Content warning: domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder.
 
Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind a deeply personal and complex case that forever changed her family and community, the 1978 murders of Shelley's 24-year-old sister, Rhonda Hamilton Wicht, and Rhonda's four-year-old son, Donnie. Shelley's journey in the criminal justice system over the last 48 years has been truly shocking. From mistrial to conviction to a prisoner's pardon, she has never given up her fight for truth. Alongside journalist Alicia Doyle, Shelley's mission in co-authoring The Forsaken is to document the facts and share the emotional truth that drives this story. The Broken Cycle media team is incredibly grateful for both women's time, energy, and advocacy. The following episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Rhonda and Donnie Wicht.

Sources:
- Brown, Jerry. Pardon of [Redacted]. Office of the Governor of California, 22 Nov. 2017, California State Archives.

- Davis, Mark. "$21 Million: The Price of One Man's Freedom." True Crime Detective Monthly, Mar. 2022.

- Shelley's blog: https://rdjustice.home.blog/

Resources:

If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support.

For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5 #CashAppPod
Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

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Content warning: domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder.
 
Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind a deeply personal and complex case that forever changed her family and community, the 1978 murders of Shelley's 24-year-old sister, Rhonda Hamilton Wicht, and Rhonda's four-year-old son, Donnie. Shelley's journey in the criminal justice system over the last 48 years has been truly shocking. From mistrial to conviction to a prisoner's pardon, she has never given up her fight for truth. Alongside journalist Alicia Doyle, Shelley's mission in co-authoring The Forsaken is to document the facts and share the emotional truth that drives this story. The Broken Cycle media team is incredibly grateful for both women's time, energy, and advocacy. The following episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Rhonda and Donnie Wicht.

Sources:

Shelley's blog: https://rdjustice.home.blog/

Resources:

If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support.

For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Thank you again to Quince and Lola Blankets for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to elevate your summer wardrobe by going to Quince.com/wcn for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. And you can get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code WCN at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.

Content Warning: criminal threats, professional abuse, image-based sexual abuse, legal abuse, cultic abuse, substance use disorder, driving under the influence, institutional betrayal, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child-to-parent violence, childhood sexual abuse, sex trafficking, murder, and racism.

Welcome to a special update episode of What Came Next. Since the launch of What Came Next over three years ago, we have had the honor of hosting conversations with nearly 200 incredible survivors and co-victims. Each guest we’ve hosted has brought powerful insight and incredible advocacy to the survivor community, and their work often extends far beyond the scope of their episode or episodes. In an effort to highlight our incredible past guests’ continued advocacy, we’re bringing you news and updates about their journeys. Today we’re highlighting some of the guests from Episodes 1 through 30, which originally aired from March 3rd, 2023 to August 18th, 2023. A lot can happen in three years, as you’ll hear in their updates. Please note, some of the survivors were able to send their updates in their own voice, and others sent updates in the form of narration. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply appreciative of all of the past guests who provided updates, as well as the ones who were unable to do so this time around.

Sources:

NBCUniversal News Group. (2026, March 24). Woman who sued Bill Cosby for Sexual Battery awarded almost $60 million. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woman-sued-bill-cosby-sexual-battery-awarded-192-million-rcna264800

S.146 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Take it down act | congress.gov | library of Congress. (n.d.). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146

Resources:

E1. [Amy B. Chesler] This Sh*t Doesn't End: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-b-chesler-evil-lives-here-this-sh-t-doesnt-end/id1674051643?i=1000602598564
E13. [Amy B. Chesler] The Darkest Times Are All Behind Me: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-b-chesler-evil-lives-here-the-darkest-times-are/id1674051643?i=1000612743331
Follow Amy B. Chesler: http://www.instagram.com/amybchesler

E3. [PJ Masten] A Constant Battle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pj-masten-a-es-the-secrets-of-playboy-a-constant-battle/id1674051643?i=1000602601089
PJ's email: [email protected]

E4. [Ron Schnackenberg] View From the Top: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ron-schnackenberg-netflixs-dirty-money-view-from-the-top/id1674051643?i=1000603561820
Follow Ron on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/schnack23

E7. [Dr. Charlotte Laws] I Had My Armor On: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-charlotte-laws-netflixs-the-most-hated-man-on/id1674051643?i=1000606709695
Follow Dr. Laws on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drcharlottelaws

E8. [Moshe Blechman] God Gave Me Credit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moshe-blechman-god-gave-me-credit/id1674051643?i=1000607821282

E9. [Sarah Edmonson] I Got Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sarah-edmondson-maxs-the-vow-i-got-out/id1674051643?i=1000608916504
A Little Bit Culty: https://alittlebitculty.com/
Sarah & Nippy's Book: https://amzn.to/4xnExor

E17. [Dr. Danielle Moore] No Longer a Number: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-danielle-moore-no-longer-a-number/id1674051643?i=1000615414939
Follow Dr. Dani on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dr.dani2016
Support The Athlete Survivors' Assist: https://theathletesurvivorsassist.org/

E19. [Carol Oschin] It's Hard to Heal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carol-oschin-its-hard-to-heal/id1674051643?i=1000617238437

E21. [Tina Swithin] One Mom's Battle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tina-swithin-one-moms-battle/id1674051643?i=1000618845906
Follow Tina on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onemomsbattle

E22. [John-Michael Lander] An Athlete's Silence: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-michael-lander-an-athletes-silence/id1674051643?i=1000619765637
Follow John-Michael on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/johnmichaelander

E28. [Jan Broberg] Based on Science Fiction // Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jan-broberg-abducted-in-plain-sight-based-on-science/id1674051643?i=1000624129646
E29. [Jan Broberg] Coming out of the Fog // Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jan-broberg-abducted-in-plain-sight-coming-out-of/id1674051643?i=1000624130706
Trauma Interrupted: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/trauma-interrupted-with-jan-broberg/id1643071063
The Jan Broberg Foundation:  http://www.janbrobergfoundation.org

E30. [Cassandra Lane] We Are Bridges: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cassandra-lane-we-are-bridges/id1674051643?i=1000624849907
Follow Cassandra on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cassandra.lane71
Cassandra’s book We Are Bridges: https://amzn.to/4vKE3Y1

Thank you again to Mint Mobile and Cash App for sponsoring this episode.

Don't forget, to get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MINTMOBILE.com/WCN.

And Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5 #CashAppPod

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Content warning: childhood abuse, childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, abduction, missing persons, gun violence, murder, and mental illness.

Amber Rodgers is a survivor, business professional, and creative from Texas. As early as she can remember, her life was filled with chaos. By the time she was fourteen, she was a multi-crime survivor, and by 19 she would serve as a witness in her best friend’s murder trial. Amber moved forward by cultivating a successful career and loving family, until her past trauma instigated a cascading effect in her mental health and relationships. Although Amber has shared portions of her story at-large, it took her decades and a life-altering mental health journey to realize the deep impact her teen years had had on her. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply appreciative of Amber’s transparency, rawness, and advocacy. These episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Kytrina Marie Locascio.

Sources: 

-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Adverse Childhood Experiences.” CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/.

-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).” CDC Vital Signs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/index.html.

-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Psychosocial Factors and Health Equity.” CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/health_equity/psychosocial.htm.

-Felitti, Vincent J., et al. “Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 14, no. 4, 1998, pp. 245–258.

-Hughes, Karen, et al. “The Effect of Multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The Lancet Public Health, vol. 2, no. 8, 2017, pp. e356–e366. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(17)30118-4.

-McKay, Matthew T., Laura Kilmartin, Aisling Meagher, Mary Cannon, Colm Healy, and Mary C. Clarke. “A Revised and Extended Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Childhood Adversity and Adult Psychiatric Disorder.” Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 156, 2022, pp. 159–174. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36274532/.

-Swedo, Elizabeth A., et al. “Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among U.S. Adults—Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2011–2020.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 72, no. 26, 2023, pp. 707–715, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7226a2.htm.

-Zhang, Y., et al. “Cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk of Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 2026, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691826007559. Accessed 2 June 2026.

For additional resources and a list of non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

*Thank you again to Rula and Quince for sponsoring this episode.

*Remember, Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod

*And don't forget to elevate your summer wardrobe, go to quince.com/wcn for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns, now available in Canada too.

Content warning: childhood abuse, childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, abduction, missing persons, gun violence, murder, and mental illness.

Amber Rodgers is a survivor, business professional, and creative from Texas. As early as she can remember, her life was filled with chaos. By the time she was fourteen, she was a multi-crime survivor, and by 19 she would serve as a witness in her best friend’s murder trial. Amber moved forward by cultivating a successful career and loving family, until her past trauma instigated a cascading effect in her mental health and relationships. Although Amber has shared portions of her story at-large, it took her decades and a life-altering mental health journey to realize the deep impact her teen years had had on her. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply appreciative of Amber’s transparency, rawness, and advocacy in the following two episodes. These episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Kytrina Marie Locascio.

Sources: 

Curt Hodges. “Woman Murdered; Killer Sentenced.” The Jonesboro Sun, 22 Nov. 1997. 

For additional resources and a list of non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

*Content Warning: fraud, harassment, catfishing, stalking, sexual abuse, troubled teen industry, childhood abuse, and institutionalized child abuse.

