
Hosted by David McClam · EN

David McClam shares a deeply personal and moving account of his struggles over the past year, touching on themes of resilience, mental health, and the importance of community support. He reflects on a significant moment involving his son, who faced a serious mental health crisis, prompting David to reevaluate his purpose in podcasting and the impact of his voice. Throughout the episode, David emphasizes the relentless battle between good and evil in the world, asserting that truth and compassion will ultimately prevail. He also recounts a serendipitous encounter with actor Tico Wells, which reignited his passion for storytelling and reaffirmed the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. As he prepares for a return to the podcast, David expresses gratitude for the support of friends, family, and listeners, reminding everyone of the extraordinary potential within each person to make a difference.Takeaways: David McClam emphasizes the importance of recognizing our worth and the impact of mental health. The staggering statistic of one person lost to suicide every 40 seconds highlights urgency. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to the suicide prevention hotline if needed. David shares personal stories of struggle, emphasizing the need for community support. The episode explores the challenges faced by individuals in the face of adversity. DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

Stephen Terrell, a novelist and retired attorney, shares the gripping story of his great-uncle John Terrell, who became notorious for a murder that shocked Indiana in 1903. Terrell's book, "The Madness of John Terrell: Revenge and Insanity on Trial in the Heartland," delves into the complexities of family history and the dark legacy that can emerge from it. As Stephen recounts the intriguing details of John’s life, including his rise to wealth through oil discovery and the tragic events that led to the fatal confrontation with his son-in-law Melvin Wolf, listeners gain insight into the societal issues of the time, such as bullying and mental health struggles. The discussion also touches upon the legal proceedings that followed, highlighting the stark contrasts in public perception of John Terrell as both a respected businessman and a man driven to violence. This episode not only uncovers a captivating true crime narrative but also invites reflection on enduring social challenges that echo through history. Get your Copy of The Madness Of John Terrell Revenge and Insanity on trial in the heartland HERETakeaways: The podcast discusses the complex history of the Terrell family, including a notorious murder case from the early 1900s. Stephen Terrell's book, 'The Madness of John Terrell,' explores themes of family, violence, and societal perceptions of morality. The trial of John Terrell revealed deep community divisions regarding his character and actions, influenced by his atheism. Throughout the episode, the importance of sharing stories and understanding our family histories is underscored. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for help if they or someone they know is struggling with suicidal thoughts. DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

Sharon Virts, a New York Times bestselling author, joins David McClam to discuss her latest book, "Graves of Truth," which was released just before Halloween on October 29, 2024. This atmospheric historical mystery thriller delves into a series of suspicious deaths among Baltimore's elite during the Reconstruction era, exploring themes of deceit, mental health, and the societal constraints faced by women of the time. Sharon shares her unique writing process, emphasizing the importance of character development and the balance between historical accuracy and narrative engagement. The conversation also touches on her passion for historical preservation, her love for graveyards, and the inspiration she draws from the past. Join them for an enlightening discussion that blends true crime, history, and the art of storytelling.Takeaways: Sharon Virts discusses her passion for writing and how it serves as therapy. David McClam emphasizes the importance of mental health and resources like Dial 988. The historical context of Sharon's book, Grays of Truth, reflects societal issues from the 1870s. Sharon shares her unique connection to graveyards and how they inspire her writing. The podcast highlights the significance of capturing personal stories for future generations. Sharon's approach to character development involves deep research and understanding their backgrounds. Get your Copy of The Grays Of Truth HEREChapters:00:10 - Introduction to The Grays of Truth09:18 - Restoration of Selma Mansion: A Labor of Love17:42 - The Spirit of the House21:02 - The Making of a Mystery: Unveiling the Characters32:51 - Jane's Journey and Inner DemonsDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

