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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.


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.

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
What happens when two minds fracture in perfect sync? In this chilling episode of EscapePod, Charity and Karabeth unravel the haunting true story of Ursula and Sabina Eriksson—identical twins whose shared descent into psychosis became one of psychology’s most baffling mysteries.
From their ordinary beginnings in Sweden to their shocking rampage on a British motorway, this episode explores the rare psychiatric phenomenon known as folie à deux, or “madness shared by two.” How could two people mirror each other’s delusions so completely—leaping into traffic, surviving near-death, and ultimately leaving tragedy in their wake?
Join us as we dive deep into the science and psychology behind shared psychosis, twin connection, and the eerie boundary between mental illness and the supernatural.
Episode Highlights & Takeaways
The Case
The Eriksson Twins — Ursula and Sabina, identical twins from Sweden, lived ordinary lives until May 2008, when they vanished from Ireland and reappeared in England behaving erratically.
Motorway Madness — On the M6 motorway, both women ran into oncoming traffic in full view of police and a BBC film crew. Ursula was struck by a truck; Sabina by a car—both miraculously survived.
Bizarre Behavior — Despite severe injuries, they fought off rescuers, screamed that people weren’t real, and accused strangers of trying to steal their organs.
Tragic Aftermath — Within 48 hours of being released from custody, Sabina fatally stabbed a man who had offered her kindness and shelter, then leapt off a bridge during her escape.
The Diagnosis — Psychiatrists identified folie à deux, where a delusion is shared between two closely connected people—one the “primary” inducer, the other the “secondary” believer.
Understanding Folie à Deux
Definition: A rare psychiatric syndrome in which a delusional belief is transmitted from one individual to another—often between close relatives or partners.
Common Traits: Social isolation, intense emotional bonds, and a dominant/submissive dynamic.
Symptoms: Paranoid delusions (persecution, bodily theft, impersonation) and disconnection from reality.
Treatment: Separation of the pair, antipsychotic medication, and psychotherapy to rebuild individual reality testing.
The Psychological and Ethical Questions
What role does isolation—and the unique twin bond—play in shared psychosis?
Why did neither sister test positive for drugs or alcohol?
How can delusion seem so real that it overrides survival instinct?
Should Sabina have been released from custody so soon after the motorway incident?
Mind, Madness, and Connection
This story forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about mental illness, empathy, and identity. When two people share one distorted worldview, it blurs the line between compassion and contagion. Could this “shared madness” be a window into the deep, unspoken link between twins—or simply the tragic result of untreated psychosis?
Episode Takeaway
Folie à deux reminds us how fragile the human mind can be—and how easily fear, stress, and emotional connection can twist our perception of truth. It’s a chilling example of how two people can lose themselves inside a single, shared delusion… with deadly consequences.
Resources & References
BBC Documentary: Madness in the Fast Lane
The Twins Who Shared Psychosis
Shared Psychotic Disorder
Shared Psychotic Disorder-2
Ursula and Sabina Eriksson
Madness on the Highway: The Eriksson Sisters' Descent Into Psychosis
r/Unsolved Mysteries: What Was Wrong With the Eriksson Twins?
Twins Ran onto M6 Before One Stabbed Innocent Man to Death
The Story of Sabina and Ursula Eriksson, Identical Twins Who Caused Chaos on M6
Folie à Deux – The Bizarre Tale of Sabina and Ursula Eriksson
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https://www.escapepod.live
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General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
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Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
What if your attention wasn’t really your own? In this episode of EscapePod, Charity and Karabeth uncover how algorithms quietly hijack our focus, emotions, and even beliefs. From endless scrolling to the rise of deep fakes, we dive into how AI-driven platforms shape what we see, how we feel, and what we believe—often without us realizing it.
But here’s the good news: you can fight back. We’ll share practical strategies for reclaiming your attention, protecting your mental health, and teaching yourself (and your family) the digital literacy skills needed to outsmart the algorithm.
Whether you’ve lost hours to dog videos, doomscrolling, or rage-clicking, this episode gives you the tools to escape algorithmic hijacking and take back control of your feed—and your brain.
Highlights Include:
Algorithmic Hijacking Defined: AI-driven platforms curate your feed to trigger emotional reactions—fear, outrage, envy—to keep you scrolling.
The Attention Economy: Our focus = their profit. Platforms earn billions while users pay with mental health, time, and trust.
Mental Health Impact: Research links algorithm exposure to increases in anxiety, depression, poor sleep, stress, and polarization.
The Deepfake Problem: Incidents jumped 19% in early 2025, leading to fraud, cyberbullying, and plummeting trust in media.
Real-World Harm: Algorithms have played roles in radicalization and violent events, showing this isn’t just an “online problem.”
Brain Science: Dopamine hits from scrolling mimic addiction patterns—rewiring focus, decision-making, and even impulse control.
Teens & Social Media: 93–97% of teens are online daily, making them especially vulnerable to comparison culture, FOMO, and misinformation.
Digital Self-Defense Tips:
Pause before reacting.
Check your sources.
Curate your feed (unfollow/mute).
Diversify your information diet.
Practice emotional awareness.
Try time limits, detox breaks, and mindful use.
Resources & Links
Social Media Algorithms and Mental Health
Social Media Algorithms and Teen Addiction
Social Media’s Impact on Our Mental Health
Mental Health America Issues New Report On Social Media And Youth Mental Health
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: What We Know — And What We’re Learning
Social Media, Mental Health and Body Image
Smartphones, Social Media, and Their Impact on Mental Health
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https://www.escapepod.live
Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
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Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Eligio Bishop’s journey from Harlem street kid to self-proclaimed messiah is a story of charisma, control, and destruction. Preaching a return to nature and freedom from systemic oppression, he built Carbon Nation—a cult that promised community but delivered manipulation, violence, and abuse.
From livestreams that drew thousands of followers to brutal assaults, deportations, and tragic deaths, Bishop’s reign as “Natureboy” spiraled into coercion and exploitation. Survivors recount the dark reality behind the glossy YouTube façade—financial control, sexual abuse, and public beatings masquerading as “shadow work.”
In 2024, Bishop was convicted of rape and false imprisonment, sentenced to life without parole. But his loyalists still defend him, and his story raises chilling questions: Why do people fall for destructive leaders? And what does it take to escape?
Highlights Include:
Eligio Bishop’s troubled childhood, crimes, and early manipulations
His rise on YouTube as “Natureboy,” preaching melanin power & natural living
Formation of Carbon Nation: communal living, polyamory, and livestream drama
Violence, abuse, and tragedy within the cult—including deaths and deportations
The 2022 rape charges and explosive 2024 trial that ended his freedom
How charisma, community, and crisis draw people into cults
What survivors face when escaping—and resources that can help
Resources & Links
Alleged Cult Leader Convicted of Raping Former Cult Member
Who is Natureboy? 'Cult' leader says Kayla Reid can leave at any time
Eco-Radical, Singer, Criminal, Cult Leader: Inside Carbon Nation
Cult expert, former group members testify at rape trial of accused cult leader Eligio Bishop
Watch | Judge gives 'Natureboy' his sentence after guilty verdict on rape charge
Bishop’s Wife Speaks Out About Abuse
Accused cult leader convicted of all counts, including rape, DeKalb County District Attorney’s office says
Members of Carbon Nation Cult Thrown out of Costa Rica/Nicaragua and Panama
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https://www.escapepod.live
Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
On Social Media
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Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Summary of Episode Delta-8 THC is being marketed as a legal, “safer” alternative to marijuana—but what’s really inside those gummies, vapes, and oils? In this episode of The Escape Pod, we pull back the curtain on Delta-8’s rise, the regulatory loopholes fueling its $10 billion market, and the human cost of untested, mislabeled products.
We share heartbreaking stories like Tanner, a four-year-old who died after eating THC gummies disguised as candy, and a Texas teen facing felony charges over a vape pen that couldn’t even be tested properly. From ER visits to criminal cases, the fallout is spreading nationwide—while federal oversight is nowhere to be found.
Is Delta-8 really “diet weed”…or a dangerous gamble?
Highlights Include:
What Delta-8 THC actually is and how it’s made
Why it’s flooding shelves despite lacking FDA approval
The tragic story of Tanner in Virginia
Legal chaos in Texas, South Dakota, Indiana, and Wyoming
ER visits and poison control calls skyrocketing nationwide
Risks hidden behind “innocent” gummy packaging
Why lack of federal regulation leaves consumers vulnerable
The $10.4 billion Delta-8 industry’s future
Resources & Links
Is Delta-8 Safe?
