Episodes

  • 96 – Ted Bundy
    Apr 16 2026

    Sam shares the chilling story of Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history.

    Operating during the 1970s, Bundy was responsible for the abduction and murder of numerous young women across multiple states. Known for his intelligence, charm, and ability to blend in, he used manipulation and deception to gain the trust of his victims—making his crimes all the more disturbing.

    This episode explores not only the timeline of Bundy’s murders, but also the psychology behind them. Drawing from criminal analysis and mental health research, Sam dives into how Bundy’s behavior challenged assumptions about what a killer “looks like,” and how investigators—including those who would later pursue other serial killers—learned from his case.

    From courtroom theatrics to shocking confessions, Bundy’s story remains one of the most studied and haunting in true crime history.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources
    • Seattle Times – Obituary of Bob Keppel
      https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/bob-keppel-the-cop-who-spent-his-life-chasing-serial-killers-including-ted-bundy-dies-at-76/
    • HistoryLink.org
      https://historylink.org/File/23480
    • Wikipedia – Ted Bundy
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Bundy
    • The Last Podcast on the Left – Episodes 99 & 100 (Bundy Parts 1 & 2)
    • University of Kentucky – Psychology Research on Ted Bundy
      https://psychology.as.uky.edu/psychology-researcher-unravels-serial-killer-ted-bundys-mental-health
    • Encyclopaedia Britannica – Ted Bundy
      https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Bundy
    • Crime Museum – Ted Bundy
      https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/ted-bundy/
    • EBSCO Research Starter – Ted Bundy
      https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/ted-bundy
    • Florida Sheriffs Association – Chi Omega Murders
      https://flsheriffs.org/blog/entry/remembering-ted-bundy-and-the-chi-omega-murders/
    • All That’s Interesting – Ted Bundy
      https://allthatsinteresting.com/ted-bundy
    • Biography.com – Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer Investigation
      https://www.biography.com/crime/a65603336/ted-bundy-green-river-killer-investigation
    • Netflix – Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • 95 – Dell Burke: Lady of Lusk
    Apr 2 2026

    This week Jeff shares the story of Dell Burke, a legendary figure of Wyoming’s frontier history.

    Dell Burke operated the iconic Yellow Hotel in Lusk for nearly six decades, running a brothel and speakeasy that became both infamous and respected in the region. Known for her sharp business sense and commanding presence, she built a lasting enterprise in a time and place where survival required grit, strategy, and resilience.

    But her legacy goes beyond notoriety. Dell was also known for her generosity and philanthropic contributions to the local community, creating a complex and fascinating story of a woman who thrived outside societal norms while quietly giving back.

    This is a story of power, contradiction, and carving your own place in history.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources
    Read, June Willson. Frontier Madam: The Life of Dell Burke, Lady of Lusk. Twodot
    Prairie Public – Dell Berke and the Yellow Hotel
    https://news.prairiepublic.org/podcast/dakota-datebook/2021-11-04/dell-berke-and-the-yellow-hotel
    Niobrara County Library – Obituary Records
    https://www.niobraracountylibrary.org/obituaries/obituary-details/?id=872
    Ranchers.net – Little Wyoming History discussion
    https://www.ranchers.net/threads/little-wyoming-history.58154/
    My Favorite Murder – Episode “Cow Women”

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    38 mins
  • 94 - Shanda Sharer
    Mar 27 2026

    Sam shares the devastating and deeply unsettling case of Murder of Shanda Sharer, a crime that shocked the nation and exposed the darkest edges of youth violence.

    In 1992, 12-year-old Shanda Sharer was abducted, tortured, and ultimately murdered by a group of teenage girls in Indiana. What makes this case especially disturbing isn’t just the brutality—it’s the psychology behind it. Drawing from research on adolescent violence, group dynamics, and behavioral development, this story explores how peer influence, identity formation, and unchecked aggression can spiral into unimaginable tragedy.

    Sam breaks down not only what happened that night, but why—digging into studies on youth violence, gang-like behavior, and the role of environment and psychology in shaping extreme actions. It’s a case that forces a hard question: are monsters born… or are they made?

