Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong – S23 E19: BTS with BCM - Case & Community Updates with The BCM Production Team (Part 3)

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction to the Production Team

In Episode 19 of Season 23, the production team of Something Was Wrong—Lauren Barkman, Amy B. Chesler, and Lily Rowe—dives deep into the intricate behind-the-scenes processes that make the docuseries impactful. They emphasize the dedication and meticulousness required to handle sensitive survivor stories ethically and responsibly.

Lauren Barkman [01:17]:
"Thank you so much to the listeners who submitted questions. We always love hearing from y'all."

Comprehensive Production and Fact-Checking

The team highlights their rigorous production workflow, which begins with pre-interview discussions to understand survivors' experiences comprehensively. This foundation enables them to create detailed timeline documents that chronologically map out key events, ensuring every piece of information is thoroughly vetted and fact-checked.

Lily Rowe [01:41]:
"We create a timeline document laying down the main points of events that we want to cover in a chronological way and within that document we cite everything... Fact checking is huge."

Lauren Barkman [02:29]:
"Some of the seasons are such a heavier lift when it comes to organizing the amount of evidence... the team works their ass off."

Season 23, focusing on Megan Stoner's case, is cited as the most demanding yet due to the extensive medical documentation and prolific nature of the crimes involved.

Lily Rowe [03:11]:
"We would have medical records just used internally that the survivors would send over that we would just corroborate even something as small as their blood pressure reading."

Survivor-Centric Storytelling

A cornerstone of the podcast is its unwavering commitment to treating survivors with the utmost respect and empathy. Unlike many true crime outlets that offer fragmented narratives, Something Was Wrong invests considerable time to ensure survivors feel heard and validated.

Lauren Barkman [04:36]:
"Survivors deserve to be treated as whole human beings. If we're really trying to understand their experience and understand the victimology, then we need to spend more time listening and sitting with things, even if they make us uncomfortable."

Amy B. Chesler [06:44]:
"I don't ever want to become the type of show that just uses people for 30 seconds of a clip. It feels like shit."

The team avoids sensationalism, opting instead for in-depth, respectful storytelling that honors each survivor's unique journey.

Personal Impacts on the Production Team

Working closely with traumatic stories profoundly affects the production team members on a personal level. They share their struggles with social anxiety, dating, and maintaining personal relationships while managing the emotional toll of their work.

Amy B. Chesler [15:49]:
"That's where my nerves actually are, and I feel it every Friday."

Lauren Barkman [21:39]:
"I get a lot of red flags popping up. I tend to just spiral personally."

Lily Rowe discusses her challenges with social interactions and the balancing act between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

Lily Rowe [26:50]:
"I over anticipate things because it makes me nervous. For a lot of my life I thought a lot of who I was was chiseled out of trauma."

Building a Supportive Community

The podcast fosters a robust community among survivors and listeners, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support. Team members express pride in the growing number of survivors who find solace and empowerment through the show.

Amy B. Chesler [34:14]:
"When Lily discusses the impact and the transformative side of things, it hits home because you really do spend almost a whole year with the topic with the survivors. That's so impactful."

Lauren Barkman [35:58]:
"We're nearing 400 episodes... but we are always focusing on the next thing we have to do."

Navigating Public Recognition and Criticism

As the podcast gains popularity, team members face both positive recognition and unwelcome criticism. They discuss strategies for maintaining focus on their mission despite external pressures and negative feedback.

Lauren Barkman [38:46]:
"It feels so personal. The labor of love, how much thought we put into everything... it's just so out of your control."

Amy B. Chesler [41:19]:
"I care about the people who know my heart... If they see my heart, that's who I care about. But some people are hell bent on mishearing and misjudging. At that point, you cannot care."

Reflections on Growth and Future Directions

Reflecting on the podcast’s evolution, the team expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support and the profound connections formed with survivors and listeners alike. They acknowledge the responsibility that comes with their platform and remain committed to fostering meaningful conversations around trauma and recovery.

Lauren Barkman [37:07]:
"When I started the show, my hope was that it would just reach the people who needed it. And sadly, I've become aware of how many people there are that need it."

Amy B. Chesler [43:40]:
"I'm very confident in the things that we put out. The most important thing is that there's compassion and empathy infused in it."

Conclusion

Something Was Wrong continues to set itself apart in the true crime genre through its meticulous production, compassionate approach, and unwavering dedication to empowering survivors. Season 23's behind-the-scenes insights reveal a team deeply committed to ethical storytelling and the well-being of both their subjects and themselves.

Notable Quotes:

• Lily Rowe [01:41]:
  "Fact checking is huge, especially in these most recent seasons that we've been doing that are a bit more data driven and fact forward."

• Lauren Barkman [04:36]:
  "Survivors deserve to be treated as whole human beings."

• Amy B. Chesler [06:44]:
  "I don't ever want to become the type of show that just uses people for 30 seconds of a clip."

• Amy B. Chesler [34:14]:
  "When Lily discusses the impact and the transformative side of things, it hits home because you really do spend almost a whole year with the topic with the survivors."

• Lauren Barkman [38:46]:
  "It feels so personal. The labor of love, how much thought we put into everything."

This episode offers listeners an in-depth look at the heart and soul driving Something Was Wrong., showcasing the balance between professional dedication and personal resilience within the production team.