*Free + Confidential Resources + Safety Tips:
somethingwaswrong.com/resources

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Follow Something Was Wrong:

• IG: instagram.com/amybchesler

*Resources:

The Gathering Inn: https://www.thegatheringinn.com/

Tending the Garden: https://www.tendingthegarden.love/

Trans Doe Task Force: https://transdoetaskforce.org/

*Sources:

-Baker, Jennifer. “Doula Defrauder Kaitlyn Braun Will Return to Court in May for Sentencing Submissions.” CTVNews, 7 Mar. 2025, www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/doula-defrauder-kaitlyn-braun-will-return-to-court-in-may-for-sentencing-submissions/

-Beattie, Samantha. “Judge Calls Woman a ‘danger,’ Sends Her to Prison after Faking Pregnancies, Defrauding Ontario Doulas | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 10 June 2025, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/kaitlyn-braun-sentence-1.7556327

-Reese, Tiffany. “Season 18.” Something Was Wrong, Broken Cycle Media. https://somethingwaswrong.com/

Thanks again to Boll and Branch and Mint Mobile for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget you can get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at BollAndBranch.com/wcn with code WCN (exclusions apply). And upgrade your mobile plans at MintMobile.com/wcn. 

Content Warning: legal abuse, divorce, child-to-parent violence, narcissistic abuse, and coercive control.

Vanessa Reiser is a mother, author, survivor, and licensed psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. She is also the founder of Tell a Therapist, LLC and is best known for her 11-day, 285 mile run across the state of New York - in a wedding dress - to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse. We had the previous honor of hosting Vanessa as a guest on What Came Next in episode 77, entitled “The Treachery of No Empathy,” which first aired on July 5th, 2024. In the episode, her insights were both personal and professional, giving her a unique lens into narcissistic abuse. Since then, Vanessa has navigated some major life updates, and even added the role of podcaster to her resume. The Broken Cycle Media team continues to be so very grateful for Vanessa’s advocacy and willingness to share her expertise, time, and exciting updates with our audience.

WCN Episode 77 [Vanessa Reiser] The Treachery of No Empathy: https://podcasts.apple.com/lt/podcast/vanessa-reiser-the-treachery-of-no-empathy/id1674051643?i=1000661213926
Vanessa's Website: http://www.tellatherapist.net
Vanessa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessareiserlcsw/
Vanessa's Book: https://amzn.to/4383o1E

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please consider visiting https://www.thehotline.org/. For a list of resources and related non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

Content Warning:  love fraud, intimate fraud, financial fraud, gun violence, and robbery.

Tracy Hall is a mother, author, speaker, business marketing expert, and victim of financial and intimate fraud from Australia. After a series of traumatic events and life changes, Tracy found herself unexpectedly single in her early 40’s. Although she had a full life, she sought an activity partner to grow with. That’s when she met Max Tavita, a Bondi Beach businessman with an active lifestyle and a deepening love for Tracy. Over the next year and a half, he would carefully cultivate a relationship that promised to fulfill all of Tracy’s romantic, personal, and even financial dreams. However, it would all come toppling down upon his December 2017 arrest, which brought the realization that Max - whose real name was Hamish - wasn’t who he said he was. Since navigating a long criminal justice process, sharing her story via podcast, book, and beyond, Tracy has made it her mission to bring awareness to the intricacies and stigmas of intimate fraud. The Broken Cycle Media team is immensely grateful for Tracy’s openness, expertise, and advocacy.

Tracy's Website: https://tracyhall.com.au/
Tracy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyleehall/
Tracy's Media Language Guide: https://tracyhall.com.au/resources
The Last Victim in paperback: https://amzn.to/4ngzQbn
The Last Victim in Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4tZhezx
Who the Hell is Hamish?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-the-hell-is-hamish/id1451470931

Sources:

- “Conman Hamish McLaren Jailed for up to 16 Years after Swindling $7.6m from Victims.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 20 June 2019, www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/20/conman-hamish-mclaren-jailed-for-up-to-16-years-after-swindling-76m-from-victims

- “Early Appropriate Guilty Pleas.” The Law Society of New South Wales, www.lawsociety.com.au/resources/resources/my-practice-area/criminal-law/early-appropriate-guilty-pleas.

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources 

Content Warning: miscarriage, love fraud, intimate fraud, financial fraud, and robbery.

Tracy Hall is a mother, author, speaker, business marketing expert, and victim of financial and intimate fraud from Australia. After a series of traumatic events and life changes, Tracy found herself unexpectedly single in her early 40’s. Although she had a full life, she sought an activity partner to grow with. That’s when she met Max Tavita, a Bondi Beach businessman with an active lifestyle and a deepening love for Tracy. Over the next year and a half, he would carefully cultivate a relationship that promised to fulfill all of Tracy’s romantic, personal, and even financial dreams. However, it would all come toppling down upon his December 2017 arrest, which brought the realization that Max - whose real name was Hamish - wasn’t who he said he was. Since navigating a long criminal justice process, sharing her story via podcast, book, and beyond, Tracy has made it her mission to bring awareness to the intricacies and stigmas of intimate fraud. The Broken Cycle Media team is immensely grateful for Tracy’s openness, expertise, and advocacy in the following two episodes.

Tracy's Website: https://tracyhall.com.au/
Tracy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyleehall/

Sources:

- “Conman Hamish McLaren Jailed for up to 16 Years after Swindling $7.6m from Victims.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 20 June 2019, www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/20/conman-hamish-mclaren-jailed-for-up-to-16-years-after-swindling-76m-from-victims

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources