

Generation Why: True Crime
Wondery
Since its debut in June 2012 with the episode Jury Duty, Generation Why Podcast has been your source for gripping true crime, intriguing mysteries, and fascinating conspiracies every week. Hosted by Justin and Aaron, the podcast combines in-depth research and discussion to bring you cases that challenge your perspective and keep you hooked. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting your true crime journey, Generation Why offers a large catalog of true crime tales. Don’t miss out—tune in and join a community passionate about uncovering the truth.Need more Generation Why? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes and always listen ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/generation-why/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 7, 2025 • 41min
Michael Bayer of True Case Films - 613
Vanished: The Heather Elvis Case will be released March 10th, 2025 on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Producer Michael Bayer and his team at True Case Films created this series to illuminate Heather's case as well as the impact on her family. I am really excited for you to meet Michael and then watch the docuseries on Amazon Prime.For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
Daniel Brophy - 612
June 2, 2018, Portland, OR. Dan Brophy was found dead at the Oregon Culinary Institute from two gunshots. His wife and amateur romance novelist, Nancy Brophy, wrote a blog post titled “How to Murder Your Husband” years before and had purchased a gun just months before. Did she attempt to live out one of her novels, or was she innocent? For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 24, 2025 • 41min
Carol Ryan - 611
September 1st, 1996. Jamesville, New York. A fisherman driving near the Jamesville Reservoir found a woman lying on the ground with massive injuries to her pelvic region. She was still alive, but unable to speak. She died hours later, and was soon identified as Carol Ryan, a 42-year-old local woman. Authorities determined an explosive device was used to commit the murder.For video episodes and bonus content visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 17, 2025 • 53min
Melissa Calusinski - 610
January 14, 2009, Lincolnshire, IL. At the Minee Subee Daycare, 16-month-old Ben Kingan crawled to a bouncy chair, fell asleep, and never regained consciousness. The cause of death was ruled a homicide due to a skull fracture and brain bleeding from blunt force trauma to the head. Melissa Calusinski was the sole adult in the room when Ben went into cardiac arrest. After 9 hours of interrogation, Melissa confessed to throwing Ben on the ground. Within 24 hours of her confession, Melissa recanted.For bonus episodes and episode commentary visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 10, 2025 • 51min
Chiefsaholic - 609
One fan’s seemingly harmless obsession with the Kansas City Chiefs begins to spiral out of control, transforming into dangerous and risky behavior. Soon, the fan realizes that his lifelong dream of being recognized by Chiefs fans comes with far-reaching consequences, not just for him, but for those he’s trying to impress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 3, 2025 • 49min
The Murder of Charles Zan - 608
October 17th, 2009. Miamisburg, Ohio. Pandora Zan called 911 to report that she had been attacked by an intruder and found her husband Charles stabbed to death after she regained consciousness. Days later, she implicated her son in the murder. For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 27, 2025 • 51min
Anne Marie Fahey - 607
June 27, 1996. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Anne Marie Fahey was last seen alive at dinner with Tom Capano, a wealthy attorney with political connections in the state of Delaware.Bonus episodes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 20, 2025 • 42min
Christopher Benedetto and Janette Piro - 606
November 16th, 1998. Singer Island, Florida. Neighbors of Christopher Benedetto and Janette Piro called the police to report the couple missing after they hadn’t been seen for several days. Later that month, Janette’s body was found inside her home, but Christopher remained missing.For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 13, 2025 • 55min
Jesse Valencia - 605
June 5th, 2004. Columbia, Missouri. 23-year-old college student Jesse Valencia was murdered a block away from his apartment. Within days, the Columbia Police Department received tips that Jesse was in a relationship with a married officer. For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 6, 2025 • 41min
Richard McCoy Jr. - 604
April 7th, 1972. Denver, Colorado. An armed man hijacked a passenger plane and escaped with $500,000. After receiving a tip from a Utah Highway Patrolman, Richard McCoy Jr. was arrested and charged with the crimeFor bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.