S22 Ep1: S22 Trailer

Summary

Something Was Wrong

Episode: S22 E1: S22 Trailer
Release Date: October 16, 2024
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Description: Something Was Wrong is an award-winning docuseries that delves into the harrowing journeys of survivors as they navigate discovery, trauma, and recovery from crime and abuse.

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Episode Summary

S22 E1: S22 Trailer serves as an introduction to the gripping narratives that Something Was Wrong aims to explore. This episode sets the stage by highlighting the series' focus on uncovering deep-seated traumas and the complex paths to healing that survivors undertake. Through a combination of poignant narratives and intense dialogues, the trailer emphasizes the series' commitment to bringing forth untold stories of resilience and recovery.

Introduction to the Series

The episode opens with a narrator setting the tone for the series:

[05:42] Narrator: "In a quiet suburb, a community is shattered by the death of a beloved wife and mother. But this tragic loss of life quickly turns into something even darker."

This introduction hints at the underlying themes of loss, betrayal, and the quest for justice that will be explored throughout the series.

Unveiling Hidden Agendas

A significant portion of the trailer presents a tense conversation between an inmate and a defendant, illustrating the psychological complexities and the aftermath of crime:

[01:59] Defendant: "Hey, I was just really curious. I heard about this podcast. I was just really curious how it's going."

[02:06] Inmate: "It's going fine. I think it's gonna really bring to light like the true person that you are. I think it'll be great..."

This exchange underscores the inmate's desire for redemption and the media's role in holding individuals accountable for their actions. The dialogue captures the struggle between self-perception and societal judgment.

Themes of Accountability and Justice

The conversation delves deeper into themes of accountability, as the inmate discusses the importance of public awareness in preventing future crimes:

[02:47] Inmate: "But I think I finally found someone that has the ability to take those recordings into things that I have accumulated against you and possibly charge you with more things."

This statement highlights the inmate's intent to use the podcast as a platform for seeking justice and ensuring that past crimes are not forgotten or repeated.

Exposing Deception and Manipulation

Further into the trailer, testimonies reveal the dark underbelly of deceit and manipulation:

[04:01] Defendant: "Horrifying."

[04:04] Jeff: "So what's true? Bosma, Pence, Holcomb, Knisely. I remember Jeff reaching out, very concerned for me..."

These lines suggest a complex web of conspiracies and the challenges faced in discerning truth from manipulation, a recurring obstacle for survivors seeking clarity and closure.

The Kill List Narrative

The narrator reintroduces the central narrative of the series, focusing on a chilling real-life story:

[05:42] Narrator: "But this tragic loss of life quickly turns into something even darker. Her husband had tried to hire a hitman on the dark web to kill her. And she wasn't the only target, because buried in the depths of the Internet is the Kill List..."

This segment provides a glimpse into a harrowing tale of betrayal and the pervasive threats lurking in the digital age, setting up the anticipation for the detailed exploration that the series promises.

Notable Quotes

• Inmate: "There's a lot of people stepping forward that want to come out and speak. I think the goal has always been to just make sure that you're not going to reoffend." [02:06]

• Defendant: "I'm not trying to take that away." [02:41]

• Witness: "I'll never forget it. He said, do you know Megan Stoner? I said, yes, I do. Why?" [04:43]

These quotes encapsulate the series' focus on personal accountability, the impact of crimes on victims, and the intricate dynamics between perpetrators and those who seek to hold them accountable.

Conclusion and Anticipation

The trailer concludes by emphasizing the urgency and the high stakes involved in uncovering and addressing past crimes:

[05:42] Narrator: "This podcast is the true story of how I ended up in a race against time to warn those who live were in danger. And it turns out convincing a total stranger someone wants them dead is not easy."

This statement builds anticipation for the series, promising listeners an in-depth exploration of survival, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Survivor's Journey: The series centers on the emotional and psychological journeys of survivors, highlighting their resilience and the multifaceted process of healing.

2. Accountability and Justice: A recurring theme is the pursuit of justice, both through legal means and public awareness, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

3. Psychological Complexities: The dialogues reveal the intricate psychological states of individuals involved, from inmates seeking redemption to victims grappling with trauma.

4. Digital Dangers: The mention of the "Kill List" underscores the modern threats facilitated by the internet, showcasing the dark side of digital anonymity and accessibility.

5. Community Impact: The series underscores how crimes and abuses reverberate through communities, shattering lives and calling for collective healing and understanding.

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Conclusion

S22 E1: S22 Trailer effectively sets the stage for the Something Was Wrong series by weaving together intense dialogues, compelling narratives, and critical themes. Through its exploration of trauma, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of justice, the episode promises a deep and engaging listening experience for those seeking to understand the complexities of surviving and overcoming crime and abuse.

Listeners new to the series can anticipate a thought-provoking journey into the lives of survivors, the challenges they face, and the societal mechanisms that support or hinder their recovery.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Wondery subscribers can listen to Something Was Wrong early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Listening to Audible helps our imagination soar. Whether we're listening to stories, motivation, expert advice, any genre we love, we can be inspired to imagine new worlds, possibilities and ways of thinking. Audible has the best selection of audiobooks without exceptionall in one easy app. As an Audible member, I get to choose one title a month to keep from their entire catalog. This month I selected Evil Thoughts, wicked deeds by Dr. Chris Mohandi. Take Audible with you through your week. Listen while doing household chores, going for a walk, commuting, you name it. Audible makes it easy to be inspired and entertained as part of your everyday routine. New members can try audible free for 30 days. Visit audible.comSWW or text SWW to 500500 that's audible. Or text SWW to 500500 this episode is brought to you by Progressive. Most of you aren't just listening right now. You're driving, cleaning, and even exercising. But what if you could be saving money by switching to Progressive? Drivers who save by switching save nearly $750 on average and auto customers qualify for an average of 7 discounts multitask right now quote [e-mail] progressive casualty insurance company and affiliates national average 12 month savings of $744 by new customers surveyed who saved with Progressive between June 2022 and May 2023. Potential savings will vary. Discounts not available in all states and situations.

[Megan]

Hello, this is a call from an.

[Inmate]

Inmate at the Hamilton County Jail.

[Defendant]

Hey, I was just really curious. I heard about this podcast. I was just really curious how it's going.

[Inmate]

It's going fine. I think it's gonna really bring to light like the true person that you are. I think it'll be great. There's a lot of people stepping forward that want to come out and speak. I think the goal has always been to just make sure that you're not going to reoffend. And I'm hoping that this keeps you from reoffending in the future and not being able to commit future crimes. And hopefully by the time you get out, the podcast will already have been recorded and put out there for the world. And we don't have to worry about any more victims because there won't be a person that doesn't know who you are.

[Defendant]

Yeah, well, that's the way you feel. I mean, you're entitled to feel that way. I'm not trying to take that away.

[Inmate]

Well, I'm not the only person that feels that way. We're all entitled to feel that way. You hurt a lot of people. You admitted the crimes over the jail phone to me, and I have all of that as well. But I think I finally found someone that has the ability to take those recordings into things that I have accumulated against you and possibly charge you with more things. So I think that would be the best outcome. But I'm also okay with just the awareness being out there of your crimes and what you've done and the story. Because honestly, it's kind of like a movie when you try to explain to people. They don't even believe that someone could be so capable of such evil.

[Defendant]

I think you guys are just upset. The legal process only got me six months plus seven and a year probation, but I think that's pretty telling. That was all the prosecutor could get me on.

[Megan]

Is that what you really fucking think? Is that what you actually think? Megan, there's a million things I could sit here and go through with you about things you did to people, lies you told that traumatized people.

[Jeff]

To actively go around and make accusations against good people.

[Defendant]

Horrifying.

[Jeff]

So what's true? Bosma, Pence, Holcomb, Knisely. I remember Jeff reaching out, very concerned for me, saying that there was a murder for hire plot, that the association of Related Churches was involved and that they had threatened him and that they were threatening to do something to me as well.

[Defendant]

Ultimately, what we discovered is that we were, in a strange sense, we were being catfished by her. She would have these very consistent and very intense traumatic situations.

[Witness]

I'll never forget it. He said, well, do you know Megan Stoner? I said, yes, I do. Why? He said, have you been giving money to her? I immediately thought, oh, Jesus, what have I gotten myself into?

[Defendant]

Did you talk to Sergeant Marglin?

[Inmate]

Mm, yeah.

[Defendant]

He speak give an interview.

[Narrator]

We're in conversation. We're trying to get this case solved. It's not about interviews. It's about holding you accountable and getting justice for your victims. If you like something was wrong, you can listen early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.

In a quiet suburb, a community is shattered by the death of a beloved wife and mother. But this tragic loss of life quickly turns into something even darker. Her husband had tried to hire a hitman on the dark web to kill her. And she wasn't the only target, because buried in the depths of the Internet is the Kill List, a cache of chilling documents containing names, photos, addresses, and specific instructions for people's murders. This podcast is the true story of how I ended up in a race against time to warn those who lives were in danger. And it turns out convincing a total stranger someone wants them dead is not easy. Follow Kill List on the Wandery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Kill List and more. Exhibit C True crime shows like Morbid early and Ad Free right now by joining Wondery Plus. Check out Exhibit C in the Wondery app for all your true cram listening.