Nobody Should Believe Me – Season 5, Episode 1: "Sophie Saves Zambia"

Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host: Andrea Dunlop
Produced by: True Story Media

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 5 of Nobody Should Believe Me, host Andrea Dunlop delves into the troubling case of Sophie Hartman, a woman from Renton whose inspiring narrative of adopting two Zambian sisters conceals dark allegations of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) abuse. This episode meticulously unpacks Sophie's journey, the complexities of transracial and international adoption, and the ensuing investigation that questions the true nature of her caregiving.

Background: The Hartman Story

Andrea Dunlop begins by setting the stage with a personal warning about the sensitive nature of the content, specifically touching on child abuse and MBP. She introduces Sophie Hartman, a mother from Renton who embarked on a mission trip to Zambia during her college years. This trip led her to adopt two sisters: Cee, diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), and her older sister, Em.

Andrea Dunlop [00:04]:
"Author Andrea Dunlop is looking for answers. When her older sister was first investigated for Munchausen by Proxy abuse more than a decade ago, it tore her family apart."

Sophie's inspirational story attracted national attention, highlighted by a 2019 King 5 television news segment, which Andrea references to illustrate the initial public perception of Sophie as a dedicated and compassionate mother.

Sophie's Mission in Zambia

Andrea recounts excerpts from Sophie's self-published memoir, Crowns of Beauty, which provides a first-person account of Sophie's experiences in Zambia. Sophie portrays herself as a devout individual committed to saving orphaned children from dire circumstances.

Sophie Hartman [13:01]:
"I saw malnourished children ply their way through sewage drains, chewing on plastic bags... The dramatic and contrasting reality that was present every day in Kafui devastated me."

However, Andrea notes inconsistencies and a lack of detailed, verifiable information about Sophie's activities and the actual conditions in Zambia, raising red flags about the authenticity and accuracy of Sophie's narrative.

Andrea Dunlop [14:03]:
"Sophie quickly realized was experiencing something much more concerning... She started to question her own instincts."

The Investigation into Munchausen by Proxy

As Sophie's story unfolded, Andrea began to notice unsettling signs that suggested possible MBP abuse. Despite Sophie's public image as a devoted mother, there were discrepancies in her children's medical conditions and Andrea's observations of Sophie exhibiting unusual physical symptoms.

Andrea Dunlop [44:14]:
"She had an issue with lying. Every time I go in to the doctor, she wouldn't be exhibiting those symptoms. I'm like, I know."

This culminated in Sophie's facing second-degree assault charges related to medically unnecessary procedures and restraints inflicted on her daughter. The investigation involved extensive police work and expert testimonies, reflecting the severity and complexity of the case.

Sophie Hartman [21:14]:
"He has called me to Zambia... I love Jesus... I love him."

Expert Insight: Chad Golder Sojourner on Transracial Adoption

To unpack the nuances of Sophie's international transracial adoption, Andrea interviews Chad Golder Sojourner, a Seattle-based writer and educator specializing in adoption counseling.

Chad Golder Sojourner [34:46]:
"One of the misconceptions is that the white parent knows more... transracial adoptees should not be expected to just be grateful without understanding their unique challenges."

Chad discusses the inherent challenges in transracial and international adoptions, such as cultural disconnection, identity struggles, and the potential for children to be viewed as commodities. He emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and the ethical considerations that come with adopting children from vastly different backgrounds.

Chad Golder Sojourner [37:28]:
"I think there's the white savior complex... the grandiosity of thinking that Zambia is a problem and it's one that she's equipped to solve."

These insights shed light on the potential vulnerabilities of children in such adoptions and highlight the possible motivations behind Sophie's actions, suggesting a pattern consistent with MBP behavior.

Analyzing Sophie's Actions and Motivations

Andrea critically examines Sophie's portrayal of herself as a savior and martyr, questioning the authenticity of her motivations and the legitimacy of her caregiving. She points out the emotional manipulation evident in Sophie's storytelling, where crisis and suffering are focal points, possibly to elicit sympathy and financial support.

Andrea Dunlop [25:46]:
"The positioning of Sophie as both a martyr and a savior feels extremely familiar to me, as does the book's fixation on crisis and suffering."

The episode also explores Sophie's lack of specialized training and the disproportionate number of medical appointments her daughter underwent, which align with typical MBP patterns where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness to gain attention and control.

Andrea Dunlop [44:24]:
"She had an issue with lying... this is not a terminal disease."

Conclusion: Unraveling the Truth

As the episode concludes, Andrea reflects on the complex layers of Sophie's story, juxtaposing her outward philanthropic efforts with the sinister allegations of child abuse. The case exemplifies the intricate challenges in identifying and addressing MBP, especially within international and transracial adoption frameworks.

Andrea Dunlop [44:48]:
"The signs and symptoms are here, it's obviously a concern that she's pushing this child towards death."

By weaving together personal observations, expert opinions, and investigative findings, Nobody Should Believe Me presents a compelling narrative that encourages listeners to question the facade of altruism and to seek deeper truths behind public personas.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Dunlop [25:46]:
  "The positioning of Sophie as both a martyr and a savior feels extremely familiar to me, as does the book's fixation on crisis and suffering."

• Chad Golder Sojourner [34:46]:
  "One of the misconceptions is that the white parent knows more... transracial adoptees should not be expected to just be grateful without understanding their unique challenges."

• Sophie Hartman [40:10]:
  "He is willing to fight for it."

Final Remarks

This episode of Nobody Should Believe Me serves as a potent exploration of the dark undercurrents that can lie beneath seemingly noble actions. Andrea Dunlop's thorough investigation into Sophie Hartman's life and the subsequent allegations of MBP abuse underscores the importance of vigilance and critical analysis in uncovering the truth behind public narratives.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights, providing a comprehensive overview of one of the most harrowing stories to date in the series.

Credits:

Nobody Should Believe Me is written, hosted, and executive produced by Andrea Dunlop. Additional contributions include senior producer Mariah Gossett, story editing by Nicole Hill, research and fact-checking by Erin Ajayi, associate producer Greta Stromquist, and mixing and engineering by Robin Edgar. Special thanks to Chad Golder, Sojourner Glory Machingi, Francisco Alvarado, and other background informants.

If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of medical child abuse, please visit munchausensupport.com for professional assistance.