A podcast exploring life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer. Episodes are published on the 1st & 15th every month. With intimate interviews, folk punk & my own personal experiences, I explore how we can show up for the story of life. There's no reason to do this alone, we can learn from each other, even if we make some mistakes along the way. Join me as I embark on a journey to figure out how to find meaning & balance, navigate relationships & culture, all while growing with y ...
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Crime Clueless dives into the world of true crime with a unique twist: a seasoned fan guides complete newbies through chilling cases, unraveling mysteries and unexpected twists together. Whether you're new to true crime or a seasoned sleuth, get ready to go from clueless to obsessed!
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The Psychology of an Alibi: How Liars Cover Their Tracks
45:50
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45:50What do Scott Peterson, Chris Watts, and a surprisingly incriminating Fitbit all have in common? Bad alibis—and worse lies. In this episode, Jenna and Kayla pull back the curtain on how killers fake innocence, from phony fishing trips to emotionless press conferences. We dive into the psychology of deception, the verbal and behavioral red flags inv…
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Friendship, Film & The Waves Of Folk Punk w/ Jak of Shibby Pictures #54
51:13
51:13
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51:13Jak & Pepe delve into the evolution of folk punk, discussing its origins, the impact of key bands like Days N Daze, & the role of music videos in the genre. They explore the various waves of folk punk, the importance of documenting the scene, & the deliberate approach some contemporary artists take in their music & performances. The discussion also…
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The Axeman of New Orleans: A Jazz-Age Nightmare
1:12:12
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1:12:12From 1918 to 1919, a mysterious figure wielding an axe terrorized the streets of New Orleans. His victims were often asleep, his weapon usually their own, and his signature? A chilling letter promising to spare any home playing jazz music. In this one-hour deep dive, we unravel the full timeline of the Axeman’s reign—from the first brutal murders t…
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One Night in Vermont: The Vanishing of Brianna Maitland
1:08:29
1:08:29
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1:08:29On a chilly March night in 2004, 17-year-old Brianna Maitland clocked out from her shift at the Black Lantern Inn in rural Vermont and was never seen again. The next morning, her car was discovered mysteriously backed into an abandoned barn just off a quiet road—driver’s door open, her medication and purse inside, and her uncashed paycheck still si…
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MC Homeless on Connecting Rap, Folk Punk & Dogs #53
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56:17MC Homeless & Pepe explore how the early days of folk punk & DIY rap were intertwined. They discuss the impact of early connections, memorable performances, & the evolution of MC Homeless as a rapper. They reflect on the importance of community in the music scene, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the excitement of returning to music after …
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The Carol Thompson Case: A Chilling Suburban Betrayal
1:23:20
1:23:20
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1:23:20She made breakfast. Kissed her kids goodbye. And by 9am, she was fighting for her life. In this chilling episode of Crime Clueless, we take you back to a quiet Minnesota neighborhood in 1963—where one mother’s morning routine turned into a brutal crime scene. Carol Thompson had no idea what waited for her inside the walls of her own home. And neith…
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The Hitman’s Handbook: When DIY Murder Goes off the Rails
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40:12(Summer recording had to be from a distance, and not in person. We apologize for the change in sound quality for this episode!) Think hiring a hitman is as easy as ordering takeout? Well, some people definitely think so. From clueless criminals turning to the dark web (spoiler: it’s usually an FBI sting) to hiring an undercover cop instead of a kil…
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Wired For Chaos: Harley Flanagan of Cro-Mags Unpacks His Story #52
1:12:16
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1:12:16summary In one of my favorite conversations to date, Harley Flanagan (founder of the Cro-Mags) explores his life story & the complexities of his experiences. Expect to hear about his family legacy, a chaotic childhood, the realities of growing up in a unique environment &, difficult topics such as abuse &, grief. He discusses the impact of punk roc…
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The Curse of Kindness: The Lottery Murder of Abraham Shakespeare
1:01:35
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1:01:35Abraham Shakespeare thought winning $30 million would change his life—and it did. Just not in the way he’d hoped. In this twisted true crime saga, we unravel the story of a Florida man who went from broke and hardworking to multimillionaire overnight, only to be manipulated, exploited, and ultimately murdered by a woman who promised to protect him.…
