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The Fatal Vision Podcast

by James McGinniss, Billy Glidden

True Crime

A close reading of Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss, the true crime classic that's been called "one of the best nonfiction books ever written." Co-hosts James McGinniss (the author's youngest son) and Billy Glidden take you through the book chapter by chapter, offering commentary and analysis on the writing and on the tragic case that is the book's subject. Show includes interviews with other Fatal Vision experts, including figures from the book.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 23, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Don't Call It a Comeback (Part 4, Chapter 1 5/5)

    The boys are back. In this episode, Jeff is still on the stand before the grand jury, trying to get them to understand the deep unfairness of it all. More info: https://fatalvision.substack.com/

  2. Coming Soon: Season 2

    Trailer for Season 2 of The Fatal Vision Podcast.

  3. We Are Back (Part 4, Chapter 1, 4/5)

    The Fatal Vision Podcast returns. Billy broadcasts from an undisclosed location in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the birthplace of volleyball. James explains where the Thursday live streams went. Then the fellas open Part Four of the book and read Jeffrey MacDonald's 1974 grand jury account of the days...

  4. "I'll Just Finish, If That's Okay" Part 4, Chapter 1, (3/4)

    Victor Woerheide invites the doctor to take a polygraph or sodium amytal, and instead gets a lawyer-drafted statement read through sobs.

  5. Are You Setting Me Up? Part 4, Chapter 1, Part 2

    Most of this episode isn't about the book. Billy spends the first half on his sister's triplets, who just graduated eighth grade, and on the ceremony speeches he sat through. He's sure the principal's remarks were written by ChatGPT. He can't prove it, and he admits the problem might be his own...

  6. It Just Isn't Like Kojak: Part 4, Chapter 1, Part 1

    Asked what became of the "real killers" he'd sworn to hunt since 1970, Jeffrey MacDonald produces some Fayetteville bars and a chair he once kicked out from under a man.Pressed to name his actual crimes, he counts three: he became a doctor, he rebuilt his life, he moved to California.

  7. Swimming and Sunning and Fishing and Diving and Making Love: Part 4, The Days of Affliction

    Part Four. The Days of Affliction. What Jeff was up to between February 1970 and the grand jury subpoena was: working "sixty or seventy or eighty hours a week" (not hard by his standards), becoming a well-known instructor in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, somehow finding eight uninterrupted…

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  8. The Buck Comes to Rest: Part 3, CONCLUSION.

    Freddy stops asking. On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Army's original accusation, Freddy and Mildred Kassab walk into the Raleigh chambers of Chief Judge Algernon Butler and file a citizens' complaint charging their former son-in-law with three counts of murder.There is no breaking...

  9. Time Will Tell: Part 3, Chapter 5

    Jeffrey MacDonald was living in an exclusive area of Huntington Beach, working through the local talent pool, and was a conservatively mod dresser...not a real swinger. Fred Kassab was now threatening to swear out a murder complaint if the government wouldn't. Plus: Marky Jack's four-star review...

  10. "I Want Revenge, Preferably Brutal Revenge": Part 3, Chapter 4.

    Freddie Kassab writes Jeff, signing off "we can't and won't until whoever did this is punished." Jeff writes back with a vigilante fantasy: he's been flying all over the country hunting the hippies he says killed his family, broke his hand on the last trip, and just needs a publishing advance to...

  11. “Super Busy. No News. Will Write.” Part 3, Chapter 4 (1/?)

    Jeff embarks on luxury vacations before relocating to the West Coast, the last move he would ever make before hitting the FCI Freeway. Live call in from Christine Dana of My True Crime Obsession. James and Billy discuss Thomas Merton, Bob Keeler and Billy's robust work ethic.

  12. Freddy Kassab Destroyed MacDonald's Alibi in One Afternoon (Part 3, Chapter 3, Concluded)

    "It was no single thing. It was everything."This episode works through the forensic audit Freddy conducts in private before anyone else will take the case seriously. Years before the grand jury, years before the 1979 trial, Freddy Kassab quietly assembles the spine of the case against his...

  13. "Megalomaniacal. Psychotic. Everyone Likes Them." Part 3, Chapter 3, Continued.

    Colette MacDonald was writing in her notebook the night she died. Notes from a child-psychology class on defense mechanisms, psychosexual development, megalomania, compulsion, and the denial of reality. The last clinical term she recorded before buying milk and driving home was a profile of a...

  14. Colette Told a Room Full of People the Truth. Then She Was Murdered. (Part 3, Chapter 3 Continued)

    In a child psychology class on the evening of February 16, 1970, Colette MacDonald raised her hand and described what was really happening inside 544 Castle Drive. Her husband Jeffrey, she told the room, had decided that their two-year-old would sleep in the marital bed. Colette would sleep on…

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  15. Five Women, One Month, One Marriage. Fort Sam Houston. (Part 3, Chapter 3 4/?)

    MacDonald charmed everyone he met at Fort Sam Houston. The army nurse who dated him for two weeks before she even asked if he had a wife. The stewardess with the "outstanding body" who was ready to pack up and follow him back to Fort Bragg. The Swedish exchange student. The blonde named Mary. The...

  16. Nobody Who Knew Colette Agrees With Jeff (Part 3, Chapter 3 Part 3/?)

    Jeff McDonald told the world his wife was proud of the Green Berets. That they were both pro-war. That she was happy. In this episode, the people who actually knew Collette speak. Not one of them backs him up. Collette's sister-in-law describes a woman whose father killed himself when she was...

  17. Fatal Vision Podcast: Special Episode on MacDonald's 2026 Appeal to the Pardon Czar

    Billy and James break from their usual programming to update you on developments in the past week, where a MacDonald Defender presented the Pardon Czar with a farcical request for a compassionate release of the triple murderer. Featuring a reading, in full, of Bob Stevenson's (Colette's brother)...

  18. Part 3, Chapter 2 (3/3)

    James and Billy break down how Helena Stokely learned to stop worrying and love issuing false, vague confession-like statements and then immediately retracting them.

  19. Part 3, Chapter 2 (2/?)

    Billy and James journey onward through the text, engaging with the biography of Helena Stokely, the suspect revisionist accounts of Prince Edward Beasley, and talk candidly about the MacDonald Defenders lurking in the wings. Listener questions are asked and answered in the final segment.

  20. Part 3, Chapter 2 (1/?)

    Billy and James throw on a livestream to start Chapter 2, in which Jeff begins his brief flirtation with the New York City jet set before the reinvestigation snares him into two depositions with Pruitt and Kearns. Live Q and A follows.

  21. Part 3, Chapter 1 (3/3)

    In this episode, we see Jeff's Dick Cavett appearance again...this time, through Freddy Kassab's eyes.

  22. Part 3, Chapter 1 (2/3)

    James and Billy are back after a holiday break! In this section, Jeff tries to get Freddy off his back and names a possible suspect: Willie the Witch.

  23. Part 2, Chapter 3 (2/2)

    In this episode, Jeff starts seeking publicity for his case and has an appearance on Dick Cavett that he would come to regret.

  24. Part 2, Chapter 3 (1/2)

    James and Billy dive back into the book with a close reading of the first half of Part 2, Chapter 3. In this chapter, Jeff starts keeping a diary and embraces his newfound stardom. Questions? Comments? Info about the case? Hit us up at [email protected]. Fatal Vision YouTube channel:...

  25. Fatal Vision Podcast LIVE: New MacDonald Tapes

    In another livestream, James and Billy play and react to newly unearthed tapes.

  26. Fatal Vision Podcast LIVE: The Janet Malcolm Tapes

    In this live episode, James and Billy discuss breakthroughs in their research into this case.

