True Crime Teacher Time

Send us Fan MailIn February of 2013, thousands of people prepared for a vacation to Cozumel, Mexico. Everyone was thrilled to spend a little over a week exploring places in the Gulf on the Carnival Triumph. For some, this was time to spend with friends, a getaway from reality, or a bonding experience for their future family. However, on the fourth night of the cruise, a fire broke out. Guests thought this was the worst part of the trip, although that was only the beginning. Come with MyKenna and Tori as they share their own thoughts on cruises, hear about the smelly stories of the Carnival Triumph, and if given a free cruise, which one would they choose?References: “‘Poop Cruise’ Passengers Relive Infamous Trip 12 Years Later – From Going Number 2 in Bags to Sewage Spills,” People (2025)“The True Story Behind Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” Time (2025)“Trainwreck: Poop Cruise,” Netflix (2025)“Carnival knew of fire danger before cruise, documents show” CNN (2013)

Send us Fan MailIn 1971, a group of college students walked into the basement of Stanford University for what they thought was a simple psychology study. They were randomly assigned roles as guards and prisoners in a simulated jail.What was supposed to last two weeks ended in just six days.In this episode of True Crime Teacher Time, we break down what happened inside that basement, from shocking psychological breakdowns to decisions that spiraled out of control. Then, we dig into the ethical controversy that came years later. Join Tori and MyKenna as we discuss The Stanford Prison Experiment.References: “Philip Zimbardo, the psychologist behind the ‘Stanford Prison Experiment,’ dies at 91”. Stanford Report (2024)“Stanford Prison Experiment: Zimbardo’s 1971 Study & Ethical Issues”. The Psychology Notes HQ (2026)“The Stanford Prison Experiment”. VeryWell Mind (2025)“The Stanford Prison Experiment”. Zimbardo (2025)

Send us Fan MailIn 1961, the Duperrault family planned an incredible trip to the Bahamas, by way of yacht. After planning and enjoying their time, a tragic incident left an 11 year old girl adrift in the Atlantic ocean. The 11 year old, Terry Jo shares pieces of her story and survival while on the open ocean. Come along as Tori and MyKenna talk through the horrific but brave events of Terry Jo’s experiences, what their own yacht names would be, and what precautions can be made in the 21st century. Disclaimer: Andy (MyKenna's cat) was throwing a fit, so he makes a few appearances, along with the technical difficulties that go with virtually recording. References:“Orphaned on the Ocean: The Unbelievable Story of Terry Jo Duperrault,” Reader’s Digest (2023).“Man who killed my family left me to drown at sea but I had other ideas,” Mirror (2025).“The Sea: The Bluebelle’s Last Voyage,” TIME (1961). 

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when childhood fame meets real world consequences?In this episode, we discuss the Disney shows that shaped our childhood and the troubling pattern of former Disney Channel stars who faced legal trouble after their rise to fame. Featuring cases involving Orlando Brown, Adam Hicks, and Jake T. Austin, we examine how early fame, public pressure, and the loss of identity can contribute to life-altering decisions.References:“Disney Star Orlando Brown- Cops Say Audio Proves Actor Made Death Threats”. TMZ (2014).“Disney Star Orlando Brown Busted For Hitting Girlfriend In Police Parking Lot”. TMZ (2016)“‘That’s So Raven’s’ Orlando Brown Gets Help from Dr. Phil After Concerns from his Friends and Manager”. People (2018)“Orland Brown Locked Up: Details Emerge of Disney Star’s Domestic Violence Arrest”. New York Post (2022)“Disney Star Adam Hicks arrested on suspicion of armed robberies in Los Angeles”. Metro (2018)“Disney Channel star Adam Hicks released on parole after serving time for robbery”. Metro (2022)“Former Disney Star Adam Hicks Talks About the Pressure to Hide his ‘Secret’ Addiction: I was Struggling”. People (2024)“The Fosters star Jake T. Austin charged with hit and run… seven months after his car was involved in four-way crash” Daily Mail (2014)“17 Disney Stars Who’ve Been Arrested”. Seventeen (2019)

Send us Fan MailIn 1999, a man named Cornealious “Mike” Anderson was arrested for armed robbery of a Burger King employee. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison for this incident, however he never was summoned for his actual prison sentence. C. M. Anderson was given a second chance at life in the public. Listen along as Tori and MyKenna hear what Anderson does with his second chance, some of their own small oversights in life, and what second chance they would take if it was given. References: “Man Who Went to Prison 13 Years Late Ordered Released” CBSNews (2014)“Cornealious Michael Anderson III” American Encore (2025)“Judge Rules 13-Year Sentence Man Never Served is Complete” NBC News (2014)“Judge Frees Man that Clerical Error Kept From Prison” USA Today (2014)

Send us Fan MailIn 2012, one of the largest thefts in Canadian history didn’t involve gold, diamonds, or priceless art. Instead, thieves pulled off a crime so unusual it sounds almost unbelievable. They stole millions of dollars worth of maple syrup.In this episode, we dive into the story of the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, when criminals managed to steal nearly $18 million worth of syrup from a warehouse that was part of Quebec’s strategic maple syrup reserve.Join us as we discuss our favorite breakfast foods and break down the details of this sweet crime, the investigation that followed, and the surprising lessons behind Canada’s most infamous heist.References:“Maple Syrup Industry” The Canadian Encyclopedia (2006)“Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist The Canadian Encyclopedia (2022)“Canadian Maple Syrup Heist: A $30 Million Theft Unveiled” Maple Terroir (2024)“With burner phones and $200k in hidden cash, plot to steal maple syrup had look of a major drug deal” National Post (2016)“The Great Maple Syrup Heist: How a Ragtag Group of Thieves in Canada Stole $18 Million Worth of Maple Syrup” All That Is Interesting (2025)“Richard Vallieres Was Behind the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist– Where Is He Now?” Districtify (2024)“How Maple Syrup Thieves in Canada Once Made History With A Theft Worth Millions of Dollars” NDTV Food (2025)

Send us Fan MailIn 1997, a 16 year old boy was found a few hundred miles from Madrid, Spain. Police brought him to the station to determine his identity, and found that this boy supposedly disappeared from San Antonio, Texas, USA. Three years prior to this person being found in Spain, a 13 year old disappeared and was reported missing by his family. His name was Nicholas Barclay. The Barclay family was overjoyed when they heard the news, although their joy was soon replaced with sadness. Come with Tori and MyKenna as they share a silly filled beginning with what animal they resemble most, what happens to the Barclay family, and who the Spanish police really found. Disclaimer: this is a serious episode, but delirious moments will occur since Tori and MyKenna recorded after school on a Friday following a LONG week back! References: “A Serial Imposter Convinced Everyone He Was a Missing Texas Teen. He Confessed to Me.” The Independent (2023)“The Many Lives of Frédéric Bourdin.” The New Yorker (2008)“The Imposter (2012).” IMDB (2012)“The Imposter, a Tale of Identity Theft Par Excellence.” The Guardian (2012)

Send us Fan MailIn December of 1926, a woman kissed her daughter goodnight, got into her car, and vanished. The next morning, her vehicle was found abandoned 15 miles away from her home. The headlights were on, a suitcase was inside, and there were no signs of a struggle. Within days, the story had made headlines and a thousand police officers and volunteers were searching the English countryside. But the missing woman wasn’t just anyone. She was Agatha Christie, the rising crime writer who built her career on creating mysteries and carefully constructed twists. Eleven days later, the mystery of her disappearance was only partially solved…Follow along with Tori and MyKenna as they unpack this wild mystery and discuss their favorite books.References“Agatha Christie” Britannica (2026)Morgan, Janet P. (1984)  Agatha Christie: A Biography. Collins.“The Curious Disappearance of Agatha Christie” Historic UK (2014)“Agatha Christie’s Real-Life Mystery at the Silent Pool” BBC News (2010)“What Happened to Agatha Christie? Inside the Crime Novelist’s Mysterious Disappearance The Mimicked One of her Books” People (2026)

Send us Fan MailIn November of 1971, a man boarded a plane for a flight from Portland to Seattle. During the flight, this man, known as D.B. Cooper, threatened to detonate a bomb if he did not receive his asking ransom. His request following the ransom was to release all passengers, although the crew must remain to fly him to Mexico. Sometime during the flight, the man prepared himself to jump from the plane with his money. This closed FBI case remains unsolved but leaves everyone with possible theories of their own. Come along with Tori and MyKenna as they are all over the place – fictional lands they wish were real, crazy plane stories of their own, cat-technical issues, and who they believe D.B. Cooper was. References“Who Was the Mystery Hijacker D.B. Cooper?” History (2025)“D.B. Cooper Hijacking” FBI (2016)

Send us Fan MailIn 2017, the luxury music event of the decade collapsed into chaos. What was promised as an exclusive, influencer-filled paradise on a private island became a viral disaster of FEMA tents, cheese sandwiches, and stranded guests. In this episode, Tori and MyKenna discuss Valentine’s Day classroom chaos, chaotic field trips, and the rise and fall of Fyre Festival.“A 23-year old created a club for elite millennials where everyone gets a black card and parties in a New York City penthouse.” Business Insider (2015)“Fyre Festival: Inside the world’s biggest festival flop.” BBC (2019)“Fyre Festival Hit With Third Lawsuit.” Pitchfork (2017)“Fyre Festival: Anatomy of a Millennial Marketing Fiasco Waiting to Happen.” Vanity Fair (2017)“Fyre Festival: How a 25-year-old scammed investors out of $26 million.” CNBC (2019)“Lawyers seeking big wins over Fyre Festival woes.” IQ Magazine (2017)“Fyre Festival sells troubled brand for just $245K on eBay.” NBC News (2025)“Fyre Festival 2: ‘No record or planning’ for event in Playa del Carmen says local government.” DJ (2025)

