Secret Passage Podcast

She woke up in a hospital with pine needles in her hair, her underwear missing, and no memory of how she got there. In 2015, Chanel Miller attended a fraternity party at Stanford with her younger sister. The next thing she remembered was waking up in a hospital and learning that she had been found unconscious behind a dumpster while Brock Turner sexually assaulted her. Two bystanders intervened, chased Turner down, and held him until police arrived. Turner was later convicted of three felony sexual-assault charges and sentenced to six months in jail, serving only a fraction of that sentence. But this episode of The Secret Passage is not really about Brock Turner. It's about Chanel Miller. Dana and Jacky examine what it means to survive an assault you cannot remember—when other people, medical evidence, photographs, lawyers and eventually a jury have to tell you what happened to your own body. They talk about depersonalization, loss of agency, the assumptions we make about consent, and the strange cultural expectation that victims must clearly say "no" rather than requiring an actual "yes." They also wrestle with one of the most uncomfortable ideas in the episode: people are rarely all good or all bad. Chanel herself resisted reducing Turner to a one-dimensional monster, even while holding him responsible for what he did—a conversation that opens the door to questions about moral complexity, accountability, rehabilitation and whether offenders can ever meaningfully change. Then the conversation turns to Judge Aaron Persky, the controversial sentence, and the outrage that followed. Was the sentence disgracefully lenient? Did the judge still act within the law? And when public anger eventually cost Persky both his judicial career and another job, at what point does accountability become permanent punishment? Finally, Dana and Jacky ask a question that rarely gets discussed in true crime: What are we supposed to do with offenders after we condemn them? Because anger alone does not reduce recidivism. Jacky discusses the importance of treatment, taking responsibility, acknowledging the offense, and the possibility that genuine accountability could involve an offender publicly confronting what he did rather than disappearing into shame and denial. And that leads to perhaps the hardest question of all: Can someone do something unforgivable—and still have an obligation to become better? This is Part Two of our discussion on sexual assault, rape culture and accountability following our episode on Steubenville. Content warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault, rape-kit examinations, victim blaming and trauma. Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. FOLLOW THE SECRET PASSAGE 📸 Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram 🎵 TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok 🎥 YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube 🔐 JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books & case resources Join The Secret Passage on Patreon GO FURTHER DOWN THE PASSAGE 📖 Know My Name — Chanel Miller This is the most important companion to the episode. Miller writes about the assault, the investigation, trial, media attention, impact statement, and the long process of reclaiming her identity after being known publicly as "Emily Doe."  Know My Name — Penguin Random House 🧠 Trauma After Sexual Violence — RAINN A useful overview of how sexual violence can affect memory, emotions, the body, and a survivor's sense of safety and identity. It also discusses experiences such as feeling disconnected from your body or emotions.  Understanding Trauma After Sexual Violence — RAINN 💬 Supporting Survivors Without Blaming Them — RAINN Why questions such as "Why didn't you fight back?" or focusing on how much a survivor drank can unintentionally shift responsibility away from the person who committed the assault. RAINN offers practical guidance on responding to disclosures with validation, choice, and support. How to TALK With Survivors of Sexual Violence — RAINN 🚲 Bystander Intervention — RAINN The Brock Turner case might have ended very differently had two passing cyclists not recognized that something was wrong, intervened, pursued Turner, and stayed until police arrived. The episode contrasts their actions with the failure of bystanders in the Steubenville case. Show Up, Speak Out, Step In — RAINN ⚖️ Treatment and Rehabilitation of People Who Commit Sexual Offenses — ATSA Our conversation eventually asks a harder question than simply, "How long should someone go to prison?": What actually reduces the chance that someone sexually offends again? The Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse provides research-based information on risk assessment, treatment, accountability, community safety, and rehabilitation. Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse 📊 Does Treatment Reduce Sexual Reoffending? — Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis This review examined thousands of individuals across multiple studies and found that psychosocial treatment—particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches—was associated on average with lower sexual recidivism, although outcomes varied considerably by program and population. Do we really want offenders returning to society having received no meaningful treatment at all? Sexual Offender Treatment for Reducing Recidivism — Campbell Systematic Review 🆘 Survivor Support If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers confidential, 24/7 support. Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673) Text: HOPE to 64673 RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

A teenage girl was sexually assaulted at a party. People knew it was happening. They took photos. They made videos. They joked about it. They posted about it online. And almost no one stepped in. In 2012, a 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio, was sexually assaulted by high-school football players Trent Mays and Ma'Lik Richmond while she was severely intoxicated and unable to consent. But what made the case especially disturbing was how many other teenagers knew what was happening—and how openly some of them documented, mocked and discussed it afterward. The social-media evidence would eventually become crucial to the case. Dana and Jacky go beyond the question of what happened to ask something much harder: Why didn't anybody stop it? They examine the psychology of the bystander effect, pluralistic ignorance, social status, conformity and group behavior—including the possibility that one high-status teenager speaking up might have changed the behavior of everyone else in the room. They also look at the strange double-edged role of social media. The same technology used to humiliate and further victimize the girl also created a digital trail that helped expose what happened. And then comes an uncomfortable question: What happens when the people around you seem to treat something horrific as normal? Could the group's reaction actually change an individual's perception of right and wrong? Would these teenagers have behaved differently if there had only been three people in the room instead of a crowd? And could one respected person saying "This is wrong" have broken the spell? This episode also asks whether teenagers who participated in or celebrated something horrific can genuinely change as they become adults—and whether remorse years later should change the way we see who they were at 16. Dana and Jacky wrestle with that question directly. This is Part One of our discussion. Next, The Secret Passage turns to the Brock Turner/Chanel Miller case—and the uncomfortable similarities between what happened at a high-school party in Ohio and what happened three years later on Stanford's campus. What do you think: If ONE popular person at that party had stood up and said, "This is wrong," would everyone else have followed? Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. Content warning: This episode discusses sexual assault involving a minor, victim blaming and disturbing descriptions of sexual violence. Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. FOLLOW THE SECRET PASSAGE 📸 Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram 🎵 TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok 🎥 YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube 🔐 JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books & case resources Join The Secret Passage on Patreon GO FURTHER DOWN THE PASSAGE Roll Red Roll — PBS/POV The documentary examines the Steubenville assault, the football culture surrounding it, the role of social media and the behavior of the bystanders. PBS also provides discussion guides, reading lists and educational resources.  Watch and learn more about Roll Red Roll on PBS  Bystander Intervention — RAINN RAINN: Stop Sexual Violence — Step In With CARE Pluralistic Ignorance & the Bystander Effect — Research Pluralistic ignorance can occur when people privately think something is wrong but observe everyone else's inaction and mistakenly conclude that they may be the one overreacting. Researchers also describe diffusion of responsibility and fear of evaluation as barriers to intervention. Read the research on pluralistic ignorance and bystander intervention Rape Myths, Social Media & Steubenville — Peer-Reviewed Research This study specifically analyzed the Steubenville case and examined how social media and news coverage both reinforced and challenged rape myths surrounding the victim, perpetrators and assault.  The Presence of Rape Myths in the Virtual World: The Steubenville Sexual Assault Case Social Media and the Steubenville Narrative — Digital Journalism Researchers analyzed hundreds of local and national articles about Steubenville to examine how social-media sources shaped portrayals of the victim and perpetrators. Victimized on Plain Sites: Social and Alternative Media's Impact on the Steubenville Rape Case Roll Red Roll Educational Clips & Discussion Materials This is actually a fantastic link for listeners who want to go deeper without necessarily watching the entire documentary. American Documentary provides clips addressing the students, digital activism, social media and people who spoke up. Roll Red Roll Educational Resources & Film Clips

Everybody in this love triangle was lying. One of them ended up dead. In this installment of Moms Behaving Badly, Dana and Jacky dive into the bizarre TallHotBlond case. Middle-aged husband Thomas Montgomery reinvented himself online as a young Marine named "Tommy" and fell for 17-year-old "Jessi." But Jessi wasn't Jessi. She was Mary Shieler—the teenager's own mother—using her daughter's identity and photographs online. Then 22-year-old Brian Barrett entered the picture, and an online fantasy became deadly. Beyond the murder, Dana and Jacky explore the psychology of catfishing, masculinity, online disinhibition, self-discrepancy, fantasy and our increasingly curated digital identities. Was Thomas obsessed with Jessi—or with the man he got to become when he was talking to her? And the bigger question: Are we really that different today? 📚 GO FURTHER DOWN THE PASSAGE Want to dig deeper into the psychology behind this case? 🧠 The Online Disinhibition Effect — John Suler Why anonymity, invisibility and distance can change the way we behave online. 🪞 Self-Discrepancy Theory — E. Tory Higgins The psychology of the actual self, ideal self and ought self—and what happens when the person we are doesn't match the person we desperately want to be. 🎭 Why Do People Catfish? — Psychology Today Loneliness, insecurity, identity exploration and the psychology behind creating someone else online. 📱 Deceptive Self-Presentation on Social Media — Research Study Research examining why people create deceptive versions of themselves on social media. 🔎 Cyber Love Triangle Fuels Murder — ABC News More background on Thomas Montgomery, Brian Barrett and the bizarre online triangle behind the TalHotBlond case.   FOLLOW THE SECRET PASSAGE 📸 Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram 🎵 TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok 🎥 YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube 🔐 JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books & case resources Join The Secret Passage on Patreon

