Episodes

This week I talk with my guest Terri Kozlowski. After living with a lifetime of abandonment by her mother and dealing with childhood sexual assault she learned how to take off the masks and the armor she hid behind to become a survivor instead of a victim. Terri now has a podcast called Soul Solutions and is also the author of Raven Transcending Fear. How to contact: https://terrikozlowski.com/soul-solutions-podcast https://terrikozlowski.com https://www.amazon.com/Raven-Transcending-Fear-Terr...

This week I talk with my guest LaDonna Humphrey. LaDonna is an award-winning writer and an advocate for victims of crime with her nonprofit called All the Lost Girls. Her main passion is finding justice for 19-year-old Melissa Witt. On the evening of December 1, 1994, Melissa, showed up at Bowling World in Fort Smith Arkansas to meet up with her mother, but she never made it inside. It may have been 30 years since her body was discovered, but it stays fresh in her mind. LaDonna also advocates ...

This week I talk with my guest Jeff Himes who has 25 years of experience as an investigator with the Arapaho Colorado police force and 19 years of experience dealing with sex crimes against children, and working with the FBI to catch internet predators, Johns, and organized stings. Jeff shares red flags to look for if you think someone is being trafficked, what to do, and what happens along the way. www.missingkids.org Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://www.truecrimeconnections.com htt...

This week I talk with my guest Amy Nordhues who not only survived childhood sexual abuse but sexual abuse as an adult, this time at the hands of her therapist. Just because someone has more power than you, does not mean that you cannot say no! Amy is now an advocate and the author of Prayed Upon Breaking Free from Therapist Abuse How to contact: https://amynordhues.com https://www.amazon.com/Prayed-Upon-Breaking-Therapist-Abuse-ebook/dp/B09HR9TN3N?ref_=ast_author_dp Shoot me a text! Support t...

This week I talked with my guest Sandy Kirkham. At age sixteen, she was so excited to find herself accepted by a church and their new pastor. After five years of grooming, gaslighting, and emotional abuse, she was able to walk away but kept it secret for twenty-seven years. Sandy is now the author of "Let Me Prey Upon You" which details the five-year relationship, how she suppressed it for so many years, the toll it took on her, and her recovery journey. Let go of blaming yourself! How to cont...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessie Torres, a survivor who has overcome immense challenges. From enduring sexual abuse as a young girl to the heartbreaking loss of both her brothers to murder, Jessie’s resilience shines through. But her story doesn’t end there. As a life coach, she now guides others toward their light, embracing their beautiful messiness. Tune in for inspiration and remember: Don’t hold back—share your essence generously! How to contact: https://www.fiercegracetra...

This week I talk with my guest Clinton Dye. At the early age of five, he witnessed his mother shoot his father in the chest during a domestic dispute. He shares his story, his life lessons, how to be successful, and how to be your best version. If you ever considered getting a life coach for some tough love this is your opportunity to see what that looks like. Oh, and by the way ladies he admits that men are the problem! How to contact: https://www.instagram.com/sandiego_clinton1 Shoot me a t...

I sit down with Marlene McConnell, whose life took a harrowing turn right after high school. Excitement for her college years was abruptly halted when she returned home to a robbery in progress—a traumatic event that left her beaten, raped, and clinging to life. But Marlene’s story doesn’t end there. She now imparts a powerful lesson: Time is the one resource we can never reclaim, and holding onto trauma only steals precious moments. Her message? Forgive, empower yourself, and emerge as an unyi...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Laura Spaulding, whose journey began while working as a police officer on a homicide case. A grieving mother asked her a poignant question: What should they do with the house? Who cleans up after such a tragedy? This moment of realization sparked a mission. Laura founded Spaulding Decon in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. Her company specializes in crime scene cleanup, drug lab remediation, and hoarding cleanup. Join us as we explore Laura’s compassionate a...

In this week’s episode, I talk with David McClam, a father of six and a survivor of abuse. His story begins with the painful experiences he endured as a young boy, victimized by his father. As he grew older, David found himself trapped in abusive marriages—five in total. His courage to share his journey sheds light on an important truth: Men, too, face abuse. Tune in to hear David’s powerful story of survival and resilience. How to Contact: https://www.truecrimeandauthors.com/ https://podcasts....

This week I talk with Kateryna Semeniuk, who invites us to explore the transformative power of rewriting our stories. What if we could confront past childhood trauma, navigate through painful experiences, and even face the loss of loved ones—all while emerging whole and renewed? Kateryna guides us in dismantling the self-imposed blocks that hinder our growth. Join us as we embark on a journey toward prosperity, fulfillment, and a fresh perspective. How to contact: Kate Semeniuk Hypnotherapy | ...

This week I talked with Dr. Joni Johnson Psy. D., a multifaceted expert in the world of crime. As a forensic psychologist, private investigator, and crime writer, Joni takes us on a gripping exploration—from dissecting the infamous Betty Broderick case to diving into the timeless nature vs. nurture debate. But that’s not all! Joni penned the book on serial killers: “101 Questions True Crime Fans Ask About Serial Killers.” And if you’re a fan of Oxygen’s “Snapped,” you might recognize her insigh...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Courtney Lewis, whose life took an unexpected turn. Imagine discovering that your entire existence felt like a carefully woven lie. Courtney believed her family was unremarkable and relatively small—until her thirties shattered that illusion. Prepare for jaw-dropping revelations: from “dead” relatives springing back to life to the mind-boggling revelation of having 23 siblings. And if that’s not enough, we delve into the world of drug-smuggling pigeons. Tune ...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Mechele Wingle, a Neuro-linguistic programmer and the visionary behind The Wholeness Network. She sheds light on the profound impact of early child connection, emphasizing that trauma resides within our nervous system. Childhood trauma leaves imprints on both body and soul, affecting our well-being in ways we might not fully grasp. But here’s the exciting part: By harnessing the power of your mind, you can achieve remarkable transformations. Whether it’s shed...

In this episode, I talk with Lyn Barrett, a woman who has dissociative identity disorder (DID), also known as multiple personality disorder. Lyn shares how she discovered that she had DID in her 30s, after suffering from childhood trauma that left lasting effects on her mind and body. Lyn also explains the symptoms and challenges of living with DID and the ways she has found to cope and heal. This powerful and eye-opening conversation will help you understand more about this complex and often m...

In this episode of Crime Over Cocktails, I get personal and reveal the story behind the podcast. You’ll see and hear the real ME (YouTube), and learn what motivates, inspires, and challenges me. You’ll also find out how I got interested in crime, what made me change my career path, and what my goals are for the future. This is a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and mind of your favorite podcast host. Don’t miss it! Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://www.truecrimeconnections.com h...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Vic Ferrari, a seasoned former NYPD detective who’s witnessed it all. Vic regales us with some of the most memorable and downright hilarious tales from his time in the narcotics unit, the chop shops, and even domestic violence calls. But that’s not all—Vic also shares his retirement journey and his passion for writing books based on his experiences. Get ready for a fun-filled conversation that offers a unique glimpse into the life of a cop navigating the bust...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Anissa Hudak, a remarkable two-time rape survivor who discovered healing through trauma yoga. Anissa’s journey led her to a beautiful place: she now teaches yoga to other woman survivors, witnessing their transformative process firsthand. Join us as we explore the profound impact of yoga, resilience, and the strength that emerges when survivors come together. How to Contact: https://www.anissahudak.com/ Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://www.truecrim...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Diana Winkler, a survivor who emerged from an abusive Christian marriage and found the strength to leave a cult-like church—even when it meant leaving loved ones behind. Diana’s courage led her to a new path: she’s now an author, dedicated to helping others facing similar struggles. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and the message of hope she carries: There is a way out. How to Contact: https://alifeofthrive.com/2021/10/13/abuse/ Shoot me a t...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Raven Scott, a courageous survivor of narcissistic abuse. As the author of “Empath and The Narcissist,” she dives deep into the harsh reality of dating a narcissist. Brace yourself—it’s time to uncover the unvarnished truth. And remember, you can never change them. Tune in for candid insights that might just save your heartache! How to Contact: https://www.amazon.com/Empath-Narcissist-Healing-People-Pleasers/dp/B097327ZCK Shoot me a text! Support the show h...

This week, I sit down with Christina Foxwell, a transition coach, to discuss her journey from an abusive marriage to finding her voice. Christina generously shares her transformative tools, emphasizing that we are inherently “wired to survive How to Contact: https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Angel-transformation-Unlocking-Potential-ebook/dp/B0B9QMHMWB Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://www.truecrimeconnections.com https://www.instagram.com/truecrimeconnectionspodcast/ www.tiktok.com/@truecri...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Jan Canty, Ph.D., a remarkable homicide survivor who discovered her purpose after enduring the high-profile murder of her husband in 1985. Jan’s husband fell victim to John Carl Fry and a prostitute he had been secretly supporting. Drawing from her own experiences, Jan compassionately shares invaluable advice for families navigating similar life-altering situations she knows firsthand just how cruel the media and public can be. She shares tips to help other f...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Charles Smith, who transformed from a homeless veteran to a prolific 7-time book author. Charles candidly recounts his experiences overseas, the pain of family loss, and the depths of depression. He also opens up about a pivotal moment: his suicide attempt, which he now reflects on with immense gratitude that it was not successful. How to Contact: https://www.lifelongexperience.net https://www.awarerecoverycare.com Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://w...

In this week’s episode, I talk with Donna, the author of “I’ll Pray for You.” Donna courageously shares her journey as a domestic abuse survivor. Her powerful realization? Everyone deserves personal space and the right to say NO, regardless of the abuser’s influence. How to Contact: https://www.authordwayles.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Pray-You-Christian-Surviving-ebook/dp/B08K8CFSFG Shoot me a text! Support the show htpps://www.truecrimeconnections.com https://www.instagram.com/truecrimec...