Criminal

Mikita Brottman, author and cultural commentator, guides the narrative with concise analysis. She unpacks a mysterious disappearance at Lake Seminole, a mother's relentless search, and a tangled web of affairs, insurance and a chilling 'test' plan. The story follows investigations, arrests, trials and the book that keeps the case alive.

Jeanne Abel, longtime collaborator and wife of prankster Alan Abel, recalls decades of public stunts and satirical campaigns. Jenny Abel, their daughter, shares family memories and how pranks shaped their home life. They recount the infamous White House picket, fake organizations and personas, media hijinks, and elaborate hoaxes that blurred comedy and provocation.

David Grann, an investigative journalist and author known for his work in true crime, dives deep into a chilling case involving Krystian Bala. He discusses a murder investigation that took a bizarre turn when a detective found parallels between a victim's death and Bala's fictional novel. Grann explores Bala's charm and the psychological complexities that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. He also reveals the dramatic courtroom events leading to Bala's conviction, showcasing how jealousy and obsession fueled this disturbing crime.

In a gripping conversation, Karen Palmer, a survivor and author of *She's Under Here*, shares her tense journey of disappearing with her family to evade her ex-husband. She highlights the subtle warning signs of control and intimidation early in her marriage. Karen recounts a terrifying airport abduction and the lengths she went to reclaim her daughter. As they create new identities to escape, she discusses the haunting memories and constant vigilance of living under assumed names, offering a poignant reflection on fear, resilience, and complex closure.

Ramya Nagesh, a lawyer and author focusing on sleep-related automatism in criminal law, shares her expertise on an intriguing topic. She recounts the bizarre case of Lindsey Schweigert, who awoke in police custody after a sleepwalking incident. Ramya discusses historical cases, the complexities of sleepwalking behavior, and the legal implications, including the infamous Kenneth Parks case. They also explore the effects of medications like Ambien and how they can lead to sleep-related crimes, raising questions about responsibility in sleepwalking.

In this enlightening conversation, Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun and fierce anti-death penalty advocate, shares her transformative journey following Elmo Patrick Sonnier on death row. She reflects on witnessing executions, discussing the emotional intensity and the complexities of guilt and innocence. Sister Helen also explores the systemic injustices within the criminal system and her efforts to shift Catholic teachings on the death penalty. Her experiences challenge listeners to consider human dignity and the importance of compassion, even amidst profound loss.

In this lively discussion, Sven Montgomery shares the lighthearted story of a speeding duck caught zooming at 52 km/h by a Swiss speed camera. Sergeant Zebediah Dickinson humorously recounts rescuing a javelina from an abandoned Subaru after a snack mishap. Meanwhile, Heidi Taylor delights listeners with the tale of her goat, Joshua, who unexpectedly joined a local half marathon and finished proud with a medal. These amusing animal antics provide a refreshing look at the unexpected adventures of wildlife in everyday life.

Laura Nowlin, a mother, shares her gripping Christmas morning story when she discovered an abandoned infant on her porch. She remembers the mix of emotions—fear, anger, and concern—as she rushed to call 911. Officer Austin King recounts the urgent police response to the stolen car connected to the baby’s drop-off. The surprising twist reveals the teenage suspect's background, deepening the narrative of love and choices on a holiday meant for celebration. Both Laura and Officer King reflect on the impact of this unexpected event.

Joining the discussion is Kate Winkler Dawson, an author and journalist known for her book The Sinners All Bow. She delves into the tragic case of Sarah Cornell, a mill worker found dead in 1832, sparking a sensational trial. Topics include Sarah's challenging life in the factory, her allegations against Reverend Avery, and the courtroom's bias shaped by religious tensions. Dawson highlights how the trial became a spectacle, featuring victim shaming and a controversial acquittal, ultimately connecting Sarah's narrative to Hawthorne's Hester Prynne.

Howard Siegel, an attorney known for representing the Horn family in a high-profile wrongful-death case, shares gripping insights into a shocking murder investigation from 1993. He recounts the complexities of the case, including the discovery of a disturbing manual, "Hitman," that detailed steps for committing murder. The conversation dives into the legal battle against Paladin Press, who published the manual, and the moral dilemmas surrounding free speech in the face of tragedy. Siegel's experiences highlight a chilling intersection of crime and law.