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Fleeing the Flames: The Story of Robert Fisher’s Escape
1:04:57
1:04:57
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1:04:57In April 2001, Robert Fisher disappeared without a trace after allegedly murdering his wife, Mary, and their two children, Brittney and Bobby, before setting their Scottsdale, Arizona home on fire. The fire was a deliberate cover-up, an explosive attempt to erase the evidence of a horrific crime. But Robert Fisher didn’t just disappear into the smo…
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Safe Journey w/ Mr. Michael Motorcycle #51
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59:10Michael Schneeweis (Mr. Michael Motorcycle / Friends In Real Life) & Pepe explore the theme of safe journeys. Pepe shares a couple of stories as metaphors for life's challenges & Michael offers his thoughts in response. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of relationships, support systems & tools in overcoming obstacles & finding safety in an unpr…
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New York City, 1924. The speakeasies were buzzing, the bobbed hair was flying, and jazz wasn’t the only thing making headlines. A string of brazen, gunpoint robberies begins sweeping through Brooklyn—each more daring than the last. But what really sets this spree apart? It’s not the cash stolen, or even the growing pile of NYPD shame. It’s who seem…
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The Highway Hunter: Tracking the I-70 Killer (part 2)
1:10:30
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1:10:30The killing spree should have ended with victim number five—but it didn’t. In this second part of our I-70 Killer deep dive, we pick up with the murder of Sarah Blessing in Raytown, Missouri, and follow the chilling possibility that the killer didn’t stop… he just changed highways. From eerily similar executions in Texas to a liquor store murder ca…
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What's Another Night? w/ Apes Of The State #50
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59:48April & Pepe delve into the themes of nostalgia, loss, & the creative process behind Apes Of The State's latest album. They discuss the personal stories that influenced the music, the collaborative nature of songwriting, & the impact of community & friendship on the artistic journey. The conversation highlights the importance of honoring loved ones…
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The Highway Hunter: Tracking the I-70 Killer (part 1)
52:04
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52:04“He didn’t run. He didn’t panic. He just walked away… like he’d done this before.” He didn’t leave calling cards. No dramatic symbols, no cryptic notes, no demands. He didn’t stalk his victims, not in any way that left a digital trail. And if anyone saw him at all, he barely made a dent in their memory—just a quiet, white man, average height, maybe…
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She Didn’t Slip Into That Chute – The story of Phoebe Handsjuk (part 2)
1:14:03
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1:14:03In Part 2 of our deep dive into the baffling death of Phoebe Handsjuk, we’re pulling back the curtain on the investigation—and it’s not pretty. From missing security footage to bizarre crime scene oversights, this episode unpacks the behind-the-scenes missteps that left a grieving family with more questions than answers. We’ll break down the leadin…
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Exploring Liminal Spaces w/ Myles Bullen #49
52:37
52:37
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52:37Answering questions submitted by fans & other musicians, Myles Bullen explores their latest album with Pepe Bandit. Myles reveals an unknown history to Pepe that has secretly connected them both for over 15 years. Themes of connection, community & cathartic music are also brought up. Myles discusses the evolution of their music, particularly the tr…
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She Didn’t Slip Into That Chute – The story of Phoebe Handsjuk (part 1)
48:04
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48:04When 24-year-old Phoebe Handsjuk was found dead at the bottom of a luxury apartment building’s garbage chute—missing a shoe, her foot nearly severed, and surrounded by trash—the official word was “accidental death.” But… excuse us, what now? In this head-scratching episode, we dive 12 stories deep into a case that makes zero sense the more you lear…
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Facebook Feud Murder – The Billie Jean and Billy Payne Case
1:15:43
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1:15:43It started with a friend request. Then a petty comment. Then a block. Then… murder. In this jaw-dropping episode of Crime Clueless, we’re diving into one of the pettiest—and most tragic—double murders ever linked to a social media fight: the killings of Billie Jean Hayworth and Billy Payne, two young parents gunned down in their home in Mountain Ci…
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Murder at the Lil’ Champ – The Terry Paquette Case
1:05:24
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1:05:24On a quiet February morning in 1996, 31-year-old Terry Paquette showed up early to work at the Lil’ Champ convenience store in Orlando. Hours later, his coworkers walked into one of the most horrifying crime scenes the area had ever seen—Terry was found brutally murdered in the store’s bathroom. He had been stabbed 73 times, his throat was slashed,…
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The Last Circus - Four Movies w/ Spoken Nerd (pt. 2) #48
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51:59In part two of the 4 movies series, Spoken Nerd talks with Pepe Bandit about The Last Circus. A film they both loved so much it got its own episode dedicated to it. This is one of Pepe's all time favorite movies...Tune in to see what the hype is all about! Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind HIGHLIGHTS: The Las…
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Til Death (or a Suspicious Fall) Do Us Part
1:07:05
1:07:05
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1:07:05When ophthalmologist Toni Henthorn set off on a romantic anniversary hike with her husband, Harold, she had no idea she was about to take her last step. What should have been a scenic, love-filled getaway ended in tragedy when she mysteriously fell 140 feet to her death in Rocky Mountain National Park. Harold, ever the devoted husband (cough), had …
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Blood and Betrayal: The Haysom Case
1:07:26
1:07:26
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1:07:26In 1985, a quiet home in Bedford County, Virginia, became the scene of a brutal double murder. Derek and Nancy Haysom, a well-respected couple, were found savagely slain in their own home—a crime that shocked the community and left investigators searching for answers. At first glance, the Haysoms seemed to have no enemies. Who could have wanted the…
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Who Killed Pentagon Official Jack Wheeler?
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1:01:08
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1:01:08A respected Pentagon insider. A cybersecurity expert with government ties. A man who helped shape U.S. military policy—found beaten to death, discarded in a landfill. In the final days of 2010, John "Jack" Wheeler III was seen wandering the streets, confused and disoriented, claiming his briefcase had been stolen. Days later, his bruised and batter…
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Crazy & The Brains on Facing Criticism, Being Less Judgmental & Living Life In A Fearless Way #47
49:29
49:29
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49:29"I try to live my life in a fearless way" Christoph Jesus of Crazy & The Brains, shares his journey as an artist, recalling experiences performing with various bands, the differences between opening & headlining shows, & the challenges of facing criticism. He emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom & the essence of punk rock, which he believe…
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How to Survive Stalking – The Ultimate Safety Guide
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1:05:29Stalking isn’t a meet-cute. It’s a crime. Imagine getting an anonymous text saying, “Nice dress today.” But you never told anyone where you’d be. Or noticing the same car outside your house… every night. It’s creepy, it’s unsettling, and for millions of people, it’s reality. In this episode of How to Survive, Jenna and Shannon break down everything…
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The Perfect Frame Job—Until It Wasn’t
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1:00:27
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1:00:27The Perfect Frame Job—Until It Wasn’t The Twisted Truth Behind the Murder of Betsy Faria What happens when the justice system gets it completely wrong? When an innocent man is sent to prison while the real killer walks free—living comfortably off the victim’s life insurance? In this episode, we unravel the shocking twists and deadly deception behin…
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Step inside one of the most mysterious homes in America—the Winchester Mystery House. In this episode, we unravel the captivating story of Sarah Winchester, the grieving heiress who poured her fortune into building a sprawling, bizarre mansion. With its twisting hallways, staircases to nowhere, and doors that open into thin air, the house defies ex…
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A Friend, A Lover, A Killer: The Murder of Betty Gore (part 3 of 3)
1:13:36
1:13:36
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1:13:36The trial of Candy Montgomery is underway, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In the final chapter of our series on the Betty Gore case, we take you inside the courtroom as the prosecution argues this was a brutal, rage-fueled attack, while the defense presents a shocking claim of self-defense—bolstered by hypnosis. As jaw-dropping testimony unfold…
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Four Movies w/ Spoken Nerd (pt. 1) Beast Of The Southern Wild, Accion Mutante, The Substance #46
1:09:55
1:09:55
