Podcast Summary: Betrayal Season 5, Episode 1 — "In the Dark | Saskia's Story"

Original release date: January 29, 2026
Host: Andrea Gunning (with iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts)
Subject: The opening account of Saskia Inwood’s journey—her shocking discovery of her second husband’s hidden life, how she fought for justice, and the deeper investigation into the myth of the “perfect victim.”

Main Episode Theme

This episode launches Betrayal’s fifth season by introducing Saskia Inwood—a woman whose life is upended by the terrifying realization that her husband is living a double life. The season aims to explore not just Saskia’s path toward healing and truth, but also broader questions about who is believed in cases of hidden, intimate crimes, and how victims are treated by society and their communities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Night that Changed Everything

• Saskia’s memory of discovering Mike’s secret:

  • On October 28, 2018, Saskia awoke in the night to see her husband on his laptop, illuminated by its glow. What she saw on that screen changed her world.
  • “I was so out of it. It was like I was in a dream. But I also knew that this was really serious. … I just knew. And I passed back out.” – Saskia (02:48)
  • She confronted Mike the next morning and demanded to know the truth (03:57).

• The gravity of betrayal:

  • Saskia describes feeling petrified and unsafe, recognizing she was in danger but not fully grasping what she’d witnessed.
  • “That morning marked the end of a marriage, of a family. But with that ending came a new dawn.” – Andrea (03:38)
  • The full scale of Mike’s secret is left somewhat ambiguous in this episode, setting up the season’s broader investigation.

2. Life Before Mike: Relationships and Self-Discovery

• Saskia’s past relationship and first marriage:

  • Early dating years: drawn to fun, goofy men, sometimes irresponsible or even trouble-making (08:22–08:50).
  • Marriage to Chris: Met at a concert, had two children. Despite this, Saskia felt emotionally alone and uncared for (10:42).
  • Divorce: A painful and long custody battle, during which she leaned heavily on her sister Marisa (11:09–12:17).

• On seeking love after divorce:

  • Saskia openly admits to seeking companionship soon after her divorce, even before healing from past trauma.
  • “I felt like I would find the answers in another person.” (12:30)

3. Sisterhood and Support

• The vital role of Marisa (Saskia’s sister):
  • Marisa is portrayed as Saskia’s “rock,” driving her to interviews and being a constant presence.
  • “Saskia is my best friend. Over my lifetime, she's been the one person that I can be myself around and say anything to.” – Marisa (11:40)

4. Meeting Mike: The 'Good Guy'

• Match.com and a welcome change:

  • Encouraged by her sister, Saskia shifts her dating priorities: “My sister helped me make a profile…” (13:19)
  • Mike appears to be the safe, stable, responsible man her family wants for her (14:00–14:34).

• Initial dates and family/friend impressions:

  • First date: Saskia finds Mike “a little bit nerdy… not the type of person that I usually go for at all.” (20:17)
  • Sisterly advice: Marisa pushes for a second date to see if being outside her comfort zone is a positive (21:05).
  • Mike wins over her friends and sister. “Everybody… thought that he was just a catch.” (23:56)
  • “He seemed kind, he seemed gentle. I just thought he was put together.” – Friend Heather (23:23)

• Relationship grows:

  • Despite ongoing custody battles and emotional upheaval, Mike steps up to support Saskia (24:33).
  • Key quote: “He said, I will never hurt you. I will always be here for you. Don't run away. Let me help you.” – Mike (reported by Saskia, 24:52)

5. Building a New Family

• Blended family dynamics:

  • Saskia and Mike’s children, from previous marriages, hit it off at Dave & Buster’s, bonding over games (29:07).
  • Day-to-day life settles into a family routine, with balanced co-parenting styles (30:09–30:39).

• Marrying Mike:

  • Engagement follows a trip to Amsterdam and encouragement from Saskia’s family (41:10–43:29).
  • Wedding is described as both joyful and, by one friend’s account, unsettling: “She looks so uncomfortable.” – Heather, about Saskia at the wedding (46:19)
  • Unique family sand ceremony at the wedding to symbolize unity (45:13).

