Missing Persons, Advocacy, and Ethics in True Crime with Charlie Shunick
In this episode, we’re honored to share a powerful conversation with Charlie Shunick — founder of the Resource Association for Missing People, forensic consultant, professor, and passionate advocate for families of the missing. Back in October 2024, G attended the virtual Cold Case Symposium — a meaningful event that brings together families of unsolved homicide and missing persons cases from across the country. It was there she heard Charlie speak, and the impact of her words was immediate and emotional. Charlie’s heartfelt presentation on the harms of exploitative true crime content and the importance of ethical storytelling struck a deep chord. We knew then that we had to invite her on the show. Charlie brings a unique and invaluable perspective to this conversation. Her sister, Mickey Shunick, was tragically taken in 2012 — a loss that fuels the deeply personal work she does today. From founding her own resource organization and consulting company to teaching forensic science and maintaining a body farm (for animals!), Charlie is dedicated to making a difference both in and out of the classroom. This conversation is thoughtful, moving, and a must-listen for anyone who creates, consumes, or shares true crime content. 📢 Follow & Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com
30 Apr 1h 36min
When Criminals Hit Fast Food: Tales of Theft, Heists, and Unexpected Arrests / WTF # 28
In this episode, we dive into some of the most bizarre and hilarious fast food crimes, from a meth lab in a Taco Bell to a chaotic art heist at an Arby’s, and a robbery foiled by a trail of hot dogs. Join Amber and Gina as they break down these outlandish criminal acts with humor and sarcasm, uncovering what went wrong, what went way too far, and how the police and fast food employees handled these situations in the weirdest ways possible. You won't believe the absurdity behind these true crime tales straight from your favorite fast food joints. 📢 Follow & Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com True Crime Podcast Festival 2025 • RSVPify.
23 Apr 49min
The Murder of Cassie Jo | From The Vault
We're throwing it back to the very first episode we ever recorded together — and it's a case that still gives us chills. Sixteen-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart was house-sitting for her aunt and uncle when what should’ve been a quiet night turned into an unthinkable nightmare. In this episode, we cover how two of Cassie’s classmates carried out a cold, premeditated murder — all while documenting their plan on video. It’s a case that’s not only heartbreaking, but also incredibly disturbing in how calculated it was. If you’ve never heard this one, buckle up. And if you have, it’s worth a revisit — this case sticks with you. 📢 Follow & Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com
16 Apr 1h 12min
Witchcraft, Lies & Stolen Lives—Unbelievable True Crime Headlines | WTF #27
In this gripping episode of Weird True Crime, Amber and Gina uncover some of the most bizarre, shocking, and jaw-dropping true crime headlines—from hidden backyard bodies to murder-for-hire plots gone wrong. 🔎 What You'll Hear in This Episode: ✔️ The chilling case of Leigh Sabine, who kept her husband’s mummified body in her backyard for 18 years—until a prank went horribly wrong. ✔️ The Ghost Adventures murder plot, where Aaron Goodwin’s wife allegedly tried to have him killed in a murder-for-hire scheme with a Florida inmate. ✔️ A fraud case so cruel it will make your blood boil—how one woman faked terminal cancer for five years to scam her boyfriend out of $32,000. ✔️ A crocodile-heist gone wrong—a thief steals a car, runs over ducks, and takes selfies with a crocodile in one of the strangest crimes in Australian history. ✔️ A woman who blamed witchcraft after setting her apartment on fire in one of the wildest arson excuses ever. 🎙️ Why You Should Listen: If you love true crime with a side of dark humor, this episode is packed with shocking twists, unbelievable confessions, and criminals who just didn’t think things through. Buckle up, because these cases are next-level bizarre. 📢 Follow & Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com True Crime Podcast Festival 2025 • RSVPify. Proud Member of Fire Eyes Media LLC
9 Apr 58min
Crook County: Unraveling Family Secrets with Kyle Tekiela
What would you do if you discovered your father had been leading a double life—one as a respected firefighter, the other as an alleged hitman for the Chicago Outfit? That’s exactly what Kyle Tekiela faced when he learned the shocking truth about his father, Kenny "The Kid" Tekiela. In his gripping podcast, Crook County, Kyle unpacks his father’s alleged ties to the infamous Chicago Outfit—a crime syndicate that operated under mob bosses like Sam Giancana and Al Capone. In this episode, I sit down with Kyle to discuss what it was like to uncover his father’s past, the emotional toll it took on him and his family, and why he decided to share his story with the world. We also dive into the production of Crook County, the unexpected responses he’s received, and the impact this journey has had on his mental and emotional well-being. If you love true crime, family secrets, and deeply personal storytelling, you won’t want to miss this one! Crook County Podcast: https://www.crookcountypodcast.com/ Rent-A-Hitman Episode: Rent-A-Hitman?? Meet the dumb ass criminals that got caught! | WTF Wednesday #11 Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com
2 Apr 32min
The UNBELIEVABLE Life of KATIE FUSCO & The MURDERER Stephen Pladl
This is the strange but true case of Katie Fusco and Stephen Pladl. Katie Fusco was like a lot of adopted kids- as she got older, her curiosity about her birth parents grew, and she eventually found them: Stephen and Alyssa Paldl. As a relationshup began building and she turned 18, she moved in with them. However, the relationship was anything but normal. What transpired is something out of a disturbing, twisty horror novel. This weird true crime case is sure to leave you feeling some type of way. This is the strange but true case of Katie Fusco and Stephen Pladl. A proud FIRE EYES MEDIA LLC network podcast
26 Mars 28min
Florida Man Chronicles: Wild, Wacky, and Absurd Escapades of the Sunshine State’s Most Bizarre Criminals | WTF 26
In this episode of Florida Man Chronicles, we take you through some of the most bizarre, hilarious, and downright strange criminal antics that only a Florida Man could pull off! From impersonating FBI agents and trying to escape in a hamster wheel, to breaking into homes and hiding drugs in unexpected places, we cover it all. Join us as we explore the unforgettable moments from the wildest true crime stories in Florida, and dive deep into the ridiculousness of it all. Get ready for some laughs, jaw-dropping moments, and a whole lot of Florida Man weirdness. Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok - www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube - www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Edited by: djaudio a proud Fire Eyes Media LLC network podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.
19 Mars 41min
UNSOLVED HOMICIDE | Featuring | Missing in Hush Town | Prologue & Chapter 1: March 25, 2004 The Last Contact...Ever
Weird True Crime welcomes Missing in Hush Town. This is the first episode from the first season of the long-form investigative podcast. Missing in Hush Town: Chapter One Jennifer Wix was just 21. Adrianna, her baby girl, was just 2. On March 25, 2004, the girls were never seen or heard from again. We started this podcast with a sliver of hope that perhaps one of the girls was still out there- after all, who could harm an innocent little girl? We now have confirmation that neither girls took a breath past March 25, 2004. Our mission is the same- bring the girls home, but our search has changed- we’re in a race to find their remains before any deals with the Devil can be made. Jennifer and Adrianna deserved better in our small town in 2004. What was once a Hush Town is now filled with Wix Warriors.Small towns talk…And we’ve been listening.We should start here, like I did- on March 25, 2004.And come along as I take you deep into my 15+ month long journey as a Wix Warrior.Working alongside Casey Robinson, Jennifer Wix’s sister, we have poured countless hours walking together in this journey for justice- and we promise to take you along the way, as much as we can, as soon as we can. We won't stop until the girls are home and justice is served. No more good ole boys. No more HUSH TOWN. Small towns talk- and we're listening. The entire first season is available now, wherevery you get podcasts. Follow us on Instagram: @YourhostJules @MissinginHushTown @jenniferandadriannawix Facebook: @truecrimeandheadlines @justiceforjenniferandadriannawix Thank you to our episode sponsors: Romance and Rust Tommy's Concrete Don't miss Jules' weekly true crime podcast, True Crime and Headlines with Jules & Jen Help support our show by leaving us a 5 star review and rating wherever you get your podcasts! 10 % of all profits from this podcast will be donated back to the Wix family to fund their costs in this journey of justice. For more information, visit our website www.missinginhushtown.com You're wanted. You're loved. And you deserve to be found. Thank you to our season one sponsors: Relive Studio Hometown Connect SixOneFive Real Estate AdviHometown Connect Your all-in-one app for Middle TN communities. SixOneFive Real Estate Advisors, LLC People Over Profit.Relive Studio Unlock the story your brand deserves. Andi B's Boutique Creating faith, pet, and family-friendly designs for all. Hometown Connect Your direct connection to local dining, shopping, events, jobs, and news in Middle Tennessee communiSixOneFive Real Estate Advisors, LLC People Over Profit.Andi B's Boutique Creating faith, pet, and family-friendly designs for all. Relive Studio Unlock the story yourSupport the show Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.
11 Mars 18min