

Women and Crime
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Two Criminologists cover a new female-focused case each episode. You’ll hear the stories of these women, paired with the science that tells you where it all went wrong. We’ll explore the causes of female crime, victimology, the legal system, as well as celebrate heroines who have left their mark on the criminal justice system.Dr Meghan Sacks and Dr Amy Shlosberg are both Professors of Criminology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Both have years of first-hand experience working with offenders and professionals in the criminal justice system. They teach classes covering topics such as: Women & Crime, Race & Crime, Criminology, and Serial Killers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Cassie Ventura
Ep 270: A woman’s allegation of violence against a powerful man triggered a media storm and high-profile trial but left many with questions about justice.
This is the Casandra Ventura story.
This episode was a collaboration with Celesia Stanton from "Truer Crime" podcast. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit: https://truercrimepodcast.com
Sources for Today's Episode:
The biography.org
npr.org
cnn.com
New York Daily News
ABC News
People.com
Sponsors: (thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Hungry Root - You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do – it’s the easiest way to eat healthy. For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/WAC and use code WAC.
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Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
Special Thanks to: Celesia Stanton
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Keywords: Sean Diddy Combs, Puff Daddy, Diddy sex trafficking trial, assault allegations, freak off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2025 • 44min
W&C Reconsidered: Sarah Butler
Ep 268: Reconsidered: 24 - Sarah Butler
Original Airdate: 08/18/20
On the evening of November 22, 2016 college sophomore, Sarah Butler left her home in NJ to meet up with a man she met on the Internet. Nine days later her body was found in a nearby park. Soon after, an online sting operation by Sarah’s family and friends led police to her killer and information on two unsolved murders.
Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates.
Sources for Today's Episode:
NorthJersey.com
NJ12
Washington Post
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Music by Dessert Media
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 48min
Grace Millane
Ep 268: A young backpacker’s disappearance in New Zealand would lead to a massive change in how their media covers violence against women.
This is the Grace Millane story.
Sources for Today's Episode:
• DOCUMENTARY THE LIE
• The BBC
• NZ Herald
• The Standard
• blog — We Can't Consent To This
• www.lovegrace.co.uk
• Aeoteoroa ( Owa-te-aroa) New Zealand Social Work (Journal)
Sponsors: (thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Chewy - Chewy has everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. And right now you can save $20 on your first order and get free shipping by going to Chewy.com/women.
Minimum purchase required. New customers only. Terms and conditions apply. See site for complete details.
Credits:
• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
• Produced by James Varga
• Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
• Script Editor, Abigail Belcastro
• Music by Dessert Media
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
• Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
• Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
• YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Keywords: backpacking, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15, 2025 • 43min
W&C Reconsidered: Audrey Marie Hilley
Ep 267: Reconsidered: 23 - Audrey Marie Hilley
Original Airdate: 08/04/20
Beginning with a mother’s lies, scams and other much more serious crimes, Audrey Marie Hilley tries to pull off the ultimate con, but her audacious attempt to outsmart everyone would prove to be this “Black Widow’s” ultimate demise.
Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates.
Sources for Today's Episode:
The LA Times
CrimeLibrary.com
The Orlando Sentinal
Credits:
• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
• Produced by James Varga
• Music by Dessert Media
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2025 • 49min
Kitty Genovese
Ep 266: A woman’s tragic murder in 1964 became a case study in human psychology and urban life that is still discussed today
This is the Kitty Genovese story.
Sources for Today's Episode:
• NY Times
• NY Daily News
• The New Yorker
• Psychology Today
• PBS
• The book: Kitty Genovese: The Murder, the Bystanders, the Crime that Changed America by Kevin Cook
• The Washington Post
Sponsors: (thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Cash App - For a limited time only, new Cash App customers can use our exclusive code to earn some additional cash. Just download Cash App, use our exclusive referral code FAMILY10 in your profile, send $5 to a friend within 14 days, and you’ll get $10 dropped right into your account. Terms apply. That’s Money. That’s Cash App.
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Credits:
• Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
• Produced by James Varga
• Audio Editor, Jose Alfonso
• Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
• Music by Dessert Media
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
• Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
• Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
• YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Keywords: bystander effect, apathy, big city Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2025 • 40min
W&C Reconsidered: Nicole Addimando
Ep 265: Reconsidered: 22 - Nicole Addimando
Original Airdate: 07/20/20
On the evening of September 28, 2017, 30-year-old Christoper Grover was shot in the head by his live in girlfriend and mother of his two children, Nicole Addimando. Was this self-defense after years of physical and sexual abuse or was this a cold blooded murder?
Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates.
Sources for Today's Episode:
westandwithnikki.com
The New Yorker
The Poughkeepsie Journal
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Music by Dessert Media
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 2025 • 45min
Danishka Melina Sibaja Mejia
Ep 264: This woman’s courage to speak out became the spark in a chain of events that ended in an unthinkable tragedy.
This is the Danishka Melina Sibaja Mejia story.
Sources for Today's Episode:
The Charlotte Observer
People.com
WBIR.com
Law and Crime News
Wate 6 News
Sponsors:
(thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
Tushbaby - Visit Tushbaby.com and start customizing your own carrier. Make sure to use code [CRIMEWOMEN] for 20% your first order.
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
Music by Dessert Media
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2025 • 48min
W&C Reconsidered: Kathleen Zellner
Ep 263: Reconsidered: 21 - Kathleen Zellner
Original Airdate: 07/07/20
This is the story of a woman is known for her commitment to fight for justice for those who most of society has given up on. This woman's notorious work in the criminal justice system has shined the spotlight on wrongful convictions in the United States and while her work has enlightened us all, the case that inspired her efforts is one that just might haunt us all.
Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates.
Sources for Today's Episode:
Esquire
Chicago Tribune Article
Newsweek
Dream/Killer documentary
Los Angeles Times article
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Music by Dessert Media
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 2025 • 43min
Irena Sendler
Ep 262: During one of the darkest times in world history, this woman risked imprisonment, torture and death by firing squad to save thousands of children from the Nazis.
This is the Irena Sendler story
Sources for Today's Episode:
The Guardian
Yeshiva University News
Irenasendler.org
BBC
TV movie called The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler.
NY Times
Holocaust memorial museum
The book, Irena’s Children by Tilar Mazzeo
www.neh.gov
The Documentary, IRENA SENDLER In the Name of Their Mothers
Sponsors:
(thanks for using our promo codes, it really does help the show!)
TaskRabbit - Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TASKRABBIT.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code WAC. Taskrabbit—book trusted help for home tasks.
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes:
Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership.
YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/
Keywords: Schindler's List, Ghetto, Holocaust, Survivor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2025 • 50min
W&C Reconsidered: Joann Parks
Ep 261: Reconsidered: 20 - JoAnn Parks
Original Airdate: 06/23/20
On the evening of April 9, 1989, JoAnn Parks put her three children to sleep and went to bed. She woke up around midnight to the sound of her children screaming and to a home engulfed in flames. Although the fire was initially ruled accidental, Joann was later convicted of arson and murder remains in prison 27 years later, even though there is substantial doubt on the accuracy of her conviction
Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates.
Sources for Today's Episode:
Burned, by Ed Humes
NPR
Albany Law Review (Brooks, Simpson, Kaneb)
CAIP
Courtroom Confidential podcast
LATimes
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Music by Dessert Media
Help is Available:
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.
For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices