Betrayal: Season 4 – Episode 9: "Three Little Birds" Summary

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Andrea Gunning
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction to the Episode

In the ninth episode of Season 4, titled "Three Little Birds," Betrayal delves deeper into the intricate web of deceit spun by Joel Kern, a Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officer, and the profound impact his actions have had on his wife, Karoline Borega, and their close-knit community. This episode not only uncovers more layers of betrayal but also highlights the resilience and unwavering support among friends amidst personal turmoil.

Recalling the Start of the Betrayal

The episode opens with a flashback to April 11, 2022, the day Joel Kern's deceit became undeniable to Karoline. After years of marriage, Joel's infidelity erupted publicly when he was placed on disciplinary leave for having an affair in his police car. This revelation forced Joel to confront the reality of his actions during an emotional family meeting.

• Caroline (04:47):
  "He never removed his wedding ring. He always kept it on. So he struggled for a long time but finally gets his ring off. Inside of it I had engraved 'forever and ever.' And Joel sets it down on the fireplace and just walked out the door."

This moment marked the beginning of Karoline's journey to uncover the depths of Joel's betrayal and the subsequent unraveling of their marriage.

Support System: Suzanne’s Story

Karoline's immediate support came from Suzanne, a close friend whose own life would soon mirror betrayal. Suzanne recounts the harrowing night she learned of Joel's affairs, a revelation that not only shattered her trust in her husband but also deepened her bond with Karoline.

• Suzanne (06:05):
  "We literally must have sat at the table with, you know, wine and food from about 7 o' clock till about 11:30 that night. While we were there, Caroline said that Joel was having an affair. He was having an affair with multiple people."

Suzanne's discovery of her husband's infidelities mirrored Karoline's experience, illustrating how Joel's deception extended beyond his marriage and into his circle of friends and colleagues.

The Impact of Betrayal on Relationships

As the season progressed, the podcast explores how Joel's actions strained not only his marriage but also his professional relationships within the CSPD. A former CSPD officer shares his painful experience of betrayal by the department, highlighting systemic issues within law enforcement agencies.

• Listener Email (24:53):
  "My betrayal didn't come from a spouse. It came from the department I loved, the one I believed would stand behind me the way I stood behind the public. It didn't."

This testimony underscores the broader implications of Joel's misconduct, revealing a pattern of neglect and lack of support for officers struggling with personal issues.

Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms

Both Karoline and Suzanne have endured significant emotional distress due to the betrayals in their lives. The podcast delves into their coping mechanisms and the role of their support systems in healing.

• Suzanne (15:17):
  "I'm starting to think of it like a death. It never goes away. You compartmentalize. It's always going to be part of who you are now and it makes you who you are in the future."

• Caroline (15:41):
  "We've confessed to each other that a day does not start without remembering what he did."

These reflections reveal the enduring scars left by betrayal and the continuous effort required to move forward.

Community and Shared Experiences

The strength of community support is a recurring theme in this episode. Karoline and Suzanne find solace in each other and their friends, who act as pillars of support during their darkest times.

• Caroline (16:20):
  "Never ever ever ever wish this on anyone. Ever. I would never want anyone to have the shock and awe and have to sit and relive and then rethink your entire life and question if your family and marriage was a fraud."

Their shared experiences foster a deep connection, emphasizing the importance of having a trusted support network when navigating through personal crises.

Listener Engagement and Shared Stories

Betrayal fosters a sense of community by inviting listeners to share their stories of betrayal and recovery. In this episode, several poignant listener emails are highlighted, each adding depth to the narrative and illustrating that betrayal is a universal experience.

• Listener Email from Canada (26:46):
  "Thank you for making these things known. It is wild that someone in Canada has such a similar experience to you."

This international perspective underscores the widespread nature of betrayal and the universal quest for justice and healing.

Joel Kern’s Response and Unanswered Questions

Despite extensive investigations and numerous accounts of his infidelity, Joel Kern chose to decline an interview with the podcast. He released a brief written statement acknowledging his mistakes and expressing a desire to improve personally.

• Joel’s Written Statement (32:09):
  "I understand the nature of the series and appreciate the opportunity to respond. However, I've decided not to participate in the podcast. I do want to acknowledge that I've made mistakes and that others have their own stories to tell."

This lack of transparency leaves many questions unanswered, reinforcing the complexity of healing from betrayal when the perpetrator remains silent.

Triumphs and Moving Forward: The Boston Marathon Story

Amidst the turmoil, the episode concludes on a note of hope and resilience. The focus shifts to Karoline's son participating in the Boston Marathon, an event symbolizing endurance and the pursuit of personal goals despite past traumas.

• Caroline (38:28):
  "One day my son said, 'I keep hearing the Bob Marley song and it just keeps chanting like, everything's gonna be alright.'"

The family's mantra, "Three Little Birds," inspired by Bob Marley's song, serves as a reminder that despite the challenges, there is room for joy and achievement.

• Caroline (40:13):
  "If I were to tell you that I think the kids and I will ever cross like a finish line from the trauma that was caused. I just don't think that we'll really, truly ever understand no reasons why or really get over anything. But we will get through it."

Their participation in the marathon symbolizes their ongoing journey towards healing and the strength found in familial bonds.

Conclusion and Reflections

"Three Little Birds" encapsulates the essence of Betrayal, highlighting not only the devastating impact of infidelity and deceit but also the profound capacity for healing through community support and personal resilience. The episode serves as both a testimony to the enduring pain of betrayal and an inspiring story of overcoming adversity with the help of loved ones.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Caroline on Removing the Ring (04:47):
   "He never removed his wedding ring. He always kept it on. So he struggled for a long time but finally gets his ring off. Inside of it I had engraved 'forever and ever.' And Joel sets it down on the fireplace and just walked out the door."

2. Suzanne on Discovering the Affair (05:50):
   "And then this other person told me that Joel was having an affair and that Caroline said that her life is about to fall apart. I said, you know, let's go home."

3. Listener Email on Department Betrayal (24:53):
   "My betrayal didn't come from a spouse. It came from the department I loved, the one I believed would stand behind me the way I stood behind the public. It didn't."

4. Suzanne on Coping with Betrayal (15:17):
   "I'm starting to think of it like a death. It never goes away. You compartmentalize. It's always going to be part of who you are now and it makes you who you are in the future."

5. Caroline on Shared Mantra (38:28):
   "One day my son said, 'I keep hearing the Bob Marley song and it just keeps chanting like, everything's gonna be alright.'"

6. Caroline on Moving Forward (40:13):
   "If I were to tell you that I think the kids and I will ever cross like a finish line from the trauma that was caused. I just don't think that we'll really, truly ever understand no reasons why or really get over anything. But we will get through it."

Final Thoughts

Episode nine, "Three Little Birds," masterfully intertwines personal testimonies with broader societal issues, painting a comprehensive picture of betrayal's multifaceted impact. Through Karoline and Suzanne's stories, listeners gain insight into the complexities of trust, the challenges of recovery, and the importance of a supportive community. As Betrayal continues to unravel these deeply personal narratives, it offers both solace and understanding to those navigating similar traumas.

For more episodes of Betrayal, visit Betrayal Substack and join the community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing.