The Peacemaker – Episode 8: Sanctuary

Podcast: The Peacemaker (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: December 2, 2025
Hosts: Ben Westhoff & Ryan Krull

EPISODE OVERVIEW

The eighth episode of The Peacemaker, titled “Sanctuary,” continues the investigation into the harrowing suicide cluster at Truman State University—a tragedy that deeply shook the rural college town of Kirksville, Missouri. The hosts, Ben Westhoff and Ryan Krull, focus on what has become of Brandon Grossheim, the fraternity brother at the center of the controversy and lawsuits, and reflect on the lasting repercussions for survivors, the community, and the university. The episode provides a nuanced and candid analysis, grappling with the limits of media coverage and moral judgment, and concludes with powerful scenes of unexpected sanctuary and resilience.

1. LIFE AFTER THE SUICIDES: BRANDON GROSSHEIM IN ALTON

Timestamps: 04:57–13:35

• Hosts Ben and Ryan describe their journey to find Brandon Grossheim, who now lives in Alton, Illinois, after being ostracized from his fraternity and Truman State.
• Brandon’s life has unraveled—he lost friends, dropped out of school, faced intense media scrutiny, and struggled to hold down low-wage jobs.
  • “His name was utterly ruined on Google. His professional dreams were shattered as well.” (Ben, 02:44)
• Multiple attempts to contact him are rebuffed; an attempt to approach his parents is deterred by a warning sign:
  • “Do not knock. Crazy dogs. Shit will get real.” (Ben, 07:33)
• When Ben and Ryan finally catch Brandon outside his house:
  • “He immediately began shaking his head… his body language communicated that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with us. He waved his hands back and forth in front of his face, like, go away.” (Ben, 11:29)
• Ex-fraternity brother Connor Templeton shares that Brandon maintains a quiet online presence—posting occasionally, making 3D prints, sharing mementos like cicada photos.

2. BRANDON’S REPERCUSSIONS FROM PUBLIC ACCUSATION

Timestamps: 13:35–18:40

• A Reddit comment highlights how persistent misinformation haunts Brandon:
  • “There is a worker in the St. Louis region named Brandon Grosshide. He made five to seven people at Truman State kill themselves... If you work there, give these kids some fucking justice.” (Reddit comment, summarized at 16:42)
• Ben expresses sympathy for Brandon, noting that he’s never been convicted, yet:
  • “He can’t get a decent job because of everything written about him. … I personally believe he should be able to at least earn a meager living.” (Ben, 18:08)

3. GRAPPLING WITH BLAME: IS BRANDON GUILTY?

Timestamps: 18:43–35:21

• Ben addresses the core question—culpability—in light of skewed and sensational news coverage. Critical of media misrepresentation (e.g., a CNN headline exaggerating Brandon’s role).
  • “This is really irresponsible. It makes it sound like Brandon wrote down directions on how to kill yourself and then handed them out…That’s just not true.” (Ben, 19:47)
• Analysis of lawsuits and disputed “step-by-step” narrative:
  • “Step by step directions on how to deal with depression, not step by step directions on how to kill themselves like the CNN headline implies.” (Ben, 21:01)
• Example of shifting perceptions within personal circles (e.g., Connor Templeton’s evolving view, influenced by reading media):
  • “At the time, you know, I didn’t think there was any foul or malicious play. …but...how do you come across four out of five bodies?” (Connor, 24:17)
• Examination of differing journalistic conclusions:
  • The New Yorker’s more forgiving stance:
    • “Brandon isn’t perfect… That’s as close as we can get to real closure.” (The New Yorker, quoted at 27:49)
  • Jeanette Cooperman’s somber observation:
    • “He offered that help himself, leaving them with a terrible freedom that…was not free at all.” (Cooperman, 29:20)
• Input from suicide prevention expert Rita Lashevsky:
  • “Brandon had visions of grandeur...what he tried to do was unsuccessful. As a result of that...he precipitated and continued that behavior…to make himself feel more a part of things.” (Lashevsky, 30:25)
• Ben’s personal conclusion:
  • “He was basically the world’s shittiest guidance counselor. He was so confident, so delusional, that he managed to convince a bunch of impressionable kids that he knew what he was talking about.” (Ben, 31:13)
  • “[The victims] had tried killing themselves previously…and as far as we know, he didn’t try talking any of them out of trying it again. And that really is your only job when you're talking to someone who’s suicidal…” (Ben, 32:01)
• On whether Brandon is a murderer or a danger:
  • “I don’t think this guy is a danger to anyone anymore.…Brandon has already been punished by society enough.” (Ben, 34:10)
• Producer Ryan’s more ambivalent take:
  • “Brandon…really looks the worst when it comes to the AKL suicide, the Alex Mullins, the JQ's, and the Josh Thomas cases specifically. … From all the circumstantial evidence we have, it seems really possible that he may have encouraged these guys to take their own lives.” (Ryan, 35:55)
  • Distinction for the other victims: “I just don’t see him having that much sway over Alex Vogt or Glenna Hott.” (Ryan, 37:01)
• Both express uncertainty but agree the upcoming civil trial will be revealing.