What happens when the person your child turns to for protection is secretly the person hurting her? In this episode of Secret Passage: Moms Behaving Badly: Mom, Bully, Stalker, Dana and Jacky examine the bizarre and deeply disturbing case of Kendra Licari, the Michigan mother who secretly sent anonymous, harassing messages to her teenage daughter Lauryn and Lauryn's then-boyfriend, Owen. For months, the teenagers and their families tried to figure out who was behind the messages. Friends and classmates became suspects. Relationships fractured. Law enforcement became involved. And all the while, Kendra appeared to be another concerned mother trying to help uncover the person tormenting her daughter. Then investigators traced the messages back to Kendra herself. Following the case featured in Netflix's Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, Dana and Jacky go beyond the shocking reveal and ask the question the documentary leaves hanging: Why would a mother do this to her own child? Jacky brings a therapist's perspective to the conversation as they explore attention-seeking behavior, betrayal trauma, attachment, empathy, control, jealousy, possible psychological motivations, and the enormous difference between explaining someone's behavior and excusing it. They also examine some of the most uncomfortable questions surrounding the case: Was Kendra trying to keep Lauryn dependent on her? Why did so much of the harassment revolve around Lauryn's relationship with Owen? Why were some of the messages sexual in nature? What was Kendra's end goal? Was her remorse about what she'd done—or about finally getting caught? And how does a child rebuild her ability to trust when the person who was supposed to be her safest relationship became the source of the danger? Kendra ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. She was released in August 2024. And perhaps the biggest question: Can a mother and daughter ever truly repair a relationship after a betrayal like this? WANT TO GO FURTHER DOWN THE PASSAGE? Tell us what YOU think about this case. Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. FOLLOW THE SECRET PASSAGE 📸 Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram 🎵 TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok 🎥 YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube 🔐 JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books & case resources Join The Secret Passage on Patreon 📩 HAVE A CASE IDEA, QUESTION OR COMMENT? We'd love to hear from you! Email The Secret Passage This episode discusses cyberbullying, emotional abuse, sexualized harassment involving minors, and suicide-related threats. Further Reading & Watching Netflix — Where are Kendra and Lauryn now? Read Netflix Tudum's update on the Licari family TIME — The true story behind Unknown Number Read TIME's account of the Kendra Licari case A&E — The psychology question This article specifically examines the comparison some people have made between Kendra's behavior and "Munchausen by Internet," while exploring the dangers of trying to attach a clinical explanation to behavior without sufficient evidence. Read A&E's psychological exploration of the case People — Did Kendra tell the truth? Director Skye Borgman discusses her lengthy interview with Kendra, Kendra's explanations for her behavior, and why the documentary doesn't necessarily validate Kendra's version of events. Read People's interview about Kendra's account

Lindsay Clancy killed her three young children. But was she a calculating murderer—or a mother experiencing a catastrophic psychiatric break? Dana and GenXJacky examine the medication timeline, warning signs, mental-health treatment, Patrick Clancy's role, social-media misinformation, and the hardest question of all: what does justice look like in a case like this? Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are not interchangeable. Postpartum psychosis can involve a significant loss of contact with reality and is considered a psychiatric emergency. Someone experiencing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, severe confusion or other symptoms suggesting psychosis needs immediate professional evaluation. A note about medication: This episode discusses several psychiatric medications in the context of the Lindsay Clancy case. Individual responses to medication vary considerably. Nothing discussed in this episode should be interpreted as medical advice or as a reason to begin, discontinue or change a psychiatric medication without consulting an appropriate medical provider. If you believe you or someone else is experiencing postpartum psychosis or there is an immediate danger to a parent, baby or another person, seek emergency medical care immediately. NIMH specifically characterizes postpartum psychosis as a psychiatric emergency requiring hospitalization. WANT TO GO FURTHER DOWN THE PASSAGE? Tell us what YOU think about this case. Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. FOLLOW THE SECRET PASSAGE 📸 Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram 🎵 TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok 🎥 YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube 🔐 JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books & case resources Join The Secret Passage on Patreon 📩 HAVE A CASE IDEA, QUESTION OR COMMENT? We'd love to hear from you! Email The Secret Passage Resources for Listeners If this episode raised concerns about your own mental health—or the mental health of someone you love—help is available. Postpartum depression, anxiety and other perinatal mental-health conditions are treatable. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency and can involve delusions, hallucinations, mania, paranoia and confusion. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) Free, confidential support for pregnant and postpartum people and their partners/family members, available 24/7. Counselors can provide emotional support and connect callers with local services and providers. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Postpartum Support International (PSI) PSI provides information, support groups, provider directories and resources for postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis and other perinatal mental-health concerns. The Massachusetts PSI warm line is 866-472-1897; Massachusetts also lists PSI among its recommended postpartum resources. Massachusetts Perinatal Mental Health Resources & PSI Support National Institute of Mental Health — Perinatal Depression & Postpartum Psychosis A particularly good educational resource for listeners who came away from the episode wondering about the difference between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, warning signs, risk factors and treatment. NIMH: Perinatal Depression and Postpartum Psychosis Massachusetts Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder Resources Since the Clancy case occurred in Massachusetts, this is a nice case-specific addition. The state provides resources covering postpartum depression, anxiety, bipolar-spectrum disorders, OCD, PTSD and postpartum psychosis, as well as information for partners and families. Massachusetts PMAD Resources for Families