The podcast episode delves into the profound complexities of fatherhood as David McClam engages in a heartfelt conversation with his son, DaVonte. The discussion opens with a poignant acknowledgment of mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s worth and the devastating impact of suicide. This sets a serious tone that resonates throughout the episode, as the duo navigates the challenges and triumphs of parenting across generations. DaVonte shares his personal experiences as a father, reflecting on how his upbringing shapes his parenting style today. He candidly discusses the lessons learned from his own childhood, especially the feelings of being misunderstood and the pressure to conform, which ultimately led him to make choices that placed him in difficult situations. The dialogue showcases how DaVonte’s role as a father to his three boys informs his understanding of what it means to offer love, support, and structure while also allowing for autonomy. As the conversation progresses, the complexities of co-parenting emerge, particularly the struggles DaVonte faces in maintaining a positive relationship with his children amidst challenges with their mother. His commitment to shielding his children from negative perceptions of their mother highlights the lengths he is willing to go to protect their emotional well-being. The episode underscores the theme of communication within families, advocating for open dialogues that foster understanding and healing. David and DaVonte’s candid exchanges reflect not only their personal journey but also serve as a reminder of the universal challenges parents face, inviting listeners to reflect on their experiences and the essential bonds that define familial relationships.Takeaways: DaVonte shares how becoming a father transformed his perspective on childhood experiences. The importance of being present in a child's early years cannot be overstated. Parenting is not a linear journey; each child requires a unique approach. Communication between parents and children is crucial for emotional development and understanding. DaVonte emphasizes the need for grace and understanding in the parent-child relationship. Childhood experiences shape our adult selves, making reflection and growth essential. Chapters:00:09 - Changing the Statistics on Suicide05:21 - A Conversation on Fatherhood12:25 - Navigating Parenthood and Divorce21:40 - Navigating Parenting Challenges29:26 - Navigating Middle School Challenges37:47 - The Changing Landscape of Education43:09 - The Challenges of Parenting Across Generations DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

A riveting dialogue unfolds as LA Starks joins David McClam on the podcast, where she delves into the intricate worlds of energy politics and thrilling fiction. The episode begins with a heartfelt message from the host, addressing mental health awareness, which sets a compassionate tone for the conversation. Starks, known for her gripping thrillers, shares her journey from engineering to writing, highlighting her academic achievements and the unique perspective they lend to her storytelling. The discussion pivots to her latest work, 'Winner's Curse', which follows the formidable Lynn Dayton as she navigates a treacherous landscape of corporate sabotage and high-stakes energy dealings. Starks elaborates on the character of Lynn Dayton, portraying her as a strong, multifaceted woman fighting against the odds in a male-dominated industry. This character is not just a representation of strength but also embodies the complexities of navigating power dynamics within corporate environments. The conversation further explores the thematic connections between Starks's fictional narratives and current global energy issues, showcasing how her real-world expertise informs her writing. The episode emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, especially strong female characters who challenge societal norms and expectations. As the dialogue progresses, listeners are introduced to the broader implications of energy politics, with Starks drawing on her professional experiences to illustrate the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the field. The episode culminates in a compelling invitation for listeners to engage with 'Winner's Curse', framing it as not only an entertaining read but also a reflection of the pressing issues facing the energy sector today. McClam’s closing remarks reinforce the significance of storytelling in understanding complex societal issues, encouraging an appreciation for the narratives that shape our world.Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and encourages listeners to reach out for help. Lynn Dayton, the protagonist in LA Starks's book, embodies a strong female character in a male-dominated industry. The energy sector is depicted as high-stakes, providing a compelling backdrop for thrillers. LA Starks combines her engineering background with her passion for writing to create engaging thrillers. The conversation highlights how current political issues around energy are reflected in Starks's writing. Listeners are reminded of the significance of supporting authors by purchasing and reading their works. Get your Copy of Winners Cures HEREChapters:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast00:02 - Awareness and Support for Mental Health00:20 - Welcome to True Crime Authors and Extraordinary People00:39 - Meet the Host, David McClam01:49 - Introducing LA Starks, Author and Engineer06:55 - The Journey of Lynn Dayton: A Strong Protagonist04:19 - Insights on the Energy Industry from LA Starks04:46 - Exploring the Plot of Winner's Curse05:47 - The Politics of Energy in Today's World16:42 - LA Starks' Personal Experience in the Energy Field26:23 - The Impact of the Pandemic on Energy and Environment31:37 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

What happens when your personal trials become public battles? We're diving deep into the drama that unfolded over the summer, involving alleged harassment and shocking legal disputes. Names like Anthony Christopher and Javier Leiva have become part of a narrative filled with accusations and attempts to undermine my work. Drawing strength from adversity, I liken this struggle to the "Eminem effect," where challenges only serve to strengthen the show's foundation. I also share insights into the evolving dynamics of my personal life and work, including the role of cutting-edge technology like the iPhone 15 in shaping my upcoming book on podcasting. Despite the chaos, rest assured I'm back, invigorated, and ready to roll out new and thrilling content.As we look towards the political horizon, the significance of the vice presidency and the power of voting come under the spotlight. This episode underscores the crucial role of the vice president, highlighting the importance of being informed and strategic as voters. The influence of the black vote, alongside key issues like reproductive rights and education, forms the backbone of our political discourse. Engaging with our true crime community on social media, we invite you to be part of the conversation, embracing the creativity behind our show—from Dianna's stunning artwork to David McClam’s expert sound editing. With atmospheric music by New Alchemist setting the tone, we promise more captivating narratives and discussions in the episodes to come.DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

