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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

51:12

DEEP DIVE: CALEB FLYNN

The First Degree ·

2026/10/08

You asked for it, you got it. This week we are going down the rabbit hole that is the atrocious man named Caleb Flynn. Alexis’ new obsession has been courtroom tv, and she has been watching the entire trial in real time. We go through texts with his mistress, the embarrassing AI songs he wrote for her, and how one man can go from hot to Frankenstein in less than a year. Plus, we discuss Erika Kirk’s new bizarre photoshoot, Gypsy Rose’s husband’s untimely death, and another Epstein whistleblower

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47:15

Episode 423: Spooky Stories & Strange Crimes

The First Degree ·

2026/10/07

Today, Jac and Lex are taking us on a spooky adventure into the places where true crime and the paranormal collide. From chilling listener encounters to a historic murder case with a supernatural twist, they’re leaning all the way into spooky season. Plus, they unpack the bizarre story of a true-crime author whose unexpected encounter with police quickly spiraled into a case of its own.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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45:41

DEEP DIVE: DR. TOMASZ KOSOWSKI

The First Degree ·

2026/10/01

This week we are diving into one of the most bizarre cases of the year, Dr. Tomasz Kosowski. You may have seen clips circulating online of his insane courtroom behavior, or maybe of him trying to suck DNA off his fingers in the back of a cop car. No matter what you’ve seen so far, it only gets weirder the more you go down the rabbit hole. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube

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55:15

Episode 422: Rachel Hansen

The First Degree ·

2026/09/30

In June 2022, a 19-year-old woman calls 911 after someone enters her apartment and shoots her in the middle of the night. She survives long enough to tell the dispatcher she doesn’t know who shot her or why, but dies from her injuries shortly afterward. As investigators search for answers, they uncover a series of strange circumstances surrounding the apartment, including an unsettling incident just two days before the murder and questions about whether the killer may have been looking for someone

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46:24

DEEP DIVE: ANIMALS ARE FREAKS

The First Degree ·

2026/09/24

If you thought humans were weird as hell, buckle up because animals are FREAKS. We’re bringing you all of the creepy, strange, murderous facts about the animal kingdom. Prepare to learn things you didn’t want to about dolphins, spiders, birds, pandas, anglerfish, and so much more!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok:

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33:51

Episode 421: Daniel Hiers Jr.

The First Degree ·

2026/09/23

On March 15, 2005, police respond to a 911 call from a home in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Inside the residence, the body of a 24-year-old woman is found in bed, dead from a gunshot wound to the head. The number one suspect is already accused of crimes against a child. But when he fails to attend the sheriff’s office to turn himself in for the offenses against a minor and can’t be located, it’s a five-alarm fire. It’s like he’s vanished into thin air. Authorities place the man on the US Marshals 15

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47:41

DEEP DIVE: THE AI TAKEOVER? REAL OR PSYOP?

The First Degree ·

2026/09/17

Things are feeling a bit spooky this week and we are barely halfway through September. We are discussing all of the weird shit going on in the AI world (like if it gonna kill off humanity in 10 years or what?????). Plus, some updates in the Lindsay Clancy trial, Mormon Wived drama, and who the hell does Armie Hammer think he is?? 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸

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47:29

Episode 420: Elisa Roberson

The First Degree ·

2026/09/16

In August 1989, a 13-year-old girl leaves her home in Aransas Pass, Texas, for a short walk to meet a friend at a nearby elementary school. But she never makes it there, and investigators soon theorize she was abducted somewhere along that short route. In episode 420, Jac and Alexis examine the disappearance of Elisa Roberson, the investigation that followed, and her family’s decades-long fight to find out what happened to her. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes

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45:18

DEEP DIVE: CYBORG COCKROACHES

The First Degree ·

2026/09/10

We’re bouncing all over the place this week, so put on your seatbelts and get ready for the ride. A new lawsuit alleges that Frederic Fekkai was an integral part to Epstein’s trafficking ring, the new teaser for Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes doc is out and it is INSANE, and the announcer on Wheel of Fortune got caught in illegal chatrooms on an airplane. Plus, cyborg cockraoches!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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33:33

Episode 419: Dana Woods

The First Degree ·

2026/09/09

In August 2012, two young women spend a summer night together in Berkeley County, South Carolina, before accepting a ride from someone they know. Hours later, Dana Woods and June Guerry are found murdered in the remote Francis Marion National Forest. As investigators work to identify those responsible, a seemingly ordinary night begins to unravel, revealing just how close a small community can be to something horrifying. In episode 419, Jac and Alexis examine the murders of Dana Woods and June

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47:01

DEEP DIVE: THE BUTT SNIFFER STRIKES AGAIN

The First Degree ·

2026/09/03

It’s another variety show type of week over here at the Deep Dive and we’ve got something for everyone. D4VD’s lawyers dump him, Laura Owens pleads guilty, a budding serial killer is out on the streets doing god knows what, and the Los Angeles butt sniffer strikes again. We warned you. 🎟 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 👤 Facebook:

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72:58

Episode 418: Bigger Than the Trial

The First Degree ·

2026/09/02

The Lindsay Clancy case has brought renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, a rare but potentially devastating condition that, when left untreated, has been associated with an estimated 5% risk of suicide and 4% risk of filicide. This week, Alexis and Jac are joined by Dr. Erin Davidowicz, a perinatal psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine,to discuss the case, the lack of public awareness surrounding postpartum psychosis, and why recognizing the warning

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48:20

DEEP DIVE: WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERYONE?

The First Degree ·

2026/08/27

No, for real, what is wrong with everyone lately? This week we’re discussing a woman who was giving sex eyes to the camera during the Lindsay Clancy trial, Hilary Duff feeding her children pizza on stage at her concert, Alcohol being advertised to kids, and a very messed up golf ad. Keep those tin foil hats on, people.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok:

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40:05

Episode 417: Stozek/McBrien

The First Degree ·

2026/08/26

Growing up in suburban Chicago, a young girl is raised to trust the adults around her. Her church, her school, and her family all feel like safe places. But years later, she learns that two people she once looked up to and loved are accused of horrific crimes against children, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about trust, faith, and the people closest to her. In episode 417, Jac and Alexis explore Courtney's journey after discovering the truth about her uncle Joseph Stozek and

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47:47

DEEP DIVE: UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS

The First Degree ·

2026/08/20

Today we are discussing the tragedy of Hayden Panettiere’s sudden passing and everyone who failed her throughout her life, Anthropic and Amazon destroying rare and ancient texts to basically rewrite history however they want (1984 anyone?), and Howie Mandel being a perv in front of his daughter. For real, what is wrong with EVERYONE?!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺

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45:17

Episode 416: Trish Haynes

The First Degree ·

2026/08/19

In May 2018, a 25-year-old woman suddenly disappears while living with a childhood friend in Grafton, New Hampshire. Her family immediately knows something is wrong, but for months, they are left searching for answers. Then investigators make a devastating discovery: a small piece of her dismembered body is recovered from a nearby pond. As her loved ones begin uncovering disturbing allegations about what she endured before her death, they push for those responsible to be held accountable. But years

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44:56

DEEP DIVE: TO CATCH A PREDATOR?

The First Degree ·

2026/08/13

There’s a lot going on this week, so put those tin foil hats on. First, we’re discussing the new bizarre documentary Predators, and the impact Chris Hansen has had on the true crime world. Also, Chris Watts somehow is getting married, and Drake is buying a goth girl a house. Lastly, we know you don’t know who Desiree Townsend is now, but you will after you listen to today’s ep.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸

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40:43

Episode 415: Three People Knew

The First Degree ·

2026/08/12

In August 2017, a newlywed is found shot to death inside a hotel room in Athens, Georgia, while on a road trip with her husband. As investigators begin piecing together her final hours, they uncover text messages, surveillance footage, and other evidence that paint a disturbing picture of what happened. Yet despite a conviction, her story receives very little public attention, leaving many to remember the crime but not the woman at the center of it. In episode 415, Jac and Alexis examine the murder

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51:59

Introducing: CRIMES OF REDDIT, Alexis’ new show with...

The First Degree ·

2026/08/11

Reddit is an endless archive of humanity’s most disturbing, bizarre, and deeply human stories. If you love The First Degree, you are going to love CRIMES OF REDDIT with Alexis and Sabrina Deana-Roga from Two Girls One Ghosts.Every Tuesday, one host brings a set of true-crime stories while the other reacts in real time with no prep, no spoilers asking the questions on everyone’s mind. They swap roles each week, pulling at every thread until the whole twisted picture comes into view. It’s dark, it’s

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100:29

DEEP DIVE: AUTHOR SESSIONS - CHAOS

The First Degree ·

2026/08/06

Today's episode is the Deep Dive x The First Degree Book Club crossover you didn't know you needed. We're sitting down with bestselling author Tom O'Neill to talk about CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. What began as a routine magazine assignment became a twenty-year investigation that challenged the official narrative of the Manson murders and uncovered a web of unanswered questions surrounding law enforcement, MKUltra, and the turbulent world of the late

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