The Silver Linings Handbook

Joining us is Allison Dixon, who has been writing novels and short stories for more than 15 years, and she's the host of the Ding Dong Darkness Time podcast and the Vintage Villains podcast. We explore how many psychological thrillers are exaggerated versions of realities that allow us to address our challenges and fears in life in a more palatable form. We touch on Gone Girl, Girl with the Train, the Room, the Handmaids Tale, Stephen King's Misery and more as we explore how these stories help us manage our real-life nightmares. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/ Listen to the Ding Dong Darkness Time and Vintage Villains podcasts.

Julie Murray, the sister of Maura Murray, and I discuss our shared experience with LaDonna Humphrey, a past guest and the subject of an investigation by Javier Levia's PRETEND podcast. LaDonna is suspected of altering emails with the Murray family that permanently altered the public perception of Julie's family and the case around Maura's 2004 disappearance. Julia discusses her fear of coming forward and what changed her mind. This is an example of the bonus episodes you can find exclusively on our Patreon. Check out the PRETEND Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio/ Check out the PRETEND Podcast website https://pretendradio.org/ Join our Patreon https:/www.patreon.com/TheSilverLiningsHandbook Visit our website https:/www.silverliningshandbook.com

Gabby Petito's parents, Nicole and Jim Schmidt, join us to talk about Gabby, a 22-year-old woman who was murdered by her fiancé while they were traveling together on a "vanlife" journey across the United States. Jim and Nichole also discuss their efforts to tackle the challenges of domestic violence and missing persons cases through their foundation. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

Time to get ready for the Spooky Month. Join us in October (late September for Patreon members) and listen to the trailer about our star-studded set of guests: We will be joined by the author Allison Dickson on psychological thrillers; Brett Talley, the author and co-host of The Prosecutors Podcast, on mysteries; former FBI Profiler and host of The Consult Julia Cowley on a real-life nightmare and paranormal investigator and Chris Soucy joins us to discuss the connection between grief, love and ghosts. Buckle up! It's going to be fun!

Belonging plays such a key role in attracting and retaining talent. Creating environments where people are free to bring their entire self to work and feel welcome is a crucial leadership attribute. It is the key to successfully achieving inclusive environment when there are a diverse range of people in that environment. There is a ton of psychological research going back to Maslow about belonging and aspects of it and as the business world has embraced the concept there has been a lot of more recent research in the last couple of decades. John Mitchell, an executive coach, attorney and the founder of KM Advisors joins for a discussion that goes broader than lawyers and deeper than work and goes into our sense of belonging. We share a belief that better leaders do make better lives for employees and organizations, and better employees and organizations lead to a better world, but we also believe that there's so much more to life than work. Today we're going to talk about building and finding a sense of belonging. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

We are joined by Jim Reed, a photographer and documentarian who was been chasing storms for almost four decades. Jim discusses chasing hurricanes, tornados and other anomalous weather across the world, the realities versus the depictions of storm chasing, the psychological and emotional cost of the work and why, for him, it's all about chasing beauty. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

We wrap our episodes on the Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders with former FBI Profiler Julia Cowley, the host of The Consult podcast. In this episode, Julia gives a consult like FBI's behavioral analysis unit would for investigators and Allison Dickson of the Vintage Villains podcast and I share our theories. Special thanks to Jessica Olive Cash of Just the Facts True Crime Research for research on the series: https://justthefacts.uk/ To listen to The Consult podcast: The Consult: Real FBI Profilers (truecrimeconsult.com) To listen to Vintage Villains: https://vintagevillains.buzzsprout.com/ Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

In this second episode with Kristen Mittelman, co-founder of Othram, a forensic DNA and genetic genealogy company that has revolutionized the resolution of cold cases, Kirsten takes questions from listeners. Kristen discusses the most difficult cases Othram has solved, Othram's selection process, how Othram has built a data set that allows them to conduct genetic genealogy within underrepresented populations and more. In the first episode, Kristen and Jayson sit down one-on-one to discuss the reasons for and the mission of Othram. Check that out as well. If you want to support Othram’s efforts to give all victims and law enforcement agencies access to this technology, visit www.dnasolves.com. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

We continue with the case of the murders of Lori Farmer, Michele Guse and Denise Milner, three preteen girls killed at their Girl Scout camp in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. We pick up at the arrest of Gene Leroy Hart, a 33-year-old Cherokee man, explore the community reaction and take you through the trial and the verdict. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/ Listen to the Vintage Villains Podcast at: https://vintagevillains.buzzsprout.com/

Kristen Mittelman, co-founder of Othram, a forensic DNA and genetic genealogy company that has revolutionized the resolution of cold cases, joins Jayson for a one-on-one conversation. They discuss how she and her husband, David, went from working on the Human Genome Project to attempting to identify victims, perpetrators and the unidentified who died. Othram's technology has made what was once impossible possible and has played a key role in the University of Idaho murders, the Long Island Serial killer case, the disappearance of Brianna Maitland and many other lesser-known cases. Kristen discusses how there will be no equity until all victims have the best possible DNA technology, whether it's Othram’s or another, applied to their cases. If you want to support Othram’s efforts to give all victims and law enforcement agencies access to this technology, visit www.dnasolves.com. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

In this gripping true crime bonus episode, we dive deep into the tragic story of the Girl Scout murders at Camp Scott in Oklahoma. Allison Dixon joins us to take us through the chilling events of June 1977, where three young girls were brutally murdered, leading to the largest manhunt in Oklahoma history. The episode explores the racial tensions, forensic challenges, and the controversial trial of the prime suspect, Gene Leroy Hart. Join us as we unravel the mystery, honor the victims, and examine the broader implications of this haunting case. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/ Listen to the Vintage Villains Podcast at: https://vintagevillains.buzzsprout.com/

We are joined by Tom Slattery, a former site member of the US Army's Delta Force, and his wife, Jen, where we discuss the bloodshed, the wounds, the moments of guilt, depression and trauma that they have dedicated their lives to help other members of the Special Forces and their loved ones heal from, and how they think this approach would help anyone. Tom is one of the Delta Force commandos who participated in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu where 18 Americans, one Malaysian and two Turkish service members were killed. The battle become the inspiration for Mark Bowden's book, Black Hawk Down. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

Julie Murray, a victim's advocate, the current host of the Media Pressure podcast, and the sister of Maureen Murray, a 21-year-old woman who went missing in 2004 in New Hampshire, is the host of a new podcast called Media Pressure, where she not only tells the story of her sister, Maura's disappearance from the perspective of her family, she has also become an advocate for victims and their families and one of the leading voices calling for empathy in the true crime space. Today we're going to discuss how you grieve when you do not know what happened to your loved one or get a chance to say goodbye. We're going to talk about the victim's needs from law enforcement, the public, and the media, some of the challenges that families face in this new media landscape in a better way for law enforcement, courts, the media, and the public to help support loved ones as they try to mourn, heal, find peace, and search for answers. We also discuss things that we can all do to manage our losses, which are universal. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

Jayson is joined by Brett Talley and Alice LaCour, co-hosts of The Prosecutors Podcast and The Prosecutors: Legal Briefs for part 2 on the dark side and bright side of true crime. They dive into the challenges and responsibilities of covering true crime cases, especially those involving missing and murdered Indigenous women. They discuss the impact of media coverage on public perception and the criminal justice system, the importance of covering lesser-known cases, and the role of new media in shaping narratives. Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the intersection of law, media, and justice. Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/ Listen to Brett and Alice's podcasts The Prosecutors Podcast and The Prosecutors: Legal Briefs.

In this episode Jayson sits down with Brett Talley and Alice LaCour, co-hosts of The Prosecutors Podcast and The Prosecutors: Legal Briefs. They delve into the evolution of media in true crime storytelling, their journey through the legal profession, and the impact of social media on the criminal justice system. Join us for an insightful conversation about the cases they've covered, their motivations, and the importance of seeking truth in a world full of noise. Visit our website and follow along with us on Instagram, join our Silver Linings Fireside Chat Facebook group and join us on Patreon. Check out Brett and Alice's podcasts The Prosecutors Podcast and The Prosecutors: Legal Briefs.

I sit down as a guest with Kevin Greenlee and Áine Cain of The Murder Sheet podcast is for a conversation about true ethical crime and media coverage of the criminal justice system. We will talk about The Murder Sheet’s recent coverage of Twitter messages between figures in the Delphi murders case. We discuss how judges’ recent efforts to prevent the poisoning of jury pools are backfiring, silencing the families and others who have knowledge of cases and creating a vacuum that content creators, unwell true crime enthusiasts and defense attorneys have developed alliances to get around gag orders, which are often not effective and, therefore, likely unconstitutional. We also discuss the beauties of the true crime space, including creators and listeners who have contributed to helping solve cold cases, get attention for marginalized victims and comfort the afflicted. We touch on a better way and how listeners and viewers are voting with their feet, turning away from many unethical creators. Check out part one of The Murder Sheet’s coverage of the Delphi defense brain trust's secret messages: https://art19.com/shows/murder-sheet/episodes/26d853a0-e61d-4087-be17-bb1d68cf91ee Listen to our previous episode covering the actions of Sadlowski and Parsons here: https://art19.com/shows/murder-sheet/episodes/4adacab5-5280-47e8-a08f-8899bc4efc48 Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/

Jason Ursy joins to discuss his upcoming podcast, "Missing in a Moment," which will tell the stories of the lives and disappearances of missing people in a victim-centered podcast. Jason is a host of the true-crime satire podcast, "Santa, Maybe a Criminal" and "Missing in a Moment" is his first venture into reporting real-life stories. He discusses the differences and similarities between the two endeavors. Jason discusses the emotional risk involved in reporting on victims who are still gone and the people who inspired him on this endeavor. He also in discusses finding his moral compass in true crime and ethics in the space. Visit our website and follow along with us on Instagram, join our Silver Linings Fireside Chat Facebook group and join us on Patreon.

Today, we talk with a mother who lost her son, whose death was compounded by cross-jurisdictional challenges, mistrust of law enforcement and the fact that he was a Native American. We are joined by Vangie Randall-Shorty, whose son disappeared in Farmington, New Mexico and then was found dead in the Navajo Nation days later, to discuss the search for her son, his life and death, the murder that remains unsolved and the fight for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Visit our website and follow along with us on Instagram, join our Silver Linings Fireside Chat Facebook group and join us on Patreon.

Today, we discuss the challenges for LGBTQ+ people when it comes to coming out in the workplace and the complex balancing act for companies, managers, and employees with our guest, Britt, who is also a member of the Monacan Indian Nation Tribe. Visit our website and follow along with us on Instagram, join our Silver Linings Fireside Chat Facebook group and join us on Patreon.

Today, we discuss the heartbreaking stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People with Darlene Gomez, a New Mexico attorney who advocates for them and their loved ones and whose own friend, Melissa Montoya, disappeared at a bar on St. Patrick's Day in 2011 in Dulce, New Mexico. Darlene walks us from Melissa's case, the search for justice for her and others and the broader challenges with law enforcement, jurisdictional issues and mistrust when it comes to criminal justice in Native communities. Visit our website and follow along with us on Instagram, join our Silver Linings Fireside Chat Facebook group and join us on Patreon.