Skip to content
Artwork for Happy Face
True CrimeSociety & CultureExplicit

Happy Face

iHeartPodcasts

For Melissa Moore, 1995 was a nightmare. That’s the year the teenager learned her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial killer. It’s also the year Melissa Moore’s doubt spiral began: When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too? Happy Face  is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media. But it’s also the story of the horrific legacy he gifted his children. Join Melissa Moore as she investigates her father’s crimes, reckons with the past, and wades through her darkest fears as she hunts for a better future. 

Inspired by Melissa's true-life story, Happy Face is now a Paramount+ Original Series, streaming March 20th. The thrilling drama stars Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid.

Play
  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 23 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • October 20 · 3 min

    Introducing: Curse of Miss America

    Hello, Happy Face Listeners! We want to share a new show you might enjoy, it’s Curse of: Miss America!!! About the Show: Miss America used to be a national icon. At its peak, the pageant was appointment television, drawing TV audiences that rivaled the Superbowl. But now, the crown is slipping. The organization is at the center of a tabloid courtroom drama. Two people are claiming to be the rightful owner of the Miss America pageant. And the fight is getting ugly. In one corner, a pageant girl boss. In the other, a self-proclaimed Palm Beach billionaire with a controversial past. After decades of leadership failures and declining interest, today’s scandal is the only the latest in a long line of controversies in the pageant world. And yet, thousands of young women continue to compete every year. What keeps drawing contestants to an institution that so many former insiders believe has failed them? Over the course of 10 episodes, we'll hear directly from former titleholders, participants, and whistleblowers. Hosted by pop culture journalist Bridget Armstrong, Curse of Miss America is an investigation into the unraveling of an American institution. Listen here and subscribe to Curse of: Miss America on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • October 10 · 1 min

    Introducing: Black Effect's Bloodline Crimes

    Black Effects' Bloodline Crimes is a gripping true crime podcast that unearths the chilling stories of Black families entangled in bloodshed, betrayal, and generational trauma. From infamous murderers to criminal duos bonded by blood, each episode dives deep into the psychological, historical, and cultural forces behind crimes committed by relatives—siblings, parents, cousins—who turned on their own or turned on others together. Combining expert interviews, immersive storytelling, and archival context, Bloodline Crimes doesn't just ask what happened, but why it happened in this family. Listen here and subscribe to Black Effect's Bloodline Crimes on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • September 26 · 2 min

    Introducing: Betrayal Season 6

    In Season 6, we tackle a brand-new type of betrayal – not one between a husband and wife, but within a tight-knit community of friends and family. After Carl and Adam broke up, it seemed like their life together was in the past. Then, a campaign of terror brought old wounds to the surface. This is the story of a year of chaos – in which technology was used to shatter an entire circle’s sense of reality. Someone in the community wasn’t who they said they were – and they weaponized Carl’s deepest secrets against him. This season, a group of men find their way back to reality - to trusting themselves, and each other. Listen here and subscribe to Betrayal Season 6 on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • September 4 · 2 min

    Introducing: Burden of Guilt Season 3

    For one mother, believing the truth cost her everything.   After a contentious divorce, Cindy was ready to begin again. To her surprise, she found a new partner, Kenny. Days after their engagement came a devastating allegation that Kenny abused her 9-year-old son.   To Cindy, the facts behind the accusation didn’t add up. She believed the claims had less to do with reality, and more to do with retribution by her ex-husband.   As the allegation tore her family apart, Cindy faced an impossible choice: stand by her child or stand by what she believed to be the truth.   Her decision led to years of frustrating court battles and a war over what really happened.   In the third season of Burden of Guilt, one family’s painful unraveling raises difficult questions about loyalty, manipulation, and what happens when the people you love no longer agree on what is true.  Listen here and subscribe to Burden of Guilt Season 3 on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • June 10 · 3 min

    Introducing: Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry

    A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E10
    Oct 27, 2020 · 34 min

