Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Believe Her”

Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Taj Easton (guest hosting for Kevin Allison)
Guest: Andrea Dunlop – Author, podcaster (“Nobody Should Believe Me”)
Main Theme: A raw, deeply personal exploration of Munchausen by proxy abuse, how it ravages families, and the struggle to expose the truth amid denial and system failures. Andrea Dunlop candidly shares her journey from personal trauma, through family estrangement, to ethical storytelling and advocacy.

Episode Overview

In this gripping, unfiltered conversation, Andrea Dunlop joins guest host Taj Easton to share the astonishing real-life origins of her acclaimed podcast “Nobody Should Believe Me.” The episode confronts the harrowing realities of Munchausen by proxy (MBP) — a form of medical child abuse — and exposes how denial, media failures, and institutional shortcomings enable perpetrators. It’s part personal memoir, part true crime investigation, and consistently emphasizes the need to believe and support survivors.

Content Note: This episode deals with heavy topics including child abuse, family estrangement, and murder, but is described by Taj and Andrea as hopeful at its core.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andrea’s Personal Connection & Motivation

Roots in Family Trauma:
Andrea’s journey began when her own sister was investigated for MBP, leading to family estrangement and deep personal questioning ([04:43]–[10:12]).
- “We felt like we were the only family in the entire world that had ever been through this.”
  — Andrea ([05:47])
From Fiction to True Crime Podcasting:
After a novel based on her experience, Andrea found community and validation at the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children ([08:50]).

2. The Challenge of Telling MBP Stories

Media Complicity and Denial:
Andrea’s sister was featured as a falsely accused parent in news coverage, severely compounding the family’s pain ([11:20]).
- “They included a whole bunch of pictures of my niece in the hospital... but didn't mention any of the evidence against her, which I found out later was extensive.”
  — Andrea ([11:33])
- Inspired to “fight podcasts with podcasts” by countering misleading narratives ([13:13]).
Common Patterns in Cases:
Andrea describes chilling commonalities across MBP cases — including fake pregnancies, unnecessary feeding tubes, and medical fabrications — often overlooked or misunderstood by professionals and families alike ([13:13]–[19:45]).

3. Confronting Perpetrators and Reckoning with Hope

First Major Interview with “Hope” ([16:53]):
- Hope, a convicted MBP perpetrator, became central to the podcast’s first season. Andrea describes an emotionally complex meeting, where manipulation and genuine emotion are almost inseparable.
- “As she was saying, 'Oh, I regret it,'... I was just like, no. I think she regrets that she was caught and that her life fell apart because of it.”
  — Andrea ([29:03])
Seeking Closure / Redemption:
Andrea admits she initially hoped her podcast would pull her sister “back,” a “final Hail Mary” for reconciliation, but ultimately realizes some wounds cannot heal ([19:46], [29:44]).

4. Systemic Failures & Denial

Survivors and Systemic Neglect:
Andrea discusses multiple cases where MBP perpetrators were allowed to resume parenting, work in health advocacy, or manipulate their narratives for sympathy, despite clear documentation of abuse ([32:25]–[35:48]).
- Notable case: “Lisa,” convicted for poisoning and suffocating her daughter (caught 50 times on video), later worked as a patient advocate and had access to children again.
Obstacles to Justice:
Child protective services and family courts are often ill-equipped, and the media frequently sides with accused parents — reinforcing dangerous patterns ([61:42]–[65:53]).
- “Doctors are really concerned...they just did nothing.”
  — Andrea ([61:39])

5. Second Major Confrontation: “Lisa” ([41:37])

Journalistic Tenacity:
Andrea and journalist Meredith Anderson directly confront Lisa, who attempts to deflect, minimize, and obfuscate. Andrea applies her accrued expertise to debunk Lisa’s explanations in real time ([45:38]).
- “For the first time in my life, I was getting to cut through that and just in real time...be able to just call her on that.”
  — Andrea ([45:45])
Post-Confrontation Fallout:
The investigative reporting led to Lisa’s firing but not to disclosure to concerned communities. Lisa continues to evade accountability, and Andrea describes wrestling with ongoing threats to children ([51:53]–[52:52]).

