Locked Out & Locked In: Madison Holleran’s Mask of Perfection and Inner Pain
Release Date: 07/18/2025
The Idaho Four: A Tragedy’s Ripple Effect, Media, and the Search for Answers
Secret Passage Podcast
In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we dive into the chilling Idaho Four murder case, exploring the tragic events, the investigation, the media's handling of the case, and the emotional toll on victims’ friends and families. We look at the psychology of Bryan Kohberger, and discuss how early intervention might prevent such tragedies. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch...
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Stanford’s Failure: The Tragic Death of Star Student Athlete Katie Meyer
Secret Passage Podcast
In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we explore the tragic story of Katie Meyer, a star Stanford soccer player and team captain who took her life in 2022 after facing a harsh disciplinary process. We discuss the institutional failures of Stanford’s Office of Community Standards, which pursued action against Meyer for spilling hot coffee on a football player in defense of a teammate, despite neither party wanting to escalate the issue. We look at the immense pressure Meyer faced, the lack of mental health support, and the resulting Katie Meyer’s Law, which ensures students have an...
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Locked Out & Locked In: Madison Holleran’s Mask of Perfection and Inner Pain
Secret Passage Podcast
In this episode of The Secret Passage Podcast we discuss Madison Holleran, a 19-year-old University of Pennsylvania student and elite athlete who died by suicide in 2014. Despite her outward success and curated social media presence, Madison struggled with the transition to college life and became depressed. We discuss how societal expectations, social media, and unrecognized mental health struggles can create a silent crisis, even in those who seem to "have it all." Links: What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan: Madison Holleran Foundation: Suicide...
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Tragedy in the Basement: Castle Doctrine, Fear, and the Failures of the VA
Secret Passage Podcast
In this episode we explore the controversial Byron Smith case, the murders of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady. We discuss the legal and ethical questions surrounding self-defense, the Castle Doctrine, and the impact of military service and trauma on mental health. Join our Patreon community! Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver
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Patreon Bonus Episode Sneak Peek! Producer's Corner: Prepping
Secret Passage Podcast
This week's episode provides a sneak peek into the kind of content we offer on our Patreon. Our producer, Tim, interviews us as we revisit the Prepper episode together. Join us! Join our Patreon community! Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver
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Curated Lives, Unseen Costs: Mimetic Desire, Shame, and Social Media Fame
Secret Passage Podcast
Join us for the season finale of the Secret Passage Podcast. We look at the world of parasocial relationships, exploring how social media and influencers create an illusion of intimacy that fuels both fandom and fierce criticism. From nostalgic celebrity crushes to the devastating impact of online shaming, we unpack the emotional pull of digital connections and the dark side of snark communities. Touching on recent influencer tragedies, mimetic desire, and the psychological toll of public shaming, we question our investment in curated lives and call for more empathy in a hyper-connected world....
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Ready, Set, What Now?!: Preppers, Prepping, and Catastrophes
Secret Passage Podcast
Join us as we dive into the world of prepping. From chasing crows to save baby bunnies to dodging wildfires, we share what sparked our interest in prepping. Why do we resist preparing for disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, or even a zombie apocalypse? We explore psychological barriers, debunk myths about preppers, and offer practical tips to start small. Come along with us as we discuss self-sufficiency, community, and surviving chaos. Links: The Urban Prepper - Youtube Doomsday Preppers: National Geographic Inside the Prepper Movement: Preparing for Disaster and...
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Getting To Know Dana: A Candid Conversation
Secret Passage Podcast
In this special episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, co-host Shannon Rogers interviews Dana Vespoli for an intimate look into her life and career. From her journey in the adult industry to her reflections on its challenges and evolution, Dana shares personal stories, professional insights, and her recent spiritual journey. Join our Patreon community! Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver ...
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From My Lai to Us: War’s Dark Mirror
Secret Passage Podcast
In this episode we explore the Vietnam War, focusing on the My Lai Massacre as a lens to examine the psychological toll of war and the fragility of human morality. Links: Kill Anything That Moves by Nick Turse Vietnam War Timeline: Pulitzer Article: Four Hours in My Lai (film): Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver
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Kidfluencers: Navigating the Wild West of Social Media Stardom
Secret Passage Podcast
This week we discuss kidfluencers, exploring the ethical implications and parental responsibilities associated with children in the digital entertainment space. We look at the complexities surrounding child influencers, the psychological impacts on children, and the dilemmas faced by parents. Links: Mom Uncharted: Bad Influence: The Darkside of Kidfluencing Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke Kidfluencers: Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers...
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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers
Producer: Tim Rogers
Editor: Mitch Silver