Author and teacher Randy Hubbard joins us to talk about his book The Laney Gwinner Effect, a deep look into a tragic case that continues to resonate decades later. But Hubbard didn’t stop at writing; he turned the lessons of the case into a hands-on classroom experience, guiding students through the complexities of investigative thinking. We unpack how his unique course bridges true crime, education, and community awareness.

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James Hicks’ story is one of deception, control, and calculated violence. Convicted of murdering two women and suspected in more disappearances, Hicks’ chilling crimes span decades, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. In this deep-dive podcast, we uncover the twisted life of a man who manipulated those closest to him, examine the investigations that brought him down, and hear from the people forever impacted by his actions.

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In this episode, Jack Fox from Never a Truer Word joins us to examine how perspective (the speaker’s viewpoint, context, and intent) can alter the way we interpret statements revealed in the most recent FOIA release related to the Michael John Olson case. Together, we break down how phrasing, timing, stress, and memory can subtly shift meaning, and why even small linguistic choices, like active versus passive voice, distancing language, or what’s left unsaid, can reshape how investigators build timelines and form hypotheses.

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, Michael and Alyssa review the disappearance of Jonathan Hagans, a case that continues to haunt both family and the community.

We sit down with Joel Hagans, Jonathan’s brother, for an emotional and candid conversation about the day his brother went missing, the unanswered questions that remain, and the lasting impact on those left behind.

We also bring listeners updates from the recent vigil honoring Jody Kilgore and Ian Rogers, reflecting on how their stories have united local advocates and families in their shared pursuit of justice.

Finally, we share a preview of our upcoming episode on Michael John Olson, featuring new perspectives and findings from a statement analyst who examined key details surrounding the case.

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Decades after Michael John Olson vanished, the truth was thought to be buried with time, until now. Newly released documents from a Freedom of Information Act request reveal details that were never meant to see daylight. In this episode of Tragedy - A True Crime Podcast, we unpack what those files contain, question what investigators may have overlooked, and explore how these revelations could alter the course of a case long considered cold.

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In this episode, we sit down with Meaghan Good, founder of The Charley Project, a vital online resource dedicated to cataloging missing persons cases across the United States. Meaghan shares the mission behind the project, how it has grown into one of the most comprehensive archives of its kind, and the impact it has had on both families and investigators.

We explore several cases that have been solved in part because of the project’s work and discuss the wide range of organizations, from law enforcement to journalists and researchers, that depend on this information every day. Meaghan also reflects on the challenges of maintaining such an extensive database and why raising awareness around these stories continues to matter.

If you’re interested in true crime, missing persons investigations, or the power of grassroots efforts to make a national impact, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

The Charley Project - https://charleyproject.org/

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Jeni Decker, host of the podcast Down and Away, discusses her journey into podcasting, focusing on unsolved homicide and missing persons cases. She shares insights into the disappearance of Michael John Olson, highlighting the complexities and inconsistencies surrounding the case. The discussion covers the dynamics of the night Michael went missing, the role of law enforcement, and the emotional toll on the family. Jenny emphasizes the need for accurate information and the importance of community involvement in solving cold cases.

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This episode of the Tragedy Podcast delves into the mysterious disappearance of Michael John Olson, featuring insights from his family members. They recount the events leading up to his disappearance, the challenges faced during the search efforts, and the inconsistencies surrounding the last night he was seen. The family expresses their ongoing quest for answers and closure, highlighting the emotional toll of Michael's absence over the years.

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Please visit us at www.tragedyatruecrimepodcast.com