeply disturbing content, including firsthand accounts from parents and family members who have lost children to familicide—the murder of a child by a parent or caregiver. The stories are raw, emotional, and include details of immense loss, system failures, and trauma. Listeners are advised to take care, and may pause or stop the podcast if needed.
Connect with Hope Hooton:
Email: hopeinthepain@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain/
TikTok: https://www.tik...
005: Jayden Spicer
In this emotionally intense episode, host Hope Hooton, delves into the heart-wrenching case of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer from Eastern Kentucky. Jayden's disappearance and tragic death unfold, shedding light on system failures, the profound loss experienced by his family, and the ongoing advocacy needed to prevent similar tragedies.
The episode highlights community efforts, emergency support systems like the Ian Act and Rowan Act, and emphasizes the importance of awareness and immediate action. Listeners are encouraged to stay vigilant, support local safeguarding initiatives, and seek help if experiencing distress. This episode honors Jayden's life and those of other young lives...
004: Emily Grace
In this emotional episode, host Hope Hooton, shares the heartbreaking story of Emily Grace, a vibrant 9-year-old girl tragically lost to filicide at the hands of her father. Through raw and personal accounts, this podcast sheds light on the deep sorrow and systemic failures surrounding filicide cases. Hope emphasizes the importance of community support and offers resources for those struggling with mental health issues. Listeners are encouraged to support Emily's family through a GoFundMe campaign and spread awareness to prevent future tragedies.
Emily Grace's GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-emily-graces-bright-spirit<...
003: Pierce's Pledge
In this deeply emotional episode of Voices Against Filicide, host Hope Hooton shares the harrowing story of nine-year-old Pierce, who was tragically murdered by his father in San Francisco. With permission from Pierce's mother, Lesley Hu, the episode delves into the efforts to co-parent safely amidst red flags and conspiracy beliefs held by Pierce's father. Despite seeking court intervention to secure medical custody and ensure Pierce's safety, the system's delays and failures led to an unimaginable loss.
In her grief, Leslie founded Pierce's Pledge, an initiative aimed at preventing such tragedies through proactive measures like firearm removal during...
002: Alec and Lydia
In this deeply emotional episode, Hope Hooton, a mother and advocate, shares her tragic personal story of losing her children, Alec and Lydia, to filicide. Hope describes the warning signs and systemic failures, including emotional and psychological abuse from her husband, Brock, escalating after personal losses. Despite following all legal advice and obtaining emergency protective orders, the family court system failed to act on critical evidence. This episode calls for urgent reforms in family court systems to prevent similar tragedies and highlights the need for improved mental health evaluations and judicial accountability. Hope urges listeners to share the episode widely...
001: What is FILICIDE?
In this emotionally intense inaugural episode of 'Voices Against Filicide,' host Hope Hooton introduces the harrowing topic of filicide—the act of a parent killing their own child. As a mother who has personally endured this tragedy, Hope opens the dialogue with real stories and statistics, shedding light on systematic failures that have allowed such grievous acts to occur. She highlights recent cases, shares vital statistics, and calls for urgent systemic reforms, aiming to transform her pain into purpose. Dedicated to her own children, Alec and Lydia, Hope's mission is to spread awareness, educate the public, and advocate for la...
Podcast Trailer | Turning Grief Into Action: Voices Against Filicide
Welcome to Voices Against Filicide, where Hope Hooton courageously shares her personal story of losing her two children to filicide at the hands of her estranged husband. Through her journey, this podcast shines a light on the silent epidemic of filicide—an often-overlooked tragedy rooted in custody battles, domestic violence, and untreated mental illness.
Each episode will look a little different, Hope will be solo or inviting other parents and advocates to share their stories, break the silence, honor the innocent lives lost, and push for the systemic change so desperately needed.
Join us as we na...
