

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 24, 2023 • 47min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: UNSOLICITED ADVICE
In this podcast, the hosts give unsolicited advice on various topics, including costume ideas for Halloween, the versatility of Slurpees, friends getting weirder as they age, overcoming insecurities, and unintentionally destroying a neighbor's room.

Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 2min
Episode 261: Steve Fason
A podcast episode explores the murder of Steve Fason, who was stabbed to death and had his house burned down. Sandra Rappold confesses to the crime, but Steve's family believes more people were involved. The episode delves into the intimate relationships, alleged corruption, and shady business dealings surrounding the murder. Betrayal, broken friendships, and deep dives into interesting cases are also discussed.

Aug 17, 2023 • 52min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: THE FOURTH DIMENSION
The podcast discusses interesting topics such as UFO news, the ban on incandescent lights, disappointment with gin dirty martinis, and concepts of consciousness and aliens. They also explore Patreon content, technology advancements, hotel room stories, and forgiveness.

Aug 16, 2023 • 1h 2min
Episode 260: Phillip Brewer and Jody Fortuna
In September of 2016, 33-year-old Phillip Brewer, 38-year-old Jody Fortuna, and 37-year-old Michael Montano gather at a bar in Gillette, Wyoming. Years ago, the three childhood friends grew up near the same small Wyoming town. At some points in their lives, these men considered themselves like brothers. Now, as adults, the three men spend time together whenever they can. Drinking beer, going on fishing trips, and spending time outdoors. They all appear successful, with good jobs and caring families. But, on this particular September night, things take a turn for the worse. The next day, Michael’s girlfriend frantically wakes him up. Something has happened—something bad. A month later, in October of 2016, Phillip and Jody’s dismembered bodies are discovered on Michael’s properties, and Michael is arrested for murdering his two close friends. In episode 260, Jac and Alexis break down the facts surrounding the heinous murders of childhood friends Phillip Brewer and Jody Fortuna🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 15, 2023 • 35min
PATREON EXCLUSIVE: MISSING: LAUREN SPIERER
After a night of partying with friends, a 20-year-old college student goes missing just before sunrise. There are thousands of tips and theories, but scant evidence. Police hit a wall, but not before the investigation splinters into many directions: the boyfriend, the friends, convicted criminals, a local biker gang and a suspicious vehicle that could be key to cracking the case. What will it take to finally crack this case?🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 10, 2023 • 50min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: KEVIN GOES TO MARS
This week the girls and the ginger return for a little of this, a little of that. We’ve spent the last month or so on the road and dealing with the craziness of the LISK case, so this week we’re taking some time to fill everybody in on what we’ve been up to! On the stand: space probe names, wedge salads, sitting and looking, and handing the dinner bill to the man! Then! A worstie laughs in the face of authority!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 9, 2023 • 47min
Episode 259: Jhorden Clay
On May 3, 2023, 911 is called to respond to a 4 year old boy in Portland, Oregon, who’s unconscious after suffering a seizure. But it’s clear to first responders and medical staff that the boy has suffered significant physical trauma and neglect resulting from abuse. The youngster sadly dies in hospital from his injuries, despite his family’s hopes he would recover and pull through. When police begin investigating how this tragedy has come to pass, the terrible truth quickly emerges. The alleged perpetrator has a complex background of their own which only adds to the heartbreak and confusion everyone in the victim's life is feeling. In episode 259, Jac and Alexis detail the sickening alleged murder of Jhorden Clay, whose young life was taken far too soon, sadly making him yet another statistic in a brutal crime which in so many ways was entirely preventable.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 3, 2023 • 48min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: THEME PARKS
Strap in!! This week the girls and the ginger are seeking thrills! We’re talking about bizarre theme parks, and the many off-putting ideas people have come up with! Then! On the stand this week: forming a line, frogs as pets, holding the elevator, and gatekeeping local food! And finally, our worstie makes a key mistake.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 2, 2023 • 54min
Episode 258: Blaine Whitworth
On September 1, 2012, a 25-year-old man is gunned down in the driveway of his home in Warrensburg, Missouri. The college town is in a state of disbelief. The successful and beloved small business owner leaves behind devastated family, friends, and the wider college community in a senseless and seemingly random attack. When it’s revealed that more than one person is behind the slaying, and the perpetrators' identities are uncovered, the shockwaves continue, as the motive behind the killing emerges. But even after arrests are made, it’s far from over, with one of the accused managing to evade justice to this day. In episode 258, Jac and Alexis detail the brutal murder of Blaine Whitworth at the hands of his friends Ziyad Abid and Reginald Singletary, and how the people you have around you can sometimes be more dangerous than strangers.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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 27, 2023 • 43min
BONUS: KILLING TIME: APHANTASIA
This week the girls and the ginger are back and we’re seeing things. Or are we? We’re talking about Aphantasia!! Is it real? Do we have it? Do you?! Let’s find out! On the stand this week: showing up at a restaurant right before closing time, pulp, walkway etiquette, and awkwardly stopping elevator conversation. Then! A worstie with a special divorce delivery!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com
🎟 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


