Crimes of Passion

A woman's obsession with her ex-boyfriend leads to a plot to harm him and his new girlfriend. The chapter explores online dating, their rollercoaster relationship, Brenda's increasing obsession, and the sinister plans she hatches with a hitman.

Bernadette Protti, a fellow classmate, killed Kirsten Costas out of jealousy. The podcast explores the socioeconomic divide in Orinda, California during the Reaganomics era and highlights the struggles faced by families like Bernadette's. It also discusses the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and how it affected Bernadette. The chapter delves into the murder investigation and trial, where Bernadette desperately tries to cover her tracks. Discover more gripping episodes of Crimes of Passion and Spotify Originals.

Explore the dark history of arsenic, from its use as a beauty fad to its role as a deadly weapon. Learn about notorious female killers, the House of Borussia's influence, and arsenic's presence in our daily lives. Discover the shocking cases of Martha Wise-Hazel, the Poison Widow of Hardscrabble, and the regime-changing King of Polisans. Uncover the potential dangers of arsenic in turkeys and the environment. Brine your turkey and knead your dough as you listen to this Thanksgiving Special.

When they met in 1911, she was a teenage beauty from a wealthy Chilean family, and he was an American businessman twice her age who dazzled her. But while Blanca Errázuriz was known as “the flower of the Andes,” Jack de Saulles had a more sordid reputation — and it would wind up costing him everything.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A gripping podcast delving into a tragic crime committed by Tommy Gilbert Jr. His refusal of help, paranoia, and violent tendencies lead him down a destructive path. The podcast explores his deteriorating mental health, strained relationship with his parents, and the consequences of his actions. The arrest and behavior in jail reveal Tommy's delusions and refusal to take medication. A mother's advocacy for mental illness emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting those with mental health issues.

Thomas Gilbert Jr., a young socialite, experiences personal and professional failures. The podcast explores his troubled upbringing, declining mental health, and reckless behavior including heavy drinking and drug use. The deteriorating relationship between Tommy and his friend Peter leads to a physical altercation. Tommy's deteriorating mental state prompts him to acquire an illegal gun for a sense of safety and control.

Between the relentless accusations and physical assaults, the early 2000s were a dangerous time to be living in the Polk household. No one knew that more than their three kids, all caught in the middle of their parents’ tempest. On October 13th 2002, it all came to a head.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s, the Polk marriage descended into a slow-motion implosion. Susan’s resentment of her husband was growing, and it only intensified after he introduced her to a new therapeutic technique: RMT, or recovered memory therapy. Now, she had access to memories she’d never confronted before. And she didn’t like what she was seeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Polk decides once and for all how far he’ll go to manipulate Susan into staying with him. They marry in the winter of 1981. As the decade progresses, their joy over the birth of their first son, Adam, turns to dread as they’re swept into the hysteria of Satanic Panic. But in that dread, Susan finds her purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty years ago, a heinous crime unfolded in a California pool house. The seeds of it were planted in the 1970s, when the Bay Area’s rising star in adolescent therapy, Dr. Felix Polk, met a new patient: 15-year-old Susan Bolling. They took a shine to each other almost immediately. But as he blurred the boundaries of their doctor-patient relationship, both their lives would be thrown into chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices