Podcast Summary: "Introducing: Betrayal: Season 4"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Burden of Guilt
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
• Description: Burden of Guilt has been adapted into a docuseries, now exclusively streaming on Paramount+. Watch HERE!. Before diving into the series, listeners are encouraged to binge all podcast episodes that inspired the show.

Burden of Guilt delves into the haunting narrative of Tracyraquel Berns, a woman whose life has been overshadowed by the tragic and mysterious death of her baby brother, Matthew, four decades ago. Initially believed to be an accident, revelations from recent medical records suggest Tracyraquel's inadvertent responsibility for Matthew's death during her early childhood. This unsettling truth propels Tracyraquel on a relentless quest for justice, truth, and healing, unraveling potential conspiracies and family secrets along the way.

Episode Summary: "Introducing: Betrayal: Season 4"

Release Date: May 24, 2025

In the premiere episode of Season 4, Betrayal, host Andrea Gunning introduces listeners to a deeply troubling case centered around Joel Kern, a respected lieutenant at the Colorado Springs Police Department. This season aims to uncover the layers of deception underpinning Joel's life, revealing how his hidden actions have impacted both his family and community.

Unveiling Joel Kern's Deception

Andrea Gunning begins by painting a picture of Joel Kern as a dedicated and honorable police officer. However, beneath this facade lies a decade-long web of lies that have shattered his personal and professional relationships.

• Andrea Gunning (00:01):

  "I'm Andrea Gunning, host of the podcast Betrayal. Joel Kern was a respected lieutenant at the Colorado Springs Police Department. But Joel used his badge to fool everyone, most of all, his wife, Caroline."

The Breaking Point: April 11, 2022

A critical date is highlighted when Joel's actions reached a tipping point, leading to a confrontation with his wife, Caroline.

• Andrea Gunning (00:25):

  "April 11, 2022, the day everything changed."

Caroline reaches out to Joel, expressing her distress and the deterioration of their marriage.

• Caroline Kern (00:16):

  "He texted back, no, everything's not okay. I've ruined our lives. You're going to want to divorce me."

Confrontation and Denial

Caroline's emotional plea underscores the depth of Joel's betrayal, as she confronts him about his behavior.

• Caroline Kern (00:30):

  "I called him. I remember just tears streaming down my face, and I said, what did you do? What did you do?"

Andrea emphasizes the hidden life Joel was leading, far removed from the man Caroline believed she knew.

• Andrea Gunning (00:39):

  "Caroline's husband was living another life behind the scenes."

Joel Kern's Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing

In a candid moment, Joel admits to some awareness of his wrongdoings, hinting at internal conflict.

• Joel Kern (00:47):

  "Did part of you know deep down that this was wrong? Yes."

Andrea highlights the gravity of Joel's actions, noting his breach of both familial and professional trust.

• Andrea Gunning (00:53):

  "He betrayed his oath to his family and to his community."

Allegations of Abuse

Caroline confronts Joel with specific accusations of abuse, challenging his denial of her claims.

• Joel Kern (00:59):

  "She said you left bruises, pulled her hair, that type of thing."

• Caroline Kern (01:04):

  "No, that man who is on that tape is not the man I knew."

Extent of Joel's Deception

Andrea probes the depths of Joel's deceit, questioning how far he went to maintain his facade.

• Andrea Gunning (01:10):

  "How far would Joel go to cover up what he'd done?"

Joel hints at the broader implications of his actions, suggesting the possibility of more undisclosed misconduct.

• Joel Kern (01:13):

  "You're unable to keep track of all your lies, and quite frankly, I question how many other women are out there that may bring forward allegations in the future."

Season Overview and Teaser

Andrea concludes the episode by setting the stage for the season's investigative journey into Joel Kern's life, promising an in-depth exploration of his long-term deception and its ramifications.

• Andrea Gunning (01:22):

  "This season of Betrayal investigates one officer's decades of deception on and off the clock. Lies that left those closest to him questioning everything they thought they knew. Listen to Betrayal on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts."

Key Takeaways:

1. Dual Lives: Joel Kern maintained a concealed life separate from his professional role and family, leading to eventual exposure and fallout.
2. Personal Impact: His deceit had profound emotional and psychological effects on his wife, Caroline, culminating in the breakdown of their marriage.
3. Professional Betrayal: As a police lieutenant, Joel's actions not only betrayed his family but also compromised his duty to the community he served.
4. Potential for Further Allegations: Joel hints at the possibility of more women coming forward with allegations, suggesting a pattern of behavior.
5. Investigative Depth: The season promises a thorough investigation into Joel's actions over decades, uncovering the extent and motivations behind his betrayals.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrea Gunning (00:53):

  "He betrayed his oath to his family and to his community."

• Caroline Kern (01:04):

  "No, that man who is on that tape is not the man I knew."

• Joel Kern (01:13):

  "I question how many other women are out there that may bring forward allegations in the future."

Conclusion:

"Introducing: Betrayal: Season 4" serves as a compelling introduction to a deeply personal and investigative narrative. Through emotional testimonies and candid admissions, the episode sets the stage for a season that promises to unearth the complexities of deception within both personal and professional spheres. Listeners can anticipate a nuanced exploration of trust, betrayal, and the long-term consequences of hidden lives.

For those intrigued by this episode, it's recommended to watch the docuseries adaptation on Paramount+ and explore previous episodes of Burden of Guilt to gain a comprehensive understanding of the narratives that inspired the show.