Motherhood is Murder

Valerie Kacian

Welcome to Motherhood is Murder, a podcast where we explore criminal cases and the lessons we can learn from them. I am your host, Valerie Kacian. I am a mom of three who has been on the quest to understand the criminal mind for longer than I can remember. I have noticed that behind each crime there is not only a story that can be told, but something to be learned. This podcast is designed to provide you with both. Each Tuesday, we will discuss a case, as well as steps that can be taken to build awareness surrounding the issues presented in the case.

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Top 10 Motherhood is Murder Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Motherhood is Murder episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Motherhood is Murder for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Motherhood is Murder episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ep 33: The Smuttynose Murders Part One

Motherhood is Murder

12/05/23 • 37 min

We are back! I am excited to bring you a historical two-parter for the month of December. We take it back to 1873 on a cold evening in March on an island far away from everyone else off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Here a family of a fisherman were brutally murdered one evening. The facts of the case of dismal and shocking. Part One covers a brief history of Smuttynose Island on the Isle of Shoals, family history, and the events that took place the evening of the murders.
Sources:
https://newengland.com/yankee/history/smuttynose-murders/
https://www.nhmagazine.com/moonlight-murders-on-smuttynose-island/

Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated!
Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/
Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder
Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder
Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod
Email: [email protected]

Motherhood is Murder Returns December 5

Motherhood is Murder

11/24/23 • 1 min

Hi All! After a bit of a hiatus, we are returning on Tuesday, December 5. I am excited to offer you a 2-part episode exploring The Smuttynose Murders. What happened, why are we still fascinated by this case today, and what does that say about us then and now. See you all then!

Ep 32: Halloween Special

Motherhood is Murder

10/31/23 • 45 min

Welcome to Motherhood is Murder 1st Annual Halloween Special. This week we will break format (once again!) to explore three lesser-known stories of New England lore. I will also share a scary story from my childhood that is a lesson in be care what you wish (or ask) for. Have a happy & safe Halloween season!
Stories:

Headless Skeleton of Swampton (RI)
Haunted Blood Forest of Lancaster (MA)
Dover Devil (MA)
Will You Visit Me Tonight? (Personal story, MA)

No episode next week! We'll be back Tues, Nov 14.
SOURCES:
https://www.strange-new-england.com/2017/09/28/headless-skeleton-swampton/
https://soundcloud.com/strange_new_england/strange-history-e1-the-headless-skeleton-of-swampton
https://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/town-forest-committee/pages/history-town-forest
https://www.slightlyoddfitchburg.com/2021/05/the-strange-case-of-arthur-blood-and.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dover_Demon
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/picture-gallery/news/2021/10/18/photos-dover-demon-art-and-life/8472188002/
https://www.theyankeexpress.com/2022/01/05/380479/the-dover-demon

Ep 31: Spooky, Scary Hauntings with Shirley Jackson / Bonus Missing Persons Case

Motherhood is Murder

10/17/23 • 41 min

Hi All! This time around I am trying out a new format with an unscripted episode. Our featured author is the every spooky Shirley Jackson whose works have scared the pants off of readers in the 1940's. We'll also cover a missing persons case that happened in the small college town in VT where Shirley lived and wrote.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Jackson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Jean_Welden

Ep 30: The "King" of Horror

Motherhood is Murder

10/10/23 • 31 min

This week we continue our exploration of Spooky Authors for October. This prolific author has created an array of horror pieces all of which have hit the publication charts and many of which have been adapted for movies and TV shows.
Born in Maine, Stephen King has created worlds that have entertained and truly frightening millions. This week we explore his life, history, works and process. Enjoy!
SOURCES:
https://stephenking.com/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King

Ep 29: The Genius of H. P. Lovecraft

Motherhood is Murder

10/03/23 • 33 min

It is officially Spooky Season! October will have a slightly different format to usher in the spookiest month of the year. We will explore horror and spooky authors in New England throughout the month studying their background, works and influence.
This week we dive deep into the cosmic world of H. P. Lovecraft. A native of Providence, RI who struggled with mental illness, H. P. Lovecraft began what we now know to be science fiction. His work has influenced horror fiction, science fiction, graphic novels, comic books, movies, and so much more. A person who studied mythology since the age of 5, Lovecraft has become a myth in and of himself.
Join me as we discuss his influence.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._Lovecraft

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_magazine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0APF-1f5pc0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cthulhu_Mythos

Ep 28: Crimes at UMass Amherst / Keeping Students Safe on Campus

Motherhood is Murder

09/26/23 • 41 min

After a short hiatus, I am back! This week we will discuss crimes on campus at UMass Amherst from the 1990's when I attended to today. Please note that these crimes depict cases of sexual assault. If this would be upsetting please skip this episode as there is some great content ahead! We will also discuss the UMass campus response to these crimes, ask the question "can they do more?", and discuss the systemic issues surrounding these cases.
There's lots here to unpack!
SOURCES:
https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/1999/11/22/assaults-on-four-women-leave/51024442007/

https://www.masslive.com/news/2022/03/five-months-after-protests-over-sexual-assault-and-greek-life-erupted-at-umass-amherst-what-has-changed.html

https://www.masslive.com/police-fire/2022/03/ryder-chilcoff-former-umass-amherst-student-found-guilty-of-on-campus-2017-rape.html

https://umlconnector.com/2021/10/protests-at-theta-chi-fraternity-at-umass-amherst/#:~:text=Recent%20sexual%20assault%20allegations%20against,18.

https://www.westernmassnews.com/2022/03/29/umass-amherst-planning-implement-new-sexual-assault-prevention-protocols/

https://www.umass.edu/umassmag/archives/2001/winter2001/athens.html

Ep 27: Harvard University Murder / Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care

Motherhood is Murder

09/12/23 • 28 min

Welcome to episode 27, the one with all the bugs and workarounds. Persistence has paid off and although this episode is a pretty much a rough cut with no music and just enough editing, it’s a good one. You will not be sorry you listened, but... you may have to turn up the volume.
This week we discuss the murder of Trang Phuong Ho who was murdered by her room mate Tadesse Sinedu. The case brought up questions about what Harvard University had been doing to support those with mental health concerns in 1995. The discussion has continued into current times. We’ll discuss the state of mental health services today and barriers to accessing care.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Trang_Phuong_Ho

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/3/23/hostage-to-the-past/

https://genevievealdi.medium.com/a-duty-to-intervene-the-murder-of-trang-ho-and-resources-forcollege-student-mental-health-2c379970fb98

https://www.aamc.org/advocacy-policy/aamc-research-and-action-institute/barriers-mental-health-care

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928067/

Ep 26: Wayne Lo School Shooting / Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Motherhood is Murder

09/05/23 • 38 min

New month, new topic! September we will discuss crimes on college campuses in New England. We will also discuss psychological attributes of the offenders.
This week we discuss the Wayne Lo School Shooting at Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington, MA in 1992. Wayne Lo was a gifted violin prodigy that went on to murder 2 people and injure 4 others in a school shooting that seemed to come without warning. Listen to the episode to learn more about the case, how the school reacted prior to the shooting, and the events following the horrific event. We will also discuss narcissistic traits and personality disorder.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bard_College_at_Simon%27s_Rock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Lo

https://www.npr.org/2017/12/08/568929063/simon-s-rock-shooting-anniversary

https://goneboy.com/the-galen-gibson-fund/

https://www.chopso.org/an-open-letter-from-wayne-lo/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1993/rt9301/930103/01030216.htm

https://www.scandinaviantraveler.com/en/15-things-that-happened-in-1992/

Ep 34: Smuttynose Murders Part 2 / Antisocial Personality Disorder

Motherhood is Murder

12/12/23 • 49 min

Welcome to episode 34. We dive into the aftermath of the Smuttynose murders, the trial of Louis Wagner, theories, modern interpretations, and a discussion on antisocial personality disorder. There is lots to explore here!
SOURCES:
https://www.seacoastnh.com/why-louis-wagner-was-smuttynose-slayer/?showall=1#:~:text=Maren%20Hontvet%20went%20berserk%3F,Wagner%20was%20the%20guilty%20man.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353928

https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-03710-y#:~:text=Various%20studies%20have%20been%20shown,and%2084%25%20%5B3%5D.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Motherhood is Murder have?

Motherhood is Murder currently has 36 episodes available.

What topics does Motherhood is Murder cover?

The podcast is about True Crime and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Motherhood is Murder?

The episode title 'Ep 33: The Smuttynose Murders Part One' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Motherhood is Murder?

The average episode length on Motherhood is Murder is 33 minutes.

How often are episodes of Motherhood is Murder released?

Episodes of Motherhood is Murder are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Motherhood is Murder?

The first episode of Motherhood is Murder was released on Jan 19, 2023.

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Motherhood is Murder

Valerie Kacian

Top 10 Motherhood is Murder Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Motherhood is Murder have?

What topics does Motherhood is Murder cover?

What is the most popular episode on Motherhood is Murder?

What is the average episode length on Motherhood is Murder?

How often are episodes of Motherhood is Murder released?

When was the first episode of Motherhood is Murder?

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