The Art School Stalker - Episode Summary
Podcast: The Dating Detectives
Host: Mackenzie Fultz and Hanna Anderson
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of The Dating Detectives, hosts Mackenzie Fultz, a professional Private Investigator, and Hanna Anderson, a comedian and writer, delve into a harrowing true story shared by their guest, Harper. The episode, titled "The Art School Stalker," explores themes of stalking, mental illness, and the red flags that often go unnoticed in the dating world.
Notable Quotes:
- Hanna Anderson [00:43]: "I love a jingle. And people know what they're getting when they show up here."
- Mackenzie Fultz [03:51]: "Trigger warning, attempted murder."
Harper's Story: From College Romance to Stalking Nightmare
Meeting Charlie at Swarthmore College
Harper begins by recounting her time at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where she intended to major in art. During her freshman year, she met Charlie, a tall and handsome transfer student who exuded confidence and creativity. Their initial interactions seemed promising, with mutual connections discovered through shared preschool and kindergarten experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [05:08]: "It feels like Hogwarts."
- Mackenzie [07:52]: "Hang out, we should hang out."
Early Signs of Unusual Behavior
Despite initial chemistry, Harper felt an unexplained discomfort around Charlie. Their first official date was fraught with awkwardness when Harper was unable to enter a bar due to her age, leading them to another friend's house where the evening was uneventful and strained. Harper sensed something was off but couldn't pinpoint the cause.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [16:51]: "I didn't want to burst the bubble of this."
- Hanna [24:37]: "How do I navigate this?"
Escalation and Red Flags
Over the following semesters, Charlie's persistent attempts to spend time with Harper escalated. He would frequently show up outside her dorm without prior contact, making Harper increasingly uncomfortable. Despite her reservations, Harper struggled to set clear boundaries, often dismissing her instincts due to a lack of concrete reasons to distrust him.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [30:37]: "He was waiting outside my dorm if he's not reached out to me."
- Hanna [38:44]: "You just went back to sleep?"
A Climax of Fear: The Attempted Murder
The situation reached a terrifying peak when Harper discovered a mugshot of Charlie after a mutual friend alerted her to search his name online. It was revealed that Charlie had violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, stabbing her seven times in a hospital room, leading to her death. Harper realized the extent of Charlie's instability and the danger he posed.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [61:48]: "So I get a text message from a friend... a mugshot comes up."
- Mackenzie [66:35]: "How am I supposed to feel safe?"
Legal and Emotional Aftermath
Despite her efforts to report Charlie and secure a restraining order, Harper faced bureaucratic hurdles. Charlie was charged with attempted murder but fled, leveraging his family's influence to receive a minimal sentence of three years, including time in an institution and house arrest. This outcome left Harper feeling helpless and questioning the justice system.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [69:35]: "I need to figure out, yeah, take a hint."
- Hanna [74:22]: "I can't believe that after stabbing someone seven times, you can just get out in three years."
Continued Vigilance and Personal Growth
Years later, Harper remained vigilant, altering her social media privacy settings and maintaining a cautious awareness of her surroundings. She emphasized the importance of trusting one’s intuition—referred to as "femuition" on the show—and seeking support from friends and professionals to navigate such traumatic experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [81:53]: "How am I supposed to feel safe going forward?"
- Hanna [94:12]: "I have nothing to do with me. I just figured I'd offer the legal information to the police and then leave it at that."
Discussions and Insights
Mental Health and Stalking
The hosts and Harper discussed the intricate relationship between mental illness and violent behavior. They underscored that while mental illness does not excuse violent actions, understanding it can provide context for such incidents. The conversation highlighted the stigma surrounding men's mental health and the importance of seeking help.
Notable Quotes:
- Mackenzie [12:53]: "Men don’t get shared a lot of their stories."
- Hanna [13:20]: "I wish that more men, especially, would feel comfortable being vulnerable and getting help."
Trusting Your Instincts
A significant takeaway from Harper's story is the importance of trusting one’s intuition. The episode emphasized that feelings of discomfort or unease should not be dismissed, even if there is no immediate evidence of wrongdoing. The hosts encouraged listeners to seek support and validate their feelings through community and professional help.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [92:44]: "Trust your femtuition."
- Mackenzie [81:53]: "Because you don't want to believe what your body is telling you is true."
Conclusions and Lessons Learned
Importance of Support Systems
Harper credited her strong support system, including her mother and friends, for helping her navigate the traumatic experience. The episode highlighted the role of supportive relationships in validating one’s feelings and providing the strength to act on them.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [46:10]: "I went to therapy with my mom, and we built our relationship around that."
- Hanna [94:12]: "It sounds like you have a fiance... we love to hear that."
Empowerment Through Awareness
Hosts Mackenzie and Hanna emphasized the necessity of awareness and education on red flags in relationships. They encouraged listeners to prioritize their safety and well-being, advocating for open conversations about uncomfortable situations and the validation of personal instincts.
Notable Quotes:
- Hanna [95:44]: "Trust your femtuition."
- Mackenzie [106:18]: "Because you don’t want to believe what your body is telling you is true."
Final Thoughts
The episode concluded with a heartfelt message of resilience and the importance of community support. Harper's story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners to stay vigilant and trust their instincts to protect themselves from potential harm.
Notable Quotes:
- Harper [107:05]: "It could have been any of us."
- Hanna [107:28]: "Trust your femme tuition."
Key Takeaways
- Trust Your Instincts: Harper's intense discomfort was a critical indicator of Charlie's dangerous behavior, underscoring the importance of listening to one’s gut feelings.
- Seek Support: Leveraging a strong support system, including friends and mental health professionals, is essential in navigating traumatic experiences.
- Recognize Red Flags: Persistent and uninvited attention from someone, especially after boundaries are set, can be a significant warning sign of potential stalking or abusive behavior.
- Mental Health Awareness: Understanding the role of mental illness in violent behavior is crucial, but it should not excuse actions that harm others.
- Empowerment Through Community: Open dialogues and supportive communities can provide the validation and strength needed to take action against uncomfortable or threatening situations.
Additional Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- BetterHelp: As promoted in the episode for mental health support.
Thank you for tuning into The Dating Detectives. Remember, always trust your femtuition and stay safe out there.