  27. Part 2, Chapter 2 (4/4)

    MacDonald takes the stand in the Article 32 hearing and he somehow remembers new details about what happened on the night of the murders.

  28. Part 2, Chapter 2 (pt. 3/4)

    In this episode -- sure to be a favorite for MacDonald defenders -- Bernie Segal confronts Bill Ivory about a woman named Helena Stoeckley. Questions? Comments? Information about the case? Write us at [email protected]; and follow us on Substack for updates on all things Fatal Vision:...

  29. Part 2, Chapter 2 (2/4)

    James and Billy provide a crucial update on MacDonald's health and whereabouts before getting back into the text.

  30. BONUS: Enhanced Audio of the 1983 60 Minutes Interview with Jeffrey MacDonald by Mike Wallace

    A recent visit to the family archives unearthed three different television segments from 1983 around the publication of Fatal Vision. The first is the famous Mike Wallace interview, where Jeffrey MacDonald was definitely exposed as a lying psychopath on television. To view the video, please visit...

  31. Part 2, Chapter 2 (1/4)

    In what is sure to be one of the favorite episodes for our MacDonald-defending listeners (we know you're out there), Joe methodically walks readers through the Article 32 hearing and the army's bungling of critical evidence. James and Billy read and unpack--and take a moment to address rumors…

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  32. Part 2, Chapter 1 (pt. 2/2)

    James and Billy are back after a long hiatus. In this chapter they wrap up chapter 1 of part 2, in which Bernie Segal explains why Jeff is a swell guy.

  33. Part 2, Chapter 1 (pt. 1/2)

    Part 2 of the book begins. Enter Bernie Segal, Jeff's new lawyer and best bud. Questions? Comments? Information about the case? Email us at [email protected].

  34. Episode Twenty-Eight: The Voice of Jeffrey MacDonald

    In this Voice of Jeffrey MacDonald chapter -- the final chapter of Part One -- Jeff endures a dark night of the soul. Comments? Questions? News about the case? Hit us up at [email protected].

  35. Episode Twenty-Seven: Pt. 1, Chpt. 10 (2/2)

    In this episode, James and Billy read and analyze the end of Pt. 1, Chapter 10, as the April 6 interrogation of Jeffrey MacDonald comes to a close.

  36. Episode Twenty-Six: Pt. 1, Chapter 10 (Pt. 1/2)

    In this episode, MacDonald's April 6 interrogation continues. As the investigators start to confront MacDonald with the evidence his guilt, MacDonald struggles to explain away the evidence mounting against him. Perhaps, he realizes, the investigators are more thorough than he thought. Questions?...

  37. Episode Twenty-Five: The Voice of Jeffrey MacDonald

    James and Billy once again spend time with The Voice of Jeffrey MacDonald, offering analysis and commentary throughout. Topics covered by Jeff: Becoming a Green Beret because he wants to jump out of planes Moving to Fort Bragg His improved relationship with Colette (no affairs for a while) His...

  38. Episode Twenty-Four: Gene Weingarten Interview

    For today's podcast, we welcome one of our journalistic heroes: Gene Weingarten. Weingarten is an acclaimed journalist and humorist, best known for his long tenure at The Washington Post. He is the author of several books and is also the only two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Feature...

  39. Episode Twenty-Three: Part One, Chapter 9 (4/4)

    James and Billy do a dramatic reading of the end of part 1, chapter 9, in which MacDonald, during his April 6 interrogation, continues to offer explanations -- or non-explanations -- of the evidence collected by the CID. After the reading, James shares some interesting finds in all his readings.

  40. Bonus: AI Recreation — Dan Kornstein's Closing Argument

    This episode features a complete AI-generated recreation of attorney Dan Kornstein’s closing argument defending author Joe McGinniss in the 1987 lawsuit brought by Jeffrey MacDonald

  41. Episode Twenty-Two: Part One, Chapter 9 (pt. 3/4)

    The April 6 interrogation continues. As always, James and Billy provide commentary and analysis. James also provides some updates on research he's been doing.

  42. Bonus: AI Recreation – Brian Murtagh’s Closing Argument

    In this bonus episode, we present an AI-generated recreation of Brian Murtagh’s closing argument from the 1979 federal trial of Jeffrey MacDonald.

  43. Bonus: AI Recreation – Jim Blackburn’s Closing Argument

    This bonus episode features an AI-generated recreation of Jim Blackburn’s powerful closing argument from the 1979 trial of Jeffrey MacDonald.

  44. Episode Twenty-One: Part 1, Chapter 9 (pt. 2/4)

    This episode is part two of a projected three-episode discussion of Part 1, Chapter 9: MacDonald's April 6, 1970 interview with the MPs, in which he renders an account that "would stick to him like tar for years afterward, in all its messy and inconvenient detail." The beginning of the episode...

  45. Episode Twenty: Part 1, Chapter 9 (pt. 1/4)

    This episode is part one of a projected three-episode discussion of Part 1, Chapter 9: MacDonald's April 6, 1970 interview with the MPs, in which he renders an account that "would stick to him like tar for years afterward, in all its messy and inconvenient detail."

  46. Episode Nineteen: The Voice of Jeffrey MacDonald

    In this chapter, Jeffrey reflects on another hard year in his married life and his surprising decision to join the Army. As always, James offer commentary and analysis.

  47. Bonus: The April 6, 1970 Interrogation (AI Recreation) – Part 4 (Conclusion)

    This is the final installment of our AI-generated recreation of the April 6, 1970, interrogation of Jeffrey MacDonald by Army CID investigators William Ivory, Robert Shaw, and Franz Joseph Grebner at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Using advanced voice synthesis, we bring the official transcript to...

  48. Bonus: The April 6, 1970 Interrogation (AI Recreation) - Part 3

    This is Part 3 of our AI-generated recreation of the April 6, 1970, interrogation of Jeffrey MacDonald by Army CID investigators William Ivory, Robert Shaw, and Franz Joseph Grebner at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Using advanced voice synthesis, we bring the official transcript to life, preserving...

  49. Bonus: The April 6, 1970 Interrogation (AI Recreation) – Part 2

    This is Part 2 of our AI-generated recreation of the April 6, 1970, interrogation of Jeffrey MacDonald by Army CID investigators William Ivory, Robert Shaw, and Franz Joseph Grebner at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Using advanced voice synthesis, we bring the official transcript to life, capturing...

  50. Bonus: The April 6, 1970 Interrogation (AI Recreation) – Part 1

    This is a bonus episode featuring an AI-generated recreation of the April 6, 1970, interrogation of Jeffrey MacDonald by Army CID investigators William Ivory, Robert Shaw, and Franz Joseph Grebner. The interrogation took place at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on April 6, 1970, as investigators...

View all 60 episodes →

About this show

A close reading of Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss, the true crime classic that's been called "one of the best nonfiction books ever written." Co-hosts James McGinniss (the author's youngest son) and Billy Glidden take you through the book chapter by chapter, offering commentary and analysis on the writing and on the tragic case that is the book's subject. Show includes interviews with other Fatal Vision experts, including figures from the book.

Hosted by

James McGinniss, Billy Glidden

Categories

True Crime

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does The Fatal Vision Podcast have?

The Fatal Vision Podcast has 60 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on October 23, 2026.

What is The Fatal Vision Podcast about?

A close reading of Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss, the true crime classic that's been called "one of the best nonfiction books ever written." Co-hosts James McGinniss (the author's youngest son) and Billy Glidden take you through the book chapter by chapter, offering commentary and analysis on the...

How often does The Fatal Vision Podcast release new episodes?

The Fatal Vision Podcast publishes every two weeks, based on its 60 episodes since January 2025.

Who hosts The Fatal Vision Podcast?

The Fatal Vision Podcast is created and hosted by James McGinniss, Billy Glidden.
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