Detailed Summary of "The Knife: Off Record – 116"

Episode Overview

In episode 116 of The Knife: A True Crime Podcast, released on July 17, 2025, hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton delve into the intricacies of the Brenda Evers Andrew case in Oklahoma and engage in an insightful conversation with Anna Sinfield, the producer, writer, and new host of the renowned Girlfriends podcast. This episode combines a deep dive into a high-profile legal battle with a behind-the-scenes look at successful podcasting within the true crime genre.

Brenda Evers Andrew Case and Supreme Court Ruling

The episode begins with Patia and Megan Elizabeth (a co-host or guest) providing an update on the case of Brenda Evers Andrew, the only woman on death row in Oklahoma since her conviction in 2004.

Background of the Case: Brenda Evers Andrew was raised in Enid, Oklahoma, within a devout Christian family. At 21, she married Rob Andrew, and together they had two children. Their marriage, however, deteriorated over 17 years, culminating in a divorce filing in October 2001 amidst revelations of Brenda’s multiple affairs. The final straw came on November 20, 2001, when Rob was fatally shot twice with a shotgun in their garage, a crime Brenda survived with a gunshot wound to her arm.

Suspicion and Investigation: Initially, Brenda reported the shooting as an attack by two masked men, but inconsistencies soon arose—no signs of a break-in, no theft, and Brenda and her children mysteriously vanished three months later, believed to have fled to Mexico with James Pavitt, Brenda’s affair partner. Both Brenda and James were eventually convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Supreme Court Appeal: Brenda has maintained her innocence throughout her incarceration, appealing her case up to the U.S. Supreme Court. The critical issue in her appeal revolves around the prosecution's handling of her character, specifically targeting her sexual behavior and personal life rather than focusing solely on concrete evidence related to the murder.

At [13:10], Patia highlights the prosecutorial misconduct:

"The prosecutors used the term 'slut puppy' and 'hoochie' to talk about her."

This derogatory language and the emphasis on Brenda’s personal life rather than the facts of the case led to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in January 2025. The ruling determined that the focus on her sexual behavior infringed upon her constitutional rights to a fair trial, potentially necessitating a retrial or resentencing.

Implications of the Ruling: The Supreme Court's decision underscores the necessity for unbiased prosecution, free from character assassination, especially in cases involving women. Patia emphasizes the broader significance:

"We have to set the standard that everybody accused of something, charged with something gets a fair trial, and it matters a lot." ([19:42])

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in legal history, advocating for the protection of defendants against prejudicial evidence that discredits them based on personal attributes rather than factual evidence.

Interview with Anna Sinfield: The Journey of a True Crime Podcaster

The episode transitions into an engaging interview with Anna Sinfield, shedding light on her path from a musician to a prominent figure in the podcasting world.

From Music to Podcasting: Anna shares her eclectic journey, initially pursuing a career as a singer before transitioning into podcasting due to the demanding nature of the music industry. At [20:31], she reflects:

"I started teaching singing and I was like, this sucks, so what can I do?"

Her studies in radio led her to discover a passion for storytelling, particularly in the true crime genre. Anna recounts her first major success with the UK-based true crime podcast Stolen Hearts, which paved the way for her role in producing the Girlfriends podcast.

Producing Girlfriends: Anna discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of producing true crime content, including the heavy responsibility of accurately portraying victims and navigating interviews with conflicted individuals. She recalls:

"Trying to navigate that and the trust that they all put in me, the kind of tears that a lot of them shed around me, felt those kind of moments still stick with me." ([28:00])

Transition to Hosting: As Anna stepped into the hosting role for Girlfriends Spotlight, she highlights the shift from behind-the-scenes production to front-facing storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of giving women the central role in true crime narratives, moving away from traditional victim-centric stories to portray women as empowered individuals seeking justice.

Creating Girlfriends Spotlight: Anna elaborates on the creation of Girlfriends Spotlight, a series dedicated to standalone true stories about women overcoming adversity. She explains the series’ theme of "stories about women winning," aiming to highlight resilience and triumph rather than solely focusing on victimhood.

"Every episode or series of the Girlfriends to be some sort of domestic violence case... but also put some sort of positive spin or levity within that." ([35:42])

Upcoming Projects – Jailhouse Lawyer: Anna teases her upcoming narrative series, Jailhouse Lawyer, which explores the story of a woman who becomes a jailhouse lawyer to overturn wrongful convictions, including her own. This series aims to blur the lines between victim and perpetrator, offering a nuanced perspective on justice and redemption.

"Woman convicted of murder, says she didn't do it, went to prison, trained to be a jailhouse lawyer, busted herself and some other women out of prison." ([48:45])

Navigating Emotional Boundaries in True Crime Reporting

Throughout the interview, Anna and the hosts discuss the emotional toll of telling true crime stories. They emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while deeply empathizing with interviewees.

Anna shares challenges faced during interviews, such as dealing with defensiveness or manipulation from individuals involved in the crimes. She underscores the necessity of preserving her mental well-being by setting clear boundaries, even when it means stepping back from certain stories.

"If they suddenly explode and you've been all like, you're my best friend... and then suddenly you're giving them loads of distance, that's really cruel." ([33:40])

Podcast and Documentary Recommendations

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts and Anna exchange personal recommendations, offering listeners a mix of true crime and light-hearted content to balance intense storytelling.

Patia’s Recommendations:

1. Podcast: Big Time (Apple Podcasts) – A unique take on true crime that starts with a missing shark at SeaQuest Aquarium in Texas, delving into the aquarium owner’s questionable practices.
2. Documentary: Caught in the Storm (Netflix) – A gripping documentary about the devastating 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, showcasing personal stories of survival and community resilience.

Anna humorously mentions her current listening preference:

"I've been going back into the normal gossip archives and just been gossiping." ([56:08])

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments between the hosts and Anna, expressing mutual respect and excitement for future collaborations. They reinforce the importance of fair and compassionate storytelling in true crime, aiming to create content that is both engaging and ethically sound.

Patia wraps up by encouraging listeners to share their own stories and stay connected through various platforms:

"If you have a story for us, we would love to hear it. Our email is thenifexactlyrightmedia.com or you can follow us on Instagram @theknifepodcast and on Bluesky @theknifepodcast.bsky.social." ([65:44])

Notable Quotes

• Patia Eaton at [13:10]:

  "The prosecutors used the term 'slut puppy' and 'hoochie' to talk about her."

• Patia Eaton at [19:42]:

  "We have to set the standard that everybody accused of something, charged with something gets a fair trial, and it matters a lot."

• Anna Sinfield at [20:31]:

  "I started teaching singing and I was like, this sucks, so what can I do?"

• Anna Sinfield at [28:00]:

  "Trying to navigate that and the trust that they all put in me, the kind of tears that a lot of them shed around me, felt those kind of moments still stick with me."

• Anna Sinfield at [35:42]:

  "Every episode or series of the Girlfriends to be some sort of domestic violence case... but also put some sort of positive spin or levity within that."

• Anna Sinfield at [48:45]:

  "Woman convicted of murder, says she didn't do it, went to prison, trained to be a jailhouse lawyer, busted herself and some other women out of prison."

• Anna Sinfield at [56:08]:

  "I've been going back into the normal gossip archives and just been gossiping."

Conclusion

Episode 116 of The Knife: Off Record masterfully weaves together a critical analysis of a wrongful conviction case with an inspiring conversation on the power of narrative podcasting. By highlighting both the flaws in the judicial process and the transformative journey of a true crime podcaster, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience. Anna Sinfield’s transition from producer to host exemplifies the evolving landscape of true crime storytelling, emphasizing the importance of fairness, empathy, and empowerment in recounting real-life tragedies and triumphs.