4. LEGACY AT TRUMAN STATE: DECLINE, MEMORY, AND MISUNDERSTANDING

Timestamps: 39:05–52:28

• Interviews with current Truman State students reveal how rumor and myth have overtaken fact:
  • “I heard that it was a student kind of driving other students…to go over the edge and…kill themselves. … All I’ve ever heard is rumors.” (Chloe Schwab, Maya Forrell, 40:30)
• Efforts at suicide prevention within Greek life are highlighted; for example, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s philanthropy is now focused on suicide prevention (41:51).
• Additional suicides post-2016/17 cluster underscore an ongoing mental health crisis—though not directly connected to Brandon.
• School administration claims “no long term effects” except improved counseling, but the school’s enrollment drops 44% in the intervening years (43:58).
• The Kraft Heinz plant supersedes Truman as the town’s top employer, and old dorms/fraternity houses now house migrant workers.
• Return to the former Alpha Kappa Lambda house, now a sanctuary for Congolese migrants, and a space for their church—an unexpected transformation.
  • “The party barn was turned into a sanctuary. That’s amazing.” (Ben, 51:19)

5. ONGOING IMPACT: GRIEF, MEANING, AND RESILIENCE

Timestamps: 52:35–end

• Rita Lachevsky on warning signs:
  • “Young adults are more likely than any other age group to actually tell someone they’re planning to kill themselves. And the reaction … is often disbelief.” (Lashevsky, 54:50)
• Melissa Bodorf Airy, mother of Alex Mullins, finds renewed purpose:
  • “The podcast and I’ve never hidden behind this, the podcast was as much for me as it was for my listeners…because the grief, the brain fog that comes in after the loss of a child by suicide is immense.” (Melissa, 56:31)
  • “I have built a community of a place that grieving moms can come …hundreds of women signed up…unfortunately, thousands and thousands.” (Melissa, 57:28)
• Terry Yardley, Glenna Hott’s boyfriend, commemorates her and works to help others with alcoholism:
  • “Once I lost her, that’s been one of my biggest missions…to notice the problem and try to be there to help, give them that push…just being there. Like, I’m here for you, dude. If you don’t want to drink, let’s not drink.” (Terry, 58:53)

6. THE COMING TRIAL & THE SEARCH FOR CLOSURE

Timestamps: 59:55–end

• The civil lawsuit against Brandon Grossheim is scheduled to go to trial June 15, 2026.
  • “His day in court is coming…It will bring many of the main characters of our story together…” (Ben, 1:00:45)
• The hosts plan to return with coverage, seeking resolution and context for a story fraught with ambiguity and pain.

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• On Brandon’s isolation:
  • “No comment.” (Brandon, 11:36)
• On the dangers of media sensationalism:
  • “Media coverage has changed the opinions of people who actually knew Brandon. It has changed, skewed their realities.” (Ben, 23:35)
• On survivor’s guilt and grief:
  • “For the survivors, there is no end to the suffering. That’s why some of them are hoping they’ll receive some closure when it comes to the civil case against Brandon Grossheim.” (Ben, 59:25)
• On transformation and resilience:
  • “The party barn was turned into a sanctuary. That’s amazing.” (Ben, 51:19)
  • “You have the life because Jesus give you the life. You know, Jesus is good.” (Congolese church member, 52:17)
• On the broader lesson:
  • “If there’s one thing we’ve learned doing this podcast, it’s that youth suicide is a persistent problem that’s not going away.” (Ben, 52:35)

FINAL REFLECTIONS

Episode 8, “Sanctuary,” grapples with the aftermath of tragedy: the wreckage left in Brandon Grossheim’s life, the persistence of loss among survivors, and the way a community tries—and sometimes fails—to move forward. As the civil lawsuit looms, the hosts offer candid, sometimes conflicting conclusions, always aware of the case’s unyielding complexity.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.