In Part 2, we dive deeper into the horrifying true story of Jan Broberg and the second kidnapping that shattered what little normalcy she had left. Just when the Broberg family thought the nightmare was over, Robert “B” Berchtold manipulated his way back into their lives — using lies, guilt, religion, and psychological control to pull Jan away from everyone who was trying to protect her.

We talk about how the second abduction happened, the disturbing emotional hold B had over the entire family, and the impossible position Jan was put in as a young girl trying to survive something she couldn’t fully understand. Through Jan’s own book and reflections later in life, we explore how deeply the trauma followed her long after the kidnappings ended — and how grooming can completely distort reality for victims and the people around them.

The episode also covers the unraveling of B’s life after the truth finally surfaced, including the collapse of his relationships, the lasting damage left behind, and his eventual death. This is the heartbreaking conclusion to one of the most unbelievable kidnapping cases we’ve ever covered — and a story that still leaves people asking how something like this could happen in plain sight.

Resources:

A Friend of the family - Peacock

Abducted in plain sight

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Broberg

https://janbrobergfoundation.org/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/jan-broberg-kidnapping-friend-of-family-peacock-b2197093.html

The Hidden Third Podcast