Pushing Up Lilies is a true crime podcast based on my perspective as a Forensic Nurse Death Investigator and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for the last 21 years.
The Pushing Up Lilies podcast is an absolute gem for true crime enthusiasts. Hosted by Julie, a death investigator, this podcast offers a unique and intriguing perspective on the world of crime investigation. From the very first episode, Julie's storytelling abilities and her ability to engage listeners are evident, making it a must-listen for anyone with an interest in the subject matter.
One of the best aspects of The Pushing Up Lilies podcast is Julie's storytelling style. She has a knack for captivating her audience and making them feel like they're right there with her as she recounts her experiences. Her delivery is engaging and it's clear that she genuinely enjoys sharing these stories. Additionally, Julie provides valuable insight into the inner workings of crime investigation, explaining what investigators do and how they approach different cases. This adds an educational element to the podcast that sets it apart from others in its genre.
Another standout aspect of this podcast is Julie herself. Her personality shines through as she shares her stories, making listeners feel like they know her personally. Her passion for her work is evident and it's easy to see why so many people find her stories fascinating. Furthermore, Julie's soothing voice makes for a relaxing listening experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day or during a commute.
While it's hard to find any major flaws with The Pushing Up Lilies podcast, some listeners may find themselves wanting more depth in certain areas. Given that each episode covers a different case or topic, some stories may feel slightly rushed or lacking in detail. However, this is likely due to time constraints rather than any lack of effort on Julie's part.
In conclusion, The Pushing Up Lilies podcast is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts looking for an informative and engaging experience. With Julie as the host and storyteller extraordinaire, this podcast offers an inside look into crime investigation that is both educational and entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the genre or new to the world of true crime, this podcast is sure to captivate and keep you coming back for more.

In last week's episode, I explored the tragic death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and the events that unfolded during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. This week, I'm following the case into the courtroom as we examine The State of Texas vs. Karmelo Anthony. During this episode, I'll walk through the key moments of the trial, the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense, and the jury's ultimate decision. We'll discuss the self-defense claim raised by the defense, the testimony presented during the proceedings, and the factors that may have influenced the outcome. I'll also review the sentencing phase and the emotional victim impact statements delivered by Austin's family. As always, my goal is not to sensationalize tragedy, but to help listeners better understand the investigative and legal processes that follow a violent death. Cases like this often generate strong opinions and intense public discussion, but inside the courtroom, decisions must be based on evidence, testimony, and the law. Join me as we take a closer look at one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent Texas history and examine the legal journey from a fatal encounter to a murder conviction.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm covering the heartbreaking case of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a high school student whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been an ordinary day at a track meet. In April 2025, a confrontation between two young men at a Frisco, Texas, athletic event ended in an act of violence that shocked a community and made headlines across the country. What began as a disagreement escalated in a matter of moments, leaving one family grieving the loss of a son, brother, friend, and teammate. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the known timeline of events, the investigation that followed, and the legal proceedings involving Karmelo Anthony. I also discuss the difficult realities surrounding youth violence, split-second decisions, and the devastating consequences that can follow. But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On Austin. On the life he lived, the people who loved him, and the future that was taken from him far too soon. This episode is approached with compassion and respect for everyone affected by this tragedy. Beyond the headlines, this is the story of a young life lost and a community forever changed. This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and the death of a minor. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm covering the heartbreaking case of Rachel Castillo, a young mother whose disappearance in Southern California led investigators to a devastating discovery, and ultimately, the conviction of her estranged husband, Zarbab Ali. Rachel vanished during what should have been a routine custody exchange involving her children. But almost immediately, investigators began uncovering signs that something was terribly wrong. What followed was an intense investigation involving surveillance footage, blood evidence, digital tracking, and a search that ended with Rachel's body being found buried in a remote area. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through how cases like this begin to unfold behind the scenes, how small pieces of evidence start forming a timeline, how investigators interpret behavioral patterns, and how critical those early investigative decisions become when someone suddenly disappears under suspicious circumstances. This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, homicide, and burial concealment. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm covering the mysterious death of Spencer Irwin, a 30-year-old Fresno City College student whose body was discovered behind a business loading dock in Fresno, California, in August of 2024. What initially appeared to authorities to be a tragic but straightforward case quickly became something far more complicated. Spencer was found naked, with no obvious signs of trauma, and early assumptions pointed toward a drug overdose or transient-related death. But toxicology reports later came back clean. No overdose. No clear explanation. And despite the unanswered questions surrounding his death, the coroner ultimately ruled it “natural causes.” What makes this case especially unsettling is what didn't happen. No autopsy was performed. And Spencer's body was cremated. As a forensic death investigator, I discuss the difficult reality of cases that fall into gray areas, where evidence is limited, assumptions are made early, and families are left searching for answers long after a case is considered closed. Because sometimes the hardest part of an investigation… is not what we know. It's what we don't. This episode contains discussion of death, investigative uncertainty, and unresolved circumstances surrounding the case. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm covering the tragic and deeply disturbing case of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, who traveled to the United States in October of 2024… and never made it home. According to investigators, Sonia flew into Gainesville, Florida, after connecting online with a man named Dwain Hall through a fetish website. She was expected to return to the UK just three days later, but she never boarded her flight. What followed became an international homicide investigation that shocked both sides of the Atlantic. As I walk through the timeline of Sonia's final days, I do so with compassion and care, because beneath the headlines was a real woman whose life mattered. A woman who trusted someone she believed she knew… and whose story ended in unimaginable tragedy. From an investigative standpoint, I also discuss the complexities of cases involving online relationships, long-distance travel, digital evidence, and how quickly missing person cases can escalate into homicide investigations. This episode is not about judgment or sensationalism. It's about understanding the vulnerability that can exist in human connection, the realities investigators face in cases like this, and honoring the victim at the center of the story. This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and sensitive themes involving online exploitation. Please take care of yourself while listening.

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CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON: • Website: https://pushinguplilies.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON:• Website: https://pushinguplilies.com• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON:• Website: https://pushinguplilies.com• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

CONNECT WITH JULIE MATTSON:• Website: https://pushinguplilies.com• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pushinguplilies

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Hey y'all, it's Julie Mattson, death investigator, and host of Pushing Up Lilies. Today we're taking a sobering look at the growing number of sudden and unexpected deaths among young people. With years of firsthand experience in the field, I share what I've seen behind the scenes, from vibrant teens and 20-somethings whose lives ended without warning, to families left devastated and searching for answers. We dive into the causes no one likes to talk about, fentanyl-laced pills, silent suicides, even seemingly harmless illnesses like a cold that turns deadly. Why is this happening more often? What signs are being missed? And how can we start asking the right questions before it's too late? Join me for a heartfelt, unflinching conversation that shines a light on this troubling trend, and reminds us how precious life truly is. * Listener discretion is advised.

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