Unknown Number | Kayaks, Catfish, and Sippy Cups

Summary

In this episode of Mostly Accurate, two jaw-dropping true crime cases take center stage: a Wisconsin father who staged his own drowning and a Michigan mother who catfished her own daughter. These stories unravel the messy web of lies, betrayal, and the lasting scars that deception leaves behind. Along the way, the host unpacks the psychological toll of such family betrayals—while also weaving in the everyday madness of motherhood, from toddlers on the move to household chaos. It’s a mix of crime, chaos, and candid reflection you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways

The podcast explores chaotic and bizarre true crime stories.

A Wisconsin dad faked his own drowning to escape his life.

Discussion on the Netflix Documentary "Unknown Number, the High School Catfish."

A Michigan mom catfished her daughter, leading to severe emotional trauma.

The concept of Cyber Munchausen Syndrome is introduced.

The psychological impact of parental manipulation is discussed.

The host shares personal anecdotes about motherhood and chaos.

The importance of addressing past traumas is emphasized.

The episode highlights the complexities of family relationships.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the nature of deception.

The conversation concludes with thoughts on personal chaos versus extreme situations.

Sources:

ABC News. (2025, August 27). Man who faked death, fled US gets 89 days in jail for the 89 days he was missing. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-faked-death-fled-us-gets-89-days/story?id=124986360

CBS News / Associated Press. (2025, August 27). Wisconsin missing kayaker who faked his own death and fled U.S. is sentenced to 89 days in jail. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wisconsin-kayaker-faked-his-own-death-89-days-jail/

News.com.au. (2025, August 28). Dad who vanished on fishing trip, faked his own death, sentenced to jail. Retrieved from https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/dad-who-vanished-on-fishing-trip-faked-his-own-death-sentenced-to-jail/news-story/013632650536699538fc3fcf04cb6209

New York Post. (2025, August 27). Wisconsin father who faked own death on kayaking trip to be with his online Eastern European fling sentenced to 89 days in jail. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/08/27/us-news/wisconsin-father-ryan-borgwardt-who-faked-own-death-on-kayaking-trip-to-be-with-his-online-eastern-european-fling-learns-fate-in-court/

People. (2025, August 27). Wisconsin Dad Who Faked His Own Death Sentenced to 89 Days in Jail, the Same Number of Days He Was Missing. Retrieved from https://people.com/wisconsin-dad-who-faked-his-own-death-sentenced-jail-ryan-borgwardt-8759589

The Guardian. (2024, November 21). Wisconsin kayaker faked own death to escape family life, police say. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/21/wisconsin-kayaker-faked-own-death

The Sun. (2025, August 27). Heartless dad Ryan Borgwardt who faked death on kayaking trip to flee US & be with Eastern European mistress learns fate. Retrieved from https://www.the-sun.com/news/15057988/dad-ryan-borgwardt-faked-death-kayaking/

The Washington Post. (2025, August 27). Man gets 89 days in prison, for every day he faked death to leave wife. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/08/27/wisconsin-kayaker-ryan-borgwardt-fake-death-sentenced/

WMTV 15 News. (2025, August 26). Wisconsin man who faked his death pleads no contest to obstruction, is sentenced. Retrieved from https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/08/26/wisconsin-man-accused-faking-his-death-appear-sentencing-hearing-tuesday/

WMTV / Gray News. (2025, August 27). Kayaker who faked his own death, fled the US is sentenced after expressing regret to family. Retrieved from https://www.kptv.com/2025/08/27/kayaker-who-faked-his-own-death-fled-us-is-sentenced-after-expressing-regret-family/

Wikipedia. (2025). Ryan Borgwardt. In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Borgwardt