This episode delves into NXIVM, a group founded by Keith Raniere in 1988 that masqueraded as a personal development company but was later exposed as a cult. Following testimonies from former members in 2017, authorities investigated NXIVM, leading to Raniere’s arrest in March 2018 on charges including human trafficking and fraud. He was convicted in June 2019 and sentenced to 120 years in prison, although some followers remain loyal.NXIVM drew inspiration from Ayn Rand and gained notoriety through Raniere’s unconventional coaching methods.It operated a secretive subgroup, DOS, which coerced female members into providing compromising materials and undergoing branding. Former member Sarah Edmondson shared her traumatic experiences with DOS, revealing the extent of the group’s coercive practices. These revelations led to increased scrutiny and ultimately Raniere’s legal consequences. Prosecutors highlighted Raniere’s exploitation of young women and the manipulative tactics NXIVM used to recruit and control members, often from wealthy backgrounds.Members paid substantial fees for courses, benefiting Raniere and a select few. Testimonies revealed severe emotional and sexual abuse, including forced abortions and confinement. Daniella, a victim, recounted her confinement and escape following a suicide attempt. Evidence presented at trial detailed Raniere’s abuse of Camilla, who began a long-term relationship with him at age 15. DOS was created to fulfill Raniere’s sexual desires, treating women as slaves.The text also describes the inner workings of DOS, where women acted as recruiters under the guise of an empowering women’s organization, hiding Raniere’s involvement.New recruits submitted personal “collateral” to enforce compliance and silence. Recruits, misled into believing the group was female-led, faced manipulation within a hierarchical system demanding strict obedience. Despite seeking personal growth, members found themselves trapped in a manipulative and controlling environment. The narrative underscores the dangers of blind trust and unchecked power, illustrating how Raniere exploited followers’ desires for improvement. Although Raniere is serving a 120-year prison sentence, some individuals still support him and NXIVM.Additionally, the text mentions efforts to help individuals escape similar groups and references the Bronfman sisters’ financial support for Raniere. It also cites “The Vow,” a resource providing insights and testimonies related to these events.Time Line00:00 Introduction to True Crime and Mental Health00:20 Welcome and Clarifications02:43 Diving into the NXIVM Case03:30 The Rise of NXIVM04:59 The Arrest of Keith Raniere06:08 The Dark Secrets of DOS08:03 Sarah Edmondson’s Story10:04 The Trial and Testimonies12:00 Raniere’s Manipulation Techniques14:01 The Exploitation of the Sisters16:12 The Hierarchy of DOS19:08 The Recruitment and Control Mechanisms23:05 The Depth of Manipulation25:31 Lessons Learned from NXIVDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

David returns after a break due to his wife’s successful surgery, announcing the resumption of regular episodes, including one on the Nexium cult, and updates about other associated podcasts. After six years of solo production, David has hired a researcher to aid with case research, maintaining the same format. David introduces his new podcast, “We Are Not Afraid,” which combats misinformation against LaDonna Humphrey, facing slander from another podcast. Despite negative social media feedback and being called a “shodcaster,” he remains committed to ad-free, non-monetized episodes focused on supporting Humphrey and reaching a larger audience.He addresses debunking allegations against Humphrey and her organization, Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, providing evidence to refute claims and revealing judicial corruption, despite backlash and a dip in ratings. Davd highlights his podcast’s high ranking in the top 1.5% of true crime podcasters on Listen Notes, addressing a threat of a lawsuit and asserting the baseless nature of the accusations. He plans to share the truth in an upcoming episode and expresses gratitude for listener support, encouraging reviews and emphasizing kindness and compassion.DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From FiverrBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-authors-extraordinary-people--5628317/support.DON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

