

The First Degree
Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek
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!)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2021 • 43min
KILLING TIME: SATANIC PANIC
This weekend, the girls and the goth are talking everything satanic panic. They dive into the West Memphis Three, why printed press matters, and is cereal a soup????
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🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 18, 2021 • 44min
Episode 158: The Shrout Family
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.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 12, 2021 • 44min
KILLING TIME: ICEBERG RIGHT AHEAD
This week, the hosts dive into the eerie past of nursery rhymes, uncovering connections to historical tragedies like the Great Plague. They discuss who deserves the armrest on planes and explore Cleopatra's passionate love story with Mark Antony. The conversation evolves into humorous takes on teenage pranks and late-night food cravings, all while blending deeper reflections on human connection with playful anecdotes.

Aug 11, 2021 • 38min
Episode 157: Jody Plauche Part 2
Police rescue Jody Plauche after he was kidnapped by his karate instructor—and learn the horrific details of what the 10-year-old boy endured at the hands of his captor. When it’s time for his abuser to be brought back to justice, camera crews capture his arrival at the airport—and capture a shocking moment of vigilante justice. In episode 157, Jac, Alexis and Billy are once again joined by Jody as they conclude the tale of Jeff Doucet, Gary Plauchet and Jody Plauchet.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 5, 2021 • 41min
KILLING TIME: THE PEOPLE'S SHOE
This week the girls call out the goth for complaining about his summer birthday, explore the many Marilyn Monroe conspiracy theories, the polarizing reputation of Birkenstocks (aka the peoples' shoe) and the lost art of stealth party exits.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 4, 2021 • 44min
Episode 156: Jody Plauche Part 1
In March of 1984, Jody Plauche made national headlines when he was abducted by his karate teacher, Jeff Doucet. A national manhunt ensued before police zeroed in on Motel more than 2,000 miles away. In episode 156, Jac, Alexis and Billy are joined by Jody, who shares his story of betrayal, abduction, and ultimately, his rescue- which was far from the end of his harrowing experience.Please support the show by checking out our sponsors!Slumber Cloud: Save 10% on your purchase with our exclusive code: FIRSTDEGREE10 at www.slumbercloud.com.Seed: Visit seed.com/FIRSTDEGREE and use codeFIRSTDEGREE to redeem 20% off your first month of Seed’s Daily SynbioticUpstart: Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly payments today when you go to UPSTART.com/FIRSTDEGREE.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 29, 2021 • 44min
KILLING TIME: HANDSHAKES FROM HELL
This week, the girls and the goth dish on the sordid history of the royal family, the blasphemy of reserving a parking spot with your body, the two day Vegas time limit- and how handshakes should be banished eternally.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 28, 2021 • 55min
Episode 155: Peter Porco Part 2
When the police asked Joan Porco if it was her son who attacked her and her husband with an ax, she nodded yes. But when she came out of a three week coma, she said he had nothing to do with it. But the evidence is stacking against him. What do we believe?
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2021 • 50min
KILLING TIME: SLIP N' SLIDE FROM HELL
This week on Killing Time, the girls and the goth talk about the history of 911 and react to a few classic 911 calls. Plus, they put Britney Spears' conservatorship on the stand, and have a spirited debate about cheese on chicken sandwiches. Later, they come up with new ways to increase male listenership. Billy will have to do a lot more work.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 21, 2021 • 49min
Episode 154: Peter Porco Part 1
A man doesn’t show up to his job. A co-worker goes to check on him and sees a smear of blood on the front door. Inside, he finds the man dead, his head bludgeoned. Upstairs, his wife is in bed, clinging to life. And under the covers is a bloody axe. Who could have done this? In episode 154, Jac, Alexis and Billy begin to unravel the horrifying tale of Peter and Joan Porco.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


