What draws us to true crime and what does it say about us?

In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Jerry Matz, the mind behind the hit Instagram account ID Crime Vault, for an honest conversation about true crime, storytelling, and the family moments that shape who we become.

Jerry traces his love of true crime back to childhood watching shows like Joe Kenda and Hollywood Demons with family, and slowly realizing he didn't just want to consume these stories. He wanted to tell them.

Reena and Jerry dig into what makes crime narratives so compelling, how he built a loyal community one consistent post at a time, and why patience might be the most underrated skill in content creation.

The conversation also gets real about the darker side of the industry — the psychological toll reality TV takes on its participants, and the responsibility creators and media have to portray crime with accuracy and empathy.

🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:
- Jerry's origin story in the true crime world
- How family shapes the interests we carry into adulthood
- The psychology behind why crime stories grip us
- Empathy as a storytelling superpower
- Reality TV's hidden cost on its participants
- Growing a community around a shared passion

💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM JERRY:
"Sometimes people like suspense. They like the mystery. It's like a mystery book."
"You never know what you're going to get out of it. Just try it and don't quit."

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Meet Jerry Matz true crime storyteller
(05:15) The family influences behind his passion
(15:30) The psychology of crime media
(25:00) Reality TV's darker realities
(35:45) Building community through shared obsession
(45:00) Grandpa's take on crime, media & responsibility

🔗 CONNECT WITH JERRY:
Instagram

🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

If you've ever found yourself three hours deep in a true crime rabbit hole and wondered why — this episode is for you.