6. Psychological and Societal Barriers

Why Isn’t MBP Recognized?
Andrea and Taj unpack why families, professionals, and society resist seeing MBP — it upends core beliefs about motherhood and safety ([65:53]–[70:24]).
- “People don't want to live in that world...It's much nicer to live in the world where this couldn't possibly be happening.”
  — Andrea ([66:15])
Motivations of Perpetrators:
MBP isn’t always about money or material gain; the emotional gratification, attention, and power drive the abuse ([68:57]–[71:37]).
- “They get a thrill from lying to people...Their brain is not wired that way.”
  — Andrea ([70:25])

7. The Role of Storytelling & Ethical True Crime

Responsibility and Intent:
Andrea stresses the importance of ethical, survivor-centered narrative in true crime — not glamorizing the abuser, but shining light for families and survivors.
Sense of Hope:
Despite grim realities, Andrea describes the therapeutic power of telling the truth and building community for survivors ([72:09]–[73:02]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On feeling isolated:
“People would have no idea what I was talking about. To tell it to a room full of people who were nodding their heads...was just such a revelation.”
— Andrea ([06:54])
On media narrative failures:
“There’s this terrible media narrative that I’m up against about how Munchausen by Proxy isn’t real, or it’s so rare that none of these cases are real.”
— Andrea ([16:33])
On confronting a perpetrator:
“I'm here to get that information. I'm at the end of my investigation...If you have something you need to tell me...now’s your chance.”
— Andrea confronting Lisa ([48:36]–[49:59])
On the limits of empathy:
“If you feel empathy, I don't know how you can do that to your own child.”
— Andrea ([29:44])
On the challenges of believing abuse:
“People don't want to live in that world...You have to go into the darkness to accept that this is happening.”
— Andrea ([66:15])

Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:30] – Taj Easton introduces Andrea Dunlop and content warning
[04:32] – Story begins: Andrea recounts her family’s MBP crisis
[13:13] – Launching the podcast, first cases explored
[16:53] – Interviewing “Hope,” the first MBP perpetrator on the show
[29:44] – Aftermath: Emotional revelations and the limits of reconciliation
[32:25] – Founding “Munchausen Support” and the Lisa case introduction
[41:37] – Andrea confronts Lisa with evidence; real-time fact-checking
[51:53] – Consequences: Job loss, continued risk, advocacy
[53:19] – Five years of podcasting, reflection on early warning signs
[61:42] – Systemic failures, denial in the face of overwhelming evidence
[66:15] – Why society resists believing MBP; psychological comfort
[70:25] – Why perpetrators do it: Emotional drivers and compulsions
[72:09] – Impact of telling these stories, evolution of public understanding

Additional Moments

Praise for Taj Easton by both Kevin and Andrea, with lighthearted banter ([00:40], extended at episode’s end [80:42]).
Behind-the-scenes on the all-female staff of "Nobody Should Believe Me" ([73:18]), with Taj humorously lamenting his outsider status.
Closing reflections:
Andrea: “Thank you so much for having me.” ([76:15])

Tone, Delivery, and Takeaway

The episode is unflinching, compassionate, and at times darkly humorous. Andrea’s honesty and vulnerability—about her own pain, mistakes, and hopes—anchor the story. Taj’s empathetic questions give space for nuance and catharsis, while not shying away from the brutal truths at the heart of MBP cases. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of this “hinterland” of child abuse, the insidious power of denial, and the imperative to both believe survivors and demand systemic change.

For Further Listening & Support

Listen: “Nobody Should Believe Me” Podcast (by Andrea Dunlop)
Support: Munchausen Support non-profit – Peer support and resources for survivors and families

“If you have money, give it to us. Simple. Patreon.com/Risk...We need money. As much money as possible, please!”
— Taj Easton ([76:19]), closing out the episode in classic RISK! style.

End of Summary

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Believe Her”

Episode Overview

Content Note: This episode deals with heavy topics including child abuse, family estrangement, and murder, but is described by Taj and Andrea as hopeful at its core.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andrea’s Personal Connection & Motivation

Roots in Family Trauma:
Andrea’s journey began when her own sister was investigated for MBP, leading to family estrangement and deep personal questioning ([04:43]–[10:12]).
- “We felt like we were the only family in the entire world that had ever been through this.”
  — Andrea ([05:47])
From Fiction to True Crime Podcasting:
After a novel based on her experience, Andrea found community and validation at the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children ([08:50]).

2. The Challenge of Telling MBP Stories

Media Complicity and Denial:
Andrea’s sister was featured as a falsely accused parent in news coverage, severely compounding the family’s pain ([11:20]).
- “They included a whole bunch of pictures of my niece in the hospital... but didn't mention any of the evidence against her, which I found out later was extensive.”
  — Andrea ([11:33])
- Inspired to “fight podcasts with podcasts” by countering misleading narratives ([13:13]).
Common Patterns in Cases:
Andrea describes chilling commonalities across MBP cases — including fake pregnancies, unnecessary feeding tubes, and medical fabrications — often overlooked or misunderstood by professionals and families alike ([13:13]–[19:45]).

3. Confronting Perpetrators and Reckoning with Hope

First Major Interview with “Hope” ([16:53]):
- Hope, a convicted MBP perpetrator, became central to the podcast’s first season. Andrea describes an emotionally complex meeting, where manipulation and genuine emotion are almost inseparable.
- “As she was saying, 'Oh, I regret it,'... I was just like, no. I think she regrets that she was caught and that her life fell apart because of it.”
  — Andrea ([29:03])
Seeking Closure / Redemption:
Andrea admits she initially hoped her podcast would pull her sister “back,” a “final Hail Mary” for reconciliation, but ultimately realizes some wounds cannot heal ([19:46], [29:44]).

4. Systemic Failures & Denial

Survivors and Systemic Neglect:
Andrea discusses multiple cases where MBP perpetrators were allowed to resume parenting, work in health advocacy, or manipulate their narratives for sympathy, despite clear documentation of abuse ([32:25]–[35:48]).
- Notable case: “Lisa,” convicted for poisoning and suffocating her daughter (caught 50 times on video), later worked as a patient advocate and had access to children again.
Obstacles to Justice:
Child protective services and family courts are often ill-equipped, and the media frequently sides with accused parents — reinforcing dangerous patterns ([61:42]–[65:53]).
- “Doctors are really concerned...they just did nothing.”
  — Andrea ([61:39])

5. Second Major Confrontation: “Lisa” ([41:37])

Journalistic Tenacity:
Andrea and journalist Meredith Anderson directly confront Lisa, who attempts to deflect, minimize, and obfuscate. Andrea applies her accrued expertise to debunk Lisa’s explanations in real time ([45:38]).
- “For the first time in my life, I was getting to cut through that and just in real time...be able to just call her on that.”
  — Andrea ([45:45])
Post-Confrontation Fallout:
The investigative reporting led to Lisa’s firing but not to disclosure to concerned communities. Lisa continues to evade accountability, and Andrea describes wrestling with ongoing threats to children ([51:53]–[52:52]).

6. Psychological and Societal Barriers

Why Isn’t MBP Recognized?
Andrea and Taj unpack why families, professionals, and society resist seeing MBP — it upends core beliefs about motherhood and safety ([65:53]–[70:24]).
- “People don't want to live in that world...It's much nicer to live in the world where this couldn't possibly be happening.”
  — Andrea ([66:15])
Motivations of Perpetrators:
MBP isn’t always about money or material gain; the emotional gratification, attention, and power drive the abuse ([68:57]–[71:37]).
- “They get a thrill from lying to people...Their brain is not wired that way.”
  — Andrea ([70:25])

7. The Role of Storytelling & Ethical True Crime

Responsibility and Intent:
Andrea stresses the importance of ethical, survivor-centered narrative in true crime — not glamorizing the abuser, but shining light for families and survivors.
Sense of Hope:
Despite grim realities, Andrea describes the therapeutic power of telling the truth and building community for survivors ([72:09]–[73:02]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On feeling isolated:
“People would have no idea what I was talking about. To tell it to a room full of people who were nodding their heads...was just such a revelation.”
— Andrea ([06:54])
On media narrative failures:
“There’s this terrible media narrative that I’m up against about how Munchausen by Proxy isn’t real, or it’s so rare that none of these cases are real.”
— Andrea ([16:33])
On confronting a perpetrator:
“I'm here to get that information. I'm at the end of my investigation...If you have something you need to tell me...now’s your chance.”
— Andrea confronting Lisa ([48:36]–[49:59])
On the limits of empathy:
“If you feel empathy, I don't know how you can do that to your own child.”
— Andrea ([29:44])
On the challenges of believing abuse:
“People don't want to live in that world...You have to go into the darkness to accept that this is happening.”
— Andrea ([66:15])

Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:30] – Taj Easton introduces Andrea Dunlop and content warning
[04:32] – Story begins: Andrea recounts her family’s MBP crisis
[13:13] – Launching the podcast, first cases explored
[16:53] – Interviewing “Hope,” the first MBP perpetrator on the show
[29:44] – Aftermath: Emotional revelations and the limits of reconciliation
[32:25] – Founding “Munchausen Support” and the Lisa case introduction
[41:37] – Andrea confronts Lisa with evidence; real-time fact-checking
[51:53] – Consequences: Job loss, continued risk, advocacy
[53:19] – Five years of podcasting, reflection on early warning signs
[61:42] – Systemic failures, denial in the face of overwhelming evidence
[66:15] – Why society resists believing MBP; psychological comfort
[70:25] – Why perpetrators do it: Emotional drivers and compulsions
[72:09] – Impact of telling these stories, evolution of public understanding

Additional Moments

Praise for Taj Easton by both Kevin and Andrea, with lighthearted banter ([00:40], extended at episode’s end [80:42]).
Behind-the-scenes on the all-female staff of "Nobody Should Believe Me" ([73:18]), with Taj humorously lamenting his outsider status.
Closing reflections:
Andrea: “Thank you so much for having me.” ([76:15])

Tone, Delivery, and Takeaway

For Further Listening & Support

Listen: “Nobody Should Believe Me” Podcast (by Andrea Dunlop)
Support: Munchausen Support non-profit – Peer support and resources for survivors and families

“If you have money, give it to us. Simple. Patreon.com/Risk...We need money. As much money as possible, please!”
— Taj Easton ([76:19]), closing out the episode in classic RISK! style.

End of Summary

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Believe Her

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Summary

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Believe Her”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andrea’s Personal Connection & Motivation

2. The Challenge of Telling MBP Stories

3. Confronting Perpetrators and Reckoning with Hope

4. Systemic Failures & Denial

5. Second Major Confrontation: “Lisa” ([41:37])

6. Psychological and Societal Barriers

7. The Role of Storytelling & Ethical True Crime

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Additional Moments

Tone, Delivery, and Takeaway

For Further Listening & Support

Summary

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Believe Her”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andrea’s Personal Connection & Motivation

2. The Challenge of Telling MBP Stories

3. Confronting Perpetrators and Reckoning with Hope

4. Systemic Failures & Denial

5. Second Major Confrontation: “Lisa” ([41:37])

6. Psychological and Societal Barriers

7. The Role of Storytelling & Ethical True Crime

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Additional Moments

Tone, Delivery, and Takeaway

For Further Listening & Support