Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Culpable

Episode: Just the Beginning
Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Dennis Cooper (Tenderfoot TV & Audacy)

Overview

In this teaser episode, "Just the Beginning," host Dennis Cooper gives listeners a glimpse into the upcoming season of Culpable: Case Review. The show continues its mission to dig into unsettled true crime cases where culpability remains unclear, previewing the kind of grassroots tip that can trigger a thorough reinvestigation. The episode sets a somber, investigative tone, emphasizing the impact that dedicated listeners and community members can have on cold cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Involvement: The Power of Outreach

• The episode opens with a real example of a listener's email, demonstrating how community engagement often sparks new investigations.
• The email describes a local unsolved case from 1998 involving a 17-year-old victim found in a cornfield—shirtless, with ligature marks around his neck and tracks across his body.
• This outreach highlights the scarcity of information and the enduring pain felt by those close to cold cases.

2. Revealing a New Case Focus

• Rather than diving straight into the case details, the episode instead focuses on the catalyst that begins an investigation: public tips and the determination to seek justice for the forgotten.
• The preview hints at the investigative process that Culpable will undertake, spurred directly by tips like the one shared.

3. History and Legacy of the Podcast

• Through its case review seasons (Christian Andreacchio and Brittany Stykes), Culpable has established a reputation for thorough, relentless inquiry into cases where answers remain elusive.
• This new season promises a continuation of that standard.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The Transformative Power of a Single Message

• [00:02] B:
  "Sometimes a simple email can make a world of difference."
  • Speaker underscores how ordinary actions—like sending an email—can shift the trajectory of cold case investigations.

Listener's Email Detailing an Unsolved Case

• [00:08] A:
  "I am writing on the off chance that you may be able to help with a case in my area. A 17 year old was found in a cornfield in 1998. All I know is he was shirtless and had ligature marks around his neck and some sort of tracks across his body. Strangely enough, there's hardly any information out there. It's close to the anniversary date and it's been on my mind to this to your team."
  • Illustrates both the mysterious and distressing nature of the case, and the motivation of community members to seek closure.

The Unfolding of a New Journey

• [00:35] B:
  "Looking back, I don't think anyone expected it would lead to this."
  • Reflects on how these small beginnings often lead to major journalistic investigations.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Power of listener tips and email outreach
• 00:08 – Reading of the email about the 1998 cold case
• 00:35 – Host reflects on the unexpected journey sparked by outreach
• (Rest of audio: Announcement of new season, standard promotional content)

Tone & Style

The episode is brief, direct, and resonates with the gravity and empathy characteristic of true crime investigations. The hosts' words evoke hope, urgency, and a call to action, while maintaining respect for the cases and individuals involved.

Summary Takeaway

"Just the Beginning" sets the stage for Culpable's new season, reminding listeners that their involvement can be the turning point in the search for truth and justice in cold cases. By sharing a heartfelt email and reflecting on how little sparks can lead to larger movements, the podcast foreshadows another compelling, community-driven investigation into unresolved criminal tragedies.