Episode 81: Joanna Otto with guest reader Elizabeth Saunders

A Mother’s Grief, a Missing Daughter, and a Legacy of Remembrance

When 19-year-old Joanna Otto vanished after a party in Pensacola, Florida, the world barely noticed. Police dismissed her case, assuming she left on her own. But her loved ones knew better. Joanna had last been seen getting a ride from a man later convicted of kidnapping and assaulting another young woman. And yet—decades later—there are still no answers.

With no resolution, Joanna’s mother refused to let her daughter's story fade. Instead, she transformed her grief into action, creating something unprecedented: the nation’s only memorial to missing children.

This week, we share Joanna’s story—what little is known—and the enduring impact of a mother’s love. Featuring an original poem in Joanna’s honor, read by Elizabeth Saunders. Elizabeth is a highly versatile actress based in Canada whose work spans theatre, tv/film, and voice. She is known for her work as Donna on MGM+'s hit show FROM. Currently she can also be seen in David Cronenberg's The Shrouds and RT Thornes 40 Acres as well as in When Hope Calls. Her other credits include IT, Surrealestate, Mary Kills People, Alias Grace, Orphan Black, Big Oil Alliance, Slings and Arrows and cult classic The Boondock Saints. Her voice work includes numerous radio and web dramas, and cartoons including voicing Mrs. Turtle on the long-running Franklin the Turtle cartoon series. Liz has also appeared in leading roles in theatre productions throughout Canada as well as being an acting teacher and writer. She holds a BFA MA in Acting, Theatre Performance and Drama. She is married to actor Cliff Saunders, with whom she has two daughters and now a grandson!

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