    Mystery Man

    In this season ending episode of Happy Face Presents: Two Face, we receive the final update from Michelle Leonard, the DNA Detective. Has she found Becky's father and what does Becky do with all of this information after going on a altering journey? We are left with a heartfelt takeaway from Becky, in her own words. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • Oct 20, 2020 · 12 min

    Bonus: The Letter

    In this bonus episode, we hear the bizarre letter Diane wrote to her post-conviction attorney in full read by an actor. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E9
    Oct 13, 2020 · 34 min

    The Escape

    Eric Mason recounts Diane Down's strange escape from prison. Her post conviction attorney, Steve Gorham, shares a bizarre letter written after her trial that changes her story of what happened the night of the shooting. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E8
    Oct 6, 2020 · 30 min

    Jackpot Match

    We revisit Becky's search for her biological father. DNA detective Michelle Leonard presents Becky with the definitive answer on her relation to Diane Downs, and we get a surprise match that moves us closer to solving the mystery of Becky's father. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E7
    Sep 29, 2020 · 31 min

    The Trial

    The trial of Diane Downs begins, sparking a media circus as reporters scramble for details. Christie Downs makes a remarkable recovery from her stroke and is able to testify in front of the jurors. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E6
    Sep 22, 2020 · 29 min

    DNA Detective

    How does Becky plan to uncover her Paternal Lineage? With help from two DNA and genetic experts, we sink our teeth into the reality of trying to track down a parent with limited information. Fortunately, with the DNA kits submitted by Diane's brother, James Fredrickson, and Becky, we have the first piece of the puzzle to find Becky's biological dad. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E5
    Sep 15, 2020 · 34 min

    Diane

    Just four days after the shooting Diane participated in a reenactment of the night of May 19th for the police. Her affect throughout the reenactment caused the police and community to look at her as a suspect. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E4
    Sep 8, 2020 · 28 min

    The Night of May 19th, 1983

    Could Diane’s obsession with a married man be the possible motive? We explore her former marriage and life leading up to the shooting of the Downs children. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E3
    Sep 1, 2020 · 32 min

    Truth and Lies

    After many attempts to speak with Diane's family members, Diane's brother, James, finally agrees to sit down with Becky. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E2
    Aug 25, 2020 · 28 min

    The Secret

    After a viewing of a TV movie revealed to Becky what her biological mother had done, her life took a turn towards rebellion. Now, twenty years later, she's still dealing with the consequences of that discovery Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E1
    Aug 18, 2020 · 21 min

    Hidden in Plain Sight

    In 1984, Diane Downs was convicted for the murder of her daughter and attempted murder of her other son and daughter. Shortly before her admission to prison, she gave birth to a girl. Now that daughter, Becky Babcock, begins the journey to accept the connection to who her biological mother is, and what that means for her life going forward. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • Aug 5, 2020 · 3 min

    Happy Face Presents: Two Face

    Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E12
    Dec 21, 2018 · 29 min

    Aftermath

    How has this journey changed Melissa’s life? And were she and her father tormented by his ghosts or their shared inner demons? Melissa now has an answer. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E11
    Dec 14, 2018 · 29 min

    Psychopathy

    After getting a PET Scan, Melissa meets with a neuroscientist who believes brain patterns can identify psychopaths. Dr. James Fallon also happens to be a psychopath. He shares his incredible personal story before revealing her results. Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E10
    Dec 7, 2018 · 29 min

    Ghosts and Letters

    Melissa is conflicted by how her father’s crimes have shaped her life and her career. She’s also conflicted about the paranormal ‘gift’ they both share-- seeing and feeling ghosts. Does this bolster Sam’s psychopath argument? And has she passed this trait to her son as well? Melissa G. Moore: IG @melissag.moore; Tik Tok @melissa.g.moore Lauren Bright Pacheco: www.LaurenBrightPacheco.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes