Best Larj Media Podcasts (2025)

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Introducing: Dakota Spotlight 41:43

Play Pause

17h ago41:43

41:43

September 1998 brought a chilling moment in Bismarck, North Dakota, when 17-year-old Aimee walked into the police station. She suspected her boyfriend, Brian Erickstad, had harmed his parents. A welfare check was meant to set things straight — but it uncovered something far worse. Episode 1, A Little Red Car, introduces Barbara and Gordon Erickstad…

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True Story Media Presents: Dakota Spotlight 1:11:02

1d ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this special crossover, Andrea talks with James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight—another show in her True Story Media network—about how a rumor in a rural North Dakota bar led him to pick up a microphone in 2019 and start chasing the truth. Together, Andrea and James dig into what it means to practice ethical reporting in a medium with no rul…

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True Story Media Presents: Affirmative Murder 1:12:27

8d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

We’re kicking off our new series introducing the shows of True Story Media, Andrea’s ethical true crime network. In this conversation, Andrea sits down with Alvin, the host and creator of Affirmative Murder, to talk about the wild landscape of podcasting in 2025. They dive into questions of diversity and representation, the ethics of telling real-l…

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S06 E10: Ripple Effects 39:14

15d ago39:14

39:14

This week, we hear more from Mishelle about the impact of The Guthy Jackson Foundation’s response to the revelations about Lisa McDaniel is having on her family. We examine how Lisa’s long tenure with the foundation shaped research, messaging, and trust in the NMO community, and what it means when one person’s deception ripples out so far. We also …

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S06 E09: Fallout 58:30

22d ago58:30

58:30

As the story of the McDaniel family continues to send shockwaves through the communities Lisa was involved with, we check in with Mishelle about what else has come to light and what her mother has been up to since the season aired. We take a deeper dive into the of role of The Guthy Jackson Foundation–Lisa’s former employer– and cover how they’ve r…

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Case Files 24: Women Who Lead Double Lives with Sarah Treleaven 1:21:05

29d ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Today we have a very special crossover episode with journalist and host/producer of The Con: Katilyn’s Baby, Sarah Treleaven. Sarah and Andrea recount how they met many years ago and the similarities in their work with Munchausen and Munchausen adjacent stories. Sarah reveals a personal story about how she got into this line of work. Kaitlyn’s Baby…

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Case Files 23: Mike Weber Retirement Special 1:04:50

1M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Welcome to the Mike Weber Retirement Special! Mike gives us a brief glimpse into what he’s been up to since retirement and talks to Andrea about his experience publishing their co-authored novel, The Mother Next Door. Andrea asks Mike to give his thoughts on the Lisa McDaniel case from a law enforcement perspective, and he details his outreach to t…

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NSBM After Hours: Anatomy of Lies Part 1 1:18:52

1M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

We're unlocking an episode from the subscriber feed. Enjoy! *** This is the first part of Andrea and Dr. Bex’s coverage of the Peacock documentary series “Anatomy of Lies”. The show dives into the story of Elisabeth Finch, who was best known as a head writer on “Grey’s Anatomy”, and the lies that her life was built on. In their conversation about t…

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Introducing: Betrayal Season 4 52:36

1M ago52:36

52:36

S4: EP 1 — One of the Good Ones Karoline built her life around her husband's career as a Colorado Springs police officer. The family was proud of his service, until they learned that the only person he was serving was himself. *** Listen to Betrayal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/betrayal-weekly/id1615637724 Follow Betrayal on Instagram at …

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S06 E08: May He Rest 1:14:29

2M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

In our season finale, Andrea comes face-to-face with Lisa McDaniel, the woman at the center of this story when she arrives on her doorstep with television journalist Meredith Anderson to request an interview. As they process the revealing conversation with Mishelle, they reflect on the ripple effects that this story has already had on the McDaniel …

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S06 E07: Cleaning Out the Basement 1:01:32

