Truer Crime Podcast

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Truer Crime Podcast

Do you ever listen to a true crime podcast and think “that’s not quite right…?” Same. Hosted by Celisia Stanton.
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Truer Crime talks about real people — murdered, missing, misled — with more nuance, more context, and more questions.

29/12/2023

From 1920 to 1940, no Black people lived in Forsyth County, Georgia. None. But by the time Tamla Horsford moved there with her family, a lot had changed. Or so it seemed, until Tamla was found dead in the Fall of 2018. Suddenly, a century’s worth of trauma resurfaced in the once all-white Georgia county. Today’s episode reveals what happens when a woman and a county collide.

The third and final December episode of Truer Crime is out now wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 We’ll see you Spring 2024 with the rest of Season 2.

Photo Descriptions + Credit:
Photo 1 - Photo of Tamla Horsford. Photo accessed via RollingStone and Justice for Tamla.
Photo 2 - Tamla (right) and her husband Leander (left). Photo via RollingStone and Justice for Tamla.
Photo 3 - Oprah Winfrey interviews Forsyth County resident, 1987. Screenshot from The Oprah Winfrey Show.

22/12/2023

Sam Mandez was just 14 years old when his elderly neighbor, Frida Winter, was found murdered in her home, the same home Sam had painted with his grandfather just a few summers prior. It would be years before they set their eyes on Sam as their main suspect. And while he was just a kid when the crime took place, Sam was tried as an adult and eventually sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. Despite maintaining his innocence, he now faced a future behind bars. But what would that future *actually* look like? Today, we’re starting where a lot of other true crime stories end – in prison.

🎙️Our newest episode “Sam Mandez” is out now. Listen by searching “Truer Crime” wherever you get your podcasts!🎙️

Photo descriptions + credit:
Photo 1 - Photo of Sam’s mother, Rosela Mandez, holding a photo of Sam at 12 years old. Photo accessed via The Denver Post.

Photo 2 - Sam’s childhood friend Anthony Trujillo wearing a “Free Mandez” shirt. Photo by Alex Burness, accessed via The Colorado Independent.

15/12/2023

It’s here! New episode “Mindy Dodd’ out now 🔍

If you consume a lot of true crime, you might have heard Mindy Dodd’s story before. Or at least one like it – the classic story of a housewife who, pushed too far, snaps and murders her husband. The scary music swells and the story ends neatly. The housewife is locked away. But what if that’s not the whole picture? Today’s episode is about the muddy middle that’s so often left out.

Listen by searching “Truer Crime” wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️

14/12/2023

Podcast setup is looking a little more advanced these days! 🤭

One of the things that was really important to me in this new era of Truer Crime is the that show *sounded* amazing. To me that meant crisp audio and killer music. I wanted you to feel truly immersed in the stories we were telling. As much as recording in my closet became a part of the Truer Crime brand, it was time to elevate a bit.

So, when I tell you that I am obsessed with the sound of the three episodes we’re sharing with you — know that I really mean it. And you can actually get a taste *right now* by heading to wherever you listen to your podcasts and listening to our BRAND NEW trailer.

You’ll get also get a little sneak peek into the three episodes that are about to come out! 🥰

As always, your support means the absolute WORLD! 🥲

12/12/2023

Three years ago, almost to the day, my life changed course forever. I didn’t know it then, but getting defrauded, robbed of my entire life’s savings by my financial advisor, would spur me to create the work I am most proud of today. Truer Crime. My baby. This show allowed me to make meaning from something that felt so impossibly unfair at the time. In an energetic whirlwind of grief, I created season one of the show at breakneck speed.

With the support of my family and friends, I put it out into the world and hoped for the best. What you all gave me back was so much more than I imagined. You got what I was trying to do. You, too, saw the need for a show that told true crime stories with care and compassion. A show that saw the value of the genre and it’s potential to spur action. And that last part about action is key. In a world filled with injustice, feelings of helplessness abound. Truer Crime became a way for me to *live* my values, a vehicle to bring folks alongside me on that journey.

