Podcasts about innocent

  • 5,839PODCASTS
  • 8,586EPISODES
  • 43mAVG DURATION
  • 2DAILY NEW EPISODES
  • Dec 31, 2025LATEST
innocent

POPULARITY

20192020202120222023202420252026

Categories



Best podcasts about innocent

Show all podcasts related to innocent

Latest podcast episodes about innocent

The Wounds Of The Faithful
Surviving Clergy Abuse: Sandy Phillips Kirkham EP 223

The Wounds Of The Faithful

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 68:34


In this episode, the focus is on clergy abuse—a topic made even more pressing by recent headlines. The featured guest, Sandy Phillips Kirkham, shares her harrowing ordeal of being abused by a charismatic youth pastor starting at the age of 16. Sandy discusses the grooming process, the five years of abuse, and how she was ultimately expelled from her church while her abuser was merely relocated. She delves into the long-lasting impact of the abuse on her life and her spiritual journey, how she concealed her trauma for 27 years, and how she ultimately confronted her abuser. Sandy also provides valuable insights and actionable advice for preventing abuse and supporting victims within church communities. Her story is also detailed in her book, ‘Let Me Prey on You,' which offers a detailed account of her journey from victim to advocate. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:47 Welcome to the Podcast 01:32 Introducing Today's Topic: Clergy Abuse 02:17 Sandy Phillips Kirkham's Early Life and Church Involvement 06:22 Meeting the Abuser: The Charismatic Youth Pastor 08:43 Red Flags and Grooming Tactics 13:51 The First Inappropriate Act 16:37 The Abuse Escalates 21:06 The Aftermath and Church's Response 28:15 Life After Abuse: Marriage and Keeping Secrets 32:09 Protecting Future Generations 35:17 The Importance of Sex Education in the Church 36:32 Techniques for Discussing Sex with Children 37:22 Personal Experiences with Sex Education 38:20 Triggering Memories and Emotional Breakdown 40:13 The Journey of Healing Begins 41:31 Understanding Clergy Abuse and Self-Forgiveness 43:52 Confronting the Abuser 47:07 Challenges in Seeking Justice 54:47 Preventing Abuse in the Church 01:00:31 Supporting Victims of Clergy Abuse 01:05:07 Final Thoughts and Resources Sandy Kirkham and her husband Bill enjoy life with their two grown children, two beautiful granddaughters, and two fairly well-behaved dogs. Sandy continues to use her voice to help victims of clergy abuse. She currently serves on the board of Council Against Child Abuse. Sandy has spoken before the Ohio Senate, a Maryland court, and appeared on a local television show in Boston. Her story, “Stolen Innocence,” was told in a documentary produced by The Hope of Survivors. Sandy works with survivors conducting victim support conferences. She has participated in The Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) panels moderated by SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), sharing her perspective from the non-Catholic point of view. Sandy has been a presenter/speaker at major events on clergy abuse including the Hope & Healing Conference. Sandy has earned a certificate of completion from the Faith Trust Institute entitled, “A Sacred Trust: Boundary Issues for Clergy and Spiritual Teachers.” https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KirkhamAuthor/  sandykirkhamauthor@gmail.com  Purchase her book “Let Me Prey Upon You” on amazon: https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/shop/let-me-prey-upon-you/   Link Tree   Website: https://dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Sandy Phillips Kirkham [00:00:00] Special thanks to 7 5 3 Academy for sponsoring this episode. No matter where you are in your fitness and health journey, they've got you covered. They specialize in helping you exceed your health and fitness goals, whether that is losing body fat, gaining muscle, or nutritional coaching to match your fitness levels. They do it all with a written guarantee for results so you don't waste time and money on a program that doesn't exceed your goals. There are martial arts programs. Specialize in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. They take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Sign up for your free class now. It's 7 5 3 academy.com. Find the link in the show notes. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, [00:01:00] Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hello. Welcome everyone. Welcome to my regular listeners, as well as some new listeners that have joined us today. I have a great guest for you today. We're going to be talking about clergy abuse today. Religious leader, abuse. Pastor, youth leader. You've seen this in the news recently with all these preachers being arrested or charged with sexual misconduct or rape or [00:02:00] pedophilia. I'm sure you've seen the news. Well, today we're going to hear a story about a woman who's been victimized in that way and she's fighting back. So let me read her bio for you. A church is where an insecure 16-year-old girl should feel welcome, happy, and most importantly, safe tragically. For some, the church can become a place of great harm. Sandy Phillips Kirkham details her account of how charismatic youth minister preyed upon her, a betrayal which left her broken with a shattered faith and the ultimate shame of being blamed enforced from the church she loved. Despite a successful and happy life, is a wife, mother, and friend. Sandy successfully concealed her abuse for [00:03:00] 27 years until a trigger forced her to face the truth. Sandy's story will take you on her journey of healing. Her strength and courage will inspire you. Let me pray upon you her book details. Sandy's journey from innocent 16-year-old, a victim to a survivor, and advocate. We please welcome Sandy Phillips. Kirk, welcome Sandy to the show. Thanks so much for coming on. Well, thank you for having me. I'm glad to be here. Wow. So I've been listening to you on the Preacher Boys podcast and thought you had a really great story, and so I wanted to come and bring you on so my listeners can hear your story as well. Mm-hmm. So tell us a little bit about your home and your church environment growing up. Let's [00:04:00] start from the beginning here. Okay. I'm the oldest of five. My parents were divorced when I was about seven, which that was really the impact of my life, of just how it altered everything about that time in my life. Then my mother remarried and we moved in with my stepfather shortly after my father remarried, and so I was dealing with these blended families and it was just very confusing for me at the time, my parents and stepfather did not attend church. So I, I wasn't a part of a church until I was about eight, and that's when my best friend who lived up the street invited me to go with their family, and I went with them and I went every Sunday after that, I absolutely fell in love with church. It was a place that I felt safe. I think it provided for me a place away from home that I felt comfortable and I got attention there. I was very active even as a small child. I went to vacation Bible school, church camp, love Sunday School. I sang in a junior choir. Really, it was a just a great place for me to [00:05:00] be. When I was 13, I was baptized and then my faith really deepened and my involvement in the church became even more so, started teaching Sunday school and teaching vacation Bible school. I started serving on committees with adults and doing more of the activities that would, , just be more in depth than just typical youth group activities. So, it's just no exaggeration to say that if the doors of the church were open, I was there and I loved it. I loved serving God. I felt that was the place for me, and everything about it was brought me joy and peace in the church. Wow. You really, were very sincere in your faith. It was not a fake one. I hear a lot of stories of. Being brought up in the church and being made to go to church and, you just go through the motions kind of thing. But it sounds like it was the opposite for you. It was that you really believed this with all your heart. Was that a fundamental Baptist church you were going [00:06:00] to or what? It was a church, Christ Christian Church, which is similar to the Baptist. It's an independent church. Yeah, that's the church. That was so something happened while you were serving the Lord and loving God. You met your abuser? Yes. Shortly after I turned 16, our church hired a new youth pastor, and from the moment he arrived, he was totally different than anyone we'd ever seen before. He was very charismatic, very dynamic. His sermons were really like nothing we'd ever heard before, and people were just drawn to him. He had a personality that people found themselves wanting to be around him. They wanted to please him. So he was very good at asking people to do things and they didn't hesitate. It, it was just a different kind of atmosphere. When he came to the church, the youth group exploded in numbers. We went from like 25 to almost 200 in a very short time. Even the [00:07:00] adult church was growing because people just came to hear him preach because he was so good at what he did. He was 30, married with two children, but he really acted more like our age group. He dressed like we did. He. Went to our football games at school, he knew our music. So he just, he really, he was tuned into us and in return we found ourselves, all of us being willing to please him and wanna do anything we could to make the youth group and the church better. So when people think of a profile of a child abuser, they usually think, oh, some dirty old man, that his roaming fingers or what have you, but this youth pastor sounded like, okay, he was really good looking and hip and really loved the young people. Mm-hmm. Is that typical of. Well, it's, it's typical in the sense that it's not the, dirty old man hiding in the bushes. Most abusers [00:08:00] are people we know. They're people that we like. They're usually people that, connect with people very well, and that's what makes them so dangerous because they're not obvious with what they do, and they're very good at that. They pretend to be one of us. They pretend to care, but in reality, their goal is to find a way to take advantage of the most vulnerable in, in the group. And so, predators are usually drawn to places where they will find vulnerable people. The gymnastics team is an example of that. The Boy Scouts, anywhere where you can, and certainly the church because we are welcoming into people who are in need. Oftentimes. Then there are many people in the church who are vulnerable to these types of men, and sometimes women. Were there any red flags? That you should have seen or noticed when you were around this youth pastor? Well, he came with so many different ideas and different ways of doing things. And one of the things that he was doing now, this was in the [00:09:00] seventies, so cultures were changing and it was free love and kind of thing. But he came into our church and he expected everyone to hug each other. So we were always hugging each other. And he also expected us to say how much we loved each other and that we love you and not just that I love you in Christ. He would simply walk up, give you a hug and say, I love you. Now you know, that may seem innocent, but that's a little odd for that pastor to be saying those kinds of things. And it also blurs the lines because when you say to someone, I love you, that can be confusing to. Young teenagers and even to vulnerable adults. So, but he did that with everybody. It wasn't like he picked someone else special, but, so the hugging in the contact was kind of a red flag in the beginning. But for me personally, I babysat for his family. His wife worked evenings. Mm-hmm. So one night after he came home, he asked me to go to his basement and listen to a song by Neil Diamond. [00:10:00] Well, it felt a little weird 'cause I'd never. I've been around a pastor that wanted to talk to me about anything but church in the Bible. But I went to the basement. Yeah. I mean a Neil Diamond song. So I went to the basement. I know, but that's a trigger factor for me sometimes. So anyway, I went to the basement and he put this record on and I sat down on the couch and instead of sitting in a chair or another place, he came on the couch and sat very close to me. And I remember feeling uncomfortable, but I didn't say anything. 'cause I thought, well, he is just sitting next to me. It's no big deal. But that's a red flag that I felt because it felt uncomfortable to me. And then the other times that I would babysit for him. His wife wouldn't come home till late in the evening, so he would come home around seven or eight and after the kids were in bed, instead of taking me home, he wanted me to sit and talk with him all evening. So we'd talk about the Bible or we'd talk about church, and sometimes he'd ask me what I thought of his [00:11:00] sermon, which at age 16, I'm flattered that this man has any idea that I would have some opinion about this great sermon that he just gave. So I didn't see anything wrong with that because he's my pastor. But had that occurred with my 30-year-old neighbor down the street, every time I went to babysit, I know I would've come home to my mother and said, okay, this is weird. Mm-hmm. Every time I babysit, this man wants to sit and talk to me all evening. I mean, what interest would I have as a teenager wanting to talk to this 30-year-old married man? But because my pastor was who he was and he tapped into our common connection of the church and God, and again, many times he would give me books to read 'cause he wanted me to get better in my deep, in my spirituality. So I didn't see anything wrong with it because of who he was. And so I just accepted that behavior, which is another tool and technique. They look for ways to get into you. Mm-hmm. [00:12:00] That don't seem obvious. And that was, so those were two red flags for me. Now as far as the congregation goes, I was in his office a lot by myself, but so were other kids, because he would actually call us into his office and say, I want you to come in and tell me what's going on in your life. Talk to me about your problems. Instead of us going to him, he would encourage us to come into his office. So while that probably wasn't a good thing, no one saw it as a bad thing. It seemed normal, but he called me into his office a lot more than the other kids. And later on there were people who did say to me, there were times when I wondered why he said something to you like that, or I noticed something one time. And so I think people notice some things, but no one thought enough of it to say, okay, there's something going on that doesn't seem right. So those were the red flags that I think in the beginning were very subtle. But they were hard to see, [00:13:00] and this is really important to distinguish these things because I was groomed by a guidance counselor in seventh grade. Mm-hmm. But he was one of those dirty old men that, he was doing creepy stuff. Yeah. But I never would have seen myself. A pastor and he's talking about spiritual things and he's talking about God and mm-hmm. He's not talking about sex. He's not watching, you're not watching dirty movies together. No, he's not, buying you sexy lingerie. It's, Hey, he's doing spiritual things. Mm-hmm. It's a setup. It's that grooming process you're talking about. It's pulling someone in to gain their trust, in a very di diabolical way, because he's using the church to do that. That's really scary. That scares mm-hmm. Scares me to death. What were the first times that he did something really inappropriate that you were just like, whoa? Well, the very [00:14:00] first time, was after a youth group meeting that was held in my home. I was the song leader. He put me in a leadership position, and it was very important to him that the evening always go well and that we were to make people feel welcome. And so at the end of the evening, I was nervous because I wanted to make sure that he thought everything went well. And he came up to me in my hallway and began telling me how great the evening was and how proud he was of me. And I was on Cloud nine. I was flattered that he felt that way. I felt good that the evening went so well. And then he just slowly bent down and he kissed me. And it wasn't, it was a kiss, but it seemed somewhat innocent to some extent. And I, I remember thinking, I think he just kissed me. Then my next thought was, well, he's my pastor and I don't think he would be doing anything he shouldn't be doing. And it was just a quick kiss. And he's always hugging people. And so maybe this is just his way of showing his appreciation for the evening. It was really [00:15:00] the only way in my 16-year-old mind that I could justify it because I couldn't think about this man doing anything he shouldn't be doing. And this was a person that everyone loved and thought so highly of, so how could I think he was doing something he shouldn't be doing? So I just let it go. I didn't think anything more about it. I mean, did you have any sex ed or anything? Did you know the birds and bees? Nine. Well, yeah, I'm 16. I did. Yeah, I did. But I wasn't, I hadn't dated much. I wasn't allowed to date till I was 16, so I hadn't had any dating experience. I had one kiss before this with a boy at camp. So I wasn't. Worldly or knowledgeable about all those things. But, and again, it was such a quick innocent type kiss. He didn't grab me, he didn't push me against the wall. I just, and again, I think for me it was okay if he's, if this is more than just a kiss, then what do I do with it? So therefore I'm just gonna say it's [00:16:00] nothing because I don't know what else to do. Um, wow. I let it go. I let it go. But as I babysat for him, he, sometimes when I would leave, he would kiss me and sometimes he wouldn't. So, I didn't see it as a con, kind of a continual thing that he was always wanting to kiss me. He always hugged me. But the kissing became more intense as it went along. So it, it would be another year, before he would have sex with me. And so that grooming process and kind of pushing the boundaries each time he was with me, finally ended with him having sex with me. Oh, wow. Now, some of us listening are like an adult having sex with a child or 16-year-old. Can you unpack that a little bit more, the process of how he got to that point? I mean, that the first time you had intercourse, I mean, did he, you know, go to a hotel with you and you had a candlelight dinner, or was it in the backseat of the car?[00:17:00] Was it an accident? It wasn't an accident. He was very deliberate and I had every intentions of having sex with me that night. I babysat, I was babysitting, I put the kids to bed, I walked down the steps. I assumed that we would go into the living room. Or the family room, sit on the couch and talk about the things we always talked about. But instead, he stopped me at the bottom of the stairs and he took me into the living room, and immediately put me on the floor and began undressing me. Um, and wow, I froze. I, I literally froze and I kept thinking to myself, he's going to stop. He's going to stop. And that the entire time he's whispering into my ear how much he loves me, that he would never hurt me, and that he can, I can trust him. And then he kept asking me, do you love me? Do you love me? And I, of course, I'm answering yes, because well, yes I do, because that's what I've told him for the past year. I, I, I just, I was so confused and what my real reaction was, I froze. Mm-hmm. Um, he, he sort of pushed my head under the [00:18:00] stereo. And so when he is starting to get farther than I thought he would ever go. I blocked, I just blocked it out and I started reading the serial numbers underneath the stereo. Oh my goodness. Just to be thinking of anything else. Um, at one point he then just picked me up and took me upstairs. He literally put me on the bed, penetrated me, and that was it. And I was horrified. I was absolutely horrified. I, I wanted to cry. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do. Um, he left the room, told me to get dressed, and he would take me home. And I remember sitting on the bed and I put the bedspread around me because I was so embarrassed that I didn't have my clothes on. Mm-hmm. Oh, wow. Um, and then I just remember thinking I just had sex. I'm no longer a virgin. I just had sex with this man and. He took me home. Now, in the [00:19:00] book, of course, I go into a little bit more detail, but Right, he took me home and just before I got outta the car, he said to me, now, you know, this is something between the two of us, you can't tell anyone. And of course I'm thinking, who would I tell? I, I don't want anybody to know. I just did this. So, that was the first time. And then I think I, at that point I kept thinking, you know, I've had sex with him. So now I'm committed to him again. I'm at this point, I'm 17 years old. I'm still like, what do I do with this? I don't, I don't know what to do with this. Um, and he was convincing me that he loved me. He was convincing me that he needed me in his ministry and that God, this was God's will in our lives. He threw that at me. Eventually he would say to me that we were married in God's eyes. I mean, twisting the scripture and using God as a reason that we should be together. And so. I started to accept that. There were a couple times I went to him and told him that I couldn't do this anymore. I felt [00:20:00] guilty. He would respond in one of two ways. One, he would say to me how much he needed me, how much he loved me, and that he couldn't live without me. So that was the guilt part of it. Or he would respond and by saying to me, you know, you're no longer a virgin. No one else is gonna want you. I'm the only one that knows how to love you, and you are committed to me, and this is gonna be the way it is. And I saw no way out. I didn't see a way out. And so the relationship continued for five years. Wow. Five years. It went on for five years. That is a long time. And it, during that time, he became more aggressive physically. Uh, he hit me. He became sexually more deviant. It just progressed. It got worse and worse. And to a point that I finally, I was, my self-esteem was so low. I hated myself for what I'd been doing. So I finally just accepted that this was my life. I knew [00:21:00] I'd never get married. I knew I'd never have children, and this wouldn't be over until he said it was over. This went on for five years and nobody in the church noticed it. Your parents didn't notice it. You know, people say, well, where were your parents? Well, first of all, my parents were thrilled. I was in church. I mean, this was a time in the seventies when drugs were. Prevalent girls were, having free sex. So for them, what safer place could there be than to be in church? So, and they saw his intention toward me and his involvement with me as a good thing. I mean, he would take me on hospital visits with him. I mean, they saw this as being positive. And they knew how much I loved being there and that it was a place that I liked to go. So they didn't see it. And many in the church didn't see it began because who suspects the pastor of such behavior. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And especially in the seventies when this wasn't an open topic like it is now, you wouldn't have dared thought anything like that. And so [00:22:00] it's not uncommon for people in the church, to miss the signs and to ignore what they really do see, because they just can't believe that it would be something that would be happening in their church because then they'd have to do something about it. Yes, exactly. When did it all come crumbling down? It does crumble. Eventually it does. Two elders became suspicious and followed him one night and found us together in a hotel room. And then from then on, the next month and a half was an absolute nightmare for me. Hmm. It was initially hoped that they could keep what he had done, quiet and keep it from the congregation. Now, I have to say one thing before I forget. This wasn't his first incident of sexual misconduct. Oh. Prior to and just after he was awri, he arrived at our church. A young woman from his first church came forward and accused him of sexual misconduct. When he was [00:23:00] confronted by my elders, he didn't deny it. He said it was true. He asked for forgiveness, that it would never happen again. It was a mistake. So within six months. That's when he was kissing me in my hallway. So this, so these elders were aware that this was the second time that there had been an incident with this man of sexual abuse and misconduct. But in spite of that, they tried to keep it quiet in hopes of moving him to another church. And so I was told during that time where I was to sit, how I was to respond to questions. I wasn't to talk to anyone. I wasn't to tell anyone about what had happened, including my parents. And this was all in an effort to keep it quiet. Well, that effort failed. And so it was determined that he should address the congregation. He did it in a very vague way, just simply said that he'd sinned. He'd sinned against God, and he'd sinned against his wife. And that was his confession. That was it. Two days later, he had me meet [00:24:00] him in a hotel room after that confession in front of the congregation. Now. He was moved to the next church. He was given a going away party. There was actually a vote to maybe keep him, but the vote failed and they decided to move him to the next church. About, two weeks, three weeks later, I was called in by the elders, and this is probably the hardest part of my story for me. Mm-hmm. I was called in by the elders and I was told that because of my behavior I was to leave the church. I was devastated. I loved that church. It was the only church I knew, and here I was being told by these two elders that I wasn't fit to worship there any longer. Mm-hmm. He could be forgiven and given a second, third chance. I couldn't be, I was told that to leave the church. I wasn't given any counseling. I wasn't helped in any way. I was simply told to leave and I did. I left. [00:25:00] And that I told people many times, as horrific as the abuse was, having been told to leave, that church had a greater impact on me spiritually than the actual abuse did. I don't think I ever recovered from that. It still haunts me to this day to some extent. That response of the church really devastated me. So that was the crumbling, as you called it? It came crashing down and I would, I left the church. So did that change your perception of God? What was your relationship with God this time? Yes. You were kicked outta the church, but. Well, I felt a disconnect from God. I never blamed God. I never felt like God caused this to happen. I, in fact, I carry the blame and the shame. I felt guilty for what I had done. And so I never blamed God, but because of the relationship being tied in with God and the [00:26:00] prayers that this man would give, and then, you know, he'd give these wonderful sermons about marriage and sanctity of marriage on a Sunday morning after having sex with me the night before. I had difficulty separating all of that, and there were so many trigger factors associated with the church and prayer that God really did. It was hard for me to have any kind of relationship with God. I did. I didn't become an atheist like a lot of victims do, and who become angry at God. I simply just. I just put him on the back burner. I knew he existed, but I didn't have a connection with him any longer. So for 27 years, I, I never prayed. I never opened my Bible. I went to church because when I met my husband, he was a Methodist. And I thought, well, I'll go to the Methodist Church. It's a different denomination. Mm-hmm. I'll just go on. It should be fine. It didn't work that way. I had anxiety attacks in church. I, his [00:27:00] reminders of him were constant, but I forced myself to go. I made sure that I went because I knew when we had children, I wanted them to have that church experience. But every time I walked past the minister's office, I got a knot in my stomach. Oh yeah. It had nothing to do with that minister. But you understand that. I mean, it, but I did that for 27 years. It became my norm. I just knew that when I walked past that office, I was gonna get a knock my stomach, certain hymns. I can tell you what his favorite hymn was, and every time that was played, that's who I thought of. I couldn't pray. It was so, I did have a deep, deep disconnect for 27 years, and I have to tell you, I missed it. I actually mourn that loss of my spiritual life, but I didn't know how to get it back. Because I'm keeping this secret. I'm still carrying guilt and shame. I couldn't forgive myself. I didn't feel worthy to be in church. So with all of that mixed in, I just put myself on autopilot and said, [00:28:00] well, this is the way my life will be and I'll just have to accept it. It just sounds so unfair. Somebody that loves the Lord so much and served in the church and so innocent and being kicked out. Oh, but it sounded like maybe meeting your husband would've been a positive thing for you. How did you guys meet? I actually worked at his office, so I met him there. We dated for about two years, and I just found him to be a kind, loving soul. He was very unassuming. He wasn't arrogant. He didn't, he wasn't a boastful type of person. He didn't like taking credit for things, even though he deserved it sometimes. He was just a good hearted person, and I just, I fell in love with him immediately. I really did. I thought this was a great, great guy. I mean, I will tell you, I have said many times because before I met him, I was on a destructive path. I did not have any self-esteem. [00:29:00] I saw myself just simply as some sex object that, I was only good for that. And so when I met him, he saved my life because he loved me for who I was and showed me that I was worthy. So I've often said to him, you saved my life, and he will respond back with you made mine, and you can't get any better than that. So meeting him was a turning point for me, but I kept a secret from him for 27 years, and I lived in fear that he'd always find out that I'd had this affair with a married man. And I know in my heart that it wouldn't have made a difference to him. But people who've been abused never forget the words, don't ever tell. And I never forgot those words. And I never forgot what the consequences could be if I were to tell someone. Because when my elders found out, they blamed me. And I, I couldn't bear the thought that if I were to tell him. [00:30:00] Somehow he would find fault with me, or I wondered, would he wonder why I didn't feel confident enough to tell him? Would he feel betrayed that I kept a secret? Would he see me differently sexually? All those fears that I had while unfounded were still present in my mind. And so I never could tell him. And I had to do a lot of play acting and pretending, through our married life in the sense that the times I was having trigger factors, I had to hide them. And I know he would've been supportive, but I couldn't see that. Because while trauma affects you at the time of the abuse, it's lifelong. It doesn't leave you. And so I lived with that for 27 years. So did you have. Intimacy issues when you were together? Was that what you're talking about? The triggering? No, I, know a lot of victims do, and that's understandable. I really didn't, because he was so different from my abuser [00:31:00] and I recognized that my abuser was emotionally violent mm-hmm. And physically, he just wasn't loving in any sense of the word. I was simply used for sex. Mm-hmm. And I didn't have that with my husband. And so I could separate that a little bit. But I think the guilt of hiding the secret had an impact on our marriage as far as my able to be intimate with him in an emotional way. I'm really glad to hear that. I, you are not the first person that I've heard that. The victim has hidden a secret from her husband. I passed her and a pastor's wife and her husband did not know. Mm-hmm. Children didn't know, and it was a family member that was the abuser. And I kept telling her, you've got to tell him. Mm-hmm. You know why? It's because, and I was thinking this when I was listening to your, the other shows that you were on. I'm thinking about your children and your grandchildren. If I was abused, [00:32:00] I would be like. How do I keep my children and grandchildren from going through what I just went through, you know? Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Well, that's an interesting thing because most people would assume that my daughter, I would've been all over it and worried sick every time she left the house. Yeah. But I actually had the opposite, reaction because keep in mind, I didn't see myself as an abuse victim. I saw myself as someone who participated, who willingly went into this relationship and stayed in it willingly, which is not the case when you're abused. There's the control, the manipulation, all of those things that play into keeping a victim in a relationship and they see no way out. So for me, I just assumed I got one bad apple in the whole barrel, that this didn't happen to other people and that I had an affair. But my daughter, who I knew, she would never have an affair with a married man, I just knew that. So I. Sent her on [00:33:00] retreats. I sent her to church camp without fear because again, I'm thinking, okay, this just doesn't happen to other people and this is not something I need to be concerned about with her. However, with my granddaughters, it's totally different because now I understand what really occurred and the damage that can occur when you've been abused. And so with my granddaughters, her mom and dad have talked to them, about good touch, bad touch. And I too have talked about to her, but I've been a little bit more probably detailed about it. Mm-hmm. And as she gets older, these men, the techniques change as you get older and they, after they go after teenage girls, so mm-hmm. Hopefully I'll be able to help her understand, what happens when someone's grooming. I want her to understand her personal space, that if you're not comfortable when someone hugs you, it's okay. That's right. Say I, I don't want you to touch me that way. Mm-hmm. Or say if they don't feel comfortable and we put a lot on kids to do that. 'cause here [00:34:00] we're asking a child to say to an adult, no. Mm-hmm. So it's okay to go to your mother or your mom and say, can you tell so and so Uncle Jimmy or whoever it is, I don't wanna be hugged. So we need to make sure our kids understand that their personal space is their space. And if they don't want someone in that space, it's okay to say no. I also think it's important to tell kids that good people can do bad things. Yeah. Because, as we talked about earlier, our abusers are not strangers. They're not mean people. Mm-hmm. They're usually good people. They're usually people who've given us gifts. They're people who help us. They're people who tell us how wonderful we are. So it's hard for children, even adults, to see this individual who. Who on one side is a good individual who does a lot in the church, who's done all these wonderful things. And so we, we have to tell these kids, just because they're a good person doesn't mean they can't do bad things. And so that's kind of the message I hope to get to my granddaughters that I didn't give to my [00:35:00] daughter. And fortunately she didn't have any issues with church or any, anybody abusing her. But I certainly did not, guide her in the right way in that sense because I just, like I said, I just assumed that I was the only one that this would ever have happened to. Well, I think, I hear a lot in the church that they don't teach sex ed because they don't want the kids to go out and have sex. Mm-hmm. And so a lot of these kids are like ignorant as to, what is healthy and what is not proper, yeah. We need to teach 'em that our bodies or are going to respond. They were built that way. God intended us to have feelings. You know, when we are around the opposite sex, that's normal. Mm-hmm. So we need to make sure kids understand. But there are barriers and there are boundaries that need to be taken. But you're absolutely right when we don't talk at it, then we figure it out on their own. And we could, we can all imagine when you're leaving teenagers to [00:36:00] their own devices to figure out things. That's probably not gonna lead in a good spot. No, we have the internet now, which when we, right. When you and I were younger, we didn't have the internet. We didn't have cell phones. No. If you wanted a Playboy magazine, you had to go to that kind of a neighborhood to get something. Yes. You know? Yes. It was a lot more difficult. Yes, absolutely. But too many parents are embarrassed to talk to their children about sex and, you know, everybody listening needs to listen. You need to find a way to talk to them about these things. And one of the techniques that I use with my daughter, just in talking about sex in general, kids don't want to hear their mom and dad talk to 'em about this. So what I did would say, I read a magazine article about this girl who did such and such so that I put it off on something else that's, a non-entity of a person. And I'll say, or Have you ever heard of this? And of course I know she's got a little embarrassed, but I, it opened the dialogue without me coming [00:37:00] out and saying, have you heard of oral sex? Instead, I would talk to her and say, I heard this about this. This is what kids are doing, blah, blah, blah. So you kind of have to find techniques and ways to sneak around it sometimes, but you absolutely need to talk to, because they know it's out there and they're going to experiment. That's just part of being a teenager. Yeah, my parents chickened out. They just gave me a book to read. Same, probably the same book. I got, I forget what it was called. Where did I come from? Or something. It was a cartoon book. Mm-hmm. And I'm grateful for that. And, they just, after I finished the book, do you have any questions? Yeah, yeah. I had a lot of, older people that were friends and I would actually go to my older. Senior citizen friends and ask them questions rather than ask my parents. Right? Yeah, yeah. It's more comfortable that way for sure. Like I said, it's not the topic that we like to talk to with our kids and our kids don't wanna hear it, but being uncomfortable is not an excuse not to do that. And in school you get [00:38:00] the basics of the mechanics of it, but then that ends, that's all you get there as well. And that's not as helpful either. Yeah. The sixth grade menstrual cycle, health class. Yeah, exactly. That's it. They separate the girls and the boys. Yeah. We were all really embarrassed and Yes, yes. Yeah, exactly. Great information. So let's, circle around back to, okay, you've been hiding this secret forever. Mm-hmm. And nobody knows about your past. And then one day you got triggered. So what happened that day? Well, that's the first chapter of my book, and that is one day I was driving to a golf tournament in Tennessee. We live in Cincinnati. I was driving, my daughter was in college. She was playing in a golf tournament. I was driving down there and I was about halfway when I saw an exit sign for the town of Kingsport, Tennessee. And that is the. Town to which my [00:39:00] abuser was sent after he left our church, and it just sent me over the edge. Mm-hmm. All of a sudden I'm thinking, I'm in the town where he lives. Am I close to his house? Am I close to the church where he's now a minister? I mean, even though it'd been 27 years, I thought he was probably still there. I didn't know, but that's what my mind was telling me. I, all of a sudden I felt his presence in the car. I, I could smell him. I could hear him. Oh. I was, it was unbelievable to me what was happening to me. I didn't even know what was happening. I pulled to the side of the road Oh, good. And I sobbed. Yeah. I sobbed for about 20 minutes and I was just trying to figure out what was happening because anytime I had trigger factors before I could manage them, I could control them. I kind of let them happen and then I push 'em back down. Mm-hmm. This one wasn't going back down and I was a mess. I was just an absolute mess. I was able to get through the weekend. I drove back home and all I could think about was, what am I gonna do? What am I gonna do? [00:40:00] I wanted to stop thinking about him and I couldn't. I spent the next two weeks, really in anxiety. I, my husband would leave for work and I would just walk around the house, wring my hands, trying to figure out why I was feeling the way I was feeling. What was I gonna do with these feelings till at one point I finally decided I was gonna tell my best friend, and I was absolutely petrified to tell her because for the first time in 27 years, I was going to utter the words. I was sexually abused by my youth pastor. And I remember thinking, he's gonna find out and I'm gonna get in trouble. I just, I was 49 years old and I'm still afraid of this man. But I did tell her, it was, it took me a long time to, to get the words out, but I did, she was very supportive. She was very kind. She was patient as she waited for me to tell her. And so that started my journey of healing just by telling that first person. I then told two or three other of my close friends, so the four of us spent [00:41:00] many days and many hours on the screened in porch of one of my friends just letting me talk. Mm-hmm. And being able to express what had happened to me. I wasn't ready to tell all of the story. I mean, there's parts in the book that I won't go into here because they're pretty mm-hmm. Embarrassing and some things that I did. So I wasn't ready to tell them everything, but I told them enough that it helped me start to release what had been done to me. And so that was the first thing that I did, I think. And then the next thing I did, which was so valuable, and I encouraged victims to do it as well, I just read everything I could on clergy abuse or sexual abuse in itself. So I began to learn the terms of grooming, manipulation, gaslighting, and then I could see how he methodically used each one of those things on me to get me to do the things he got me to do, and to stay in that relationship for those five years. And that was huge for me. So [00:42:00] it was, for the first time as I began reading, I understood that I had been abused. Now, it still took me a while to admit that I really was sexually abused because I didn't want that label. I didn't wanna be an abuse victim. And there was a part of me. We all wanna be loved. And so there was still a part of me that I wanted to think that there was some part of him that cared about me, that this wasn't just purely about sex and that he wasn't just using me for his own gratification. And I had to get past that. I had to finally come to terms with, no, this man didn't do the no one who loves you, would do the things he did and ask the things he did of me. So that took me a while, to finally admit, okay, this was an abusive relationship. So I told someone, educating myself, and then I had to learn to forgive myself. I had to let, I had to let go of the guilt [00:43:00] and shame because any guilt and shame belongs squarely on him. This was a man that I should have been able to trust. It was in a place that should have been the safest place on earth for me. And he took advantage of a vulnerable teenager who had, I didn't have a major crisis in my life, but he knew my home life was an upheaval at times. He knew that I didn't see my dad very much. So he used that to against me. And I had to forgive myself for being who I was at the time and being able to respond the way I did for the coping skills I had at the time. Sure. You can look back. I, and I think, why didn't I say this? Why didn't I do that? But I couldn't because of, of the re of the relationship he had created between us. Mm-hmm. I had lost all power. He was in complete control of this relationship, so I had to forgive myself and that wasn't easy either. Then, and I don't know that this is something all victims should do, but I just felt this need [00:44:00] that I needed to confront him. I just felt like I couldn't move past this unless I was able to face him. Now, I had no contact with him for 27 years. I didn't even know if he was still alive, but I hired a private investigator and he found him ministering in a church in Alabama. And so I had my investigator contact him and we set up a time and a meeting that we would meet. And I took my husband, I took my friend who was a counselor and another friend who was at the church at the time. Um, I wanted her at this point. You told your husband at this point, I'm sorry. Yes, that's correct. I, it was probably three months after I told my friends, that I said to him I would like to meet him in his office and talked to him about something and. I was terrified. I don't know how else to say it. I just was so afraid. Not that I needed to be, but I was. And I probably sat there for almost, [00:45:00] I would say, 40 minutes and just cried. I was able to finally get out. I'm okay, the kids are okay, and then I started crying again. He couldn't have been any more supportive, more loving. I remember looking at his face and I said I was sexually abused by my youth pastor, and he didn't. His expression didn't change, and then I said. I was their babysitter and his face just dropped. And for the first time, I could see the pain I was feeling was reflected in his face. It was, I almost wanted to hug him to say, I'm sorry. 'cause I could see how much it hurt him to know that this had been done to me, especially as a baby. I mean, the picture became complete for him once I said that. And so he was very supportive. I think he was worried about me confronting this man, for a couple reasons. But one, I think he was worried that I would be disappointed in his reaction, and that I would be expecting too much of this [00:46:00] person to understand what he did to me and show any kind of remorse, and that I, it would hurt me even more. And one of my fears was that, I was afraid he wouldn't meet me. I was afraid that he was gonna say, no, I'm not gonna meet with you. And my husband said, oh, he's gonna meet with you all right? Because if he doesn't meet with you, you just tell him. Call the church secretary. We'll call every elder. We're gonna, he, somebody's gonna hear your story if he doesn't want to hear it. So he did agree to meet with me. I went down to Alabama and the meeting took place and I said the things that I wanted to say to him. I wanted him to get what he did to me. But he didn't, he never could understand the damage. It was almost as if, okay, I shouldn't have done it and I'm sorry I did it. Okay, now what do you want? It was, get away. You bother me? Yes. And his greatest fear as most narcissist, and I believe he was, narcissistic, but his greatest fear was that I was going to demand that he be removed from the ministry. I mean, that's what he [00:47:00] was most concerned about, how this was going to impact him. And he should have been out of the ministry. So I went to his. Boss. I was told this, and something happened 27 years ago. He, we think he's safe. We're not worried, in spite of the fact that during the meeting he had admitted that there had been multiple occurrences of sexual misconduct throughout his ministry. Not all teenagers, some were most were probably women. And then he said he had gone to therapy because he had been identified as a sexual addict. And I kept thinking, who, what? What world, what world? Does this make sense that a man who has been identified by a psychologist as a sex addict belongs in the ministry? Nope. But here was this church. So I sent a letter to his 11 elders thinking, okay, somebody in this eldership is gonna see this. Is I something's wrong here. Not one responded totally [00:48:00] ignored me. 11 elders totally ignored me. Wow. No worries. So then, I decided to go to his denominational leaders, which were in Indianapolis. And there again, while they were sympathetic to my story and apologize that it happened, they said, we're an independent church. Our churches hire and fire their own ministers. We have no control and if they choose to keep this man, we can do nothing about it. And so what, I was shut down and basically I had no place else to go. I had pretty much. Done everything I could do. And it wasn't my place in the man that he be removed. I expected the church to be, the church was to do the right thing. Exactly. I assumed so naively that once they heard my story and once they understood the background of this man, surely someone would say, this isn't right. But again, keep in mind he's very charismatic. He brings in [00:49:00] people, he brings in money. And to be fair, and probably I'm being a little too gracious, these men are very good at manipulating not only the victim but the congregation as well. They're very good at getting control of the congregation so that they find themselves following this man no matter what he would do. Yeah. And that's basically what happened. There was going to be, I got a four page letter from his boss telling me that, know, I'm going to. Ruin this church if I continue on this path and that I'm going to feel all this guilt because I'm gonna be responsible for the damage that I will do to pe people's spiritual lives. I mean that, it was an incredible, I put the letter in the book, I, because it is so incredibly, hard to believe that someone write that to a victim of abuse. Just So that was What year did that happen? 2004. Okay. So we did have. We did have the internet. Oh, yes. And this was after the Catholic, [00:50:00] church had their, exposure of sexual abuse within their church. So yes, this was, it was out there for sure. This wasn't something that you would think, oh, I can't believe this happened. And again, he had admitted to these past instances. I mean, this wasn't someone who was saying, oh, I don't know what she's talking about. Or, oh, this is the only time it ever happened. He had been in therapy because he was a sexual addict, So he wasn't registered as a sex offender? I guess not. And in my case, at the time of the abuse, the age of consent was 16. So I had no legal recourse because of I was either legally age of consent. Now that has been changed in Ohio. It's now 18. It's now 18, but many states it's still 16. There are several states where the age of consent is 16. Now, the interesting about that is. His contact sexual contact with me was not considered a crime. However, if he had been my high school teacher, it would've been a crime. What, so pastors I know [00:51:00] does not make sense. It does not make a leg of sense. No, it does not. So it, they don't consider him a teacher. They don't cons, they don't, they considered an affair. A mutual. Relationship if he'd been my teacher, that's a different story. So yeah, I had no legal recourse. And that was frustrating. But I couldn't change that. So it was what it was. I just had to accept that he, yes, he belonged in jail. Yes, there's no doubt and should be registered as a sex offender, but I'm not so sure that even if he's registered as a sex offender, these people in Alabama and wherever he is now, would. Even take that as a concern. Well, you know, the millennials now, they'll just, they just post stuff on Facebook and Twitter and call the evening news and they have, yes. News people at their doorstep, right. Ready to mm-hmm. Track this guy's name through the mud. Mm-hmm. But you didn't choose to do that, I guess. No, you know, I'm very careful about naming him in the sense that, part of my story is that I [00:52:00] reconnected with his wife. She actually divorced him after they moved, because again, he committed sexual misconduct. She was 20, I think, at the time, so it wasn't a minor, but that's beside the point. This is a man in a position that, a professional who does not cross boundaries like that. So, to no one surprise, he committed sexual misconduct the third time, so she divorced him. And part of, I guess letting go of some of the guilt that I felt, I wanted to. Connect with her to at least tell her, not that I was responsible for what happened, but how very sorry I was for her pain and suffering as well because she was part of the youth group. I mean, she was there at the church all the time. We sang in the choir together. So it was like I had a relationship with her. Oh wow. To some extent. And of course when, we were found, when he was found out by the elders, she was upset and she of course, didn't wanna have anything to do with me, which is understandable. So I actually think I [00:53:00] also wanted to give her the opportunity to say whatever she felt she needed to say to me if she wanted to. I mean, I didn't know what she was gonna say or react. I thought maybe she'd hang up on me. I didn't know. So I called her one day. My investigator found her phone number and gave it to me, and she couldn't have been any more gracious. I, she never blamed me. She understood as she, as the years went on, what this really was just like I did. She's remarried. She's has a wonderful husband now. And so I visited her several times. We keep in contact. And so part of my not wanting to expose him too much is that it would be hurtful to her. And he does have children. Now. I know that, well, whatever consequences are as a result of this are all on him, but I don't feel the need to add to that. That's not my purpose in speaking out. And so, mm-hmm. I've gone to his church leaders, I've done everything I can to get him removed from the ministry. And nothing, it's just [00:54:00] he's still, I don't know that he's still a pastor, but he still remains in good standing within that denomination to this day. Yeah. I mean, sometimes we have to just let God. Right. Dish out the justice. It may not be in our timeline, it may not be the way that we think it should happen, but Right. He's not gonna get away with this. No. And again, I did my part. Yes. So my conscience is clear and I am able to say I did what I could do and whether or not they removed him, I certainly hope that I maybe put some doubt in some of their minds and maybe questioned their motives in keeping this man. I don't know. But, I feel I did what I could do and I feel good about that. I feel good about that. Absolutely, you should. And what I'm really interested in is, you're trying to keep this stuff from happening to other people, so, I mean, what can we do to prevent some of this stuff? Well, it's [00:55:00] difficult again, because these men are among us as wolves in sheep's clothing, and so they're difficult to spot. But a couple things. I think the first thing I would tell people is if something doesn't seem right. Keep your antenna up. Don't just ignore it or just don't think, oh, well that can't be true because he's the pastor. Mm-hmm. If it's behavior that you wouldn't accept in someone else, or it's something that you would question in someone else, then question it in the pastor or the choir director, whoever it is. Don't be blinded by the person. The persona that they're presenting to you. So that's the first thing I would say is keep your antenna up. The other thing is we, and we're churches, I think are doing better about this, but you've got to have policies in place that say, no, you're not taking a 16-year-old girl on your hospital visit with you. Yes. That's, that's not normal. That's not right. What is she doing going on a hospital visit with you in a car? And of course now we have the texting [00:56:00] and there should be absolutely no texting between a pastor, a youth minister, and anyone in the congregation. And that includes, no, don't forget the meeting for the church luncheon. No, there should be no texting because you, it's too hidden and it's too easily moved to the next step. And that's how it starts. You know, all of the abuse when it's someone you know, it always starts with small things and subtle things. It doesn't, innocent things. Innocent things that, yeah, that, that are innocent. But so that's why, so no texting. Yeah. So put in the policy, those places of, when you take a 10-year-old child to the bathroom, you make sure there's another adult with you. Absolutely. That's for your safety as well as for the child's safety. Mm-hmm. So I, I think we need to be aware. And then I would also say watch for the vulnerable in your, among your church or your group. Watch for the kid that's got issues at home and is looking for a father figure. Be aware that they're going to be more susceptible to someone who's a predator and pay [00:57:00] attention to their cues and kind of keep in touch with them as well in a sense of asking questions and how they're doing and be the kind of a person that they might feel comfortable coming to if something were to happen to them because they're the ones that are gonna be most vulnerable, to a predator. So that's kind of, an overview of what. Maybe a help to try and stop and prevent some of this. Yes, I like lots of video cameras. They're cheap now. You can put a camera, you can hide cameras all over the church facility and Yes. And I think too, talking to this about this issue to the congregation before anything happens, maybe having a person in your congregation who is the go-to person on this topic, who, who's researched what all these grooming and manipulation is so that they are even more equipped to, to notice the signs. So you have a person who's kind of in charge of that topic and then address it to the congregation once a year and say, here's our policy and here's what we expect of our pastors and here's what we would hope you would [00:58:00] do if you notice something. So it just brings it out so that people feel like if there is something that they know is going on or something's wrong, they feel comfortable going to someone about it. Those are all really great tips for leaders and, church members. So what, what if I am listening and I am being subjected to some of this stuff, what should I do? Well, what you need to do and what is the hardest thing to do is to tell someone. Yeah. And it's hard to do because when you're in an abusive relationship, you are being controlled by your abuser. And the narrative is what he is directing. And so he's going to tell you, look, you can tell anybody you want. They're not gonna believe you. And he tells you that over and over again. He's also going to tell you that you are going to be in trouble if you tell anyone. And then there's that problem of you sort [00:59:00] of care about this person. Here's someone that has been helping you, who's been your mentor, and you don't wanna get him in trouble. So with all those dynamics involved, it's very difficult for victims to come forward. But I am telling you, you don't wanna wait the 27 years that I did no. And live with this guilt and the shame and the angst and the anxiety. First of all, it's not worth it. You're not doing anyone any favors, especially yourself, because there is help out there. But they can only help you if you're able to be able to tell someone. And believe me, I understand how difficult that is. It's not easy. Mm-hmm. But I would hope that I hearing my story and others that you will understand that there is help out there and you need to tell someone. 'cause it won't end until you tell someone. And if you need to, you go to someone that you trust. And if you need to, you go outside the church. Yes. You tell someone you know is going to listen to you. [01:00:00] Hey, I tell my listeners, you can call me anytime mm-hmm. And email me and I'm sure you'd say the same thing. Exactly. Reach out to Sandy if mm-hmm. You need somebody to talk to. Mm-hmm. Or you don't know what is the next step I need to take here? Right. It is scary to make First step. It's very scary. Very scary. Absolutely. So then there's the rest of us, those that have not experienced clergy abuse, maybe we're members in the church, maybe we're friends or family. What are some helpful things for us to do to support a victim? Helpful things to say, maybe there's things we shouldn't say, well, that's a yes. First, I would say anytime you're aware of a victim of clergy abuse or anybody who's been abused, whether it's clergy or not, reiterate to that victim that it was not their fault and that there was nothing they could have done, should have done that would've prevented this. And by doing that, you are [01:01:00] telling that person they're free to speak to you. And victims need to hear it over and over again because we do blame ourselves. Children as young as five will blame themselves because they allowed someone to touch them 'cause mommy said not to. And the that guilt in that shame that victims carry, it's difficult to let go of it. So to hear someone say to us, it's not your fault is so freeing. So that's the first thing. The second thing I would say is. Let them know that you will listen to them without judging them, and you will hear their story without being shocked that you are able to say, tell me everything you need to tell me, or Tell me as little as you wanna tell me. Give them a comfort place to go to talk. And then I would say, and this is difficult for people who have spiritual lives or who are part of the church, be very much aware that things such as prayer and Bible reading and [01:02:00] scripture can be very triggering for those who've been abused in the church. Mm-hmm. So things that you would find comforting like prayer. Can be a very major trigger factor for victims. And so instead of saying to a victim, I'll pray for you, or Can I pray with you? The best thing you could say would be to phrase it in such a way as to say, I understand because of what you've been through, prayer can be difficult. And so I would like to pray for you, but I would completely understand if you don't want to pray or you won't, don't even want me to pray for you. And so you've opened up the door to say to this person, wow, I don't have to feel guilty because I can't pray. You know, when we've grown up in the church and we've been told how wonderful church and prayer and all those things are, we still carry that guilt too because we're no longer connected to God. So to have a person on the outside. Recognize that these can be trigger factors is again, a gift. It's a [01:03:00] gift. So those things I think would be the most helpful when dealing with a person of clergy abuse. And give them time. Don't push forgiveness. Don't push trying to get them back into church. 'cause some victims will never be able to go back to church if you let them find their own pace of time and you do it without judging them. And I know that's kind of hard sometimes for Christians and people in the church because we love the church and we find it to be such a wonderful place and we want this person back in the church. Yes. But it, it may not be the best place at that point for that victim. Such valuable advice. I That is awesome. And again, back to like, when you're talking about the sex education, open up the dialogue, you know? Yeah. Bring it up. Bring it up before they bring it up. Again, I read in the newspaper that this girl was molested by, a gym teacher. You know that, that ha I know that happens. And then let 'em know that if. It is, like you said, allowing that comfort to be able to [01:04:00] talk to someone. I think for me it was important to give my side of the story. No one had a clue that he was emotionally and verbally and physically abusive to me. They saw this as a little love affair and that we had this, magic little love affair. Evil temptress. Yes, exactly. And so I wanted them to know the full story. That was important for my healing too. And they did that. And, they welcomed me back to the church. I went back, I've been back a couple times for, a youth group reunion that we had. So, and that was difficult. But again, I thought that was necessary for me to move forward. I had to let go of my past. I had to figure out, not to forget it, but how was I going to incorpo

Weekly Spooky
Monthly Spooky | New Years True Crime, Bigfoot on I-80, & Conjuring House Lawsuit

Weekly Spooky

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 140:31 Transcription Available


Monthly Spooky true crime + paranormal to close out the year: a chilling wrongful conviction case tied to a 1987 Times Square-area murder that stole decades from two lives—and the long road to exoneration when the truth finally surfaced.Inside this episode:The New Year's Eve case: The wrongful convictions of Eric Smokes and David Warren after a 1987 murder near Times Square, including intense police pressure, a pivotal witness, and the fallout that followed for decades.The turning point: How a later confession/letter from a key eyewitness helped get the charges vacated in 2024—and what it says about the system.The human cost: The psychological toll of prison, relationships under strain, and the heartbreak of support that didn't get to see vindication in time.Plus fresh spooky news:Haunted real estate and why “haunted house” can mean big bucks (and big drama).A mysterious burial site discovery in ancient Scotland.Bigfoot/Sasquatch reported near Interstate 80 (and the BFRO getting involved).Kansas City jazz bar ghosts, investigations, and what counts as “evidence.”Oarfish and omens—because nature loves a good horror teaser.The Conjuring House controversy: from “save the home” chatter to lawsuit talk and why the story won't stay dead.New here? This episode stands alone—jump in for the true crime deep dive, stay for the weird headlines and paranormal rabbit holes. What creeps you out more: a monster in the woods, or a system that can erase your life on paper?

