x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The First Degree

Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new

true crime

All Episodes

00:48:41

Episode 337: Gilbert Gutjahr, Part 2

The First Degree ·

2025/02/05

In episode 337 Jac and Alexis conclude with part 2 of the Gilbert Gutjahr case. While the case is technically adjudicated, questions may always loom about the driving force behind the murder itself. And information revealed during the court proceedings leads to startling revelations. This episode explores so much more than a shocking crime, they delve into family dynamics, how they shape who we become, and how to escape if needed.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes

en-us

00:57:30

DEEP DIVE: RYAN REYNOLDS, THE REAL VILLAIN??

The First Degree ·

2025/01/30

It Ends With Us NEVER ENDS, and this week we’re learning that the ultimate villain might be none other than…Ryan Reynolds?? We’re going through all of the latest bombshells including why Colleen Hoover REALLY deleted her social media, evidence that Ryan Reynolds might be responsible for all of this mess, It Ends With Us Coloring Book???, exposing the NYT smear campaign, and Taylor Swift finally enters the chat (and it looks like Khaleesi might have lost one of her dragons).🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus

en-us

00:39:19

Episode 336: Gilbert Gutjahr, Part 1

The First Degree ·

2025/01/29

In the early morning hours of January 22, 2021, 91-year-old Gilbert John Gutjahr was found severely wounded in his Bethany, Oregon home. When deputies arrive to help the retired public servant, he dies. Within hours, Gilbert’s stepson was arrested on a second degree murder charge. Jake’s cousin told officers that she witnessed Jake kill Gilbert. In episode 336, Jac and Alexis explore this case which at first seemed open and shut, but the true complexities had yet to be revealed, exposing a tangled

en-us

00:47:19

DEEP DIVE: BALDONI FIRES BACK

The First Degree ·

2025/01/23

In news interviews Justin Baldoni’s lawyer promised to “sue Blake Lively into oblivion,” and those were not empty threats. Tinfoil hats on because the gals are taking you through the highlights of his scathing 179 page lawsuit. And brace yourselves because Lively’s famous bestie has been roped in too.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤

en-us

00:56:07

Episode 335: The Crimes of Peter Nygard

The First Degree ·

2025/01/22

Peter Nygard is one of the world’s most reviled sexual predators who you may have never heard of. For decades the Canadian fashion mogul intimidated his victims into silence and paid to bury accusations made against him while trafficking underage girls to his Bahamian party mansion on his private jet. Emmy winning journalist and anchor Ashleigh Banfield grew up with Nygard as the uncle of childhood best friend, and knew him as “Uncle Peter.”On this very special episode of The First Degree, Asheigh

en-us

00:46:21

DEEP DIVE: THE DARK HEADLINES

The First Degree ·

2025/01/16

There is way too much shit going on this week to pick one topic to dive into, so this week we’re discussing the darkest headlines from the past few days. Armie Hammer’s return to Hollywood (like is cannibalism just….okay now???), Diddy’s mom allegedly having freak offs of her own, more Deadpool / Nicepool drama, and Allison Holker trying to make a quick buck by throwing her late husband under the bus. It was a WILD ride down the rabbit hole. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full

en-us

00:41:42

Episode 334: The Candy Man, Part 2

The First Degree ·

2025/01/15

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, former candy business operator Dean “Candy Man” Arnold Corll builds a reputation in Houston Heights as a trusted individual. The parents of the lower-middle-class neighborhood appreciate how Dean is a role model and caretaker for the local boys and young men. Except this is a ruse. Dean is actually the serial rapist and murderer responsible for multiple missing boys’ disappearances. When Dean’s accomplice, 17-year-old Elmer Wayne Henley Junior, kills Dean in August

en-us

01:05:59

DEEP DIVE: BLAKE VS. JUSTIN

The First Degree ·

2025/01/09

IT ENDS WITH US IN COURT. This week we deep dive the never ending feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and everything surrounding the It Ends With Us Drama. We comb through each of their lawsuits, poke a few holes, and revel in all of the drama. And oh boy are there RECEIPTS. PROOF. TIMELINE. SCREENSHOTS.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok:

en-us

00:58:31

Episode 333: The Candy Man, Part 1

The First Degree ·

2025/01/08

On the morning of August 8, 1973, 17-year-old Elmer Wayne Henley Junior shoots and kills former candy company owner, 33-year-old Dean Arnold Corll, in Pasadena, Texas. Wayne was acting in self-defense, saving himself and two friends. After a night of partying, Dean had bound the three young adults with the intent of raping and murdering them. Wayne convinced Dean to free him with false promises, which allowed him to grab Dean’s gun. When the authorities arrive, Wayne explains to the Texas police

en-us

00:42:20

DEEP DIVE: DRONES

The First Degree ·

2025/01/02

Okay we need to talk about WTF is up with all of the DRONES!!! Why is the govt being so sketchy, are they really biblically accurate angels, why are we just ignoring the plasmoids??? So many questions, literally no answers. Plus we finally get confirmation that birds aren’t real (just kidding…kinda?)🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤

en-us

00:30:36

Episode 332: Debunked: The Glen Rogers x OJ Simpson...

The First Degree ·

2025/01/01

Years ago The First Degree covered the serial murder spree of Glen Rogers, also known as The Casanova Killer. On the heels of OJ Simpson's 2024 death, a new theory about his horrific crimes involving Glen Rogers has circulated, and it's time to debunk them and put the rumors for bed once and for all.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤

en-us

00:44:35

DEEP DIVE: KIM K

The First Degree ·

2024/12/26

Happy rot day everyone! On this very special holiday, we break down and analyze Kim Kardashian’s bizarre rendition music video of Santa Baby. Is it satanic symbolism, a very creative marketing scheme, or is it simply just…art? Plus, a cancelled Kardashian Christmas party and angel monitor conspiracies. And of course, we bring you the latest Luigi updates. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram:

en-us

00:24:04

Episode 331: Updates: John Getreu

The First Degree ·

2024/12/25

In 2020 we covered the case of The Stanford Murders. A string of crimes that occurred between 1973-1974 in the area surrounding Stanford University. In 2016 a cold case unit regrouped their efforts, which led to the identification of a suspect named John Getreu, a serial killer operating under the radar for more than 50 years. In this special update episode we’ll delve into the significant developments in the case.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

en-us

00:44:03

DEEP DIVE: JAY-Z

The First Degree ·

2024/12/19

Jay-Z’s lawyer is claiming there’s no friendship between he and Diddy, despite a paper trail dating back decades. Hats on, critical minds open, seat belts fastened. Buckle up friends because we’re coming in hot with everything you need to know (except for the history of Jay-Z and Beyoncé because that deserves its own episode).🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok:

en-us

00:42:06

Episode 330: Nikki Cheng Saelee-Mccain

The First Degree ·

2024/12/18

In the early hours of May 18, 2024, a 39-year-old mother of four vanishes after last being seen at her mother-in-law’s home in Redding, California. Just days earlier, she had shared plans to divorce her abusive husband and rebuild her life. When her family stops hearing from her, alarm bells ring, especially given her husband’s history of violence and erratic behavior. Detectives soon discover her truck abandoned in a remote area, raising even more questions about her disappearance. In episode 330,

en-us

01:07:44

DEEP DIVE: LUIGI MANGIONE

The First Degree ·

2024/12/12

Put your tin foil hats on because this weeks episode is a wild ride! Join us as we uncover everything we can about Luigi Mangione, the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Health Care, and what the hell is ACTUALLY going on. We’re talking facts but we’re also diving into theories because let’s be honest, nothing is making sense right now…🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺

en-us

00:40:13

Episode 329: Timothy Haslett Jr.

The First Degree ·

2024/12/11

On October 7, 2022, a 22-year-old black woman is frantically knocking on doors in a suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. When police arrive, they find the distressed woman with duct tape around her neck, wearing a trash bag, and a metal collar with a padlock. She tells police she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted by a man at a home nearby. But this is just the beginning. City law enforcement knows - but has consistently denied - that local black women

en-us

00:41:20

DEEP DIVE: SISTER WIVES

The First Degree ·

2024/12/05

Today is a different kind of deep dive! You know the show Sister Wives? Yeah, the wacky reality show on TLC about that weird polygamist guy with the ramen noodle mullet? Did you know one of his wives has a serial killer in her family tree? This week we’re deep diving the dark, twisted history of the LeBaron family. And there’s murder….lots of murder.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram:

en-us

00:38:23

Episode 328: Dr. Blatti

The First Degree ·

2024/12/04

On March 22, 2016, a 50-year-old woman passes away in Baldwin, New York. She had been suffering from chronic pain for almost 10 years following surgery, and was found to have died from an opioid overdose. It’s a tragic yet not uncommon story in a country in the grip of a sweeping prescription opioid epidemic. It wouldn’t be until almost two and a half years later that an investigation commenced into not just the woman’s death, but that of three other people who had also died in similar circumstances

en-us

00:48:39

DEEP DIVE: ELLEN

The First Degree ·

2024/11/28

You asked for it, and boy did we deliver! This week’s Deep Dive is allllllll about Ellen DeGeneres. Hats on. Minds open. Because it turns out that Diddy isn’t the only diabolical supervillain floating around the 1%. We dive into the Wayfair x Ellen Trafficking conspiracy theory, the bizarre death of Anne Heche and tWitch, and why exactly did Ellen and Portia flee the country???🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸

en-us

646 results

Similar Podcasts

Australian True Crime

Bravecasting

True Crime Podcast 2026 - Police Interrogations, 911 Calls and True Police Stories Podcast

True Crime Podcast 2025

Ontario Cold Cases - The Podcast

Jay Nicoll

The Conspiracy Files

Bloody FM

Crime at Bedtime

Jack Laurence