The Disappearance of Valerie Smiley

When 41-year-old Valerie Smiley left her Chattanooga restaurant on a warm June day in 2024, no one imagined it would be the last time she’d be seen. A devoted mother of four, a business owner, and the heartbeat of her community, Valerie vanished without a trace—her maroon SUV slipping into the Georgia highway system like a ghost on the road.In this haunting episode, Dr. Dee takes listeners deep into the baffling disappearance that has gripped Tennessee and beyond. From surveillance clues and puzzling phone pings to the relentless grassroots search led by family and friends, this story unfolds with heartbreak and resilience. We explore the role of race and media bias in missing persons coverage, the emotional toll on loved ones, and the broader question: whose stories get told?With a smoky draw of reflection and reverence, this episode is a tribute to Valerie Smiley—and to every family still waiting for answers.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of missing persons and may be emotionally distressing to some listeners.