The Dating Detectives - "The One That Got Away"

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Mackenzie Fultz (Professional Private Investigator) & Hannah Anderson (Comedian)
Guest: Megan
Duration: Approximately 87 minutes

1. Introduction and Trigger Warnings (00:01 - 03:37)

The episode begins with a standard disclaimer emphasizing the anonymization of names, places, and events for safety and privacy. Mackenzie and Hannah introduce the episode, acknowledging the gravity of the story ahead. They provide trigger warnings, highlighting topics such as murder, abortion, violence, physical abuse, stalking, and drug use. Both hosts stress the ethical approach of the podcast, ensuring respect for the victim and their family while aiming to educate listeners about red flags in the dating world.

Notable Quote:
Hannah (02:07): "Yeah. Well, okay. So, yes, there is a murder in this episode... we want to hold a lot of space and respect for the victim and their family."

2. Megan's Story: The Beginning of the Nightmare (04:13 - 08:49)

Megan shares her harrowing experience dating a man named Randy approximately 25 years prior. At the age of 23, she met Randy through a referral from her best friend. Initially, things seemed normal—double dates, barbecues, and movie nights. However, within three months, Megan discovered she was pregnant. Hoping to stabilize the relationship, she asked Randy to move in.

Shortly after moving in, Megan noticed suspicious behavior—bags stored in the garage and a lack of personal items from Randy. Driven by unease, she decided to search through the bags, uncovering documents that revealed Randy's father was incarcerated, indicating Randy had lied about his identity. Confronting him led to a violent altercation where Randy physically assaulted Megan, prompting her roommate to intervene with a butcher knife and call the police.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (05:43): "I end up pregnant. So. Oh."
Hannah (05:42): "Oh, boy."
Megan (07:15): "His name was fake. He had not given me the true full name."

3. Escalation of Violence and Stalking (08:49 - 25:23)

Following the initial confrontation, Megan's gas tank was sabotaged with sugar, causing significant damage to her vehicles. Randy's persistent and harassing phone calls intensified, leading Megan to realize the extent of his manipulative and violent nature. One night, while Megan and her roommate Kelly were watching a scary movie, Randy attempted to intimidate them by knocking on the door, leading to a series of terrifying events:

• House Fire: Randy set Megan's house on fire using a Molotov cocktail, forcing her and Kelly to flee while their cars and garage were engulfed.

• Police Involvement: A vigilant fire chief named "Barney Fife" investigated the case, eventually identifying Randy through fingerprints found on threatening letters Megan received. Despite multiple threats and violent acts, the local district attorney offered Randy a plea deal, resulting in a relatively light sentence.

Megan details the prolonged stress and fear of Randy's potential release, emphasizing the inadequacies of the justice system in fully addressing her ordeal.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (13:10): "He had dumped sugar in our gas tanks... our cars are like, dead in the driveway."
Mackenzie (17:29): "Okay, so how do we know he did this?"

4. Legal Battles and Continued Fear (25:23 - 35:45)

Despite Randy's violent actions, the legal proceedings did not hold him fully accountable due to the initial plea deal. Megan describes her annual interactions with the parole board, expressing fear over Randy's early parole after serving three years of a seven-year sentence. The constant threat of Randy's release perpetuated Megan's anxiety and PTSD, forcing her to adopt stringent safety measures to protect herself and her children.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (30:24): "It was traumatizing. Just a sense of relief... I can't say it's a win or lose."
Hannah (31:03): "Mental health is real. Mental health is health, you guys."

5. Long-Term Impact and Personal Growth (35:45 - 57:21)

Twenty years later, Megan reflects on the long-term effects of her traumatic experience. She discusses her subsequent marriages, divorces, and her journey as a single mother raising two children. Megan emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags and taking accountability for her choices without self-blame. Her experiences have led her to advocate for victims' rights and awareness, inspiring her to start her own podcast, "Got Her Back Podcast," aimed at supporting women through similar struggles.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (36:24): "I have to start listening to your red flags. You literally have got to start listening because you tend to listen or see a red flag and let it hit you in the face and just keep on going."
Hannah (56:09): "And trust your femtuition."

6. The Murder of Jane Doe and Systemic Failures (57:21 - 70:49)

Megan delves deeper into Randy's criminal history, revealing his involvement in the murder of a woman known as Jane Doe. Randy's manipulation extended beyond Megan, as he falsely implicated himself in Jane Doe's death to evade full accountability. The case highlighted systemic issues within the justice system, including biases that prevent certain victims from receiving the attention and support they deserve. Megan and the hosts discuss the concept of the "perfect victim" and how societal prejudices influence the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (42:23): "He admits he's responsible for Jane Doe's death... tied to asphyxiation."
Hannah (69:26): "We're conditioned to take it less seriously. It's an awful."

7. Coping with Guilt and Empowerment (70:49 - 78:36)

Megan addresses the complex emotions of guilt and empathy she feels as a survivor. She emphasizes the importance of using her experiences to help others, advocating for awareness and vigilance in dating. The conversation shifts to the balance between taking personal responsibility and not blaming oneself for being a victim. The hosts and Megan encourage listeners to trust their intuition ("femtuition") while acknowledging the personal nature of each individual's healing process.

Notable Quotes:
Megan (58:31): "If it can help one woman, then that's how you give back."
Hannah (77:21): "It's growth. Every day I make a bad decision. We all do."

8. Conclusion and Call to Action (78:36 - End)

The episode concludes with the hosts commending Megan for her bravery in sharing her story. They emphasize the importance of community support and encourage listeners to reach out with their own stories. The conversation touches on the significance of resources like VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) and the need for comprehensive documentation to support victims' cases. The hosts also highlight Megan's podcast, "Got Her Back," as a platform for women to share and find support.

Notable Quotes:
Mackenzie (84:53): "Keep the conversation going... Your voice becomes your weapon."
Hannah (83:59): "Thank you so much to Megan for sharing her story."

Key Takeaways:

• Red Flags in Dating: Megan's story underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs such as inconsistencies in personal information and controlling behavior.

• Impact of the Justice System: The episode highlights how plea deals and systemic biases can fail victims, allowing perpetrators to receive lighter sentences for severe crimes.

• Mental Health and Healing: Emphasizing the significance of mental health support, the hosts advocate for resources like BetterHelp to aid in the healing process.

• Empowerment Through Sharing: Megan's journey demonstrates how sharing traumatic experiences can empower both the speaker and listeners, fostering a supportive community.

Notable Resources Mentioned:

• VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): A service that provides victims with information about the custody status of offenders.

• BetterHelp: An online therapy platform offering accessible and flexible mental health support.

Guest's Podcast:

• Got Her Back Podcast: Hosted by Megan and her best friend Carrie, focusing on women's issues, divorce, co-parenting, and recognizing red flags in relationships.
  Recommended to listen for further insights and support.

This episode of The Dating Detectives provides a poignant exploration of the dangers that can lie beneath seemingly ordinary relationships. Through Megan's courageous storytelling, listeners gain valuable lessons on vigilance, the importance of support systems, and the complexities of navigating trauma and healing.