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A podcast about cults, extreme belief, and manipulation – from two hosts who’ve actually lived it. Hosted by Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or manipulation? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
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Growing Up In Polygamy

Growing Up In Polygamy

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Sam sharing what it was like growing up in the polygamous FLDS group, his experiences leaving the group when he was 18 and his journey to where he is now. His wife Melissa is his co-host, asking the questions that everyone from the outside is thinking.
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shunned

shunned

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Religious and cult ideologies often use the practice of shunning to silence their critics and to control their members through fear. This podcast sheds light on shunning through real life stories as told by the people that have lived through it. Learn what their lives were like and where they have ended up in life after being shunned. Featuring stories from Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, Amish, Mennonite, FLDS, the Moonies, and more, you will learn about the real lives of former members t ...
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Platinum Ranch

Fez Gielen

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Platinum Ranch is in the middle of the outskirts, where the periphery is the polaris. It's a meeting place for storytellers, for meandering conversation about what’s learned and unlearned along our travails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We all would like to think that we're immune to being persuaded, but were that true, advertising wouldn't work, the best candidates would always get elected, and our personal relationships would always be equitable. On Belief examines why, with so much information available to us to dissuade us from joining harmful groups. I ask people who have had first hand experience with harmful groups and sects how they were seduced, how they were tricked, and how they got out.
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True Crime Arizona

Briana Whitney

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Arizona’s Family journalists Briana Whitney and Serjio Hernandez take a deep dive into both unsolved and solved cases around Arizona — retracing steps, uncovering new evidence, and revealing new theories from those involved in the investigations.
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Dark Sisters Opera

Dark Sisters Opera

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DARK SISTERS is a new American opera, with music by Nico Muhly and libretto by Stephen Karam. Co-commissioned and Co-produced by Gotham Chamber Opera, Music-Theatre Group and Opera Company of Philadelphia. DARK SISTERS is a suspenseful, emotional, and lyrical depiction of one woman's struggle with life and faith and the universal dilemma of whether to stay or leave.The opera opens a window into the lives of Eliza and her sister wives, members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints ...
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The Profiling Evil Podcast delves into unsolved criminal cases from around the world. We look into the mind of the predator and talk about crime motivation, victim selection and behavior. Some episodes examine how investigators work and how they capitalize on mistakes made by the offender. Your host, Mike King, retired after a distinguished law enforcement career where he served as Chief of Staff to Utah Attorney General Jan Graham and Weber County Attorney Reed M. Richards. He learned polic ...
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Join us as we laugh through our fears and talk about topics we get paranoid for caring about. We cover everything from true crime to natural disasters, phobias to parasites, and everything in between. New episodes Mondays. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ynp/support
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From Crime to Crime

Erica Mead/Grant Avise

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A true crime podcast hosted by two best friends that discuss cases they follow. The topics they discuss include John and Jane Does, missing persons, murder, abductions and everything in between .
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The Last Resort Podcast

The Last Resort Podcast

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The Last Resort Podcast is a podcast where three twenty-somethings discuss cults, conspiracies, mysteries, and do a whole lot of shooting the shit. We hope you find us when you’ve reached your last resort.
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Investigative journalist Elizabeth Vargas teams up with former members of controversial organizations to tell the stories of believers and leaders of cults in CULTS AND EXTREME BELIEFS PODCAST. In our after show, we’re teaming up to explain the unbelievable stories revealed from those who’ve seen the other side of cult life. Tune in here for reviews, recaps and in-depth discussions of the latest episodes, as well as the insider scoop from cast and crew members on the show.
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The Missing Children Project

