Podcast Summary: “Ghost Adventures” Real Life Horror Story

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Release Date: October 24, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This episode explores the shocking real-life crime entangling “Ghost Adventures” star Aaron Goodwin. Amy and T.J. unpack how a true crime plot unfolded in the middle of filming a paranormal TV episode, as Goodwin received a call from police that his wife had been arrested for plotting his murder. The hosts discuss the eerie convergence of the supernatural and the criminal, detail the timeline, and reflect on the emotional, legal, and personal aftermath for Goodwin.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Imitating Art—Crime Interrupts Paranormal Investigation

• In the recent “Ghost Adventures” episode (titled “Holly Dale, Asylum of Hell”), Aaron Goodwin learned, mid-filming, that police were at his home—his wife had been arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire plot against him.
  • “He then gets a call from hell, literally.” (Amy, 04:06)
• The episode includes the moment Goodwin receives a FaceTime call from police, with cameras rolling.
• The TV show’s host, Zak Bagans, freezes the footage for privacy at this pivotal moment.

2. Details of the Crime and Motive

• Victoria Goodwin, Aaron’s wife, was allegedly plotting his murder because she “didn’t want a divorce.” (T.J., 04:47)
• She communicated via text and Facebook messages with Grant Amato, an inmate in a Florida prison.
  • “She basically asked, am I a bad person for wanting to kill my husband rather than divorce him?” (Amy, 04:51)
• Victoria provided detailed filming schedules and even messaged, “He’s asleep right now in the hotel room ... Was it done?” (Amy, 08:26)

3. Unraveling the Plot

• Victoria reportedly discovered Amato (the inmate) by watching a true crime documentary and began writing to him.
  • “She was watching TV like the rest of us, watching some true crime show. And, ah, he looks like a good one.” (T.J., 09:10)
• The hosts note the irony: being a true crime fan did not help conceal her intentions nor her digital trail.
  • “If she actually was a true crime fan, she should know that these never end well.” (Amy, 11:15; T.J., 11:20)

4. Resolution and Legal Aftermath

• The plot was intercepted before any harm came to Goodwin. Victoria pleaded guilty in June 2025 and was sentenced to 36 to 90 months (3–7.5 years) in prison.
  • “She said that she’s consumed with regret every day and is ashamed and disappointed with herself.” (Amy, 11:51)
• The hosts reflect on how sentences for unfulfilled murder-for-hire plots are often lighter than people expect.

5. The Human Impact: Betrayal, Publicity, and Moving Forward

• Goodwin’s sense of betrayal is intensely discussed.
  • “The person that you loved… isn’t just not in love with you, is trying to actively kill you.” (Amy, 22:03)
• The hosts express sympathy for Goodwin navigating grief and public scrutiny, and share recent social media posts where he admits, “I’m not doing good at all. And every day is worse with all I’m learning all the time ... This has been the worst year of my life.” (Amy quoting Aaron, 20:34)
• T.J. muses on the difficulty of healing and trust after such an event: “I just want the divorce to be over so I can move on with my life.” (Aaron, via Amy, 20:34)
• Amy and T.J. praise Goodwin for his transparency and hope for his future recovery and trust in others.
• They ponder why such real-life drama was included in the show, agreeing it may offer closure and honesty to the public.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the surreal collision of worlds:
  “Someone who deals with the unimaginable and the supernatural. That probably was the most surreal thing he could have ever experienced in his life.” (Amy, 06:12)

• On the nature of true crime fans:
  “You don’t learn when you watch true crime shows how to commit a murder … You learn you are not going to get away with it.” (T.J., 11:20)

• On the reality of betrayal:
  “It’s the ultimate betrayal. The person that you loved... is trying to actively kill you.” (Amy, 22:03)

• Goodwin’s own words on social media:
  “Just know I’m not doing good at all. And every day is worse with all I’m learning all the time… This has been the worst year of my life.” (Aaron Goodwin, via Amy, 20:34)

• On the irony of prevention:
  “Congratulations. I know you don’t want to hear that necessarily right now, Aaron, but my man, we are so happy you are alive and able to be miserable right now because the alternative is something else.” (T.J., 26:23)

Key Timestamps

• [02:46] — Episode introduction, context for “Ghost Adventures” and Aaron Goodwin.
• [03:18] — The on-camera moment Goodwin is notified of the plot.
• [04:47] — Motive discussed: Victoria’s unwillingness to divorce.
• [07:35] — Timeline and length of the marriage (2022–2025).
• [09:10] — How Victoria connected with the inmate: through a true crime doc.
• [11:51] — Sentencing (36–90 months), Victoria’s regretful statement.
• [14:11] — Reflection on publicizing the story in the TV episode and Goodwin’s openness.
• [18:21] — Brief recap of their courtship and ghost-themed wedding at Disneyland.
• [20:34] — Aaron Goodwin’s candid Instagram post on his state of mind.
• [22:03] — Hosts discuss the nature of betrayal and its emotional toll.
• [25:30] — Hopes for Goodwin’s recovery and the significance of discovering the plot in time.

Tone and Approach

Amy and T.J. employ a candid, conversational, and compassionate tone. They intertwine dark humor (“He got a call from hell, literally”), empathy, and insight into both the true crime landscape and personal fallout. The episode’s revelations are delivered with sobriety, respect, and a clear concern for the emotional resilience of Aaron Goodwin.

Final Reflections

Amy and T.J. close by highlighting both the tragedy and relief that Aaron is alive, and underscore the importance of empathy, mental health, and not making assumptions about others’ lives based on appearances. Their summary is a blend of true crime curiosity, human empathy, and hope for healing:

“We are so happy you are alive and able to be miserable right now, because the alternative is something else.” (T.J., 26:23)

Summary by [Podcast Summarizer AI]