Who was the real Jodi Arias? Host Dana Vespoli and therapist Gen X Jacky explore the complicated relationship between Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander through the lenses of psychology, attachment, identity, religion, sexuality, rejection, and deception. From Jodi's "chameleon" qualities and conflicting stories to disputed psychological testimony and allegations of abuse, Dana and Jacky ask what we can actually know about the woman behind one of America's most notorious murder cases—and where psychological explanation ends and personal responsibility begins. Resources & Further Reading For listeners who want to explore some of the issues raised in this episode: National Domestic Violence Hotline — Information about relationship abuse, warning signs, safety planning, and confidential support. The Hotline offers phone, text, and live-chat assistance. National Domestic Violence Hotline U.S. Department of Justice — Office on Violence Against Women — Resources for victims and survivors, including links to national hotlines and local service providers. DOJ Resources for Victims and Survivors 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free, confidential crisis support in the United States by calling or texting 988, with chat support also available online. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Important note: Our discussion of psychological diagnoses and personality traits is intended for education and commentary. We distinguish between diagnoses presented by experts in connection with the case and our own discussion of behaviors or possible psychological explanations. A diagnosis alone does not explain or predict violent behavior. Content warning: This episode discusses homicide, graphic violence, stalking, sexual content, alleged domestic violence, childhood abuse, animal abuse, and mental health. The conversation doesn't end here... Join our Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books, and case resources Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok Secret Passage Podcast on Youtube Patreon Email Us  

What could drive two seemingly ordinary teenagers to brutally murder someone they knew—and why did they appear to treat it like the making of a horror movie? In this episode of Secret Passage, Dana and Jacky examine one of the most disturbing adolescent murder cases in recent history: the killing of Cassie Jo Stoddart by classmates Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik. Together, they go beyond the headlines to explore the psychology behind the crime, discussing adolescent brain development, identity formation, peer influence, fantasy versus reality, violent ideation, and the warning signs that may have preceded the attack. Jacky also explains why psychology cannot predict violence with certainty, why most teenagers fascinated by horror or true crime never become violent, and what research tells us about the rare pathways that can lead to extreme acts. The conversation expands beyond the Stoddart case to compare Columbine and other high-profile acts of teen violence, exploring questions about copycat behavior, the search for notoriety, adolescent development, punishment versus rehabilitation, and what families, schools, and communities can learn from these tragedies. Rather than sensationalizing the crime, Secret Passage asks the more difficult question: How does someone become capable of doing something unthinkable—and what can we learn from it? In this episode, we discuss: The murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart Brian Draper & Torey Adamcik Adolescent brain development Fantasy vs. reality Violent ideation and identity formation Peer influence and co-offending Columbine comparisons Warning signs in adolescent violence Nature vs. nurture Mental illness and violence: separating fact from fiction What parents and educators should know The conversation doesn't end here... Join our Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Exclusive therapist breakdowns ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content ✔️ Research, books, and case resources Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok Secret Passage Podcast on Youtube Patreon Email Us  Resources & Links: Katie's Law - AB 1575 - California legislation for student rights during disciplinary hearings The Psychological Impact of School Violence Systemic Failures in Youth Justice School Violence and Prevention Resources The Blair Witch Effect in Media and Youth Behavior

Skylar Neese and the Complexities of Juvenile Justice: A Deep Dive into a Tragic Case Join us as we explore the disturbing case of Skylar Neese, a 16-year-old girl whose murder by her friends Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf shocked a community and ignited debates on juvenile culpability and sentencing. We discuss the social, psychological, and legal factors intertwined in this case, highlighting the roles of social media, peer influence, and mental health. In this episode: The detailed recounting of Skylar Neese's murder and the teenagers involved How social media amplified tensions and contributed to the crime The psychological profiles of the offenders and the concept of Folie à Deux Legal proceedings, sentencing, and the debate over juvenile life sentences The potential for remorse, rehabilitation, and the importance of considering individual backgrounds Broader implications on juvenile justice and moral accountability Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Skylar Neese case and its significance 02:13 - The circumstances leading up to the murder 04:11 - Skylar's background and social media presence 05:55 - The friendship dynamics and betrayal among the teens 09:28 - The planning and execution of the murder 15:45 - Discovery of Skylar's body and police investigation 19:11 - The suspects' stories and inconsistencies in their accounts 22:28 - Interrogations, confessions, and plea deals 24:15 - Sentencing details for Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf 27:33 - Psychological perspectives: brain development, remorse, and psychopathy 32:40 - The influence of social media and peer pressure 36:25 - Folie à Deux and the psychological link between the offenders 39:32 - The dehumanization process during the crime 44:10 - The role of social media in escalating adolescent anger and rage 48:24 - The absence of remorse and its implications 51:33 - Justice, redemption, and the potential for change—should juveniles be afforded parole? 55:42 - The science of juvenile brain development and its impact on sentencing 60:37 - A personal reflection on youth, influence, and moral growth 66:41 - The importance of background, trauma, and environment in criminal behavior 70:13 - Rehabilitative opportunities and the future of juvenile offenders 73:42 - Wrapping up and teasing upcoming topics on juvenile justice and sentencing debates Resources & Links: Folie à Deux - Mental Health Resource Juvenile Justice Reform - The Supreme Court Decision (2012) Skylar Neese's Twitter Profile (archived) Related Articles on Juvenile Sentencing: The Juvenile Sentencing Debate Connect with Us: Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok Patreon Email Us

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast we unpack the Mackenzie Shirilla case. We examine the 2022 crash in Strongsville, Ohio, where 17-year-old Mackenzie drove 100 mph into a brick wall, killing her boyfriend Dominic and friend Davion. We explore her influencer ambitions, reckless lifestyle, and the bigger cultural issues of social media narcissism, substance use, and permissive parenting. It's a raw discussion on teen vulnerability, accountability, and how this tragedy reflects deeper problems in modern youth culture. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver Episode Art: AJ

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Toolbox Killers, we follow Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris from their unlikely prison friendship to the shocking trial. Prosecutor Stephen Kay presents devastating evidence—including the customized Murder Mac van, torture tools, victim Polaroids, and the horrifying 17-minute audio recording of Lynette Ledford's final moments—while Bittaker sits in court with chilling arrogance. We explore the killers' contrasting personalities, the fragile "bromance" that fueled their crimes, and criminologist Laura Brand's disturbing interviews with Bittaker on death row. Along the way, we wrestle with bigger questions: Was Bittaker destined to kill? Can someone like him be rehabilitated? And how do we balance compassion, accountability, and justice in the face of pure evil?    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver Episode Art: AJ

In the summer of 1979, sunny Southern California hid a nightmare. This week we dive into the disturbing story of the Toolbox Killers, Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, who turned a customized "Murder Mac" van into a mobile chamber of horror. We discuss the abduction of 16-year-old Cindy Schaefer near Redondo Beach, setting the stage for a meticulously planned spree of rape, torture, and murder targeting teenage girls along the Pacific Coast Highway. Against the backdrop of roller skates, disco music, and California dreams, the killers' sadistic partnership reveals chilling contrasts between everyday life and pure evil.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver Episode Art: AJ

In this episode, we dive into the heartbreaking murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand in Paradise, Texas. On November 30, 2022, Athena was playing outside her home when she was abducted by Tanner Horner, a delivery driver dropping off a package. What followed was a horrific ordeal captured in part by audio from inside the truck, revealing a young girl who fought bravely for her life before being killed.   Initially reported as a possible accident, the full details of the abduction, assault, and murder shocked the community and the nation. We discuss the evidence presented during the trial, Athena's final moments, the family's unimaginable loss, and the ongoing sentencing phase as the jury decides between life in prison and the death penalty. Join us as we share our thoughts on this devastating case and the questions it raises about trust, safety, and justice. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver Episode Art: AJ

In this episode we unpack the disturbing case of Haley Beck, a 27-year-old teacher at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, who groomed and sexually abused a star football player. We examine how her behavior blurred lines in the classroom and the troubling silence from the parents, teachers, coaches, and students who witnessed it. Ultimately, we confront the clear abuse of power and trust, exploring why a teacher would do something like this. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver Episode Art: AJ

In Part 2 of our series on JFK Jr. and the Kennedys, we unpack the tragic July 16, 1999 plane crash that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette. We explore the reckless decisions behind the preventable disaster—including flying at night over water without a flight plan, with an injured foot and medication in his system. We push back on the unfair blame heaped on Carolyn, examining the impossible standards she faced as America's prince's wife, while highlighting the deeper generational trauma and family machine that protected the Kennedy name at all costs. This episode explores how privilege and inherited wounds can impact innocent lives.   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode we take a break from true crime to explore the enduring fascination with JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. We dive into our Gen X nostalgia for 1990s New York, the Camelot mythology, and the Kennedys as America's version of royalty, while unpacking fame, generational trauma, and the real people behind the myths. From John's charismatic yet complicated life under constant public scrutiny to Carolyn's struggle with the relentless paparazzi spotlight she never wanted, we reflect on why the 90s still hold such a grip on us — and what was truly lost when John, Carolyn, and Lauren died in 1999, just as the decade's optimism gave way to a very different millennium. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast X: @secretpasspod TikTok: @secretpassagepodcast If you like our work and want to support us on Patreon:  patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode, we discuss the civil lawsuit filed by Aidan Romain against Harvard-Westlake School, alleging racial harassment and sexual abuse on the elite water polo team. A talented Black athlete who joined as a freshman varsity standout, Aidan endured repeated incidents that school officials failed to address or report, despite multiple complaints. We explore the culture of silence at prestigious institutions, the emotional toll on young athletes, and the importance of holding schools accountable. Through Aidan's story and that of another affected student we highlight the courage required to seek justice and the systemic issues that allow harm to persist. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode we finish our two-part series on Jeffrey Epstein, tracing his improbable rise from a humble Brooklyn background to elite circles. We lay out a timeline of his career, crimes, controversial plea deal, and death, while expressing profound exhaustion with the endless speculation and moral panic surrounding the Epstein Files. We focus on verifiable corruption, exploitation of girls and women, and attempt to push back against unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and redirect attention to ongoing trafficking crises. Raw and weary this episode is a candid exhale from two hosts who've had enough of the "infection that won't go away". If you're as fatigued by the Epstein discourse as we are, join us for a no-BS conversation that attempts to cut through the noise. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In the winter season finale of the Secret Passage Podcast, we lay the groundwork for a multi-part deep dive into the Jeffrey Epstein files. In this episode we look back to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and explore the 2016 Podesta email leaks that sparked Pizzagate, the strange coded references to "pizza" and "grape soda," Anthony Weiner's laptop discoveries, and the broader tensions between transparency, national security, and elite power networks. We share our personal journeys from dismissing these ideas as conspiracy nonsense to now grappling with unsettling questions. We reflect on the impact of information dumps of this size in an already overwhelming digital age. This episode sets the stage for further exploration and discussion when the series resumes on March 6th. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, we dive into the chilling disappearance of Brian Shaffer, a 27-year-old medical student who vanished without a trace after a night out at the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio, on March 31, 2006. Captured on CCTV chatting with friends and two women just before 2 a.m., Brian walks out of frame—yet he's never seen leaving the building on any footage, despite heavy surveillance. We explore why this case feels so baffling compared to other missing persons cases, debunk popular theories like running away or suicide, and discuss the eerie surveillance blind spots that make it seem like he disappeared into thin air. Join us as we discuss the lingering mystery of this haunting case.  Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In the final episode of our Madeleine McCann series we examine the media frenzy surrounding the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine. We trace the coverage's dramatic shifts—from initial sympathy to later waves of suspicion, tabloid accusations against the parents, and sensational leaks that fueled moral outrage and pack-journalism tactics. Drawing parallels to the JonBenét Ramsey case, we critique how profit-driven sensationalism and our preference for tidy narratives often overshadow the search for truth and inflict real harm on grieving families. We explore the weaponization of empathy and anger in modern media, urging listeners to consume media with critical awareness rather than passive certainty. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In part two of our three-part Madeleine McCann series we examine the main theories regarding the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine from her family's apartment at the Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Building on the case overview in part one, we look at theories including parental involvement (accidental death and cover-up), burglary gone wrong, organized child trafficking, Madeleine wandering off, and abduction by a lone predator. We discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of each while reflecting on compassion fatigue, media overload, and the emotional challenges of deep-diving into such cases. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In the first installment of our three-part series on the Madeleine McCann case we revisit the heartbreaking disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. We explore the eerie parallels with the JonBenét Ramsey case, the parents' routine checks on their sleeping children while dining nearby at the tapas bar, the immediate chaos that compromised the crime scene, and the rapid shift from global sympathy to intense scrutiny and blame directed at Kate and Gerry McCann. The episode examines early theories, the role of cadaver and blood dogs, the intense media frenzy, and the lingering questions that keep this case alive nearly two decades later—setting the stage for deeper dives into theories and media coverage in parts two and three. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In the final episode of our three-part series on the JonBenét Ramsey case, we reflect on our emotional journey, share our final conclusions based on the available evidence, and look at the media's role in the case. We unpack how early police leaks, media sensationalism, and confirmation bias shaped public perception. Disturbingly, the media played a role in objectifying a six-year-old girl, vilifying her parents, and fueling decades of misinformation. A powerful cautionary tale about narrative manipulation, cognitive traps, and the human cost of rushed judgment—this wrap-up challenges listeners to question what we think we know and how we came to know it.   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In the second part of our three-part series on the JonBenét Ramsey case, we delve into the theories that have kept the case alive for nearly 30 years. Was it a vengeful intruder targeting John Ramsey, was it a tragic accident covered up in panic, or did the murderer have sexual motives? We unpack the conflicting evidence—the three-page ransom "essay" written on Patsy Ramsey's notepad, the crime scene with its sadistic elements like the garrote, and the unknown male DNA that exonerated the Ramseys but remains unidentified—while exploring psychological angles, family dynamics, and the enduring fascination with the case.    As Boulder police continue retesting evidence with advanced DNA technology and conducting fresh interviews, we reflect on why no theory fully satisfies, why the case feels so personal, and the heartbreaking toll on survivors like Burke Ramsey. We probe the human cost of an unsolved tragedy and the questions that still haunt us.   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

On the morning after Christmas 1996, six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey vanished from her family's lavish Boulder home—only for her parents to discover a bizarre, three-page ransom note demanding $118,000 and threatening her life. Hours later, her body was found in the basement, beaten, strangled, and bound in a scene that launched one of America's most enduring mysteries. We dive into the haunting details of this case: the infamous ransom letter written on the family's own notepad, the botched police response that contaminated the crime scene, and the swirling theories. With fresh DNA testing and interviews advancing the investigation nearly 30 years later, part one of this three-part series explores the media frenzy, the cultural obsession, and the endless questions that still grip the public. Perfect for true crime fans, this episode unpacks why this tragedy remains unsolved—and why it refuses to fade away.   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In January 2007, 21-year-old Channon Christian and 23-year-old Christopher Newsom were carjacked at gunpoint after sharing a kiss in a Knoxville apartment building parking lot. What began as a robbery quickly turned into 24 hours of unimaginable physical and sexual assault and eventually murder at the hands of five strangers. Eighteen years later, this remains one of the most sadistic crimes in modern American history. In our final episode of the fall season we tell Christopher and Channon's story. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Secret Passage Podcast will return after the holidays. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

