Betrayal: Secrets & Lies with ABC News Studios | BONUS

Podcast: Betrayal Season 5
Host: iHeartPodcasts | Glass Podcasts
Episode Date: April 20, 2026

Overview

This bonus episode offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes discussion between the Betrayal podcast team and their television partners at ABC News Studios. Host Andrea talks with David Sloan (Creative Lead, ABC News Longform) and Muriel Pearson (Executive Producer, ABC News Studios) about transforming the podcast's stories into TV, the unique appeal of "betrayal" in true crime, the interplay of audience and survivor communities, and upcoming stories for the season. The episode highlights the evolution of true crime storytelling into a survivor-centered space, while previewing new cases and reflecting on lessons learned from the show's journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Guests and Their Roles

• [02:41] David Sloan introduces himself as the creative leader across ABC News Longform, overseeing content for ABC News Studios, 20/20, Nightline, and Impact.
• [02:55] Muriel Pearson describes her work as Executive Producer, collaborating closely with both David and Andrea's producer to adapt the podcast for television:

  "I work really closely with your producer, John Hirsch, on making beautiful television out of your amazing podcast." – Muriel Pearson

2. The Enduring Appeal of True Crime & The “Eighth Deadly Sin”

• [03:22] David Sloan emphasizes betrayal as a near-universal experience and a compelling narrative engine:

  "The eighth deadly sin is betrayal. It's almost the eighth deadly sin...someone everywhere on earth has been betrayed by someone big or small." – David Sloan

3. From Podcast to TV: Cross-Platform Success and Loyal Community

• [04:25–05:24] Discussion turns to why "Betrayal" works across mediums, with David noting the success of Hulu’s limited series and the resulting decision to bring the format to network TV.
• Muriel observes the rarity of such a successful migration, crediting the show’s powerful core audience:

  "It is astonishing to me because there are very few things that migrate cross platform with the success of Betrayal." – Muriel Pearson

4. Previewing Favorite Stories from the New Season

• [05:53–08:12]

  • David's Pick: A harrowing abduction centered on a perpetrator hiding in plain sight—a community leader and “devoted” family man—contrasting public persona with private monstrosity:

    "The best villains are the ones hiding in plain sight." – David Sloan (06:03)

  • Muriel's Pick: Morgan’s story, highlighting her strength and how some men are threatened by women’s success, leading to deeper questions about power and betrayal:

    "Many of these women do [fight back]...it wasn't just a betrayal thing...what the ultimate, deeper, darker motivation of some of these men was." – Muriel Pearson (06:55)

• Comparison of Themes Among Perpetrators:

  • [07:35] Andrea points out how patterns—such as men reacting to women's success with control or violence—repeat across cases, referencing parallels between Crystal Harris’ and Morgan’s stories.

5. The Stories Hidden in Plain Sight

• [08:13–08:52]
  • Andrea recounts how even the most shocking stories often arrive through understated, everyday interactions, like Danielle’s brief email:

    "You would have no idea what that woman went through...it's a real indication of, you just don't know what someone has gone through or what they're going through." – Andrea (08:35)

6. The Power and Growth of the Community

• [08:52–09:44]

  • David Sloan commends the creation of a "sisterhood," not just among listeners but among those sharing their stories:

    "You've created a sisterhood...women sharing these stories and taking power...collective strength." – David Sloan (09:11)

• [09:46–10:31] Muriel contrasts traditional, perpetrator-focused true crime with "Betrayal’s" victim-centered approach, emphasizing emotional resonance and the empowerment that comes from centering survivor voices.

7. Including Male Survivors & Destigmatizing Shame

• [10:31–11:26]
  • The episode teases forthcoming stories featuring male survivors, with Andrea emphasizing the breakthrough of sharing male perspectives:

    "There is a level of shame...for male storytellers, it's really hard in particular. And Ramon...stand on his two feet and say, 'this is what happened to me.'" – Andrea (10:54)

8. Where to Watch: Show Information

• [11:26] Muriel Pearson promotes the upcoming TV series:

  "Betrayal, Secrets and Lies. Coming to the ABC News Network near you Sundays 10:00pm EST, streaming on Hulu and Disney afterwards." – Muriel Pearson (11:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Betrayal’s Universal Appeal:

  "It really is one of the deadly sins...someone everywhere on earth has been betrayed." – David Sloan (03:30)

• On Community-Building:

  "Your listeners, your audience are tuned in to watch these stories as they evolve on television series." – Muriel Pearson (04:59)

• On Survivors’ Strength:

  "Morgan fights back, as many of these women do. You don't have to be victimized. You don't have to take it from somebody. You can do something about it." – Muriel Pearson (06:45)

• On the Power of Sharing:

  "You've created a sisterhood...taking power and empowering themselves...this collective strength." – David Sloan (09:11)

• Empathy for Male Survivors:

  "There is a level of shame...they feel that they are the only one that got duped." – Andrea (10:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:41] – Guest introductions and roles at ABC/Glass Podcasts
• [03:18] – Why true crime and the concept of betrayal
• [04:25] – Transitioning podcast to TV, cross-platform insights
• [05:53] – Producers’ favorite upcoming stories
• [07:35] – Recurring themes among perpetrators
• [08:13] – Stories hiding in plain sight (Danielle’s case)
• [08:52] – Building a community/sisterhood
• [09:46] – Victim-centered storytelling and inclusion of men
• [11:26] – Series release details

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, empathetic, and celebratory. The guests and host repeatedly underscore the importance of survivor stories, audience engagement, and the emotional threads that tie both the podcast and TV series together. There's a strong sense of community, resilience, and mutual admiration throughout the episode.

Conclusion

This bonus episode of "Betrayal" gives listeners and viewers an inside look at the team’s creative process and the philosophical underpinnings of the show. It’s rich in previews, personal reflections, and validation of the community that has grown around these stories. Both fans and newcomers will find insight into why "Betrayal" resonates so powerfully—and why its mission to center survivors and challenge the myth of the "perfect victim" is so vital.