High Schoolers Jailed for Vaping ‘legal Hemp’
Virginia Mom Charged in Death of 4-year-old Son
Rapid City Policing Agencies Target ‘Diet Weed’
Citing New Test Results, Indiana Prosecutors Threaten Criminal Charges if Businesses Don’t Stop Selling Delta-8
Wyoming Lawmakers Look to Control Delta-8
The Curious Case of Delta-8
Delta-8 Legal States 2025
This Drug Gets You High, and Is Legal (Maybe) Across the Country
2025 Regulations for Delta-8 THC: What You Need to Know
Delta-8 and Similar Products Banned in South Dakota
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General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
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Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
As we move into Part 2 of our exploration of the Karen Read case, the story shifts from the public comfort of a bustling bar to the shadows of an afterparty where crucial events unfold. Here, the narrative tightens as relationships, phone records, and missing evidence become central to unraveling what happened on that fateful night. In today’s episode, we’ll examine pivotal moments, scrutinize discrepancies, and cover what went down at the trials.
Highlights Include:
Early investigation drama – State Trooper Michael Proctor sent crude texts calling Read a “whack job” and claiming she was “f*****” before the autopsy even happened.
Charges escalate – Read was first charged with manslaughter, then indicted for second-degree murder.
Conflicting forensics – Prosecutors say taillight fragments and DNA prove she hit John. The FBI says John’s injuries are not consistent with being struck by an SUV.
Explosive texts & voicemails – Jurors heard Karen’s dozens of calls and angry voicemails to John the night he died.
Shady suspicions – Allegations of cover-ups, missing texts, and whether John ever entered the Albert family’s home.
Trial bombshells –
A paramedic testified he heard a woman say, “I hit him.”
Family friends accused of hiding key details.
Proctor forced to read his vulgar, biased texts on the stand.
Accusations that evidence was planted.
Cause of death mystery – Blunt force trauma vs. hypothermia; the Medical Examiner left John’s manner of death undetermined.
Mistrial → retrial – First trial ended in a hung jury. In 2025, Karen faced retrial with even more evidence aired out in public.
Verdict – Karen Read was acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene, but convicted of DUI and sentenced to probation.
Aftermath – Reports that Karen and her defense attorney are now working on a book and film deal. She also filed a motion to dismiss the civil suit from John’s family.
SOCIAL HASHTAGS: #KarenReadCase #TrueCrimePodcast #JohnOKeefe #CrimeSceneMystery #CoverUpOrAccident #EscapePodTraumedy #Season2Premiere #JusticeForJohn #NorEasterNightmare #CourtroomDrama #PodcastDrop #CrimeStoryUnfolds
Resources & Links
True Crime Today Podcast: The Trial of Karen Read
A Guide to the Karen Read Case
Karen Read & John O'Keefe's Relationship | Vinnie Politan Investigates
Did Dunkin' Donuts Fight Uncover Deeper Issues in Read, O'Keefe Relationship?
Conspiracy in Canton
A Timeline of the Karen Read Case and the Story Behind the High-profile Massachusetts Murder Trial
Karen Read Case: These Are the Key Players to Know
Karen Read's Angry Voicemails to John O'Keefe
Unpacking the Second Trial and Verdict That Cleared Karen Read of Murder
Lead Investigator in Karen Read Case Fired from Massachusetts State Police After Vulgar Texts
Karen Read Accused of Killing Her Police Officer Boyfriend
Missing Video Footage
Conspiracies, Cover-Up Claims, Dog Bite Analysis Swirl In Case Of Boston Cop ‘Taillight Murder’
AP/Boston Police Department
CBS Boston
Karen Read. Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
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https://www.escapepod.live
Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
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Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
In the chilling kickoff to Season 2, we unravel the tangled mystery surrounding the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. After a night of drinking, he’s found lifeless in the snow outside a fellow officer’s home—and his girlfriend, Karen Read, is accused of hitting him with her SUV and leaving him to die in a blizzard.
But the defense paints a darker picture: a possible cover-up involving law enforcement, missing surveillance footage, and a web of conflicting evidence. Was this a tragic accident—or something far more sinister?
This episode dives deep into the events leading up to that fateful night, the volatile relationship between Karen and John, and the explosive courtroom battle that followed.
Highlights Include:
A nor’easter, a night of drinking, and a body in the snow
Broken taillight fragments and a strand of hair on a bumper
Angry voicemails and texts that paint a volatile relationship
Scratches, a German Shepherd, and theories of a dog attack
Missing surveillance footage and suspicious Google searches
A courtroom showdown with over 600 exhibits and 70 witnesses
A relationship rekindled during the pandemic—and unraveling in tragedy
Medical findings that challenge the prosecution’s narrative
Resources & Links
True Crime Today Podcast: The Trial of Karen Read
A Guide to the Karen Read Case
Karen Read & John O'Keefe's Relationship | Vinnie Politan Investigates
Did Dunkin' Donuts Fight Uncover Deeper Issues in Read, O'Keefe Relationship?
