Podcast Summary: Scams, Money, & Murder
Episode: FBI Agent Mark Putnam Pt. 2 | Serial Killers & Murderous Minds
Date: February 22, 2026
Hosts: Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristan Engels (forensic psychologist)
Duration: ~55 min
Main Theme & Purpose
This gripping episode concludes the two-part investigation into the chilling true story of Mark Putnam, the first FBI agent ever convicted of murder. Hosts Vanessa and Dr. Tristan dissect the unraveling of Putnam’s double life: an ambitious agent on the outside, a killer on the inside. Through narrative storytelling and psychological analysis, the episode probes questions about power, control, guilt, and the devastating ripple effects violent crime has on victims, perpetrators, and their families.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Affair, The Scandal, and The Confrontation
[04:39–13:22]
- Mark Putnam, once seen as an exemplary FBI agent, has his first posting in Pikeville, KY, where he begins an affair with his informant, 27-year-old Susan Smith.
- After being transferred to Miami, Mark believes he's outrun scandal—until Susan calls to say she’s pregnant with his child.
- Mark's struggle with control and reputation becomes the central stressor; Dr. Engels observes:
- (06:12) Dr. Engels: “Mark had built his life around control, discipline, and reputation. And now he was facing something that stripped him of all three at once. That likely triggered panic... Not just fear of the consequences, but fear of threat to his identity.”
- Susan’s desperation peaks as Mark ignores her, forcing a confrontation at his motel.
The Murder of Susan Smith
[13:23–17:51]
- On a tense drive, according to Mark, Susan becomes "hysterical and physical"; in a violent exchange, he strangles her.
- Dr. Engels refutes Mark’s claim of a spontaneous snap:
- (13:23) Dr. Engels: “I would argue that this seems more likely premeditated... He put Susan in his car. He drove her into an isolated road late at night... That’s not accidental.”
- Mark’s subsequent panic and attempts to cover his tracks are detailed, including disposing of Susan’s body in an overgrown ravine and feigned remorse.
- Dr. Engels on Mark’s apology:
- (17:04) “So apologizing in this way can relieve internal discomfort and allow him to acknowledge harm without accepting any real consequences... He's not devoid of conscience, but his need to protect himself is stronger than his capacity to fully own what he's done.”
Coverup and Manipulation of the Narrative
[20:23–25:12]
- Mark initiates damage control, calling Susan’s sister and the police to "report" her missing, intentionally planting misleading details about her drug use.
- Dr. Engels breaks down this calculated manipulation:
- (23:30) “He's inserting himself early because the first story told often becomes the anchor story... He's exploiting that assumption [of innocence], character assassinating Susan to shift blame.”
- Police and fellow agent Ronald Poole grow suspicious as the investigation deepens.
The Psychological Toll and Physical Manifestations
[28:54–33:45]
- As the investigation intensifies, Mark suffers severe anxiety and physical symptoms (insomnia, stomach issues, self-injury).
- Dr. Engels explains:
- (28:54) “When guilt and fear become overwhelming, they start to manifest physically... These aren't necessarily indicators of remorse, but of fear and loss of control.”
- Mark continues to try and control the narrative—including offering himself to be internally investigated, an unusual move for a guilty party.
Collapse and Confession
[39:54–44:40]
- Mark fails a polygraph, then confesses to his wife, Kathy.
- The emotional fallout is immediate—Kathy is furious, but Mark finds some relief in confession.
- Dr. Engels dissects the calculated nature of Mark’s confession:
- (43:19) “Confessing to her fits a pattern... He manages the exposure first. Kathy was the safest person to tell first... It allowed him to release just enough truth to survive it while maintaining control.”
Legal Resolution & Aftermath
[44:41–54:25]
- Mark chooses a plea deal over trial, avoiding a possible life sentence; in exchange for revealing the location of Susan’s body, he pleads guilty to manslaughter and serves 10 of a 16-year sentence.
- The autopsy is unable to confirm Susan’s pregnancy. The emotional devastation on Kathy and the wider ripple effects for families and public trust are explored.
- Dr. Engels insightfully notes:
- (49:23) “Scandals like this really rupture public trust... When someone who is supposed to protect people becomes the source of harm, it impacts trust in the entire system that they represent.”
- (51:32) “His crime didn’t just take Susan’s life. It appears that it contributed to the slow unraveling of Kathy’s life... The consequences of violent crime don't end at sentencing.”
- Kathy, overwhelmed by trauma and stress, dies 8 years into Mark’s sentence due to alcoholism. Their children are raised by grandparents.
Release & Final Reflections
[54:26–55:21]
- Mark is released after 10 years, remarries, and lives quietly in Georgia, the case standing as a haunting warning about blurred boundaries and the dangers of unchecked power.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Mark’s perceived moral authority:
(18:02) Dr. Engels: “There's a moral split because his career reflects a strong identification with justice, but specifically justice as he defines it... With that, you start seeing yourself as the exception rather than the subject of the law.” -
On narrative control and manipulation:
(23:30) Dr. Engels: “People tend to assume those who voluntarily involve law enforcement are less likely to be guilty, so he's exploiting that assumption... That's character assassination.” -
On the ripple effect of crime:
(51:32) Dr. Engels: “His crime didn’t just take Susan’s life. It appears that it contributed to the slow unraveling of Kathy’s life... The consequences of violent crime don’t end at sentencing, they ripple outward... and keep affecting lives.” -
On public trust:
(49:23) Dr. Engels: “Scandals like this really rupture public trust in ways that are deep and lasting… Trust is relational. It’s built on the assumption of safety, ethics, and accountability.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [04:39] Affair with Susan Smith and Mark’s transfer
- [06:12] Psychological stress as identity crisis
- [13:23] The murder and critical analysis of premeditation
- [17:04] Mark’s apology and avoidance of true accountability
- [20:23] Mark starts calling Susan’s family and the police
- [23:30] Dr. Engels on narrative control
- [28:54] Manifestation of guilt in physical symptoms
- [33:46] Mark initiates self-investigation
- [39:54] Polygraph failure and confession to Kathy
- [43:19] Dissection of Mark’s calculated confession
- [44:41] Plea deal, sentencing, and the search for Susan’s body
- [49:23] Implications for public trust
- [51:32] Consequences for Kathy and children
- [54:26] Mark’s release and final reflections
Tone and Style
The episode blends Vanessa’s immersive, empathetic storytelling with Dr. Tristan Engels’ clinical, incisive psychological insight. The debate is thoughtful, not sensational, focusing on emotional complexity, real-world consequences, and the nuances of crime and culpability.
Conclusion
This episode stands as a powerful, meticulously analyzed account of law enforcement gone wrong, the corrosive impact of secrets, and the profound emotional toll murder inflicts across multiple lives. Suitable for true crime fans seeking a rich, psychologically informed narrative—and a sobering look at the shadow side of authority.