506: Joe Hunter's Mission (from "48 Hours")

505: The Grindr Killer Scandal: A Faking It Special

Jun 9, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the harrowing case of Stephen Port, known as the "Grindr Killer." The episode analyzes the documentary Faking It: The Grindr Killer Scandal, which chronicles how Port utilized dating apps to target, drug, and murder four young men in London. The discussion highlights the systemic failure of the police, who repeatedly missed obvious connections between the murders and failed to properly investigate the victims' deaths, seemingly due to bias. The hosts explore the disturbing psychology of the killer, touching on his predatory use of GHB, his deceptive online persona, and the unsettling details revealed in his internet search history. They also critique the experts featured in the documentary, including a body language analyst and a linguist, while exploring the grim reality of how Port staged crime scenes and evaded capture for years. By blending sharp social commentary with an examination of the victims' lives, the hosts provide a somber look at a case fueled by prejudice, negligence, and profound malice, while ensuring the focus remains on the tragedy inflicted upon the victims and their families.

504: Untold: Chess Mates

Jun 2, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into Chess Mates, an installment of the Untold documentary series that explores the intense and controversial world of professional chess. The discussion centers on the rise of Hans Niemann, a young and polarizing grandmaster who shocked the chess community by defeating Magnus Carlsen, the long-reigning world champion. The hosts break down the competitive landscape of the sport, touching upon the rise of Chess.com, the impact of the pandemic on the game's popularity, and the transition from traditional, stoic chess culture to a modern, influencer-driven landscape. Throughout the episode, the hosts analyze Niemann’s eccentric and abrasive personality, questioning the authenticity of his backstory and his claims of being a genius. They highlight the stark contrast between Niemann’s erratic, attention-seeking behavior and the reserved, disciplined nature of established players like Carlsen. By examining the accusations of cheating and the subsequent fallout that sent the chess world into chaos, the hosts offer an engaging commentary on ego, sportsmanship, and the high-stakes pressure behind the scenes of professional competition.

503: The Body in the Sand (from "Naming the Dead")

May 28, 202650 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts explore the third installment of the documentary series Naming the Dead, titled The Body in the Sand. The discussion centers on the grueling but vital work of the DNA Doe Project, a volunteer-run organization that uses genetic genealogy to identify unidentified human remains. The episode focuses on a Jane Doe discovered in the Arizona desert in 1992. For years, the case remained cold until investigators leveraged DNA testing and forensic genealogy to trace her identity. The hosts delve into the emotional and technical challenges of these investigations, highlighting how crime scene technicians and genealogists spend hundreds of hours navigating complex family trees, public records, and public DNA databases to give victims their names back. A particularly poignant part of the discussion involves the accidental discovery of a man named Patrick, whose own search for his biological family led to the revelation that he is the uncle of the victim. The hosts also touch upon the historical context of the Brown Babies adoption project, adding deep layers of historical and sociological insight to this compelling and heartbreaking journey toward justice.

502: The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson

May 26, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the tragic and highly publicized murder of Mariah Wilson, a rising star in the professional gravel racing world. The discussion centers on the documentary detailing Wilson’s life, her exceptional athletic talent, and the events leading up to her death in Austin, Texas, in May 2022. The hosts explore the investigation that followed the discovery of Wilson’s body, highlighting the initial confusion and the police's immediate focus on Wilson’s friend, who was the first to find her. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the complicated interpersonal dynamics between Wilson, professional cyclist Colin Strickland, and his partner, Kaitlin Armstrong. The hosts analyze the manipulative nature of the relationships involved, noting how Strickland’s behavior and deceptive actions created a volatile situation. Through their signature analytical style, the hosts reflect on the heartbreak of the case, the intensity of grief for Wilson’s family, and the unsettling revelations regarding the circumstances that culminated in a senseless act of violence.

501: The Curious Case of... The Woman Dying for Attention

May 19, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the disturbing documentary series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, specifically focusing on the season two story of Sarah Delashmit, a woman whose penchant for deception and attention-seeking causes profound emotional devastation to those around her. The narrative follows Sarah’s elaborate, years-long cons, which include faking severe illnesses and inventing multiple personas to manipulate her victims. A central focus of the discussion is the impact Sarah had on her friend Erin Johnson, a person with cerebral palsy who was initially befriended by Sarah at a camp for individuals with disabilities. The hosts recount how Sarah exploited Erin’s trust through complex fabrications involving fake relationships, tragic deaths, and medical emergencies. The episode highlights the cruel reality of Sarah’s "grooming" tactics and the psychological abuse inflicted on vulnerable individuals looking for genuine connection. By exploring Sarah’s history of posing as both a caregiver and later as a person in need of care, the hosts examine the dark, sociopathic nature of someone who systematically constructs an entire life built on harmful, high-stakes lies.

500: TikTok Terror (from "Deadly Influence")

May 14, 202659 minSummary

In this bonus episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts examine the second episode of the Deadly Influence series, which explores the life and tragic death of Sanya Khan. Sanya was a vibrant, ambitious Pakistani-American influencer and photographer whose journey was marked by a constant struggle to balance her personal identity with the traditional, often rigid expectations of her community. The discussion highlights Sanya’s upbringing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she navigated the complexities of being a modern woman within a conservative Muslim community. Friends describe her as a talented, creative soul who faced immense pressure to conform to specific cultural norms regarding modesty and career choices. The hosts reflect on how these societal expectations—such as the stigma surrounding divorce and the pressure to marry within one's own culture—created a difficult environment for Sanya. Despite her professional success as a traveling photographer and her rising influence on social media, she frequently found herself caught between her desire for autonomy and her longing for her family’s approval. The episode provides an intimate look at the emotional toll of living two different lives and the devastating consequences that occur when social pressures and personal desires collide.

499: Trainwreck: The Real Project X

May 12, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the chaotic events of the Netflix documentary Trainwreck: The Real Project X. The discussion centers on the 2012 incident in a small, quiet town in the Netherlands, where a teenager named Marta accidentally triggered a massive viral phenomenon by creating a public Facebook invitation for her 16th birthday party. What began as an innocent event for 78 guests quickly spiraled out of control as the invitation went viral, eventually attracting hundreds of thousands of RSVPs and gaining international media attention. The hosts explore the absurdity of the situation, highlighting how local authorities, including the town’s designated night mayor, struggled to grasp the seriousness of the social media-driven frenzy. The conversation emphasizes how, despite Marta’s desperate attempts to cancel the event, the "Streisand effect" took hold, fueled by internet trolls and copycat event pages. The episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of teen culture, the dark side of early 2010s social media, and the breakdown of order when collective mob mentality takes over a sleepy community, turning a birthday celebration into a modern-day disaster.

The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder Ep 1 (from our Patreon feed!)

May 9, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts dive into the first installment of the documentary series The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder. The story centers on the mysterious death of Byron Griffey, a beloved funeral director and pillar of the community in the small town of Fowler, Colorado. What begins as a local tragedy quickly spirals into a complex mystery as investigators discover that the crime scene appears staged, raising immediate suspicions of foul play. The hosts explore the peculiar relationships surrounding the central figures, Anthony and Charles, two brothers who established themselves as successful funeral directors and business owners in the area. The narrative is packed with intrigue, featuring small-town secrets, deep personal entanglements, and the inexplicable absence of key individuals as the investigation unfolds. The hosts offer their signature blend of humor and curiosity, marveling at the bizarre twists and the well-crafted nature of the documentary, which seems to reveal more startling layers with every viewing. It is a compelling, high-stakes mystery that forces the hosts—and the listeners—to question exactly who had the motive to harm such a well-regarded man.

496: The Curious Case of... The Skincare Queen and the Hitman

Apr 28, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts dive into the bizarre and dramatic world of Hollywood skincare rivalry. The story centers on Dawn DaLuise, an aesthetician to the stars whose professional success takes a dark turn when a competitor opens a practice nearby. What begins as a petty neighborhood feud rapidly escalates into a headline-grabbing scandal involving allegations of hitmen and high-stakes criminal intrigue. Listeners can expect the signature True Crime Obsessed treatment as the hosts unpack this strange intersection of vanity, jealousy, and crime. With their characteristic blend of sharp commentary and humor, they explore how the competitive nature of the beauty industry spiraled into a headline-making investigation. It is a wild ride through a case that proves some professional rivalries truly go skin-deep and beyond.

495: Wild Boys: Strangers in Town

Apr 21, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts dive into the baffling and stranger-than-fiction story of two brothers who appeared in a small Canadian community. These mysterious young men claimed to have been raised entirely off the grid, completely isolated from modern society. The local residents, moved by the brothers' plight, opened their hearts and homes to help them integrate into the town. However, the narrative quickly takes a suspicious turn when the newcomers display an unexpected, intimate knowledge of pop culture, raising immediate red flags. The hosts break down the unraveling of this bizarre charade, exploring the inconsistencies in the brothers' tall tales and the gullibility of those who took them in. Listeners can expect an engaging, humorous, and thorough examination of this wild case that challenges the limits of trust and the power of a compelling lie.