Send us Fan MailIn 2019, William Woods walked into his bank, complaining of stolen identity and was arrested. After years of being incarcerated, a detective in Iowa listened to his pleas and started his own investigation into this identity theft. Follow along to find out what happens to William Woods and his claims of identity theft. On this episode of True Crime Teacher Time, Tori and MyKenna discuss an upcoming birthday, crazy stolen classroom items, and how one detective from Iowa was able to help William Woods prove his identity. “Former Hospital Administrator Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison in Identity Theft Scheme That Spanned Three Decades.” United States Department of Justice www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/former-hospital-administrator-sentenced-12-years-federal-prison-identity-theft-scheme “Identity Thief Whose Deception Led to His Victim’s Incarceration Gets a 12-Year Prison Term.” U.S. News www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2025-01-31/identity-thief-whose-deception-led-to-his-victims-incarceration-gets-a-12-year-prison-term“UI Detective Unravels Identity Theft Scheme.” stories.uiowa.edu/uipd-detective-unravels-decades-long-identity-scheme 

Send us Fan MailIn October 2009, a homemade silver balloon drifted across the Colorado sky as the entire country watched in horror. Authorities feared a six-year-old boy was trapped inside as news helicopters followed the balloon live. What began as a terrifying rescue mission quickly became one of the most infamous media moments of the 2000s. In this episode of True Crime Teacher Time, we talk about the Balloon Boy case exactly as the world experienced it, moment by moment, saving the shocking truth for the very end.  Along the way, we unpack the media panic it created  and how this case could have happened in today’s TikTok era. References:“The Balloon Boy Hoax and the True Story  Behind the Incident.” ATI (2025)“10 Years Later, ‘Balloon Boy’ and his Family Still Denounce Idea that it was a Hoax.” ABC News (2019)“Balloon Boy Charges May Not Come Until Next Week.” The Press Democrat (2019)“‘Balloon Boy’ Parents Plead Guilty.” CNN (2010)“Richard and Mayumi Heene: Where are the Balloon Boy’s Parents Today?” Moviedelic (2025)“Feared Lost in Balloon, Boy Found at Home.” NBC News (2009)

Send us Fan MailToday, Tori and MyKenna discuss the Sherri Papini story – where an extensive search was conducted to find a missing woman. Upon her return, the investigators begin to uncover her strange disappearance. Follow along as the girls discuss alternate lives, an ever changing disappearance, and what kind of meetings they wouldn’t second guess skipping. References: “Kidnapping, Reverse Ransom and a Bounty: The Strange Case of Sherri Papini.” The Guardian (2016)“Sherri Papini Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison in Hoax Kidnapping Case.” ABC News (2022)“Sherri Papini, Convicted of Faking Her Own Kidnapping, Again Claims She Was Kidnapped.” NBCNews.Com (2025)“Sherri Papini Accused of Faking 2016 Kidnapping, Lying to FBI.” KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco (2022)“Where Is Sherri Papini Now, 9 Years after Kidnapping Hoax? Inside Her Life Today.” People.Com (2025)“Missing Northern California Mother Found Safe.” CNN (2016)Sherri Papini Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Lying to Federal Agents about Being Kidnapped and Defrauding the California Victim Compensation Board.” Eastern District of California (2022)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, two teachers and a guest kick things off with a classroom icebreaker before diving into one of New York’s strangest crime sprees. In the early 2000s, a masked figure dressed entirely in black and silently entered homes across Staten Island, often while residents were inside. We tell the story of the burglaries and the fear that spread through the community.References:“History of the ‘Ninja Burglar’ Crime Spree in Staten Island”Silive.com (2016)“His fight with the ‘Ninja Burglar’” Silive.com (2007)“Staten Island ‘Ninja Burglar’ Captured” Silive.com (2008) “Official Press Release: ‘Ninja Burglar’ Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison” Staten Island District Attorney’s Office (2018)“‘Ninja Burglar’ in Custody After a Decade of Break-Ins” NBC New York (2016)

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, Tori and MyKenna travel back to the 1970s where one woman has the key to ending expensive transportation during the oil crisis. This case may not be well known, but surely catches any listener’s attention. From the creation of Liz's futuristic car to a cat and mouse game for the police – grab your coffee and prosthetics, and join them on this wild ride.Thanks again for your support! Here's a second episode to hold you over until next Monday! References:“Elizabeth Carmichael - Documentary, Dale & Facts.” Biography.Com Website (2021)“The Mysterious Case of Elizabeth Carmichael.” Unsolved Mysteries (2022)“The Dale Car.” Museum of American Speed (2026)“Growing up as Jerry Dean in Jasonville, He Eventually Scammed Millions as Geraldine.” The Lintonian (2021)

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first episode of True Crime Teacher Time! In this episode, we dive into the true story of the Jerusalem Clock Heist. It left over 100 priceless clocks missing for decades. With no arrests and few answers, the case stayed unsolved until long after the thief was gone. We tell the story, unpack what really happened, and end with lessons learned through a teacher’s lens.References:“25 years after being stolen, clocks returned to J’lem museum,” Ynetnews (2008)“Police solve 25-year-old mystery of Marie Antoinette’s watch,” The Guardian (2008)“The Strange Story of Marie Antoinette’s Watch,” WIRED (2013)“The Time Thief Who Stole 106 Rare Clocks in a Daring Heist,” Smithsonian Magazine (2023)“Time was up for Israeli burglar’s widow,” Los Angeles Times (2010)