Finding Nancy Guthrie: Playing Kidnapping Games – Ep. 13

Podcast: Finding Nancy Guthrie
Host: Lynden Blake (Daily Wire)
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode arrives on Day 18 of the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who mysteriously disappeared from Tucson, Arizona. Lynden Blake investigates new developments—polygraph testing, suspicious Google searches, the latest on ransom notes, the $100,000 Crime Stoppers reward, and evolving theories about Nancy's targeting and potential international developments. The episode reveals escalating tension and unusual details casting new light on the case's trajectory.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Polygraph Testing at Pima County Sheriff's Department

Timestamp: 01:18 – 03:21

• Lynden Blake reports that polygraph testing, a traditional investigative tool, was finally conducted by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
• She highlights that, while some have questioned why it took so long, modern investigations often lean on other methods:

  "Polygraph test isn't always a let's go to it right away because it goes off emotion...it's not the end all be all." – Lynden Blake (01:50)

• Polygraph tests are seen as helpful but not definitive; they're part of broader investigative options.

The Unnerving "Kidnapping Game" from Savannah Guthrie’s Childhood

Timestamp: 03:21 – 03:32

• Attention has turned to an anecdote from Savannah Guthrie’s book "Mostly What God Does," where she discusses playing a "kidnapping" game as a child:

  "Mom, cousin Terry kidnapped us to take us to her house. My mother would feign shock, protest how terribly she would miss us, then assure us she'd drive up to retrieve us." – Savannah Guthrie (Audio, 03:21)

• The eerie coincidence between this childhood game and the real-life abduction has captured widespread attention.

Bizarre Google Searches Before Nancy’s Disappearance

Timestamp: 03:32 – 07:00

• Google Trends reveal that just days before Nancy vanished, someone searched for "Nancy Guthrie's address" and "Savannah's salary." Oddly, many of these searches originated from Algeria.
• Lynden explores possible explanations: VPN masking, genuine international involvement, or mere coincidence.
• The timing of these searches (January 26–27) is striking, as Nancy disappeared January 31–February 1.
• Lynden questions whether Nancy was being specifically targeted—a theory recently confirmed by Sheriff Chris Nanos:

  "But today Nano's told a news outlet that Nancy had a target for whatever reason." – Lynden Blake (07:36)

International and Cross-Border Investigation Developments

Timestamp: 08:40 – 09:30

• The FBI is now working with Mexican authorities, suggesting Nancy may have been taken across the border after her abduction.
• Lynden clarifies this is a routine approach for cases in border regions but marks a notable shift in the investigation’s scope.

Multiple and Evolving Ransom Demands

Timestamp: 09:35 – 11:00

• TMZ reported receiving a new, separate ransom demand—notable for its sophisticated nature, use of cryptocurrency (different from previous requests), and explicit threats if the ransom isn’t met.

  "This ransom was around $6 million...but this one was requested with a different type of cryptocurrency, not bitcoin...a different crypto account." – Lynden Blake (10:25)

• No proof of life has been provided to date, and authorities remain cautious about the credibility of such communications.
• The Guthrie family has not responded publicly to these new ransom notes.

$100,000 Crime Stoppers Reward: Unexpected Altruism

Timestamp: 11:00 – 12:19

• Michael Hoope, a Milwaukee attorney with no prior personal connection to the case, donated $100,000 to Tucson’s Crime Stoppers (88 Crime) to aid Nancy’s recovery.

  "This case stuck out to me because of the age of the person, the need for medical treatment, the pacemaker, and how important time was...So I said, I better do it." – Michael Hoope (11:03)

• Michael details Crime Stoppers' strict anonymity protocols:

  "When you call, we don't take your phone number. We don't take your name...We just take the information you give us. If that results in an arrest, you get a reward." – Michael Hoope (11:48)

Behind-the-Scenes: DNA and Genealogy in the Investigation

Timestamp: 12:19 – 13:24

• Pima County Sheriff continues to investigate DNA evidence, with genealogy analysis underway.
• An expert notes if the person has American roots, DNA matches can come within hours to weeks:

  "[Genealogical analysis] could take anywhere from hours to a few weeks, not years, as it does in some cases." – Lynden Blake (12:59)

• Lynden assures listeners that, though it may not seem obvious, significant investigative progress is being made.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the eerie connection between childhood games and the current crisis:

  "It was this game, but now it's their real life. Very eerie." – Lynden Blake (03:10)

• On the strange pattern of Google searches:

  "How often...can you go back on the trends and see that Nancy Guthrie's address was never searched?...It’s just very weird." – Lynden Blake (05:20)

• On Michael Hoope's motivation:

  "Time still is important. No one came forward and pushed Crime Stoppers. So I said, I better do it." – Michael Hoope (11:05)

• On maintaining tipster anonymity:

  "You go to an undisclosed location, give them your number, your code number, and you get the reward. And I don't know of an instance where this has not worked..." – Michael Hoope (11:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Savannah Guthrie’s “kidnapping game” recollection | 03:21–03:32 | | Google search revelations & targeting theory | 03:32–07:36 | | FBI engages Mexican authorities | 08:40–09:30 | | New ransom note details & skepticism | 09:35–11:00 | | Michael Hoope’s $100K Crime Stoppers donation | 11:00–12:19 | | Crime Stoppers anonymity explained | 11:48–12:19 | | DNA genealogy progress report | 12:19–13:24 |

Flow & Tone

Lynden Blake maintains a cautious, investigative, and empathetic tone throughout the episode. She balances hard facts with speculation responsibly, seeking clarity for listeners while expressing the emotional weight of the story. The episode is marked by moments of deep unease—the line between childhood innocence and adult tragedy, a community galvanized by altruism, and new leads that both baffle and bring hope.

For tips:
FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI
Tucson's Crime Stoppers (88 Crime): Information line for anonymous leads.