Best Nerd Forensics Podcasts (2025)

1
Ask a Nerd: G on Algorithm Anxiety 31:08

Play Pause

14d ago31:08

31:08

In this episode we bring back special guest Producer G! Jeannine peppers him woth all her favorite doom scrolling questions and we talk about 'The Algorithm', the secret fact that AI is so very stupid, and why TikTok is so bad for you. Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case infor…

1
Roam the K9 Hero and Fur Babies 19:43

7h ago19:43

19:43

On Wednesday August 15th, Roam the police k9 was stabbed during the police response to a domestic violence call. He was treated and is expected to make a full recovery, but it got us thinking about our animal companions. Listen in as we talk a little about our furry friends, and tell us about yours in the comments. Support the show Disclaimer: Jean…

1
Psychopath?: Chris Watts Part 2 1:10:21

5d ago1:10:21

1:10:21

Welcome back to part 2 of our discussion on the Chris Watts case. We discuss the follow up interviews by the incredible investigative team working the case, and try to unravel the big question of whether the psychopathy diagnosis fits the man behind the murders or whether there's a different set of labels that make more sense. Sound off in the comm…

1
Love is Blind: Cast Breakdown and Hot Takes 46:14

7d ago46:14

46:14

Ali and Anton? Madison and Joe? Nat and Jeannine! We take a lighter moment this week to talk about our latest trash reality obsession, Love is Blind. All the hot takes on the top couples and the lowdown on the Denver dating scene from some local gals thankful not to be in it. And sound off in the comments if you think our takes are trashier than th…

1
Unthinkable: Chris Watts' Double Life (Part 1) 50:31

12d ago50:31

50:31

Before the world learned the horrific truth, Chris Watts appeared on television pleading for the return of his family. This is Part 1 of our two-part examination of the devastating Chris Watts case. We delve into the early life and financial struggles of the Watts family, the betrayal that fractured the marriage, and the chilling double life Chris …

1
20 Stab Wounds, Zero Answers: The Death of Ellen Greenberg 1:07:43

19d ago1:07:43

1:07:43

How can a death be ruled a suicide when the evidence points to a crime? This week, we investigate the perplexing case of Ellen Greenberg. We detail the bizarre elements of the scene—the locked apartment and the nature of her injuries—that have led many to question the official ruling. We pay close attention to the irregularities in the medical exam…

1
Carolina Cold Case:What Happened to Shelton Sanders 21:31

21d ago21:31

21:31

Welcome back Forensic Friends. In this episode, we share a story from one of the amazing people we met at CrimeCon, Wilveria Sanders. She shared the story of her brother, Shelton Sanders, who went missing in 2001 in South Carolina and is presumed murdered. We wanted to pass it along to our forensic friends and ask for your help. If you have any inf…

1
Strangulation Isn't Sexy: Shooting the Sh*t with Sandie, Part 2 1:31:35

26d ago1:31:35

1:31:35

In this special episode we welcome back our forensic friend Sandie Campinella to help give us a peek behind the curtain from law enforcement dealing with domestic violence calls. She tells us about primary vs predominant aggressors and how LEOs are trained to tell the difference. We also talk about some example cases from her history, why strangula…

1
Shootin the Sh*t with Sandie - Part 1 1:24:04

28d ago1:24:04

1:24:04

We welcome our good friend Sandie Campanella to the pod to tell us about her journey from the army in a divided Berlin, to waitressing, to law enforcement, to becoming one of the best voices for positive change in Colorado law enforcement and the handling of domestic violence calls. Bring a shooter of butterscotch 99 and, pre-emptively: Sorry Tina!…

1
Susan Powell: The Hidden Signs of a Deadly Marriage 56:06

1M ago56:06

56:06

The disappearance of Susan Powell and the subsequent deaths of her two children shocked the nation. This episode is a deep dive into the perpetrator, her husband Josh Powell, and the psychological and behavioral traits of a family annihilator. We discuss the documented history of coercive control and abuse in the Powell home and the tragic conclusi…

1
Walk This Way: The Science of Victim Selection 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

In a world where you're always told to 'be aware,' we're going a step further: we’re teaching you how to walk with purpose. We dive into the psychology behind the 1980 gait study, where inmates were asked to rate the vulnerability of people walking on the street. We'll reveal the key differences in how victims and non-victims carry themselves and d…

1
A Heavy Week: Current Events 1:06:06

1M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Hey y'all. This week has felt really heavy on our hearts. We know it has for you too. We discuss the death of Charlie Kirk, the train murder, and the shooting right here in Colorado. Lets take some time to talk through our grief together and see if we can't find some community and some hope. Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are com…

