Betrayal: Season 4, Episode 2 — "Cat and Mouse"

Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Andrea Gunning
Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Overview

In the second episode of Season 4, titled "Cat and Mouse," Betrayal delves deeper into the unraveling of Karoline Borega's seemingly perfect marriage to Joel Kern, a respected Colorado Springs Police Lieutenant. This episode meticulously traces the discovery of Joel's deceit, the ensuing internal investigations, and the profound impact on their family.

The Spark of Suspicion [03:16 - 06:05]

Andrea Gunning sets the stage by recapping the dramatic events that unfolded on April 11, 2022—referred to by Karoline and her children as "D Day." The episode begins with Joel's abrupt admission via text:

Joel Kern [03:51]: "Caught receiving oral sex from two women in my cop car. I lied about it during an internal affairs investigation. I am now pending termination."

This revelation shatters the family's facade of perfection. Karoline recalls the moment she sensed something amiss:

Karoline Baraga [04:03]: "My mom called me to follow her into the bathroom... I said, 'Is Daddy okay?'"

The day started ordinarily, but a series of unsettling interactions and Joel's evasive behavior hinted at underlying turmoil.

The Unveiling of Joel's Misconduct [06:22 - 14:10]

The narrative takes a pivotal turn as Andrea introduces an internal affairs investigation into Joel's conduct. An unaffiliated stranger confronts Joel at his home, accusing him of infidelity, which Joel vehemently denies. This confrontation catalyzes further scrutiny:

Joel Kern [10:36]: "I don't even know these people. I don't know what they're talking about... I just don't understand why this couldn't have been a preliminary inquiry."

Joel's frustration with the investigation process becomes evident as he grapples with the possibility of false accusations or impersonation. However, evidence surfaces that substantiates Karoline's claims, including audio recordings from Internal Affairs and testimonies from multiple women.

Past Shadows and Double Lives [19:25 - 35:34]

Joel's manipulative behavior isn't confined to his recent affairs. Andrea reveals past incidents where Joel exploited his authority, particularly during his tenure as a temporary Public Information Officer. An internal investigation from 2019 uncovers Joel's inappropriate conduct with female reporters, highlighting a pattern of abuse of power:

Reporter [29:25]: "He encouraged me to get the WhatsApp so that we could communicate in a way that his phone would be more secure from the police department."

Joel's defense crumbles under scrutiny, culminating in his public admission of wrongdoing during an internal affairs interview:

Joel Kern [36:06]: "I'm embarrassed. I'm humiliated. I'm ashamed. I know what I did was wrong... I take full responsibility for my actions, and I ask for mercy."

Despite his confessions, Joel's explanations reveal layers of deceit, indicating that his actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of manipulation and betrayal.

The Breaking Point [36:32 - 50:54]

April 11, 2022, becomes the day of reckoning for Karoline and her children. Joel's confession to his family is fraught with emotional turmoil and contradiction:

Karoline Baraga [36:56]: "He said, 'I was just astonished that you could do this to our family...'"

The family's confrontation with Joel exposes the depth of his betrayals, shattering their perception of him and their marital bond. As Caroline delves deeper into Joel's digital footprint, she uncovers a multitude of deceitful interactions, far exceeding the initial two affairs.

Caroline Baraga [47:02]: "Suddenly, through our daughter's forensic reveal of his computer, the number of people he had sex with just started growing dramatically."

The emotional strain leads to threats of divorce and the realization that Joel's duplicity extends beyond mere infidelity to a sustained campaign of gaslighting and manipulation:

Caroline Baraga [50:22]: "I'm not naive to the fact that all of us are human... But to me, there's a clear line here between being a fallible person and monstrosity."

Impact on the Family and Future Revelations [50:54 - End]

As the episode draws to a close, Karoline grapples with the dual realities of her life—the surface-level harmony and the hidden chaos Joel orchestrated. Her children confront the painful truth, leading to strained relationships and shattered trust.

Son [50:22]: "I'm not naive to the fact that all of us are human... But to me, there's a clear line here between being a fallible person and monstrosity."

The episode sets the stage for future revelations, hinting at deeper layers of Joel's deception and the ongoing struggle for the family to reclaim their lives.

Conclusion

"Cat and Mouse" masterfully portrays the intricate web of deceit spun by Joel Kern, highlighting the devastating effects of betrayal on a family. Through compelling interviews, internal affairs recordings, and personal accounts, the episode underscores the complexities of trust, accountability, and healing in the wake of profound betrayal.

Notable Quotes:

• Joel Kern [36:06]: "I'm embarrassed. I'm humiliated. I'm ashamed. I know what I did was wrong... I take full responsibility for my actions, and I ask for mercy."

• Caroline Baraga [47:02]: "Suddenly, through our daughter's forensic reveal of his computer, the number of people he had sex with just started growing dramatically."

• Son [50:22]: "I'm not naive to the fact that all of us are human... But to me, there's a clear line here between being a fallible person and monstrosity."

Additional Information

• Follow the Series: To dive deeper into Karoline's journey and the unraveling of Joel's betrayal, ensure you listen to the subsequent episodes of Betrayal Season 4.

• Connect with the Hosts: Follow Andrea Gunning and the Betrayal team on Instagram @betrayalpod and @andreaghunning for exclusive content and updates.

• Support the Show: Subscribe to Betrayal on Apple Podcasts and leave a 5-star review to support the series.

Betrayal continues to explore the intricate dynamics of trust and deception, offering listeners a poignant look into the complexities of familial bonds and personal integrity.