The Knife: Off Record – Episode 120 Summary

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Hosts: Hannah Smith and Paisha Eaton

Introduction

In Episode 120 of The Knife: Off Record, hosts Hannah Smith and Paisha Eaton delve into compelling listener-submitted stories, shedding light on the intricate ripple effects of crime and personal trauma. This episode emphasizes the power of storytelling in healing and raising awareness about often-overlooked issues.

Listener Emails

1. Impact of Sharing True Crime Stories

Email Overview: Survivor’s Connection to Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy

One listener shared a heartfelt message about how a previous episode on the Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy resonated deeply with them. The listener recounted an encounter with a survivor from the academy, facilitated through the podcast's coverage.

Notable Quote:

"I was so grateful to genuinely look her in the eye and say, I believe you."
— Hannah Smith [04:05]

Hosts' Reflections: Hannah and Paisha expressed emotional responses to the email, highlighting the significance of validating survivors' experiences and the therapeutic role of true crime narratives.

2. Rental Scam Experience

Email Overview: Victim of a Rental Scam in Santa Clarita, California

A listener detailed their harrowing experience with a rental scam that led to a loss of $12,000—impacting their savings intended for a home. The scam involved deceptive communications from a supposed landlord, misuse of Zelle for transactions, and manipulative tactics to extract more funds under false pretenses.

Notable Quotes:

"He took a total of $12,000 from me, which was basically my entire savings."
— Listener [08:21]

"This is such a horrible experience... it's so difficult."
— Listener [09:30]

Hosts' Reflections: Hannah and Paisha discussed the prevalence of rental scams, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, such as verifying landlords in person and researching property ownership to prevent similar frauds.

3. Abusive Online Relationship

Email Overview: Ava’s Story of an Abusive Online Relationship Begun at Age 15

Ava courageously shared her experience of an abusive online relationship that began when she was 15. She described how an older online friend manipulated her through constant communication, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors, leading to severe personal and emotional distress.

Notable Quotes:

"He made me think it was my fault or it could have been avoided if I had done something different."
— Ava [20:08]

"I had no one to help me and was utterly alone in this at such a young age."
— Ava [21:05]

Hosts' Reflections: The hosts highlighted the dangers of digital abuse and the importance of recognizing manipulation in online relationships. They stressed the need for awareness and support systems for young individuals navigating online interactions.

4. The Disappearance of Brooklyn Farthing

Email Overview: Unsolved Disappearance Case in Berea, Kentucky

A dedicated listener brought attention to the unresolved disappearance of Brooklyn Farthing from Berea, Kentucky, in 2013. The case involves suspicious circumstances surrounding her last known interactions and raises questions about the investigation's handling.

Case Details:

• Date of Disappearance: June 22, 2013
• Location: Berea, Kentucky
• Last Seen With: Josh Hensley, a local man with a history of possession of child sex abuse materials
• Suspicious Circumstances:
  • Brooklyn was last seen leaving a party with Hensley under dubious conditions.
  • Hensley reported a fire at his dilapidated house where Brooklyn’s belongings were found, but she was not present.
  • Despite Hensley’s subsequent arrest for unrelated crimes, he was never formally linked to Brooklyn's disappearance.

Notable Quotes:

"He said he left early in the morning, but Brooklyn was still at the house, and he left to go check on a horse."
— Paisha Eaton [43:22]

"It's so suspicious. I'm shocked that he was never a suspect."
— Paisha Eaton [44:34]

Hosts' Analysis: Hannah and Paisha scrutinized the inconsistencies in the case, particularly Hensley’s actions following Brooklyn’s disappearance. They expressed skepticism over the lack of formal suspicion directed at him and discussed the broader implications for missing persons cases in small communities.

Recommendations

Hannah's Podcast Picks:

1. "Hunt for the Anthrax Killer"

   • An investigative deep dive into the 2001 anthrax attacks post-9/11, featuring interviews with FBI agents involved in the case.

2. "Against All Odds"

   • A storytelling podcast from Wondery that chronicles extraordinary survival tales, including episodes on the Andes plane crash and the Mount St. Helens eruption.

Hosts' Insights: The hosts shared personal anecdotes and reasons for their recommendations, emphasizing the value of diverse storytelling perspectives and the emotional depth these podcasts provide.

Closing Thoughts

Hannah and Paisha concluded the episode by reiterating the importance of listener contributions in uncovering untold stories and fostering a community built on shared experiences and support. They encouraged listeners to continue submitting their stories, ensuring that The Knife remains a platform for healing and awareness.

For more information or to share your story, listeners can email thenifexactlyrightmedia.com and follow The Knife on Instagram @theknifepodcast and on Bluesky @theknifepodcast.bsky.social.