The Friend Zone Podcast – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Friend Zone

Hosts: Dustin Ross, Hey Fran Hey, Assanté
Episode: Three Hots And A Got
Date: October 1, 2025
Theme: Mental health, culture, personal wellness, and the launch of "Crime Zone Month"—a deep dive into a chilling true crime case.

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode kicks off the Friend Zone’s annual “Crime Zone Month,” where each host shares a true crime story during October. Dustin Ross leads with a case titled "Three Hots And A Got," centering on the disappearance of a murderer who remains at large. The episode explores not only the disturbing details of the crime but also delves into conversations about mental health, the unpredictability of people, community resources, music, and ways to show up for loved ones.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pop Culture Banter & Starting Off

• There are quick, humorous exchanges about Tyrese and his dog allegations, a segue about pets and neighborhood dangers, and a stretch of humorous and cultural observations about pets in the Black community.
• The hosts share what they watched over the weekend, including Real Housewives of Orange County and Netflix’s Wayward, touching on “white women drama” vs. the vibrancy of Black reality TV.
• Fran shares about pulling a muscle and reflecting on the importance of warming up and self-care as you age.

Notable Quote:

• Fran on owning big dogs:

  "When you need to travel, nobody's watching your Cane Corso. Nobody." (04:42)

2. Black Business Highlight: Saint Heron Community Library (17:00–19:40)

• Dustin spotlights Solange Knowles’ "Saint Heron Community Library," a digital archive of out-of-print Black and Brown literature, free to borrow for up to 45 days for U.S.-based users.
• The project’s aim is to fight erasure in an age of book bans, inviting listeners to use and contribute to the archive.

Notable Quote:

• Dustin:

  "This type of archival pursuit is what's going to save our history right now." (18:17)

3. Listener Feedback Recap (19:46–31:06)

• The hosts read and react to listener comments about last week’s Q&A episode, focusing on experiences with studying abroad, the importance of art teachers, and humorous anecdotes (like someone listening to a 3x speed sports podcast on a first date).
• They speak on the viral “rapture” rumors and the vulnerability of people who fall for internet hysteria, underscoring empathy while calling out opportunistic manipulators.

Notable Quote:

• Fran:

  "Travel far enough and you meet yourself." (22:07)

• Dustin:

  "We give space to those people [who are vulnerable], but there was another group… who want to be the ones that figured it out." (27:22)

4. Crime Zone Month Begins: “Three Hots And A Got” (34:24–92:24)

The Story (Main Crime Deep Dive)

• Case: In 2017, three bodies are found at an Idaho farmhouse. Initial checks suggest they're the residents: a man (60), his girlfriend (47), and her 13-year-old daughter. Investigation reveals a third, unknown woman among the dead.
• Twist: It's exposed that the man, Gerald Michael "Mike" Bullinger, was living a double life—married to one woman (Cheryl Baker), while dating and moving in with another (Naja Medley) and her daughter.
• Chilling Details:
  • Cheryl, the wife, was the actual purchaser of the farmhouse, deceived by Gerald.
  • Gerald’s pattern includes a history of domestic abuse and multiple secret relationships.
  • All three victims (Cheryl, Naja, Peyton) shot execution-style and moved to the shed. Family pets were also found shot.
  • Gerald vanished into the wilderness of Wyoming—a vast, bear-infested forest—and has never been found, alive or dead.
  • Forensics, police response, and overlapping accounts cast doubt on the thoroughness of the investigation, frustrating families of victims.

Significant Moments & Quotes

• Dustin (on Cheryl’s discovery):

  "She couldn't wait to turn a large shed on the farm into her own art studio. That was her plan for the shed that they found her in." (63:45)

• Asante (on police theories):

  "I feel like he snapped. Killed them and then snapped." (92:46)

• Fran (on the horror of not truly knowing someone):

  "That's one of the scariest things to me, how you just never know someone." (88:56)

• Dustin (on the underlying message):

  "Just be careful and really vet your potential partners… you just never know." (87:14)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Case Introduction: 34:24
• Discovery of the bodies: 36:19 – 42:37
• The Gerald/Mike double life is revealed: 58:30 – 64:57
• Crime aftermath and theories: 77:32 – 87:22

5. This Week in Wellness: Grief & Regret (94:23–105:58)

• Fran opens up about losing a dearly loved friend (“Miss Diane”) and the guilt/regret many feel over not having replied to a final message.
• The conversation covers collective guilt about not always showing up for loved ones, a topic other friends of the hosts recently also faced.
• The importance of connection, responding to friends, and making time for the people you care about is emphasized.

Notable Quote:

• Fran:

  "Don't wait for these panicky moments where it's like, too late… let the people you love know exactly how much you love them." (105:36)

6. Music Man Segment: New & Classic Tunes (105:58–143:35)

• The team discusses new music, the problematic Young Thug album cover (with whiteface as “commentary”), and the challenge of artistry vs. industry image.
• There’s critique of industry priorities ("Why are great writers/singers overlooked in favor of less-talented, image-first artists?").
• A playlist of standout tracks closes the segment, including Tweet, Jane Hancock, Thundercat, Mariah Carey, Frida Payne, and more.

Notable Quotes:

• Fran (on industry success):

  "This is more of an industry issue… they're going to choose the JLo's and the Mariah the Scientists over other artists already giving you the vocal." (121:19)

• Asante (on Mariah the Scientist):

  "She frequently has bad performances to me." (113:52)

7. TV Segment: Recommendations & Observations (148:08–157:21)

• Upcoming reality shows: Real Housewives of Potomac, Bell Collective, Never Ever Mets, Married to Medicine, Reasonable Doubt (Cash Doll guest-starring).
• Discussion of Apple TV’s unique approach—high-quality shows, little advertising—and recommendations for series like Wayward.
• General commentary on streaming, rising subscription costs, and the challenge of keeping up with so much content.

Notable Quotes:

• Dustin (on Apple TV):

  "These are television shows. Why wouldn't they advertise them?" (155:12)

• Fran:

  "I love Apple TV…it's definitely up there for one of the apps I frequent the most." (154:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dustin (on the crime’s aftermath):

  "He got. He's the got. So now you see three hots and a got… he got the hell on down after he committed this crime." (87:14)

• Fran (on regret in friendships):

  "It's hard not to beat yourself up when you see that the person had thought of you, reached out, and you didn't get back to them in time." (94:53)

• Asante (on grieving):

  "We want to be everything for everybody…and I hate that it has to come to something like this to want to be better. But we all always want to be better." (101:53)

Flow and Tone

The Friend Zone sustains a familiar blend: open, warm, and direct but never shying away from humor—or calling out bad behavior. Crime Zone Month’s first story is told with chills, empathy, and genuine suspense, while the wellness and culture conversations offer balance and moments for healing. Music and TV talk provide palate-cleansers and laughs.

Conclusion

"Three Hots And A Got" is a quintessential Friend Zone episode: true crime intrigue layered with cultural insight and emotional honesty. The crime segment’s mystery and horror serve as a backdrop for reflecting on the unpredictability of life, the importance of truly seeing the people around you, and finding comfort in music, wellness, and community.

Quick Navigation (Timestamps)

• [17:00] – Black Business of the Week: Saint Heron Library
• [19:46] – Listener Comments / Recap
• [34:24] – Crime Zone: “Three Hots And A Got" Story Begins
• [77:32] – Crime Theories & Aftermath
• [94:23] – This Week in Wellness: Grief & Regret
• [105:58] – Music Man Segment (New music & industry commentary)
• [148:08] – What We’re Watching (TV)

For more, listen to the full episode or check the next episode for another "Crime Zone Month" story.