True CrimeSociety & CultureDocumentaryEducationSelf-ImprovementExplicit

What Came Next

Broken Cycle Media

What happens after the experiences of true crime survivors have been shared with the world? Does the media truly capture all it entails to survive such tragedy in the public eye? What comes after the convictions are in, the cameras stop rolling, and the court of public opinion has spoken? Can sharing our stories lead to justice, and is there ever really justice?

These questions and many more are discussed on the new true crime docuseries podcast brought to you by Broken Cycle Media.

What Came Next is co-created and produced by Something Was Wrong’s Tiffany Reese and host, award-winning writer, victim advocate and true crime survivor Amy B. Chesler.

On What Came Next, you’ll hear firsthand accounts from those impacted, with behind the scenes insights about what came next for survivors after their stories were shared with the world, and how the media impacts crime victims and their loved ones.

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English

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#203
Friday · 40 min
203: [Joey Seifert] Only Joey Didn't Know
Content warning: murder, gun violence, and organized crime. Joey Seifert is a survivor, co-victim of murder, author, producer, and filmmaker from Chicago, Illinois. At the young age of four, Joey’s journey was altered forever when his father - Daniel Seifert - was murdered by the mob. Joey’s youth was shrouded in secrecy as a result, and it would take him years to learn the truth about his father’s death, despite being a witness to it. It also would take thirty-three years for the Seifert family to see someone sentenced for Daniel’s murder, which came as a result of the FBI’s 2007 Family Secrets investigation and trial. Joey’s perspective of all that came next over the years is poignantly told in his book Deadly Associates & documentary The Chicago Mob: Deadly Associates. The Broken Cycle Media team is unendingly grateful that Joey was willing to share his time, energy, and vivacious spirit with our audience today. This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Daniel Seifert. Support Joey: Joey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/liljoey74 Joey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-9lAqi4XOAjwlUS5_gs7ow Joey's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/37PmerWw4APfYHnALEniSg?si=455a7fabac3a44aa Joey's Book: https://tr.ee/ZpYfSAdLew The Chicago Mob: Deadly Associates: https://tubitv.com/movies/100000370/the-chicago-mob-deadly-associates Sources: The Chicago Mob: Deadly Associates. Tubi, https://tubitv.com/movies/100000370/the-chicago-mob-deadly-associates “The Chicago Syndicate.” “Family Secrets Trial Highlights.” The Chicago Syndicate, 6 Sept. 2007, https://www.thechicagosyndicate.com/2007/09/family-secrets-trial-highlights.html “Family Secrets: Of the Murderous Kind.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1 Oct. 2007, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2007/october/famsecrets_100107 Seifert, Emma, Joe Seifert, Matthias McCarn, and Nick Seifert. Deadly Associates: A True Story of Murder, Survival, and Bringing Down the Chicago Mob. 2nd ed., WildBlue Press, 2021. https://tr.ee/ZpYfSAdLew Thank you again to Rula for sponsoring this episode. Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod
#202
October 30 · 35 min
202: [Kurt Calabrese] I Am Fighting // Part 4
Content warning: organized crime, murder, attempted murder, extortion, child abuse, physical, mental, emotional, and financial abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, mental illness, chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Kurt Calabrese is a survivor, father, grandfather, and Chicago native whose life and family history have become the subject of many media productions. Kurt has shared his firsthand story in such outlets as ABC7 Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, Soft White Underbelly, Gangland Wire, and the Underbelly: Killing Kurt podcast. It is Kurt’s goal to bring greater awareness to the lasting impact of childhood abuse and trauma, drawing from his own experiences to encourage conversations about healing, mental health, and breaking the cycle of abuse. His story offers a deeply personal perspective on the effects that violence within a family can have long after childhood ends, and also highlights the impact a larger social system of organized crime has. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Kurt’s honesty, openness, and rawness over these next several episodes. Sources: - ABC7. “I-Team Report: The Other Calabrese.” ABC7 San Francisco, 9 Mar. 2011, https://abc7news.com/archive/8004554/ -“Inside a Chicago Mob Family with Kurt Calabrese.” Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/inside-a-chicago-mob-family-with-kurt-calabrese/id984020877?i=1000705238688 - “Son of a mobster - Kurt Calabrese.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlRxsrc-Y-c -“Underbelly: Killing Kurt.” Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underbelly-killing-kurt/id1680549673 Follow Kurt: Kurt's Website: https://www.kurtcalabrese.com/ Kurt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurt.calabrese/ Kurt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurt.calabrese/ If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support. Resources can be found via local agencies or thehotline.org For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Jiyu Skin & Rula for sponsoring this episode. Jiyu Skin: the Korean skincare brand everyone is talking about. Our listeners get 20% off their entire order by using code WCN at jiyuskin.com/WCN #JIYU #ad And don't forget Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod
#201
October 23 · 38 min
201: [Kurt Calabrese] It Doesn't End // Part 3
Content warning: organized crime, murder, attempted murder, extortion, child abuse, physical, mental, emotional, and financial abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Kurt Calabrese is a survivor, father, grandfather, and Chicago native whose life and family history have become the subject of many media productions. Kurt has shared his firsthand story in such outlets as ABC7 Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, Soft White Underbelly, Gangland Wire, and the Underbelly: Killing Kurt podcast. It is Kurt’s goal to bring greater awareness to the lasting impact of childhood abuse and trauma, drawing from his own experiences to encourage conversations about healing, mental health, and breaking the cycle of abuse. His story offers a deeply personal perspective on the effects that violence within a family can have long after childhood ends, and also highlights the impact a larger social system of organized crime has. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Kurt’s honesty, openness, and rawness over these next several episodes. Sources: - “Hoax Bomb Shakes Trial.” Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2007, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/06/20/hoax-bomb-shakes-trial/ -“How a Son’s Betrayal Brought Down Chicago’s Mob.” NPR, 14 Mar. 2011, https://www.npr.org/2011/03/14/134425257/how-a-sons-betrayal-brought-down-chicagos-mob - “Jurors Claim Defendant Threatened Prosecutor During Mob Trial.” Courthouse News Service, https://www.courthousenews.com/jurors-claim-defendant-threatened-prosecutor-during-mob-trial/ - “Frank Calabrese Jr: Mobster Who Shopped His Dad to the FBI.” The Guardian, 25 Nov. 2011, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/25/frank-calabrese-jr-mobster-shopped-dad - “Verdict in ‘Family Secrets’ Trial: All Guilty.” ABA Journal, [publication date if available], https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/verdict_in_family_secrets_trial_all_guilty If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support. Resources can be found via local agencies or thehotline.org For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Cash App & Mint Mobile for sponsoring this episode. Download Cash App today and make your money work for you. Click here to get started: [https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5] #CashAppPartner Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement), Sutton debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton), and Bancorp debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp). Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. And don't forget for a new wireless plan starting at 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/wcn!
#200
October 16 · 34 min
200: [Kurt Calabrese] How Do I Get Out of This Life? // Part 2
Content warning: organized crime, murder, attempted murder, extortion, child abuse, physical, mental, emotional, and financial abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Kurt Calabrese is a survivor, father, grandfather, and Chicago native whose life and family history have become the subject of many media productions. Kurt has shared his firsthand story in such outlets as ABC7 Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, Soft White Underbelly, Gangland Wire, and the Underbelly: Killing Kurt podcast. It is Kurt’s goal to bring greater awareness to the lasting impact of childhood abuse and trauma, drawing from his own experiences to encourage conversations about healing, mental health, and breaking the cycle of abuse. His story offers a deeply personal perspective on the effects that violence within a family can have long after childhood ends, and also highlights the impact a larger social system of organized crime has. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Kurt’s honesty, openness, and rawness over these next several episodes. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support. Resources can be found via local agencies or thehotline.org For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Lola Blankets for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code WCN at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
#199
October 9 · 33 min
199: [Kurt Calabrese] Walking on Eggshells // Part 1
Content warning: organized crime, child abuse, physical, mental, emotional, and financial abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Kurt Calabrese is a survivor, father, grandfather, and Chicago native whose life and family history have become the subject of many media productions. Kurt has shared his firsthand story in such outlets as ABC7 Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, Soft White Underbelly, Gangland Wire, and the Underbelly: Killing Kurt podcast. It is Kurt’s goal to bring greater awareness to the lasting impact of childhood abuse and trauma, drawing from his own experiences to encourage conversations about healing, mental health, and breaking the cycle of abuse. His story offers a deeply personal perspective on the effects that violence within a family can have long after childhood ends, and also highlights the impact a larger social system of organized crime has. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Kurt’s honesty, openness, and rawness over these next several episodes. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support. Resources can be found via local agencies or thehotline.org For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Rula for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget that Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod
#198
October 2 · 40 min
198: Ep. 155 [Kelly Sutliff - IDtv's 'Toxic'] The Justice I Was Denied // Part 2 - 12/19/2025
Content Warning: sexual assault, rape, image-based sexual abuse, strangulation, domestic violence, and attempted murder. As shared in part one of her story, Kelly Sutliff is a survivor, founder of the nonprofit Kelly’s K-9’s: Tails of Courage, and a licensed professional counselor from New Jersey. In 2018, after a devastating grief journey, Kelly decided to return to her search for a life partner. It wouldn’t be long before she met a government contractor promising her the future she desired. However, her entire life changed on December 16th, 2019, when the loving relationship she had been cultivating with her new husband ended violently. After surviving an alleged attempted murder, Kelly has made it her mission to bring awareness and advocacy through her non-profit and sharing her story in the media. The Broken Cycle Media team is so very grateful for Kelly’s transparency, expertise, warmth, and listenership and support throughout the years. Kelly's K-9's: Tails of Courage https://www.kellysk9s.org/ Kelly's K-9's on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellys_k9s_tailsofcourage/ Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_talk_with_kelly/ IDtv's 'Toxic': https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/show/toxic-investigation-discovery-atve-us For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources
#197
October 2 · 36 min
197: Ep. 154 [Kelly Sutliff - IDtv's 'Toxic'] A Fire in Me // Part 1 - 12/12/2025
Content Warning: sexual assault, rape, image-based sexual abuse, strangulation, domestic violence, and attempted murder. Kelly Sutliff is a survivor, founder of the nonprofit Kelly’s K-9’s: Tails of Courage, and a licensed professional counselor from New Jersey. In 2018, after a devastating grief journey, Kelly decided to return to her search for a life partner. It wouldn’t be long before she met a government contractor promising her the future she desired. However, her entire life changed on December 16th, 2019, when the loving relationship she had been cultivating with her new husband ended violently. After surviving an alleged attempted murder, Kelly has made it her mission to bring awareness and advocacy through her non-profit and sharing her story in the media. The Broken Cycle Media team is so very grateful for Kelly’s transparency, expertise, warmth, and listenership and support throughout the years. Kelly's K-9's: Tails of Courage https://www.kellysk9s.org/ Kelly's K-9's on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellys_k9s_tailsofcourage/ Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_talk_with_kelly/ For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Mint Mobile for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to mintmobile.com/wcn.
#196
September 25 · 32 min
196: [Jenn Wilenta] What Is Justice? // Part 3
Content warning: sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse material, image-based sexual abuse, drug-facilitated sexual abuse, drug-facilitated rape, and rape. Jenn Wilenta is a mother, survivor, educator, dancer, and advocate. After pursuing a degree in contemporary dance, Jenn reinvented her career several times to evolve with her burgeoning family. However, her trajectory would forever change in 2015 when she found a folder of videos on her partner-at-the-time’s computer. The videos showed her an alternate reality to the one she was living in, and life as she knew it changed forever. As a result, she would eventually seek justice within the criminal legal system, and cultivate her own sense of justice outside of it. This led her to begin vulnerably sharing her experiences in her social media-based series, Tiny Kitchen Dances, which then led to the making of her documentary, Tiny Movements. The Broken Cycle Media team is so grateful Jenn was willing to share her story so powerfully and eloquently for the sake of our audience’s awareness. Support Jenn: - Jenn's Website: https://www.jenniferwilenta.com/ - Jenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinykitchendances/ - Tiny Movements Film: https://www.tinymovementsfilm.com/ - Tiny Movements on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinymovementsfilm/ For a list of related resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Mint Mobile and Cash App for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget, to get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/wcn. And: Download Cash App today and make your money work for you. Click here to get started: [https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5] #CashAppPartner Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement), Sutton debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton), and Bancorp debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp). Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
#195
September 18 · 33 min
195: [Jenn Wilenta] Instincts Are Kicking In // Part 2
Content warning: sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse material, image-based sexual abuse, drug-facilitated sexual abuse, drug-facilitated rape, and rape. Jenn Wilenta is a mother, survivor, educator, dancer, and advocate. After pursuing a degree in contemporary dance, Jenn reinvented her career several times to evolve with her burgeoning family. However, her trajectory would forever change in 2015 when she found a folder of videos on her partner-at-the-time’s computer. The videos showed her an alternate reality to the one she was living in, and life as she knew it changed forever. As a result, she would eventually seek justice within the criminal legal system, and cultivate her own sense of justice outside of it. This led her to begin vulnerably sharing her experiences in her social media-based series, Tiny Kitchen Dances, which then led to the making of her documentary, Tiny Movements. The Broken Cycle Media team is so grateful Jenn was willing to share her story so powerfully and eloquently for the sake of our audience’s awareness. Support Jenn: - Jenn's Website: https://www.jenniferwilenta.com/ - Jenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinykitchendances/ - Tiny Movements Film: https://www.tinymovementsfilm.com/ - Tiny Movements on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinymovementsfilm/ For a list of related resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources
#194
September 11 · 37 min
194: [Jenn Wilenta] So Much More to Come // Part 1
Content warning: grooming, sexual abuse, sexual abuse material, image-based sexual abuse, drug-facilitated sexual abuse, sexual assault, drug-facilitated rape, and rape. Jenn Wilenta is a mother, survivor, educator, dancer, and advocate. After pursuing a degree in contemporary dance, Jenn reinvented her career several times to evolve with her burgeoning family. However, her trajectory would forever change in 2015 when she found a folder of videos on her partner-at-the-time’s computer. The videos showed her an alternate reality to the one she was living in, and life as she knew it changed forever. As a result, she would eventually seek justice within the criminal legal system, and cultivate her own sense of justice outside of it. This led her to begin vulnerably sharing her experiences in her social media-based series, Tiny Kitchen Dances, which then led to the making of her documentary, Tiny Movements. The Broken Cycle Media team is so grateful Jenn was willing to share her story so powerfully and eloquently for the sake of our audience’s awareness. Support Jenn: - Jenn's Website: https://www.jenniferwilenta.com/ - Jenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinykitchendances/ - Tiny Movements Film: https://www.tinymovementsfilm.com/ For a list of related resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources
#193
September 4 · 39 min
193: [Kate Johnson] Survival Mode Felt Like Home
Content warning: child abuse, religious abuse, religious trauma, child sexual abuse material, image-based sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation. Kate Johnson is a survivor, writer, poet, and occasional humorist whose work explores the process of deconstructing the evangelical beliefs and structures in which she was raised. A wordsmith who has also lived with a parent on the sex offender registry, Kate shares about the impact of her trauma, shame, grief, and estrangement. Her goal is to offer people inspiration and awareness amidst their own personal deconstruction process. The Broken Cycle Media team is incredibly appreciative of Kate's energy, time, advocacy, and her willingness to discuss hard truths in order to help ease others' trauma and lift their shame. Kate on Substack: https://substack.com/@katejohnsonwrites Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katejohnsonwrites/ Kate on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katejohnsonwrites For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources
#192
August 28 · 39 min
192: [Ginger Goetz] What if She's Set Free? // Part 2
Content warning: substance use disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and murder. Ginger Goetz is a mother, graphic designer, and co-victim of murder from Kentucky. Since the 2015 murder of her mother, and the consequent legal battle to keep her sister imprisoned for the crime, Ginger has made it her life mission to bring awareness to intrafamilial murder & child-to-parent violence. In just over a decade, she has shared her and her mother’s story on many different platforms including Evil Lives Here, Deadly Women, Snapped, and more. She does so to honor her mother, Carlene, and to help others who may be navigating similar violence. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Ginger’s time, energy, and shared mission in grief. These two episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Carlene Conley. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and/or child-to-parent violence and abuse in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. For a list of additional resources, visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help.
