76: BLACK WEEK: Updates on the Sam Nordquist case and revisiting Mel's conversation with Sam's Mom and sister

This update includes graphic and disturbing information about torture, captivity, group violence, and abuse involving a trans victim. Please take care while listening.When I first introduced you to Sam’s story earlier this season, we talked about what was publicly known at the time: a 24-year-old trans man from Minnesota who flew to New York to meet a woman he’d met on TikTok… and never made it home. He missed his flight. His phone shut off. And the messages that trickled back to his family didn’t sound like Sam at all.Sam was sweet. Artistic. Covered in tattoos he’d chosen with intention — two trans pride designs, an infinity symbol for his family. His sister Kayla describes him as someone who processed the world with the earnestness of a teenager, partly because of a head injury earlier in life. He wanted to be in love more than anything. He wanted to belong.Instead, he stepped into a nightmare.On December 18th 2025, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle released a well-sourced and detailed article by journalist, Madison Scott, which shows exactly how that nightmare unfolded for Sam. Please read Madison's article and share this episode and that article on socials.Here's my conversation with Sam's sister, Kayla and his mom, Linda.Thanks for listening and PLEASE SHARE Sam's story far and wide.If you appreciate Mel's work, please tip her. ❤️Donate if you can to Sam's family's fundraiser. They're raising money to travel to New York from Minnesota to be there for the trial. Join the Something's Off Community on Youtube and Facebook.