Red Flags | Warning Signs, Dark Truths & Recovery

This episode takes listeners through three very different stories — starting with bizarre headlines and ending with a personal update from the host.

First, we break down two unusual stories making headlines: a loose oryx antelope wandering through Tennessee and a piece of unforgettable movie memorabilia from the cult comedy Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls hitting the auction block.

Then the tone shifts to a heartbreaking true crime case involving Michele Carson, a 25-year-old woman whose celebratory trip to Las Vegas ended in tragedy. The investigation would reveal disturbing details about her on-again off-again relationship with Justin Burns, including allegations of abuse and manipulation that ultimately led to her murder. The case highlights the importance of trusting instincts and recognizing warning signs in relationships.

Finally, the host shares a candid and humorous personal update about undergoing surgery to remove a larger-than-expected tumor, navigating recovery while slightly overconfident about returning to work, and life at home with a rapidly growing toddler who has recently mastered new colors — and reclaimed his favorite sippy cup.

From strange news to serious crime to real-life chaos, this episode explores how unpredictable life can be — and why listening to your instincts can matter more than you think.

Takeaways✨

📰🌀 Sometimes the strangest headlines are real From exotic animals showing up in unexpected places to bizarre movie memorabilia auctions, odd news reminds us that truth is often stranger than fiction.

⚠️🧠 Trust your instincts In the Michele Carson case, one of the most chilling reflections from friends is the feeling that something was “off.” Listening to those instincts can sometimes protect us in dangerous situations.

🚨💔 Domestic violence warning signs matter Patterns of manipulation, control, and abuse often escalate over time. Recognizing these signs early can be life-saving.

🛌⏳ Recovery is not a competition Trying to bounce back immediately after surgery might sound good in theory… but sometimes your body has other plans.

🌪️🧸 Life continues through chaos Between healing, parenting, and everyday responsibilities, moments of humor and small wins — like a toddler rediscovering a favorite sippy cup — can make all the difference.

Hashtags

#TrueCrimePodcast #VegasCrime #MicheleCarson #DomesticViolenceAwareness #OddNews #WeirdHeadlines #PodcastStorytelling #TrueCrimeCommunity #CrimePodcast #PodcastLife #TrueCrimeStories #RealLifeStories

Sources:

A Killer Among Friends: Secrets to Reveal. (2024). In A Killer Among Friends. HBO.

A&E. (n.d.). Michele Carson murder case. https://www.aetv.com/articles/michele-carson-murder-las-vegas-trip

United Press International. (2026, March 6). Oryx antelope spotted roaming loose in Joelton, Tennessee. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/03/06/oryx-antelope-loose-Joelton-Tennessee/1131772810720/

United Press International. (2026, March 5). Mechanical rhino from “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” butt-birth scene goes up for auction. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/03/05/butt-birth-rhino-Ace-Ventura-When-Nature-Calls-Jim-Carrey-auction/2021772733754/