Podcast
Pushing Up Lilies
Hosted by Julie Mattson · EN
Dissect the science behind some of the most spine-tingling, unusual and terrifyingly true crime stories with Julie Mattson, a seasoned Forensic Nurse Death Investigator in this gripping weekly podcast.
Julie's unique approach to investigations is informed by her background in nursing, which allows her to provide an in-depth analysis of the medical intricacies and physiological aspects of each case.
With her compassionate storytelling and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, Julie takes you on a thrilling journey into the world of forensic science, shining a light on the intersection of medicine, justice and criminal investigation.
In “Pushing Up Lilies,” Julie's expert medical analysis will captivate your imagination and challenge your understanding of the human body's role in solving the most complex and enigmatic criminal case.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Andrew Hummel: Discovery of Allie
1w ago00:00:21Tap to summarizeWith permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about when he discovered Allie.
Transcribe →The Questions Left Behind: What Happened to Allie Hummel?
1w ago00:27:36Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a young, healthy woman is found dead in her own home... and the questions begin long before the investigation has answers? This week on Pushing Up Lilies, I'm taking a closer look at the life and death of Alexandra "Allie" Hummel, a 36-year-old licensed nurse from Missouri whose unexpected death remains under investigation. Based on publicly available information, I walk through the timeline of events leading up to her death, including a documented domestic violence incident that occurred less than a year earlier and why that history is significant in any death investigation. From the 911 call to the pending toxicology results, I'll explain what investigators look for when responding to an unexpected death in the home, how prior incidents become part of the investigative process, and why every piece of evidence matters. As a forensic death investigator, I also share my professional perspective on scene documentation, autopsy findings, toxicology testing, and the importance of remaining objective while allowing the facts to determine the outcome. Most importantly, this episode is about Allie, a dedicated nurse, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose loved ones continue to seek answers. While this investigation is still ongoing, her story also shines a light on the realities of domestic violence, the challenges victims often face, and why support systems are so important. Next week, I'll be joined by Allie's close friend, Kelsey, who will share personal memories of Allie and offer additional insight into the woman behind the headlines. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. You are not alone.
Transcribe →Andrew Hummel: Waiting On Toxicology
1w ago00:00:08Tap to summarizeWith permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about waiting on the toxicology report.
Transcribe →The Vanished Remains: The Julie Mott Story
2w ago00:27:14Tap to summarizeWhat happens when someone disappears... after they've already died? In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm exploring one of the most unusual and heartbreaking cases I've ever researched, the disappearance of Julie Mott's remains from a San Antonio funeral home following her memorial service. Julie was just 25 years old when she passed away after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. Her family gathered to honor her life, believing they would soon receive her ashes after cremation. Instead, they were met with an unimaginable nightmare: Julie's embalmed body had vanished. I'll walk you through the timeline of events, from Julie's courageous life and memorial service to the shocking discovery that her remains were missing. We'll examine the police investigation, the role of a former boyfriend who became a person of interest, the civil trial that revealed serious security concerns within the funeral home, and why this mystery remains unsolved nearly a decade later. As a forensic death investigator, I'll also share my professional perspective on the handling of human remains, chain of custody, funeral home security, and why cases like this are extraordinarily rare. We'll discuss what the evidence tells us, what it doesn't, and why preserving the dignity of the deceased is one of the most important responsibilities in death care. No one has ever been criminally charged in connection with the disappearance, and Julie's remains have never been found. This episode is a sobering reminder that even after death, families deserve answers, transparency, and the assurance that their loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect. Join me as we examine one of the most perplexing and emotionally devastating mysteries in modern death investigation.
Transcribe →A Mother's Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
3w ago00:37:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm examining the heartbreaking murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five whose life was taken in a brutal daylight attack that stunned the Del Rio, Texas community. When Caroline arrived at the hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds, medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Three women were arrested and charged with her murder, but many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as the investigation continues. As a forensic death investigator and former emergency room nurse, I walk through what happens in the critical moments after a stabbing victim arrives at the hospital, why injuries like these can be far more severe than they first appear, and how investigators begin reconstructing a violent crime through witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and medical findings. I also discuss why it's so important to separate verified facts from speculation while a case is still unfolding. But more than anything, I want to remember Caroline. She wasn't simply the victim in a headline. She was a mother, a friend, and someone remembered for her generosity and the kindness she showed others, even during difficult times in her own life. Behind every investigation is a family whose world has been forever changed, and five children who will grow up without their mother. This episode contains discussion of homicide, stabbing violence, and death. Listener discretion is advised.
Transcribe →Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths
4w ago00:43:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case involving Amy Steadman and the tragic family deaths that shook the community of Mechanicville, New York. Cases involving multiple family members are among the most emotionally difficult for investigators, first responders, and the communities left searching for answers. As details emerged, investigators were faced with the complex task of piecing together what happened inside a home where several lives were lost, while loved ones struggled to make sense of an unimaginable tragedy. As a forensic death investigator, I discuss the investigative process behind cases like this, the importance of carefully documenting the scene, evaluating the evidence without assumptions, and understanding how investigators work to reconstruct the events that led to such devastating outcomes. I also explore the emotional toll these cases can have, not only on surviving family members, but on the professionals responsible for uncovering the truth. But beyond the investigation, I want to remember the people at the center of this story. Behind every report are individuals whose lives mattered, families forever changed, and a community left grieving. Every death investigation is about more than determining what happened, it's about honoring those who can no longer speak for themselves and seeking answers with compassion, professionalism, and respect. This episode contains discussion of family violence, homicide, and death. Listener discretion is advised.
Transcribe →The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
Jun 2400:30:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm examining the disturbing case of Shawn Michael Grate, a serial killer whose crimes spanned a decade across northern Ohio and left multiple families forever changed. What makes this case especially unsettling is not only the length of time the murders continued, but how many opportunities there may have been to stop the violence sooner. As investigators pieced together the evidence, a clearer picture emerged of a predator who targeted vulnerable women, leaving behind unanswered questions and unimaginable heartbreak. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the timeline of the investigation, the evidence that ultimately connected the cases, and the forensic and investigative techniques that helped bring long-awaited answers to the victims' families. We'll also discuss how missing persons investigations, crime scene evidence, and victim identification play critical roles in solving complex serial homicide cases. But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On the victims. Each woman had a life, a story, and people who loved her. Behind every headline was someone whose future was stolen far too soon. Their lives deserve to be remembered with dignity, not simply as part of a criminal's history. This episode explores the realities of serial homicide investigations while honoring the individuals whose stories might otherwise be overshadowed by the person responsible. This episode contains discussion of homicide, sexual violence, and serial murder. Listener discretion is advised.
Transcribe →Where It All Began: Julie's Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies
Jun 1700:08:12Tap to summarizeWho am I, and how did I end up investigating death for a living? In this very first episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I'm sharing my story, from my path into nursing to becoming a Forensic Nurse Death Investigator. I'll talk about what drew me to this unique profession, what it's really like to investigate deaths, and why I felt called to create this podcast. Over the years, I've responded to countless death scenes, worked alongside law enforcement, medical examiners, and families experiencing unimaginable loss. Those experiences have taught me that every death has a story, and understanding that story requires compassion, science, careful investigation, and sometimes asking difficult questions. Pushing Up Lilies was created to give listeners an honest look behind the scenes of death investigation. Whether you're fascinated by forensic science, curious about how cases are solved, or simply interested in the realities of this profession, I hope this podcast helps educate, inspire, and answer questions you've always wondered about. If you're new here, welcome. This episode is the perfect place to begin. If you've been listening for a while, thank you for being part of this journey. I'm so glad you're here. Join me as I share the story behind the microphone, and the path that led me to Pushing Up Lilies.
Transcribe →The State of Texas vs Karmelo Anthony
Jun 1100:30:37Tap to summarizeIn last week's episode, I explored the tragic death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and the events that unfolded during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. This week, I'm following the case into the courtroom as we examine The State of Texas vs. Karmelo Anthony. During this episode, I'll walk through the key moments of the trial, the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense, and the jury's ultimate decision. We'll discuss the self-defense claim raised by the defense, the testimony presented during the proceedings, and the factors that may have influenced the outcome. I'll also review the sentencing phase and the emotional victim impact statements delivered by Austin's family. As always, my goal is not to sensationalize tragedy, but to help listeners better understand the investigative and legal processes that follow a violent death. Cases like this often generate strong opinions and intense public discussion, but inside the courtroom, decisions must be based on evidence, testimony, and the law. Join me as we take a closer look at one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent Texas history and examine the legal journey from a fatal encounter to a murder conviction.
Transcribe →One Final Moment: The Tragic Death of Austin Metcalf
Jun 300:32:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a high school student whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been an ordinary day at a track meet. In April 2025, a confrontation between two young men at a Frisco, Texas, athletic event ended in an act of violence that shocked a community and made headlines across the country. What began as a disagreement escalated in a matter of moments, leaving one family grieving the loss of a son, brother, friend, and teammate. As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the known timeline of events, the investigation that followed, and the legal proceedings involving Karmelo Anthony. I also discuss the difficult realities surrounding youth violence, split-second decisions, and the devastating consequences that can follow. But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs. On Austin. On the life he lived, the people who loved him, and the future that was taken from him far too soon. This episode is approached with compassion and respect for everyone affected by this tragedy. Beyond the headlines, this is the story of a young life lost and a community forever changed. This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and the death of a minor. Listener discretion is advised.
Transcribe →