1
Hi Forensic Friends! Our CrimeCon 2025 Debrief 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

We are so, so grateful to all of our forensic friends old and new who came out to see us atCrimeCon. We're doing our best to rest and recuperate, but wanted to give a quick recap and shout out some highlights from the awesome sessions we attended and the amazing people we met. Thanks y'all, and see you at the next one! Support the show Disclaimer: …

1
Bonus Episode - BLOOPERS 3:24

1M ago3:24

3:24

A special thank you to all our crimecon listeners from producer G. Some of the unhinged nonsense normally left on the cutting room floor. Enjoy! Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in…

1
Mr. and Mrs. Murder-Double Dating to Death 1:20:03

2M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

People will really sleep with their best friends spouse and then kill the friend and marry the spouse instead of going to therapy. In this special CrimeCon 2025 episode we talk about the documentary Mr and Mrs Murder and ask the big questions: What would these wild couples have looked like in couples counseling? Would it have prevented the tragic e…

1
The Unknown Number: Harassment, Catfishing, and Digital Munchausen By Proxy 44:32

2M ago44:32

44:32

In this episode we talk through (spoilers ahead) the Netflix show Unknown Number and ask the big questions. Namely: WTF? WTAF?! and What the hell is wrong with you, Kendra?! We discuss histrionic behavior, munchausen-by-proxy in the digital age, and if and how it's possible to come back from a big, big screw-up. Some people will ruin their kids liv…

1
A Deep and Disturbing Obsession: The Stalking of Samantha Stites 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Inspired by the Netflix documentary Stalking Samantha, this episode is a deep dive into the real-world implications of stalking. We'll discuss the immense courage required by the victim to come forward and face her abuser, and the infuriating roadblocks she encountered in the legal system. Our conversation also focuses on the psychological traits t…

1
Is Mankeeping a Real Thing? Relationship Roles and Responsibilities 15:44

2M ago15:44

15:44

In this midweek mini, we have a quick discussion about the complex relationship dynamics behind the idea of "mankeeping". Are women doing the emotional labor? Who is carrying the mental load? And how can we put these things aside and help achieve relationship equality? Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly s…

1
The Hip-Hop Murders: Unsolved Deaths of Tupac and Biggie 47:59

2M ago47:59

47:59

In September 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas. Six months later, Biggie Smalls met the same fate in Los Angeles. This episode takes a detailed look at the final days of these two iconic artists and the investigations into their deaths. We examine the alleged connections between the murders, the role of their famous feud, and the …

1
When Kendra Met Henry 34:19

2M ago34:19

34:19

So you're telling us that this girl, on tiktok, is in a love/hate triangle with her psychiatrist and her AI chatbot? We have to talk about this! What is transference in a therapy setting? How close is too close (emotionally) to your therapist? And who should be helping maintain those boundaries? And don't miss us at CrimeCon 2025 in Denver! Support…

1
A Westminster Nightmare: The Jessica Ridgeway Tragedy 55:07

2M ago55:07

55:07

The 2012 disappearance and murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway in Westminster, Colorado, shattered a community and forced parents everywhere to re-evaluate their children's safety. This episode revisits the tragic case and the unsettling capture of her killer, Austin Sigg. We engage in a difficult but necessary debate about sympathy for the kill…

1
Tea Spilled: The 'Womens Safety App' Leak 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

A data breach on an app touted as a safety tool for women inadvertently exposed personal private information about its users. Women using the app to share information about men then had their information leaked by men. Where does the line fall between sharing red flags and defamation? Is it okay to share pictures of men without consent in the name …

1
Malingering and Monsters: The Hunt for the Hillside Stranglers 53:28

3M ago53:28

53:28

Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, better known as the Hillside Stranglers, were a pair of cousins who became one of the most infamous serial killer duos in American history. In this episode, we revisit their reign of terror and the victims they left in their wake. We also explore the critical psychological themes that emerged during the investigati…

1
Listener Question Mini: Let's Talk Trauma! 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

A listener (who we love) submitted a question that we really want to talk all about. What is trauma, and do all traumas require therapy? We talk through some common definitions, talk a little about trauma therapy, and give you some things to look out for if trauma might be sneaking up on you without your knowledge. Support the show Disclaimer: Jean…

1
The Girl on the Balcony: The Amy Bradley Case 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

Join us as we recount the baffling case of Amy Bradley, a college student on a family vacation who disappeared from a cruise ship more than 25 years ago. We'll walk through the timeline of the events on the Rhapsody of the Seas, from Amy's last known interactions to the moment her absence was discovered. We’ll also analyze the various leads, from h…

1
Got His A--! The Kohberger Sentencing 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

In this episode, we give our takes on the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger. We read through our favorite portions of the families' victim statements and the harsh words from the judge. We also talk about what we know more about the unsealed evidence, and why we think he took the plea instead of fighting it out in court. Support the show Disclaimer: Je…

