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The Escape Pod Traumedy
A traumedy about the trials and tribulations of people in their journeys of “escape”.
Escape what, you ask? ALL the things!
From trauma, crime, and unhealthy family cycles, to traffic and good deeds not going unpunished.
Like we said—all the things!
(Just tune in…you’ll understand.)
Co-hosted by Charity Doyle and Karabeth Borresen --The Escape Pod aims to connect, educate, entertain, and humanize through the lens of lived experience.
Listen on:
Charity
If there’s a challenge to tackle or a heart to lift, Charity Doyle is usually in the thick of it with an idea (or five) ready to roll. Engineer by degree, leader by nature, Charity’s career has been a whirlwind tour from building water systems to building up people. She didn’t just help create OneHeart—she project-managed it into existence, then turned around and became its first CEO, steering the mission with equal parts grit and grace.
When she’s not dreaming up new ways to make communities stronger, Charity is busy founding startups like FOQUS, designed to help employers and jobseekers alike cut through the hiring noise—because everyone deserves a shot at meaningful employment. Her resume reads like a playlist of “let’s make things better,” from tutoring youth detainees to serving on executive boards in the health, professional student life, and entertainment industries.
You’ll find her in the EscapePod studio, too—mixing big laughs with big ideas, and making even the heaviest topics a little lighter. Whether she’s wrangling chaos or building a better world one human at a time, Charity brings the heart, the hustle, and a healthy dose of “let’s do this.” Buckle up: when Charity’s around, ordinary is never on the agenda.
KB
Karabeth "KB" joins the EscapePod studio alongside Charity on Season 2 to navigate the weird, wild, and often wounded stories of life with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of awkwardness.
KB wears many hats (and sometimes a headset): she’s the Brand & Marketing Director for OneHeart and its family of mission-driven ventures—including this podcast, HomeBrew Coffee Shop, and FOQUS, a smarter hiring platform. She’s been with OneHeart since day one, helping to shape its voice, share its impact, and spotlight the resilience of the humans it serves.
Known for her thoughtful creativity, overflowing optimism, and knack for finding the funny—even in the messy stuff—Karabeth is a natural storyteller and a relentless cheerleader for the underdog. She believes laughter really is medicine (second only to coffee), and she’s here to ask the questions, make you smile, and maybe even cry-laugh along the way.
Episodes
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Roughly 30 years ago, escape artist Teri and her husband were thrilled to become the new owners of a “really cute” house in central California when they successfully bid on a foreclosed property. Little did they know they already had house guests – the unwelcome kind known in legal terms as “squatters.”
In this episode of The Escape Pod, Teri offers up a hilarious account of their escape from the squatters. But first, co-host Charity explains the difference between squatting and trespassing and highlights a separate, more recent case in California – with much more serious consequences.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 2:30 While one co-host escapes a drunk driver, the other barely escapes a wave of Powerade rushing through her car.
Topic #2 15:20 Squatting vs. Trespassing
Topic #3 19:51 California, October 2021: A 71-year-old man is reported missing by a concerned neighbor; authorities start to investigate the woman living in his home.
Topic #4 39:44 Teri’s escape from squatters
Topic #5 58:50 Escapism, co-host-style!
Resources & Links
Story Sources:
Brittny Mejia. March 18, 2024. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-03-18/she-sold-his-encino-home-out-from-under-him-for-1-5-million-then-he-killed-himself
Yaron Steinbuch. March 25, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/03/25/us-news/squatter-left-dead-mans-body-in-luxury-la-home-in-elaborate-scheme-to-take-over-property/
March 18, 2024. https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/west-hills-woman-who-disposed-one-victims-body-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison
https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66735202/united-states-v-herrling/
Squatter Information:
Gemma Smith. November 21, 2023. https://www.azibo.com/blog/creative-ways-to-get-rid-of-squatters#:~:text=Property%20owners%20and%20property%20managers,if%20they%20refuse%20to%20leave
https://www.steadily.com/blog/south-dakota-squatters-rights-laws#:~:text=What%20duration%20of%20occupancy%20is,10%2Dyear%20duration%20is%20required
Giulia Carbanero. March 26, 2024. https://www.newsweek.com/how-squatters-rights-compare-different-states-1883480
Vivian Tejada. March 8, 2024. https://www.azibo.com/blog/squatters-rights
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General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
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Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
A 12-year-old escape artist knocks on a neighbor’s door and politely requests that the man take him to a police station. Soon, the boy’s mom and her friend/therapist/business partner are arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony child abuse. But just a few years prior, this same mom was gaining notoriety (and 2.5 MILLION followers) on YouTube, in part, for her parenting style.