Season one gave my life the kind of joy and meaning that only ever comes from creating. But working on a season two felt harder than ever. These episodes take an incredible amount of time and energy. And making a show is expensive! That whirlwind of energy I rode on the tails of my grief had shape shifted. I knew that to make the show better, to put out something I was really proud of, to tell these stories with the dignity and care they deserved, I needed help. And when I met with and the team .tv they immediately got the vision. They had a history of making incredible shows about nuanced topics. Their production quality was killer and their music elevated the emotionality and complexity of the stories they told. It was the right partner for Truer Crime. Continued in comments.

11/12/2023

Took some new headshots for work, but I think there was something in my eye 🔎👀

11/12/2023

Not a lot going on at the moment 👀

09/01/2023

What an amazing way to end 2022! 😱🥳🎉

The Truer Crime TikTok was featured in , and I’m over the moon that so many resonated with what I had to share via social media this year. While we’ve been taking a break from main-season episodes, I’ve loved still connecting with so many like-minded true crime listeners in a much shorter format. While the heart of Truer Crime is still the 1+ hour podcast episodes, creating bite-sized Truer Crime content has been an exciting and rewarding challenge of this past year. To be featured in Mashable for the Truer Crime TikTok is such an honor, especially while listed next to so many other fabulous creators. I interviewed both and for the Truer Crime Patreon this year, and I’m just soooo excited that they are both also on this list! Make sure to check out the full Mashable article to see the full list of true crime accounts to make sure you check-out!

11/11/2022

In 2001, Sarah Turney‘ s sister, Alissa, went missing. Nearly two decades later and no arrests in the case, the police told her they could no longer help her and she needed to get media coverage for the case. So, in 2019, Sarah started Voices for Justice Podcast as a way to tell Alissa’s story. In August 2020, an arrest was made in the case and Sarah’s efforts were recognized by the Maricopa County Attorney. Since the arrest, Sarah has shifted her focus to advocating for other cases in need of justice.

In my bonus interview with Sarah, she reflects on what she’s learned along the way, and answers critical questions from her own experience as both a victim’s family member and a true crime media creator herself. Why might a family member tell their story on a podcast with exploitative tendencies? How does Sarah create a safe space for victims and their family members to share their stories on Voices for Justice? What could ethical true crime content look like? And what can true crime media consumers do to push the genre into a more ethical direction?

I was so honored to learn from Sarah, and I hope you enjoy this bonus interview while we are on a break from regular season episodes. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

28/10/2022

Many historians consider the Tulsa Race Massacre to be the single worst incident of racist violence in U.S. history, yet not once did I learn about it in school. As someone who researches and writes about crime stories as part of my job, I have an intimate knowledge of how difficult it can be to engage with such painful history. AND YET, we can never hope to prevent the next act of violence, without first understanding what caused the last one. And until we can face this history, and have deep conversations about what it actually means to learn from the past, we’ll be stuck in the same loops.

In case you missed it, you can learn more and hear this quote in context by listening to Truer Crime Ep. 06: Tulsa Race Massacre, available now wherever you get your podcasts.

22/07/2022

What does ethical true crime look like? Is it even possible to achieve? In this Patreon exclusive, I’m joined by creator and host of , Laurah Norton.

Larah spent the last 15 years working in academia, and now works full-time as an independent researcher & writer based in Atlanta. She's also the writer and host of two incredible podcasts: The Fall Line and . As a fellow true crime podcast creator, Laurah and I sat down to discuss everything that goes into creating true crime with the goal of shifting the genre to something more ethical.

What is it like to work directly with victims’ families when telling true crime stories? How can true crime media creators create a process that is safe for and considerate of these families? And what is our responsibility as true crime creators when telling their stories? Laurah and I discuss all of this and more in our most recent bonus episode, available now at patreon.com/truercrimepod

15/07/2022

It’s been 1 year since Truer Crime season 1 ! 🐣🎊🥳🎁🎈

One year ago this week, we’d just released the final episode of season 1, and were reeling from the ups and downs that come with researching, writing, recording, producing, editing, and marketing a brand new podcast. When I first thought of starting Truer Crime, I knew nothing about what it actually took to make a podcast. A year later and I still can’t fully wrap my mind around how much this project has grown. And yet – there's still so many dreams I have for this show – and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that lately I've felt especially restless.

