The Dating Detectives – Episode: "The Stalker: Part 1"

Release Date: January 27, 2025

Hosts: Mackenzie Fultz & Hanna Anderson

Introduction

In the premiere of "The Stalker: Part 1," hosts Mackenzie Fultz, a professional Private Investigator, and Hanna Anderson, a comedian, delve into the harrowing experiences of Carrie, a single mother who found herself entangled in a terrifying stalking scenario. This episode, released during Stalking Awareness Month, aims to shed light on the subtle and overt red flags that can indicate predatory behavior in the dating world.

Setting the Stage: Stalking Awareness Month

Mackenzie (00:39): "It's January, and that means it's Stalking Awareness Month."

Hanna (00:58): "Thanks to January being Stalking Awareness Month, it's an appropriate time to contribute to the cause and help these people get the help they need."

The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing stalking behaviors, highlighting the lack of public discourse and education on the subject.

Introducing the Guest: Carrie's Story

Hanna (01:34): "We have a tale for you today, and I feel like this hit home for me a lot."

Mackenzie (02:03): "This is a little bit of a different one. But it's so important because just like you said, Hanna, we don't really talk about stalking enough."

Carrie's narrative begins with her background as a single mother who had taken a hiatus from the dating scene after a troubling relationship in 2016. In the spring of 2022, seeking a fresh start, she decided to venture back into online dating using Facebook Dating.

The Initial Encounter: Meeting Jack

Carrie (05:12): "So, this whole story began back in the spring of 2022. I decided to jump back into the dating situation, and I thought, this is going to be my time. I'm going to meet my person."

Carrie recounts meeting Jack through Facebook Dating. Their initial interactions seemed promising, but subtle red flags began to emerge early on.

Hanna (22:15): "His temper is kind of rising a little bit because there's traffic."

Mackenzie (22:23): "Oh, red flag."

Jack's behavior during their first meetings raised concerns. Despite appearing charming, his sudden displays of affection—like sending pictures of engagement rings shortly after their first date—were unsettling.

Escalation of Stalking Behaviors

By early October 2022, Carrie's interactions with Jack took a dark turn. After expressing disinterest in continuing the relationship, Jack's responses became increasingly erratic and threatening.

Carrie (26:03): "He starts crying and saying, 'I'm done with women. I've been hurt so much.'"

Hanna (39:13): "So now he's trying to convince you to not."

Despite Carrie's attempts to set boundaries, Jack's harassment intensified. He began leaving threatening voicemails and sending aggressive texts.

Carrie (33:46): "All I'm going to say is one thing. Big mistake for messing with me and getting my account disabled. Payback's a bitch. And believe me, you'll get it."

Hosts' Advice: Handling Stalking Situations

Throughout Carrie's recounting, Mackenzie and Hanna provide actionable advice for listeners who might find themselves in similar predicaments.

Hanna (39:13): "Always call the cops, even if it's something stupid. Just for the record."

Mackenzie (40:22): "Write it down in a journal. Keep something that's like pen and paper. This date, this time, this happened."

The hosts stress the importance of documenting every incident, reporting to authorities promptly, and maintaining clear communication to establish boundaries.

Cliffhanger Ending: A Glimpse into Continued Harassment

As Part 1 concludes, Carrie describes a spine-chilling incident where she notices suspicious activity around her home, indicating that Jack's harassment was escalating beyond digital boundaries. This unsettling turn leaves listeners eagerly anticipating Part 2, where the full extent of Jack's stalking and Carrie's coping mechanisms will be explored.

Notable Quotes

• Hanna Anderson (00:58): "I hate saying excited. The reason I say excited is because I get amped up, and I feel like you're going to be just as pissed as I think we both are about it."

• Carrie (05:37): "I decided to jump back into online dating because it is honestly, online is a great tool to meet people."

• Hanna Anderson (39:13): "You feel stupid, but we have to."

• Mackenzie Fultz (40:22): "Keep something that's like pen and paper. This date, this time, this happened. That's your receipt."

Conclusion and Call to Action

As "The Stalker: Part 1" wraps up, Mackenzie and Hanna reinforce the necessity of community support and awareness. They encourage listeners to share their stories, seek help, and remain vigilant against predatory behaviors in the dating landscape.

Mackenzie (60:16): "As always, trust your femtuition."

Hanna Anderson (60:54): "We love you so much."

Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast community, share their experiences, and support victims of stalking by contributing to advocacy and educational initiatives.

Stay Tuned: Don't miss "The Stalker: Part 2," where Carrie continues her ordeal, and the hosts delve deeper into the psychological aspects of stalking and the systemic challenges in addressing such crimes.