Something Was Wrong - Episode S23 E18: BTS with BCM - Case & Community Updates with The BCM Production Team (Part 2)
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction and Content Warning

The episode opens with Tiffany Reiss issuing a content warning, highlighting that the season delves into sensitive topics such as medical negligence, birth trauma, and infant loss. She emphasizes that the opinions expressed by guests are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Broken Cycle Media or Wondery. Reiss advises listeners to consult the episode notes for full content warnings, sources, and resources.

Quote:
Tiffany Reiss [00:00]: "Something Was Wrong is intended for mature audiences... Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself, Broken Cycle Media and Wondery."

The Bobby Sue and Jessica Pauley Case

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the controversial relationship between Bobby Sue and Jessica Pauley. Unlike other survivors who support Jessica Pauley, Bobby Sue has taken a defensive stance, allegedly being "nasty" towards other survivors. The team discusses the possibility that Bobby Sue may have fabricated her victimhood to gain sympathy or is genuinely a victim choosing to side with Pauley.

Quote:
Tiffany Reiss [01:04]: "...this particular survivor has instead taken up for Jessica Pauley, so to speak, and been quite nasty, to be honest to the survivors."

Lily Rowe [02:13]: "Based on the conversations that we had with people who knew her and Jess, they wouldn't be surprised, let's say, if she was involved."

Interview with Bobby Sue

The team conducts a phone interview with Bobby Sue to gather her perspective. Throughout the conversation, inconsistencies in her account emerge. Initially confirming she was also a catfish victim of Jessica Pauley, Bobby Sue recounts her experiences with Pauley, including alleged catfishing and subsequent confrontations. However, her narrative shows discrepancies that raise red flags for the production team.

Notable Quotes:
John Callas [03:06]: "You were also a catfish victim of some kind of Jessica Pauleys, correct?"
Bobby Sue [03:06]: "Yup."
Bobby Sue [09:06]: "I would, yeah."

Tiffany Reiss [08:29]: "I will not defend her actions. So do not ever think that."

Broader Implications and Criminal Considerations

John Callas highlights that the situation with Jessica Pauley extends beyond mere catfishing, hinting at potential criminal activities. Bobby Sue appears unaware of the severity, initially believing Pauley's actions stem from childhood trauma. However, doubts are raised about the true nature of Pauley's behavior, suggesting a more sinister pattern.

Quote:
John Callas [09:16]: "I can only say that I would never trust her with anything in my life or have my children around her or physically put my body near her."

Patterns Among Female Perpetrators

The discussion shifts to identifying common traits among female perpetrators like Caitlin Braun, Jen, and Megan Stoner. The team observes patterns such as young white women in their 20s-30s, having older siblings who are perceived as more popular or attractive, and passive parenting styles. These similarities suggest underlying psychological or environmental factors contributing to their abusive behaviors.

Quote:
Amy B. Chesler [18:20]: "Between Caitlyn, Jen, and Megan. It's a different kind of the same type of person."

Upcoming Season 24: Investigating the Troubled Teen Industry

The team previews Season 24, which will explore the troubled teen industry—a network of behavior modification and therapeutic boarding schools that have been linked to severe abuse. They introduce John Callis, a survivor who endured three years in military school during the 1950s, highlighting the long-term trauma inflicted by such institutions.

Quote:
Lauren Barkman [27:01]: "It's just an honor to meet these people and to know them and to support them."

Supporting Survivors: Story Submissions and Safety

Tiffany Reiss and Amy B. Chesler discuss the importance of survivor submissions, outlining the process for sharing stories through the podcast's website. They emphasize prioritizing the safety and well-being of survivors, sometimes deciding not to proceed with a story if it poses risks to the survivor's legal standing or personal safety.

Notable Quotes:
Amy B. Chesler [34:37]: "Every once in a while I'll get one that just doesn't feel right."
Tiffany Reiss [35:50]: "Submissions don't need to be extensive for us to consider them."

Host's Personal Reflections and Break Announcement

Tiffany Reiss shares personal updates, including her decision to take a five-week hiatus to address burnout and prioritize her mental health. She underscores the importance of self-care, especially when dealing with traumatic subject matter, and expresses gratitude towards her team for enabling her to take this necessary break.

Quote:
Tiffany Reiss [22:00]: "I think it's something we talk a lot about on the team, too, is like listening to ourselves and our bodies when dealing with such difficult subject matter."

Engaging with the Community and Q&A Insights

The episode includes reflections on a live event in Austin, where listeners engaged in a Q&A session. Questions ranged from updates on previous seasons to the podcast's vetting process for submission stories. Reiss emphasizes the importance of documentation for survivors and encourages writing as a therapeutic tool.

Notable Quotes:
Lily Rowe [39:36]: "The quicker that you get it all out on paper and brain dump all about it...so it's important to get that out."
Tiffany Reiss [40:07]: "Don't feel like you need a certain setting or document. It really can be whatever feels right for you."

Navigating Political Differences in Survivor Support

Addressing listener questions, Tiffany Reiss discusses how she manages interactions with survivors and individuals holding differing political beliefs. She advocates for education, curiosity, and building bridges to foster understanding, despite inherent challenges and emotional costs.

Quote:
Tiffany Reiss [45:26]: "I honor and respect the shit out of you for entering the conversation as intelligently and as compassionately as you do all the time."

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team, cybersecurity experts, legal counsel, and especially the survivors who have entrusted their stories to the podcast. Reiss expresses gratitude to listeners for their support and highlights the importance of community in healing and advocacy.

Final Quote:
Tiffany Reiss [46:13]: "Thank you endlessly to every Survivor who has ever trusted us with their stories. And thank you each and every listener for making our show possible with your support and listenership."

Summary

In this episode of "Something Was Wrong," the production team delves into complex and sensitive cases involving survivor dynamics, particularly focusing on Bobby Sue's contentious relationship with Jessica Pauley. The episode highlights the necessity of critical examination of survivor narratives, the patterns observed among female perpetrators, and the ongoing trauma inflicted by institutions like the troubled teen industry. Additionally, the team emphasizes the importance of community support, survivor safety, and the therapeutic process of sharing and documenting traumatic experiences. Host Tiffany Reiss also shares her personal journey towards mental health, underscoring the importance of self-care in advocacy work. The episode serves as both an update on ongoing cases and a preview of upcoming investigative content, all while maintaining a compassionate and supportive tone towards survivors.