#191
August 21 · 37 min
191: [Ginger Goetz] An Uphill Battle She Was Losing // Part 1
Content warning: substance use disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and murder. Ginger Goetz is a mother, graphic designer, and co-victim of murder from Kentucky. Since the 2015 murder of her mother, and the consequent legal battle to keep her sister imprisoned for the crime, Ginger has made it her life mission to bring awareness to intrafamilial murder & child-to-parent violence. In just over a decade, she has shared her and her mother’s story on many different platforms including Evil Lives Here, Deadly Women, Snapped, and more. She does so to honor her mother, Carlene, and to help others who may be navigating similar violence. The Broken Cycle Media team is deeply grateful for Ginger’s time, energy, and shared mission in grief. These two episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Carlene Conley. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and/or child-to-parent violence and abuse in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. For a list of additional resources, visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help. Thank you again to Mint Mobile for sponsoring this episode. To get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/wcn!
#190
August 14 · 31 min
190: [Liz] Like a Mime Trapped in a Box
Content warning: stalking, child sexual abuse material, childhood sexual abuse, kidnapping, rape. Liz is a mother and survivor from New York. When she was 14 years old, the police launched an investigation with her next door neighbor as the subject because they suspected he had a nefarious plan to groom and likely abuse Liz. After several months navigating an eye-opening, life-changing criminal justice process, Liz was left to heal largely on her own as her freshman year of high school ended. In this episode, Liz shares her poignant perspective of what it means to be a survivor and the reality of healing from adolescent trauma in adulthood. The Broken Cycle Media team is so grateful for her time, energy, & desire to help others by sharing her story. For additional resources and a list of non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you to Rula & Lola Blankets for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget that Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod And all listeners can get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code WCN at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets!
#189
August 7 · 43 min
189: [Rasul T. Freelain] I Have to Tell Sheila's Story
Content warning: murder, parricide, matricide, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and false reporting. Rasul T. Freelain is an author and award-winning, retired veteran of the Oak Park Police Department in Illinois. Throughout his 20-year career, he served in roles including Youth Services Supervisor, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective. It was amidst his work with children and families that he recognized the concept of child-to-parent violence, nearly a decade prior to meeting Sheila von Wiese Mack. Over the span of years, Rasul would be a resource for Sheila as she struggled through an increasingly violent abuse cycle at the hands of her daughter, Heather. Prior to Sheila’s 2014 murder, Rasul tried to see Heather face accountability for the abuse in a system that didn’t require it. With his book, When Lambs Become Wolves, he is hoping to bring awareness to the pervasive issue of Child-to-Parent Violence and Abuse and offer Sheila a chance to share her narrative after her murder. This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Sheila von Wiese Mack. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and/or child-to-parent violence and abuse in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. For a list of additional resources, visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help. Support Rasul: - Rasul's website: https://www.whenlambsbecomewolves.com/ - Rasul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protecting_lambs - Rasul's Book: https://www.siupress.com/9780809339969/when-lambs-become-wolves/ Visit Parent Real Talk: http://www.parentrealtalk.com Listen to [Tabatha Ross-Brown] Believed Instead of Blamed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tabatha-ross-brown-believed-instead-of-blamed/id1674051643?i=1000655144155 Sources: Tarigan, Edna. “American Is Freed after 11 Years for Bali ‘Suitcase Murder,’ but a US Case Awaits.” AP News, 25 Feb. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-bali-suitcase-murder-schaefer-77946e160861d16c45e5f54b2ee02640 Thank you again to Mint Mobile and Vinted for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget that to get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to mintmobile.com/wcn & give your clothes a second life with Vinted. Download the Vinted app for free to start selling with no seller fees, so you keep everything you earn. Plus, for a limited time, enjoy free shipping in the US on Vinted.
