On May 25, 1994, Sarah went to school like any other day. It was the last week of her 8th grade year and she intended to enjoy every moment of it. What was supposed to be an easy slide into summer took a turn towards tragedy when rumors began circulating through the halls. The violent events of that day would soon be revealed, hitting Sarah closer to home than she ever imagined. In episode 158, Jac, Alexis and Billy are joined by First Degree Sarah as they delve into the horrifying events of that day; dark interests, murder, kidnapping and a school packed with kids.

Episode 158: The Shrout Family

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer?  Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself.  From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

News

True crime

Here we go again! The girls and the ginger return for another week of who honestly knows anymore. This tangent-filled episode takes so many twists and turns it’s hard to remember where we started. But one thing remains: this week, you will LEARN! With us! Today I Learned is back, and we’re taking another listener submission about snails! Then! The rejection hotline, horseshoe crabs, and Bill Nye! Let’s go!

BONUS: KILLING TIME: IT’S SCIENCE TIME

In the spring of 1977, 18-year-old Matthew Bowman mysteriously disappeared from a suburban Chicago neighborhood. Matthew’s family immediately knew something horrible had happened, yet he was dismissed as a runaway by local police. Soon the arrest of serial killer John Wayne Gacy and the horrors found in the crawlspace under his house made the news. It was only then that Matthew’s family learned what happened to him. In speaking with members of Matthew’s family, this episode demonstrates how the loss of Matthew at the hands of John Wayne Gacy still reverberates today.

Episode 298: John Wayne Gacy, Part 1

Welcome back for another thrilling episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are opening up the phone lines for another installment of Today I Learned! Our caller brings another Roald Dahl fact that will definitely surprise you. Then! Nostrils, doorstoppers, and IOS flight tracking. Lots to learn! Plus! Another update on the LISK investigation from who else but our very own Alexis Linkletter!

BONUS: KILLING TIME: GREATEST FORNICATOR EVER

On February 10, 2002, authorities announce that they have finally determined the manner of Andrew Wieman’s death, and it comes as a surprise to everyone. Instead of bringing much needed answers, the determination only raises more questions for Andrew’s family and friends. Even after 20 plus years, these questions linger without answers, and the concerns continue to weigh heavily on their hearts. In episode 297, Jac and Alexis detail how authorities arrived at their determination, as well as the emotional impact it had on the family.

Episode 297: Andrew Wieman, Part 2

Welcome back for another episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are reaching into some current topics including an update on the LISK case, Gypsy Rose, and more! Today on Today I Learned: A bizarre autopsy, schizophrenia in blind people, the origin of the Guinness Book of World Records, and a listener submitted famous last words!

Episode 158: The Shrout Family

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