1
The ColdPlay Couple and Why We Cheat: Understanding Infidelity and Intimacy with Esther Perel’s Wisdom 45:28

3M ago45:28

45:28

Who among us hasn't been caught snuggling an affair partner in the kiss cam at a rock concert and gone mega-viral? Oh...none of us, that's right. But why do people cheat? And can a relationship recover? Moving beyond simplistic explanations, we consult Esther Perel's transformative insights into why people cheat, often revealing a longing not just …

1
Axing the important questions: Two local mini cases 20:41

3M ago20:41

20:41

In this episode, Nat and Jeannine give a quick look at two developing cases a little too close to home: a man who tried to commit a legit axe murder in a parking lot near the office, and a body that was found on the side of the highway. We talk a little bit about the demographics of DV, prevention and self-preservation, and why you gotta look out f…

1
Active Shooter Alert at the Conference: the Breckenridge Shooting of Jordan Labarre 26:41

3M ago26:41

26:41

Shortly before and less than 5 miles away from the largest annual gathering of domestic violence providers in Colorado, an offender was arrested and charged with multiple violent offenses and then released on bail. Then, while the conference was ramping up, Nat and Jeannine (along with all the other early attendees) got a cell phone alert to lock d…

1
Midweek Mini: DVOMB Conference Special 12:53

3M ago12:53

12:53

Y'all...we are so tired! We're back from our annual conference with brains full and voices shot. We just want to shout out some of our wonderful friends and fans we met in the mountains and let you know we appreciate all our listeners. We're keeping it brief this week to let our voices (and out producer) rest, but we love our Forensic Friends! Supp…

1
The Mind of a Mass Shooter: James Holmes and the Aurora Theater Shooting 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

In this episode, we discuss the July 20th, 2012 mass shooting at the midnight premier of the Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado. We talk about the events that took place and the heroic actions of law enforcement in the immediate aftermath. We dissect the deep psychological issues that plagued Holmes throughout his life and discuss his mindset in…

1
Run Run Run: Even More Dating Red Flags 36:18

4M ago36:18

36:18

Back by request, we bring you more of our hand-picked, ripest, reddest flags. Who is paying for dates? Who's criticizing whom? And bro, why is your ex calling me rn? Listen in and sound off in the comments and DMs about your own list of dating red flags Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced informati…

1
From Falling Rocks to First Degree Murder: the Arvada Rock-Throwing Case 46:54

4M ago46:54

46:54

How does a seemingly reckless act by teenagers escalate to murder? We dive into the Joseph Koenig case, where a night of throwing rocks tragically ended a life. This episode unpacks the psychological factors behind such actions, including the unique challenges of juvenile impulsivity and the powerful, often unseen, force of peer dynamics that can l…

1
The Kids are NOT Alright: the Effects of High-Conflict Households on Children 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

In this episode we talk about the effects of DV and high-conflict relationships on kids in the house. Yes, they hear it. Yes they notice. Yes it affects them. No, being on the ipad doesn't protect their brain from the stress. Listen in for a breakdown of some statistics, some brain physiology, and a whole lot of experience from Nat and Jeannine. An…

1
Court Orders & Consequences: The Lindsey Shiver Case 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

This episode we turn our focus to the ongoing Lindsey Shiver case, using it as a lens to explore the critical issues surrounding high-conflict divorce, the welfare of children, and adherence to legal mandates. We investigate the dynamics of the Shivers' separation, discussing the failures in co-parenting that often accompany such disputes. A signif…

1
BRAVING Trust: How to Build & Evaluate Connections 48:21

4M ago48:21

48:21

Ever wished you had a roadmap for trust? This mini-episode introduces you to just that: Brené Brown's transformative BRAVING framework for the Anatomy of Trust. Discover how setting Boundaries, demonstrating Reliability, practicing Accountability, holding a Vault, showing Integrity, offering Non-judgment, and extending Generosity are key to both ea…

1
The Ex-Files: Michelle Hadley and the Craigslist Plot 57:58

4M ago57:58

57:58

Catch a quick update on the Karen Read verdict before we plunge into a true crime story almost too wild to believe: the case of Michelle Hadley. Imagine being falsely accused, jailed, and facing life in prison for horrific crimes you didn't commit, all at the hands of your ex-partner and his new spouse. This episode uncovers the intricate and twist…

1
“Ginny and Georgia”: Antisocial Females and Intergenerational Patterns 1:06:08

4M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Caution: spoilers ahead! In this episode, we talk about the Netflix series Ginny and Georgia and discuss what the writers absolutely nailed about the characters' personalities (and personality disorders, maybe?) and the real world consequences we've seen in kids who grow up in emotional turmoil and traumatic, criminogenic, and antisocial households…

