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That's So Zen

That's So Zen

Written by: Aj AWANA
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About this listen

 The True Crime Channel: That's So ZenWhat we'll do: Immerse yourself in the dark and thrilling world of That's So Zen. Each episode, we meticulously reconstruct a single true crime case, from the initial investigation to the final verdict. We combine compelling narration with exclusive soundbites, expert analysis, and a commitment to honoring the victims. Our goal is to not only tell the story of the crime but also to shed light on the investigation process and the psychological profiles of those involved.What we'll teach: You will learn the intricacies of forensic science, criminal psychology, and the justice system. We'll teach you to analyze crime scenes, understand investigative techniques, and recognize the patterns that lead to criminal behavior. We are dedicated to providing a deep, educational look at the genre, going beyond just the gruesome details.Pros:
  • Meticulous Research: Every case is thoroughly researched to provide the most accurate and complete picture possible.
  • Respectful Storytelling: We approach each case with the solemnity it deserves, focusing on the facts and the victims, similar to the respectful tone of Dateline NBC.
  • High-Stakes Pacing: Our narrative style is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, with a pacing that mirrors the addictive quality of Crime Junkie.
About this podcast: That's So Zen is for the true crime aficionado who craves depth and detail. It’s a combination of the captivating storytelling of Dateline NBC and the case-by-case focus of Crime Junkie. We are not just crime enthusiasts; we are storytellers committed to justice and truth.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/that-s-so-zen--6743499/support.Copyright Aj AWANA True Crime
Episodes
  • Cold on the Coast: The Mystery of the Sarah Joe

    Cold on the Coast: The Mystery of the Sarah Joe
    Nov 8 2025
    How can a boat and five men vanish from the Hawaiian coast, eluding a massive Coast Guard search, only for the boat to be found ten years later on a deserted atoll 2,000 miles away? And the most chilling part: next to the boat, a single, handmade grave.

    Welcome to "Cold on the Coast." In this episode, we investigate the haunting, unsolved mystery of the Sarah Joe. We'll combine the detective work of a heartbroken father with the hard science of maritime forensics. You'll learn how oceanographers mapped the boat's impossible decade-long journey, how forensic dentists identified the lone victim, and how the initial 1979 search failed. This is a story of a perfect storm, the brutal odds of survival at sea, and a set of questions that remain unanswered. What happened to the other four men? And who dug that grave?

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/that-s-so-zen--6743499/support.
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    24 mins
  • The People vs. Keith Raniere: The Complete Story of the NXIVM Cult Trial

    The People vs. Keith Raniere: The Complete Story of the NXIVM Cult Trial
    Nov 5 2025
    How does a revolutionary self-help group, promising to unlock human potential, devolve into a secret society where women are branded and treated as slaves? This is the story of NXIVM, a supposed executive coaching program that hid a dark and destructive cult at its core, led by a charismatic and manipulative guru named Keith Raniere.


    Welcome to "Unraveling a Cult," a serialized deep dive into one of the most shocking criminal enterprises of the 21st century. Over this series, we'll trace the entire arc of NXIVM, from its slick recruitment seminars that drew in Hollywood actors and successful entrepreneurs, to the inner workings of its secret master-slave sorority, and finally, to its dramatic collapse under the weight of an FBI investigation. Using court files and harrowing accounts from former members, we will unpack the psychology of coercive control. Where is the line between devotion and delusion?


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/that-s-so-zen--6743499/support.
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    27 mins
  • The Case of Ronald Cotton: How the Innocence Project Exposed a Flawed System

    The Case of Ronald Cotton: How the Innocence Project Exposed a Flawed System
    Nov 1 2025
    What if your memory was a lie? In 1984, Jennifer Thompson was attacked and confidently identified Ronald Cotton as her assailant. Her testimony was powerful, certain, and completely wrong. Cotton was sentenced to life in prison, marking the start of a decade-long fight to prove his innocence while the real perpetrator remained free.



    Welcome to "Wrongful: The Long Road Back." This series explores the devastating reality of wrongful convictions. Using case files from the Innocence Project, we'll reconstruct the fight of Ronald Cotton, a man who battled a broken system from a prison cell. You'll learn how flawed eyewitness memory—the most trusted form of evidence in court—can become a weapon, and hear the almost unbelievable story of what happens after the prison gates finally open. This isn't just a story about a failed investigation; it's a story of survival, forgiveness, and the unimaginable journey of rebuilding a stolen life.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/that-s-so-zen--6743499/support.
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    28 mins
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