#188
July 31 · 40 min
188: [Jordan Wulf] Good Out of All of the Ugly // Part 3
Content warning: extreme violence, brutality, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, rape, strangulation, torture, domestic violence, criminal threats, kidnapping, and murder. Jordan Wulf is a mother, business professional, victim advocate, and survivor of domestic violence from Iowa. After growing up in a small town and dreaming of becoming a teacher, Jordan set out to create a life for herself post-high school. However, her trajectory changed when she began dating her husband-to-be. Over the years of their marriage, Jordan would be a victim to an escalating pattern of coercion, control, and violence. The violence would rise to an unprecedented level in October of 2022, when the man who promised to love Jordan kidnapped her and abused her for eleven days. His October 17th, 2022 arrest offered her immediate safety, but the legal battles that ensued afterwards signified the beginning of a whole new journey for Jordan. Her experiences led her to become a victim advocate and to fight for legal change for domestic violence victims everywhere. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful for Jordan’s time, energy, and advocacy in the following episodes. Support Jordan: - Jordan's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wulfboysmommy - Jordan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wulf.jordan - Jordan's Petition: https://www.change.org/p/reform-divorce-proceedings-for-domestic-violence-survivors Resources: If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and are in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Crisis Services: https://dvipiowa.org/ Sources: - “Hear Why an Attack Survivor Wants Expedited Divorces for Abuse Victims.” Des Moines Register, 9 Oct. 2024, www.desmoinesregister.com/videos/news/investigations/2024/10/09/hear-why-an-attack-survivor-wants-expedited-divorces-for-abuse-victims/75181936007 Thank you again to Lola Blankets & Cash App for sponsoring this episode. Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code WCN at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5 #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
#187
July 24 · 43 min
187: [Jordan Wulf] The Night I Gained My Freedom Back // Part 2
Content warning: extreme violence, brutality, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, rape, strangulation, torture, domestic violence, criminal threats, kidnapping, and murder. Jordan Wulf is a mother, business professional, victim advocate, and survivor of domestic violence from Iowa. After growing up in a small town and dreaming of becoming a teacher, Jordan set out to create a life for herself post-high school. However, her trajectory changed when she began dating her husband-to-be. Over the years of their marriage, Jordan would be a victim to an escalating pattern of coercion, control, and violence. The violence would rise to an unprecedented level in October of 2022, when the man who promised to love Jordan kidnapped her and abused her for eleven days. His October 17th, 2022 arrest offered her immediate safety, but the legal battles that ensued afterwards signified the beginning of a whole new journey for Jordan. Her experiences led her to become a victim advocate and to fight for legal change for domestic violence victims everywhere. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful for Jordan’s time, energy, and advocacy in the following episodes. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and are in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support. Resources can be found via local agencies or thehotline.org For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Jones Road Beauty & Mint Mobile for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to use code WCN at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Gift with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad And to get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to mintmobile.com/wcn. That’s it, there’s no catch!
#186
July 17 · 46 min
186: [Jordan Wulf] The Beginning of the End // Part 1
Content warning: emotional abuse, sexual abuse, rape, torture, domestic violence, physical brutality, kidnapping, and murder. Jordan Wulf is a mother, business professional, victim advocate, and survivor of domestic violence from Iowa. After growing up in a small town and dreaming of becoming a teacher, Jordan set out to create a life for herself post-high school. However, her trajectory changed when she began dating her husband-to-be. Over the years of their marriage, Jordan would be a victim to an escalating pattern of coercion, control, and violence. The violence would rise to an unprecedented level in October of 2022, when the man who promised to love Jordan kidnapped her and abused her for eleven days. His October 17th, 2022 arrest offered her immediate safety, but the legal battles that ensued afterwards signified the beginning of a whole new journey for Jordan. Her experiences led her to become a victim advocate and to fight for legal change for domestic violence victims everywhere. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful for Jordan’s time, energy, and advocacy in the following episodes. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services. If you suspect you or a loved one may be a victim of domestic violence and are in the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org to speak with a trained advocate. If you are outside the U.S., please contact a domestic violence support service in your country or region. For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Lola Blankets and Cash App for sponsoring this episode. You can get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code WCN at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. And download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5 #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
#185
July 10 · 37 min
185: [Mary Cain] Nowhere Else to Turn
Content warning: bullying, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, systemic abuse, systemic betrayal, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Mary Cain is an author, athlete, and non-profit board member that was once hailed as one of the greatest young running talents in the world. But behind her success was a much more complicated story involving the pressures of elite competition, her experience inside the Nike Oregon Project, and the challenges she faced as she tried to find her voice. In the years that followed, and through civil legal accountability, Mary transformed from an athlete into an author and advocate examining the culture of sports and the treatment of young athletes. In this episode, Mary reflects on her journey, the highs and lows of her running career, and all that came next in this new chapter beyond the track. The Broken Cycle Media team is extremely grateful for Mary’s advocacy, energy, and willingness to share with our community. Follow & Support Mary: - Mary's Instagram: http:www.instagram.com/runmarycain - Mary's Book, This is Not About Running: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/this-is-not-about-running-mary-cain?variant=43897601589282 - The Athlete Survivors' Assist: https://theathletesurvivorsassist.org/ Sources: Associated Press. “Track Coach Alberto Salazar Gets Four-Year Doping Ban.” Sports Illustrated, 1 Oct. 2019, https://www.si.com/olympics/2019/10/01/track-coach-alberto-salazar-gets-four-year-doping-ban Cain, Mary. “I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike.” The New York Times, Opinion Video, 7 Nov. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000006788354/nike-running-mary-cain.html Epstein, David. “World’s Most Famous Track Coach Is Banned for 4 Years for Doping Violations.” ProPublica, 1 Oct. 2019, https://www.propublica.org/article/alberto-salazar-worlds-most-famous-track-coach-is-banned-for-4-years-for-doping-violations Maese, Rick, and Adam Kilgore. “Alberto Salazar, Track Coach Who Trained Olympians, Banned 4 Years by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.” The New York Times, 30 Sept. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/30/sports/alberto-salazar-doping-ban.html For a list of additional resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources And don't forget that Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/wcn #rulapod
#184
July 3 · 30 min
184: [Shelley Hamilton + Alicia Doyle] Until Answers Are Found // Part 3
Content warning: child abuse, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder. Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind a deeply personal and complex case that forever changed her family and community, the 1978 murders of Shelley's 24-year-old sister, Rhonda Hamilton Wicht, and Rhonda's four-year-old son, Donnie. Shelley's journey in the criminal justice system over the last 48 years has been truly shocking. From mistrial to conviction to a prisoner's pardon, she has never given up her fight for truth. Alongside journalist Alicia Doyle, Shelley's mission in co-authoring The Forsaken is to document the facts and share the emotional truth that drives this story. The Broken Cycle media team is incredibly grateful for both women's time, energy, and advocacy. These episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Rhonda and Donnie Wicht. Sources: - Shelley's blog: https://rdjustice.home.blog/ - Alicia's website: http://www.aliciadoyle.com - The Forsaken: https://rhondadonnie.com/ - The Oath: https://amzn.to/4axmTF8 For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources

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