Conspiracy in Canton
A Timeline of the Karen Read Case and the Story Behind the High-profile Massachusetts Murder Trial
Karen Read Case: These Are the Key Players to Know
Karen Read's Angry Voicemails to John O'Keefe
Unpacking the Second Trial and Verdict That Cleared Karen Read of Murder
Lead Investigator in Karen Read Case Fired from Massachusetts State Police After Vulgar Texts
Karen Read Accused of Killing Her Police Officer Boyfriend
Missing Video Footage
Conspiracies, Cover-Up Claims, Dog Bite Analysis Swirl In Case Of Boston Cop ‘Taillight Murder’
Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.
https://www.escapepod.live
Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
On Social Media
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Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Imagine meeting someone new, sparks fly, but then your life spirals into a nightmare of endless texts, vandalism, and a murder mystery that sounds straight out of a thriller. This is the chilling true story of Dave Kroupa, a man who found himself at the center of one of the wildest stalking cases of all time.
Highlights Include:
A Love Triangle Turns Deadly: Dave Kroupa’s casual dating life spirals into chaos after meeting Cari Farver—who vanishes just days into their relationship.
Stalked by a Ghost: Dave and his ex Liz Golyar are bombarded with thousands of threatening messages from someone claiming to be Cari… but no one has seen her in years.
A Mother’s Intuition: Cari’s mom, Nancy, refuses to believe her daughter would abandon her son, sparking a deeper investigation.
Detectives with Fresh Eyes: A cold case team reopens the file and uncovers disturbing clues that point to a twisted impersonation.
The Real Stalker Revealed: Liz Golyar, once the victim, is exposed as the mastermind behind the harassment—and possibly Cari’s murder.
Digital Deception & Forensic Breakthroughs: From masked IP addresses to blood hidden under a car seat, the truth finally surfaces.
Justice for Cari: A haunting tale of obsession, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of answers.
Resources & Links
Netflix, Lover, Stalker, Killer (2024)
The Mysterious Murder of Cari Farver and How Digital Evidence Helped Crack the Case
Horrific Stalking Case Was Jealous Lover's Cover for Murder
‘It can happen to anyone’: Man Shares Story of Stalking, Survival at Omaha Women’s Event
Pictures of Liz Golyar (left) and Cari Farver (right) in Netflix's "Lover, Stalker, Killer."
NetflixDave Kroupa Netflix
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Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
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Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In this delightfully absurd and thought-provoking episode, we dive headfirst into the chaos of escape scenarios with a twist—each one wrapped in a “Would You Rather” dilemma that blends trauma, healing, and hilarity. From dodging donut-wielding ex-cops to navigating the foster care system on a unicycle, we explore the wild ways people might choose to flee their circumstances… if only life came with a costume budget and a flair for the dramatic.
Highlights Include:
Choosing between cat video spam or donut-stalking ex-cops
Escaping toxic relationships via llama farming or mime therapy
Facing court in a clown suit vs. deliberating among pool toys
Tackling childhood trauma recovery in rhyme or in a chicken suit
And yes, living in a taco-shaped tiny house while wearing a sombrero
Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or just someone who appreciates the healing power of humor, this episode invites you to laugh, reflect, and imagine your own escape—one ridiculous choice at a time.
Tune in for a ride of empathy, absurdity, and escape artistry.
Resources & Links
Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.
https://www.escapepod.live
Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?
General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live
Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live
On Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapePod.traumedy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape_pod_podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Escape_Pod_podcast/videos
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | AmazonMusic | iHeartRadio

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.
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.

$10per month
This patron level is for supporters who are all-in!
~Get a special shout-out on the show.
~Receive a hand-written thank you from the hosts with a special Escape Pod sticker.
~Gain access to gated patron-only bonus content and ad-free episodes.
~Participate in our patrons-only Facebook page.
~Vote on future show topics.

$5per month
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.
~Get a special shout-out on the show.
~Receive a hand-written thank you from the hosts with a special Escape Pod sticker.
~Gain access to gated patron-only bonus content and ad-free episodes.
~Participate in our patrons-only Facebook page.
$2per month
This patron level is in honor of people struggling in the crisis of poverty and who feel moved to support the show and our mission to help people just like them.
~Get a special shout-out on the show.
~Receive a thank-you email from the hosts.
The EscapePod podcast and content posted is presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes.