Family Plots

On Family Plots’ golden anniversary, Annie and Kathryn say farewell by recounting some of their favorite cases. Who earned the title of worst villain? Best hero? And what’s next for the sister duo? Tune in one last time to find out! Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

When a fire destroys the Sodder home one fateful Christmas Eve, the devastated family searches for answers. Why did it take the fire department so long to respond? Did a bumbling fire chief plant evidence? And what really happened to the missing Sodder children? Annie and Kathryn discuss. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

In the aftermath of the Thanksgiving Day shooting, the town of Little Falls debates the guilt of crime victim Byron Smith. A surprise discovery in the elderly man’s bookshelf seems to remove any doubt, but is it enough to convince Kathryn and Annie? Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Annie and Kathryn celebrate a year of recording by highlighting another seasonally-appropriate case. This time, a pair of misguided cousins plan a Thanksgiving heist that goes tragically awry. Are they victims, perpetrators, or both? The answers may be as indeterminable as Oregon’s trees. . . Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

In this seasonally appropriate episode, familial resentment reaches its boiling point, and a festive Thanksgiving gathering turns into a deadly crime scene. Annie and Kathryn discuss the importance of intuition, the amazing talents of John Walsh, and the type of birds you shouldn’t serve at your next holiday get-together. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

From revealing emails to inappropriate emoticons, the prosecution builds its case on the words of Nathan, Aina, and the victim, Denise. Will a damning letter convince the jury of Nathan’s guilt? Or will Aina’s failure to understand the English language create enough reasonable doubt in the jurors’ minds? Tune in to find out. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Just when you thought Valentine’s Day couldn’t be more awful . . . a missionary family is violently targeted on the day of love. Is it the devil’s work? Or has a proclaimed man of God broken some major commandments? Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

The torso saga continues with a few disturbing developments. What did police uncover in a “woman’s suitcase" and what does it have to do with Evelyn? Is the MacLean house haunted, or did a dog exorcise the ghost of John Dick from the premises? And where in the world is Mrs. Dick? Tune in to find out. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

You cut off his head, you cut off his arms . . . Annie and Kathryn take a crack a notorious Canadian murder, immortalized by a schoolyard ditty. The story begins when a group of young children takes a fateful hike into the woods. What follows is a chilling plot worthy of a Stephen King novel. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Thanks to the help of a brilliant forensic sculptor and America’s Most Wanted, John List is apprehended eighteen years after he murdered his entire family. But just how does the trial go down? And what part do STDs, arson, and Keyser Söze play in this riveting case? Find out in this burpalicious episode of Family Plots. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

An aloof, church-going murderer is no match for a talented forensic sculptor and the intergalactic reach of America’s Most Wanted. Annie and Kathryn discuss how the creepy accountant eluded capture for nearly two decades before his eyewear eventually betrayed him. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

This week, Annie and Kathryn highlight another prince—the Prince of Motown—and his kingly, abusive father. What would cause Marvin Gaye to be so despondent in the days and weeks leading up to his death? And what would possess a father to kill his successful son? The ladies discuss. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Annie and Kathryn travel way, way back to the fifteenth century to revisit the mystery of the Princes in the Tower. Were they murdered? If so, by whom? Did Annie compose a ballad about the princes? If so, what would possess her? The ladies are determined to sleuth it out in the British fashion. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Annie and Kathryn walk you through the amazing property at 112 Ocean Avenue: a three-story Dutch Colonial with waterfront views, iconic windows, and a spare red room. But before you decide to love it or leave it (a la the Lutz family), you must listen to the conclusion of the DeFeo Family murders. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Annie and Kathryn get a little tongue-tied while discussing the REAL story behind the Amityville Horror. Who is ultimately responsible for the DeFeo family murders? Satan? The mob? Or a Brooklyn-born bully named Butch? Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

The mystery intensifies in this conclusion to the Taconic State Park incident. The ladies reveal the final toxicology report, discuss the legal fallout, and debate the following proposition: is it possible to be a drunk driver and a good mother too? Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Two sisters-in-law doing the best they can. But when Diane drives her children and nieces home one sunny July day, life will never be the same for all the families involved. There’s something wrong with Aunt Diane, and Annie and Kathryn are determined to figure out what it is. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Annie and Kathryn are on a brief hiatus, but they'll be back next week with more Family Plots. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers

Who was to blame for little Azaria Chamberlain’s death? Was this the work of a satanic cult? The actions of an unfeeling mother? Or did a dingo, in fact, take away the Chamberlains’ baby? Did Azaria’s name really mean “sacrifice in the desert”? What the heck is fetal hemoglobin, and how can it be confused with a chocolate milkshake? Join Annie & Kathryn, AKA the Segue Sisters, as they answer these and many more questions. They’ll talk dog breeds, solar eclipses and, just maybe, the actual case at hand. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers at AudioJungle

Today's short 'n sweet episode is brought to you by the letter D, the number 37, and the land down under. James Cameron may also have a hand in things. . . Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Wailing and gnashing of teeth take on a new meaning in this week’s troubling episode of twins gone wild. A mouth mold winds up solving the case, and Annie and Kathryn discuss their own tooth traumas.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters-in-law . . . until tragedy strikes. Drug use, a flirtation with a local DJ, and a suspicious hit-and-run all illustrate the refrain: Lord help the sister-in-law who comes between Betty Jo and her man. In other musical news, tune in for the first-ever murder ballad dedication!   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Momma Bears, Desperate Housewives, and Criminal Lawyers make up this dramatic case of privileged people behaving badly. While this particular episode is murder-free, it may have you looking over your shoulder at the next PTA meeting. There’s a vengeful suburbanite on the loose. . . . Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Have you figured out who the real murderer is? Could it be Bucky Brooks, Bubby, or someone else entirely? After uncovering a few red herrings in the Bluegrass State, Annie and Kathryn expose the real culprit. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

The sun shines bright in the Old Kentucky Home, but apparently it's not warm enough to keep a Shepherdsville murder case from going cold. Will institutional incompetence and the loose lips of a detective cause a killer to walk free? Annie and Kathryn journey back to their home state to find out. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

A pungent odor reveals the skeletons in Teresa’s closet, but will anyone believe her daughter’s bizarre story of torture and murder? Will the brothers be held accountable too? The nose knows in this conclusion to the Knorr family murders. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Enter Sandman (aka Theresa Knorr) in this horror story from beginning to end. Annie and Kathryn find some comfort in discussing public responses to child abuse, but this episode is dark, folks. Leave a nightlight on.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Did Ross have murder on the brain, or was he distracted to the point of child neglect? Tune in to see if you agree with Annie and Kathryn’s assessment of Ross’s mental state and the jury’s final verdict. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle  

Is Forgotten Baby Syndrome to blame for the death of little Cooper, or is his father a stone-cold murderer? Annie and Kathryn discuss the strange behaviors of Ross and Leanna Harris and the head-scratching events that culminated in an unlikely arrest. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Three Victorian sisters take on Mr. Splitfoot and a barrage of rapping ghosts in an engrossing story that truly has it all: romance, fraud, and an epic showdown. Because, after all, it’s not a real story without a showdown. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

It’s all sex, lies, and videotape in this (somewhat) concise conclusion to the Rafay family murders. Along the way, Annie and Kathryn encounter an amorous attorney, some not-so-dirty tricksters, and a couple of obnoxious but generous tippers. Just another offering from the podcast of cozy thoughts. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers by AudioJungle

Oh, Canada! The magical land of scratch 'n sniff currency and panda-hugging prime ministers. It also happens to be the setting for this week's episode and our suspects' murderous screenplay. These "Great Despisers," however, must face off with the RMCP in a scenario that's stranger than fiction. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Someone is most certainly sick in this much-anticipated episode, but it’s not Asunta, Boss of the Ghost Hunters. Annie and Kathryn discuss the manner and motive behind the young girl’s death in a case that draws some eerie parallels to the JonBenet Ramsey case. Find out what incriminating evidence investigators found on Alfonso’s computer and the haunting text that Asunta sent just weeks before her murder. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Don’t touch that dial! Annie and Kathryn take a break from the regularly scheduled programming to interview a very special guest star . . . their cousin, Kidron! Tune in to hear the answers to these super important questions: 1) What is Kidron’s favorite family plot? 2) What do thorn bushes, keys, and berries have in common?, and 3) WHAT ABOUT BARB? Visit Kidron’s totally awesome photography site here Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain. And in this week's episode, the crime in Spain occurs exclusively in Santiago de Compostela. Although Henry Higgins was unavailable for diction coaching (how do you roll those "r"s?), the ladies manage to inject some culture—international AND galactic—into the podcast.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

After taking his family on a fateful cliffside outing, Bob begins to realize that being a murderer is no picnic. But when his decision to enlist the help of a long-time pal goes sideways, is anyone safe? A lichen expert and a teenage witness may hold the key . . . to the prison doors.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle  

Two psychopathic brothers. Two childhood friends. Two murder plots. Two suspicious deaths. Listeners are sure to get more than they bargained for in this week’s murder-for hire episode. But wait, there’s more: listen now and you’ll also hear about the time when Annie killed the babysitter. . . Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

It’s time to lighten (and shorten) things up a bit with this one-off episode. Tune in for Annie’s big geographical reveal, which happens to be the home state of this week’s crime-loving family. Kathryn and Annie discuss fair wages for getaway drivers, the nuances of criminal lingo, and what it takes to be Walter White 2.0.  Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Jeffery MacDonald continues to get by with a little help from his friends and the incredible testimony of a few manipulated “witnesses.” Can you spot the holes in their stories? Annie and Kathryn can. Tune in for the conclusion of this riveting three-part series. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Maybe it’s hippies, maybe it’s Jeffrey, maybe it’s Maybelline? Annie and Kathryn delve deeper into the MacDonald family murders, following all the twists and turns of this decades-long case. Contained herein are dreams of Mustangs, speculation on wig-buying trends, a disturbing late-night talk show, and one badass father-in-law. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Annie and Kathryn cover one of the most heinous family crimes to date: the murder of Collette, Kristen, and Kimberly MacDonald. Was this the work of a hippie gang, or could the answer lie closer to home? Either way, this is not a story for the faint of heart.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle    

Are you a serial killer? Are you looking for a job change? Annie and Kathryn offer some career advice to unemployed psychopaths in this dark, “horrible history” episode. Learn about the tragic, limey fate of William Palmer and how a little bit of rope became a valuable collector’s item.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

In this delirious episode, Annie and Kathryn travel back to Goldilocks, England to discuss one of Britain’s most notorious murderers. The ladies marvel over the dodgy practices of nineteenth century physicians before revealing the inherent dangers of drinking brandy. Saddle up, folks. It’s gonna be a wild ride. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

In this episode, a tramp lesson wunderkind and a fake Pulitzer Prize winner discuss the trial of Drew Peterson and its ramifications. Starring: Kathleen, Stacy, and their badass sisters. Also starring: Beast, Rob Lowe, a dirty mop, and a pastor turned advocate.     Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers

Drew. Scott. Phsteven. Tune in to find out which Peterson(s) Annie and Kathryn are discussing in this week’s episode of Family Plots. The ladies identify a series of relationship red flags, assess the lethality of dry bathtubs, and finish up by delivering a little poetic justice. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

Light some candles, draw yourself a bubble bath, and unwind to the sweet sounds of Family Plots. In this homage to Delilah, Annie and Kathryn identify the perfect song for a pair of silent (and deadly?) twins. Things are about to get really weird. And you know what? That’s okay. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers at AudioJungle  

Roses are red and killers leave clues. . . Annie and Kathryn uncover yet another connection between murderers and poetry in this follow-up episode to the Staudte Family murders. Kathryn reveals a disturbing twist, and the ladies hypothesize about the psychological significance of doggie doppelgangers.    Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by DustBrothers at AudioJungle

In this episode, Annie and Kathryn discuss the lethal mixology of Diane Staudte—the Mommie Dearest of the 21st century.  The ladies also relive the harrowing “Psycho incident” of 1998, which may place Ms. Kathryn in the bathroom with a kitchen knife. . . Find out why jaundice is never a good thing, and why you should ALWAYS watch your beverage.    Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers at AudioJungle

In this INTERESTING episode, Annie and Kathryn develop a peculiar lexicon for the podcast while exploring the trial of Lizzie Borden and its ramifications. Discover the horrors of Victorian mores, the ladies’ biggest gripe with jurors, and the potential hazards of improv. Oh, and there’s a poetry recitation too.   Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers at AudioJungle

Lizzie Borden took an ax . . . OR DID SHE? On their inaugural episode of true crime podcast Family Plots, sisters Annie and Kathryn travel back to 1892 and revisit the infamous Lizzie Borden murders. In this episode, learn WHY ice cream is dangerous, WHERE the fashionable folks of Fall River lived, and HOW Kathryn almost poisoned Annie that one time . . . maybe. Artwork by Alissa Levy Music by Dust Brothers at AudioJungle