⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, domestic violence, and the murder of a minor. Please listen with caution.

In this heavy and heartbreaking episode, your hosts Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle take you into the tragic case of Austin Smith, a young boy whose life was stolen by the very person meant to protect him. This is a case that rattled the community, shocked investigators, and left behind a timeline of violence that was both senseless and terrifying.

We walk you through:

🔪 The Events Leading Up to the Crime
How escalating domestic tensions set the stage for a catastrophic act of violence inside the Smith household.

📄 The Night of the Murders
A detailed breakdown of the horrific sequence of events, including the chilling confession that followed.

🧠 Red Flags & Missed Opportunities
Discussing the behavioral patterns, warning signs, and psychological elements that may have foreshadowed this devastating outcome.

👮 The Investigation
How law enforcement responded, the evidence that shaped the case, and the chilling statements that revealed the killer’s delusional mindset.

💬 Our Thoughts as Moms
Processing this case from a parent’s perspective—how something like this shakes you to your core, and why talking about child abuse matters even when it’s uncomfortable.

As always, we balance the facts, the empathy, and a touch of that Moms Talk Murder raw honesty that helps us all navigate the darkest cases.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or child abuse, please seek help:
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

You are not alone.

Grab your sage, charge your crystals, and maybe keep the TV unplugged tonight—because Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle are diving into one of Hollywood’s creepiest legends: The Poltergeist Curse.

👻 Episode Summary

In 1982, Poltergeist became one of the most iconic haunted house films ever made… but what happened off-set has fueled 40+ years of rumors, tragedy, and straight-up “No thank you, demon.”
This week, the moms break down the strange deaths, eerie coincidences, and very real crimes connected to the cast and crew.

From murdered actresses, to actors dying mysteriously young, to cursed props (seriously—those skeletons were REAL), Hollywood’s happiest haunting suddenly doesn’t seem so fun.

💀 What We Cover

✔ The true story behind the film’s plot and why Steven Spielberg wanted it realistic…
✔ Real skeletons used in filming (because apparently Hollywood couldn’t afford plastic?)
✔ The tragic murder of Dominique Dunne
✔ The sudden death of child star Heather O’Rourke
✔ The curse rumors that even crew members swear by

🔪 True Crime Tie-Ins

In today’s episode, the moms dig into one of the creepiest intersections of pop culture and true crime: the curse of the Joker. From eerie Hollywood tragedies surrounding actors who portrayed the character, to real-life criminals who adopted the chaotic persona, the Joker has left a trail of darkness behind the makeup.

This isn’t Gotham—these are the real crimes, real victims, and real tragedies linked to one of the most infamous villains ever created.

In this episode we talk about:✅ The Hollywood “Joker Curse”

• The haunting stories surrounding actors who played the Joker

• The myth and truth behind Heath Ledger’s death and the urban legends that followed

• Joaquin Phoenix and the intense, unsettling transformation fans worried about

• The coincidence, the curse, or the internet making connections where there aren't any?

• Criminals who dressed as the Joker during violent attacks

• Robberies and stabbings where perpetrators referenced the character

• How the Joker has become a symbol for chaos in some extremist crimes

• The psychology of why villains like the Joker inspire copycats

• The Aurora Theater shooting during The Dark Knight Rises

• The media myth that the shooter “called himself the Joker”

• What was true, what was misleading, and how misinformation shaped public panic

• The victims, the aftermath, and how this forever changed theater security

• The obsession with villain aesthetics

• The blurred line between fandom and fixation

• Why some killers attach themselves to fictional icons

• The power—and danger—of symbolic villains

n this chilling episode, the moms take a trip to the eerie shores of Punderson Lake in Newbury, Ohio — a place known for its peaceful beauty by day and bone-chilling legends by night. Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle dive into the haunted history of Punderson Manor, a once-luxurious lodge turned paranormal hotspot. From ghostly apparitions in the hallways to mysterious splashes in the lake with no one around, this quiet getaway hides a dark past that refuses to rest.

🕯️ What We Talk About:

• The tragic history behind the land and the original Punderson family

• The story of W.B. Cleveland, whose dream of building a grand estate took a sinister turn

• The mysterious manor construction that never seemed to end—and the rumors that it cursed the property

In this chilling episode, the moms dive deep into one of the most documented hauntings in history — The Enfield Poltergeist. From 1977 to 1979, a quiet North London suburb became the center of worldwide attention as a single mother and her children claimed to be tormented by something otherworldly. Furniture moved on its own, toys flew across the room, and disembodied voices echoed through the night.

Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle unpack the timeline of events, the key witnesses, and the evidence that made even skeptics take a second look. Was this truly the work of a malicious spirit… or a clever hoax gone too far?

