Podcast Summary: The Unborn – Episode: Young Lovers
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Young Lovers" from the podcast series The Unborn, listeners are plunged into the seemingly perfect world of Jared and Kristy Akron. Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and crafted by Tricia Lafach, this episode unravels a tale of love, loss, deception, and the dark secrets that threaten to dismantle a family. This summary encapsulates the key moments, emotional dialogues, and the chilling revelations that define this narrative.
The Perfect Beginning
Meet Jared and Kristy Akron
Jared Akron, a dedicated husband and father, shares his idyllic life with Kristy in small-town Pennsylvania. They recently celebrated their wedding, moved into a new home, and are expecting twins. Jared reminisces about their fast-paced romance and the excitement surrounding their growing family.
- Jared Akron [12:47]: "It was the best time of my life. I got to buy my childhood home."
Engagement and Wedding
Jared orchestrates a heartfelt marriage proposal, involving his cousin and beloved dog Ada, culminating in a picturesque wedding attended by 280 residents of their hometown. The Akron family basks in joy, unaware of the impending turmoil.
- Jared Akron [20:31]: "Christy said yes. And in typical fashion, Jared's cousin's photo of Jared, Christy, their dog Ada and his cow Eve, along with an announcement of their engagement, is immediately posted on Facebook."
Tragedy Strikes
The Twin's Demise
On December 10, 2020, tragedy hits when Jared and Kristy lose their twins, Hannah and Lyle, shortly after Christy undergoes an emergency C-section. The couple faces not only the grief of losing their children but also the bewildering behavior exhibited by Kristy.
- Jared Akron [01:48]: "She’s still sobbing, hysterical and saying she wanted to kill herself... I didn’t really care about her at all. I mean, I didn’t want her jumping out of my car, but all I really cared about were those kids."
Confusion and Suspicion
Jared begins to notice inconsistencies in Kristy's story and behavior. Despite receiving photographs of the supposedly deceased twins, Jared struggles to comprehend the medical explanations provided.
- Jared Akron [02:58]: "If you’re telling me they died from fluid in their lungs, why did they take the tubes out of them? I don’t think I wanted to face the reality that I was a dad in the morning and now I’m not."
Unraveling the Mystery
Isolation and Deception
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jared is isolated from firsthand information about Christy's pregnancy and the twins' death. His attempts to communicate with the hospital yield no satisfactory answers, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the situation.
- Jared Akron [35:46]: "We guarantee if your reading isn’t life-changing, it’s free. New customers receive 20 minutes for just $20."
Confrontation and Breaking Point
When Jared confronts Kristy about his growing suspicions and attempts to retrieve information about their children, Kristy's erratic behavior escalates. She claims to have signed away parental rights and denies Jared’s access to their deceased twins, deepening the mystery.
- Jared Akron [31:52]: "She goes, I signed it away. They’re gone. You don’t have any right to them. I’m like, that’s fucking bullshit."
The Shocking Revelation
No Twins Existed
In a pivotal twist, Jared receives confirmation from the hospital administration that no twins were ever born or died. This revelation leaves him grappling with the reality that Kristy’s pregnancy and the subsequent tragedy may have been fabricated.
- Jared Akron [35:46]: "She says, you're right. As a father, you do have 50% rights to your children. But there's no easy way to tell you this. There were no twins born yesterday, and there were no twins that died yesterday."
Understanding Pseudocyesis
Kristy's fabrications align with pseudocyesis—a psychological condition where an individual believes they are pregnant, exhibiting physical symptoms without actual fetal development. This condition explains Christy's behavior and the non-existence of the twins.
- Jared Akron [36:24]: "Pseudocyesis is where someone believes they’re pregnant and in fact, they have physiologic changes... They truly believe that they’re pregnant, and it can actually be very difficult for them, even when they’re confronted with the medical evidence that shows that they're actually not pregnant."
Conclusion and Continuing Mystery
The episode concludes with Jared facing the painful truth of pseudocyesis, leaving listeners to ponder the depths of Kristy's deception and the true nature of their fractured relationship. As Jared navigates the aftermath, the audience is left eagerly anticipating the next installment to uncover further truths about Kristy's motives and the unraveling of their once-perfect life.
Notable Quotes
-
Jared Akron [25:35]: "At this point, I’m trying to be the rock standing still and have all these people lean on me where all I want to do is crumble down."
-
Tricia Lafach [27:55]: "That's when we were told. And, you know, it just. You don't say anything. But it didn’t add up because at that moment, you’re still thinking that something bad happened."
-
Jared Akron [33:35]: "I got in the car and left after that. Okay, I left her there. I just drove. I drove for probably six hours. I had to stop and get fuel. That’s how long I drove."
Production Details
The Unborn is a collaborative production by iHeartPodcasts, Audio Up, and Jesuit Press Productions. Tricia Lafach, alongside Frank Rodriguez, created the series, with Mal handling production roles. Executive producers include Jimmy Jelinek, David Thwaites, and Jared Gustav, ensuring a polished and immersive storytelling experience.
Final Thoughts
"Young Lovers" delves deep into the complexities of grief, mental health, and the facade of a perfect family. Through Jared's harrowing journey, listeners are invited to explore themes of trust, reality versus perception, and the lengths one might go to protect a beloved illusion. This episode sets the stage for a compelling exploration of what lies beneath the surface of love and loss.
For more episodes and updates, stay tuned to iHeartPodcasts and follow The Unborn series to journey alongside Jared Akron as he uncovers the dark truths hidden within his family's past.