6. Saskia as Surrogate: Love and Sacrifice

• Carrying Marisa’s child:
  • Saskia volunteers to be a surrogate for her sister after Marisa’s fertility struggles (36:23).
  • Mike is supportive throughout, further solidifying his “good guy” image in both families (38:07–39:04).

7. Cliffhanger: The Dark Revelation

• Mysterious event before the wedding:
  • As relayed by friend Heather, Saskia was visibly shaken, describing a disturbing incident involving Mike’s laptop while they were in bed. She saw “people on the screen” and couldn’t understand what was happening (47:20).
  • Mike turns to Saskia, “Oh, say hi.” (47:56)
  • Hints of nonconsensual activity or secret online behavior set the stage for the season’s central inquiry.

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• “You pretended to support me through my ups and downs, never once letting on that you were using me.” – Saskia (06:54)
• “You're a dangerous person who preys on vulnerable and trusting people. You're a predator. Michael Levengood.” – Saskia (07:12)
• “He was everything that I thought would be good for me, good for my kids. And I did fall in love with him.” – Saskia (26:26)
• “The entire time that Saskia's up and they're doing the ceremony, they're far apart. She looks so uncomfortable.” – Heather (46:19)
• “And I passed back out in the morning. … I didn't know what I was looking at, but I knew that he was doing something in secret. It felt like I was in danger.” – Saskia (02:48; 03:17)
• “People were paying to see this go down. Saskia had absolutely no idea what was happening to her.” – Andrea (48:18, teaser for season arc)

Notable Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:26 – 03:17: Saskia describes the night/morning she realized something was wrong.
• 06:08 – 07:12: Saskia and Andrea discuss the trauma’s immediate effects; Saskia’s own words on betrayal.
• 13:19 – 14:34: The beginning of Saskia’s relationship with Mike.
• 20:17 – 21:18: First and second dates; initial impressions.
• 23:43 – 24:02: Family and friends give their approval.
• 24:33 – 25:11: Mike’s emotional support for Saskia during divorce stress.
• 29:07 – 30:44: First meeting and bonding of both sets of children.
• 36:23 – 38:38: Decision and process of Saskia carrying Marisa’s baby.
• 41:10 – 43:29: Trip to Amsterdam, proposal, and engagement story.
• 45:13 – 46:09: Wedding details, sand ceremony, subtle discomfort noted by friend Heather.
• 47:20 – 48:18: Saskia recounts the disturbing night involving Mike’s laptop, leading into the episode’s cliffhanger.

Tone and Language

The episode is earnest, empathetic, and often raw, reflecting both the trauma of Saskia’s experience and the loving, supportive network around her. The narrative weaves between light, humorous interludes with friends and deeply serious conversations about betrayal, trauma, and consent.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode introduces Saskia Inwood and sets up the unraveling of her marriage to a man whose secret life posed a grave threat—one unnoticed in the light of day. The story is as much Saskia’s personal journey of heartbreak, survival, and healing, as it is a challenge to societal expectations about victims of nonviolent, hidden crimes. Friendships, sisterhood, family, and the myth of the "good guy" are all interrogated, with the hosts promising deeper investigations into the mechanisms of betrayal—who is believed, who is questioned, and at what personal cost.

Cliffhanger: The episode leaves listeners facing the chilling moment Saskia glimpsed her husband’s secret and sets the tone for an investigative season confronting the myth of the "perfect victim" and the hidden epidemic of intimate betrayals.

Further Resources

• RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): Text HOPE to 64673 or call 1-800-656-HOPE
• Podcast contact: betrayalpod@gmail.com
• Community and more content: Betrayal Substack
• Instagram: @betrayalpod

End of Summary | Betrayal Season 5, Episode 1 ("In the Dark | Saskia's Story")