    This one is heavy. And it stays with you.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9512271/
    https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-27055-009
    https://www.catch-22.org.uk/resources/understanding-violence-in-young-people/
    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2023.1142241/full
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Shanda_Sharer
    https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-31-mn-1053-story.html
    https://people.com/shanda-sharer-inside-killing-indiana-girl-burned-alive-11764118
    https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/what-gang-definitions
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5215800/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 93 – The Nutty Putty Cave Incident
    Mar 19 2026

    Jeff tells the tragic story of the Nutty Putty Cave Incident.

    In 2009, John Edward Jones went spelunking with his brother and a group of friends inside Nutty Putty Cave in Utah. What began as an adventure quickly turned into a nightmare when John mistakenly entered a narrow, unmapped passage and became trapped upside down.

    Despite an intense rescue effort that lasted for hours, the extreme conditions, positioning, and physical strain made recovery impossible. John ultimately did not survive. The cave was permanently sealed, turning it into his final resting place.

    This is a heartbreaking story of exploration, risk, and the limits of rescue - and a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources

    • Museum Facts – Nutty Putty Cave: John Edward Jones’ Tragic Descent
      https://museumfacts.co.uk/nutty-putty-cave-john-edward-jones-tragic-descent/
    • Medium – One Minute Horror Story
      https://medium.com/the-shortform/one-minute-horror-story-07ac90c802c4
    • All That’s Interesting – Nutty Putty Cave
      https://allthatsinteresting.com/nutty-putty-cave
    • MDLinx – Upside Down for 7 Hours: Doctors Debate Survival Possibilities https://www.mdlinx.com/article/upside-down-for-7-hours-doctors-debate-survival-possibilities/2vSrzwK1iEay4pw2PnMdUz
    • HowStuffWorks – How Nutty Putty Cave Works
      https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/nutty-putty-cave.htm
    • The Science Survey – Spelunking: Dangerously Enjoyable or Enjoyably Dangerous?
      https://thesciencesurvey.com/spotlight/2026/03/10/spelunking-dangerously-enjoyable-or-enjoyably-dangerous/
    • Wikipedia – Nutty Putty Cave
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutty_Putty_Cave
    • NBC News coverage
      https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34157005
    • Brandon Kowallis – The Nutty Putty Cave Rescue: One Rescuer’s Perspective
      https://www.brandonkowallis.com/2024/02/the-nutty-putty-cave-rescue-the-death-of-john-jones-one-rescuers-perspective/
    • Morbid Podcast episode (YouTube)
      https://youtu.be/Z2WgfUcSOLI?si=Gcmn_IAcx8OoZIJn
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 92 – Gary Heidnik and Olga of Kiev
    Mar 12 2026

    Jeff tells the disturbing story of Gary Heidnik, an American murderer whose crimes shocked Philadelphia in the late 1980s. Heidnik abducted six women and held them captive in the basement of his home, where he subjected them to horrific torture and abuse. Two of the women were murdered during the ordeal.

    The case came to light in 1987 when one of the captives managed to escape and alert police, leading authorities to uncover the gruesome “house of horrors.” The investigation revealed the extent of Heidnik’s cruelty and the unimaginable suffering endured by the victims, making the case one of the most infamous in Philadelphia’s criminal history.

    Sam shares the story of Olga of Kiev, the fierce 10th-century ruler of Kievan Rus' who became legendary for her ruthless vengeance. After her husband, Prince Igor, was murdered by the Drevlians, Olga launched a calculated and brutal campaign of retribution against them—burning cities, executing envoys, and securing her power as regent. Despite her violent path to authority, she later converted to Christianity and was eventually canonized as a saint, earning the title “Equal to the Apostles” in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources

    Jeff’s Sources (Gary Heidnik):

    • History.com – Torture Chamber Uncovered in Philadelphia
      https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-25/torture-chamber-uncovered-in-philadelphia
    • Green, R. (2025). The Pit: The True Crime Story of Six Women, One Monster, and the Nightmare Below. Ryan Green Books.
    • The Casual Criminalist episode on Gary Heidnik
      https://youtu.be/npaEJB0ciE4?si=vlDRzJ66Jsin9nN3

