Podcast Summary: The Burden
Host: Orbit Media
Episode: Introducing – Bone Valley Season 3 | Graves County: Preview
Date: September 30, 2025
Overview:
This episode of The Burden introduces listeners to the new season of the acclaimed documentary podcast Bone Valley—specifically, Season 3: Graves County. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winner Maggie Freeling, this true-crime series delves into the haunting murder of 18-year-old Jessica Curran in Mayfield, Kentucky, and the efforts of an ordinary woman-turned-investigator, Susan Galbraith, to bring justice to a long-unsolved case. The preview revisits the story’s southern roots, the driving obsessions of its characters, questionable justice, and the impact of myth-making on small-town life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to Graves County and the Case
- Steve Fishman (Host of The Burden) introduces Bone Valley Season 3, explaining its focus on a high-profile murder investigation in Graves County, Kentucky. He praises Maggie Freeling's involvement and draws a parallel to the show's focus on stories where justice is both made and unmade.
- (00:00)
2. Setting the Scene in Mayfield, Kentucky
- The season opens with a warning about graphic content and a local saying setting the tone:
"A half truth is a whole lie. And if there's a place that breathes life into that proverb, it's the town of Mayfield in Graves County, Kentucky."
– Narrator (B) (01:23)
3. The Murder of Jessica Curran
- Jessica Curran, an 18-year-old new mom and daughter of a fire lieutenant, was found beaten and set on fire outside the local middle school on August 1, 2000. The case remained unsolved for years, with persistent rumors and few leads.
- (01:57)
4. Enter Susan Galbraith, Amateur Sleuth
-
Susan Galbraith—a local, thrice-married housewife in her 40s, with no police experience—becomes obsessed with the case after hearing about the murder. Her persistence eventually leads her to find a key witness, and her efforts are recognized by the Kentucky Attorney General and the press.
"Somebody had to do something, and if somebody was me, so be it."
– Susan Galbraith (03:02) -
Her drive is described as spiritual—a need to be present, to make a difference following personal loss.
"I often refer to it as through her, I somehow got my purpose back."
– Susan Galbraith (08:13)
5. The Press and the Power of Narrative
-
The media turns Susan into a local hero:
"Ordinary Woman helps bring justice to a small town."
– Narrator (03:02-03:32) -
Yet, the story hints, this focus on heroism may obscure deeper issues:
"This story will go beyond one woman. It's about the lengths our legal system, our communities, and the press will go in order to find someone to blame..."
– Narrator (03:49)
6. Galbraith’s Methods and Obsession
-
After years without progress, Susan turns her curiosity into an obsession, reaching out to celebrities and renowned journalists to attract attention to the case.
-
She cold-emails Tom Mangold (BBC journalist), who becomes her investigative partner.
"I thought he was prim and proper. Like he had a stick up his ass...he was just really formal, you know."
– Susan Galbraith on Tom (10:56)
"She's chubby, lively, great sense of humor, sexy, deep voice, and passionate about...the murder of Jessica Curran."
– Tom Mangold on Susan (11:05) -
Together, they investigate, with Tom teaching Susan to distinguish rumor from fact.
7. Key Witness Emerges: Victoria Caldwell
- The investigation centers on Victoria Caldwell, who at 15 years old, came forward as an accomplice and ended up being the prosecution's key witness.
- Victoria recounts a night with other teens and young adults, drug use, and ultimately violence against Jessica Curran.
"Quincy started passing out the drugs...and then...he had a bat and he hit her in her head."
– Victoria Caldwell (12:57-13:27)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the allure and danger of simple answers:
"Catnip for the press and who could blame them? It's a good one, maybe too good to be true."
– Narrator (03:49) -
On Susan’s purpose:
"I think that I've always felt that I was meant to be there the day they found Jessica's body...through her, I somehow got my purpose back."
– Susan Galbraith (08:13) -
On obsession and the lengths to solve a case:
"If the cops weren't going to crack the case, she would...find the truth. But this amateur sleuth needed help. So she started emailing people, important people like Oprah and Julia Roberts..."
– Narrator (09:10)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 – Steve Fishman introduces the episode and series context
- 01:23 – Warning and southern proverb set the tone
- 01:57 – Introduction to Jessica Curran and the case
- 03:02 – Susan Galbraith’s backstory and motivation
- 06:45 – Maggie Freeling introduces her reporting and relationship to the story
- 08:13 – Susan’s sense of purpose described in her own words
- 10:56 – Susan and Tom Mangold describe their first impressions and partnership
- 12:57 – Victoria Caldwell details the events leading up to the murder
Tone & Style
The tone is somber, investigative, and deeply human—focusing on the emotional, moral, and systemic complexities of seeking justice in small-town America. Quotes from primary players—especially Susan Galbraith—underscore the motivations and stakes involved. The narration weaves personal obsessions with broader social critique, setting up a season that promises twists beyond the fairy-tale of “ordinary woman solves crime.”
Conclusion
This preview of Bone Valley: Graves County promises an exploration not just of one tragic crime and an unlikely hero, but of the way justice spins out over time—warped by rumor, obsession, and the hunger for simple answers. Listeners are left anticipating a deeper look into what, and who, we believe as we search for the truth.