Introducing: The First 48 | From Crime House and A&E

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Final Hours with Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole

Episode: Introducing: The First 48 | From Crime House and A&E

Date: July 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this special crossover episode, Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole of "The Final Hours" introduce listeners to "The First 48," a new true crime podcast from Crime House and A&E based on the acclaimed TV series. Host Carter Roy takes us deep inside a high-stakes Tulsa homicide case, "The Dark Trail," exploring how detectives solve murder cases within the critical first 48 hours—a window that can mean the difference between justice and a cold trail.

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Key Discussion Points & Investigation Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene & Personal Stakes

• Introduction to the case:
  Carter Roy introduces Tulsa’s transient encampment, where Mark Lake ("Smalls") and his wife Georgette reside (01:22).
• Personal impact:
  Georgette speaks to the difficult love and comfort she shared with Mark despite their precarious housing, and the field’s mix of danger and refuge.
  Quote:
  "Feels like this place just devours everything that touches it. And he knew it was coming." —Georgette Lake (02:12)

2. The Murder

• 911 call & scene response (04:31–05:34):
  Officers arrive to find Mark Lake shot dead in the field behind a Tulsa gas station. The clock starts: 48 hours to solve the case.
• Initial evidence:
  Found: two bicycles, two knives, a backpack, but nothing conclusive.
  Witnesses: Georgette and encampment neighbor, Rowdy Peterson.

3. Witness Interviews & Theories

• Rowdy Peterson interview (07:14):
  Describes two men with guns approaching Mark’s tent, suggesting the motive was robbery related to drug trading.
  Quote:
  "Smalls sells dope...and they knew it. Yeah, I think they came to rob our guy." —Rowdy Peterson (08:37)
• Georgette’s interview & detectives’ skepticism (11:50–13:53):
  She claims not to know the suspects, but detectives suspect she's reluctant to tell all.
  Quote:
  "Rowdy seems to think that you're not going to be completely honest with us because he thinks that you're going to want to take care of business on your own." —Detective White (13:53)

4. Breakthroughs—Identifying Suspects

• Georgette finally admits a suspect's nickname: "A.J." and details:
  Tattoo: Grim Reaper on shoulder; Address: Latimer Place (16:37–17:13)
• Police database research and suspect photo ID:
  Andres J. Martinez ("A.J."), from California, just arrested weeks before (17:39–19:09).

5. Second Suspect & Gang Connections

• Officer spots and detains Jason Arce ("Loco"), the second suspect:
  Identified as a known gang member (Serenos) from Compton, CA, with distinctive facial tattoos (22:34–23:02).
• Witnesses confirm ID:
  Both Rowdy and Georgette recognize photos of Arce and Martinez (23:36–24:44).

6. Interrogations of the Suspects (25:05–42:41)

• Jason Arce’s interview:
  Contradicts himself about whereabouts and relationship, lies about knowing Martinez. Detective White confronts with evidence: phone contacts, surveillance footage, witness statements (35:38–36:29).
  • Evidence:
    • Surveillance video shows Arce and Martinez together before and after the murder (33:58–34:46).
    • Arce's phone contains Martinez’s contact info.
    • Gunshot residue (GSR) tests performed.
• Martinez’s (A.J.) interview:
  Denies involvement but admits connections and being disrespected by Mark. GSR test also performed. Detectives believe gang and pride obligations played a role (41:43–44:18).
  • Quote:
    "He corroborates basically everything that the victim's wife had talked about... I think he felt like he got disrespected. And so he probably was telling his buddy about it. And his buddy, you know, being the serenious gang member that he is, he's like, man, you're going to have to do something about it and prove yourself." —Detective White (43:41)

7. Resolution

• Arrests and outcomes:
  • Jason Arce arrested for murder (37:33).
  • Andres "A.J." Martinez arrested soon after (38:01).
  • GSR tests positive for both.
  • Sentences:
    • Martinez pleads guilty to manslaughter; sentenced to 40 years (44:18).
    • Arce fights case, convicted of first degree murder; life sentence (44:18).

8. Aftermath & Personal Reflections

• Georgette’s resilience and recovery:
  A year later, Georgette discusses rebuilding her life after loss and moving in with her mother for her children's sake (45:40). Quote:
  "I see his face all the time and I know that Mark didn't like me being out there at all. All he ever wanted was best for me. So I'm trying little steps at a time." —Georgette Lake (46:42)
• Detective White’s closing thoughts:
  Praises Georgette’s courage and the challenge of investigating crimes involving the unhoused (44:57).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He was an amazing man. Think you can ever find a man that would make you just come out here to this and be like, okay, babe, I love you. I'm happy and comfortable. This is my home."
  —Georgette Lake (01:49)
• "Just two hours in, we've got a pretty decent description."
  —Detective White (11:39)
• "We may have video of these guys at the quick trip. We might get video of the actual suspects potentially coming down the trail."
  —Detective White (07:00)
• "That's going to be them. That's going to be aj. So they're together. That's… That's huge. Huge video."
  —Detective White (34:46)
• "So I'm probably gonna be on first 48, huh?"
  —Jason Arce, showing dark humor and resignation (37:21)
• "For her to have the courage to step up. I'm extremely proud of her and I think that she did the right thing for her husband on his behalf."
  —Detective White, on Georgette’s testimony (44:57)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• The murder & scene: 04:31–05:34
• Rowdy Peterson's recounting: 07:14–11:02
• Detective White & Georgette’s breakthrough: 16:26–17:17
• ID and arrest of suspects: 22:34 (Arce); 37:33 (AJ Martinez)
• Video evidence review: 33:58–34:46
• Suspect confrontations with evidence: 35:38–36:09
• Aftermath—Georgette’s life update: 45:40–47:09

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Tone & Style Notes

The episode’s tone is urgent, methodical, and deeply empathetic. It highlights the fragility of life on the margins, the power of witness testimony, and the relentless race against time in homicide investigations. The narrative is immersive, using raw interviews, first-hand testimony, and procedural detective work, respecting the humanity of all involved while never sensationalizing the crime.

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Summary Takeaway

"The First 48" offers an unflinching, empathetic look at a high-stakes case through the eyes of detectives, the grieving, and those swept up by circumstance. The case of Mark Lake is solved in part thanks to courageous witness cooperation and persistent, respectful detective work. The episode underscores not just the mechanics of crime-solving but the stubborn resilience of those left behind.

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Listen to more episodes of The First 48 wherever you get your podcasts.

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Transcript

[Sarah]

Before today's episode of the Final Hours, we want to tell you about another show we think you'll love.

[Courtney]

Crime House and A and E are teaming up on the podcast version of the famous true crime series the First 48.

[Sarah]

Each week, Carter Roy takes you inside a landmark homicide case. The interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs in the critical first 48 hours.

[Courtney]

Listen to and follow the first 48 every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Sarah]

Hey, Crime House community, it's Sarah and Courtney. We have something exciting to share with you today that we know you'll love.

[Courtney]

Crime House and A and E are teaming up for the official podcast version of the famous true crime series the First 48.

[Sarah]

Each week, Carter Roy will take you inside the critical first 48 hours of a homicide case. The interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs that crack a case wide open.

[Courtney]

Real detectives, real cases, real stakes.

[Sarah]

We've got an episode of the show for you to listen to right now.

[Courtney]

If you like what you hear and want more, make sure to follow the First 48 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. There's also a link to the show in this episode's description.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

This is his crime house. There's a large grassy field behind a gas station in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Around its overgrown edges, unhoused people find shelter from the elements. Georgette Lake is one of those people, and so is her husband, Mark, AKA Smalls. She reflects on what brought them to this place.

[Georgette Lake]

We're right to the entrance of the field. Over the years we've been together, Smalls always end up back over in this area. He was an amazing man. Think you can ever find a man that would make you just come out here to this and be like, okay, babe, I love you. I'm happy and comfortable. This is my home.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

But while the field gives them a place to stay, it's also full of danger.

[Georgette Lake]

Feels like this place just devours everything that touches it. And he knew it was coming. He'd tell me a week before that something, something was about to change. Something's about to happen out where I lost my best friend, my heart. I lost my whole world.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

For homicide detectives, their chance of solving a murder is cut in half if they don't get a lead within the First 48 Hours. Welcome to the First 48. Presented by AE Global Media, ITV America and Crime House Studios. Adapted from the hit TV show, every episode features a high stakes homicide investigation. Investigation in the critical hours that define it. Today's episode brings us to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when an unhoused man is shot dead near his shelter. Homicide detectives have to work fast to solve the case before his killers disappear. With little evidence and only a couple of witnesses, it's a race against the clock, counting up to 48 hours. A note this program documents actual homicide investigations. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced, and all suspects covered on this podcast are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. In some episodes, certain details have been changed to protect the identities of witnesses or the integrity of the investigation. Listener discretion is advised. This case is called the Dark Trail.

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[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

At 9:15pm on August 29, 2020, a 911 dispatcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma receives a call.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

911 Jeannie, please fire medical Police Directly behind me I heard this scream and my dog was barking like crazy. They just fired a gunshot. Did you see it happen or just hear it? I heard it, but I seen the flash from the gunshot. Some woman is screaming and I went out there to see what was going on. We'll get off this out there.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Officers rush to the crime scene, a field behind a gas station. When they arrive, the count to 48 hours begins. After the area is cordoned off and the evidence is documented, Homicide Detective Jason White inspects the scene.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Hey.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White ducks under the police tape and heads down a darkened path, using his flashlight to illuminate the surroundings. After a short walk, he spots the victim lying face up on the ground. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim's name is Mark Clifford Lake, also known as Smalls. Described as a good hearted guy, Mark and his wife Georgette called this encampment home while they searched for a permanent place to live. Aside from getting off the streets, Mark wanted to create a stable environment for himself, Georgette, and his three stepchildren. But before he got the chance, someone took Mark's life. And now it's up to Detective White and his team to solve his murder. Around the crime scene, they find some evidence. Two bicycles, a Couple knives and a backpack, but none of it is conclusive. However, two people witnessed the crime. Mark's wife, Georgette, and one of the camp's other residents, Rowdy Peterson. Detective White asks them to go down to the station so he can talk to them. But before he leaves, he has another idea.

[Detective Jason White]

We may have video of these guys at the quick trip. We might get video of the actual suspects potentially coming down the trail. They got officers in there working on that right now. All right, well, I definitely want that footage. I'm gonna start going downtown and start interviewing these people.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been one hour and 14 minutes. Detective White arrives at the station and begins his questioning. He wants to talk to Rowdy Peterson first. Detective White figures he'll be a little less emotional and can break down what happened.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, buddy, I'm the detective that's handling this case, all right? Where are you living on the streets where you kind of stand up there or in that field? All right, just tell me what happened.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Earlier, they asked me if I could say nothing. 20 minutes and wash your dog because there's amp had been getting filled for these people. Still is dope.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

According to Rowdy, Mark and Georgette had asked him to keep an eye on their things while they went on an errand. Everything was quiet until it wasn't.

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard some wrestling in bright scent dogs and dogs and can't come out of nowhere with gun.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He says two men approached Mark's tent.

[Rowdy Peterson]

They both had guns. He had to clasp up my face. Kept asking me questions about is he going to come back soon? Who's he got with him? Where'd he go? I just know he went to a friend's house in the neighborhood and he'd be back 20 minutes.

[Detective Jason White]

Who knew what they asking for for

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Smalls, if you recall, Smalls was Mark Lake's nickname.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Smalls sells dope after any words. And they knew it. Yeah, I think they came to robber guy.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you see them shoot tonight?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I did not see them shoot. I heard the men's hugs and I took off running.

[Detective Jason White]

Those guys over there right before this happened.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yeah, I see them. They have families off in that neighborhood not too far away.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Rowdy says he's seen the two men in the area before and that right before Mark and Georgette came back, he overheard one of the suspects on the phone with a woman. The conversation was heated.

[Rowdy Peterson]

They were very upset that his wife was going to McWilliam. For sure they were going to kill them. They were probably not killing them, and they might have to Kill the wife.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

In the end, it seems like they decided to only go after Mark and leave Georgette alone. Sergeant Nathan Schilling asks Rowdy more about the murder itself.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Between the time they pointed the guns and Chief and Smalls got shot. Did you see or hear from Smalls?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard these. Like, what the you doing out here? I jumped up. I took off running. Minutes. I was scared. I thought they were gonna kill me. I heard you.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Pop, pop, pop.

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard about five shots. I came close to them, shot their weapons.

[Detective Jason White]

Can you describe them for me? One at a time.

[Rowdy Peterson]

He's Hispanic. He was wearing the tank top and a blue rag on his face.

[Detective Jason White]

Does he have any tattoos?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I don't know.

[Detective Jason White]

What about the other guy?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Another guy's dark skin. Dark. Dark brown. Dark clothing, blue jeans, I believe.

[Detective Jason White]

Would you be able to identify either one of these guys?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yes.

[Detective Jason White]

They live up in that neighborhood?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yep, they live in that neighborhood. I don't know where.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Even though Rowdy doesn't know where the possible suspects live, he thinks he knows someone who does. Mark's wife, Georgette.

[Rowdy Peterson]

The wife, though, is. She's saying she doesn't. She's gonna lie. She's giving sure she's gonna want to do something to these guys. She knows who both of them are. She knows where they live, she knows their families. Yeah. Yeah. So hopefully you do the right thing.

[Detective Jason White]

I appreciate you being forthcoming with us. That's a lot of really good information for me to work with. So glad you.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Before they finish the interview, Rowdy has one more thing to tell Detective White. Something that adds an additional heartbreaking element to this case.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Smalls in your life, they're together to get money, to get a house. Every two weeks to get a house where they lose their kids. Your kids, indeed. Just because they're waivering. It's sad. They lost the kids because of drug sales and they try and sell drugs to give a house so you don't lose your kids.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Uh huh.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Oh, they're doing what they gotta do.

[Detective Jason White]

Just two hours in, we've got a pretty decent description.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

The team puts out a BOLO on the suspects, while White turns to the victim's wife, Georgette.

[Detective Jason White]

You know my heart goes out to you. I know this life changing. So you and your kids, how old are your kids?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

She says the oldest is 15, then 10 and 11.

[Detective Jason White]

So you guys have been together a long time?

[Georgette Lake]

He's not the birth father of the kids, but we've been together eight and a half years ago.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. I gotta be able to get these people off the streets. And that's starting with that. Okay. And then we can get you in touch with somebody to try to get you in line to get you in a better position in your life. Does that sound like a pretty good idea?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Georgette agrees to tell Detective White what she knows.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, tell me what happened.

[Georgette Lake]

My husband talked about our clothes being over at a friend's house.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

She says she and Mark, who she calls Baby, rode their bikes over to a friend's house to get their laundry. When they returned to their encampment, they heard their dog barking.

[Georgette Lake]

Someone's there. It's like, maybe there's nobody there. So he zoomed in front of me, and then I look up, and two guys come running out from the T area, and baby's screaming, and he, like, tackles baby off the bike, and he fell on the ground and started saying, I'm sorry, bro. No, no, no, please. Then he 1 I guess I was supposed to laugh. My grandpa looked at me, and he pointed right at me. But nothing happened, and the guys both started running.

[Detective Jason White]

Who are these guys?

[Georgette Lake]

I don't know. They're just people that were walking down the street. Always helps every.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Georgette said she didn't know who they were, but Detective White remembers what Rowdy said. He still isn't sure if Georgette is telling him everything.

[Detective Jason White]

Listen to me. Rowdy seems to think that you're not going to be completely honest with us because he thinks that you're going to want to take care of business on your own. I think you know more than that.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been two hours and nine minutes, and Detective White is still searching for a lead.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

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[Detective Jason White]

And Bubba Wallace.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

You know what's the worst part of a race?

[Detective Jason White]

A rain delay.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Sitting around waiting for the track to dry is dull.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

But instead of waiting, we hang out with Chumba casino.

[Detective Jason White]

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[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Play [e-mail].

[Detective Jason White]

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[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

The moment a body is found, the clock starts ticking. 48 hours. That's how long detectives have before the trail begins to go cold. From a E and crime house, this is the official podcast from the famous true crime series. The first 48 step inside the critical window. The interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs that crack a case wide open. I'm Carter Roy. Each week, I revisit a Landmark homicide investigation with the depth you know and immersive long form storytelling built for your ears. Real detectives, real cases, real stakes. This is the first new episodes every Thursday. Listen to and follow the First 48 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to podcasts. On August 29, 2020, 32 year old Mark Clifford Lake was shot dead at his encampment in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following his death, homicide detective Jason White takes charge of the investigation. So far, he's learned from one witness, a man named Rowdy Peterson, that two men shot Mark. Rowdy knows the two men live somewhere nearby, but he's not sure where. But the witness says that Mark's wife Georgette does. Detective White sits down to talk to her, hoping that she'll tell him everything she knows.

[Detective Jason White]

Rowdy cares a lot about you and he cares a lot about your husband. He tells me that you know them pretty well. I need to know who these guys are.

[Georgette Lake]

AJ I don't know who the other guy was, where he came from. He looked like a little miniature knockoff version of AJ I guess.

[Detective Jason White]

Where do they live?

[Georgette Lake]

Latterburg.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, but you know who AJ Is and AJ Was there, period.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Do you know any more to his name?

[Georgette Lake]

No, he just came up from California.

[Detective Jason White]

Does he have any tattoos?

[Georgette Lake]

A grim reaper on his shoulder.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Thankfully, Georgette provided Detective White with three pieces of valuable information. One of the Suspects is named A.J. he has a tattoo of the Grim reaper on his shoulder. And he lives off a street called Latimer Place. He passes this Information along to Sergeant Nathan Schilling.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Search our database for

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

A.J.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

latimer. It'll search all our reports and field interviews and maybe we'll get lucky where someone mentions his nickname.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Huh.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

This holds some promise. Andres J. Martinez. So we will find him in traces. And there we are. And he lists the address in EAS Latimer Place. So he just got arrested like three weeks ago and claims to be homeless.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

37 year old Andres J. Martinez grew up in Riverside County, California. He has no prior convictions. Based on what the investigators have Learned so far, Sergeant Schilling thinks this may be the A.J. georgette is referring to. He wants to see if she recognizes him. Sergeant Schilling brings this information to Detective White, who's still in the interrogation room with Georgette. Detective White shows her a photo of Andras Martinez.

[Detective Jason White]

Is that him?

[Georgette Lake]

Yes. Check his shoulder.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, so this is the guy that's got the Grim reaper tattoo on his shoulder.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

The individual you referred to 8 as

[Georgette Lake]

AJ we have literally only known him about Maybe a week and a half. He's supposed to go get stuff from the. Any store that we choose. Anything we want, he's supposed to be able to do it.

[Detective Jason White]

Was he getting dope in exchange for bringing you guys stuff?

[Georgette Lake]

Yeah, but he would never show up with the stuff. He would just show up himself. Everything's in the car, everything's in the garage. And they end up arguing, bickering. There's a kid ambushed that maybe took from aj, made him walk home.

[Detective Jason White]

What. What did he take?

[Georgette Lake]

I can't. Ambush. It's a bike.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

She says that AJ was supposed to pay Mark for drugs that he'd been fronted. But when AJ failed to come through, Mark took his bike.

[Detective Jason White]

Is that why AJ came back? Probably pissed off.

[Georgette Lake]

Probably.

My husband made him empty his pockets and leave his bike.

[Detective Jason White]

Does your husband have a knife?

[Georgette Lake]

He has a knife that slides in and out, but I think he left it at the tank when we left. I had my knife on.

[Detective Jason White]

What kind of knife do you have?

[Georgette Lake]

I have a, like, switchblade type knife. It's black and silver.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, so let's talk about the second guy. Describe him for me.

[Georgette Lake]

I prime he. Huh.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you happen to notice any tattoos on the. On that guy?

[Georgette Lake]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you get a decent look at him?

[Georgette Lake]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

But you definitely got a good look at aj?