HUNGRY.
I Sold Innocent Juices to CocaCola for Millions - Here's The Truth

HUNGRY.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 73:13


When I started the poddy, I scribbled on scruff paper a list dream brands Top of list: Innocent Innocent are THE OG challenger brand. The Innocent Illuminate (or Alumni) all built WHOPPPA brands:Giles, Barney, Emma, Peter Oden, loads more All extol fruitful learnings from Fruit Towers. Many see Innocent as a Brand & Marketing machine (they are). In this episode Adam Balon revealed something much DEEPER Something surprising. Something you've not thought about. ♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Black Ramen Podcast
7 YR ANNIVERSARY/ FALL ANIME 2025 PT2

Black Ramen Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 95:02


00:00:00 - FIST OF THE NORTH STAR REMAKE 202600:05:11 - FALL ANIME 25 " Sanda"00:11:01 - FALL ANIME 25 "A Star Brighter Than the Sun"00:18:26 - FALL ANIME 25 "A Mangaka's Weirdly Wonderful Workplace"00:24:05 - FALL ANIME 25 "To Your Eternity Season 3"00:39:21 - FALL ANIME 25 "let this grieving soul retire"00:42:58 - FALL ANIME 25 "the fated magical princess who made me a princess"00:48:44 - FALL ANIME 25 "campfire cooking in another world season 2"00:54:29 - FALL ANIME 25 "mechanical marie"01:09:10 - Are You Guys Watching "My hero"01:11:43 - FALL ANIME 25 " this monster wants to eat me"01:21:13 - MONTHLY MANGA RECS01:21:15 - MONTHLY MANGA REC "the guy she was interested in wasnt a guy"01:28:09 - MONTHLY MANGA REC "INNOCENT"

Living Faith Anglican Church
The Holy Innocent (Matthew 2:13-18)

Living Faith Anglican Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 24:25


Sermon by Fr. Bob Fabey1st Sunday of Christmas

Going North Podcast
Ep. 1042 – From Messy Breakdown to Magical Breakthrough with Becca Eve Young

Going North Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 52:04


"There's no better way than to call your own bullshit, then to write your own story through the hardest and messiest parts of your life. Because as time passes, and as hindsight tends to be, you can finally see yourself clearly.” – Becca Eve Young Today's featured bestselling author is a former corporate strategist turned soulful storyteller, business coach, and devotee to the art of becoming, Becca Eve Young. Becca and I had a fun on a bun chat about her 1st book, “It's Gonna Get Messy: An Unfiltered True Story of Heartbreak, Healing, and Reinvention”, her father's literary legacy, the power of vulnerability, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:The Dark Night of the Soul year that inspired Becca to become an authorHer father's writing experience and how his influence on her became her destinyThe writing process for getting her book done and what she learned about herself through itBecca's Site: https://www.beccaeveyoung.com/Becca's Book: https://a.co/d/1uycxZyHer Dad's Book, ”Island of the Innocent”: https://a.co/d/bSxTubHThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 921 – From WWE Diva to Spiritual Mentor with Joy Giovanni (@joygiovanni): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-921-from-wwe-diva-to-spiritual-mentor-with-joy-giovanni-joygiovanni/Ep. 962 – How Confusion Can Lead To Peace, Personal Growth, and Self-discovery with Giovanna Silvestre (@ConfusedGirlLA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-962-how-confusion-can-lead-to-peace-personal-growth-and-self-discovery-with-giovanna-silvest/Ep. 634 – Divine Messy Human with Amanda Kate: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-634-divine-messy-human-with-amanda-kate/Ep. 953 – How to Find Sweetness in Adversity with Amy Olmedo: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-953-how-to-find-sweetness-in-adversity-with-amy-olmedo/Ep. 989 – Get Fabulous Or Die Tryin' with Nkrumah Mensah: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-989-get-fabulous-or-die-tryin-with-nkrumah-mensah/Ep. 940 – From Cheers to Chaos with Katie B. Happyy (@katiebhappyy): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-940-from-cheers-to-chaos-with-katie-b-happyy-katiebhappyy/Ep. 919 – Spellbound No More with Judy Koons (@JudyKoons): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-919-spellbound-no-more-with-judy-koons-judykoons/Ep. 656 – How a Red Couch Turned My Pain Into Purpose with Tracey Escobar: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-656-how-a-red-couch-turned-my-pain-into-purpose-with-tracey-escobar/Ep. 1029 – Unlock Your Creativity & Make Life Your Biggest Art Project with Pia Mailhot-Leichter (@pialeichter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1029-unlock-your-creativity-make-life-your-biggest-art-project-with-pia-mailhot-leichter-p/149 - May I Only Leave Rose Petals with J.S. Drake: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/149-may-i-only-leave-rose-petals-with-js-drake/Ep. 537 – If Trees Could Talk with Holly Worton (@hollyworton): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-537-if-trees-could-talk-with-holly-worton-hollyworton/Ep. 966 – From Near-Death Experience to Bestselling Novelist with Tash Doherty (@misseducated__): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-966-from-near-death-experience-to-bestselling-novelist-with-tash-doherty-misseducated/Ep. 334.5 – The Business of Immortality with Sahara Foley (@SaharaFoley): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3345-holiday-bonus-the-business-of-immortality-with-sahara-foley-saharafoley/

Proletarian Radio
Has Hamas really been shooting innocent Palestinians in Gaza

Proletarian Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 9:13


https://thecommunists.org/2025/12/08/news/hamas-really-shooting-innocent-gaza/ Tribal elder reveals the truth about the zionist-backed gangs who have been preying on the people's misery and spying for Israel. The imperialist media are at it again: working overtime to reinforce the zionist narrative which claims that the people of Gaza owe their suffering not to the imperialist-backed genocide but to ‘Hamas terrorists'. Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! www.thecommunists.org www.lalkar.org www.redyouth.org Telegram: t.me/thecommunists Twitter: twitter.com/cpgbml Soundcloud: @proletarianradio Rumble: rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: Each one teach one! www.londonworker.org/education-programme/ Join the struggle www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: www.thecommunists.org/donate/

Dark Side of Wikipedia | True Crime & Dark History
Prosecutor's Final Strike: Cappleman Destroys Donna's Defense

Dark Side of Wikipedia | True Crime & Dark History

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 150:01


Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman took center stage in the Donna Adelson trial and delivered one of the most consequential closing arguments of the entire case — a summation built on motive, timing, and a digital trail prosecutors say Donna cannot outrun. Cappleman told jurors the path to the truth was simple: “Follow the evidence and find her guilty.” And with that, she walked them step by step through the 2014 murder-for-hire plot that left FSU law professor Dan Markel dead in his driveway. Her message was direct. For Donna Adelson, relocation wasn't a hope — it was a mission. Years of emails, texts, and phone calls revealed that she viewed Wendi's move to South Florida as non-negotiable. When the courts refused to give her what she wanted, prosecutors argue Donna and her family turned to a criminal solution, with Charlie acting as the conduit to the hitmen. Cappleman emphasized patterns, not speculation:  • Coordinated timing across phone calls  • Code-like phrasing in text messages  • Shifting money between family members  • The language of control and urgency embedded in Donna's communications  • A timeline that aligns motive, opportunity, and movement “Innocent people don't talk in code,” she reminded jurors — a line that cut through the courtroom. Using clear, memorable visuals, she tied every exhibit back to the same through-line: motive → method → meaning. Each piece of evidence reinforced the last, forming the narrative prosecutors want jurors to carry into deliberations: Donna Adelson wasn't on the periphery — she was at the center. The defense insists Donna is merely a “meddling mother-in-law,” not a murderer. But Cappleman argued the pattern is unmistakable: when legal avenues failed, Donna allegedly chose the illegal one. This clip matters because it captures the prosecution's final roadmap — the distilled narrative the jury will confront as they decide Donna Adelson's fate. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #GeorgiaCappleman #DanMarkel #ClosingArguments #TrueCrime #FloridaJustice #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHire #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
Prosecutor's Final Strike: Cappleman Destroys Donna's Defense

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 150:01


Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman took center stage in the Donna Adelson trial and delivered one of the most consequential closing arguments of the entire case — a summation built on motive, timing, and a digital trail prosecutors say Donna cannot outrun. Cappleman told jurors the path to the truth was simple: “Follow the evidence and find her guilty.” And with that, she walked them step by step through the 2014 murder-for-hire plot that left FSU law professor Dan Markel dead in his driveway. Her message was direct. For Donna Adelson, relocation wasn't a hope — it was a mission. Years of emails, texts, and phone calls revealed that she viewed Wendi's move to South Florida as non-negotiable. When the courts refused to give her what she wanted, prosecutors argue Donna and her family turned to a criminal solution, with Charlie acting as the conduit to the hitmen. Cappleman emphasized patterns, not speculation:  • Coordinated timing across phone calls  • Code-like phrasing in text messages  • Shifting money between family members  • The language of control and urgency embedded in Donna's communications  • A timeline that aligns motive, opportunity, and movement “Innocent people don't talk in code,” she reminded jurors — a line that cut through the courtroom. Using clear, memorable visuals, she tied every exhibit back to the same through-line: motive → method → meaning. Each piece of evidence reinforced the last, forming the narrative prosecutors want jurors to carry into deliberations: Donna Adelson wasn't on the periphery — she was at the center. The defense insists Donna is merely a “meddling mother-in-law,” not a murderer. But Cappleman argued the pattern is unmistakable: when legal avenues failed, Donna allegedly chose the illegal one. This clip matters because it captures the prosecution's final roadmap — the distilled narrative the jury will confront as they decide Donna Adelson's fate. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #GeorgiaCappleman #DanMarkel #ClosingArguments #TrueCrime #FloridaJustice #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHire #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Really Bitch ?!?!
Tribe Meeting_ D2vid Case update_ Tamar says she is innocent_ Miligros broke_

Really Bitch ?!?!

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 82:19 Transcription Available


Talk Radio Europe
Murfy Richards – Innocent Bystander: Lessons from the Abyss...with TRE's Giles Brown

Talk Radio Europe

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 20:08


Unashamed with Phil Robertson
Ep 1234 | Jase's Road-Trip Breakdown Begins With Just One Innocent Question

Unashamed with Phil Robertson

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 57:07


Jase hijacks an eight-hour road trip with a nonstop deep dive sparked by one simple question, and Al reveals the surprising and touching secret hidden in the walls of his home for decades. The guys unpack how ordinary people become the place where heaven and earth meet, why forgiveness is spiritual warfare, and why anointing still carries real power. The guys close with a prayer for Zach and for listeners facing illness. In this episode: 2 Peter 1, verses 3–4; James 5, verses 13–16; First John 2, verses 18–29; John 13, verse 35; John 14, verses 26–27; John 15, verses 26–27; John 16, verses 7–15; John 17, verses 20–26; John 20, verses 19–23; Genesis 28, verses 10–22; Exodus 30, verses 22–33; Isaiah 11, verses 1–10; Isaiah 42, verses 1–9; Isaiah 53, verses 1–12; Matthew 1, verse 18; Matthew 16, verses 13–20; Mark 1, verses 9–15; Ephesians 2, verses 19–22; Psalm 2, verses 1–12; Psalm 3, verses 1–8; Psalm 20, verses 1–9; Psalm 21, verses 1–13; Psalm 22, verses 1–31; Psalm 51, verses 1–19 “Unashamed” Episode 1234 is sponsored by: Stand firm for values that matter. Join the fight today at https://www.frc.org/unashamed Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/UNASHAMED. https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Through your generosity PureTalk was able to donate over half a million dollars to America's Warrior Partnership! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-07:31 Jase holds an 8 hour Bible study 07:32-17:15 How to “participate in the divine nature” 17:16-26:31 What does it mean to be anointed?  26:32-35:30 Believers are a portal between worlds 35:31-48:45 Arming ourselves for a spiritual battle 48:46-56:38 A prayer of anointing for the sick — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blank Plate: A Podcast for Swifties with an Appetite

It's track five time! “Eldest Daughter” may be one of Taylor's sweetest songs on the album… and despite some negative criticisms, Sara and Laura absolutely LOVE this song and will defend it to death. The ladies discuss the notion of Eldest Daughter Syndrome and how Taylor's self-protection becomes unnecessary when she feels safe with the right person. Tears are shed in this episode, but what else is new!? Chapters(00:00) Welcome!(01:42) What's On Our Plates(16:29) Taylor Updates(21:46) Eldest Daughter Introduction(25:38) Personal Associations and Emotional Connections(33:08) Folk"lore" Of The Song(49:12) Verse 1: An Unbothered Front, Apathy, Cancellation, The Illusion Of Hot Takes, Survival Strategies(56:18) Pre Chorus 1: Terminal Uniqueness, Play On Words About Death, Glorification Of "Cool" In Society(01:01:33) Chorus 1: Taylor's Specific Satiricial Vernacular, Self-Perception(01:09:01) Verse 2: Childlike Innocence, Cautious Discretion and Growth, Vulnerability, Marriage Trauma(01:24:04) Pre Chorus 2: A Lamb In Wolf's Clothing, The Burden Of Sacrifice As An Eldest Daughter. Self-Protection(01:29:20) Bridge: Montage Of Sweet, Innocent, Childlike Love, Hope and Future Possibilities Once Unimaginable(01:38:39) Pre Chorus 3: Travis Connection, Finding Home In A Stable Person(01:40:35) Chorus 3 & Outro(01:41:52) Music Theory Analysis: Right Hand On Piano As The Eldest Daughter, The Magic Of The Bridge, Interpolation of White Horse(01:47:11) Favorite Lyrics & Rating(01:49:46) This Song As A Recipe(01:51:47) Signing Off!(01:53:13) Patreon Preview: 'tis the damn seasonSUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We'd be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!Links ReferencedSara's Episode On Finding Mr. Height: Spotify, Apple MusicEli Rallo's Commentary on Eldest Daughter LoreTaylor's Interview With Zane LoweBirth Order Dating TheoryBrigid Kaelin's Music Theory Analysis of Eldest DaughterSpiked Blackberry Lilac Lemonade RecipeHomemade Dunkaroo's RecipePlease make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you'd like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:email blankplatepod@gmail.comleave a voicemail at (717) 382-831Patreon (get bonus episodes and first dibs on episode ideas)YouTubeInstagramTikTokYou can also follow Sara and Laura individually:• Laura: Instagram and Tiktok• Sara: InstagramListen to our previous podcast: Passports & Pizza

Retro Radio Podcast
This Is Your FBI – The Innocent Santa Claus. 511121

Retro Radio Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025


An out of work vaudeville actor tries his best to raise his little girl on his own. Always keeping up a positive front for her, and seemingly always performing for…

The Conversation with Nadine Matheson
Reload: Remi Kone -Unveiling Innocent Guilt

The Conversation with Nadine Matheson

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 76:33


In this episode of The Conversation Reload with Nadine Matheson, we revisit a captivating discussion with debut author Remi Kone whose debut novel, Innocent Guilt, is making waves in the crime fiction world. Join us as we dive into Remi's intriguing journey from Emmy-nominated TV producer to published author, exploring her experiences in the world of television and the challenges she faced as a new novelist.Remi shares her insights on crafting compelling characters, particularly the complexities of her protagonist, Leah Hutch, and the art of creating a truly villainous antagonist. We discuss the nuances of storytelling, the importance of character development, and how her background in TV production has influenced her writing process. With humor and honesty, Remi reflects on the highs and lows of writing, including the emotional journey of receiving feedback and the struggle to balance creativity with the demands of the publishing industry.This episode is a celebration of perseverance, creativity, and the power of narrative. Listeners will be inspired by Remy's unique perspective and her commitment to her craft, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and fans of crime fiction alike.Follow Remi KoneBuy Innocent GuiltSupport the podcast - Buy me a cup of coffee ☕️.Buy books by my guests Bookshop.orgFollow MeBluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good Noise Podcast
ILUKA Interview | Talking about the wild, the innocent, & the raging

Good Noise Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 36:40


I had a spectacular chat with ILUKA about her newest album "the wild, the innocent, & the raging", I hope you enjoy!ILUKA Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilukamusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ILUKA-music/61560820213758/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilukamusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ilukamusicApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/iluka/483458024Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QiAR2OBtc5ZsYQ5bPnpdO?si=62021442f3a34a8b

Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics
Survivors Guide to Prison: Examining a Broken System with Matthew Cooke

Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 61:15


The failure rate of our prison systems is staggering, with recidivism exceeding 70% in nearly every state. What should this tell us about the success—or lack thereof—of our criminal justice system? And, how can those who are incarcerated survive the harshness of prison and avoid becoming part of the large percentage who seem to inevitably return?  This time on For the Innocent, Michael Semanchik welcomes Matthew Cooke, writer and director of Survivors Guide to Prison, a documentary exploring life in United States prisons from the perspectives of two wrongfully convicted men, Bruce Lisker and Reggie Cole. Drawing from his extensive research, Matthew reveals a system plagued with fundamentally misaligned incentives that do little to create pathways for inmates to succeed on the outside.  Michael and Matthew discuss new shifts in criminal justice reform and offer their thoughts on how to continue to bring this issue to the forefront of public discourse. The system is broken, but change is possible.  Listen to our episode about Bruce Lisker's story:  A Deceitful Detective & Manipulated Evidence – The Wrongful Conviction of Bruce Lisker. Learn more about Matthew Cooke and his film projects on IMDB: Matthew Cooke - IMDb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

L'heure du crime
L'ENQUÊTE - François Légeret : meurtrier ou innocent ?

L'heure du crime

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 15:18


François Légeret, 42 ans à la Noël 2005, l'un des trois enfants d'une riche famille suisse qui vit sur les bords du Léman. On le dit tout aussi mystérieux qu'arrogant. Soupçonné d'avoir tué trois femmes dont sa mère et sa sœur. La justice en est convaincue. Lui va nier, obstinément. Retrouvez tous les jours en podcast le décryptage d'un faits divers, d'un crime ou d'une énigme judiciaire par Jean-Alphonse Richard, entouré de spécialistes, et de témoins d'affaires criminelles.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

City Cast Austin
DA Starts Clearing The Innocent in the Yogurt Shop Murders

City Cast Austin

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 36:47


Almost 34 years to the day after Robert Brashers brutally murdered four Austin teenagers, four men who'd been wrongfully accused — and in two cases, convicted — of the crimes are beginning the path to exoneration. Last week, Travis County District Attorney José Garza filed legal paperwork that starts the process to clear the names of Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce, and Forest Welborn. In today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec recap the emotional day in September, when Austin officials announced that DNA and ballistics evidence undeniably tied the late Brashers to the crimes and not the four formerly accused men.  This episode originally aired on Sept. 30  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode: DUER - Get 15% off at shopduer.com/ccaustin Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. The SAFE Alliance

The Dragon's Lair Motorcycle Chaos
Largest Biker Gang Bust in Georgia History

The Dragon's Lair Motorcycle Chaos

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 90:15 Transcription Available


Largest Biker Gang Bust in Georgia HistoryToday on Black Dragon Biker TV, we are breaking down what is now being called the largest motorcycle gang conviction in Georgia state history — and the implications are far bigger than just one case.On a December morning at 11:31 a.m., Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the conviction of 15 members of the Southeast Georgia Chapter of the Outcast Motorcycle Club in Bryan County.The case stems from an attempted armed robbery and shootout that took place on June 17, 2022, at Flacos House Bar & Grill and the Red Roof Inn on Highway 17 in Richmond Hill.According to prosecutors:Innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfireSix members of a rival gang were targetedFirearms were usedAnd the state pursued the case aggressively from top to bottomJust 17 years after donning the 1%er diamond in Georgia, the Outcast MC now finds itself placed squarely in the national spotlight of biker gang prosecutions, alongside the so-called “Top 5” white outlaw motorcycle clubs.⚖️ This Is Bigger Than One CaseThere's a reason Black motorcycle clubs historically avoided the 1%er diamond when it first appeared in 1958 — and it had nothing to do with toughness, heart, or organization.The OGs understood something critical:Juries judge Black skin differently. Then. And now.They knew the diamond didn't just represent outlaw status —it represented enhanced scrutiny, enhanced charges, and enhanced punishment.That diamond painted a target squarely on the chest. So What Is “Patch Policing” Really Called in Court?Here's the truth:In the courtroom, patch policing isn't called “protocol.”It isn't called “club business.” It's called ARMED ROBBERY. And the sentence is 20 years.Today, we'll break down:How club conduct gets reframed by prosecutorsWhy juries don't hear “MC culture” — they hear “organized crime”How enhanced charges are built around patches, colors, and associationAnd why this case should serve as a warning to every MC wearing a diamond

BRAIN TRUST LIVE
12/16/25 - Entangling Innocent People

BRAIN TRUST LIVE

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 65:13


In Which We Discuss: 1. Once again and always and forever. It's the guns, people. 2. Epstein files are out this Friday so get excited for that Venezuelan ground war you've been waiting for! 3. The House GOP finally has a healthcare plan, and it's somehow even worse than Trump's own plan to just send people money. 4. Karen Bass gears up for reelection by thinking, eating, and dreaming of the largest police force ever devised.   Brain Trust Live is Lila Nordstrom and Brent Thornburg's look at the week in electoral and political news. Join the millions of chirping birds, sirens, helicopters, barking dogs, and computer beeps who love our podcast and tell your friends about BTL!  Then rate us on iTunes or find us Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Stitcher, or Instagram! And, as always, you can buy and review Lila's book here: Some Kids Left Behind. Plus, subscribe to Lila's other podcast, What Can I Do, wherever you get your podcasts!  

Awake Us Now
Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 14

Awake Us Now

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 25:02


Last week we ended our study time looking at a great king of Judah, Hezekiah. Today we start with one of the worst kings of Judah, Manasseh, Hezekiah's son. Manasseh reigned from 697-642 B.C. His story is found in 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20. Manasseh reigned 55 years. He reigned longer than any other king and did more damage than any other king.  He did evil in God's eyes. It is a disgusting and tragic story.  He destroys everything good his father had done. King Manasseh     ⁃    Apostasy and Idolatry - 2 Chronicles 33:33     ⁃    Sacrificed his children  - 2 Chronicles 33:6     ⁃    Innocent blood shed including the blood of prophets -  2 Kings 21:16. (Hebrews 11:37 - ancient Jewish tradition that says it was during Manasseh's reign that Isaiah was sawn in half by Manasseh)     ⁃    Captivity in Babylon - Manasseh was taken prisoner by Assyria and taken to Babylon  - 2 Chronicles 33:11     ⁃    Repentance and return to Judah- while in prison Manasseh had a change of heart, humbling himself greatly before God and praying. The Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so God brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom, proving to Manasseh that He is the true God - 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 What we learn: God is a gracious God and hears the cries of those who humble themselves before Him.  He responds to a repentant heart.  In the final years of his life, Manasseh worked to redo things but to no avail as his son, King Amon takes the throne. Amon reigned from 642-640 B.C. and his story is found in 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25. Amon did evil in the eyes of the Lord. King Amon     ⁃    Return to idolatry - 2 Chronicles 33:22-23     ⁃    Conspiracy and Assassination - 2 Chronicles 33:24-25 - Josiah, Amon's son was then made king. King Josiah Josiah is just a boy when he begins his 31 year reign and in Pastor's opinion, the greatest king of Judah. Josiah reigned from 640-609 B.C. His story is found in 2 Kings 22:1-23:30 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. During his reign there were many prophets: Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Huldah.  God is working to bring the nation back to Himself. During King Josiah's reign, Judah experienced three of its happiest decades: peace, prosperity and revival.  King Josiah     ⁃    Young King seeks the God of David - he followed in the ways of David - 2 Kings 22:1-2 and 2 Chronicles 34:3      ⁃    Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem - 2 Chronicles 34:4-5     ⁃    Book of the Law of God written by Moses (possibly the original Torah) is discovered  - 2 Chronicles 34:8, 2 Chronicles 34:14, 2 Chronicles 34:19, 2 Chronicles 34:22.  In 2 Chronicles 34:27 we read of Huldah who tells the king that God says that judgment is coming, but because he (Josiah) had humbled himself before God, wept and torn his robes, that Josiah will not live to see the destruction. Josiah recognizes the Lord's graciousness and he sets forth to bring revival.      ⁃    Revival happens 2 Kings 23:2-3 - God's people pledge themselves to the covenant of God.     ⁃    Revival and reform go beyond Judah - 2 Kings 23:15, 17 Josiah was a bright, brilliant, incredible and godly leader, a man bold in his faith and one who trusted God.  May we learn from his example. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pat Gray Unleashed
Radical Father-Son Duo Target Innocent Jews at Iconic Bondi: What's the Motive? | 12/15/25

Pat Gray Unleashed

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 100:42


Rob Reiner and wife stabbed to death in their home. Reiner's words following Charlie Kirk's murder. Erika Kirk to meet with Canace Owens today. Horrific video of the massacre in Australia. The Australian prime minister has some questions to answer. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is absolutely tone-deaf after a tragedy, much the way President Barack Obama was. Brown University shooting, and the suspect remains at large. Miracle on Ice 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team visits the White House. President Trump discusses the murder of U.S. soldiers in Syria. Army-Navy game gets a visit from President Trump. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) appears to refuse to condemn Somali fraud in his state. Stephen Miller responds to Tim Walz and the Somali invasion of America. Confirmed: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was married to her brother. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has a message about immigrants. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:30 The Deaths of Rob & Michele Reiner 02:28 FLASHBACK: Rob Reiner Reacts to Charlie Kirk's Death 04:44 Candace Owens will Meet with Erika Kirk 10:36 Terror Attack at Bondi Beach, Australia Hanukkah Celebration 14:32 'Hero of the Day' at Bondi Beach! 17:55 Dead Terrorist Father was on a Tourist Visa? 18:53 FLASHBACK: Australia Censors Church Stabbing Back in 2024 20:49 FLASHBACK: Australia's Prime Minister on Islamophobia 3 Months Ago 23:17 Message from Bondi Beach Survivor 27:04 Chuck Schumer's Tone-Deaf Sunday Message 32:34 Brown University Shooting 33:58 Brown University President had No Clue What was Happening?! 35:06 USC Women's Basketball Coach Speaks Out after Brown University Shooting 37:41 Brett Smiley on Shooting 'Person of Interest' being Released 40:38 Fat Five 50:37 President Trump Reacts to Attack in Syria 53:34 President Trump's Army-Navy Coin Toss 1:00:22 President Trump Receives a New Hat 1:01:41 President Trump on Ilhan Omar 1:06:05 Joe Biden Out on the Football Field? 1:10:03 Tim Walz is Back on the Mic 1:16:41 Stephen Miller Responds to Tim Walz 1:20:37 Ilhan Omar DID Marry her Brother!!! 1:31:11 Angel Mom Speaks Out 1:33:19 Jasmine Crockett Says "We Done Picking Cotton!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sky News - Paul Murray Live
Paul Murray Live | 15 December

Sky News - Paul Murray Live

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 99:12 Transcription Available


Innocent victims taken by the worst terror attack in Australia's history. Plus, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to strengthen gun laws.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Y94 Morning Playhouse
Are These People DRUNK Adults Or... Innocent Children?

Y94 Morning Playhouse

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 6:34


Can you tell the difference? Shout loudly at your radio! Are they DRUNK or are they KIDS?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tudoriferous
S1 - 047 Pope Innocent VIII - Part Two

Tudoriferous

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 91:30


The worst pope who ever poped?  In Part Two we felt he was definitely in the running.   P.S. You will hear a new voice at the end of this episode.  We will explain some impending changes in a special update episode.  All good.  But, in the meantime, meet David.   Join our Patreon family for yet more episodes and to join our Discord - Tudoriferous | creating a Podcast discussing the great, good and mad Tudor Era | Patreon   Relevant Episodes - Early Modern Books - The Malleus Maleficarum | Tudoriferous S1 - 016 - Isabella of Castile | Tudoriferous

True Crime Psychology and Personality: Narcissism, Psychopathy, and the Minds of Dangerous Criminals
'Road Rage' Driver Who Didn't Understand Merging Shoots Innocent Bystander | Tyler Johns Analysis

True Crime Psychology and Personality: Narcissism, Psychopathy, and the Minds of Dangerous Criminals

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 14:22


This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Tyler Matthew Johns? Support Dr. Grande on Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/drgrande⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Grande's book Harm Reduction: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Harm-Reduction-Todd-Grande-PhD/dp/1950057313⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Grande's book Psychology of Notorious Serial Killers: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Notorious-Serial-Killers-Intersection/dp/1950057259⁠⁠ Check out Dr. Grande's merchandise ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teespring.com/stores/dr-grandes-store⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

---
THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENT A "DOUBLE TROUBLE" CHRISTMAS CRACKER! TWO HOLIDAY DELICACIES TO GET THE FESTIVITIES STARTED - WITH HARVEY KEITEL AND THE TURTLES. DOUBLE DOWN!!

---

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 19:14


Today, we feature a Christmas cracker that offers some new perspectives on one of our most treasured holiday traditions - The Xmas Song: First, The Turtles, singing “Christmas is My Time of Year,” then, the esteemed actor, Harvey Keitel, telling an off the wall Christmas story, from the film Smoke.Putting on a favorite holiday tape or CD as you wrap the presents or trim the tree was always a highly anticipated ritual - Frank, Dino, Elvis, or Bing never failed to make the season bright. In the 60's Rock era, of course, Phil Spector's album was a must. Every pop artist has made one, even Bob Dylan. It made Irving Berlin and Mel Torme millions.  It's generally a can't miss proposition. But, I'll bet you never considered these selections. One isn't even a song; and then there's the Turtles number, which is seemingly on the money, but not universally known. THE TURTLES"Christmas is My Time of Year" was written by the jewish Howard Kaylan and the Turtle's bassist and veteran of the Modern Folk Quartet, Chip Douglas. Douglas also produced, populating the recording with such country rock luminaries as Gram Parsons and Linda Ronstadt. The track has a folksy flair with its twangy guitars and dobros. It's military 4 on the floor marching beat gives it an overly perky, trying too hard feel, but it's still a lot of fun - and that's the mark of a good Turtles song. isn't it?: always promoting optimism and good feelings. Even when they're singing dark material like PF Sloan's “Let Me Be” the music counterpoints the dreariness with sunshine.HARVEY KEITEL in SMOKERich threw this curveball into the mix, and I LOVE IT! Mr. Keitel has always been a favorite of ours - and in this clip from Wayne Wang's Smoke he knocks it out of the park with this shaggy holiday story negotiating the mixed up urges of conscience and larceny. At the end of the segment there is a black and white rendering of the story accompanied by Tom Waits, singing “Innocent when you Dream”.And, it's here that the overall theme emerges: Christmas is that time when we aspire to live up to our best selves. But, there are so many contradictory images that interfere with this aspiration. We are exhorted to consume, going into debt for the good of the economy, and to our peril. All around us we might notice that the lonely and disenfranchised are suffering worse than ever during this time. So, we look away, trying not to face the disturbing prospect that it could be us next year. We're only human, after all - but, to be better more than just one day out of the year shouldn't be asking too much. But, how to begin?

RTL Matin
Après la polémique Brigitte Macron, Ary Abittan dit être "innocent" aux yeux de la justice : qu'est-ce qu'un non-lieu ?

RTL Matin

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 2:36


Fin 2021, l'humoriste a été accusé de viol par une jeune femme qu'il fréquentait depuis quelques semaines. Après trois ans d'enquête, l'instruction a abouti à un non-lieu confirmé en appel en janvier. Son retour sur scène est depuis contesté par des féministes, un non-lieu ne reconnaissant pas l'innocence.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Seeking Excellence
Is Promoting Santa a Lie? Or Is It Innocent Fun?

Seeking Excellence

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 14:22


It's the most wonderful time of the year - which means the Santa debate is BACK! Is Santa innocent fun or is it based on immoral lies deceiving children? Watch this video for some sane takes on the Santa debate!

Les Grandes Gueules
Le reproche du jour – Barbara Lefebvre, chroniqueuse : « Ces 4 femmes se sont permises d'interrompre un spectacle d'un homme innocenté... Je sais que pour ces femmes, être innocenté ne compte pas » - 09/12

Les Grandes Gueules

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 2:44


Aujourd'hui, Élina Dumont, intervenante sociale, Charles Consigny, avocat, et Barbara Lefebvre, professeur d'histoiregéographie, débattent de l'actualité autour d'Alain Marschall et Olivier Truchot.

Le grand journal du soir - Matthieu Belliard
A.Abittan/Militantes : «très grave d'accuser quelqu'un de viol alors qu'il a été innocenté» rappelle F.de Rugy

Le grand journal du soir - Matthieu Belliard

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 9:58


Invités : Eric Naulleau, journalisteGauthier Le Bret, journaliste politiqueLouis de Raguennel, journaliste politiqueFrançois de Rugy, ancien ministre et ancien président de l'Assemblée nationaleSabrina Medjebeur, essayisteBenoit Perrin, directeur général contribuables associésHébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Danger with Grainger: Innocent, Innocent (EP4861)

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 32:01 Transcription Available


Today's Mystery: A young man is found standing on an estate where a murder was committed. He's holding a gun used to commit a murder, but he swears he didn't do it.Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957Originating from AustraliaStarring: Harp McGuire as Steve GraingerSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Loren, Patreon supporter since September 2021.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.netMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Marked by Grace
Tyler Robinson, the Death Penalty, and Being Pro-Life

Marked by Grace

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 8:34


Is it contradictory to be pro-life and support the death penalty? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this controversial question by examining what the Bible teaches about protecting innocent life, God's justice, and the role of government in punishing murder.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question1:10 - Who Tyler Robinson is1:55 - The question: Is supporting death penalty pro-life?2:04 - The answer: Yes, if found guilty2:23 - Addressing the apparent contradiction3:02 - Exodus 20:13: You shall not murder3:25 - Death penalty based on the sixth commandment3:43 - Genesis 9:6: Shedding blood for shedding blood4:17 - Both positions hate murder4:31 - Erica Kirk's remarkable forgiveness5:54 - Personal vs. governmental forgiveness6:16 - Sin against the individual and the state6:41 - Romans 13:3-4: The state as God's servant7:19 - The government's role in divine justice8:04 - Final answer: Yes, it is pro-lifeKey Topics CoveredThe Pro-Life Foundation - Understanding the biblical command against murdering innocent lifeMurder vs. Capital Punishment - Why the sixth commandment informs both positionsGenesis 9:6 Principle - Life is so precious that taking it forfeits your ownThe Image of God - Why human life has such sacred valueInnocent vs. Guilty Life - The crucial distinction in pro-life ethicsErica Kirk's Forgiveness - A remarkable demonstration of grace and mercyPersonal vs. State Forgiveness - Why individual forgiveness doesn't eliminate state responsibilityRomans 13 Teaching - The God-ordained role of government in justiceThe Sword of Justice - Understanding the state as God's avenger against wrongdoingProtecting Society - Why enforcing consequences for murder defends all lifeScripture ReferencesExodus 20:13 - The sixth commandment against murderGenesis 9:6 - Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shedRomans 13:3-4 - The state as God's servant bearing the swordAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Manga Machinations
571 - Twiple Dip 16 - Innocent Rouge 1

Manga Machinations

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 97:06


The whole crew is back together to check out more Shin'ichi Sakamoto with Innocent Rouge! We also discuss the live-action Look Back movie, Pluribus, CLAMP's COLOR KURO, the end of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, and more!!! Send us emails! mangamachinations@gmail.com  Follow us on Social Media! @mangamacpodcast Check out our website! https://mangamachinations.com Support us on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/mangamac  Check out our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/mangamactv Check out our new gaming channel! https://www.youtube.com/@NakayoshiGaming/  Timestamps: Intro - 00:00:00 Live-Action Look Back - 00:02:47 Pluribus - 00:05:55 CLAMP Official Artbook: COLOR KURO - 00:13:07 Kozure Doushin - 00:20:42 2.5 Dimensional Seduction - 00:23:26 Next Episode Preview - 00:43:40 Innocent Rouge 1 - 00:44:14 Outro - 01:35:20 Song Credits: "Hopscotch" by Louis Adrien "Jiggin the Jig" by Bless & the Professionals "Green Light" by Emily Lewis "Tasty Bites" by ZISO

Dark Side of Wikipedia | True Crime & Dark History
He Dismembered His Wife and Says He's Innocent — Attorney Breaks Down Everything | Brian Walshe Trial

Dark Side of Wikipedia | True Crime & Dark History

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 45:01


Brian Walshe is on trial right now in Dedham, Massachusetts for the first-degree murder of his wife Ana — a 39-year-old real estate executive, immigrant from Serbia, and mother of three young boys. Ana was last seen alive in the early hours of New Year's Day 2023. Her body has never been found. But what prosecutors and the defense agree on is this: Brian Walshe dismembered her remains and discarded them in dumpsters across the region. He's already pleaded guilty to that. He just says he didn't kill her. The defense theory is unlike anything we've seen in a high-profile murder case. Attorney Larry Tipton told jurors that Ana Walshe died suddenly and unexpectedly in bed — no cause, no explanation — and that Brian panicked. He didn't think anyone would believe it was natural. So instead of calling 911, he made a series of catastrophic decisions that included internet searches for "best way to dispose of a body," "hacksaw best tool for dismembering," and research into a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." The defense says those searches prove panic, not premeditation. Prosecutors see it differently. They've told the jury this was a planned killing motivated by money and betrayal. Ana had $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming Brian as the sole beneficiary. She was also having an affair with William Fastow, a D.C. real estate broker — and prosecutors say Brian knew. His phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day, less than a week before Ana vanished. The internet searches, prosecutors argue, aren't evidence of panic. They're a roadmap. In this full breakdown, defense attorney and former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins me to dissect every angle of this case. We start with the defense strategy: the decision to plead guilty to the lesser charges, the viability of the "sudden death" theory, and whether putting Walshe on the stand is a necessary gamble. Then we dig into the prosecution's case: the digital evidence, the insurance motive, the affair, and the challenges of proving first-degree murder without a body. Finally, we examine the trial dynamics — including the Michael Proctor scandal, Walshe's jail stabbing and mental competency evaluation, and what to watch as this case heads toward a verdict. This is a case that will test the limits of circumstantial evidence and force a jury to answer an almost impossible question: Can you believe a man who admits he cut up his wife when he says he didn't kill her? #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #MurderTrial #EricFaddis #DefenseAttorney #FormerProsecutor #FullBreakdown #NoBodyMurder #Dismemberment #LifeInsurance #GoogleSearches #MichaelProctor #KarenRead #Massachusetts #TrueCrime #CourtTV #TrialAnalysis #Cohasset #SuddenDeathDefense #WilliamFastow #FirstDegreeMurder #CircumstantialEvidence #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast #LegalAnalysis #DeepDive Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
He Dismembered His Wife and Says He's Innocent — Attorney Breaks Down Everything | Brian Walshe Trial

Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 45:01


Brian Walshe is on trial right now in Dedham, Massachusetts for the first-degree murder of his wife Ana — a 39-year-old real estate executive, immigrant from Serbia, and mother of three young boys. Ana was last seen alive in the early hours of New Year's Day 2023. Her body has never been found. But what prosecutors and the defense agree on is this: Brian Walshe dismembered her remains and discarded them in dumpsters across the region. He's already pleaded guilty to that. He just says he didn't kill her. The defense theory is unlike anything we've seen in a high-profile murder case. Attorney Larry Tipton told jurors that Ana Walshe died suddenly and unexpectedly in bed — no cause, no explanation — and that Brian panicked. He didn't think anyone would believe it was natural. So instead of calling 911, he made a series of catastrophic decisions that included internet searches for "best way to dispose of a body," "hacksaw best tool for dismembering," and research into a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." The defense says those searches prove panic, not premeditation. Prosecutors see it differently. They've told the jury this was a planned killing motivated by money and betrayal. Ana had $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming Brian as the sole beneficiary. She was also having an affair with William Fastow, a D.C. real estate broker — and prosecutors say Brian knew. His phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day, less than a week before Ana vanished. The internet searches, prosecutors argue, aren't evidence of panic. They're a roadmap. In this full breakdown, defense attorney and former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins me to dissect every angle of this case. We start with the defense strategy: the decision to plead guilty to the lesser charges, the viability of the "sudden death" theory, and whether putting Walshe on the stand is a necessary gamble. Then we dig into the prosecution's case: the digital evidence, the insurance motive, the affair, and the challenges of proving first-degree murder without a body. Finally, we examine the trial dynamics — including the Michael Proctor scandal, Walshe's jail stabbing and mental competency evaluation, and what to watch as this case heads toward a verdict. This is a case that will test the limits of circumstantial evidence and force a jury to answer an almost impossible question: Can you believe a man who admits he cut up his wife when he says he didn't kill her? #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #MurderTrial #EricFaddis #DefenseAttorney #FormerProsecutor #FullBreakdown #NoBodyMurder #Dismemberment #LifeInsurance #GoogleSearches #MichaelProctor #KarenRead #Massachusetts #TrueCrime #CourtTV #TrialAnalysis #Cohasset #SuddenDeathDefense #WilliamFastow #FirstDegreeMurder #CircumstantialEvidence #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast #LegalAnalysis #DeepDive Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

My Crazy Family | A Podcast of Crazy Family Stories
He Dismembered His Wife and Says He's Innocent — Attorney Breaks Down Everything | Brian Walshe Trial

My Crazy Family | A Podcast of Crazy Family Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 45:01


Brian Walshe is on trial right now in Dedham, Massachusetts for the first-degree murder of his wife Ana — a 39-year-old real estate executive, immigrant from Serbia, and mother of three young boys. Ana was last seen alive in the early hours of New Year's Day 2023. Her body has never been found. But what prosecutors and the defense agree on is this: Brian Walshe dismembered her remains and discarded them in dumpsters across the region. He's already pleaded guilty to that. He just says he didn't kill her. The defense theory is unlike anything we've seen in a high-profile murder case. Attorney Larry Tipton told jurors that Ana Walshe died suddenly and unexpectedly in bed — no cause, no explanation — and that Brian panicked. He didn't think anyone would believe it was natural. So instead of calling 911, he made a series of catastrophic decisions that included internet searches for "best way to dispose of a body," "hacksaw best tool for dismembering," and research into a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." The defense says those searches prove panic, not premeditation. Prosecutors see it differently. They've told the jury this was a planned killing motivated by money and betrayal. Ana had $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming Brian as the sole beneficiary. She was also having an affair with William Fastow, a D.C. real estate broker — and prosecutors say Brian knew. His phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day, less than a week before Ana vanished. The internet searches, prosecutors argue, aren't evidence of panic. They're a roadmap. In this full breakdown, defense attorney and former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins me to dissect every angle of this case. We start with the defense strategy: the decision to plead guilty to the lesser charges, the viability of the "sudden death" theory, and whether putting Walshe on the stand is a necessary gamble. Then we dig into the prosecution's case: the digital evidence, the insurance motive, the affair, and the challenges of proving first-degree murder without a body. Finally, we examine the trial dynamics — including the Michael Proctor scandal, Walshe's jail stabbing and mental competency evaluation, and what to watch as this case heads toward a verdict. This is a case that will test the limits of circumstantial evidence and force a jury to answer an almost impossible question: Can you believe a man who admits he cut up his wife when he says he didn't kill her? #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #MurderTrial #EricFaddis #DefenseAttorney #FormerProsecutor #FullBreakdown #NoBodyMurder #Dismemberment #LifeInsurance #GoogleSearches #MichaelProctor #KarenRead #Massachusetts #TrueCrime #CourtTV #TrialAnalysis #Cohasset #SuddenDeathDefense #WilliamFastow #FirstDegreeMurder #CircumstantialEvidence #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast #LegalAnalysis #DeepDive Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

North Valley Baptist Church
Faith Alone: Wise and Innocent

North Valley Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 55:34


This week Pastor Scott is back to look at Romans 16 verses 19-23.

Tudoriferous
S1 - 047 Pope Innocent VIII - Part One

Tudoriferous

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 106:46


The worst pope who ever poped?  In Part One we didn't think so......   Relevant Episodes:  Cameo 25 - Prince Djem | Tudoriferous The Rise and Fall of the Medici Bank | Tudoriferous S1 - 040 - Pope Julius II - Part Two | Tudoriferous S1 - 035 Charles VIII of France, Part One | Tudoriferous   Join our Patreon family for yet more episodes and to join our Discord - Tudoriferous | creating a Podcast discussing the great, good and mad Tudor Era | Patreon

Pratt on Texas
Episode 3870: Trump pardons Texas Dem whose seat we need to win | 5th Circuit favorable to Tx election integrity law – Pratt on Texas 12/3/2025

Pratt on Texas

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 43:44


The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Texas Democrat Congressman Henry Cuellar of Laredo pardoned by President Trump. Cuellar and his wife were under indictment for what seemed to be political retribution from the Biden Administration but now, with no trial we'll never fully know. A strong candidate for the GOP just announced his campaign for TX28 yesterday so will this hurt or help? One thing to remember is that Cuellar, who almost lost last time to an underfunded Republican, has a Democratic Party Primary opponent this time who said of the pardon: “Innocent people do not take pardons.”Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.TX19: Conservative leader and Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley officially announced a run for Congress yesterday. Corley is not a banquets and balls self-promoting politician. He's an in-the-trenches worker for conservative government – sort of a working man's rep.In oral argument, it appears the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will likely back Texas' election integrity law clamping down on electioneering related to mail-in ballots.Texas DPS and border patrol continue to interdict illegal aliens making it across the border with several big busts in recent days.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

California Underground
Stockton's Brutal Gang Wars: Innocent People Caught in the Crossfire

California Underground

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 73:11


On this episode of the California Underground, Phil and Camille discuss the recent tragedy in Stockton where a shooting at a birthday party left 4 dead and 11 wounded. They discuss the problem with crime in Stockton, the history of gang violence, and the laws in California that go soft on gang violence. They also discuss California spending $450 million on a new 911 system, only to scrap it and start over. Finally, President Trump sues California over in state tuition for undocumented students. Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can't talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date  12.2.25*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveJoin the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/ 

Stu Does America
Ep 1155 | Joe Biden's Awful Decisions and Policies Are STILL Hurting Innocent Americans | Guest: Kamden Mulder

Stu Does America

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 46:21


Stu Burguiere examines the latest in the atrocious shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last week and obliterates the media's worst takes as they try to avoid the (rightful) blame that should be placed on Joe Biden and his administration. Then, National Review's Kamden Mulder joins to explain why the good work of pregnancy centers is poised for a resurgence as more and more Planned Parenthood offices are shut down. And are Cory Booker's "Tears of Rage" going to turn into "Tears of Joy"? Stu has the details.  TODAY'S SPONSORS AMERICAN GIANT CLOTHING Buy American today at http://www.american-giant.com/STU and save 20% when you use the name ‘STU' at checkout REAL ESTATE AGENTS I TRUST For more information, please visit http://www.realestateagentsitrust.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mysteries and Histories
199: Patty Stallings: an innocent mother in prison

Mysteries and Histories

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 27:02


In 1989, Patty Stallings rushed her sick infant son to the hospital, unaware that this desperate act would ignite one of the most shocking wrongful conviction cases in American history. What doctors believed was poisoning was actually a rare genetic disorder. But before the truth could surface, Patty was arrested, charged with murder, and forced to grieve the loss of her child from behind bars. Join us as we examine the heartbreaking story of Patty Stallings - a mother fighting to clear her name - and the lesson her case still teaches about justice, science, and the devastating cost of getting it wrong.

Cold Case Files
REOPENED: Innocent Prey

Cold Case Files

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 22:37


A serial rapist is terrorizing women around Portland, Oregon, and investigators are faced with an endless list of potential suspects until a hunch finally pays off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Answer Me This!
AMT412: Widow's Peaks, Mixtapes and Garlic

Answer Me This!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 61:45


AMT412's questioneers want to know why Innocent smoothies wear little woolly hats, how to increase someone's spice tolerance, whether someone making you a mixtape is definitely a sign of romantic interest, and what to do about similarly-named strangers using your email address. For more information about this episode, visit answermethispodcast.com/episode412 Got questions for us to answer, or feedback about an episode? Send them in writing or as a voice note to answermethispodcast@googlemail.com, or you can call 0208 123 5877 like the old days. AMT413 will be in your podfeed 24 December 2025, and halfway through the month you'll get an episode of our new feature Answer Us Back in your podfeed, full of your own contributions to AMT questions recent and ancient. Become a patron at patreon.com/answermethis to help with the continuing existence of AMT. All tiers get an ad-free version of the episode, plus bonus material each month, and our live video question-answering session Petty Problems which is next happening 18 January 2026; but spend a bit more and you get access to an RSS feed with ALL the AMT stuff EVER, including our entire back catalogue, our six themed albums, the retro AMTs, and every Bit of Crapp from the AMT App.  This episode is sponsored by Squarespace, the all in one platform for creating and running your online empire. Go to squarespace.com/answer, have a play around during the two-week free trial, and when you're ready to launch, get a 10% discount on your first purchase of a website or domain with the code ANSWER. Thanks to Naked Wines for sponsoring AMT, and for providing bottles straight from world-class winemakers, cutting out the middleman, delivered to your door. Head to nakedwines.co.uk/answer to get a £30 voucher on your first 6 pack, including free delivery.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wretched Radio
How Can A Legal Example Help Us Understand God’s Mercy?

Wretched Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 55:00


It's Witness Wednesday! Todd talks with Michael and Thomas on campus at Kennesaw State University. Simple questions turn into deep conversations about Christianity and true, saving faith. This engaging episode is packed with reflective dialogues that challenge and inspire listeners to think about their spiritual journeys. SEGMENT 1 • Michael claims he's a Christian but struggles to explain what salvation really is. • Todd exposes the gap between simply saying you believe and understanding sin, judgment, and grace. • The courtroom analogy surfaces a shocking question: Innocent… or guilty? SEGMENT 2 • Michael insists God would still call him innocent because He is forgiving. • Todd explains why mercy without justice would make God unjust. • The gospel is clearly presented: sin debt paid, record cleared, righteousness given. SEGMENT 3 • Michael defines salvation as things that we can do. • Todd corrects the confusion: new birth comes from grace, not effort. • Todd asks: What's stopping you from surrendering today? SEGMENT 4 • Thomas trusts baptism and moral effort to secure heaven. • Todd dismantles “saved by works” with the law and courtroom example. • Thomas hears the gospel: Jesus pays, we receive by faith. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

The News & Why It Matters
Career Criminal Unleashed on Innocent Woman | 11/24/25

The News & Why It Matters

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 49:54


Another young woman gets attacked, allegedly by a repeat offender who was released from jail by a Democrat judge. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. ordered the CDC to remove from its website the claim that vaccines do not cause autism. Dr. Andy Wakefield joins to discuss the connection between vaccines and autism. NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani meets with President Trump in the Oval Office. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) wants people to be able to vote by phone. Local media is dying a slow death, so the FCC wants to remove the restrictions on how many stations networks can own. Daniel Suhr weighs in on the debate.   ► Subscribe to “Sara Gonzales Unfiltered”!https://www.youtube.com/@SaraGonzalesUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1Today's   Sponsors:   ►CBDistillerySave up to 60% during CBDistillery's Black Friday Sale. Just head to https://www.cbdistillery.com and use code VIP.   ►BlueChew Try your first month of BlueChew free when you use promo code SARA at https://www.bluechew.com and just pay $5 for shipping.   ► PreBornDonate securely at https://www.preborn.com/sara or dial #250, keyword BABY.   ► BlazeTVJoin today at https://www.blazetv.com/SARA and get $20 off right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers
133 - Bruce Springsteen - The Wild, the Innocent & the E-Street Shuffle - Eric Roberts

The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 94:19


***This show is brought to you by DistroKid. Go to http://distrokid.com/vip/the500 for 30% off your first year!*** This is the Springsteen album where he embraced R&B, jazz-tinged swing, horn sections, extended narratives, and cinematic moods. It makes a bridge between his folk‐inflected beginnings and the grander rock epics to come. Eric Roberts joins Josh to discuss an album that has become a fan-favorite.  Follow Eric on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/ericrobertsactor DistroKid Artist Of The Week: Keaton Simmons https://youtu.be/g2qRb7je9k0?si=4jh9h7tEX63BbFJJ Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshadammeyers/ Follow Josh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshadammeyers Follow Josh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoshAdamMeyers Follow Josh on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshameyers Josh's Website: https://www.joshadammeyers.com/ Follow DJ Morty Coyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmortycoyle/ https://www.instagram.com/alldaysucker/ Follow The 500 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the500podcast/ Follow The 500 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/the500podcast Follow The 500 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The500PodcastWithJAM/ Email the show: 500podcast@gmail.com Check the show's website: http://the500podcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices