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PODCAST

What the Forensics

Rebecca, Journey, and Nicole

What the Forensics is a true crime podcast that explores the world of forensic science through the lens of three hosts who, while not experts in the field, are deeply fascinated by the intersection of crime and science. Drawing on their university backgrounds in forensic science, the hosts take listeners on a journey through the fascinating world of forensic investigation, exploring real-life cases and the techniques and technologies used to solve crimes. With its unique perspective and engaging

true crime social sciences

All Episodes

41:32

Witch Trial Miniseries Part 1 - Pendle

What the Forensics ·

2023/10/31

Welcome to a spine-tingling journey through one of England's darkest historical episodes in the 1st part of our witch trial miniseries. Step back in time to 1612, a turbulent era when the Pendle Hill area in Lancashire was shrouded in ominous clouds of suspicion. As your guide, Nicole delves deep into the harrowing stories of the accused witches, the fervent witch-hunters, and the tumultuous events that unfolded within this remote corner of England. Step back in time to 1612, a turbulent era when

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1:35:30

Ep. 58 - Jeffrey MacDonald & Crime Scene Reconstruction

What the Forensics ·

2023/10/19

In this episode, we dive into the infamous case of Jeffrey MacDonald, a former Green Beret, who was accused of murdering his wife and children. We explore the complex details, from the initial crime scene to possible theories of what happened. We then chat about crime scene processing and the role crime scene reconstructions can have in uncovering the truth.Join us as we delve into how these reconstructions work, their significance in understanding the sequence of events, and how they've affected

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1:45:11

Ep. 57 - Nembhard Twins & Faults in Forensics

What the Forensics ·

2023/09/28

Join your hosts, Journey, Nicole, and Rebecca, as they learn about twin criminals and explore some fascinating cases of those who've baffled law enforcement. Was it Orlando Nembhard who pulled the trigger? Or his twin brother, Brandon? Without any distinguishable differences, how are law enforcement able to tell who did what?As the conversation unfolds, our hosts discuss the challenges that forensic science faces in dealing with cases involving identical twins. DNA evidence might seem like a

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1:19:42

Ep. 56 - Machine Gun Kelly & The Prohibition

What the Forensics ·

2023/09/07

Take a step back in time as we dive into the life and crimes of Machine Gun Kelly and the Prohibition! Join us for a Journey through the roaring '20s, where the notorious gangster George 'Machine Gun' Kelly made headlines with his exploits during the era of banned booze. But was he as tough and cunning as history has made him out to be? Rebecca then tells us all about the (1920’s) Prohibition in the US. Tune in for an adrenaline-pumping episode that's bound to leave you thirsty

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1:23:04

Ep. 55 - Yang Xinhai & Forensic Traumatology

What the Forensics ·

2023/08/17

Join us this bone-chilling episode as we delve into what’s known about the life and crimes of China's “Monster Killer”, Yang Xinhai, followed by a sparks notes lesson on the different types of physical injuries we can endure. We learn the differences between blunt force trauma and sharp force trauma, and discuss the intersection of the two!Apologies in advance if you can hear Journey’s clothes dryer in the background!Listener’s discretion is advised as there are descriptions and discussions

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50:43

Ep. 54 pt.2 - Ongoing Cases: Jonathan Majors

What the Forensics ·

2023/08/03

Have you got Creed III and/or Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on your 2023 “To Watch” list? Curious what happens when cameras stop rolling? Let Journey fill you in on the ongoing case of American Actor, Jonathan Majors, whose case hit the news not long after the release of the aforementioned movies. At the time of recording and episode release, Majors has not been charged or sentenced, but follow along with the 3 of us on our socials as we stay up to date on what happens next! Listener’s

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1:02:41

Ep. 54 Pt.1 - Ongoing Cases: Lori Vallow

What the Forensics ·

2023/07/27

Have you been up to date with the news? Does Lori Vallow ring a bell? Maybe you’ve heard about the ‘Doomsday Killer Mom’ who has been making news titles recently? If not, you’re in the right place! This first part of our two part Ongoing Cases episodes delves into the case and initial trial of doomsday, Mormon mom, Lori Vallow alongside her post-apocalyptic author husband. Listen in to learn about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Tylee and JJ Vallow and what we know so far. At the

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1:31:01

Ep. 53 - The Oklahoma City Bombing & Domestic Terrorism

What the Forensics ·

2023/07/06

Join us this week, in this gripping episode as we uncover the dark realities of domestic terrorism, focusing on the notorious Oklahoma City Bombing. Journey takes us back to April 19, 1995, recounting the devastating attack that shook the nation. Meanwhile, Rebecca talks to us about the broader issue of domestic terrorism. Listener’s discretion is advised as there are discussions about mass death.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give

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1:29:46

Ep. 52 - Edward Snowden & Espionage

What the Forensics ·

2023/06/15

Are you reading this on an electronic device? Maybe over the internet? Is that how you listen to our podcast? If so, check this out — Edward Snowden & Espionage! Hear about governments spying on their citizens, the information the US government has access to, what one can accomplish without a university degree, and what the second oldest profession in the world is (take a wild guess!). This is one you don’t want to miss!For the FBI agent who may be reading this ! Keep Scrolling ! Interested in

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1:28:32

Ep. 51 - The Mystery of the Isdal Woman

What the Forensics ·

2023/05/25

This month we switch things up and discuss the mystery of the Isdal Woman. There is no science for this episode and instead we just discuss possible reasons as to why she ended up in the mountains. There are so many theories out there so we don't get to all of them but we would love to hear any theories that you might has as well. Listener’s discretion is advised as there is discussion about suicide. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make

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1:31:46

Ep. 50 - Victoria Climbie & Forensic Parasitology

What the Forensics ·

2023/05/04

Join us this episode (not if you have Pruritophobia!) as Journey tells us about the heartbreaking story of young Victoria Climbie. We pick holes in the investigation (or lack thereof) and discuss our frustrations about using the fear of parasites as a means to disguise child abuse. From irritation to itchy, Rebecca then educates us on what forensic parasitology is and its importance to the case. Are you itchy yet just thinking about parasites? You will be after this one; you don’t want to miss

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1:33:42

Ep. 49 - The Srebrenica Massacre & Forensic Botany

What the Forensics ·

2023/04/13

Join us this week and listen to Rebecca’s Spark’s Note version of the turbulent, political, history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing context to our discussion on the Srebrenica Massacre, the worst mass death in Europe since WWII. Nicole then gets us excited about plants and pollen, educating us on their uses and relevance to forensics and this massacre. Please note, listeners discretion is advised as there is discussion around mass murder and genocide. Interested in learning more about when WTF

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1:34:40

Ep. 48 - The Craigslist Killer & Digital Forensics

What the Forensics ·

2023/03/23

This month we delve into the case of The Craigslist Killer! As it turns out there is more than one person deemed the Craigslist Killer so we give a brief overview of them before focusing mainly on Philip Markoff. The science this month is digital forensics which we get a very thorough explanation of and a detailed look at its history as well. If you're someone who technology make you nervous, this isn't the episode for you. We talk about all the ways investigators can get information from

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1:20:54

Ep. 47 - Casey Anthony & Odour Analysis

What the Forensics ·

2023/03/02

You've probably heard the name Casey Anthony but do you know what she did? This episode Journey tells us all about who Casey Anthony is and what she is suspected of doing. Spoiler - no one actually knows what she did, including herself which is a fun little twist. Rebecca then educates us on what odour analysis consists of and how it played a role in this case, even though it is not a court approved science. So join us this episode to learn what makes up smells and what this 22 year old

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1:17:04

Ep. 46 - Dancing Plague & Psychogenic Disorders

What the Forensics ·

2023/02/09

Cut loose and grab your dancing shoes for this episode of WTF because it’s a fun one! We learn that you can quite *literally* dance yourself to death, and that these dancing plagues happened more than once throughout history! Rebecca delves a bit deeper into the Dancing Plague of 1518 while Nicole educates us on psychogenic diseases, including mass psychogenic illnesses and psychogenic movement disorders. Theorize with us possible explanations for these diseases, and let us know what you

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2:02:37

Ep. 45 - Impactful Psychology Experiments

What the Forensics ·

2023/01/19

This week we each research an ethically questionable psychological study. Rebecca researches the Asch Experiment, Nicole researches the Milgram Experiment, and Journey researches the Stanford Prison Experiment. This episode is a longer one but it is full of stories that will make you question what the researcher was thinking so you don't want to miss out. We have some great discussions about what we think went wrong and what we would do differently, or what we wished we could do today, with

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1:17:03

Ep. 44 - Luka Magnotta & Killing for Fame

What the Forensics ·

2022/12/29

This week on What The Forensics we talk about Canadian killer Luka Magnotta, his life leading up to the murder, the murder victim Justin Lin, and what it means to kill for fame. This is a very interesting episode that discusses the problems around media, podcasts, and other sources that cover crimes and inadvertently glorify the killer over the victim. We discuss how we play a role in that, how we can try mitigate the effects of this, why people view killing as something to be glorified for, and how

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1:15:42

Ep. 43 - Samuel Little & Victimology, MO's, and...

What the Forensics ·

2022/12/08

This week we delve into the interesting case of Samuel Little. This man confessed to 93 murders (!) at the age of 74, after spending a lifetime going in and out of jail. Rebecca does a great job giving an overview of his entire life and crimes. Nicole then tells us all about the science of victimology, Modus operandi, and signatures. These three topics are super interesting and we have many great conversations surrounding what Samuel Little's MO, victimology, and signatures were, as well as

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1:35:16

Ep. 42 - Cults III: The Anthill Kids & Types of Cults

What the Forensics ·

2022/11/24

Are you ready to quit smoking? In just 5 short days, YOU, can be on the road to salvation! … This may have been a marketing tactic for Roch Thériault and his followers, The Anthill Kids, as he beings his small commune of 8 wives and over 20 children. Join us this week as Nicole tells us about the terrible things that went on behind closed doors with this Canadian cult and Journey teaches us about various types of cults. Not only that, she categorizes these cults and discusses where the Anthill Kids

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1:01:58

Ep. 41 - Cults II: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh & Forensic...

What the Forensics ·

2022/10/27

What are two things that sound like they don't go together... and yet they do? What about salmonella poisoning and Sex Guru? Listen in to this week's episode where Journey tell us all about Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the connection between these two things. Following this interesting case study that will leave you wondering who *actually* was behind these attacks, Rebecca teaches us about Forensic Epidemiology, what it is, it's significance in the case, and how the science encompasses

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