Senseless with Erika Mahoney
Episode: "One of a Kind"
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "One of a Kind," Erika Mahoney delves deep into the harrowing experience of losing her father, Kevin Mahoney, in a mass shooting at her local King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. The episode intertwines personal narratives, community impact, and reflections on gun violence, providing listeners with an intimate look into the aftermath of tragedy.

Pre-Tragedy Encounters

Jenny Jacobson's Routine Visit to King Soopers

The episode begins by introducing Jenny Jacobson, a substitute teacher and single mother, who frequents the King Soopers grocery store. On that fateful Monday afternoon, Jenny and Erika's father, Kevin Mahoney, unknowingly share a fleeting moment.

• Jenny's Experience (02:16 - 07:36):

  Jenny recounts her typical grocery run:
  “I was like, oh, I'm going to make pulled pork in the crock pot... And as I'm walking, there's a man in front of me...” [02:25]

  Little does she know, this man is Kevin Mahoney, Erika's father. Their simultaneous actions—opening trunks and carrying groceries—create an uncanny and serendipitous moment.

• Kevin and Jenny's Brief Interaction (04:27 - 07:04):

  Kevin, a retired hotel developer and active community volunteer, unknowingly becomes a part of Jenny's story. Their simultaneous groceries unloading leads to a light-hearted exchange:
  “He pressed a button and it went beep... And that made him throw his head back, and he just laughed out loud...” [07:04]

  This brief, friendly interaction would later become an unforgettable memory for Jenny, forming a poignant prelude to the ensuing tragedy.

The Day of the Tragedy

Erika's Life Before the Incident

Before delving into the events of the shooting, Erika provides context about her life in Carmel, California, her parents' life in Boulder, and the family's move from Pasadena to Boulder seeking safety and a better environment.

• Family Background and Move to Boulder (17:15 - 23:09):

  Erika shares fond memories of her parents meeting in Los Angeles, their adventurous spirit, and the move to Boulder driven by safety concerns from previous violent incidents in Pasadena.
  “I felt like it was a different world from Denver, and it reminded us a bit of Pasadena... We wanted you to be happy.” [22:34]

The Shooting Unfolds

On March 22, 2021, an ordinary Monday turned into a nightmare when an active shooter struck the King Soopers store.

• Erika's Call and Initial Reaction (03:08 - 07:36):

  Erika recounts receiving a frantic call from her mother informing her of the active shooter:
  “There's an active shooter at King Soopers.” [07:13]

  Panic ensues as Erika tries to process the information while being six months pregnant and unaware of her father's presence at the store that day.

• Jenny and Kevin at the Store (07:36 - 09:40):

  After their initial interaction, Jenny and Kevin continue their shopping. Moments later, chaos erupts as the shooter begins his assault. Jenny describes hearing gunshots and witnessing the shooter targeting people, leading to immediate fear and confusion.

• Erika's Desperate Search (26:13 - 33:45):

  While at work, Erika receives distressing news about the shooting. She anxiously awaits information, hoping her father is safe.
  “I wanted to call my dad, but all I could picture was his ringtone drawing the shooter toward him.” [26:30]

  As live news covers the incident, Erika sees a man in a black jacket—the same one her father always wore—being escorted in custody, leading her to suspect it's her father. The confirmation that it is indeed Kevin unfolds with devastating clarity.

• Emotional Turmoil and Aftermath (33:45 - 36:41):

  Erika describes the hollow feeling following the realization of her father's death, compounded by fears for her unborn child and the community's grief. The episode captures the immediate emotional impact on family members, especially Erika and her husband, Brant.

Family Legacy and Reflections

Kevin Mahoney's Life and Legacy

Erika shifts focus to honor her father's memory, sharing tales of his personality, love for adventure, and the deep bond he shared with the family.

• Memories of Kevin (14:17 - 22:38):

  From adventurous activities like cliff jumping and whitewater rafting to simple moments like choosing ties for his business trips, Kevin's vibrant spirit is vividly portrayed. Erika recounts significant moments, including her high school achievements supported by her father.
  “I can’t imagine what must have been going through my dad's head...” [19:28]

• Parents' Love Story (17:15 - 22:38):

  The episode delves into how Erika's parents met, fell in love, and built a life together in Boulder. Kevin shares their first date and the significance of a cherished T-shirt:
  “We went to a Greek restaurant... he had on a T shirt that said one of a kind.” [18:57]

Community Impact and Continuing Pain

Jenny Jacobson's Continued Grief

Jenny, who unknowingly interacted with Kevin moments before the shooting, later shares the emotional toll of the event. Her struggle to come to terms with the loss of a stranger who was actually Erika's father highlights the randomness and pervasive pain caused by mass shootings.

• Jenny's Testimony (37:07):

  Reflecting on the encounter:
  “We just kind of locked eyes.” [37:10]

Erika's Reflection on Gun Violence

Erika emphasizes the widespread impact of gun violence in America, noting that almost no place feels safe from such tragedies. She connects her personal loss to a broader societal issue, underscoring the pervasive sense of vulnerability many Americans live with daily.

Conclusion

One of a Kind" serves as a deeply personal narrative that encapsulates the suddenness of gun violence and its ripple effects on individuals and communities. Through heartfelt storytelling, Erika Mahoney not only mourns her father but also sheds light on the collective trauma experienced by survivors and loved ones. The episode stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring quest for understanding and healing in the face of unimaginable loss.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Erika Mahoney (07:04): “He laughed out loud like a big belly laugh...”

• Jenny Jacobson (07:36): “I don't know why, but I just picked my head up and he was standing one car length in front of my car...” [37:07]

• Kevin Mahoney (18:57): “We went to a Greek restaurant... he had on a T shirt that said one of a kind.”

• Erika Mahoney (26:30): “I wanted to call my dad, but all I could picture was his ringtone drawing the shooter toward him.”

• Erika Mahoney (33:45): “Where is my dad?”

This detailed summary encapsulates the emotional and narrative depth of the "One of a Kind" episode, offering both a chronological account of events and a reflection on their lasting impact.