Many of you have been asking: “Where is season 2?” The simple answer is I am working on it as fast as I can and I genuinely can't wait to get it to you! But the more complicated answer is that podcasts (especially one like Truer Crime) take a really, really, long time to make. Truthfully, I wish I could have released 3 seasons by now. But no matter how bad I feel about not making this happen, the reality is it would've been impossible. Telling these stories takes a lot of care, attention, research and time. And between work, and family, and necessary time away, things are moving just as fast as they should, even if that's slower than I'd like. Season 2 may not be ready yet, but I can promise that it will be worth the wait.

Wanna help us Truer Crime’s first birthday? Share the second image to your story and tell us what you love about Truer Crime!

In the meantime, you can also support Truer Crime by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts, telling your family and friends to listen to season 1, and joining our Patreon (where you can find LOTS of great content to fill the Truer Crime void between seasons).

Thank you endlessly for joining us on this ride, so glad to have you by my side 🎢

xoxo,
Celisia

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01/07/2022

I first met Marissa Perez through a message she sent to the Truer Crime page. She reached out asking if we planned to cover a story about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP), and I jumped at the chance to connect. It was an absolute privilege to learn from Marissa, who is so deeply connected to this work and advocacy through her new organization, . With Marissa’s guidance, we dove deep into the structures, history, and systems that obstruct justice for indigenous peoples and their communities.

Listen to our full conversation now at patreon.com/truercrimepod

03/06/2022

During the last week of April, we traveled to Las Vegas for CrimeCon, a 3-day convention for true crime creators and fans. There’s A LOT I could say about the experience, so I sat down with my co-producer, Olivia, to discuss the highs, the lows, the cringe-worthy, and the thought-provoking. The fandom surrounding true crime media is a complicated topic, and we shared all of our thoughts in this special behind the scenes recap of our CrimeCon experience. Available now on the Truer Crime Patreon.

Image description:
A stylized text graphic with a looping video of Celisia walking to CrimeCon Las Vegas. The text on the graphic reads:
“Truer Crime Patreon
*Exclusive behind the scenes*
We went to CrimeCon (and we’re ready to spill the tea)
Available now at patreon.com/truercrimpod

20/05/2022

When I started Truer Crime, I always viewed it as part of a bigger conversation. How do we, as media consumers and community members want to go about learning from, talking about, and engaging with the stories around us? While the way I create Truer Crime is one answer to this question, it also applies to countless stories all around us.

That's why I'm starting a new series on my stories called "Findings Fridays." At the end of each week, I'll round up a few of my favorite things that I read, listened to, learned about, and/or did. Creating Season 2 of Truer Crime is a slow process, so I love the idea of keeping these conversations alive in new ways while you ever so patiently wait for the new season.

We just posted our first Findings Fridays, so head to our stories for the perfect recommendations of things to dive into this weekend!

09/05/2022

Psst…I have something special for you 👀👀👀

Later this week, I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of a day in the Truer Crime offices, and I want to know what YOU want to see! Curious about my carefully crafted research process? Love tech and want to see our recording set up? Craving a tour of the legendary ~recording closet~? Head to our stories and drop any and all requests in the question box!

Can’t wait to show you this special behind the scenes peek into the magic of Truer Crime. ✨✨✨

03/05/2022

When Inventing Anna made it’s Netflix debut I binged it in a single weekend. As a scam victim myself, I couldn’t help but notice all the ways Anna’s story played out so differently from my own. So naturally, I fell down a rabbit hole learning everything I could. Today’s episode is the culmination of that deep-dive! Listen in as I chat with Truer Crime co-producer, Olivia about all things Inventing Anna.

We discuss what it was like watching as a scam victim, how the real people connected to Anna felt about the show, and what the rise of scammer content says about our culture.

Want access to this audio extra and others like it? Make sure to join on Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you can gain access to exclusive bonus content, AND have a direct impact on the sustainability of Truer Crime so we can continue to develop episodes for years to come! patreon.com/truercrimepod

-Celisia

13/04/2022

As a person who calls Minneapolis home, I am beyond grateful to have Georgia Fort in this community. Her reporting is invaluable, which is why I'm sooooo excited to share this Patreon exclusive interview. And wow – impressive is probably an understatement here. Georgia is a two-time Emmy nominee, a Minnesota local, and one of only two journalists allowed in the courtroom for the sentencing of Derek Chauvin. Her reporting has been published on CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS affiliates. As an independent journalist, Georgia works to flip narratives by amplifying truth, citing diverse sources, and contextualizing social justice issues

Georgia shares so much wisdom, including why she became an independent journalist, what it was like to be in the court room during Chauvin’s sentencing, and why we should all work to be more critical of the media we consume. You can find all this and more by becoming a member of the Truer Crime Patreon at patreon.com/truercrimepod!

Hope you enjoy!

-Celisia

Please be aware that today's conversation includes references to police brutality, deadly use of force, and racist violence.

30/03/2022

It’s no secret that growing Truer Crime has been a labor of love. After all, we’re an independent podcast, so our success relies entirely on word of mouth and good ol’ fashioned social media marketing.

A few weeks ago I sat down with Katrina Widener of the Badass Business Squad Podcast and spilled a few secrets about one social media app in particular: TikTok. Soooooo many of our incredible listeners found us while scrolling their FYP, and TikTok has been a huge asset in growing the podcast overall. Want to know the nerdy business + marketing side of this growth? Check out convo my w/ Katrina to learn more: https://bit.ly/387E7eN

Graphics c/o Katrina Widener
Image descriptions available in alt text.

25/03/2022

Swipe for photos of the team, hard at work 👩🏾‍💻🎧🐱✏️

I'm sure you've heard the pitch many times: Truer Crime takes a lot of time and money to make. But what does making Truer Crime actually entail??? In this super-special behind the scenes Patreon exclusive, I sat down with my co-producer and business manager, Olivia, to chat about EVERYTHING that goes into making the show you've come to know and love! We cover soo much, including the actual cost of making a podcast, what exactly goes into making each episode, how we're kinda like Taylor Swift, and how deleting the TikTok app nearly sabotaged our entire marketing plan.

02/03/2022

Look! That’s our hostess with the most(ess) 🥰🥰🥰

A few weeks ago, was nominated to participate in VoyageMinnesota’s Change-Makers series! In an interview with the publication, Celisia shared all the ups and downs of her story– one punctuated by the pandemic, an uprising, a financial fraud scheme, and a little idea that grew into Truer Crime! Check it out: https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/check-out-celisia-stantons-story/

25/02/2022

Truer Crime was featured in an Amsterdam art exhibition 😱

When emailed Celisia last year asking if they could use clips of Truer Crime in an audio collage, we were ~thrilled~! The theme of the exhibition “the future of justice,” hits at the core of what Truer Crime is all about. We were honored to be included in their “Survivor Impact Tunnel,” a section which played audio of crime survivors sharing their experiences and thoughts on justice.

It’s so rewarding to see the ways Truer Crime can ripple into broader conversations about crime and justice. And people making art out of ourart? So. COOL! Celisia’s new fun fact is that she’s had her voice played in a museum in Amsterdam. 😹

The exhibition was open at from Dec. 10th 2021, to Jan 16th, 2022. Credits for the above photos go to and . The text in the second slide is an excerpt from the exhibition’s brochure (credits to and ). Thanks again to everyone mentioned above, and also to the exhibition’s co-producer .

23/02/2022

Thanks to for including Truer Crime as one of the “Best New Podcasts of 2021”!

Looking for a new podcast to listen to while we’re on break? Mashable’s list has a lot of great recommendations, so make sure to check it out: https://sea.mashable.com/entertainment/18331/best-new-podcasts-of-2021

14/02/2022

Lauren Smith-Fields’ life mattered and her family deserves answers.

In December of 2021, Lauren Smith-Fields did what many 23-years-olds do: she went on a Bumble date. The next morning, authorities were called to her apartment when her date awoke to find her unresponsive beside him. But what actually happened to Lauren? It’s been months and Lauren’s family is still searching for answers.

You can listen now on the Truer Crime Patreon at patreon.com/truercrimepod

Please be aware that today’s minisode contains mentions of drug addiction.

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11/02/2022

You’ve been asking and we wanted to give it a shot! Introducing: Truer Crime minisodes!

Since we’ve been on break preparing for Truer Crime Season 2, many of you have asked if we’d consider doing the occasional shorter episode to tide you over while you wait for the next main-season release. So, we’re giving it a try!

On each minisode Celisia will discuss shorter stories, including some that may be breaking or still developing. These episodes will still have the research, nuance, context, and questions you’ve come to expect from a normal episode of Truer Crime, just in a more unscripted and conversational format!

Because of the time and funds required to make these additional episodes, minisodes will be exclusive to our Patreon community. Every sign up directly supports the continuation of Truer Crime and our next main season release. Our first minisode is already live, and you can check it out at the link in our bio!

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19/01/2022

I can’t stop thinking about this conversation…

In today's Patreon audio extra, Celisia dives deeper into topics she first covered in Ep. 02: The Botched Investigation of Samuel Little: s*x work and the movement to decriminalize it.

To help us learn more about this important movement, Celisia is joined by Ariela Moscowitz, Director of Communications at the national organization Decriminalize S*x Work .

In conversation, they discuss the connections between s*x work and true crime, the history of the movement, how our listeners can help in this work, and so much more.

Please be aware that today's Patreon-exclusive episode includes references to s*x trafficking and abuse in the s*x industry.

Patreon is a membership platform were for as little as $5/month, you can directly support Truer Crime and help us to continue to make new episodes! AND (this is the fun part) as a thank you for becoming a member, we'll upload exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content only available to our Patrons!

Wanna listen but not yet member of our Patreon!? Visit patreon.com/truercrimepod to join!

23/12/2021

One of my fave podcasts became one of my biggest supporters 😱

When I first got the idea of Truer Crime, I almost didn’t know where to start. And how on EARTH was I going to produce a podcast, let alone write each 45-60 minute episode!! I was overwhelmed, so I took a step back to focus on what I ~did~ know: what I liked as a podcast listener. After all, I’ve been OBSESSED with ever since I discovered the first season of Serial, and I almost consider myself an expert-level podcast consumer. I figured if I could pin-point what I liked about the shows I listened to, I could use that as a guide to create something other people might like.

So I made a list of podcasts I loved, and Terrible, Thanks for Asking topped that list. Nora McInerny is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever come across, and I admire the ways she shares stories of tragedy, sorrow, trauma, and despair, with such empathy and care. It’s a quality I try to bring with me when I tell stories for Truer Crime.

Today, Truer Crime was published in Terrible, Thanks for Asking ’s feed. I am so incredibly honored, and Celisia a year ago would be FLOORED that this is how far Truer Crime has come. Thank you to Nora and the entire TTFA team for so generously offering guidance and support. As an independent podcaster who is still very green to the industry, it means the world to know I have people in my court

16/12/2021

Hear more of Celisia’s thoughts on what it’s like to be a crime victim in a system built on punishment in Terrible, Thanks for Asking: “Behind the Scammer”

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07/12/2021

🗣🗣🗣Calling all Truer Crime fans: The Gonzales family needs our help🗣🗣🗣

Visit the GoFundMe (gofundme.com/gonzales-fam), or listen to our latest minisode “Special Announcement: Robin + Roiann” to learn more about the crime that fractured their plan for the future… and how you can help them rebuild.

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So I called her. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Listen by searching ‘Truer Crime’ wherever you get your podcasts. 🎙️

I wanted a true crime podcast that was well-researched, respectful, and systems-critical - so I created it! Listen to truer crime wherever you get your podcasts! #reelsfb #truecrimepodcast

A true crime podcast with no race analysis? Keep it 🤢 #reels

The first book actually helped inspire me to make Truer Crime podcast! #reels

Hosting a podcast? That part makes sense. Getting robbed? My 8 year old self would SCREAM

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The third and final part. For more true crime stories like this one, listen to Truer Crime wherever you get your podcasts! #reels

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Every person in person in prison has people on the outside who love them. This is the story of Josiah Sutton, his mom Carol Batie, and the rest of his family. Listen to full episode now: msha.ke/truercrimepod [photo credit: The Atlantic]

There’s a lot of misconceptions floating out there about Jonestown but did you know that of those who died: 70% were Black, 50% were Black women, and a third were children? There’s a lot more to this story than what you may have heard before. You can stream Truer Crime Ep. 03: Jonestown now: msha.ke/truercrimepod Photo: “Jim Jones speaking in Jonestown, in early October 1978, during the visit of Russian Embassy official Feodor Timofeyev to Jonestown.” Photo recovered after 18 November 1978 by FBI agents in Jonestown. Released under the Freedom of Information Act and available through the public domain. Photo and description courtesy of the Jonestown Institute.

Have you heard episode one yet? Listen to it in full at msha.ke/truercrimepod

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