Podcast Summary: The Dating Detectives – "The Stalker: Part 2"
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Introduction
In the second installment of "The Stalker" series, hosts Mackenzie Fultz, a seasoned Private Investigator, and Hanna Anderson, a comedian with a sharp wit, delve deeper into Carrie’s harrowing experience with relentless stalking. This episode not only recounts Carrie’s ongoing battle but also explores the broader implications of stalking in the digital age, offering listeners valuable insights and practical advice.
Recap of Part 1
The episode begins with a brief recap of the previous discussion, highlighting Carrie’s initial encounters with her stalker, Jack. Carrie, a divorced mother, met Jack through Facebook Dating. Despite his misleading older photos—a tactic they refer to as "age fishing"—they proceeded to date. The relationship took a dark turn when Jack's obsessive behavior surfaced, including sending an engagement ring prematurely and escalating to emotional outbursts upon confrontation.
Notable Quote:
- Hannah (00:59): “The hard thing about this story is that there's really nothing I think Carrie could have done differently to change her situation.”
Escalation of Stalking Behavior
Following a particularly emotional second date, Jack’s behavior intensified. Carrie began noticing strange occurrences: his unauthorized entries into her home, manipulation of her personal belongings, and hacking attempts on her phone. These subtle yet invasive actions created an environment of constant fear and uncertainty.
Notable Quote:
- Hannah (04:54): “Oh, yeah. First there were things going on with her phone. She was like, why is my phone, like, losing battery, acting weird.”
Filing for Protection
Determined to regain control, Carrie sought help from Domestic Violence Services and decided to file for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. Despite initial skepticism from legal representatives regarding the viability of her case—due to the absence of an intimate partner relationship—Carrie persisted, representing herself in court.
Notable Quote:
- Carrie (14:55): “I decided to file a protection from abuse, knowing that it may be risky doing that.”
Challenges with the Legal System
Carrie’s journey through the legal system was fraught with challenges. Her attempts to obtain a permanent PFA were met with bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate support from law enforcement. The existing PFA laws did not sufficiently cover stalking without an intimate relationship, leaving her vulnerable.
Notable Quote:
- Hannah (15:43): “The more money you have, the better you can handle this. It is just a pricey thing right now.”
Community and Support Systems
Throughout her ordeal, Carrie emphasized the importance of community support. Her friends played a crucial role in uncovering additional information about Jack, including past victims, which bolstered her case. The importance of not feeling isolated and having a support network was a recurring theme.
Notable Quote:
- Hannah (20:20): “This is why we gossip. Gossip saves lives.”
Cyber Stalking and Security Measures
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the cyber aspects of stalking. Carrie detailed how her phone was hacked, leading to unauthorized access to her personal information. The hosts discussed various security measures, including secure phone services and the challenges of combating cyber stalking without adequate resources.
Notable Quote:
- Carrie (44:35): “The only way I found out that that was happening to my phone was my weather app that I bring. I wasn't getting texts weeks and weeks ago.”
Advocacy and Legal Reforms
Carrie is actively involved in advocating for legal reforms to better protect stalking victims. Collaborating with domestic violence services and state representatives, she is pushing for laws that specifically address stalking, regardless of the nature of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.
Notable Quote:
- Carrie (52:50): “We have been touring around, talking to state representatives to get laws changed for a stalking PFA because the regular PFA doesn't cover a stalking situation.”
Recommendations and Resources
The hosts provided practical advice for those facing similar situations. Recommendations include:
- Hiring Private Investigators: Professional surveillance can legally document stalking behaviors.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Using secure phone services like Google Voice or IFani, and considering secure mobile phones.
- Community Support: Maintaining open communication with friends and family to ensure support and validation.
- Legal Documentation: Keeping detailed records and journaling incidents to support legal actions.
Notable Quote:
- Mackenzie (64:08): “If you can hire a private investigator, do so. They can legally document what the stalker is doing day by day.”
Conclusion
"The Stalker: Part 2" sheds light on the multifaceted challenges victims face, from legal inadequacies to cyber invasions. Carrie’s courage in sharing her story serves as a beacon for others in similar situations, emphasizing the need for community support, legal reform, and increased awareness of stalking behaviors. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support advocacy efforts and utilize available resources to combat stalking effectively.
Notable Quote:
- Mackenzie (62:25): “The more we talk about it, the louder we are. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Additional Resources Mentioned
- Book Club: Antidote for a Stalker by Mike Proctor – A comprehensive guide on understanding and combating stalking.
- Helplines: National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
- Secure Phone Services: IFani, Google Voice
- Private Investigation Services: Recommended for legal surveillance and documentation.
Listeners are encouraged to join the podcast’s Patreon for exclusive content, including book club discussions and updates on Carrie’s case.
Final Thoughts
This episode not only narrates a personal struggle but also underscores the systemic gaps in protecting stalking victims. Mackenzie and Hanna’s passionate discourse highlights the urgent need for societal and legal advancements to address and mitigate the pervasive issue of stalking in the modern dating landscape.