1
The Cleveland House of Horror: Surviving Ariel Castro 1:03:23

4M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Join us as we recount the chilling story of Ariel Castro, the Cleveland man who abducted and held three young women captive for years. This episode walks through the disturbing timeline of how Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus disappeared, their agonizing decade in captivity, and the complex investigation that eventually led to the ch…

1
Sneaky Dating Red Flags: Domestic Violence Counselors' Signs to RUN AWAY 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

When it comes to a relationship, there's a fine line between quirk Rom-Com persistence and being on the wrong end of a Lifetime thriller. In this episode, Nat and Jeannine share their list of the top red flags you might miss in that pink relationship cloud. From cyberstalking to early codependency to the underhanded leaving-my-earring-behind, we he…

1
The Gone Girl who Won't Stay Gone: the Return of Sherri Papini 1:22:18

5M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

In this follow up episode, we talk about Sherri Papini's not-so-glorious return to the spotlight. We dissect the latest documentary and try to suss out what part of her latest story is truth or fiction (or somewhere in between). We also give our thoughts on things like histrionic personality disorder, childhood trauma and attention seeking, and how…

1
Who is in the Driver's Seat? Internal and External Locus of Control 36:41

5M ago36:41

36:41

Do you believe you're the architect of your own success, or a pawn in a game of chance? This quick dive into locus of control will help you figure it out! We explain the core tenets of internal locus of control – where your efforts drive outcomes – versus external locus of control, where luck, destiny, or other people call the shots. Discover how i…

1
Hateful Loner to Patron Saint of Incels: The Elliot Rodger Spree Killings 51:12

5M ago51:12

51:12

How did one individual's hatred and sense of entitlement spark a dangerous movement? In this episode, we explore Elliot Rodger's profound influence on violent incel culture. We break down the elements of his worldview, including his distorted locus of control, and his acts of violence that resonate within these communities, leading to his 'saint'-l…

1
Entitled to Sex: Incel Culture and Extreme Violence 48:15

5M ago48:15

48:15

Ahead of this Friday's episode, here's an introductory episode designed to clarify the often-mystifying world of incels and the redpill movement. We define essential terms, from the symbolic 'red pill' to the archetypes of 'Chad' and 'Stacy,' explaining the foundational beliefs that fuel these online groups. This episode is crucial listening to und…

1
"Cool Mom" Silvia Ann Johnson: Sex, Drugs, and Double Standards 1:09:35

5M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

In this episode, we talk about the case of the so-called "cool mom", Silvia Ann Johnson, who engaged in drug fueled sex with her high- school- aged kids' friends, ultimately ending some lives and destroying others. We talk about the underlying psychology of what kind of person does something like this, the criminogenic needs that do and don't feed …

1
The Real Red Ranger and the Roommate Run-In: Ricardo Medina Jr and the Samurai Sword 57:39

5M ago57:39

57:39

Now it's Jeannine's turn to tell us about a Power Ranger murder, this time with 100% more actual ranger. A story of power and control, ambiguous self defense stories, and the dangers of getting in the middle of a bad relationship. Nat and Jeannine discuss Ricardo Medina Jr's actions and mindset, and share a little about the potential pitfalls of ba…

1
Midweek Mini: What is Your Therapist REALLY Thinking? 26:05

5M ago26:05

26:05

Have you ever wondered what your therapist thinks of you? Or what's going through their mind when they're sitting with you? And how do they sit with all these people with all these different emotions all day? In this episode, Nat and Jeannine tell all, giving you a little insight into what your therapist might have going on behind the scenes. Suppo…

1
The Hawks, the Yacht, and the Powerless Non-Ranger: the Life and Crimes of Skylar Deleon 1:17:21

6M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

In this episode, we talk about a murder perpetrated by a former power rangers actor... but not that one! Skylar Deleon is a former child actor turned career criminal who built a cadre of inmates, guards, and a baby mama to try to scam and murder their way to wealth at the expense of a very nice retired couple. We discuss the convoluted crime, the s…

1
Hawaiian Husband Horror: What We Know About the Gerhardt Konig Case 25:42

6M ago25:42

25:42

Another (Allegedly) Awful Husband, a much nicer cliff! In this midweek mini, we discuss what we know so far about the Gerhardt Konig case. We talk about the facts of what likely happened, detail the allegations of power and control and abuse, and compare this case with some of our past (least) favorite forced cliff diving coaches (ew, Steve!). Be s…

1
Unpacking Natalia Grace: Parenting Failures, Reactive Attachment, and How NOT to Handle Adoption 1:28:26

6M ago1:28:26

1:28:26

The narrative surrounding Natalia Grace is filled with confusion and conflicting accounts. In this episode, we dissect the timeline and dig into the truth surrounding her age, while also holding her adoptive parents accountable for their deeply troubling behavior. We discuss the potential psychological factors influencing the parents, such as histr…