What happened?! How many steps are there between “disciplinarian” and straight-up “abuser”? Was the influencer being influenced in all the wrong ways? There’s plenty to discuss about this relatively recent true crime tragedy, so jump into the Escape Pod with co-hosts Julie and Charity, and – spoiler alert! - don’t bail early because this episode does, in fact, end on a funny note that ensures we keep the “comedy” in “traumedy.”
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains content about severe physical and emotional abuse committed against children.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 2:40 Co-host offers update on parental drama of her own
Topic #2 13:13 Introduction to “NOT Mother of the Year” Ruby Franke
Topic #3 21:50 A child’s escape leads to two women’s arrests
Topic #4 35:10 In custody, Ruby admits to many of her abusive acts
Topic #5 52:30 Where’s the kids’ dad?
Topic #6 1:03:35 Gigglefest 2024: Co-hosts react to one hubby’s hilarious reply to the question, “How much over par are you?”
Resources & Links
https://www.thecut.com/article/ruby-franke-utah-mommy-vlogger-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse.html
https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/ruby-franke-sentence-child-abuse-mommy-vlogger-rcna139627
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Franke#:~:text=5%20References,Career,and%20amassed%201%20billion%20views
https://apnews.com/article/ruby-franke-youtube-child-abuse-sentencing-4f4985c1cab9243d4eaf8b6a58f087ed
Law and Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmO78ryTM1g and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ier97z_WRcM
https://wegotthiscovered.com/youtube/what-are-the-ages-of-ruby-frankes-kids/
https://www.google.com/search?q=ruby+franke&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS858US858&oq=ruby+fr&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyCggBEC4YsQMYgAQyBggCEEUYOTINCAMQABiDARixAxiABDINCAQQABiDARixAxiABDINCAUQABiDARixAxiABDIGCAYQABgDMgYIBxBFGDyoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c2a5b6a0,vid:OoBAUOrtUds,st:0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGcpOhlKL_w
https://jodihildebrandt.com/reviews/
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/niece-jodi-hildebrandt-ruby-frankes-business-partner-speaks/story?id=103751750
https://pagesix.com/2023/09/12/niece-of-jodi-hildebrandt-claims-they-were-duct-taped-by-terrifying-aunt/
https://lawandcrime.com/sidebar-podcast/it-was-torture-niece-of-ruby-franke-supporter-jodi-hildebrandt-opens-up-about-alleged-child-abuse/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ruby-franke-jodi-hildebrandt-sentenced-child-abuse-youtube-eight-passengers/
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Contact us with your feedback or stories! We want to hear from you!!
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Friday Jun 14, 2024
After many misdiagnoses, a teenage girl in Australia learns she has a rare type of cancerous tumor. She begins her search for anything that might help her escape it, including a regimented diet promoted by a social media influencer. The influencer, a beautiful young woman named Belle, says she beat cancer and numerous other ailments by detoxifying her body and strengthening her immune system, and her following grows quickly.
But Belle’s “wellness brand” starts to take its toll, and many of her followers report their health conditions getting worse, not better.
Have you escaped the influence of a deceptive social media influencer? Tell us about it at escapeartist@escapepod.live!
UPDATE: A co-worker briefly mentioned in this episode underwent surgery for brain tumors in late 2023, but – good news! - the tumors were NOT cancerous, and she continues to be an amazing co-worker today. Woohoo!
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 1:03 Co-host escapes tornadoes in Tornado Alley!
Topic #2 11:52 Australia, 2013: 17yo is diagnosed with cancer
Topic #3 22:42 The truth about Belle is revealed, but why all the lies?
Topic #4 34:57 Belle’s victims respond
Topic #5 53:53 Escapism, co-host-style!
Resources & Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Gibson
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/belle-gibson-faked-cancer-wellness-influencer-b1102443.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9799359/Belle-Gibsons-victims-reveal-sucked-cancer-fakers-web-lies-toll.html
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/21/cancer-con-woman-belle-gibsons-home-raided-to-try-to-recoup-unpaid-fines
https://7news.com.au/news/bella-was-desperate-and-dying-then-she-came-across-fraudster-belle-gibson-c-12709384
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUGxvwtjf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IBh9JTXmf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLuBeV_fhsc
https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/pathological-liar-signs/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20pathological%20lying,love%20and%20reassurance%20they%20crave.
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/nightline-documentary-podcast-dropout-story-elizabeth-holmes-theranos/story?id=60365362
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http://www.escapepod.live
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Girl in the Picture. Suzanne Sevakis.
The mystery of a missing person spans 40 years, taking more twists and turns than even the Escape Pod cohosts can count!
As a teenage girl in the mid-1980s, this wannabe escape artist was known as a smart girl and good friend with big dreams, but – time and time again – one person kept preventing her from reaching her full potential. In the end, he couldn’t escape the many investigators who pursued truth and justice for a woman whose true identity took decades to reveal.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes graphic content about kidnapping and violence against women and children.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 10:33 The first of several stories that, eventually, collide.
Topic #2 28:13 1990: 3 men near OKC find critically injured on side of road
Topic #3 45:10 2002: Investigative journalist interviews suspect in string of crimes
Topic #4 56:20 Escapism, cohost-style
Resources & Links
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/girl-in-the-picture-netflix-suzanne-sevakis-b2116243.html
“Girl in the Picture” Netflix documentary
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/inside-the-true-crime-netflix-documentary-girl-in-the-picture/5FGD3MCIDBEIPOHHXZFJWSOVFM/
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/cold-case-investigation
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https://www.escapepod.live
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
A Swedish man joins a Pentecostal church in 1989 and soon becomes a pastor. But he has a unique way of fighting off the devil: with sex – and sex with women who aren’t his wife. (Spoiler alert: she’s a pastor, too, and claims to be the “bride of Christ.”) In time, their love triangle starts to look more like a love hexagon, and the body count begins to grow.
Plus, co-host Charity shares her own story of seeking out a church where she thought she could belong, only to find a religious sect using scare tactics (and pet bunnies on Easter?) to try to influence a small child. It’s a pretty crazy story too! So jump into the Escape Pod this week for a wild ride of “religion” gone very wrong!
DISCLAIMER: The Escape Pod and its cohosts are, in no way, passing judgement (pun intended) on ALL churches or faith leaders. The first story in this episode is shared in keeping with our focus on tales of true crime; the second is a co-host's personal experience trying to find a spiritual home but being sorely disappointed with her search.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 6:30 Introduction of key members of church in Sweden
Topic #2 13:31 Woman used to “ward off the devil” is shunned
Topic #3 23:49 6-year-old Charity goes on an ill-fated faith journey
Topic #4 40:33 Escapism, cohost-style!
Resources & Links
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9462799/How-Pentecostal-pastor-convinced-lover-murder-wife.html
https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Man-guilty-of-sending-murderous-messages-from-God-1668112.php
https://www.news24.com/news24/priests-murder-plot-sickens-20040730
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282224820_The_Life_Story_of_Helge_Fossmo_Former_Pastor_of_Knutby_Filadelfia_as_Told_in_Prison_A_Narrative_Analysis_Approach
https://www.thelocal.se/20111214/37938
https://www.religionnewsblog.com/8939/i-was-a-sex-slave
https://infosekolah.net/en/Helge_Fossmo
https://infosekolah.net/en/%C3%85sa_Waldau
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http://www.escapepod.live
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
FR-Odd But True – Ep. 17
Summary of Episode
If you’ve ever asked the question, “What is wrong with people?” then this episode is for you!
Join co-hosts Julie and Charity in the Escape Pod for three very odd but true stories of people who failed to escape from their very bad ideas – including a case of insurance fraud that led to severe (and severed?) consequences.
CORRECTION: In “The Office” episode referenced here, Andy was the driver of the car, while Dwight was pushed into the shrubbery. (We apologize to our fellow Office fans for the mix-up.)
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 4:03 6 for 1: Police investigating a car theft end up with way more suspects than they bargained for.
Topic #2 8:44 A would-be arsonist wants revenge on an ex.
Topic #3 15:00 Super-hard fraud: Two friends in Taiwan attempt to cash in on an insurance policy, with dire results for one of them.
Topic #4 26:52 Escapism, co-host-style!
Resources & Links
Story #1:
https://www.ccso.us/press-releases/12662/
https://www.foxnews.com/us/maryland-guardian-arrives-stolen-vehicle-take-custody-teens-arrested-auto-theft-police-say
https://www.newser.com/story/335690/after-cops-arrested-6-the-arrests-kept-coming.html
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2023/03/10/711686.htm#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20new%20analysis,consistently%20exceeded%2075%2C000%20in%202022.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91028032/car-thefts-and-carjackings-are-up-unreliable-data-makes-it-hard-to-pinpoint-why
https://www.newsweek.com/car-theft-rise-fbi-council-criminal-justice-annual-report-2023-1863972#:~:text=The%20%22clearance%20rate%22%20or%20rate,and%2013%20percent%20for%20burglary.
Story #2:
https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/04/23/charges-upgraded-to-attempted-murder-for-alleged-arsonist/
https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/08/03/woman-sentenced-to-20-25-years-for-attempted-murder-in-2022-fire/
https://truecrimedaily.com/2022/07/27/north-carolina-christie-jones-sets-wrong-house-on-fire-revenge-ex-boyfriend/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/252459/number-of-arson-offenses-in-the-united-states-by-type/#:~:text=Number%20of%20arson%20offenses%20in%20the%20United%20States%202022%2C%20by%20type&text=In%202022%2C%20a%20total%206%2C508,which%2013%2C147%20were%20structure%20fires.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/252461/average-damage-caused-by-arson-offenses-in-the-united-states-by-type/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20average%20damage,costing%20about%20324%2C389%20U.S.%20dollars.
Clip from “The Duel” (The Office): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAIzFIOJA2c
Story #3:
https://people.com/man-allegedly-convinced-friend-amputate-legs-insurance-scam-authorities-8611327
https://www.businessinsider.com/taiwan-student-convinced-friend-amputate-legs-insurance-scam-prosecutors-2024-3
https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/taiwanese-duo-accused-of-self-amputation-insurance-fraud-scheme-zhang-and-liao-taiwan-taipei-district-prosecutors-office-fraud-investigation
https://www.moneycontrol.com/investor-education/insurance/classroom/student-used-dry-ice-to-get-frostbite-got-legs-amputated-for-million-insurance-payout-17502041.html
https://content.naic.org/cipr-topics/insurance-fraud#:~:text=The%20Coalition%20Against%20Insurance%20Fraud,%24700%20a%20year%20in%20premiums
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https://www.escapepod.live
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Escape Pod Show Notes – Episode 16: THE AGREEMENT (KAMARIE’S STORY)
Date: 5/17/2024
Episode Title and Number: THE AGREEMENT: Kamarie’s Story – Ep. 16
Summary of Episode
A little girl goes missing in Georgia just days before Christmas. It doesn’t take investigators long to find the body of Kamarie Holland or the person suspected of killing her. As they dig into the case, investigators not only learn about the suspect’s violent past, but also that one of the people closest to Kamarie may have made the deal that ultimately led to her death.
Kamarie couldn’t escape her fate, but as co-hosts Charity and Julie explain in this episode of The Escape Pod, those responsible for her death couldn’t escape the justice system either.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains content about physical and sexual violence committed against children.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 9:35 | Dec. 13, 2021: Kamarie Holland goes missing.
Topic #2 16:48 | A 31-year-old woman says she was sexually assaulted by a man who called her “Kamarie.”
Topic #3 27:50 | Human trafficking doesn’t look like what we might imagine.
Topic #4 41:55 | Escapism, cohost-style.
Resources & Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqj2770kI44
https://www.wrbl.com/news/local-news/alaska-authorities-man-accused-of-killing-kamarie-holland-now-a-suspect-in-2005-death-of-his-1-month-old-daughter/
https://www.wrbl.com/news/columbus-woman-sex-trafficked-five-year-old-daughter-to-childs-alleged-killer/
https://1819news.com/news/item/capital-murder-rial-for-mother-accused-of-killing-5-y-o-daughter-slated-to-begin-in-february
https://www.wrbl.com/news/local-news/kamarie-holland/breaking-mother-of-kamarie-holland-pleads-guilty-to-human-sex-trafficking/
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General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
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Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
He could be in prison; instead, he’s in the Escape Pod, sharing his story of escaping cycles of addiction and criminal activity.
Michael will be the first to tell you he didn’t have a “hard knocked” life. He grew up in a loving, two-parent home. He went to college, got good grades, and earned a degree. But he also had a curiosity for drugs at a very young age, and that curiosity led to harder drugs, grand theft, and many other problems.
After several arrests, broken relationships, and a crash that could have killed him, Michael asked for help, and his escape from his “delusional” self finally began.
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers:
Topic #1 3:05 Meet escape artist Michael, a guest at the OneHeart campus.
Topic #2 20:16 Michael considers enlisting in the military.
Topic #3 38:49 A fight with his girlfriend leads to yet another major relapse.
Topic #4 57:07 Workout junky! Michael fills the addiction void with much healthier habits.
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http://escapepod.live
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
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EscapePod
Join co-hosts Charity and KB, along with occasional guests, as they laugh (and cry) their way through past traumas and give tips to getting through tough times.
Life is full of ups and downs and it takes you to crazy places and we need each other to make it through.
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Your support will help our small 3-person podcast team offset the costs associated with writing, producing, and promoting the show. Any amount is sincerely appreciated. What's more, your support will help us do what we do best: help others escape and break unhealthy cycles on their way to better lives.
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This patron level is for supporters who are willing to give the monetary equivalent of a cup of coffee each month to support the costs associated with producing the show.
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Disclaimer
The EscapePod podcast and content posted is presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes.