Chasing The Golden State Killer with Paul Holes — Special Preview
Podcast: Small Town Dicks
Host: Audio 99
Guest: Paul Holes
Episode: Coming July 10: Chasing The Golden State Killer
Date: June 15, 2026
Overview
This preview episode of Small Town Dicks introduces the upcoming 10-part series “Chasing the Golden State Killer,” a deep-dive into the 24-year pursuit of one of America’s most notorious serial predators, as recounted by renowned investigator Paul Holes. The series promises an unprecedented personal and professional account of the investigation’s highs, lows, and transformative breakthroughs—all told from Paul’s first-hand perspective.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Paul Holes’ First Full Retelling
- Paul Holes reveals this is the first time he’s sharing the comprehensive story of the Golden State Killer investigation in this format.
- Quote (00:03): “This is the first time I'm sitting down and telling this case in this manner.” — Paul Holes
The Origins of the Case
- Paul reflects on his early days with the case, noting it began as his very first cold case before it became known as the Golden State Killer.
- Quote (00:16): “That was my very first cold case ever. And today it's known as the Golden State Killer.” — Paul Holes
The Process: Failures, Breakthroughs, and Dead Ends
- The series will thoroughly document the investigation process, including making continual errors before eventual success.
- Quote (00:28): “You fail until you succeed.” — Paul Holes
- The emotional toll of following fruitless leads is highlighted.
- Quote (00:32): “Two years of my life just wasted.” — Paul Holes
The Forensic Revolution
- The critical role of evidence-driven investigation versus suspect-driven approaches is discussed, marking a turning point in the investigation’s methodology.
- Quote (00:37): “The investigation needs to be led by the evidence, not by the suspects.” — Paul Holes
Personal and Emotional Impact
- Paul candidly shares the obsessive, enduring impact of the case on his private life, suggesting the all-consuming nature of such relentless work.
- Quote (00:46): “Family dinner conversation is going on between the wife and the kids. And I'm sitting there and I'm thinking, okay, I learned this today about this suspect. How does that fit in? It truly does become obsessive.” — Paul Holes
Closing the Case
- The emotional climax of the pursuit—when the suspect was finally caught—is powerfully recalled.
- Quote (01:15): “Holy shit, this worked. Now you know, the world starts to spin. Subject in custody.” — Paul Holes
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the case’s scale (00:58): “[From] Visalia to Sacramento to Southern California, this is an inside account of one of the most infamous investigations in American history. Told by one of the investigators who refused to let the victims be denied justice.” — Audio 99 (Host)
- On sharing his story (01:33): “I have never done the Golden State Killer in a podcast or any type of media format like this before.” — Paul Holes
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:03: Paul Holes on sharing his full story for the first time
- 00:16: Recollection of the case origins
- 00:28–00:32: Failures, breakthroughs, and professional setbacks
- 00:37: Importance of evidence-driven investigations
- 00:46: Personal toll and obsession
- 01:15: The moment of case closure and arrest
- 01:33: Unique, first-person format of the series
Tone and Language
The conversation is candid, dramatic, and deeply personal—marked by Paul Holes’ openness as he describes obsession, frustration, and elation, all in a matter-of-fact yet evocative way.
Closing Notes
- The podcast launches July 10 across the Small Town Dicks feed.
- Fans can binge the entire 10-episode series ad-free by joining the Super Duper Fam at smalltowndicks.com.
Preview Takeaway:
“Chasing the Golden State Killer” offers a rare, intimate window into the dogged pursuit of an infamous criminal, as lived by one of the lead investigators. It promises fresh insights, emotional candor, and groundbreaking forensic narratives—making it essential listening for true crime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
