Nicole, who spent years at ESPN producing more than 50 investigative reports and short documentaries, has earned six Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a Peabody for her work covering education, health, and social issues. She recently left ESPN to pursue independent filmmaking, focusing on socially conscious projects that amplify underrepresented stories and create real-world impact.

In this episode, Celene and Nicole discuss what it has meant to collaborate closely with the McCluskey family and the Lauren McCluskey Foundation. Nicole shares her experience creating a documentary that not only holds systems accountable but honors Lauren’s life, voice, and legacy in every frame. They talk about how true crime films can be made ethically and factually, while being mindful of the lived realities behind the headlines, and why Lauren’s story continues to move and inspire so many.

This conversation is a reminder that what we consume on our screens often comes from someone else’s lived trauma and heartbreak. It challenges storytellers and audiences alike to hold space for that truth and to remember the people behind the stories.

• ​Watch

• ​U of U continues to make changes 6 years after murder of student Lauren McCluskey by Olivia Kelleher, KUTV:

• ​MacKenzie Lueck: A kind and devoted friend:

• ​The Lauren McCluskey Foundation:

• ​Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara : https://www.instagram.com/girlsincsb?igsh=aWp1eHdwenFyYTJ0

Quincy Durkin is a queer aspiring filmmaker who found her voice on social media after a life-altering experience at her first full-time job. What began as an exciting opportunity working with basketball influencer "The Professor" quickly turned into something much darker and traumatic. In the years since, Quincy has courageously spoken out about her experiences and the harm she endured within Fearless Church, a group closely tied to that chapter of her life.

Through her advocacy, she has built a platform dedicated to supporting survivors and raising awareness about cult dynamics, coercive control, and the ways these systems manifest in both religious and digital spaces. Her work is grounded in resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to creating safer, trauma-informed communities.

When she’s not advocating, Quincy finds joy in music, travel, and quiet moments with her pups. A devoted fan of her favorite band, MUNA, she embraces the small, grounding rituals that bring comfort and peace amid the ongoing work of healing!

Resources For Sexual Assault Survivors:

• ​RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) — 24/7 confidential support: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or

• ​National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) —

• ​MTMV Community Support Network:

For Trans and Queer Survivors:

• ​FORGE — Support and resources for trans and nonbinary survivors of violence:

• ​The Trevor Project — Crisis intervention and support for LGBTQIA youth: 1-866-488-7386 or

• ​LGBT National Help Center — Peer support hotlines and resources:

LGBTQIA+ Community Support:

• ​Trans Lifeline — Peer support for trans people, by trans people: 1-877-565-8860 or

• ​PFLAG — Support for LGBTQIA+ people, families, and allies: