PODCAST · science
Through the CSI Lens: Behind the yellow tape
by Kristina Brakeman
Through the CSI Lens: Behind the yellow tape steps into the mind of a seasoned Crime Scene Investigator—where every detail matters, every sense is on high alert, and every case leaves an imprint on the soul.In “Through the CSI Lens,” I invite you into my world with a dual promise: personal stories that lay bare the emotional weight of the job, and forensic clarity that reveals how the science truly works. Part memoir, part masterclass in crime scene investigation—this podcast brings you my real-life experiences, from the adrenaline-fueled entry into a volatile scene to the painstaking analysis under the evidence light.Each episode unpacks a technique, a case, or a moment that shaped me: from that tiny speck of blood that cracked a case wide open to the emotional cost that lingers behind closed tape. Expect vivid recollections, insightful forensic breakdowns, and candid reflections on what it means to turn chaos into clarity.Whether you're drawn to
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Season 2: Episode 8 The weight of the scene
Send us Fan MailSeason 2: Episode 8🕵️♀️Some scenes stay with you.In this episode, I’m talking about one of the hardest calls first responders and investigators encounter suicide scenes.We discuss:• Common mechanisms seen in suicide investigations• Differences often observed between men and women in suicide methods• What these scenes look like from an investigative perspective• The emotional impact these calls can have on first responders, investigators, dispatchers, medical personnel, and crime scene professionalsBecause May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I also wanted to talk honestly about something we don’t discuss enough in this profession: taking care of yourself mentally after repeatedly responding to traumatic scenes.Checking in on your coworkers matters.Using agency resources matters.Seeking help matters.You can be strong at your job and still need support.This episode is educational, real, and focused on both the investigative side and the human side of the work.🎧 New episode out now.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 7 Let the Evidence Speak
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️Season 2: Episode 7 Let the Evidence Speak 🗣️ This episode explores a death investigation that initially began as a missing persons case. After additional investigative follow-up and a secondary search of the residence, officers located the missing woman inside a trash can within the home.The circumstances surrounding the scene immediately raised questions and challenged investigators’ perceptions of what may have occurred. The case became a powerful reminder of why investigators must avoid assumptions and remain objective throughout the investigative process.In this discussion, we examine:• The transition from a missing persons investigation to a death investigation• Scene interpretation and investigative bias• Why assumptions can negatively impact an investigation• The importance of remaining impartial and evidence-driven• The critical role of the Medical Examiner in determining cause and manner of deathThis episode highlights the importance of allowing facts, evidence, and forensic findings to guide investigative conclusions rather than emotion or personal belief.🎧 New episode out now.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 6: Proof I Actually Loved This Job
Send us Fan MailSeason 2: Episode 6🕵️♀️Some jobs give you a paycheck. Some give you stories you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.This episode is all about the moments that made it worth it, the ones that made me laugh when I shouldn’t have, the ones that stuck with me long after the day ended, and the ones that reminded me why I truly loved what I did.From unforgettable (and sometimes unbelievable) experiences, to the incredible training opportunities, to the people who became more than just coworkers, this one is a look behind the scenes at what made the job so impactful for me.It wasn’t always easy… but it was always memorable.If you’ve ever had a job that shaped you, challenged you, and gave you stories you still talk about, this episode is for you.New episode out now. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 5: When Power Preys: A Case of Hidden Abuse
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️Season 2: Episode 5: When Power Preys: A Case of Hidden AbuseIn this episode, we examine a deeply disturbing case involving abuse of power, where young women placed in positions of trust became victims behind the very doors they were expected to feel safe in.As a crime scene investigator, this case reinforced critical realities about our role in the justice process. Testimony became a powerful tool, translating forensic findings into clear, factual narratives that a jury could understand and rely on. Every detail mattered, and every word carried weight.It also underscored the importance of evidence preservation. From the moment I became involved, maintaining the integrity of the evidence was essential to ensuring it remained reliable and admissible in court.But just as important was a hard truth:👉 You cannot control how evidence is handled before it reaches you.What you can control is what happens next, your documentation, your processing, and your commitment to preserving the truth.This episode is not just about the crime, it’s about accountability, process, and the role forensic professionals play in seeking justice.🎧 New episode out now.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TrueCrimePodcast #ForensicScience #CrimeSceneInvestigation #ExpertTestimony #EvidenceMatters #JusticeSystem #CSI #Forensics #PodcastEpisode🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 4: What the Car Revealed: A Teen Girl’s Silence, a CSI’s Search
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️Season 2: Episode 4: What the Car Revealed: A Teen Girl’s Silence, a CSI’s SearchAs a CSI, some scenes never leave you.In this episode, I take you inside a search warrant on a suspect vehicle connected to the sexual assault and murder of a teenage girl, betrayed by the one person who should have protected her.This isn’t about shock value.It’s about process, evidence, and giving a voice to someone who was silenced.From securing the vehicle to documenting what couldn’t be unseen, this episode walks through how forensic science helps speak the truth when victims no longer can.Forensic science isn’t just lab work, it’s responsibility.In this episode, I break down a real-world search warrant on a suspect vehicle tied to the sexual assault and murder of a teenage girl by her mother’s boyfriend.We talk procedure, evidence handling, and why every step matters, especially when a child is the victim.🎧 New episode out now.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 3: Death Investigation intricacies
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️Season 2: Episode 3: Death Investigation intricacies Death investigations are never just “cases.” They are moments where grief, shock, and unanswered questions collide.In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of death investigations, how investigators are trained to approach them methodically, leaving emotion out of decision-making while still respecting the human weight of every scene.I talk about:• Why death scenes are some of the most emotionally charged calls• How families and circumstances shape every investigation• How my agency handled a wide range of death investigations• The critical role the Medical Examiner/Medical Investigator’s Office played as an invaluable resource• How I personally processed different types of deaths because not all death investigations are the sameThis episode isn’t about sensationalism.It’s about procedure, professionalism, and the discipline it takes to do the job right…when emotions are at their highest.🎧 New episode out now.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 2: PTSD in Crime Scene Investigators
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️ Season 2 Episode 2 PTSD in Crime Scene InvestigatorsCrime scene investigators don’t just process evidence, they absorb trauma.Repeated exposure to violence, death, and tragedy places CSIs at a significantly higher risk for PTSD than the general population, yet their mental health is often overlooked in conversations about first responders.If you work in forensic or investigative roles and any of this sounds familiar, you’re not weak, and you’re not alone. PTSD isn’t a personal failure; it’s a human response to repeated trauma.Supporting crime scene investigators means recognizing that mental health is just as critical as physical safety, and that exposure to trauma doesn’t end when the scene is cleared.In this episode, we discuss:• Why crime scene work creates cumulative trauma• What research says about PTSD rates among CSIs• Barriers to treatment and what meaningful support looks likeBecause clearing a scene doesn’t mean the impact disappears.New episode out now. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Season 2: Episode 1: The Scene I’d Revisit
Send us Fan Mail🕵️♀️Season 2: Episode 1 The Scene I’d RevisitIn this episode, I revisit a case that has never fully left me, a woman who was kidnapped and murdered. I was part of the search warrant execution at the suspect’s residence, and what unfolded there taught me lessons that no textbook ever could. Like many investigators, I’ve had moments where I wished I could go back and do things differently, seeing the scene now through the clarity of experience. But this case also reinforced something critical: even when the weight is heavy, the work matters. From hard-earned lessons came progress, new equipment, sharper procedures, identified suspects, and ultimately, convictions. This episode is about growth through responsibility, learning through loss, and why every detail behind the tape counts.New episode out now. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 9: So You Want to Be a Crime Scene Investigator?
Send us Fan MailSo You Want to Be a Crime Scene Investigator? 🔎 In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to launch a career in forensic science, specifically the world of Crime Scene Investigation. From the education and certifications that matter, to how to find the right employers, build experience, and stand out in the application process, this episode gives you a clear roadmap into the field. We’ll also explore the professional organizations you should be following, what to expect in interviews, and what on-the-job training actually looks like once you’re hired. If you’ve been considering CSI as your future career or you’re ready to take the next step this episode is your blueprint.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 8: Where Rescue becomes Neglect
Send us Fan Mail🔎 Where rescue becomes neglect“Where Rescue Becomes Neglect”Animal rescue is supposed to mean safety. Care. Compassion.But in Episode 8, we look at a heartbreaking case where a rescue home became the opposite, a place of abandonment, suffering, and unimaginable neglect.Dead animals left behind. Living animals fighting to survive. A community stunned by what they discovered.This episode dives into:✅ How a rescue operation spiraled into cruelty✅ The dangers of unchecked rescue organizations✅ What investigators found when they entered the property✅ How to spot the warning signs & report animal neglectAnimals can’t speak for themselves but their story deserves to be told.🎧 Listen to Episode 8 now: “Where Rescue Becomes Neglect.”#ForensicFiles #TrueCrimePodcast #AnimalCrueltyAwareness #WhereRescueBecomesNeglect #ForensicScience #Investigation #CrimeScene🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 7: The CSI Effect: Truth vs. TV
Send us Fan Mail 🔎 Episode 7: The CSI Effect: Truth vs. TV Television crime dramas have shaped how many people think forensic science works — fast results, flawless evidence, and high-tech labs that never make mistakes.But the truth is far more complex.In this episode of Through the CSI Lens, we’ll separate fact from fiction and uncover the real science behind crime scene work. Join me as we explore how Hollywood has blurred the lines between entertainment and reality in the world of forensics.🎧 Listen on all platforms. Real cases. Real forensics. The human side of crime scene investigation.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 6: The Little Girl in the Closet: The Case that still Haunts Me
Send us Fan Mail🔎 Episode 6: The Little Girl in the Closet — The Case That Still Haunts MeIn this episode of Through the CSI Lens: Behind the Yellow Tape, I revisit one of the most haunting cases of my career — the rescue of a young girl found hidden away. I share what I witnessed, the steps taken as a crime scene investigator, and the lasting impact this case had on everyone involved. A short year later, the story came full circle in an unexpected way.🎧 Listen on all platforms. Real cases. Real forensics. The human side of crime scene investigation.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 5: Staying Safe Beyond the Tape
Send us Fan Mail🔎 Episode 5: Staying Safe Beyond the TapeWhen the scene is cleared and the evidence is collected, safety doesn’t end. In this episode of Through the CSI Lens: Behind the Yellow Tape, I share my own experiences with personal safety as a crime scene investigator, along with stories from coworkers who’ve faced dangerous and eye-opening situations.From what to watch for while working a scene, to the small habits that help us protect ourselves long after we leave it, this conversation is a reminder that at the end of the day—we all want to make it home safely.🎙️ Tune in to hear lessons learned, real accounts, and why officer safety isn’t just important—it’s essential.🎧 Listen on all platforms.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 4: A Lesson in Media and Audible Sounds
Send us Fan Mail🔍 “In Episode 4 of Through the CSI Lens: Behind the Yellow Tape, I take listeners inside the challenges of responding to an infant death scene. While the case itself was heartbreaking, the real focus is on the unexpected obstacles I faced—navigating the media’s presence at a sensitive scene and overcoming critical equipment failures in the midst of the investigation. This episode sheds light on the behind-the-scenes realities of forensic work, reminding us that investigators must balance professionalism, resilience, and compassion—even when the circumstances are far from ideal.”Listen on all platforms. 🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 3: Clues missed. A serial predator walks free.
Send us Fan Mail🔍 Episode 3 Coming Soon: "6 Clues Missed"A serial predator walked free—until the evidence finally caught up.In this episode of Through the CSI Lens: Behind the Yellow Tape, we uncover critical clues that were initially overlooked, allowing a dangerous suspect to evade justice for far too long. But the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to relentless forensic work, the truth surfaced—and the suspect was finally brought to justice.🎧 Listen on all major platforms.#TrueCrime #CSI #ForensicScience #BehindTheTape🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 2: From law-enforcement rookie to crime scene investigator
Send us Fan MailEpisode 2: Behind the yellow tape: From law enforcement rookie → Crime Scene Investigator. Episode 2 of Behind the Yellow Tape is my story-education, training, the moments that shaped me, and a case that left its mark. This isn't just my history. It's the why behind the work.Don't miss it.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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Episode 1: Behind the Yellow tape-My First Day as a Crime Scene Investigator
Send us Fan MailWelcome to the premiere episode of Through the CSI Lens. In this episode, I take you behind the yellow tape and into the unforgettable experience of my very first day as a Crime Scene Investigator. From what I saw to what I felt, I’ll walk you through the real, raw moments of stepping into a crime scene for the first time—and the powerful lessons I took away. Whether you're fascinated by forensic work or curious about what it's really like on the job, this is where the journey begins.🔬 Follow us for behind-the-scenes insights, case files, and updates:Instagram through_the_csi_lens or email 📧 at [email protected]
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Through the CSI Lens: Behind the yellow tape steps into the mind of a seasoned Crime Scene Investigator—where every detail matters, every sense is on high alert, and every case leaves an imprint on the soul.In “Through the CSI Lens,” I invite you into my world with a dual promise: personal stories that lay bare the emotional weight of the job, and forensic clarity that reveals how the science truly works. Part memoir, part masterclass in crime scene investigation—this podcast brings you my real-life experiences, from the adrenaline-fueled entry into a volatile scene to the painstaking analysis under the evidence light.Each episode unpacks a technique, a case, or a moment that shaped me: from that tiny speck of blood that cracked a case wide open to the emotional cost that lingers behind closed tape. Expect vivid recollections, insightful forensic breakdowns, and candid reflections on what it means to turn chaos into clarity.Whether you're drawn to
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Kristina Brakeman
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