Episode Summary: Introducing: Betrayal: Season 4
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Description: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told S2 is an anthology of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories of female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast series tells stories at the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche, siphoning wisdom and understanding from these truly great stories.
- Episode: Introducing: Betrayal: Season 4
- Release Date: May 24, 2025
Introduction to Betrayal: Season 4
The latest installment of Betrayal, a gripping true crime podcast series under The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, delves into the harrowing tale of Joel Kern, a once-respected lieutenant at the Colorado Springs Police Department. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this season promises to unravel the complex layers of deception that led to the ultimate betrayal of both family and community.
Joel Kern: A Respected Lieutenant with a Dark Secret
From the outset, the episode paints Joel Kern as a pillar of the community. However, Andrea Gunning swiftly opens the narrative with a powerful revelation:
Andrea Gunning [00:01]: "I'm Andrea Gunning, host of the podcast Betrayal. Joel Kern was a respected lieutenant at the Colorado Springs Police Department. But Joel used his badge to fool everyone, most of all, his wife, Caroline." [00:01]
This statement sets the stage for a deep exploration into how someone trusted with upholding the law could simultaneously be a deceiver in his personal life.
The Breaking Point: April 11, 2022
The episode marks a pivotal moment in the story—the day everything changed for Caroline Kern.
Andrea Gunning [00:25]: "April 11, 2022, the day everything changed." [00:25]
On this day, Caroline reaches out to Joel, expressing her desperation and the end of their marriage:
Caroline Kern [00:16]: "He texted back, no, everything's not okay. I've ruined our lives. You're going to want to divorce me." [00:16]
This heartbreaking message underscores the extent of Joel's deception and its impact on his closest relationships.
Unveiling the Deception
As the narrative unfolds, Caroline recounts the anguish and confusion she felt upon discovering Joel's betrayal:
Caroline Kern [00:30]: "I called him. I remember just tears streaming down my face, and I said, what did you do? What did you do?" [00:30]
Andrea Gunning emphasizes that Joel was leading a double life, one that was hidden from both his family and the community he served.
Andrea Gunning [00:39]: "Caroline's husband was living another life behind the scenes." [00:39]
Joel’s Admission of Guilt
In a candid moment, Joel admits to the internal conflict he faced:
Joel Kern [00:47]: "Did part of you know deep down that this was wrong? Yes." [00:47]
This admission highlights the moral struggle Joel experienced, acknowledging the wrongness of his actions despite his outward facade.
The Depth of Betrayal
The conversation takes a darker turn as Joel discusses the allegations against him, which he disputes:
Joel Kern [00:59]: "She said you left bruises, pulled her hair, that type of thing." [00:59]
Caroline vehemently denies these claims, asserting that the Joel portrayed in the allegations is not the man she knew:
Caroline Kern [01:04]: "No, that man who is on that tape is not the man I knew." [01:04]
This discrepancy raises questions about the true extent of Joel's actions and the legitimacy of the accusations.
The Web of Lies and Future Implications
Andrea Gunning probes deeper into Joel's ability to maintain his deceit:
Andrea Gunning [01:10]: "How far would Joel go to cover up what he'd done?" [01:10]
Joel responds with a chilling acknowledgment of his manipulative capabilities:
Joel Kern [01:13]: "You're unable to keep track of all your lies, and quite frankly, I question how many other women are out there that may bring forward allegations in the future." [01:13]
This statement not only reveals Joel's capacity for deceit but also hints at a potentially larger pattern of behavior that may have affected others.
Impact on Family and Community
The episode delves into the profound impact Joel's actions had on his family and the broader community. Caroline's emotional turmoil and the community's loss of trust in a once-respected officer are explored in depth. The narrative emphasizes the ripple effects of betrayal, highlighting the shattered lives and broken relationships resulting from Joel's duplicity.
Investigations and Legal Proceedings
While the transcript provided does not detail the investigations, it is implied that the season will cover the aftermath of Joel's deceit, including any legal repercussions and the process of uncovering the truth. Listeners can expect a thorough examination of how Joel's actions were brought to light and the subsequent steps taken by law enforcement and legal entities.
Conclusion: A Tale of Deception and Betrayal
As the episode wraps up, Andrea Gunning encapsulates the essence of the story:
Andrea Gunning [01:22]: "This season of Betrayal investigates one officer's decades of deception on and off the clock. Lies that left those closest to him questioning everything they thought they knew." [01:22]
The summary serves as a compelling teaser for the season, promising an in-depth exploration of Joel Kern's life, the layers of his betrayal, and the quest for truth and justice.
Final Thoughts
Betrayal: Season 4 promises to be a riveting addition to The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, offering listeners a nuanced look into the complexities of human behavior, trust, and the devastating effects of deception. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, host Andrea Gunning invites the audience to navigate the dark corridors of betrayal alongside those affected by Joel Kern's actions.
Listen to Betrayal on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to uncover the full story of Joel Kern's deceit and its far-reaching consequences.