In this episode, we delve into Free: My Search for Meaning, the new memoir from Amanda Knox, whose name became synonymous with one of the most controversial murder cases of the 21st century. 

We unpack the most compelling takeaways from the book, including Knox’s struggles with re-entry into American life after spending years in an Italian prison, her total loss of anonymity and, years later, her emotional return to Italy to meet face-to-face with the prosecutor who helped put her behind bars. 

The book examines Knox’s reckoning with justice, guilt, and forgiveness—and what her story reveals about the global true crime obsession. Ultimately, Amanda finally reclaims her own narrative and learns what “freedom” really means after years of being defined by others, so join us as we dive into all of it!

The memoir "Free: My Search for Meaning" by Amanda Knox is now available wherever you buy books. 

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On August 12, 1989, nineteen-year-old Kimberly McAndrew left work early on a Saturday afternoon in Halifax, Nova Scotia, excited for the weekend ahead. Somewhere between the store and her home, she vanished. No witnesses, no clear evidence — just a young woman missing without explanation. In the nearly 36 years since she disappeared, the only reported sighting of her was at a flower shop on the opposite side of the city that same afternoon, but there's still a debate about whether this was actually her or not.

In this episode, we revisit the key details of Kimberly’s last known movements, the theories that have surfaced over the years, and the unanswered questions that still remain.

Any person with information regarding the disappearance of Kimberly Ann McAndrew should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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*This week, in lieu of a regular episode, we're bringing you a bonus case from the Patreon vault. Originally released in 2022 as a Patreon bonus, we're now unlocking it for all listeners. *

It took years for authorities to uncover the horror that had taken place at the home of Mitchelle Blair and her four children. When she was evicted from her apartment, the single mother was found nearby at a neighbour's home with only two of her children. Where were Stephen and Stoni? How had years gone by and no one reported Stephen or Stoni missing? These children fell through the cracks and suffered an unimaginable fate.

Join us as we discuss this heartbreaking case.

If you're in Canada, and you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse of any kind, call 1-800-668-6868 to access confidential and anonymous support through Kids Help Phone.  Or, text CONNECT to 686868.

In the US, call 800-422-4453 to speak with a counsellor through the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Or text HELP to 800-422-4453.

RESOURCES:

CBC News. Mitchelle Blair sentenced to life in prison for killing 2 of her children. July 15, 2015.

CourtChatter Live. Mitchelle Blair Sentencing 07/17/15.

Explore with Us. "I put him in the freezer with his favorite blanket."

NBC News. Mom Mitchelle Blair Now Charged With Murder for Dead Kids Found in Freezer. April 1, 2015.

The Detroit News. Authorities: Years of abuse in house of horrors. By George Hunter. March 26, 2016.

True Crime Daily. Exclusive: 'Freezer Mom' Mitchelle Blair gives prison interview.

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7. Mitchelle Blair pleads guilty to murdering her 2 children.

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7. Mitchelle Blair outbursts in court.

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In November 2016, Sherri Papini — a young mother of two from Redding, California — vanished during a routine jog, triggering a frantic three-week search and nationwide media attention. Twenty-two days later, she reappeared beaten and shackled on the side of a highway and her account of a violent abduction by two masked women shocked the public and baffled investigators. But as the years passed, cracks in her story began to show. 

In this episode, we unravel Sherri's web of lies, the forensic breakthroughs, and the stunning confession that revealed a meticulously staged kidnapping — and try to determine the real motive behind it all. 

RESOURCES:

Official Police Affidavit

"Keith Papini says Ex-Wife Sherri Used Rubbing Alcohol to Make their Children Sick" (People.com)

"Sherri Papini's Ex-Husband Claims She Purposely Made Their Kids Sick With Rubbing Alcohol" (Yahoo.com)

ABC's 20/20: "Super Mom: Sherri Papini"

Full 911 Call (YouTube)

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On February 9, 2004, 21-year-old nursing student Maura Murray drove from the University of Massachusetts campus to the snowy backroads of rural New Hampshire—and disappeared after a minor car accident, leaving behind a wrecked car, some belongings and more questions than answers. 

This week, we dive into the strange and unsettling details of one of the most haunting missing persons cases in modern true crime. We discuss cryptic emails and sudden travel plans to witness accounts and brand new revelations about a man's mysterious connection to this case through unrelated charges in another state.

Maura’s story is a chilling blend of fact, rumour, and mystery. What really happened on Route 112 that cold February night over 20 years ago? And how can someone simply vanish from the side of the road in just minutes leaving no trace of their whereabouts?

