Podcast Summary: Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore
Best Of 2025: Kim Wall
Date: December 24, 2025
Episode Overview
This gripping “Best Of” episode revisits the tragic and deeply unsettling case of Kim Wall, a Swedish journalist murdered by eccentric Danish inventor Peter Madsen during an interview aboard his homemade submarine, the Nautilus, in 2017. Hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore meticulously dissect the case, exploring the timeline, key evidence, Madsen's shifting stories, and the dark psychological profile of the killer. Through vivid storytelling, forensic analysis, and compassionate remembrance, the hosts illuminate both the horror of the crime and the legacy of Kim Wall.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Victim: Kim Wall – Her Life and Ambition
(04:44 – 09:11)
- Born into a family of journalists, Kim Wall was intensely curious and committed to bringing marginalized stories to the world.
- Attended London School of Economics (international relations) and received a master's from Columbia University in journalism.
- Described as “fearless” and “brilliant,” Kim reported from North Korea, Sri Lanka, and the Marshall Islands even while still a student.
- At the time of the crime, Kim was about to move to Beijing with her partner, Ule, for an exciting new reporting opportunity.
Quote:
“She was so smart, so, so, so smart, but also fearless. Fearless.”
— Morgan Absher (08:15)
2. The Interview and Disappearance
(09:28 – 12:15)
- August 10, 2017: Kim gets her long-awaited chance to interview Peter Madsen, who invites her onto the Nautilus, his personal submarine.
- Kim texts her partner before submerging:
“I'm still alive, by the way, but going down now. I love you!” - That was the last anyone heard from her.
3. Peter Madsen: The “Danish Elon Musk” and Red Flags
(13:17 – 16:22; 38:23 – 43:10)
- Madsen: Self-taught inventor, known for volatile mood swings, obsessions with rockets and submarines.
- Built the largest privately constructed sub, but was also noted for his Nazi memorabilia fascination and menacing, unpredictable behavior.
- Former colleagues described him as “argumentative, uncooperative,” prone to “violent outbursts,” and as having an “inappropriate sense of humor” often referencing violence.
- In a chilling 2016 interview, Madsen discusses psychopathy:
“Psychopathic people are often very charismatic. They are excellent speakers, they're convincing... There is the possibility that you've simply come upon a human predator. And I wouldn't know because do the psychopath know that he's a psychopath? I'm not sure.”
— Peter Madsen (42:51 - paraphrased summary)
4. The Search and Shifting Stories
(16:22 – 28:05)
- Kim's partner grows concerned when she doesn't return; police and Coast Guard begin large-scale search.
- The Nautilus is finally located. Madsen escapes the sinking submarine and claims Kim is fine, saying he dropped her off safely—a story quickly disproven by surveillance and phone data.
Quote:
“It sounds a little fishy. This is 2017, modern times. We have cell phones. There was no call for help. No mayday. Like, it's just feeling like a very convenient story for him.”
— Morgan Absher (21:35)
- Madsen then shifts his story: claims Kim died in a freak accident (hatch fell on her head) and says he panicked, dumping her body at sea.
5. Forensic Breakthroughs: The Nautilus and Kim’s Remains
(28:05 – 36:48)
- Submarine is recovered. Forensic analysis finds no mechanical malfunction—the sub was deliberately sunk.
- 11 days later, Kim’s torso is found, weighed down with metal; subsequent searches recover her head (proving no head injury), limbs, and a handsaw.
- Multiple stab wounds (primarily in the groin) reveal sexual violence and intent to desecrate.
Quote:
“No signs of a head injury. None.”
— Morgan Absher (36:26)
6. The Dark Truth Behind Madsen
(38:23 – 48:56)
- Investigation uncovers Madsen’s deep fascination with snuff films, violent pornography, and death fantasies. Denmark’s laws do not criminalize mere possession of such material, but his internet history and searches (e.g., "beheading," "throat," "agony") reveal a fixation on women’s suffering and death.
- Ex-partners and friends report conversations where Madsen fantasized about killing women aboard his sub, and he invited several other women for rides in the weeks prior.
- Texts to one woman detailed exactly how he would murder her aboard the submarine, closely mirroring what later happened to Kim.
Quote:
“That is so specific. That is someone who has spent time thinking about this and planning.”
— Kaylin Moore (51:25)
7. The Trial and Madsen’s Lies
(52:42 – 63:34)
- Madsen is charged with murder, sexual assault, desecration of a corpse.
- He spins multiple, mutually contradictory stories (hatch accident, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.), but none align with forensic evidence.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Madsen shows “no remorse, no compassion,” is a “pathological liar, narcissist,” with clear “psychopathic traits.”
- Evidence overwhelmingly points to premeditated murder, with detailed planning and prior intent.
Quote:
“In his words, ‘A dead body does not deserve any special respect.’”
— Morgan Absher (60:02)
- Verdict: Guilty on all counts; sentenced to life in a Danish prison.
8. Aftermath: Madsen’s Failed Prison Escape and Kim Wall’s Legacy
(68:32 – 72:53)
- 2020: Madsen escapes from Danish prison using wooden weapons, but is swiftly recaptured after a bomb threat (also fake).
- Kim Wall’s parents establish the Kim Wall Memorial Fund to honor her dedication to journalism and support female/non-binary reporters.
- Her family and friends continue to emphasize her vibrant, humane reporting and her lasting impact.
Quote:
“Kim saw humans. She wanted to share humans and kindness and empathy and all these colorful experiences with the world.”
— Morgan Absher (75:15)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the explicit premeditation:
“You have the text messages of exactly how you're going to do it. How is it not premeditated?”
— Morgan Absher (53:55) -
Kim’s Last Words:
“I’m still alive, by the way, but going down now. I love you.”
— Text from Kim Wall to her partner Ul (11:45) -
Analysis of Madsen’s personality:
“He saw everything as just like a machine. He said, ‘What do you do when you have a big problem? You divide it up into something smaller.’”
— Kaylin Moore (58:00) -
Kim’s Philosophy:
“I want to know how the world works. And I hope that maybe one day I can learn enough to make a difference.”
— Kim Wall (read by Morgan Absher, 75:33)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Time | Segment Description | |-------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 04:44–09:11 | Kim Wall’s background, career, and personality | | 09:28–12:15 | Euphoric interview opportunity, last known moments | | 13:17–16:22 | Peter Madsen’s backstory, warning signs | | 16:22–28:05 | The search, Madsen’s lies unravel | | 28:05–36:48 | Evidence-gathering, forensic revelations | | 36:48–43:10 | Interview, coworkers, and Madsen’s disturbing traits | | 47:43–48:56 | Discovery of snuff films and premeditation | | 52:42–63:34 | Court proceedings, verdict | | 68:32–72:53 | Aftermath and memorial fund | | 75:33 | Reading from Kim’s writing and closing thoughts |
The Legacy of Kim Wall
- Her family continues to advocate for journalistic integrity and offers resources, including her memorial fund and tributes at rememberingkimwall.com.
- The story urges listeners to honor Kim's memory by pursuing empathy, curiosity, and meaningful storytelling.
Final Thoughts
The episode is a powerful blend of criminal investigation and tribute—a reminder of the monstrous depths of human cruelty, as well as the enduring impact of courageous journalism and compassion. Morgan and Kaelyn’s storytelling, emotional honesty, and expert research make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about true crime, justice, or media ethics.
Further Resources
- Kim Wall Memorial Fund & Writings
- Book: A Silenced: The Life of Journalist Kim Wall
- Instagram: @cluespodcast
In the hosts' words:
“Let’s all try to live our lives with Kim’s open-minded curiosity, her hunger for empathy and understanding the world. And maybe, just maybe, we can all make a little, little bit of a difference in this world.”
— Morgan Absher (75:30)