Alternative Interests

Episode 148: Mark Van Dongen

Mark had been dating his girlfriend Berlinah for several years before he decided the relationship wasn't what he wanted; he broke things off, moved out, and started dating someone new.

Berlinah could not accept Mark's decision and made repeated demands that he hear her out and talk to her about their relationship. She planned her retaliation that would assure Mark could never be with anyone else if he wouldn't be with her. The resulting months of suffering are more than anyone should ever have to bear, and in the words of Kees Van Dongen: there were only losers in this case. 

Episode 147: Cherish Perrywinkle

Cherish was 8 years old when absolute scum from the depths of hell befriended and gained the trust of her mother, Rayne, while they were out doing some last minute shopping. This heartbreaking case is difficult to tell but is an important lesson in staying vigilant no matter how charming a stranger may be.

This episode discusses the murder of a young child and while we did not share explicit details of the horrors she endured, listener discretion is still advised.

Episode 146: Benjaman Kyle

Benjaman Kyle was the assumed name of a man who was found naked and nearly unconscious behind a Burger King in 2004. For over a decade he knew nothing of his life before he was found, and despite efforts on several fronts for answers, he struggled to find his identity while also struggling to make a life for himself.

 

The Last Unknown Man: https://newrepublic.com/article/138068/last-unknown-man

Finding Benjaman: https://vimeo.com/34589969

Episode 145: PSA - Sextortion

Sextortion is a steadily rising form of online blackmail, primarily targeting teenaged boys. The warning signs are easy to spot if you are aware of what they look like; we are aiming to increase awareness and create the opportunity for more discussions about this dangerous scam.

Please be advised, this episode discusses suicide and several cases of children who completed suicide resulting from sextortion. 

For more information, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's webpage on Sextortion at: https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/sextortion

Episode 144: Ben & Melissa Oxley

Melissa Oxley was suddenly jolted awake in the middle of the night after hearing a loud noise. She went to investigate and found the front door of the home wide open, and returned to find her husband, Ben, dead in the bed where they had just been sleeping together. The story she told dispatch, police, and detectives seemed odd and didn't make sense to investigators. After years of surveillance, investigation, and interviews, Ben's murderer was identified.

Episode 143: Jailyn Candelario

In 2023, 16 month old Jailyn suffered for 10 long days while her mother simultaneously enjoyed herself on a vacation with her friends. 

Content Warning: This episode is rough and involves discussion of neglect/abuse of a young child.

Episode 142: Colleen Ritzer

Colleen was one of those bright souls who worked hard daily to uplift those around her and lived her life being a positive influence to everyone lucky enough to know her. In her second year as a teacher, one of her students took her life and to this day we don't have a legitimate reason for his behavior. Colleen's friends and family live in her memory and celebrate the lasting mark she left on this world in her short time with us. 

Episode 141: Ryan Waller & Heather Quan

When Ryan and Heather didn't show up on Christmas day and phone calls went unanswered, worried family went to their home to check on them. Police eventually made their way inside, and thus began one of the most grossly mishandled situations we've ever discussed. 

Episode 140: ABCs of Cryptids - B is for...

Everyone knows B is for Bigfoot when we're talking Cryptids, but we're sharing a couple lesser known beasts including a Wisconsin canine, an adorable (if sensitive) Scottish friend, and a Pacific Northwest hybrid. 

Kate Webster

Another woman of many names: born Catherine Lawler, resurfaced as Kate Webster, playing at Kate Thomas... One thing that remains consistent is that she lies.