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1:09:55Spoken Nerd & Pepe Bandit each pick two movies for the other to watch & then discuss with you. This episode explores 3 of those films, Beast Of The Southern Wild, Accion Mutante, & The Substance. Check out the movie previews (linked below.) Then in part 2 of this series, they dedicate the entire episode to The Last Circus (you might want to watch i…
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A Friend, A Lover, A Killer: The Murder of Betty Gore (part 2 of 3)
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50:44With Betty Gore’s brutal murder sending shockwaves through Wylie, Texas, the case against Candy Montgomery begins to take shape. As investigators close in, Candy turns to an unlikely ally—Don Crowder, a defense attorney with no murder trial experience but a bold approach to the case. Meanwhile, she meets with psychiatrist Dr. Fason, a move that hin…
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A Friend, A Lover, A Killer: The Murder of Betty Gore (part 1 of 3)
1:07:28
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1:07:28The peaceful town of Wylie, Texas, is the kind of place where neighbors are friends, church is the center of social life, and nothing truly bad ever happens—until it does. Betty Gore, a schoolteacher and mother of two, is settling into life with a newborn, but something feels off. Her husband, Allan, is traveling for work more often, leaving her al…
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Series - Exploring the Psychology of Serial Killers: In the Mind of a Serial Killer, The Making of a Monster (ep. 1)
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47:43What drives someone to kill—and keep killing? In the first episode of The Psychology of Serial Killers series, we take a deep dive into the minds of those who commit the most chilling crimes. From childhood warning signs to the dark triad of personality traits, we explore what makes a serial killer tick. Are they born with a predisposition to murde…
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Sherri Rasmussen: A Life Stolen, Justice Long Fought For
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56:30Sherri Rasmussen was a bright and compassionate nurse with a promising future, tragically cut short in 1986. Her murder remained unsolved for over two decades until a shocking twist revealed the truth: a killer hiding in plain sight. Join us as we unravel Sherri's story, from her remarkable life and devastating loss to her family’s relentless pursu…
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The Taxpayers - Nobody Is A Lost Cause #45
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1:04:17In this conversation, Rob & Noah from TheTaxpayers discuss their journey back to music after nearly a decade without a new album. They explore the themes of their upcoming release 'Circle Breaker', including trauma, loss, & the hope that follows. The band reflects on the resurgence of interest in their music, particularly through platforms like Tik…
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Exploring the Mystery and Legacy of Kurt Cobain (Part 2)
1:23:28
1:23:28
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1:23:28With Guest Shelley Markov, Host of the Shit Apple Podcast In Part Two of our deep dive into the death of Kurt Cobain, we shift our focus to the unanswered questions, suspicious details, and the alternative theories that refuse to fade away. From the baffling lack of fingerprints on the shotgun to the inconsistencies in the official investigation, w…
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Exploring the Mystery and Legacy of Kurt Cobain - Part 1 with Guest Shelley Markov
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54:23Today we dive deep into the enigmatic life and untimely death of Kurt Cobain, the legendary frontman of Nirvana. In this episode, Jenna is joined by Shelley, host of “The Shit Apple Podcast” to dig into this wild case. We explore his meteoric rise to fame, the struggles behind the spotlight, and the unanswered questions surrounding his tragic end. …
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A One-Way Trip: The Unsolved Mystery of Patti Adkins
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1:05:43On June 29, 2001, Patricia “Patti” Adkins clocked out of her shift at the Honda plant in Marysville, Ohio, and stepped into what was supposed to be the beginning of a secret getaway with a man she thought she knew. But she was never seen again. With no body, no crime scene, and a web of lies surrounding her disappearance, investigators were left wi…
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The Greed, Betrayal, and Ultimate Downfall of Robert Marshall
1:34:51
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1:34:51Join us in this Valentines Month Special. Host Jenna is joined by her husband Brandon to dive into the Marshall case from the 1980s. Robert Marshall had it all—wealth, status, and a picture-perfect life in Toms River, New Jersey. But beneath the surface? He was drowning in debt, tangled in affairs, and desperate for a way out. When his wife, Maria,…
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Love As Resistance Behind Bars w/ Eric King #44
1:00:39
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1:00:39In this conversation, former political prisoner Eric King shares his experience of incarceration & the profound impact of relationships during his time in prison. He discusses the journey that led him to federal prison, the challenges of maintaining connections with loved ones, & the unique bond he formed with his wife, Rochelle. He highlights the …
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The Springfield Three: A 30 Year Mystery
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1:05:40In the early hours of June 7, 1992, three women—Sherrill Levitt, her daughter Suzie Streeter, and Suzie’s friend Stacy McCall—disappeared from a quiet home in Springfield, Missouri. Their cars were left in the driveway, their belongings untouched, and their house eerily undisturbed. Over 30 years later, this baffling case remains unsolved. Join us …
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The Tylenol Murders: A Case That Shook America (part 2)
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48:21The nation is in shock. Extra-Strength Tylenol—trusted in millions of households—has been weaponized, and no one knows who is responsible. The recall has begun, but the damage is already done. Seven people have died, and investigators now face a daunting task: tracking down the killer before they strike again. In this episode of Crime Clueless, we …
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The Tylenol Murders: A Case That Shook America (part 1)
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49:43On September 29, 1982, an ordinary morning turned into a nightmare when 12-year-old Mary Kellerman took an Extra-Strength Tylenol capsule and collapsed minutes later. Within hours, more lives were lost—including three members of the same family. What at first seemed like a string of medical emergencies soon revealed itself to be something far more …
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Recalling The Early Pat The Bunny / Johnny Hobo Days (part 3) w/ Brook Pridemore #43
1:02:44
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1:02:44For the final installment of our Johnny Hobo Q&A, Brook Pridemore joins Pepe to offer some more perspectives on the questions listeners sent in. They also discuss some of the general happenings of the folk punk scene from the mid to late 2000's. Enjoy! (There will be some additional Pat The Bunny questions answered by Pepe on our Patreon feed) Supp…
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Slipped into the Darkness: The Mystery of Brandon Swanson
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52:53A quiet rural road. A midnight phone call. A single exclamation—'Oh, shit'—before the line went silent. In this episode of Crime Clueless, we unravel the haunting disappearance of Brandon Swanson, a 19-year-old college student who seemingly vanished into thin air in the Minnesota countryside. Was it an accident, foul play, or something even strange…
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The Mystery of Elisa Lam: Secrets of the Cecil Hotel (part 2)
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47:44In this episode of Crime Clueless, we dive deep into the unsettling mystery of Elisa Lam. From the eerie surveillance footage at the Cecil Hotel to the shocking details revealed in her autopsy, we explore every angle of this haunting case. We also break down the theories that have captivated true crime enthusiasts for years: Was it a tragic acciden…
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The Mystery of Elisa Lam: Secrets of the Cecil Hotel (part 1)
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51:36In this episode, we unravel the haunting mystery of Elisa Lam, whose disappearance and tragic death at Los Angeles’ infamous Cecil Hotel captivated the world. From her last-known moments captured in the unsettling elevator footage to the grim discovery in a rooftop water tank, we delve into the investigation, the theories, and the unanswered questi…
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Friends In Real Life discussed by April (Apes Of The State) & Ceschi (Codefendants) Bonus Episode!!!
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25:57Wondering what the upcoming Friends In Real Life album will be like? Well, here's a sneak peek... The day after Pat (fka Pat The Bunny) announced he will be releasing music for the first time in 10 years, Pepe decided to chat with friends April Hartman of Apes Of The State & Julio "Ceschi" Ramos of Codefendants about the new album. Expect to hear w…
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Recalling The Early Pat The Bunny / Johnny Hobo Days (part 2) w/ Pepe Bandit #42
1:01:11
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1:01:11***Please take the poll in the Spotify show notes & tell us what Johnny Hobo music we should repress on vinyl*** Pepe answers questions you all sent in, largely about Pat The Bunny during the Johnny Hobo days while also reflecting on his own journey through the folk punk scene. He shares personal stories of struggle, inspiration, & the DIY ethos th…
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Cold Case Cracked: The Murder of Robin Lawrence
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47:14In this episode of Crime Clueless, we dive into the harrowing case of Robin Lawrence, a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short in her Springfield, Virginia, home in 1994. For nearly three decades, the brutal murder remained a cold case—until modern DNA technology and determined investigators unraveled the mystery. Join us as we explore R…
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