2M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Mishelle recounts how she and her sister, Angellyn, stumbled upon their past medical and court records while helping Lisa and Carey move. This discovery prompted the sisters to reach out to people who could offer a perspective unfiltered by their mother’s influence: Judy, the PICU nurse who once treated Angellyn, and Bea Yorker, the Munchausen by p…

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S06 E06: Dr. Ness 1:07:38

2M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

On this week’s episode, we hear Mishelle’s phone call with Dr. Jayne Ness, Collin’s treating physician, who shares concerning insights into Collin’s treatment—notably, that she was never certain Collin had NMO and that she had serious concerns for abuse. Andrea then speaks with Dr. Kenneth Feldman, a Child Abuse Pediatrician and Clinical Professor …

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S06 E05: “But she’s my mama” 1:05:21

2M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

As Lisa escalates Collin’s medication regimen and pushing for risky experimental treatments, we examine the gulf between Lisa’s reports of Collin’s symptoms and known cases of NMO. We also see the beginning of Lisa’s connection to the Guthy Jackson Foundation, a high-profile non-profit, dedicated to NMO awareness and research. Collin’s condition ra…

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S06 E04: The Caretaker 57:03

3M ago57:03

57:03

Mishelle describes her brother Collin as a vibrant little boy who loved to joke around and make people laugh. All of that changed, seemingly overnight. Sabrina and Mishelle walk Andrea through their memory of the timeline of Collin’s symptoms, and his eventual diagnosis with NMO (Neuromyelitis Optica). This recounting of events exposes some discrep…

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S06 E03: “Open, Reliable, and Trustworthy” 53:22

3M ago53:22

53:22

We begin this week’s episode with a young Mishelle struggling to adjust to life with her grandparents, finding it difficult to accept both the separation from her parents and the reality of what her mother had done. Meanwhile, Lisa is in the midst of a police investigation, undergoing a psychological evaluation and attending therapy. We hear from B…

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S06 E02: “How Could Someone Do That to a Child?” 50:07

3M ago50:07

50:07

Lisa’s second child, Angellyn, was born prematurely and in a medically fragile state. Mishelle and her aunt Sabrina recount a troubling pattern: just as Angellyn would be cleared for hospital discharge, doctors would abruptly reverse course, warning that she might not survive the night. Andrea speaks to a nurse, “Judy”, who was working in the Pedia…

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S06 E01: The Advocate 47:47

3M ago47:47

47:47

This season on Nobody Should Believe Me, we tell the story of Lisa McDaniel, who crafted a public image as the Director of Patient Advocacy at the Guthy Jackson Foundation while concealing her conviction for child abuse more than a decade ago. We begin with an introduction to the McDaniel family: Lisa, her husband Carey, and their children—Mishelle…

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Case Files 22: Rady Children’s Part 6 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

This week on Nobody Should Believe Me, Andrea and Dr. Bex dive further into the allegations against Dr. Paolo Bolognese, discussing the whistleblower complaint that exposed unnecessary medical treatments as well as sexual harassment accusations. They explore how deceptive marketing and the glamorization of medical authority can lead to real harm—es…

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Season 6 Trailer 3:15

4M ago3:15

3:15

Season 6 of Nobody Should Believe Me–out weekly starting June 19, available in full for subscribers at launch– covers the extraordinary and tragic saga of the McDaniel family, a real-life Southern Gothic tale of Munchausen by Proxy that spans decades and has left untold damage in its wake. For the past twelve years, Lisa McDaniel worked for The Gut…

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Case Files 21: Rady Children’s Part 5 1:01:00

4M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

This week, Andrea and Dr. Bex dive into the controversial Dr. Paolo Bolognese, a neurosurgeon with a significant number of malpractice lawsuits and explore his role in the Rady Children's lawsuit. Andrea and Dr. Bex also highlight the complexities of medical malpractice, particularly in neurosurgery, emphasizing the risks associated with experiment…

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Case Files 20: Rady Children’s Part 4 with Dr. Mary Sanders 1:12:45

4M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

In the 4th part of our Case Files series on Rady Children’s, Andrea and Dr. Mary Sanders from Stanford University deep dive into the emotional and legal complexities of child abuse cases. They unpack how surveillance in hospital settings—while potentially life-saving—raises big questions around privacy and consent. The conversation also explores th…

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Case Files 19: Rady Children's Part 3 1:12:37

4M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

We left off in the previous episode with Madison Meyer being returned to her parents after more than a year in state custody—yet still hospitalized at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Today, Andrea and Bex unpack the complaint filed by her parents in 2021 and Madison’s own 2024 lawsuit. *please note that this episode contains mentions of suic…

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S03 Ep07 RERUN: Trial of the Century 1:11:03

5M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

We're rereleasing an episode from our original coverage of the Kowalski case that was published on 11/7/2023. *** With a verdict in the case days away, host Andrea Dunlop unpacks some of what’s happened so far in the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens trial with lawyer and trial consultant Jonathan Leach. They analyze the dueling opening statem…

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Case Files 18: Rady Children’s Part 2 49:01

5M ago49:01

49:01

In part two of our series on the lawsuit against Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Andrea and Dr. Bex continue unpacking the story of Madison Meyer, whose medical journey led to a separation from her parents. After video surveillance at Rady’s starts, a series of escalating concerns, reports to child protective services, and ultimately, a cour…

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Case Files 17: Rady Children’s Part 1 50:11

5M ago50:11

50:11

In the first part of our four part Case Files series diving into the upcoming lawsuit against Rady Children’s in San Diego, Andrea and Dr. Bex start with looking into preteen Madison Meyer’s string of diagnoses like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, CRPS, and more. They break down what these conditions are and why they - coupled with Madison’s rapid de…

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Case Files 16: Mom and Dad 51:43

5M ago51:43

51:43

In season 5, we shared a bit of Andrea’s conversation with her parents, and we’re releasing even more in this episode of case files. If you’ve been with us from the beginning, you’re familiar with Andrea’s sister's case. Today we hear from Megan and Andrea’s parents as they reflect on their experiences and share their hopes for their grandchildren.…

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Case Files 15: Everyday Cults with Rachel Bernstein 1:00:30

6M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

In this week’s episode of Case Files, we’re joined by Rachel Bernstein, a therapist specializing in cults and the host of the podcast IndoctriNation. Andrea and Rachel delve into the crossover between those in the sphere of Munchausen by Proxy perpetrators and cults. Rachel talks about the complexity of cult dynamics, the emotional and psychologica…

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Case Files 14: Susan Smith and the Impact of False Accusations with Celisia Stanton 1:11:52

6M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In this episode, Andrea is joined by Celisia Stanton, the host and creator of Truer Crime. Andrea and Celisia dive into the Susan Smith case, a story that garnered national attention in the 90s. Through talking about the case, they segue into the complex themes surrounding false accusations, media representation, racial bias, mental health, and the…

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Case Files 13: The Andreas of Ethical True Crime with Andrea Gunning 42:06

6M ago42:06

42:06

This week, our Andrea is joined by Andrea Gunning, host of the podcast Betrayal and There and Gone: South Street. Gunning speaks on her transition from television to podcasting. They both discuss the ethical consideration of the real-world consequences of sharing true crime stories, as well as the emotional weight of telling these stories with care…

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Case Files 12: Talking Shop with Brittani Ard 1:03:45

6M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

We have a very special bonus episode for you all! Andrea is joined by Brittani Ard, the host and creator of the breakout show, You Probably Think This Story’s About You. Listeners get to hear how Andrea and Britt evolved their shows from what started off as limited series into what they are today. They touch on why they both decided to independentl…

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Answering Your Season 5 Questions 1:24:59

6M ago1:24:59

1:24:59

Welcome to our Season 5 Mailbag Episode! This time we’re joined by more of our fabulous Nobody Should Believe Me team: head producer Myrriah Gossett, lead researcher Erin Ajayi, story editor Nichole Hill, and producer Greta Stromquist. The team addresses questions about our coverage of Sophie’s faith, the role that race played in this season, behin…

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Case Files 11: New Media Journalism and Death Eaters with V Spehar 1:24:21

7M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

We have a very fun guest on NSBM Case Files this week: V Spehar aka Under the Desk News! In this engaging conversation, V and Andrea discuss the whirlwind that has been the beginning of 2025, the importance of ethical responsibility in media and journalism, and working through the gut-punch of grief. They discuss how their careers pivoted in unexpe…

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Season 5 Breakdown with Detective Mike Weber 49:52

7M ago49:52

49:52

To officially wrap up season 5, we’ve brought in our friend, Detective Mike Weber, to discuss his thoughts on the police investigation into Sophie Hartman. He walks listeners through the extensive police reports and analyzes the evidence collected, including Sophie’s journal entries. Andrea and Detective Mike discuss the complexities surrounding ch…

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S05 E09: Out of the Shadows 1:46:31

7M ago1:46:31

1:46:31

Episode 8 was originally our season finale, but a source we’d been speaking to for months bravely decided to go on the record. This is Andrea’s conversation with Chalice Howard, Sophie’s friend of nearly 10 years. With many similarities, being white single moms of adoptive black daughters and a shared faith, Chalice and Sophie found a kinship with …

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S05 Ep08: They Saw You 42:25

7M ago42:25

42:25

In our season finale, we see Sophie Hartman follow in the footsteps of the Kowalski family, Andrea’s sister Megan Carter and others, as she files a lawsuit against Seattle Children’s and the others who investigated her for Medical Child Abuse. Journalist Olivia LaVoice shares her thoughts about how this has all played out. We hear Sophie rebranding…

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S05 Ep07: Who is This Bad Soul? 1:01:20

8M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

We examine perhaps the most important piece of the complex puzzle of the Hartman case: what Sophie wrote about it in her journals. We’re joined by Dr. James Hamilton, an MBP expert with a PhD in clinical psychology, to walk us through some of Sophie’s most chilling journal entries collected in the case files. We also look at Sophie’s disturbing int…

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S05 Ep06: Human Timebomb 1:09:29

8M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Sophie insists to police and others that the real problem isn’t that she’s abusing her daughter but that Seattle Children’s–a world class pediatric hospital–simply doesn’t understand her daughter’s rare condition: Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood. But according to police interviews, very few people in C’s orbit ever witnessed an episode, and if …

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The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy 40:14

8M ago40:14

40:14

It's pub day!! The Mother Next Door is officially out in the world. Thank you to everyone for all of your support! For our amazing podcast listeners, we have a very special treat for you: a 40 MINUTE exclusive excerpt of the audiobook! Enjoy! *** Order The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy https://read.macmillan.com/lp/…

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S05 Ep05: The Breaking Point 49:49

8M ago49:49

49:49

In 2020, the Hartmans grow even more isolated as Covid hits: Sophie pulls C out of school citing worsening health and breaks with the church community who’ve been supporting her and her daughters. Concerns for abuse grow as Sophie begins to push a new narrative that C has central precocious puberty (CPP), a condition that causes the body to go thro…

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S05 Ep04: When the Cameras are On 43:07

8M ago43:07

43:07

From corporate sponsorships to fundraisers large and small, Sophie Hartman was an expert at raising money for C’s various medical devices, mobility aids, and specialized treatments. But were any of these things actually needed? We hear audio from the police interviews of Sophie’s next door neighbors and a school aide who note that they rarely saw C…

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S05 Ep03: Constant Crisis 48:26

8M ago48:26

48:26

Immediately after moving with C and M from Zambia to Seattle, WA, Sophie starts bringing C to various doctors, reporting severe health issues. Just three days after C’s third birthday, she is diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a rare, one-in-a-million neurological disorder. Simultaneously, Sophie enrolls her older daughter, M…

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S05 Ep02: Spiritual Warfare 53:50

9M ago53:50

53:50

In the second episode of season 5, Andrea dives into how Sophie’s Evangelical Christian beliefs colored her worldview. From claiming that adopting a child from Zambia was God’s path for her life to allegedly performing an exorcism, Sophie’s faith is an integral part of this case. We hear from Dr. Lauren Turek, an Associate Professor of History at T…

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S05 Ep01: Sophie Saves Zambia 43:02

9M ago43:02

43:02

We begin the season by delving into Sophie Hartman’s 2016 memoir about her time in Zambia, Crowns of Beauty, where we learn about how a young woman from Michigan came to be the adopted mother of two Zambian girls by the age of 25. We learn about Sophie’s deep roots in evangelical Christianity and her state of mind prior to and during the adoptions …

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Case Files 10: The Psychology of Perpetrators with Dr. Cathy Ayoub 1:27:26

9M ago1:27:26

1:27:26

In this last bonus episode before our season 5 premiere next week, we’re airing Andrea’s conversation with Dr. Catherine Ayoub, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, APSAC member, nurse practitioner, and counseling and consulting psychologist. Cathy tells listeners about her background and first encounter with Munchausen by Proxy. She a…

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Season 5 Trailer 3:18

9M ago3:18

3:18

Season five of Nobody Should Believe Me tells the story of Sophie Hartman: a young, white midwestern evangelical missionary who travels to Zambia and comes home with two vulnerable sisters in her care. When she returns to the states, she lands far away from her family in Seattle, WA where she embarks on a medical odyssey with her younger daughter, …

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Case Files 09: Jesika Jones Part 4 with Detective Mike Weber 53:48

9M ago53:48

53:48

In the final part of our miniseries covering the Jesika Jones case, Andrea is once again joined by Detective Mike Weber, who shares the series of events from Jesika’s first bond violation through to her 60 year sentencing, from his perspective as law enforcement. He shares the differences in how seriously child abuse cases are taken when there’s a …

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Case Files 08: Jesika Jones Part 3 with Derek Jones 51:00

10M ago51:00

51:00

Welcome back to the 3rd installment of our 4-part series on the Jesika Jones case. In this episode, Andrea is wrapping up her conversation with Derek Jones. Derek recaps the fallout after Jesika’s lies finally start to unravel: the frustrating journey of working with the DA on the case, Jesika’s sentencing, and how his kids are doing today. Stay tu…

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Case Files 07: Jesika Jones Part 2 with Derek Jones 54:16

10M ago54:16

54:16

In the second episode of Andrea’s coverage of the Jesika Jones case, she’s joined by Derek Jones, Jesika’s then-husband. Derek bravely tells the story of how he and Jesika met, their home life, and the decline in their daughter's health. Talking to Derek gives listeners insight into the manipulative nature of perpetrators, not only with their victi…

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Case Files 06: Jesika Jones Part 1 with Detective Mike Weber 1:06:10

10M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

This week on case files, Andrea is joined by Detective Mike Weber, a crimes against children investigator and long-time friend/contributor to the show, to discuss the Jesika Jones case. Detective Mike is called onto this case in mid-2022 after Jesika brings her 4 year old daughter into Cook Children’s Hospital multiple times for an alleged seizure …

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Revisiting Season 3: Shelter 46:54

10M ago46:54

46:54

While the Nobody Should Believe Me team is hard at work on season 5, we’re revisiting the first episode of our third season, which covered the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Children's trial, also known as the Take Care of Maya Case. Next week, we have a brand new miniseries coming to your ears, so stay tuned. *** As the Maya Kowalski case heads to t…