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Madness and Murder

Madness and Murder

Written by: Danielle French
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 This podcast is comprised of episodes created by myself and students enrolled in my two sections of Freshman Honors Colloquium at Kent State University. Based on their year-long inquiry into psychopathology, media studies, literary and film criticism, rhetoric, dark tourism, and true crime, these groups of students must decide the case they cover, how they prioritize information they've independently gathered and analyzed about their case(s), and how they employ rhetorical appeals to connect with their listeners. They research, write, record, and edit each episode. Join us!Danielle French True Crime
Episodes
  • Episode 60: "The Gypstein Files"—New Findings on the Case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard

    Episode 60: "The Gypstein Files"—New Findings on the Case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard
    Feb 19 2026
    Authors: Bella Rink & Austin RykowskiDescription: This episode will be deep diving into the case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard as new videos dubbed "The Gypstein Files," on social media, have recently been released. This perspective explores not just the murder, but the relationship that made it possible. Please be aware, Listener Discretion is Advised. This podcast will be focusing on heavy topics concerning murder, manipulation, and deviate sexual acts, especially those acts focusing on BDSM and other extreme kinks. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, feel free to step away and take care of yourself first.Sources:https://www.youtube.com/@into-the-weeds-podcast https://www.ky3.com/2022/08/09/greene-county-judge-deciding-nicholas-godejohns-murder-conviction-appealhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/factitious-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20356028#:~:text=Factitious%20disorder%20imposed%20on%20another,another%20person%20to%20deceive%20othershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9St29MiRwy8&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIWGktLekVc&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOiuU_hG-1M&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=9Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RixwdSS7TE&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=10Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRtzJ2edGxk&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=11Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fpMaJjXJ_k&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=12Links to an external sitehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtfJLWEbBa4&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=19Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5atkf2-CHA&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=18Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTp9PVgIt9A&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=17Links to an external site. https://www.scribd.com/document/423229476/Godejohn-McDonaldsLinks to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ1fH7FU0YU&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=42Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8sM7kFvzVo&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=77Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRj7v8mT_84&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=84Links to an external site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc7WlB9tp3E&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=110Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS7UNm24qss&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=111Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQQxw2mXfNo&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=113Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmO1E66NII8&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=114Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu5IAcIUn8E&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=124Links to an external site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpSC5Ed6ep0&list=PLhSwUSWKBiwwRjUbh78qaSMh3vKq0w0rs&index=129Links to an external site.https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2024/1/8/24024249/gypsy-rose-blanchard-timeline-murder/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Dee_Dee_Blanchard#:~:text=Dee%20Dee%20sustained%20a%20leg,that%20Laura's%20condition%20improved%20afterward
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    11 mins
  • Episode 59: The Devil in L.A.—Ramirez and the Summer of Fear

    Episode 59: The Devil in L.A.—Ramirez and the Summer of Fear
    Feb 19 2026

    Authors: Gianna DeSalvo and Haylie Medlin

    Description: In this episode, we will be covering the case of Richard Ramirez who was dubbed by the media as “The Night Stalker” and “The Valley Intruder”. Ramirez’s murder spree lasted from 1984-1985 and in this time, he killed 13 individuals. We discuss details of the case, lives of the individuals before their passing, briefly cover the trial, and the sentencing/years to follow.

    Disclaimer: In this episode sensitive topics will be discussed and listener discretion is advised. We would also like to apologize in advance if we mispronounce any names.

    Sources:

    Peacock Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes: https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/asset/tv/richard-ramirez-the-night-stalker-tapes/5445336098818518112/seasons/1/episodes/making-of-a-monster-episode-1/6ea68fe0-f128-3a17-b8b9-26a6a3e62b8f

    https://www.aetv.com/articles/richard-ramirez

    https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/crime-files/richard-ramirez-the-night-stalkerhttps://vault.fbi.gov/richard-ramirez/Richard%20Ramirez%20Part%2001%20%28Final%29/view

    https://www.aetv.com/articles/richard-ramirez

    https://crimeviral.com/2021/01/8-disturbing-moments-during-the-trial-of-richard-ramirez/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/710261-richard-ramirez-guilty-on-all-night-stalker/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dna-links-night-stalker-richard-ramirez-to-1984-killing-of-9-year-old-mei-leung/
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    11 mins
  • Episode 58: Akron Arson Killer

    Episode 58: Akron Arson Killer
    Feb 19 2026

    Authors:

    Presly McConnell and Vincent Mosher

    Special Guest:

    Detective Ronald Garey - Akron Police Department

    Description:

    This episode dives into the fires that Stanley Ford set in the suburbs of Akron. This episode covers the victims, the investigation, and how the case was solved. We interviewed Detective Ronald Garey of the Akron Police Department and he shared his experience with the terror of Stanley Ford.

    Sources:

    1. https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/10/26/stanley-ford-akron-man-who-killed-9-people-sentenced-by-judge-following-jurys-recommendation-life-prison/
    2. Cite as State v. Ford, 2023-Ohio-2220.Ohio Supreme Court (.gov)https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov › docs › pdf
    3. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/08/17/what-we-know-stanley-fords-arson-trial-9-murders-akron-start-again-lewis-hart-huggins-boggs/8164058002/
    4. https://www.courttv.com/tag/stanley-ford/
    5. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/crime/stanley-ford-sentenced-akron-fires-killed-9-people/95-a9869f03-e9b2-4747-9c11-b17e118aa28d
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    13 mins
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