Best Forensic Linguistics Podcasts (2025)

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S17 Ep11: Bynum's First Statement 38:12

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1h ago38:12

38:12

Bob shares the full transcript of Chris Bynum's first police statement, given on February 18th. We also hear about what transpired after he signed that statement, and hear from another suspect placed all blame in the case onto Bynum. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreo…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part18) 44:04

2h ago44:04

44:04

In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz delve into the harrowing experiences surrounding the Center City Rapist case, featuring insights from survivors Kristen Marshall and Kristin, as well as family member Sylvester Sheeber. The conversation explores the long-lasting impact of sexual assault, the challenges of navigating life post-tra…

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S17 Ep10: Follow-Up S17: E10 52:46

27m ago52:46

52:46

Bob, Zaq, and Janet discuss Bob's interview with Dr. Nicky Jackson and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of all episodes, an…

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We're Coming For Your Furniture 27:51

9h ago27:51

27:51

Getting an unexpected phonecall can be unnerving. If it's from a bailiff saying he's coming to take your possessions and is 40 minutes away, it can be terrifying. In this episode, Shari Vahl and the Scam Secrets team hear from two people who were subjected to this scarily plausible scam. Linguistics expert Dr Lis Carter and former fraudster Alex Wo…

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The Complex Mind of Theodore Kaczynski 57:12

3h ago57:12

57:12

In this episode, Ray Carr and Fitz discuss the 30th anniversary of the Unabomber's manifesto publication, exploring the complexities of Theodore Kaczynski's motivations, his connections to Spanish culture, and the implications of his writings. Joined by author Jorge Casesmeiro Roger, they delve into Kaczynski's library, the decision to publish his …

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S17 Ep10: From the Crime Scenes to Chris Bynum 46:51

8d ago46:51

46:51

Bob is joined by Dr. Nicky Jackson, the Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network. Dr. Jackson originally brought this case to us and this interview she explains her connection to the case, the work her Center has done on it and explains how Bynum ended up in the interrogation room the day after the murders.…

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S17 Ep9: Follow-Up S17: E9 40:09

13m ago40:09

40:09

Bob, Zaq, and Janet discuss Larry's contrasting statements and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of all episodes, an hour of…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part17) 1:01:08

9h ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Summary In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz engage in a profound discussion with Megan Cutter, Chief of Victim Services at RAINN, about the Center City Rapist case and the broader implications of sexual violence in society. They explore RAINN's mission, the challenges faced by survivors, the evolution of the movement against sexual…

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Hello Mum? I Can't Hear You 28:21

6d ago28:21

28:21

Your phone pings - it's a loved one who needs your help. Would you know what to do? Lots of us have received the 'Hello Mum' text - sometimes it's dead easy to spot. But what if the circumstances fit, and they catch you completely unawares? In this episode, Shari Vahl, Alex Wood, and Dr Elisabeth Carter discuss how the scam, which preys on parental…

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S17 Ep9: The Star Witness 36:01

3d ago36:01

36:01

Larry Brooks was 12 years old and in the 5th grade when his mother, aunt and mother's boyfriend were murdered in the living room of his home. He's an often overlooked victim in this case. He was courageous enough to come out of his room after the attack, and call 911. He told the first responding officers what he had seen and heard, but rather than…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part16) 1:06:13

4d ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Summary In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz discuss the Center City Rapist case with Sergeant Kim Cochran, a detective from the Fort Collins Police Department. The conversation covers Kim's background in law enforcement, the investigation into the series of sexual assaults committed by Troy Graves, and the challenges faced by the p…

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S17 Ep8: Follow-Up S17: E8 45:13

15d ago45:13

45:13

Bob, Zaq, and Janet discuss Henry Hatch's testimony as well as if the two crime scenes are connected and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad…

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Would You Like This Piano? 28:13

16d ago28:13

28:13

Who could resist the offer of a free grand piano? Or a remarkably cheap campervan? Just as long as you pay for delivery - but that's a small price to pay, right? This episode of Scam Secrets is about those times when you're offered something - perhaps something you've always fancied - on amazingly good terms. It's a scam - otherwise Shari Vahl, Dr …

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S17 Ep8: The Connection 22:53

10d ago22:53

22:53

Bob breaks down Firearms Examiner Henry Hatch's testimony, as well as another witness to determine if the two crime scenes are connected. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISOD…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part15) 31:35

20d ago31:35

31:35

This conversation delves into the harrowing experiences of two survivors of a serial assault case in Fort Collins, Colorado, in the early 2000s. Kristen Marshall and another survivor share their personal stories of trauma, resilience, and the journey towards healing. They discuss the impact of their experiences on their lives, the importance of com…

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S17 Ep7: Follow-Up S17: E7 51:10

12d ago51:10

51:10

Bob and Janet discuss Bob's interview with the daughter of Elizabeth Daily-Ayers and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of al…

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Investment Scam: The Crypto Coach 28:28

13d ago28:28

28:28

A trusted celeb seems to be promoting a crypto investment. Would you know what to do? In this episode of Scam Secrets, Shari Vahl, Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood hear how an apparent endorsement from a trusted celebrity paved the way for the relentless psychological manipulation of a couple, with devastating consequences. The tea…

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S17 Ep7: Elizabeth Dailey-Ayers 37:16

17d ago37:16

37:16

Bob is joined by the daughter of Liz Ayers. Tasha helps us to understand who her mother was. She was so much more than just a victim of a horrific crime. Liz was a mother and a grandmother, and her tragic death has had a lasting effect on the people who loved her. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Pa…

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S17 Ep6: Follow-Up S17: E6 49:09

19d ago49:09

49:09

Bob and Zaq discuss the autopsy reports for Anthony, Suzanne, and Angela and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of all episod…

1
The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part14) 46:32

19d ago46:32

46:32

Summary In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz delve into the harrowing details of the Center City rapist case, featuring insights from retired detectives and victims. The conversation explores the systemic failures of law enforcement, the personal experiences of victims like Belle, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. The discussio…

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Fake Company In Your House 28:17

27d ago28:17

28:17

A letter arrives at your home - addressed to a company you've never heard of. Would you know what to do? Criminals are registering companies at innocent people's addresses at a shocking scale - sometimes covering an entire street at a time. In this episode, Shari Vahl, Dr Elisabeth Carter and former fraudster Alex Wood find out the alarming consequ…

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S17 Ep6: The Autopsies: Angela, Suzanne & Amp 36:26

1M ago36:26

36:26

Bob breaks down the autopsies of Anthony Jeffers, Angela Wallace and Suzanne Wallace. We learn how many shots were fired, bullet trajectories, caliber used and the real meaning of the toxicology reports. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/…

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S17 Ep5: Follow-Up S17: E5 1:00:02

1M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Bob, Zaq, and Janet discuss the autopsy of Sheila Bartee and Elizabeth Daily Ayers and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of …

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part13) 36:35

28d ago36:35

36:35

By Cold Red Podcast

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The Great Knitted Cardigan Scam 28:29

27d ago28:29

28:29

You've spotted a nice cardigan on social media - the website looks legit. So you buy one. It doesn't feel like a scam... In this episode, Shari Vahl and the Scam Secrets regulars - Dr Lis Carter and Alex Wood - unravel a global scam that relies on people buying pieces of clothing they've seen advertised on social media. As the team find out, what a…

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S17 Ep5: The Autopsies: Sheila & Liz 38:23

1M ago38:23

38:23

In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the crime scenes, Bob analyzes the autopsy reports for both Liz Ayers and Sheila Bartee. We learn about body positions, wound tracks, tox screens and more. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part12) 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

In this episode of Cold Red, hosts Ray Carr and Fitz delve into the complexities of the Center City Rapist case, featuring insights from retired detectives and family members of victims. The discussion covers the importance of timely communication in investigations, the impact of leadership on case outcomes, and the lessons learned from past mistak…

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S17 Ep4: Adnan & WM3 Update 1:18:15

1M ago1:18:15

1:18:15

Bob and Janet have a chat about the final two episodes of the Undisclosed coverage of Adnan's case, and share all the details about the recent DNA testing ruling in the WM3 case. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get ac…

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Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich 28:33

1M ago28:33

28:33

You've met someone online. You chat every night and it's going well - but then they need your help. Would you know what to do? Romance fraud cost people more than £400m last year - and that's just the cases that were reported. In this episode, BBC reporter Shari Vahl, criminologist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former scammer Alex Wood dissect the harrow…

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S17 Ep3: Follow-Up S17: E3 57:22

1M ago57:22

57:22

Bob, Zaq, and Janet discuss the double homicide on the baseball field and answer listener questions. The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of all episodes,…

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'I'm Calling from Your Bank' 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

Your bank is on the phone. The man knows all your details. He says there's a problem on your account. Would you know what to do? Scam Secrets is the new series lifting the lid on the techniques criminals use to steal your money. BBC reporter Shari Vahl is joined by criminologist and forensic linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former scammer Alex Wood…

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The Predator's Playground: Justice for Shannon Schieber (part11) 1:04:40

2M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

In this episode, Ray Carr and Fitz discuss the Center City Rapist case with retired detective Chuck Boyle, journalist Barbara Boyer, and victim's father Sylvester Schieber. They explore the failures in police response, the importance of DNA evidence, and the need for believing victims. The conversation highlights the differences in investigative te…

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S17 Ep3: The Double Homicide 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

Bob takes a close look at the second crime scene in this case, located at the ball field at 14th and Idaho St. We cover the testimonies of the man who discovered the scene, the first arriving Officer, the Crime Scene Investigator and the Medical Examiner. The episode concludes with Bob putting it all together to develop an initial hypothesis on the…

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Introducing… Scam Secrets 3:00

2M ago3:00

3:00

Criminals will try anything to steal your money - but if you know their techniques, you can see the scams coming. In this series, BBC fraud reporter Shari Vahl analyses some of the most shocking scams she's covered, dissecting how they work piece-by-piece. To do this, she's joined by the criminologist and forensic linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter, and …