Five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty spent the last months of her life locked in a feces-covered closet, starved to 21 pounds by the mother who called her a demon. Despite repeated removals for abuse and neglect, Indiana DCS kept handing her back due to policies that prioritize family reunification. Text messages between her mother and grandmother reveal chilling cruelty and apathy. We unpack the massive failures that led to this preventable death. Listener discretion strongly advised. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver  

In this episode we examine the tragic hot-car death of 2-year-old Parker Scholtes in Marana, Arizona, on July 9, 2024. Her father, Christopher, a stay-at-home dad struggling with alcohol addiction, left Parker in a parked SUV for three hours while he drank beer, watched porn, and played video games—leading to her fatal heatstroke at an internal temperature of 108.9 °F. We explore the role of addiction, the distraction of explicit content, the family's response, and Christopher's suicide days before sentencing. Ultimately, this is a cautionary story about the lethal dangers of alcohol, inattention, and the false sense of security that "it can't happen to us". Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver              

In this week's episode, we dive into the disturbing case of Jesse Mack Butler, an 18-year-old Oklahoma high school baseball player convicted of raping and strangling two teenage girls he had been in relationships with, nearly killing one. Butler received a light sentence with no jail time after he was given youthful offender status. The victims, victims' families, and the commmunity are outraged. We explore why the lenient outcome sparked outrage and what it reveals about prosecuting rape. Listener discretion advised. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver    

In this week's Halloween episode we discuss Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. We love this movie! We look at this masterpiece through the lenses of the Gothic, addiction, narcissism, and intergenerational trauma.  Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver            

This week we discuss female pedophiles examining the cases of teachers Christina Formella, 30, accused of abusing her 14-year-old student and Mary Kay Letourneau, who groomed 12-year-old Vili Fualaau, bore his children, and married him post-prison. We look at cultural biases that result in lighter sentences for female perpetrators and the underreporting of abuse of male victims. We question arrested development, impulsivity, and the emotional motivations behind these crimes.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver  

In this episode we look at social media influencer culture, focusing on the tragic case of Emilie Kiser whose young son drowned in the family pool. We explore the intense public backlash Kiser faced upon returning to social media, highlighting the toxic dynamics of parasocial relationships and the attention economy. We unpack the costs of influencer fame and the toll of living under public scrutiny. Join us for a thought-provoking look at empathy, blame, and the blurred lines between authenticity and artifice in the digital age. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

Join us for a chilling start to the fall 2025 season of the Secret Passage Podcast as we dive into the heartbreaking case of Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky cheerleader accused of secretly giving birth to and then killing her newborn in a shocking act of neonaticide. We explore the complex issues behind neonaticide, drawing parallels to cases like Amy Grossberg and Brian Peterson, Brooke Skylar Richardson, and Gail Eastwood-Ritchie.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In our season finale episode we explore the shocking case of Emily Long, a New Hampshire mother who killed her husband, two of her children, and herself in August 2025. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of Secret Passage, we revisit the Columbine High School shooting, exploring the events, timeline, and devastating impact of the attack carried out by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. We discuss the warning signs, systemic failures, and psychology of the perpetrators. We reflect on the broader societal implications, including school safety protocols and the role of bullying, while emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on red flags to prevent future tragedies.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, we dive into the chilling case of Paris Lee Bennett who murdered his four-year-old sister in 2007. We explore the psychological and environmental factors that may have contributed to his actions, drawing parallels to the recent murders of Jessica Lyman and her son Eli Painter. We look at the neuroscience of psychopathy, referencing Dr. James Fallon's research on the "psychopath brain" and the potential for early intervention to prevent violent outcomes.   Links:   James Fallon's book The Psychopath Inside:   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707530-the-psychopath-inside   Greater Good Science Center interview with James Fallon:   https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_a_psychopath_learn_feel_pain   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode, we discuss Savannah (Shannon Wilsey), a prominent figure in the adult industry, whose early trauma and struggles with addiction shaped her turbulent journey. We speculate about the factors that may have led to her battle with addiction and ultimately her suicide. We reflect on the evolving landscape of the adult industry, examining shifts in mental health awareness, and the impact of the digital age. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode we discuss Ghislaine Maxwell, exploring her privileged upbringing, her role as Jeffrey Epstein's enabler, and the psychological factors that may have driven her actions. We look at the dynamics of power, manipulation, and class that fueled her complicity in Epstein's sex trafficking network. We explore the broader implications of such predatory behavior and share our thoughts about how we can protect our youth from similar exploitation. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we dive into the chilling Idaho Four murder case, exploring the tragic events, the investigation, the media's handling of the case, and the emotional toll on victims' friends and families. We look at the psychology of Bryan Kohberger, and discuss how early intervention might prevent such tragedies.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we explore the tragic story of Katie Meyer, a star Stanford soccer player and team captain who took her life in 2022 after facing a harsh disciplinary process. We discuss the institutional failures of Stanford's Office of Community Standards, which pursued action against Meyer for spilling hot coffee on a football player in defense of a teammate, despite neither party wanting to escalate the issue. We look at the immense pressure Meyer faced, the lack of mental health support, and the resulting Katie Meyer's Law, which ensures students have an outside advocate during disciplinary actions. We touch on broader themes of mental health stigma, social media pressures, and the need for empathy in academic institutions.   Links:   Katie's Save:   https://katiessave.org/   Information about Katie Meyer's Law:   https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2024/09/29/katie-meyer-stanford-mental-health-california-law/75433731007/   Save: The Katie Meyer Story   https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/save-the-katie-meyer-story/umc.cmc.3rnzvc1ylmuscdlpfmiedelzu   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of The Secret Passage Podcast we discuss Madison Holleran, a 19-year-old University of Pennsylvania student and elite athlete who died by suicide in 2014. Despite her outward success and curated social media presence, Madison struggled with the transition to college life and became depressed. We discuss how societal expectations, social media, and unrecognized mental health struggles can create a silent crisis, even in those who seem to "have it all."    Links:   What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan:   https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kate-fagan/what-made-maddy-run/9780316356534/?lens=little-brown   Madison Holleran Foundation:   https://www.madisonholleranfoundation.org/   Suicide Prevention Resource Center:   https://sprc.org/about-sprc/   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode we explore the controversial Byron Smith case, the murders of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady. We discuss the legal and ethical questions surrounding self-defense, the Castle Doctrine, and the impact of military service and trauma on mental health. Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

This week's episode provides a sneak peek into the kind of content we offer on our Patreon. Our producer, Tim, interviews us as we revisit the Prepper episode together. Join us!   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver  

Join us for the season finale of the Secret Passage Podcast. We look at the world of parasocial relationships, exploring how social media and influencers create an illusion of intimacy that fuels both fandom and fierce criticism. From nostalgic celebrity crushes to the devastating impact of online shaming, we unpack the emotional pull of digital connections and the dark side of snark communities. Touching on recent influencer tragedies, mimetic desire, and the psychological toll of public shaming, we question our investment in curated lives and call for more empathy in a hyper-connected world. Join us for a look at how technology reshapes relationships, identity, and accountability.   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

Join us as we dive into the world of prepping. From chasing crows to save baby bunnies to dodging wildfires, we share what sparked our interest in prepping. Why do we resist preparing for disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, or even a zombie apocalypse? We explore psychological barriers, debunk myths about preppers, and offer practical tips to start small. Come along with us as we discuss self-sufficiency, community, and surviving chaos.    Links:   The Urban Prepper - Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@theurbanprepper Doomsday Preppers: National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/show/6e70ab41-6da6-478f-9d76-565070aa757d/season/1 Inside the Prepper Movement: Preparing for Disaster and Ensuring Survival - WELT Documentary https://youtu.be/jjuvNBwmi3w?si=L0NzuhVI6N5aLtej The Casual Preppers Podcast: https://www.casualpreppers.com/ Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this special episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, co-host Shannon Rogers interviews Dana Vespoli for an intimate look into her life and career. From her journey in the adult industry to her reflections on its challenges and evolution, Dana shares personal stories, professional insights, and her recent spiritual journey.    Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver      

In this episode we explore the Vietnam War, focusing on the My Lai Massacre as a lens to examine the psychological toll of war and the fragility of human morality.   Links:   Kill Anything That Moves by Nick Turse  https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250045065/killanythingthatmoves/   Vietnam War Timeline:  https://www.history.com/articles/vietnam-war-timeline   Pulitzer Article:  https://www.pulitzer.org/article/i-sent-them-good-boy-and-they-made-him-murderer   Four Hours in My Lai (film):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NwnnLnvQYA   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver    

This week we discuss kidfluencers, exploring the ethical implications and parental responsibilities associated with children in the digital entertainment space. We look at the complexities surrounding child influencers, the psychological impacts on children, and the dilemmas faced by parents.  Links: Mom Uncharted: https://www.momuncharted.com/ Bad Influence: The Darkside of Kidfluencing https://www.netflix.com/title/81728889 Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke https://press.hulu.com/shows/devil-in-the-family-the-fall-of-ruby-franke/ Kidfluencers: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/kidfluencers/umc.cmc.7iou8l4mc4jufv51a0k3sxera Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, we look at the life of Jayne Mansfield, 1950s Hollywood icon and proto-influencer. We explore her rise to fame, her branding and marketing savvy, her complex relationships, her tragic death, and her enduring impact on celebrity culture.   Links:   Jayne Mansfield and the American Fifties:   https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Martha-Saxton/dp/0553025562   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

This week's episode provides a sneak peek into the kind of content we'll offer on our upcoming Patreon. Our producer, Tim, interviews us as we revisit the Dubai Porta Potty Parties episode together. Join us as we discuss our favorite moments from the Porta Potty episode, our worthless college degrees, youthful mischief, and much much more.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver