Some stories aren't meant to entertain us—they're meant to help us remember, understand, and care. In this episode, I recommend Where the River Took Us, Aaron Parsley's deeply personal account of the historic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas and the unimaginable journey that followed.

Where The River Took Us

Aaron Parsley

Texas Monthly

Heaven's 27 Foundation

In this episode, host Becky Holland explores the intersection of education and larger societal forces, focusing on the podcast series Adults in the Room. It delves into the impact of silence, the journey of the podcast creator, the importance of advocacy and accountability, and a call for a potential second season.

Adults In The Room

Lumbery

*If you or someone you know needs support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Call or text 988
  (Available 24/7 for mental health crises, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts)
• Crisis Text Line
  Text HOME to 741741
  (24/7 text-based support with trained crisis counselors)

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat online at rainn.org
(24/7 confidential support for survivors of sexual assault)

Other shows mentioned in this episode:

Sold A Story

Grapevine

Southlake

Nice White Parents

The Promise

In this episode, Becky dives into The Walkers: The Real Salt Path, a podcast investigation by Chloe Hadjimatheou that questions the truth and accuracy of Raynor Winn’s popular memoir, The Salt Path. I explore the tensions between memory, storytelling, and fact, and what happens when a memoir blurs—or even crosses—the line between truth and fabrication. Ultimately, this episode asks a simple—but powerful—question: how much can we trust the stories presented as true, and when does creative liberty become deception?

The Walkers: The Real Salt Path

For today's episode, I introduce the podcast 13th Juror and discuss its unique approach to true crime storytelling, pushing listeners into uncomfortable territory. You're going to want to listen to this one!

13th Juror

Bone Valley

In this flash episode, I explore Leaked and Fever: The Hunt for COVID’s Origin, two investigative podcasts examining the ongoing debate over the origins of COVID-19. I reflect on the claims, the science, and the storytelling—and why this question, and how it’s reported, still matters.

Leaked

Fever: The Hunt for Covid's Origin

Thank You, Dr. Fauci

In this episode, host Becky Holland discusses three podcasts that explore the 2010 BP oil spill from different perspectives: American Scandal, Ripple, and Lawless Planet. These shows delve into the systemic negligence, human and ecological aftermath, and the framing of environmental disasters as true crimes.

Shows from this episode:

American Scandal - Deepwater Horizon

Ripple

Lawless Planet

In this episode of PodTok, host Becky Holland delves into the darker side of storytelling through the lens of true crime. She highlights three compelling podcast series: Bear Brook, In Trust, and Lost Hills Season 4: Dark Canyon, each revealing haunting truths about systemic failures and the quest for justice. The episode explores the intricate narratives of victims, the role of citizen sleuths, and the impact of historical injustices on marginalized communities.

Links to this episode's recommended shows:

Bear Brook

In Trust

Lost Hills Season 4: Dark Canyon

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In this episode, I recommend two powerful podcasts: Floodlines, which exposes how systemic racism shaped the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and The Africas VS America, which unravels the tragic history of Philadelphia’s MOVE family. Both challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths about race, power, and injustice in America.

Links to this episode's recommended shows:

Floodlines

The Africas VS America

For more information about PodTok, you can email us at [email protected] or follow us on Instagram at @Pod.Tok

It started with Serial, deepened with The Dropout, and caught fire with Firebug. In this episode, I’m sharing the podcasts that first hooked me—and why their storytelling still sticks.

Show Links:

Serial

The Dropout

Firebug

For more information about PodTok, you can email at [email protected] or follow our social at @Pod.Tok.