🏠 Inside the Episode:

• The Hodgson family and how it all began in August 1977

• First-hand accounts from investigators Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair

• The chilling recordings of the entity known as “Bill”

• Ed and Lorraine Warren’s controversial visit

• How The Conjuring 2 reimagined the haunting

• The lasting debate: paranormal phenomenon or psychological disturbance?

This week on Moms Talk Murder, we’re diving into a chilling story set inside a long-abandoned New York slaughterhouse, where whispers of hauntings and strange happenings refuse to fade.

At the heart of this tale are Terrilyn and Sadie, two women whose unsettling experiences inside the building left them questioning what was real…and what wasn’t.

We’ll explore:

• The shadowy history of the slaughterhouse and the energy it still seems to hold.

• Terrilyn and Sadie’s disturbing encounters that turned rumor into legend.

• Why locations tied to violence and loss often carry the heaviest hauntings.

Some stories leave you with more questions than answers—this is one of them.

In this week’s episode, the moms dive deep into the infamous Annabelle doll—the real-life haunted object that inspired one of horror’s most chilling franchises.

We’ll cover:

• The history of the actual Annabelle Raggedy Ann doll and how it came into the possession of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

• The chilling claims of demonic possession, violent attacks, and the doll’s reputation for leaving chaos in its wake.

• The Warrens’ Occult Museum, where Annabelle was locked away behind glass “for everyone’s safety.”

• How Annabelle transitioned from folklore into Hollywood legend through The Conjuring universe.

After we share the real history, we’ll also walk through the Conjuring films in their chronological timeline (not release order!) so you know the best way to binge-watch them:

The Conjuring Universe Movies in Chronological Order:

1. The Nun (set in 1952)

2. Annabelle: Creation (set in 1955)

3. Annabelle (set in the late 1960s, right before The Conjuring)

4. The Conjuring (set in 1971)

5. Annabelle Comes Home (set in the early 1970s, shortly after The Conjuring)

6. The Curse of La Llorona (set in the 1970s)

7. The Conjuring 2 (set in 1977, Enfield haunting)

8. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (set in 1981)

Join us as we unravel the mystery of Annabelle—where legend meets Hollywood horror.

In this follow-up episode, the Moms Talk Murder team dives deeper into the shocking case of Jason Corbett, the Irish father whose life ended tragically in North Carolina. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go back and hear Jason’s story from his early life in Ireland, the loss of his first wife, and how he eventually met Molly Martens.

Now, in Part 2, Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle take you inside the courtroom where the murder trial unfolds. We break down the prosecution’s arguments, the defense’s claims of self-defense, and the pivotal role of Jason’s children in the case. We’ll discuss the shocking verdict, the appeals that followed, and how Jason’s family continues to fight for justice years later.

This episode uncovers the manipulations, the legal twists, and the lingering questions that still divide opinions. Was it truly self-defense, or was Jason silenced in a deadly plot?

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• A recap of Jason Corbett’s final night.

• The Martens’ defense strategy and claims of abuse.

• The emotional testimony and custody battle for Jason’s children.

• The jury’s decision and the sentences handed down.

• Appeals, retrials, and the ongoing legal battles.

• How Jason’s family in Ireland has kept his memory alive.

Grab your coffee (or wine), because this is one case where love, lies, and family collide in the most heartbreaking way.

In this episode of Moms Talk Murder, Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle dive into the heartbreaking and controversial case of Jason Corbett — an Irish father whose life was cut short inside his North Carolina home in 2015.

Jason, a widowed father of two, thought he had found love again when he married Molly Martens. But behind closed doors, tensions built that would eventually explode into a shocking and brutal crime. Jason was killed in his own bedroom, bludgeoned with a brick and a baseball bat by Molly and her father, Thomas Martens.

The case sparked international headlines and divided opinions. Was this a desperate act of self-defense, as Molly and Thomas claimed? Or was it a calculated murder fueled by greed and control, as prosecutors argued?

Join us as we walk through Jason’s story — his life in Ireland, the tragic loss of his first wife, his move to the U.S. for a fresh start, and the events that led to the fatal night in 2015. We’ll break down the trials, appeals, and ultimate verdict, while also discussing the lasting impact on Jason’s children, who were caught in the middle of a devastating family tragedy.

If you like deep dives into true crime cases where nothing is as simple as it seems, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of Moms Talk Murder, we’re diving headfirst into the eerie world of paranormal games people swear can open doors you might not want opened. Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle break down the chilling details of some of the most infamous rituals, including:

• Concentrate – the creepy playground “game” that mimics murder.

• The 11 Mile Game – a dangerous drive that promises your heart’s desire—if you survive.

• The Letter Ritual – writing your way into contact with the other side.

• Devil Face – the terrifying mirror game you should never play alone.

• Ouija Board – the classic tool of spirit communication with a dark history.

• The Answer Man – the high-risk telephone game that might connect you to something not human.

• The Corner Game – a group ritual said to summon supernatural beings.

We’ll explore the rules, the legends, and the warnings behind each one—and ask the ultimate question: are these just creepy urban legends, or dangerous invitations to the unknown?

Join us for a spine-tingling discussion where true crime meets the supernatural. And trust us… after this episode, you might think twice before playing any “game” in the dark.

In this episode of Moms Talk Murder, we dive into the tragic story of Jessie Blodgett, a 19-year-old musician and aspiring teacher from Hartford, Wisconsin, whose life was taken far too soon.

On July 15, 2013, Jessie was discovered murdered in her home, just hours after celebrating her role in a local theater production. The community was left stunned—how could something so horrific happen to such a bright, kind, and talented young woman?

We’ll walk through Jessie’s life and passions, the events leading up to that fateful night, and how investigators pieced together the shocking truth. From early theories to the eventual arrest of someone Jessie once called a friend, we explore the disturbing details that unraveled in this case.

Join us as we discuss:

• Jessie’s dreams, talents, and the vibrant life she lived.

• The crime scene and the puzzling circumstances investigators faced.

• How the case unfolded and the evidence that led to the killer.

• The devastating impact on Jessie’s family, friends, and community.

This is a story of a promising future cut short and the chilling reality of how violence can strike in even the most unexpected places.

In this follow-up episode, Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle continue their deep dive into one of the most infamous unsolved cases in American history: the murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey.

🔍 What We Cover This Episode:

• The Prime Suspects: We examine the main people who have been in the spotlight over the years—including the Ramsey family, neighbors, and outsiders who were investigated.

• Leading Theories: From the intruder theory to the controversial suspicion cast on the family, we break down the evidence, contradictions, and lingering questions that still haunt this case.

• The Only Arrest Ever Made: In 2006, a shocking arrest briefly shook the case—but ended in disappointment. We unpack who it was, why law enforcement thought they had their suspect, and why charges were ultimately dropped.

• Public Fascination & Media Frenzy: How press coverage shaped the investigation, the Ramsey family’s public image, and the cultural obsession that still surrounds JonBenét’s case decades later.

  
  

🎙️ Why You’ll Want to Listen:

This episode isn’t just about revisiting the evidence—it’s about peeling back the layers of speculation and asking why, after all this time, the murder of JonBenét Ramsey remains unsolved. Was it a botched investigation, misinterpreted evidence, or something more sinister?

Grab your coffee, your wine, or both—and join us as we talk suspects, theories, and the twists that keep us coming back to this case.

Just a quick minute to say THANK YOU to all of our listeners. From day one, your support has kept us going, and we couldn’t do this without you. Whether you’ve been with us from the very first case or you’re just joining our true crime family, we’re so grateful you’re here.

Stick with us because we’ve got more chilling stories, deep dives, and late-night mom-convos on the way. Make sure you’re following Moms Talk Murder wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

And as always—stay safe, hug your kids tight, and keep talking murder with us.

This week, the moms take you on a dark journey down America’s highways with the chilling story of Robert Ben Rhoades, better known as the Truck Stop Killer. Behind the wheel of his 18-wheeler, Rhoades turned the open road into his personal hunting ground. What seemed like a normal truck cab was actually outfitted with shackles, chains, and unimaginable horrors.

We dive into his disturbing background, the twisted double life he led, and how his reign of terror along the interstate finally came to an end. From the shocking discovery of his mobile torture chamber to the heartbreaking stories of his victims, this case reveals the terrifying dangers that lurk in the most ordinary of places.

• Rhoades’ early life and troubling signs of abuse and sadism.

• How he used his trucking job to stalk and abduct unsuspecting women.

• The terrifying transformation of his cab into a mobile dungeon.

• The story of Regina Walters, whose haunting final photograph became infamous.

• The investigation and arrest that finally stopped him after decades of crimes.

• The ripple effect his crimes had on families and the trucking community.

In this episode, Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle take you back to Christmas 1996 in Boulder, Colorado — a time and place that should have been filled with holiday joy but instead became the scene of one of the most infamous and heartbreaking true crime cases in American history.

Six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, a child beauty queen with a dazzling smile and a string of pageant titles, was found murdered in her family’s home the day after Christmas. What followed was a media frenzy, a web of theories, and decades of unanswered questions.

We break down the case from the mysterious ransom note to the conflicting timelines, bizarre police handling, and the endless debate over whether the killer was inside the house that night… or a stranger lurking outside. Was it a botched kidnapping? A family cover-up? Or something far more sinister?

Grab your coffee (or wine, we don’t judge) as we unpack the evidence, discuss the theories, and get into why this case still grips the world nearly 30 years later. And of course — we’ll share our own takes, theories, and the parts of the investigation that keep us up at night.

This episode includes:

• 📜 The 2.5-page ransom note and why it still baffles investigators

• 🏠 The strange layout of the Ramsey home

• 👗 JonBenét’s pageant life and media portrayal

• 🕵️‍♀️ Major theories: family involvement vs. intruder

• ⚖️ How law enforcement missteps shaped the investigation

• 🗣️ Our unfiltered thoughts and which theory we lean toward

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the murder of a child, potential sexual abuse, and graphic crime scene details. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode contains discussion of death, suicide, and chronic/ terminal illness. If someone you love is struggling, please seek help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988

This week the moms, Brooke, Chelsie, and Michelle dive into the life, legacy, and controversy surrounding Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the man dubbed "Dr. Death". Known for assisting in over 130 suicides. We explore the dark complex story of a man who death not as a crime but as compassion.

Join Brooke, Michelle, and Chelsie as they dive into the chilling and unresolved case of Crystal Rogers in the seemingly quaint town of Bardstown. In this gripping episode of Mom's Talk Murder, they unravel the mystery surrounding Crystal's disappearance and the tangled web involving a family deeply enmeshed in suspicion and deceit.

While the investigation was riddled with missteps and concerning connections, the determination of Crystal's family led to significant discoveries. The episode explores the shocking involvement of Brooks Houck—Crystal's boyfriend—and his family's possible conspiracy to cover up the crime.

From the bizarre incidents leading up to Crystal's disappearance to the chilling evidence suggesting more sinister plans, our hosts engross you in a narrative filled with heartbreak, determination, and the pursuit of justice. Tune in as they navigate through this true crime enigma, shining a light on the dark secrets affecting an entire community.

In this chilling episode of Mom's Talk Murder, the hosts delve into the gruesome and perplexing events that unfolded in a Canton, Ohio home in 2022. Join Brooke, Michelle, and Chelsie as they explore the complex web of relationships and horrifying acts that led to a murder trial. The story begins with two men, who courageously testified about their harrowing experiences of being held captive and tortured.

The episode sheds light on the shocking discovery of three victims, one of whom was found dead, and the intricate connections between six individuals facing charges including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and gross abuse of a corpse. As the hosts navigate through the tangled stories of drug use, betrayal, and unimaginable cruelty, they bring to life the disturbing reality of a case marked by violence and betrayal.

Listeners will be taken on a captivating journey through the legal proceedings against 44-year-old Jeremy Morlock and others involved, revealing how the case became a poignant reflection of human depravity and the search for justice. Don't miss this gripping discussion that exposes the depths of horror some can inflict upon others.

In this gripping episode of Moms Talk Murder, hosts Brooke, Michelle, and Chelsie delve into the chilling case of the murder of Brad Dinolfo, the well-known owner of the Grandview Inn Tavern in Dover, Ohio. This episode uncovers the disturbing details of his brutal murder on July 17, 1989, with shocking twists including a massive police investigation, local eyewitness accounts, and the eventual arrest of Robert Clark Reardon Jr. for the heinous crime.

Listen as they navigate through the complexities surrounding the murder, the trial, and the shocking confessions that emerged, painting a sinister picture of betrayal and violence within the community. This episode is a roller-coaster of emotions, packed with insights and revelations that question the motive behind one of Dover's most unsettling murder cases.

Join Brooke, Michelle, and Chelsie in this gripping episode of Mom's Talk Murder as they delve into the chilling mystery of Crystal Rogers' disappearance in Bardstown, Kentucky. Chelsie leads the conversation, unraveling a tale of haunting disappearances and mysterious murders that have left the town in turmoil.

The episode explores the events leading to Crystal's vanishing on July 3, 2015, and the subsequent discovery of her abandoned car. As suspicions arise, the local police department's handling of the case comes under scrutiny. The discussion deepens with the involvement of Crystal's boyfriend, Brooks Houck, and his brother Nick Houck, a police officer, both entangled in a web of intrigue and suspicion.

The trio also investigates the tragic murder of Tommy Ballard, Crystal's father, who relentlessly sought answers, and the chilling connections to other unsolved crimes in the area, including the murder of officer Jason Ellis. As they uncover the layered facets of this true crime saga, the podcast paints a picture of a small town fraught with secrets, fear, and unanswered questions.