S5 Episode 11: The Differences Between Us
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Is race written in our DNA—or is that one of the most dangerous myths of modern science? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rina Bliss, sociologist and author of What’s Real About Race: The New Genetics and the Future of Racism. With Rina, we challenge long-held assumptions about biology and race, revealing how cutting-edge genetic research is being misinterpreted in ways that reinforce inequality. We discuss why race is not a biological truth but a social construct—and why that distinction matters more than ever in the age of consumer DNA tests, precision medicine, and tech-driven...
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S5 Episode 10: Breaking the Silence - Surviving the Golden State Killer
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Kris Pedretti is the 10th known survivor of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. After remaining silent for 42 years, she now courageously shares her journey of post-traumatic growth. In this episode, Kris opens up about what it took to confront her trauma decades later, how she found her voice, and why she’s dedicated her life to empowering other survivors. Kris is a powerful voice for survivor advocacy, participating in national podcasts, documentaries, and public speaking engagements to raise awareness and promote healing. She travels the country speaking at conferences on...
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S5 Episode 9: Are the Kids Alright?
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Why does parenting feel so much harder today? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Runyon, a former child psychotherapist turned parent coach, author, and keynote speaker with over 22 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. Nicole brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between generations, helping adults truly understand what’s going on inside the minds of today’s kids. We talk about how technology is reshaping childhood, the emotional toll of growing up in today’s world, and why so much mainstream parenting advice misses the mark. Nicole shares practical insights...
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S5 Episode 8: Celebrating the Weird and Wonderful - Windy City Paranormal Fest
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What happens when the paranormal meets storytelling and community? Welcome to Windy City Paranormal Fest, Chicago’s celebration of all things strange and unexplained. In this episode, two of the creators, Franky Everleigh and Christina Rappel, share the story behind this unique fest, which brings together the curious and the courageous to explore everything from spirits and cryptids to psychic phenomena and UFOs. Franky and Christina are passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices in the paranormal world and fostering a community that honors both the fun and the historical weight of...
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S5 Episode 7: Health - Fad, Fact and Fiction
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What does it truly mean to be healthy in today’s world, where diet culture and social pressures shape our perceptions of wellness? Martina Cartwright helps us break down the myths surrounding "perfect" health and wellness, offering empowering insights on how to reclaim a balanced, self-compassionate approach to living well. Martina is a registered dietitian and expert with over 26 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education. She has worked in diverse fields—from pharmaceutical research to clinical dermatology—and is a pioneer in understanding how external...
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S5 Episode 6: Beyond the Pole
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We've explored the world of escort service as well as the life of an OnlyFans model. This time we thought we'd explore the industry as it pertains to strippers. NatsHoney is an industry veteran with years of experience. NatsHoney is the President of Strippers United, a labor organization led by strippers advocating for fair wages, safety, and dignity in the industry. We caught up with her to discuss her experience in the industry, how strippers face wage theft,and a lack of labor protections. NatsHoney is an entrepreneur, artist, and advocate. She founded Honey’s Artistic Pot in 2008,...
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S5 Episode 5: Essential
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What exactly is a rape kit? What goes into it? Who created it? It's a question most of us have never thought to ask. The rape kit revolutionized forensic science and gave sexual assault survivors a powerful tool in the pursuit of justice. Pagan Kennedy had questions and went on a search for answers. While digging around, she learned of Marty Goddard and her quest in the 1970s to help create a system for collecting evidence. Pagan is the author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story. She is also a journalist who has written over twelve books and countless articles. Her...
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S5 Episode 4: A Very Furry Episode
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The Furry subculture is a subculture that’s often misunderstood, misrepresented and wrapped in myth. So, what’s the real story behind the fandom? With Dr. Courtney Plante and others, we hear about the world of furries - the creativity, community, and identity of it all. Courtney is a social psychologist and co-founder of FurScience, the leading research group dedicated to studying the furry community. As an associate professor at Bishop’s University, he's spent years researching the psychology of fandoms, identity, and the power of belonging. He helps us break down common...
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S5 Episode 3: Exploring America - The Gullah Geechee Corridor
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The Gullah Geechee Corridor spans multiple states throughout the southeastern U.S. and is comprised of a deep and rich history, culture, language and lifestyle. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of enslaved Africans who worked on rice, indigo and cotton plantations throughout the south. Being enslaved on plantations on remote coastal islands allowed for them to develop and retain a strong, deep culture that is evident in their music, food, language, artwork and more. Luana Graves Sellars is the founder of the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. She is an activist and...
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S5 Episode 2: Mob Cops
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Two NYPD detectives sworn to uphold the law—yet deeply entangled in the world of organized crime. Journalist and acclaimed author Michael Cannell is back with us to discuss his gripping new book, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. Michael uncovers the shocking true story of two NYPD officers who secretly worked for the mob, carrying out hits and leaking information to some of the most dangerous crime families in New York. How did these cops manage to operate in plain sight? What led to their eventual downfall? And how did their crimes...
info_outlineInvestigative journalist Susan Zalkind unravels the chilling details behind the notorious triple homicide that occurred in September of 2011 in her hometown of Waltham, Massachusetts. This quiet town was overshadowed by an unthinkable crime, but captivates us is Susan Zalkind's uncanny ability to unveil the intricate threads weaving together the murder and its unsettling connections to the Boston Marathon bombing in April of 2013.
In this episode, we explore alongside Susan as she delves into the pages of her book, The Waltham Murders, recounting her relentless pursuit of truth amidst the shadows of a small community torn apart by violence. With gripping storytelling and meticulous research, Susan sheds light on the complexities of the case, offering insights that challenge assumptions and uncover dark secrets buried for years.
Susan Zalkind is a journalist, New Englander, author of The Waltham Murders and producer of The Murders Before The Marathon docuseries. Her work has also appeared in This American Life, the Guardian, CityLab, VICE, the Daily Beast, The Irish Times, and Boston magazine. She likes to swim in the ocean.