The Missing Children Project

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As a compassionate and caring community, we should never stop looking for missing children. That’s why The Missing Children Project, a non-profit and community-led mission, is working together to locate missing children and to provide answers to their worried families across the United States. If you want to be part of this noble cause, tune in to our podcast and YouTube channel to learn more. Let’s make a difference together: https://www.themissingchildrenproject.org
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Dive into the disturbing reality of child brides in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) under Warren Jeffs' leadership. This video explores the dark underbelly of polygamy, coercion, and generational control within cults like the FLDS in Caliente, Nevada. Learn how leaders manipulated families, exploited young girl…
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In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, Jaden discusses the current state of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) under the leadership of Warren Jeffs and how the community has been disrupted. Despite Jaden himself not being in a position to lead the FLDS due to past statements, he outlines a comprehensive strat…
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In this video, we react to How I Left My Cult and its episode on the FLDS and Yearning for Zion Ranch. The documentary does a great job covering Warren Jeffs’ rise to power and the experiences of his 8th wife and her son, but one thing stood out to us—how it makes it seem like the FLDS is down to just a “handful” of people. The truth is, the FLDS i…
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There are some stories in the world of true crime that pull you in and won’t let go. You know the ones—those cases where the deeper you dig, the more sinister it gets. The murder of Charles Vallow is one of those stories. If you’ve been following the unraveling case of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, you already know how twisted things get. But Charl…
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Growing Up in a Cult? Interview with John Walsh | Jaden Jeffs Podcast On this episode of the Jaden Jeffs Podcast, we sit down with John Walsh, who opens up about his unique upbringing in Homestead Heritage, a community often perceived as a cult. John discusses the strict regulations, his personal experiences, and the evolution of the community over…
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Three headline-grabbing murder cases—Lori Vallow Daybell in Arizona, Karen Read in Massachusetts, and Luigi Mangione in New York City—are raising serious questions about courtroom strategy, press freedom, and how far the legal system can (or should) go to control public perception. From digital journalists being blocked from the courtroom to debate…
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Just days before her high-profile trial is set to begin in Phoenix, so-called “Doomsday Mom” Lori Vallow Daybell sat down for an interview with True Crime Arizona. “I’m fighting for my life here,” she told True Crime Arizona correspondent Briana Whitney. She’s set to represent herself in a murder conspiracy trial in the 2019 death of her fourth hus…
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Buckle up, true crime fans—jury selection has begun in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial, and it’s already buzzing… literally. Hidden under her courtroom clothes? A RACC Belt—basically a taser vest ready to deliver 70,000 volts if she gets too divine. Let’s talk about the challenge ahead for the court while finding a little levity in the shocking detai…
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Season 3 of Big Love is an absolute whirlwind, and the second half takes the drama to a whole new level! From Nikki’s nonstop betrayals to Barb’s heartbreaking excommunication, and that one cursed letter that seems to destroy everyone in its path—there’s way too much to unpack. Join us as we break down the never-ending twists, turns, and emotional …
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Being part of a destructive cult can feel like there’s no way out—but there is hope. In this video, we explore why people willingly join cults and what keeps them loyal, even when the group becomes harmful. If you’re in a cult and questioning your choices, we’ll guide you on how to leave safely and rebuild your life. For family and friends, we’ll s…
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It’s been almost 8 years, a whole lot of work, and here we are sitting at episode 200 of the Shunned Podcast. Episode 100 featured 100 things you need to know to heal from Jehovah’s Witnesses, and this episode will feature a lot of ways that the cult may have impacted you that you never thought about. If you watch or listen to this episode, I’ll be…
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Get ready for the upcoming trial of Lori Vallow Daybell for the murder conspiracy of her husband, Charles Vallow! In this video, we’ll touch on ten critical points you NEED to watch closely. From secret texts to shocking testimonies—these are the moments that could change everything! Stay informed and prepared as this dramatic case unfolds. #LoriVa…
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The death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe in 2022 triggered one of the most polarizing true crime cases in Massachusetts history. Karen Read, his girlfriend, is accused of killing him with her SUV after a night of drinking—but is she a murderer, or the victim of a massive police cover-up? In this deep-dive episode, we break down the shocking …
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Jaden Jeffs interviews John Tucker, offering a deep dive into the Kingston Group, a religious sect with intricate ties to polygamy, business control, and power dynamics. John, who grew up in the group, discusses his complex family history, the group's financial control methods, and the personal struggles he faced, including obtaining a wife and fin…
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In this video, we react to "How I Escaped My Cult" and the shocking story of the Word of Life Christian Church. What started as a small congregation quickly spiraled into a place of fear, manipulation, and abuse. With public humiliation, forced confessions, and extreme indoctrination, this church controlled its members to devastating effects. Join …
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For the first time, the public has access to nearly all of the once classified files in the John F. Kennedy assassination, after President Trump order they all be released. With an expected nearly 80,000 pages, experts and researchers on the case have given insight into some of the biggest revelations they’ve learned as they sift through the new in…
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We're diving into the dramatic start of Big Love Season 3, and tensions are running high. Roman Grant's trial is shaking up the community, and Nikki's desperation for her father's approval leads her to betray other women. Barb faces a frightening cancer scare, Margie struggles with the loss of her mother, and despite it all, Bill is still determine…
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In this video, we’re reacting to "How I Escaped My Cult" Episode 2, which covers the chilling story of Angel's Landing. Unlike many cult leaders who seek massive followings, this leader kept his group small — using manipulation and control for financial gain through life insurance scams. As ex-members of high-demand religions, we couldn’t help but …
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What happens when a stalker doesn’t just want to control their victim—but wants to become a serial killer? The case of Dylan Bish, a 19-year-old criminal justice student who fantasized about murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism, is a chilling reminder of how dangerous some individuals can become. For months, his victim lived in fear, as law enfor…
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The Big Love Season 2 finale is an absolute rollercoaster, and we’re diving into all the drama! From Bill trying to convince his wives to support his gaming business, to Alby poisoning Roman, to Sarah completely losing respect for her family, and Barb questioning everything about polygamy—this episode is packed with tension, betrayal, and major tur…
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Step inside the Las Vegas Mob Museum for an exclusive LIVE interview with mob education director Claire White as we unravel the chilling story of Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel. From his ruthless rise on New York’s streets to his glamorous yet deadly vision for the Flamingo Hotel, discover the darker side of this enigmatic mobster. Was his unsolved murder…
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Tony Alamo and Warren Jeffs—two self-proclaimed prophets who built their empires on fear, control, and manipulation. In this video, we react to How I Escaped My Cult: Tony Alamo and break down the disturbing similarities between Alamo’s group and the FLDS under Jeffs. From isolating their followers to taking child brides, both men used their so-cal…
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Understanding the Laws of Power: Lessons from Warren Jeffs In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, we delve into the complex world of power dynamics, using Warren Jeffs as a case study. We explore the specific laws and rules of power that Jeffs both understood and overlooked, leading to his eventual downfall. This deep dive examines the importa…
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In Big Love Season 2, Episodes 5-8, things take a dramatic turn as Bill secretly courts a potential fourth wife behind his other wives’ backs—because honesty in polygamy is apparently optional! 😳 But that’s not all—this stretch of the show also introduces a new polygamous group that feels eerily similar to the real-life LeBaron cult, known for its …
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Today our guest is Amanda Rae, host of YouTube channel by the same name and former member of the Kingston Clan, or the Order, a polygamist group in Utah, not to be confused with the FLDS. Some of you may remember our previous guest Priscilla from the same group - both of these gals were on Escaping Polygamy. Amanda’s going to tell us who the Kingst…
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In this insightful video, we delve into the concept of circumstantial evidence by drawing a parallel to a vast field of lava rock. Just as a barren lava field indicates a past volcanic eruption without witnessing the event, circumstantial evidence allows us to infer facts in criminal cases without direct observation. We explore how circumstantial e…
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A mother's discovery on her son's phone launched an investigation ​that discovered a terror plot against the Pride Parade in Phoenix. Guest hosts Morgan Loew and Cody Lillich delve into the intricate details of this case, how 17-year-old Marvin Jalo's radicalization led him to plan an attack, and how investigators worked tirelessly to prevent a pot…
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In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, Jaden discusses his father, Warren Jeffs, providing a comprehensive overview of his early life, rise to power within the FLDS church, and subsequent legal and moral controversies. Jaden delves into personal anecdotes and observations, recounting Warren Jeffs' birth in Sacramento, his early designation as …
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Life for Chelynn didn’t exactly get off to an auspicious start when her parents were marked as bad association in the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses as they had her. While is is hard enough to grow up exposed to a cult, further losses only compounded the tough path that she would have to walk. Facing the loss of more than one man that she love…
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In this episode, we dive into Big Love Season 2 and unpack the aftermath of Barb’s "Mother of the Year" disaster. Is she finally realizing she never truly wanted polygamy? Meanwhile, Roman Grant continues to run Juniper Creek like his personal kingdom—but now, there’s a new prophet on the run, and the similarities to Warren Jeffs are uncanny. So, w…
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A chilling crime, a shadowy marsh, and a cover-up that shocks investigators—this is the case of Jennifer Gledhill, accused of murdering her Army soldier husband, Matthew Johnson, and enlisting her secret lover to help dispose of the evidence. New forensic discoveries, secret phone calls, and courtroom bombshells reveal a web of deception and betray…
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Today our guest is Maggie Rowe, former writer on Arrested Development and author of Sin Bravely, a book about her experiences with moral scrupulosity, or sin-focused OCD. We talk a lot about OCD on this show, so here’s a guest who wrote an entire book about growing up with religious obsessions! She’ll tell us about her first obsessions about what w…
