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In 1971, a group of college students walked into the basement of Stanford University for what they thought was a simple psychology study. They were randomly assigned roles as guards and prisoners in a simulated jail.

What was supposed to last two weeks ended in just six days.

In this episode of True Crime Teacher Time, we break down what happened inside that basement, from shocking psychological breakdowns to decisions that spiraled out of control. Then, we dig into the ethical controversy that came years later. Join Tori and MyKenna as we discuss The Stanford Prison Experiment.

References:

“Philip Zimbardo, the psychologist behind the ‘Stanford Prison Experiment,’ dies at 91”. Stanford Report (2024)

“Stanford Prison Experiment: Zimbardo’s 1971 Study & Ethical Issues”. The Psychology Notes HQ (2026)

“The Stanford Prison Experiment”. VeryWell Mind (2025)

“The Stanford Prison Experiment”. Zimbardo (2025)

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In 1961, the Duperrault family planned an incredible trip to the Bahamas, by way of yacht. After planning and enjoying their time, a tragic incident left an 11 year old girl adrift in the Atlantic ocean. The 11 year old, Terry Jo shares pieces of her story and survival while on the open ocean.

Come along as Tori and MyKenna talk through the horrific but brave events of Terry Jo’s experiences, what their own yacht names would be, and what precautions can be made in the 21st century.

Disclaimer: Andy (MyKenna's cat) was throwing a fit, so he makes a few appearances, along with the technical difficulties that go with virtually recording.

References:

“Orphaned on the Ocean: The Unbelievable Story of Terry Jo Duperrault,” Reader’s Digest (2023).

“Man who killed my family left me to drown at sea but I had other ideas,” Mirror (2025).

“The Sea: The Bluebelle’s Last Voyage,” TIME (1961).

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What happens when childhood fame meets real world consequences?

In this episode, we discuss the Disney shows that shaped our childhood and the troubling pattern of former Disney Channel stars who faced legal trouble after their rise to fame. Featuring cases involving Orlando Brown, Adam Hicks, and Jake T. Austin, we examine how early fame, public pressure, and the loss of identity can contribute to life-altering decisions.

References:

“Disney Star Orlando Brown- Cops Say Audio Proves Actor Made Death Threats”. TMZ (2014).

“Disney Star Orlando Brown Busted For Hitting Girlfriend In Police Parking Lot”. TMZ (2016)

“‘That’s So Raven’s’ Orlando Brown Gets Help from Dr. Phil After Concerns from his Friends and Manager”. People (2018)

“Orland Brown Locked Up: Details Emerge of Disney Star’s Domestic Violence Arrest”. New York Post (2022)

“Disney Star Adam Hicks arrested on suspicion of armed robberies in Los Angeles”. Metro (2018)

“Disney Channel star Adam Hicks released on parole after serving time for robbery”. Metro (2022)

“Former Disney Star Adam Hicks Talks About the Pressure to Hide his ‘Secret’ Addiction: I was Struggling”. People (2024)

“The Fosters star Jake T. Austin charged with hit and run… seven months after his car was involved in four-way crash” Daily Mail (2014)

“17 Disney Stars Who’ve Been Arrested”. Seventeen (2019)

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In 1999, a man named Cornealious “Mike” Anderson was arrested for armed robbery of a Burger King employee. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison for this incident, however he never was summoned for his actual prison sentence.

C. M. Anderson was given a second chance at life in the public. Listen along as Tori and MyKenna hear what Anderson does with his second chance, some of their own small oversights in life, and what second chance they would take if it was given.

References:

“Man Who Went to Prison 13 Years Late Ordered Released” CBSNews (2014)

“Cornealious Michael Anderson III” American Encore (2025)

“Judge Rules 13-Year Sentence Man Never Served is Complete” NBC News (2014)

“Judge Frees Man that Clerical Error Kept From Prison” USA Today (2014)

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In 2012, one of the largest thefts in Canadian history didn’t involve gold, diamonds, or priceless art. Instead, thieves pulled off a crime so unusual it sounds almost unbelievable. They stole millions of dollars worth of maple syrup.

In this episode, we dive into the story of the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, when criminals managed to steal nearly $18 million worth of syrup from a warehouse that was part of Quebec’s strategic maple syrup reserve.

Join us as we discuss our favorite breakfast foods and break down the details of this sweet crime, the investigation that followed, and the surprising lessons behind Canada’s most infamous heist.

References:

“Maple Syrup Industry” The Canadian Encyclopedia (2006)

“Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist The Canadian Encyclopedia (2022)

“Canadian Maple Syrup Heist: A $30 Million Theft Unveiled” Maple Terroir (2024)

“With burner phones and $200k in hidden cash, plot to steal maple syrup had look of a major drug deal” National Post (2016)

“The Great Maple Syrup Heist: How a Ragtag Group of Thieves in Canada Stole $18 Million Worth of Maple Syrup” All That Is Interesting (2025)

“Richard Vallieres Was Behind the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist– Where Is He Now?” Districtify (2024)

“How Maple Syrup Thieves in Canada Once Made History With A Theft Worth Millions of Dollars” NDTV Food (2025)

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In 1997, a 16 year old boy was found a few hundred miles from Madrid, Spain. Police brought him to the station to determine his identity, and found that this boy supposedly disappeared from San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Three years prior to this person being found in Spain, a 13 year old disappeared and was reported missing by his family. His name was Nicholas Barclay. The Barclay family was overjoyed when they heard the news, although their joy was soon replaced with sadness.

Come with Tori and MyKenna as they share a silly filled beginning with what animal they resemble most, what happens to the Barclay family, and who the Spanish police really found.

Disclaimer: this is a serious episode, but delirious moments will occur since Tori and MyKenna recorded after school on a Friday following a LONG week back!

References:

“A Serial Imposter Convinced Everyone He Was a Missing Texas Teen. He Confessed to Me.” The Independent (2023)

“The Many Lives of Frédéric Bourdin.” The New Yorker (2008)

“The Imposter (2012).” IMDB (2012)

“The Imposter, a Tale of Identity Theft Par Excellence.” The Guardian (2012)

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In December of 1926, a woman kissed her daughter goodnight, got into her car, and vanished. The next morning, her vehicle was found abandoned 15 miles away from her home. The headlights were on, a suitcase was inside, and there were no signs of a struggle. Within days, the story had made headlines and a thousand police officers and volunteers were searching the English countryside.

But the missing woman wasn’t just anyone. She was Agatha Christie, the rising crime writer who built her career on creating mysteries and carefully constructed twists. Eleven days later, the mystery of her disappearance was only partially solved…

Follow along with Tori and MyKenna as they unpack this wild mystery and discuss their favorite books.

References

“Agatha Christie” Britannica (2026)

Morgan, Janet P. (1984) Agatha Christie: A Biography. Collins.

“The Curious Disappearance of Agatha Christie” Historic UK (2014)

“Agatha Christie’s Real-Life Mystery at the Silent Pool” BBC News (2010)

“What Happened to Agatha Christie? Inside the Crime Novelist’s Mysterious Disappearance The Mimicked One of her Books” People (2026)

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In November of 1971, a man boarded a plane for a flight from Portland to Seattle. During the flight, this man, known as D.B. Cooper, threatened to detonate a bomb if he did not receive his asking ransom. His request following the ransom was to release all passengers, although the crew must remain to fly him to Mexico. Sometime during the flight, the man prepared himself to jump from the plane with his money. This closed FBI case remains unsolved but leaves everyone with possible theories of their own.

Come along with Tori and MyKenna as they are all over the place – fictional lands they wish were real, crazy plane stories of their own, cat-technical issues, and who they believe D.B. Cooper was.

References

“Who Was the Mystery Hijacker D.B. Cooper?” History (2025)

“D.B. Cooper Hijacking” FBI (2016)