If you know anything about this case, contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

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On February 17, 2025, firefighters responded to a house fire in Waterbury, Connecticut. But what they discovered was far more shocking than the flames—a severely emaciated 32-year-old man, the unmistakable victim of years of neglect and abuse.

Authorities now allege that he had been held captive in that home for over two decades, since the age of 11. As more details emerge, disturbing accounts of his ordeal paint a grim picture of a system that failed him. Evidence suggests that officials had a chance to intervene 20 years ago, yet he tragically slipped through the cracks of a massively broken system.

His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, now faces multiple felony charges. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing details of the case, her defence, and why this story serves as a stark reminder of the critical role child welfare organizations play in protecting vulnerable children.

If you're in Canada, and you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse of any kind, call 1-800-668-6868 to access confidential and anonymous support through Kids Help Phone.  Or, text CONNECT to 686868.

In the US, call 800-422-4453 to speak with a counsellor through the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Or text HELP to 800-422-4453.

RESOURCES:

"Waterbury fire with stepmother bodycam" (Dashcam Footage from February 17, 2025)

Connecticut House of Horrors: Victim's Biological Mom Talks to Court TV

Man Allegedly held captive for 20 years: What we know about Kimberly Sullivan's case (USA Today)

Harrowing Bodycam Footage Shows Woman’s Reaction as Her Alleged Victim Escapes After 20 Years in Captivity: Watch

Connecticut woman accused of holding stepson captive for 20 years pleads not guilty, judge orders GPS monitoring

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Bryce Laspisa returned to college for his sophomore year after a successful freshman year and a great summer. But within days of the new semester, his behaviour took a sudden and troubling turn—he began staying up all night, drinking heavily, and misusing Vyvanse (a stimulant similar to Adderall) without a prescription.

One night while acting erratically, he calls his mother and says he has something important to tell her. Soon after, he sets off on what should have been a simple seven-hour drive from his college in Rocklin, California to his parents’ home. But Bryce never arrives.

The next 30 hours remain a perplexing mystery—filled with multiple phone calls to his parents and even a welfare check by police. Then, nearly 30 hours after he first set out, his car is found crashed and abandoned at the bottom of a steep embankment. Yet, there’s no sign of Bryce.

Join us as we retrace the final hours before Bryce Laspisa vanished, piecing together the strange circumstances and theories surrounding his disappearance.

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This week, we discuss the intriguing updates in the Idaho Murders case. As Bryan Kohberger (the man charged with the quadruple murder of four college students in November 2022) prepares for trial, new insights into his defense team's arguments have been revealed.

We also listen to the newly released 911 call from the two surviving roommates- a call that has been kept away from the public until now. Plus, we uncover new possible doubt about the crucial DNA evidence. Join us for all the most recent updates as we gear up for this high-profile trial.

RESOURCES:

911 Call Audio (News Nation- YouTube)

"I'm Freaking Out": Text messages show housemates' panic during Idaho students' murders" (BBC News)

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This week, we discuss the gripping story of Belle Gibson, the Australian wellness influencer whose empire was built on lies and deception. Claiming to have cured her terminal brain cancer through diet and natural remedies, Belle rose to fame in the health and wellness world, except her story was far from the truth. Behind her carefully curated online persona, Gibson was concealing the fact that she had never been diagnosed with cancer.

We dive into how Gibson used her fabricated cancer journey to sell her app, "The Whole Pantry," and her book, both of which promised a healthier, cancer-free life and explore how her rise to fame came crashing down when the truth about her fraudulent claims came to light.

RESOURCES:

'Confronting Belle Gibson- the health advocate who faked cancer' (60 Minutes Australia

'Unmasking Belle Gibson: The real story of the infamous wellness scammer' (60 Minutes Australia)

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Big updates have emerged in the case of Asha Degree! In February 2000, 9-year-old Asha vanished from her home in the middle of a stormy night. Despite a few reported sightings of her from that night, she was never seen or heard from again. For nearly 25 years, the mystery surrounding her disappearance remained unsolved.

This week, we explore the significant breakthroughs in the case, including the discovery of new DNA evidence, search warrants conducted by the FBI, and potentially damning text messages linked to potential suspects. After over two decades, we may finally be closer to uncovering the truth and achieving justice for Asha and her family.

We first covered this case in Season 1, Episode 13. You can listen to our original coverage here.

If you know anything about this case, call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4788 or the FBI Charlotte office at 704-672-6100.

RESOURCES:

‘I Killed Asha Degree’: Possible Confession in Girl’s Unsolved 2000 Disappearance (CrimeOnline)

"New search warrants reveal texts, possible admission of guilt in Asha Degree case" (Fox8 News)

'Really interesting': Former FBI prosecutor analyzes text messages in Asha Degree search warrants (WCNC News)

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