[Georgette Lake]

Usually it was really pointing out of my face. I tried to remember what they were looking like.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

If you didn't catch that. She said usually if someone pulls a gun in my face, I try to remember what the f. They were looking like.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, sit tight.

[Georgette Lake]

Thank you.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Although they still have to identify the second suspect. Detective White has enough to get a warrant for AJ's arrest, but he and Sergeant Schilling aren't sure where to find him. According to a recent incident report, AJ's address on Latimer place is vacant.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

AJ shows to be homeless in our database, so I was trying to figure out his address on Latimer. On the 10th, a call went in of a burglary at the location. The tenants moved out, so that address is probably not going to be good anymore.

[Detective Jason White]

We'll find him.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Three hours in, the case takes a turn. Officer Dylan Myers was patrolling the area around the crime scene when he spotted a man face fitting the description of the second suspect, AJ's unnamed friend. Officer Myers pulled him over to talk to him, and he could sense something was off. He tells Detective White about their interaction and why he decided to bring the man in for questioning.

[Detective Jason White]

So how did tattoo guy come into this situation? He was like looking around really nervously. So I stopped him.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

He was like, man, I just came

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

from a quick trip over there on Sheridan.

[Detective Jason White]

He was super nervous.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been 2 hours and 44 minutes. Detective White looks up the suspect. 38 year old Jason Enrique Arce, also known as Loco, is from Compton, California. He has a prior conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. And he's listed as a known member of the Serenos gang, which originated in Southern California and has spread across the country.

[Detective Jason White]

I've had a little contact with the Serenos in a previous case. You have the Mexican mafia below the Mexican mafia, you're going to have the Serenos here in Tulsa. I know that you're going to have a variety of different Serenos cliques or sets. For him to be certified as a gang member in the city of Tulsa, that says something right there. In and of he's been certified for a reason. He's got a motherload of tattoos on his face. I don't know specifically if there's any significance to those tattoos. It's impressive. It's kind of scary. We don't run across hardcore people like him.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White shows Mark's friend Rowdy a photo of Jason Loco Arce to see if Rowdy recognizes him. He shares the result of that conversation with Sergeant Schilling and another police officer.

[Detective Jason White]

I'm thinking, tattoo. There's not gonna be, you know, nothing. So I take it into Rowdy. I'm like, hey, dude, do you know this guy? The moment I show him a picture, I mean, that's him. But he didn't say nothing about any tattoos on this guy's face.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

This guy's got freaking tattoos all over the place.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been 2 hours and 54 minutes. Detective White decides to show Georgette a photo of Jason Enrique Arce as well.

[Detective Jason White]

I want to see what her reaction is going to be when I show her the photo of this guy. You know, that guy?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

White shows the victim's wife a photo of Jason Arce.

[Detective Jason White]

Are you sure?

[Georgette Lake]

He kind of looks almost like the guy. The same way his hair was cut. I don't know his face. I mean, everything else about him seems familiar, but it makes sense. Why would it take?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Georgette says it makes sense why she couldn't see him clearly with how dark

[Detective Jason White]

it was out there.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White decides he needs to talk to Arce himself. From his dealings with other gang members, he knows the way to get respect is to give respect. And then hopefully Arce will tell Detective White and Sergeant Schilling.

[Detective Jason White]

The truth.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

All right.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, first of all, I'm Detective White. This is Sergeant Schelling over here. You from California?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Yeah. Where at? I was blind. You still there?

[Detective Jason White]

You had some serious tattoo work, man. Serious. Here's what I want to talk to you about. So you were over there at the Quick Trip, is that right?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I always just happened to be out there because my girl was picking up. I don't know if it was her cousin or her friend or something.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He says he rode with his girlfriend to the gas station earlier that night.

[Detective Jason White]

What kind of car was it?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

White BMW. And I was drunk, and me and Harry started arguing. I took off by the trash can.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He says after they got in a fight, he stormed out of the car and she drove off.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

There's like a field all right there, like grass and stuff and brush. Waiting for his hour.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Then I fucking came back out and I called her up. I was back and forth. I was waiting for her. She can come back. We were arguing.

[Detective Jason White]

So did you see anybody or see anything go on. While you were in that field?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Got a bunch of homeless people.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you hear any gunshots?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Gunshots?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He shakes his head no.

[Detective Jason White]

You didn't hear anything like that?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Not when I was there. I didn't have gunshots.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, there's a. We had a situation where there was. There was kind of an incident that happened with a homeless person. Not saying you were involved in that in any way, shape or form.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you happen to meet up with a friend of yours that was a male, like a. Like a homeboy or anything like that over there earlier?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Not there at all.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. Who would that. Who would that be?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I call him Junior.

[Detective Jason White]

How about aj?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White shows Arce a photo of Andres AJ Martinez. Arce doesn't show any emotion either way.

[Detective Jason White]

Like that guy. You know him?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

You don't know him?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

No. No.

[Detective Jason White]

Have you fired a gun today?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Again, Arce shakes his head no.

[Detective Jason White]

Perfect. I've got a test that I want to. Basically rub your hands to tell me whether or not you fired a gun. Is that cool?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

And what are you saying, he was shooting or something? Because you're asking about gunshots.

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. Yeah, there was a shooting. Yeah. When you said you ran into some homeless people back in the back. How far back?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Right there. Right where? That parking lot of Little Philly.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you go down the trail at all?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

No. Really dark now. Are they gonna blow down the trail? It was dark.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Arce says not far, just by the parking lot. He didn't go down the trail to the encampment, it was too dark. And he agrees to take the gunpowder residue test. It will take some time for the results to come back.

[Detective Jason White]

Let me see your hand right quick.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

So that's what this is all about?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. So if you don't got nothing to do with it, you got nothing to worry about.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Somebody got hurt or something?

[Detective Jason White]

Unfortunately, yeah. What's your girlfriend's phone number?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

It's on my phone.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. What's her name?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Arce tells Detective White and Sergeant Schilling her name, which we aren't disclosing, but he doesn't want them to call her.

[Detective Jason White]

We're gonna call your girl. We're gonna verify that with her. We'll look at your phone. You've given me your gunshot residue test. That's pretty helpful.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I mean, I really don't think you calling her is going to solve this.

[Detective Jason White]

I think it's going to help us out big time.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Feel like harassing her. Like, at which time you said it was 12 or whatever. Me and her already been arguing and calling her up and bugging her or whatever. Or just harassing her over that type of shit.

[Detective Jason White]

We just need to call her just to verify your story. Sit tight.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

As they exit the interrogation room, Detective White says he has a feeling that Arce is involved. And if he can't find the answer soon, time could be running out. Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun.

[Detective Jason White]

An army hung on her every word. My champions, I have sold my chariot on Carvana. Twas a lovely suv, an inexplicably queenly offer. They're even coming to the castle to collect it. Tonight we feast. An offer you can feast on.

[Sarah]

Sell your car today on Carvana.

[Detective Jason White]

Pickup fees may apply.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been 3 hours and 39 minutes. Detective Jason White is making progress in Mark Lake's murder case. He has one of the two suspects in custody, a man named Jason Enrique Arce. But he also needs to find Arce's suspected accomplice, Andres A.J. martinez. Sergeant Nathan Schilling agrees, but Arce isn't telling them what they need to know. So Sergeant Schilling calls Arce's girlfriend to try and learn more. Detective White listens in on the call, along with Lieutenant Brandon Watkins.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

What is he being fishing for, if you don't mind me asking?

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

There was a incident that happened over there behind the Quick Trip.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Please don't tell me he's in trouble, cuz he didn't do nothing, honestly. But I know to go take a walk cuz we Got into it at Kutcher and that's it.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Was there anyone else with him?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

He had a friend with him, but I don't know his friend. I don't get along with his friend. Me and his friend don't get along for.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Who's his friend?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I don't know his name. I just know it's not a Mexican fool.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

How long was he in the car with you guys?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

He don't understand the car with me. Whenever we got into it, he freaking like with Jason.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

You know that you can get in trouble if you lie to the police to hinder an investigation, correct?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Yes, I understand that, and I'm not lying to you. Me and his friend don't get along.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Did he tell you anything about what happened while you were gone?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I don't even know what the is going on, honestly. And that's the honest cigar truth.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Someone was shot tonight, and if you're lying for him.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I'm not lying for him.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

What's his friend's nickname?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Come on. Don't. Don't be.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Don't play dumb.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Honestly, I don't like his friend. I don't even like him being. Rather than saying, I knew the stupid shit was gonna happen, I knew his friend is a father, but I didn't know they were gonna do something.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

So they weren't talking about being mad or looking for somebody?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

No, sir. I didn't know shit.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

All right, Mike, Mu.

[Detective Jason White]

She's saying just enough to make it sound like she's telling the truth. And she said the word honestly 14 times. She's lying.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White and Sergeant Schilling agree with Lieutenant Watkins.

[Detective Jason White]

He's involved, isn't he?

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Yeah, he's number two.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

I figured he was Tim and aj.

[Detective Jason White]

She told us that.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

No, no, but she does say his friend's in the car. A male friend that she doesn't like. That's nothing. But trouble is in the car with him. They get out and they walk away. And then she leaves.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Four hours after Mark's murder, surveillance video from the gas station comes in. Detective White and Sergeant Schilling take a look at it. The video shows a white BMW pulling into a parking spot, the same car the suspect, Jason Arce, described. A moment later, a large man in dark clothes matching AJ's description gets out of the backseat. After that, Jason Arce gets out of the front passenger seat and follows him. Detective White spots something else in the video, a contradiction. From what he's been told, both Arce and his girlfriend said they were fighting. But in the video, Detective White sees something that brings that into question.

[Detective Jason White]

Hang on. Go back a little bit.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Real quick.

[Detective Jason White]

See, right there, they just kiss.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

That's a little contrary to what he was telling you.

[Detective Jason White]

So he said that they had a big fight, but then they just kiss in the car. And he's getting out of the car. 8:45.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

So 18 minutes before the 911 call.

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. He claims that he just went right over into the field and that was it. And then he left. Okay, so let's look at the south view of that.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Like 903.

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah, probably. The 911 call initially comes in at 9:02.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

They check the footage from just a minute or two after the shooting. Two men come running into the frame. They're in the distance, but it looks like Jason Arce and his friend, the man they believe is AJ Martinez.

[Detective Jason White]

That's going to be them. That's going to be aj. So they're together. That's. That's huge. Huge video. I guess we could see if AJ's phone number is in his phone.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Using a phone number they have for AJ. From a prior report, Sergeant Schilling searches Jason Arce's contacts.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

He confirms AJ's number is in RC's phone.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, that's good. That's good.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

And I was looking at his location data, and it puts him at AJ's house on Latimer. So he was back at the house doing something after he no longer lives there.

[Detective Jason White]

That's good. Now we're cooking.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It feels like they are on the verge of cracking this case. So they return to the interrogation room and confront Jason Arce.

[Detective Jason White]

You didn't tell us that there was a guy in the car with you. You said it was a chick, man. Yeah, yeah. You were in there with a guy that goes by AJ.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I don't know AJ.

[Detective Jason White]

You've got AJ's number in your phone, man. You were lying to me about being with this guy, and it's causing you some problems. You've got three people, aj, AJ and ajj.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I mean, Chicago is gonna win national phone.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, maybe, but. But it's the same number that we have for AJ. Andreas Martinez.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been five hours and 49 minutes.

[Detective Jason White]

And then the other problem is the fact that I've got you on video running from that field with the other dude. The information that we've got from the witnesses that were up there at the scene with. That you were with this other guy was that you both were shooting.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Okay?

[Detective Jason White]

That's what we were told. There was a charge Murder?

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Are you serious, man?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah, I'm dead serious. These guys are gonna take your clothes.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

You think it's a homicide?

[Detective Jason White]

It is a homicide. The guy did die. So we're gonna talk to A.J. you know, we're gonna find him, and we'll talk to him as well. The best of luck, okay? We're gonna book Jason RC These are two violent individuals, so it's gonna be nice to be able to get these people off the street for this victim's wife. In large part, this is because of that alert police officer, Officer Myers noticing this guy walking down the street. And sure enough, you know, he's one of the two suspects.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

So I'm probably gonna be on first 48, huh?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. The next thing is we're gonna be looking for AJ who is gonna be Andres Martinez. My hope is that we're gonna be able to locate him relatively quickly.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

They decide to arrest Arce for killing Mark Lake and the search for his accomplice. AJ Is on patrol. Officers scan the neighborhood for AJ and the area around his old address on the. On latimer place. Just 13 hours in, AJ is brought down to Homicide. Detective White is running on fumes. He talks to the officer who brought AJ In.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, tell me what happened.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

This morning, we drove by Lammer Place.

[Detective Jason White]

He was asleep in a chair outside the house. Okay? If he's a man of character, then he's going to step up for his buddy, and he's going to. He's going to tell me what. What really was going on.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

This is the final piece of the puzzle, the key to closing the book on Mark Lake's murder. Detective White conducts the interrogation with Lieutenant Brandon Watkins.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, buddy. My name's Jason White. This is Lieutenant Watkins over here next to us, and I'm one of the detectives that's up here.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Where were you last night? We've been out all night. Do you know a guy that has a street name of Loco?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard about him.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White shows AJ Pictures of Jason, Arce and Jason's girlfriend. AJ doesn't betray much emotion.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Would it be that guy? Have you ever seen that girl?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Before Long Long.

[Detective Jason White]

Did she happen to give you a ride with her boyfriend? Dropped you off over the quick trip, which has cameras everywhere. She had another girl with her.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He says she had another girl with her.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, here's the problem with that, because we've already talked to her and she's told us that both you and him were together in the car, and then the two of you guys got out. I Was there with her, and

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I

[Georgette Lake]

told him that's it.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

So I just walk.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He claims he was there with her in the car. Then he walked home. That's it. All he did was walk home.

[Detective Jason White]

There's a guy by the name of Mark Lake. Him and his wife, they live in a tent along the trail from. Along that quick trip.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

All right.

[Detective Jason White]

No, I walk down that trail.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Confirmation. He walks down that trail.

[Detective Jason White]

I know. So you know the trail?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yeah, they know with the homeless people,

[Detective Jason White]

they don't have a say.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Hi.

[Detective Jason White]

Yes.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

He knows there are unhoused people who stay there, and he says hi to them.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, Marco's dead. I had nothing to do with this situation.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

AJ Says he had nothing to do with this situation.

[Detective Jason White]

Were you around somebody that fired again? But that's you, and that's loco.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Yeah, he was running.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay? This is called a gunshot residue test. It allows me to basically scrub your hands. Does that sound agreeable to you?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

AJ Says he doesn't mind because he didn't shoot anyone.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, I've got two witnesses that watched you do it.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White is close to finishing this interrogation, and then he can make his final arrest. It's been 13 hours and 44 minutes. Detective Jason White has already arrested one suspect, Jason Enrique Arce, for the death of Mark Lake. Now he's focusing on the second suspect, Andres AJ Martinez.

[Detective Jason White]

How would I do that?

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

AJ Says he didn't kill somebody. How would he do that?

[Detective Jason White]

He pulled out a gun and you shot.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

I don't.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

Have you been.

[Detective Jason White]

Do you have any tattoos?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yeah.

[Detective Jason White]

Is one of them a grim reaper on the side of your shoulder?

[Sponsor Voice]

Yes.

[Detective Jason White]

Let me see it, if you don't mind.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

AJ Shows him it's just like Georgette described. AJ Tells him he saw Mark riding a bicycle on the trail at some point before the shooting. He says they bumped into each other, but that's it. However, as Mark's wife, Georgette, already told Detective Warren White, it went well beyond that.

[Detective Jason White]

So, essentially, there was a situation that happened over there a few days ago where they accused you of stealing something or some weed. Ring a bell? Yeah, he told me that when I was walking by, but I don't know what you're talking about. He accused you of being a thief, he took your bike, he made you empty your pockets, and he sent you home like, get out of here. I was worried about you because I know I didn't do what's wrong.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

A.J. says he wasn't even worried about it. He's not worried because he knows he didn't do anything.

[Jason Enrique Arce (Loco)]

Wrong.

[Detective Jason White]

Essentially, that's kind of. That falls in the category for me that he was being disrespectful to you. I don't know why we're going to kill this guy. For a bike? Yeah, there's no sense in that. I don't have no guns at all.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I don't.

[Detective Jason White]

That's not what I do.

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

I don't kill people.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Detective White isn't buying it. He officially places A.J. under arrest.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, Loco got charged with murder, so you're going to get the same thing. Why are you charged with microphone? The only people that were close to Mark when the gun went off was you and Loco. Yeah, but I did not deal with you. I'm telling you it. If you didn't do it, then who does that leave? The person. Which is who? I don't know. I can't.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Lieutenant Watkins presses him further on it.

[Detective Jason White]

You got one opportunity to tell the truth, and you're just pissing that away. Are you scared of Loco? He's a Serenus from East Los Angeles. Are you scared of the man?

[911 Dispatcher / Officer]

No.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

The interrogation is over for now. Detective White performs the same gunshot residue test he did on Jason Arce. Now they just have to wait for the results. He shares his thoughts on how the investigation has unfolded so far.

[Detective Jason White]

What I love about this interview that we did is he corroborates basically everything that the victim's wife had talked about. Everything up until the point part where this happens, which tells me she's telling the truth. She watches this go down, so I don't see that she would have a motivation to basically make up that he did this. He's there in their world. I think he felt like he got disrespected. And so he probably was telling. Telling his buddy about it. And his buddy, you know, being the serenious gang member that he is, he's like, man, you're going to have to do something about it and prove yourself.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

It's been 14 hours and 14 minutes and this case is closed. The gunshot residue tests came back positive for both men. In the face of all the evidence, Andres AJ Martinez pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Jason Arce fought the charges and was convicted of first degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. When it was all said and done, Detective White reflected on the tricky nature of this case.

[Detective Jason White]

You know, this was a challenging case straight out of the gate. Just because you're dealing with the homeless population, for starters, sometimes they're afraid they're Afraid to talk for her to have the courage to step up. I'm extremely proud of her and I think that she did the right thing for her husband on his behalf.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Not only did Georgette play a crucial role in solving her husband's murder, she managed to turn her life around after experiencing this horrific tragedy. It's a testament to her resilience and strength and a powerful way to. To honor Mark's memory. About a year later, she talked about her journey following her husband's death.

[Georgette Lake]

About a week after he had passed, my mom, she was like, well, you can come stay and, you know, whatever you need. And I didn't want to do it. I don't like accepting help from people. But then my son called me on the phone and he's like, mom, you need to go stay with Mimi. I was like, well, that's just Smalls right there telling me to hurry up and get into a place. So I've stayed over here last five, six months. There's three kids all together and the two youngest were taken away. They're just all the way in Missouri. My oldest, she's the one that has seen, you know, our life. She actually come up to me just the other day and she was like, you know, mom, Small is. This is the only actual father figure I've ever had. It's been different. I've actually gotten out and started working. I'm still trying to readjust to living indoors or living with other people or having to adjust that to being just a respectful, normal person, you know, because with Mark, it was living in each other's moment rather than the world. I see his face all the time and I know that Mark didn't like me being out there at all. All he ever wanted was best for me. So I'm trying little steps at a time.

[Narrator (Carter Roy)]

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the First 48. Join us next week for another high stakes homicide investigation and the crucial early hours that define it. To learn about how you can help the families of homicide victims, go to www.aetv.com 48resources.

[Courtney]

Thanks for listening to this episode of the First 48.

[Sarah]

To hear more, follow the First 48 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to podcasts. There's also a link to the show in this episode's description. Before today's episode of the Final hours, we want to tell you about another show we think you'll love.

[Courtney]

Crime House and A and E are teaming up on the podcast version of the famous true crime series.

[Sarah]

The first 48 each week, Carter Roy takes you in inside a landmark homicide case, the interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs in the critical first 48 hours.

[Courtney]

Listen to and follow the first 48 every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.