

The First Degree
Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek
Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2024 • 48min
Episode 311: Brenda Gail Lambert
In the evening hours of July 26, 1992, a 22-year-old mother of two vanishes from her home in Bluewell, West Virginia after hosting a birthday party for her one-year-old son. The woman's car, purse, and all personal belongings are left behind, creating a sense of urgency and fear among her loved ones. Despite the alarming circumstances, initial investigations fall short, and crucial opportunities to uncover the truth about the young woman's fate are missed. In episode 311, Jac and Alexis delve into the disappearance of Brenda Gail Lambert, exploring the complexities of her troubled marriage, the chilling details surrounding her last known moments, and her sister’s relentless quest for justice that continues to this day.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 49min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: FRECKLE FACE
Welcome back for another episode of Killing Time! This week, the girls won’t let the ginger complain about going to the dermatologist. Apparently, they are much, much stronger and have a much higher pain threshold than he does, and he shouldn’t be complaining about pain because he’s a man. This week we learn about illegal names, Tom Cruise inspiring Patrick Bateman, Frank Sinatra’s death, and then we roll right into our new segment tentatively titled “Call Us Maybe”… Let’s go!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 49min
Episode 310: Nancy Woodrum
On Cinco de Mayo of 2018 law enforcement were called to a disturbing scene at a rural Paso Robles property. Nancy Woodrum, a popular hairdresser, mother, grandmother, and friend was inexplicably missing. The case led investigators to a number of potential suspects before it seemed to go cold. But behind the scenes investigators were implementing groundbreaking technology to get to the bottom of who was responsible. On episode 310, Alexis and Jac delve into the case, and speak to a guest who became well acquainted with the man who would be identified as the perpetrator.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 2024 • 42min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: ANDREA DORIA
Good day and welcome back for another amazing episode of Killing Time! Today we’re going the distance to bring you as many half-truths as we can. Jac has a long list of important historic events from July 25th, and then we dive into the good stuff. Today I Learned: Sun cycles, splinter-free toilet paper, the Costco secret phrase, and medical chainsaws!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 12min
Episode 309: Bianca Carrasco
In the evening hours of May 1, 2016, a 29 year old dedicated nurse and mother of three, disappears from her home in San Antonio, Texas. Her husband claims they had an argument, and she walked away from the house, never to return. The woman’s car, purse, and all personal belongings are left behind, raising immediate red flags for her family and friends. Despite the alarming circumstances, initial investigations fall short, and crucial opportunities to find the missing woman are missed. In episode 309, Jac and Alexis dive into the disappearance of Bianca Carrasco, uncovering the troubling dynamics of her marriage, the overlooked warning signs, and the desperate search for answers.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2024 • 48min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: I THINK OUR FACTS ARE REAL
Welcome back to Killing Time! This week, the girls and the ginger return to their infinite quest for knowledge. We’re learning about: windowed graves, Jimmy Buffet’s misadventures, the great pizza funeral, blood and saliva, and peculiar pups. Join us!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 17, 2024 • 43min
Episode 308: Without Explanation
On December 15, 2020, a 42-year-old ex US Army mechanic is stabbed to death at his parent's home in Warsaw, Indiana. The victim’s mother and stepfather are also viciously attacked during the ordeal, resulting in them both sustaining injuries. The offender flees and goes on the run, terrifying those in the small community where the horrifying incident has unfolded. Thankfully, it isn’t long before the perpetrator is apprehended. But even with the attacker in custody, the outcome is no less devastating for the victim's families, who have to live with the irrevocable consequences of someone choosing to brutalize those who, it turns out, have welcomed the killer into their home with open arms. In episode 308, Jac and Alexis detail the tragic murder and how the ripples of violence can forever impact an entire community.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 11, 2024 • 48min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: TODAY WE LEARN
Good day Firsties! Welcome back for another edition of Killing Time! Today, the girls and the ginger are all about knowledge! Our quest to become the smartest people alive continues as we take to the phones to learn from all of YOU! Today we learn about Stephen King and his obsession with Mambo no. 5, Jimmy Halloween, anatomy, the millennial pause, polar bear livers, missing socks, knocking on wood, and more! Lets go!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 2024 • 37min
Episode 307: Under the Influence
On March 8, 2015, a 25-year-old man visits his friend’s apartment in Indianapolis, Indiana. What begins as a casual hangout quickly turns into a tragedy. After consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, one friend suddenly grabs a loaded gun and shoots Ian and another friend, without any provocation. A third suffers a fatal gunshot wound to the neck and tragically dies that night, while the is left paralyzed for life. Neighbors witness the aftermath as the shooter, in a dazed state, paces back and forth, eventually surrendering to the police. In episode 307, Jac and Alexis explore the shocking and senseless murder of Ian Buschmann, delving into the events of that night and the devastating impact on those involved.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 7min
PATREON EXCLUSIVE: JUSTICE FOR CLAYTON
The true crime x bachelor nation crossover you didn’t know you needed.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


