Sheryl McCollum—renowned crime scene investigator, cold case expert, and founder of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute—joins Travis Myers on the Another Nobody podcast to discuss her book Swans Don't Swim In A Sewer.

In this in-depth conversation, McCollum shares insights from decades in forensic investigation, the psychology behind violent crime, and what the public often misunderstands about real-world investigations. She also opens up about the inspiration behind her book, the cases that shaped her career, and why truth, victim advocacy, and evidence must always come first.

This episode is a must-watch for true crime followers, aspiring investigators, and anyone interested in the realities behind headlines and documentaries.

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with investigators, authors, and voices shaping the true crime conversation.

#TrueCrime #SherylMcCollum #AnotherNobody #ColdCases #Forensics #TravisMyers

Sheryl McCollum interview, Swans Don't Swim In A Sewer, Another Nobody podcast, Travis Myers interview, cold case investigator, CSI expert interview, true crime podcast interview, forensic investigation, crime analysis discussion, cold case research institute, true crime author interview

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transgender, activism, medical ethics, social contagion, gender nonconformity, corruption, detransition, autogynephilia, compassion, societal implications

In this conversation, Travis Myers and Lauren Leggieri discuss the complexities surrounding transgender issues, focusing on the impact of social contagion, medical ethics, and the consequences of medical interventions on vulnerable populations. They explore the role of gender nonconformity, the influence of organizations, and the need for compassionate dialogue in addressing these issues. The conversation highlights the societal implications of current transgender policies and the importance of advocating for the rights of same-sex attracted individuals.

Takeaways

Lauren Leggieri's activism began 20 years ago due to concerns about the rapid transition of friends.

The conversation highlights the social contagion effect among gender nonconforming youth.

Medical interventions for transgender individuals often lack ethical justification and can lead to harm.

There is a significant correlation between autism and transgender identification among youth.

The medical community has failed to self-regulate, leading to harmful practices.

Many organizations perpetuating transgender ideology are driven by financial incentives.

The concept of 'true trans' often excludes the voices of gay and lesbian individuals.

Detransitioners face significant backlash from the transgender community.

The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion in addressing transgender issues.

Legislative action is necessary to protect vulnerable populations from harmful medical practices.

"It's a very dangerous trend."

"We need to start fighting back."

"We are all paying for it."

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positivity, mental attitude, crime, Chicago, resilience, personal growth, political will, community safety, mental health, overcoming adversity

Summary

In this episode of the Another Nobody podcast, Tavis Myers addresses two significant questions from listeners. The first question revolves around maintaining a positive outlook amidst personal tragedies and societal negativity. Tavis shares his philosophy of a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and offers practical advice on cultivating positivity in daily life. The second question tackles the pressing issue of violence and crime in Chicago, where Tavis emphasizes the importance of political will and effective leadership in addressing crime rates and ensuring community safety. He argues that without strong leadership, cities like Chicago will continue to struggle with lawlessness and violence.

Takeaways

Life goes on, and we must focus on the present.

Worrying about the future is pointless; plan instead.

Positivity can be cultivated through daily habits.

Gratitude can transform complaints into appreciation.

Negativity breeds more negativity; choose kindness.

Leadership is crucial in addressing crime and safety.

Political will is necessary for effective law enforcement.

Communities need strong leaders to combat crime.

Every day is an opportunity to choose positivity.

You can always find something to be grateful for.

"Worry is self-imposed negativity."

"Stay positive, even in tough times."

"Positivity begets positivity."

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In this deeply moving episode, Travis Myers speaks with Hope Hooton, who shares her harrowing journey through an abusive marriage that culminated in the tragic loss of her two children, Alec and Lydia. Hope recounts her relationship with her estranged husband, Brock, detailing the early signs of manipulation and control that escalated over time. After a series of traumatic events, including the deaths of her parents, Hope made the courageous decision to seek a divorce, only to face a devastating outcome when Brock took the lives of their children before ending his own. 

Hope's story is not just one of tragedy but also of resilience and purpose. Following the loss of her children, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness about filicide and advocating for legislative changes to protect children in similar situations. She discusses her podcast, "Voices Against Filicide," and her efforts to create the Alec and Lydia Act, which aims to address mental health crises in family court proceedings. Through her advocacy, Hope seeks to ensure that no other parent has to endure the pain she has faced, emphasizing the importance of recognizing red flags in domestic situations.

filicide, domestic violence, mental health, child safety, abuse awareness, Hope Hooton, Tavis Myers, advocacy, parenting, resilience

Takeaways

"People don't understand really what it's like to live in an abusive or domestic violence marriage until you're actually in it."

"I could also not be here or I could choose to live every day and honor Alec and Lydia."

"There's always red flags. There's always risk factors that come before a filicide crime."

"I was conditioned to do that. And I didn't notice it at the time, to be honest."

"The judge didn't look into any of the other records from the medical facility."

"If an individual has experienced a severe mental health crisis, the judge has to stop immediately and look at those risk factors."

"I knew that God didn't want me to live like this."

"I have made it my purpose and my passion to raise awareness of filicide."

"This is a complete mental health crisis is what they call it."

"I was very calm in situations like this. I don't know why, but I'm very calm with any type of high stress situation."

""People don't understand really what it's like to live in an abusive or domestic violence marriage until you're actually in it.""

""I could also not be here or I could choose to live every day and honor Alec and Lydia.""

""There's always red flags. There's always risk factors that come before a filicide crime.""

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Summary

In this episode, Tavis Myers welcomes back Julia Cowley, a former FBI profiler, to discuss the infamous Golden State Killer, Joseph James D'Angelo Jr. Julia shares her personal journey and fascination with true crime, particularly her involvement in profiling D'Angelo's case. She reflects on the surreal experience of working on a case she had followed for years, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved numerous crimes, including burglaries, rapes, and murders. Julia highlights the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of D'Angelo's behavior, noting how his need for control and power manifested in his crimes, and how he often left victims alive until he lost control during a few encounters.

The conversation delves into the various names associated with D'Angelo, the challenges faced by investigators due to the lack of technology at the time, and the eventual breakthrough in linking his crimes through DNA evidence. Julia discusses the significance of profiling in criminal investigations, emphasizing that while it does not solve cases, it provides valuable insights that can guide law enforcement. The episode concludes with Julia sharing her key takeaways from the case, including the correlation between sexual aggression and burglary, and the challenges of predicting violent behavior in potential offenders.

Golden State Killer, Joseph D'Angelo, FBI profiler, true crime, criminal psychology, crime investigation, serial killer, profiling, behavioral analysis

Takeaways

Julia Cowley had a lifelong interest in true crime, particularly serial murder.

The Golden State Killer's crimes spanned over a decade and crossed multiple jurisdictions.

Profiling provides insights but does not solve cases; it assists investigators in understanding offender behavior.

D'Angelo's need for control was evident in his methods, often involving psychological terror.

The correlation between sexual aggression and burglary is significant in understanding offenders.

"I feel very fortunate that I was given the chance."

"It's just wild, the amount of information that's available."

"He never left his victims alive."

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Herbert Mullin, serial killer, mental illness, spree killer, California, criminal psychology, trial, schizophrenia, crime, murder

Takeaways

Herbert Mullin was born on the anniversary of a major earthquake.

He was well-liked and popular in high school, contrary to typical serial killer profiles.

Mullin developed paranoid schizophrenia after a traumatic event in college.

His killing spree lasted four months, resulting in 13 murders.

Mullin's motivations included delusions about earthquakes and messages from his father.

He killed both strangers and acquaintances, showing a mix of personal and random motivations.

The legal system struggled with his insanity defense due to his actions post-murder.

Mullin's case highlights the complexities of mental illness in violent crime.

He was ultimately convicted of first and second-degree murder.

Mullin's story reflects the unpredictability of serial killers and their motivations.

Summary

This conversation with retired criminal investigator, author & Professor of Criminology at the Univrsity of Springfield IL, Steven Giannangelo, delves into the life and crimes of Herbert Mullin, a lesser-known serial killer whose spree in California resulted in 13 murders over four months. The discussion covers Mullin's early life, his psychological struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, and the motivations behind his violent actions. The hosts explore the complexities of his case, including the legal implications of his insanity defense and the unique characteristics that set him apart from other serial killers. Through a detailed examination of his crimes and the subsequent trial, the conversation highlights the intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior.

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I Don’t Like Mondays: The True Story Behind America’s First Modern School Shooting

by N. Leigh Hunt

In this episode of Another Nobody, we take a deep, unflinching look at the case of Brenda Spencer, the teenage girl behind what is widely considered America’s first modern school shooting.

On January 29, 1979, Spencer opened fire from her home across the street from Cleveland Elementary School, killing two adults and wounding multiple children and a police officer. When asked why she did it, her now-infamous response — “I don’t like Mondays” — became a cultural flashpoint, inspiring a hit song and shaping how mass violence would be discussed in the media for decades to come.

In this conversation, Another Nobody examines:

• What really happened that morning in San Diego
• How the media narrative formed — and what it got wrong
• The psychological and environmental factors surrounding Brenda Spencer
• Juvenile justice, sentencing, and parole controversies
• How this case became a blueprint for modern mass-shooting coverage

Drawing on years of research and historical context, the episode cuts through myths, internet folklore, and sensationalism to explore the human, cultural, and systemic forces behind a case that still echoes today.

This is not a glorification — it’s a sober, necessary examination of a moment that changed America.

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Two girls disappear. Years pass. The questions only get louder.

In this episode of Another Nobody, host Travis Myers sits down with Jules Thorp to revisit the chilling case of the Wix Girls disappearance—and to talk through the latest updates, renewed attention, and what’s changed (and what hasn’t) as new information and fresh interest bring the case back into focus.

We walk through the known timeline, the most disputed details, and the theories that keep resurfacing—along with the realities of investigating a case where memories fade, tips conflict, and key answers may still be sitting with someone who never came forward.

Topics include:

• The clearest known timeline of events
• The strongest leads vs. the biggest dead ends
• Persons of interest and recurring theories (fact vs. rumor)
• Why this case still matters—and what could finally move it forward
• What listeners can do responsibly if they have information

If you care about missing persons cases, unresolved investigations, and the human cost of “unsolved,” this conversation is for you.

If you have credible information about the Wix Girls disappearance, contact local law enforcement or the appropriate tip line.

Subscribe for more long-form interviews and investigative conversations.

#TrueCrime #MissingPersons #UnsolvedMysteries #AnotherNobody #JulesThorpe #WixGirls

• 0:00 — Intro / Why this case still haunts people
• 2:10 — Who were the Wix Girls?
• 6:40 — The day they disappeared: timeline breakdown
• 12:30 — Early search efforts & first theories
• 18:05 — The “update”: what renewed attention is centered on now
• 26:20 — Persons of interest: what’s confirmed vs. speculation
• 34:45 — Evidence issues: what was missing then, what’s missing now
• 41:10 — Community impact and why cases go cold
• 48:25 — What would actually crack this case?
• 55:40 — Responsible tips, online sleuthing, and avoiding misinformation
• 1:02:15 — Final thoughts / how to keep pressure without harming the case

Wix Girls disappearance, Wix girls missing, Jules Thorp interview, Another Nobody podcast, Travis Myers podcast, Wix Girls update, missing girls case, unsolved missing persons, cold case update, true crime interview, disappearance timeline, missing persons investigation, cold case discussion, unsolved mysteries podcast, true crime YouTube, investigative podcast interview, case breakdown, new leads cold case

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Travis Talks:

Narcotics, The base Of Crime

Answers A Smart Ass Question

Travis: The Reluctant Christian

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Keywords

Drew Champion, punk rock, music history, authenticity, political expression, DC punk scene, cancel culture, music industry, personal experiences, musical influences, punk rock, music industry, cancel culture, intersectionality, women in music, punk ethos, music controversies, future of punk, rock and roll, DIY music

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Drew Champion, lead singer of The Split Seconds, shares his journey through the punk rock scene, discussing his musical influences, the evolution of punk rock, and the impact of the DC punk scene. He reflects on the authenticity of punk music, the shift in its ethos over the years, and the rise of cancel culture within the genre. Drew also shares personal anecdotes about navigating political correctness in the music industry and the challenges faced by artists today. In this conversation, Drew Champion and Travis Myers delve into the current state of punk rock, discussing its evolution, the impact of cancel culture, and the role of women in the genre. They explore the changing dynamics of the music industry, the controversies surrounding punk rock, and the challenges new bands face today. The discussion highlights the importance of dialogue over cancellation and the need for a return to the core spirit of punk rock.

Takeaways

Drew Champion is the lead singer and guitarist for The Split Seconds.

He was influenced by punk rock from a young age, particularly by bands like Blink-182 and The Living End.

The DC punk scene had a significant impact on his musical development and the DIY ethic.

Punk rock has evolved over the years, with a shift towards more political expression.

The rise of cancel culture has changed the dynamics within the punk rock community.

Authenticity in music is crucial, and many modern bands lack that edge.

Drew emphasizes the importance of self-expression in punk rock.

He shares personal experiences of being blackballed for his views in the punk scene.

The conversation touches on the difference between art and propaganda in music.

Drew believes that punk rock should remain a space for diverse opinions and self-expression. Punk rock is experiencing a significant shift in its ethos.

The role of women in punk rock is evolving and gaining recognition.

Cancel culture has impacted the punk rock scene negatively.

The business side of being in a band is often overlooked.

New bands face challenges in a changing music landscape.

Controversies can arise from differing views within the punk community.

The future of punk rock is uncertain but holds potential for revival.

Intersectionality has created divisions within the punk rock scene.

The spirit of punk rock is about challenging norms and fostering unity.

Dialogue is essential for progress in the punk rock community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Drew Champion

02:54 The Evolution of Punk Rock and Personal Influences

05:58 The Impact of the DC Punk Scene

09:07 Authenticity in Punk Rock

12:04 Subgenres and Diversity in Punk Rock

14:56 Political Themes in Punk Rock

18:04 The Shift in Punk Rock Ethos

21:04 Art vs. Propaganda in Music

23:54 The Role of Free Speech in Punk Rock

29:21 Confronting Racial Prejudice in Punk Culture

31:15 The Shift in Punk Rock Ethos

34:46 The Rise of Cancel Culture in Music

39:14 The Impact of Political Correctness on Punk Rock

48:39 The Evolution of Female Fronted Bands

57:04 Navigating the Modern Punk Scene

01:00:20 The War on Women Controversy

01:05:54 The Changing Ethos of Punk Rock

01:11:55 Intersectionality and Its Impact on Punk

01:17:54 The Future of Punk Rock

01:24:04 Personal Reflections on Ideology and Family

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