Real Life Real Crime | #JusticeForBradley Ep1 Encore
Episode Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Woody Overton
Guest: Morgan Baggot
Episode Overview
This episode marks the encore presentation and relaunch of Justice for Bradley, a gripping and emotional true crime investigation hosted by Woody Overton. Woody, a seasoned lawman turned podcaster, announces his commitment to reopening the cold case of Bradley Strasner, a young father and husband whose disappearance in rural Louisiana remains unsolved. Woody is joined by Morgan Baggot—Bradley’s ex-wife and steadfast advocate for uncovering the truth behind his disappearance and suspected murder. The episode establishes the personal stakes, the emotional ramifications for Bradley's loved ones, and the initial facts—all with Woody’s signature candid, Southern storytelling style.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why Woody Took the Case
- Woody often receives requests to feature family members’ cold cases; his decision to take on Bradley’s case felt personal and fueled by anger over the injustices and lack of progress ([07:04]).
- Woody explains, "I have to be moved. I have to be in the right place, the right state of mind. Something has to kick in for me to. In this case, ultimately I got pissed off..." ([07:42]).
2. Introduction of Morgan Baggot
- Morgan describes her deep roots in Vernon Parish, LA, and her long history with Bradley—meeting him as a child, then reconnecting years later as adults ([13:16]-[14:27]).
- Together, Morgan and Woody ground the episode in authentic, lived experience and the pain of families impacted by addiction and unsolved crimes.
3. The Story of Morgan and Bradley
- Morgan paints a portrait of young love, small-town Louisiana life, and building a family despite obstacles ([14:27]-[25:36]).
- She shares the bittersweet memories: "We’d drink beer together, we went riding in the woods together... we were together for seven years" ([15:17]-[15:38]).
- The birth of their son, Oliver, is retold with emotion—Bradley’s joy as a new father ([23:54]-[24:33]).
4. Descent into Addiction and Marital Strain
- The conversation turns somber as Morgan details Bradley’s decline into substance use, particularly meth and pills, and how addiction eroded their marriage ([29:41]-[33:47]).
- Woody, with empathy and realism, reminds listeners: "Not everybody that gets murdered is churchgoing preachers... in 98% of the cases I work, narcotics are involved in some way" ([31:45]-[32:25]).
- Morgan’s struggle to save Bradley, even post-divorce, highlights the lasting bonds and heartbreak addiction leaves in its wake ([32:55]-[33:11]).
5. Fatherhood, Loss, and Final Separation
- Morgan recalls Bradley as a patient father when sober, who wanted to teach Oliver and let him “do things. He literally put the tools in his hands...” ([33:47]-[34:23]).
- Their final encounter is wrenching: Morgan insisted Bradley pass a drug test before seeing Oliver. Unable to pass, Bradley left donut holes and a Yoo-hoo—Oliver’s favorites—and told Morgan, “Tell my son I love him” before leaving for the last time ([43:23]-[43:32]).
- Quote: "That's something I'll have to live with for the rest of my life." – Morgan ([43:51])
6. Discovery of Bradley's Disappearance
- After months of no contact, Morgan receives a call that Bradley is missing—though at first, she’s not alarmed due to his history. But as the days stretch and he fails to contact family, concern grows ([45:38]-[49:27]).
- The realization hits when even his beloved Uncle Clifford and father, whom he would never ignore for so long, can’t reach him ([54:30]).
7. Initial Investigation and Missing Person Report
- Bradley’s mother files a missing person report with Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office on November 5th after six days with no contact ([55:01]-[55:15]).
- Authorities issue welfare and safety checks, but “in their minds... they weren’t looking at it as a homicide investigation or whatever” due to his past disappearances ([55:41]-[56:10]).
8. Timeline of Bradley's Last Known Movements
- Last seen leaving his mother’s house in shorts, promising to return that evening; he never did ([57:15]).
- Was driving his girlfriend Chelsea’s grandmother’s car, intending to return it. The car was later found abandoned, backed up to a gate with keys inside by neighbors—no sign of Bradley ([57:47]-[61:34]).
- “They pull out of their driveway to go to town, and there’s this random vehicle sitting there... the car is still there... At that point, they decided to call the sheriff’s office” ([60:14]).
- Timeline: Car found October 31st; missing person report filed November 5th.
9. Woody’s Call to Action for Justice
- Woody vows full commitment—opening a tip line, vetting every lead, and emphasizing: “Out of all the cases I’ve taken, this is going to be punch you in your mouth because I’m coming hard, all right. And so life will stick with me” ([09:44]-[10:23]; [64:21]).
- Message to possible perpetrators: "The murderers are listening... best thing you can do, go turn yourself in now... I’m coming for you. And you should be very afraid." ([09:44]-[10:23]).
10. Emotional Reflections & Advocacy
- Morgan’s grief, guilt, and continued advocacy are front and center: “It’s been a heavy load, and I’m so happy to watch it take a turn with you” ([70:09]).
- Woody’s closing sentiment: “Bradley’s made his choices... but he still is a human being and I’m telling you Bradley is dead or... in my professional opinion... but to the people who did it, best thing you can do [is] turn your ass in now, right? It’s not going to stop” ([64:59]-[65:08]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On choosing the case:
"I apologize ahead of time that I have to be moved. I have to be in the right place, the right state of mind. Something has to kick in for me to... In this case, ultimately I got pissed off..." – Woody Overton ([07:35]) -
Final encounter with Bradley:
"He set the donut holes in the Yoo hoo in the seat, and he looked at me and he said, tell my son that I love him. And he turned around and he left." – Morgan Baggot ([43:23]) -
Woody on addiction and crime:
"98% of the cases I work, narcotics are involved... drug addiction is a sickness in the End. It is a learned behavior. It gets out of hand... But that in no way takes away from the fact that Bradley was a human being." ([31:45]-[32:22]) -
Morgan’s pain and advocacy:
“This is really surreal. I have a lot of faith in you... I do always try to keep my composure, but when I told y’all that story about the last time I saw Bradley, I can’t help it. Sometimes it comes out of my eyes.” ([69:01])
Important Timestamps
- [07:04]-[08:46]: Woody explains why he chose Bradley’s case; launches #JusticeForBradley
- [09:44]-[12:37]: Introduction of Morgan Baggot; basic context of Vernon Parish
- [13:42]-[15:38]: Morgan describes meeting and dating Bradley
- [23:54]-[24:33]: Bradley’s reaction to learning Oliver is a boy
- [29:41]-[33:47]: Struggle with Bradley’s addiction, family tension
- [43:23]-[43:51]: Morgan’s last meeting with Bradley—poignant, pivotal moment
- [45:38]-[49:27]: Discovery that Bradley is missing and the initial lack of alarm
- [55:01]-[56:10]: Filing of the missing person report; local law enforcement reaction
- [57:47]-[61:34]: Discovery and recovery of abandoned car Bradley was last seen driving
- [64:21]-[65:08]: Woody’s rallying call to listeners and challenge to perpetrators
- [69:01]-[70:13]: Morgan’s emotional closing; transition to Woody leading the fight
Structure & Format
- The episode is largely narrative, alternating between Woody’s explanation, direct questions, and Morgan’s candid, heartfelt storytelling.
- Woody maintains a compassionate but firm tone—protective of families, real about crime, and determined to ruffle feathers if that means progress.
- The show closes with a call to action: share the episode, use #JusticeForBradley, and bring forth any tips to help solve the case.
- Listeners are told to expect more in-depth analysis and new revelations in future episodes as Woody and Morgan continue their fight.
For New & Returning Listeners
This relaunch of #JusticeForBradley is a deeply personal, human portrait of loss, addiction, and small-town crime—driven by the voices of those left behind. It lays the emotional and factual groundwork for further investigation, pressing listeners to care, participate, and demand answers for Bradley Strasner, whose story is only just beginning to unfold.
Hashtag Justice for Bradley. Keep the information flowing. If you have a tip, call 313-RLRC-TIP or connect through official channels. Join the conversation and help fight for closure—one family at a time.