Hoping all of the fathers out there had a happy Father's day. I also give you an update and answer questions on the LaDonna Humphrey Episode. Statement from LaDonna on her Website Which includes a copy of the police report as well as the blindside text she was sent by Javier. I want you to keep in mind that when he posted parts of this foer his listeners, he DID NOT include the police report that exonerated her over her phone or the text where he lied about which show she would be talking about. https://www.ladonnahumphrey.com/lets-not-pretendHere is the full statemet LaDonna Made on Julie Murray and what happened with the Murray family. Statement from LaDonna Humphrey Regarding Julie Murray's AllegationsFor years now, because the Murray family has suffered greatly at the loss of their beloved daughter and sister, Maura Murray, I have tried to be respectful and not cast any negativity in their direction. In fact, to use Julie Murray's own words, I have tried to "engage with empathy." That is why I find it so sad and shocking that Julie has decided to come forward to make allegations against me.These are the facts: Let's Bring Them Home, a nonprofit agency that served the families of missing adults, did, in fact, launch a reward for information in the disappearance of Maura Murray. While I communicated with both Fred Murray and Helena Murray, I was not the sole decision maker in launching the reward. We had an entire Board of Directors that made that decision. Once we were asked (as an agency) to handle tips/information in a manner that made us uncomfortable, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to pull the reward. Nothing can change that fact.Any information I provided to James Renner on this indisputable fact was scanned in from a hard file and redacted to the best of my ability.The content of the message was not changed. The agency is long since defunct and none of the original board members or volunteers have access to the email account. It was deleted many, many years ago. All we have left is the information we provided to James Renner.When this situation came to light again several years ago, I regretted not standing up taller next to James Renner as he battled the Murray family and their harsh allegations against him.I have apologized to James, and I share this message with you now because, despite what Julie Murray wants to believe, it is the truth. I believe Fred Murray was overwhelmed with grief, anger, and a plethora of emotions because his daughter was missing. He's human, like we all are, and I believe he said things and made decisions he might not otherwise have done.But the fact remains that our agency, Let's Bring Them Home, issued a reward that we later retracted.If the world, based on Javier Leiva's slanted attempt at "journalism," chooses not to believe me, so be it. I have asked others from the former agency to reach out to James Renner to confirm the truth of what I am saying. As for Julie Murray, I wish her only the best and I hoDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr

In this episode, I talk to author and detective Chris McMullen and author Maria Viola Jefferson about their book 'Three Decades Cold.' The book tells the story of Chris's career as a detective and his work on cold cases. The conversation covers topics such as the process of writing the book, the challenges of being a left-handed person, the reality of police work compared to TV shows, and the emotional impact of solving cold cases. The book focuses on four specific cases, including the story of Lisa Todd, a Jane Doe who was finally identified after 19 years. The conversation explores the impact of cold cases on the detective and writer, as well as the importance of perseverance and dedication in solving these cases. It also touches on the Christopher Dorner case and the issue of the 'blue line' in law enforcement. The book, 'Three Decades Cold,' aims to inspire readers and shed light on the reality of unsolved missing persons cases. Get your copy of 3 Decades Cold on Amazon On Genius BooksTime Line00:00 Introduction and Book Release03:06 Introducing the Guests: Chris McMullen and Maria Viola Jefferson06:25 The Writing Process: Collaboration and Challenges10:07 Left-Handed Challenges and Representation12:31 The Reality of Police Work vs. TV Shows25:25 Using Modern Technology to Solve Cold Cases26:53 The Personal and Professional Impact of Cold Cases28:22 The Influence of Past Experiences on Parenting29:44 Giving Back Names and Closure to Victims' Families33:23 Transitioning to an Administrative Position in Law Enforcement37:13 The Christopher Dorner Case and the 'Blue Line' in Law Enforcement43:29 The Power of Perseverance in Solving Cold Cases44:26 Inspiring Readers and Shedding Light on Unsolved Missing Persons CasesGet your Tickets for True Crime Fest HEREDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDON'T FORGET TO RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEJOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY FOLLOWING THE LINKTREEFollow Our Family Of True Crime ShowsDeep Dark Secrets with LaDonna Humphrey & Amy SmithTrue Crime, Authors and Extraordinary People With David McClamExtinguished With David McClam & LaDonna HumphreyCover Art and Logo created by Diana of Other WorldlySound Mixing and editing by David McClamIntro script by Sophie Wild From Fiverr & David McClamIntro and outro jingle by Jacqueline G. (JacquieVoice) From Fiverr