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On October 1, 2017, America faced an unfathomable tragedy. Stephen Paddock opened fire from his Mandalay Bay Hotel suite, killing 60 and injuring over 800 during the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Despite extensive investigations, his motives remain unclear, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. In this deep dive, Profiling Evil's Twisted Tales unra…
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In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs Podcast, Jaden delves into the topic of cult leadership, presenting five key tactics that are essential for becoming an effective cult leader. These tactics, also identified as manipulation strategies, include: mastering the vibrations of authenticity, reading emotions effectively, giving people a sense of purpose…
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In part two of our interview with Jaden Jeffs, he reveals the shocking and disturbing revelations that his father, Warren Jeffs, has been sending to his family from prison. As the self-proclaimed prophet of the FLDS, Warren continues to control his followers—even from behind bars. Jaden shares how these messages became too much to bear, the impact …
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In 1965, Charles Schmid became infamously known around the nation as “The Pied Piper of Tucson” after being arrested for the murders of three vanished girls. Their remains were found, and his trial skyrocketed into national news headlines, magazine, and even Playboy. But one young girl watched this unfold in front of her eyes as she slept next to t…
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Ever wondered how accurate Big Love is when it comes to polygamy? In this reaction to Big Love Season 1, Episodes 6-12, we dive deep into the striking similarities between Juniper Creek and the real FLDS community where Sam was raised. From leadership dynamics to family control, the parallels are shocking. We also break down how the Henrickson fami…
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Former evangelical Christian and pastor's son Caleb Ward continues his story of growing up in evangelical culture in the early 2000s. We discuss some of the touchstones of his youth including Heritage USA (Disneyland for Christians) and Christian rock event Creation Festival, as well as his fear of losing his virginity before marriage, what hell to…
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Dive into the hidden history of Cove Fort, Utah—a place where horse thieves, rogue telegraphers, and Prohibition-era bootleggers left their mark. From mysterious road signs to ghostly tales of smuggling, this episode of Twisted Tales by Profiling Evil uncovers the untold stories of this 19th-century fortress. What dark secrets lie within its volcan…
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In this episode of the Jaden Jeffs podcast, host Jaden shares his personal struggles with therapy and emotions, seeking insights from special guest, Mr. ChatGPT. The conversation explores Jaden's frustrations with traditional therapy, the challenge of opening up emotionally in social settings, and the search for a meaningful purpose after leaving a…
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What was it like growing up as the son of Warren Jeffs, the infamous FLDS prophet? In this exclusive interview, Jaden Jeffs shares his firsthand experience of life inside the inner circle of the FLDS church. From living in the prophet’s home alongside his 80 wives to moving between secret compounds in Texas and other states, Jaden reveals what life…
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It’s hard enough growing up different than everyone else because your family is in the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone wants to fit in, to belong, to feel seen and heard and validated. But what if you individually were singled out in the very isolated cult environment at the ripe age of 12 because of rumors started by children and carried out…
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Luigi Mangione is facing serious federal charges, including interstate stalking and murder using a firearm. But his defense team has taken an unusual step—launching a website to shape public opinion. Is this an ethical way to raise funds and control the narrative, or is it an attempt to manipulate the jury pool? Join us as we break down the case, t…
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Did Big Love get it right? In this video, we dive into episodes 2-5 of Big Love and break down how the show portrays Utah culture, mainstream Mormonism, and FLDS polygamy. We compare the Henrickson family's version of plural marriage—living "the principle" without religious ties—to real-world polygamous groups. From secrecy and jealousy to the comp…
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Former pastor's son Caleb Ward joins Lola and Meagan to share his experience about the height of evangelical culture in the early 2000s in a church called Kingdom Life Ministries. Caleb discusses growing up in an environment where everyone was speaking in tongues and having loud prophecies in the middle of church, the pressures that come with being…
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This is the horrifying story of the Return to Nature Funeral Home scandal, where nearly 190 bodies were discovered in appalling conditions, and grieving families were given fake ashes. Owners Jon and Carie Hallford lived lavishly off stolen COVID-19 relief funds while committing unimaginable crimes. Learn how this case led to legal reforms and shat…
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All four of Gabby Petito’s parents—both biological and step—sat down with True Crime Arizona ahead of the Netflix docuseries release on the case. They share who last saw and talked to Gabby of the four of them, what was happening with Gabby right before the "Van Life" trip, and aspects they’re revealing in the new docuseries that nobody has known a…
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Al Capone wasn’t just a gangster—he was a mastermind who built an empire on bootlegging, bribery, and bloodshed. But no event cemented his reputation like the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. On February 14, 1929, seven of Bugs Moran’s men were lined up in a Chicago garage and executed in a hail of seventy bullets. The massacre shocked the nation, t…
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It was an unexpected role reversal! Briana sits down with Mark McClune, the sports director and anchor at 3TV and CBS 5. Why? Because Mark was almost chosen to serve on the jury for a conspiracy to commit murder trial with the death penalty on the table. The case itself is wild: A secret lover, coded text messages, parents at the wrong place at the…
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