    Sam’s Sources (Olga of Kiev):

    • https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Olga-of-Kiev
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev
    • https://www.worldhistory.org/Olga_of_Kiev/
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 91 – The Clue in the Drum and a DNA Reunion
    Mar 5 2026

    Jeff tells the chilling story of the murder of Reyna Marroquin. In 1999, construction workers renovating a home in Jericho made a horrifying discovery: a body sealed inside a 55-gallon drum for three decades. What followed was a forensic puzzle involving a former employer, long-buried secrets, and a case that proved the past never stays hidden forever. Sometimes justice waits quietly… and then kicks the door in.

    Sam shares the story of how an unsolved 1971 murder in Howard County led to an unexpected and emotional DNA breakthrough decades later. Advances in genetic genealogy helped investigators identify a long-unknown victim, reconnect surviving family members, and finally bring answers to a case that had remained cold for over 50 years. Science doesn’t forget—and neither do the people still waiting for the truth.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources

    Jeff’s Sources (Reyna Marroquin):

    • CBS News – The Clue in the Drum
      https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-clue-in-the-drum/
    • Megan Ashley, Medium article
      https://medium.com/@chelsealynnqueen94/the-murder-of-reyna-ang%C3%A9lica-marroqu%C3%ADn-a-tragic-discovery-30-years-later-5c962f8757a3
    • Forensic Files episode

    Sam’s Sources (1971 Cold Case DNA Identification):

    • Howard County Police Department
      https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police/howard-county-police-identify-jane-doe-1971-homicide-reunite-surviving-children
    • The Washington Post
      https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/07/cold-case-sibling-reunion-howard-county/
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    55 mins
  • 90 - Ruth Ellis and MKUltra
    Feb 26 2026

    Jeff tells the story of Ruth Ellis, an African-American LGBTQ+ rights activist and one of the oldest surviving openly lesbian women, living to the age of 101. Though she considered herself ordinary, her quiet courage, lifelong advocacy, and support of Detroit’s queer community made her extraordinary. From operating one of the few safe gathering spaces for LGBTQ+ people in the mid-20th century to inspiring generations of activists, Ruth’s legacy is one of resilience, dignity, and unapologetic authenticity.

    Sam shares the story of Project MKUltra, an illegal human experimentation program designed and carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency during the Cold War. The program sought to develop techniques and drugs that could alter human behavior, including experiments involving LSD and other substances—often conducted without the knowledge or consent of participants. Decades later, declassified documents and testimony revealed the disturbing scope of the project and its profound ethical violations.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Sources

    Jeff’s Sources (Ruth Ellis):

    • https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/a-century-of-courage-activism-and-legacy-ruth-c-ellis
    • https://bentley.umich.edu/news-events/magazine/living-with-pride/
    • https://pridesource.com/article/how-ruth-ellis-inspired-my-early-activism-helping-queer-at-risk-youth
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis_(activist)

    Sam’s Sources (MKUltra):

    • MKULTRA: How the CIA Used the Cold War to Commit Horrors on US Citizens by Dawson M.
    • https://safe.menlosecurity.com/doc/docview/viewer/docNBFC8F817A722e7b2e98174f84e8f35b0224aae7515b4ca0358577a181726d9320a24538f2a6f
    • https://research.unc.edu/human-research-ethics/resources/ccm3_019064/
    • https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/dnsa-intelligence/2025-10-30/top-secret-testimony-cias-mkultra-chief-50-years-later
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 89 - Gisèle Pelicot (Replay Episode)
    Feb 23 2026

    Jeff shares the recent and harrowing story of a French woman/warrior named Gisèle Pelicot.

    Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.

    Jeff's Sources

    • Husband Who Let 72 Men Rape His Wife - The Case of Dominique Pelicot
    • Gisele Pelicot Has Become a Feminist Hero
    • Gisèle Pelicot’s Story by BBC News
    • Rapes of Gisèle Pelicot - Wikipedia
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    24 mins