True Crime Obsessed

Episode 464: Blood and Myth

October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Patrick Hinds and Jillian Pensavalle recap and discuss the Hulu documentary "Blood and Myth", diving into an extraordinary true crime story set in northern Alaska. The documentary centers around Teddy Kyle Smith, an Inuit man at the heart of a tragic shooting, and explores deeper themes of Indigenous folklore, cultural loss, mental health, and the power of storytelling. Using their signature mix of humor, heart, and curiosity, the hosts navigate the documentary's intertwining of myth, crime, and community, while honoring the gravity of the narrative.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Blood and Myth" and the Storyteller (James)

[01:36] Jillian introduces Blood and Myth as a new Hulu documentary she's "obsessed with", emphasizing its personal, cultural focus and the unique perspective of its narrator, James.
Patrick praises Jillian for intentionally curating diverse stories:

"You always find really interesting stories, stories that really need to be told that I think a lot of other podcasts wouldn't cover." (Patrick, [04:01])

2. Setting: The Edge of The World

The story unfolds in Kotzebue, Alaska and smaller villages nearby – populations in the hundreds – highlighting isolation and the close-knit nature of these communities ([09:08]).
James shares personal anecdotes about growing up Inuit, the impact of colonization, and how quickly Alaska's Indigenous populations were thrust into American mainstream in 1959.
"This land is an extreme place that's barely America. It just doesn't care if you live or die." (James, as quoted by Patrick, [03:04])

3. Cultural Representation and Colonization

The hosts discuss the profound effects of colonization on the Inuit, including forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and damaging stereotypes in media.
James' work in film is discussed, including his mixed feelings about participating in commercials that played on stereotypes ([12:05]).
On the 2011 film On the Ice, which marked a milestone for Indigenous representation:

"I felt like it was the start of us being able to tell our own stories and not have other people tell our stories." (James, [14:47])

4. The Crime: Teddy Kyle Smith’s Downfall

Teddy, once a Marine and actor in On the Ice, was admired for his positive impact in the community and efforts to revitalize traditional skills ([16:49]).
After his mother’s (Dolly Smith) sudden death (ruled undetermined), Teddy flees and eventually shoots two brothers, Paul and Charles Buckle—both miraculously survive.
The narrative explores Teddy’s mental state, with hints at drinking, community gossip about "boasting" (anga), and potential supernatural influences "[32:06]," culminating in his erratic behavior.

5. Myth meets Reality: The Inukins

At the core of the documentary—and the case—are the Inukins (or Inukans): mythical "little people" central to Inuit folklore, believed by many villagers to dwell in the Alaskan wilderness.
Teddy claims encounters with Inukins led to his breakdown. James finds resonance:

“When you grow up constantly seeing yourself as a caricature, it messes with your... Like, when you think, like, wait, that’s not who we are, but that’s how the world sees us. Like, is that who we are? It kind of forces you to like gaslight yourself." (James, via Patrick, [15:11])
The cultural taboo of discussing the Inukins is repeatedly highlighted ([23:28], [40:28]).

6. Folklore, Evidence, and Skepticism

The hosts explore community beliefs—nearly everyone interviewed, from elders to law enforcement, acknowledges either first-hand or inherited stories of the Inukins ([47:03]).
James references his great-grandfather—one of the last great Inuit storytellers—whose collected tales include firsthand accounts of the Inukins ([21:09], [22:07]).
Scientific intrigue is added via the Ambler Road mining project: archaeologists, tribal liaisons, and the discovery of mysterious "little people homes" ([66:18]–[67:33]).

“Homes. Like someone's house. Like not people houses. Not in homes. Yep.” (Mary Black, tribal liaison, [67:15])

7. The Manhunt and Aftermath

Teddy, after days in the wilderness, survives a grueling journey—without adequate supplies, through "impossible" conditions—prompting even law enforcement to wonder if he had supernatural help ([53:00]).
He is ultimately captured, and at trial, continues to insist on his experience with the Inukins.
Cultural disconnect is apparent:

“Was Teddy really being tried by a jury of his peers, or is it a bunch of white people who don’t know anything about the folklore and his culture...?" (Patrick, [62:42])
Teddy is sentenced to 99 years for attempted murder, with the jury rejecting supernatural explanations.

8. Community, Identity, and Healing

James’ personal journey in making the documentary mirrors the story’s themes: a struggle with drinking, identity, and self-erasure, paralleling Teddy’s arc.
In a moving segment, James reaches out to Teddy, sending a letter and his great-grandfather’s book; Teddy eventually calls back ([73:07]).

9. Redemption, Storytelling, and Legacy

Teddy, in conversation, insists on his innocence in his mother’s death and expresses regret for the shooting.
Both he and James reflect on the warnings of the “old ways,” and the urgent need to maintain culture against erasure ([77:31]).

“We’re going to hold on to our traditions, our culture, our language, our dances, our stories in order to give future generations a sense of identity and not be told who you are.” (James, [79:42])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Alaska Wilderness:

“This land is an extreme place that’s barely America. It just doesn’t care if you live or die.” – James ([03:04])
On Storytelling and Representation:

“I felt like it was the start of us being able to tell our own stories and not have other people tell our stories.” – James ([14:47])
On Internalized Stereotypes:

“It kind of forces you to like gaslight yourself.” – James ([15:11])
On Teddy’s Possession Experience:

“If I followed them, I’d never come back.” – Teddy ([50:35])
On Community Skepticism:

"I've had experiences...I was able to stop it. Some people don't have the control to stop it." – Ross, retired magistrate ([52:01])
On Judicial Disconnect:

“Was Teddy really being tried of a jury of his peers, or is it a bunch of white people who don’t know anything about the folklore and his culture...?” – Patrick ([62:42])
On Cultural Survival:

“We’re going to hold on to our traditions, our culture, our language, our dances, our stories in order to give future generations a sense of identity and not be told who you are.” – James ([79:42])
On the Centrality of the Inukin Myth:

"Homes. Like someone's house. Like not people houses. Not in homes. Yep." – Mary Black ([67:15])

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:36] – Introduction to "Blood and Myth"
[03:04] – James' personal and cultural perspective as narrator
[09:08] – Life in Kotzebue, history of colonization
[12:05] – James' film/TV work and representation issues
[14:47] – On the Ice and Indigenous storytelling
[16:49] – Teddy’s community work and downfall
[21:09] – The importance of the storyteller ("Eskimo Storyteller")
[22:07] – First detailed Inukin (little people) story
[32:06] – "Anga"—the word for boasting/showing off in Inuit culture
[34:06] – The night of Dolly Smith’s death and Teddy's disappearance
[36:26] – The chaotic aftermath and lack of law enforcement
[39:11] – The arsenal found in Teddy's home, manhunt logistics
[47:03] – Law enforcement and elders on the Inukin myth
[50:35] – Teddy’s supernatural experience, pivotal moment
[62:42] – Teddy’s trial: culture clash, ACLU involvement
[66:18]-[67:33] – Archaeological discoveries supporting "little people" lore
[73:07] – James’ letter to Teddy, Teddy’s call, James’ sobriety turning point
[77:31] – Teddy and James reflect on cultural survival
[79:42] – The meaning and future of storytelling

Tone & Flow

The tone alternates between reverent, playful, and reflective, staying true to the hosts’ trademark blend of humor and empathy. Jillian and Patrick are respectful of the documentary’s subject, balancing lightness (their rapport, pop culture asides) with deep dives into representation, trauma, myth, and what real justice would look like in marginalized communities.

Final Reflections

Both hosts agree that—regardless of what literally happened—Blood and Myth succeeds in sparking a necessary conversation about Indigenous culture, myth versus mental health, the danger of erasure, and the power of reclaiming narrative.
The episode ends with both hosts expressing admiration for James and a call to listeners to engage with and share stories from marginalized communities.

For Listeners (Who Haven’t Watched the Documentary)

This episode of True Crime Obsessed distills a complex story where fact, culture, and myth intermingle, exploring not only a true crime but a reckoning with what it means to be from a place, to be seen or unseen, and who gets to tell the story. Listeners will come away with insight into the unique challenges faced by Alaska’s Native communities, the power of folklore (and the ongoing fight to preserve it), and the complicated intersections of justice, identity, and grief.

True Crime Obsessed

Episode 464: Blood and Myth

October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Blood and Myth" and the Storyteller (James)

[01:36] Jillian introduces Blood and Myth as a new Hulu documentary she's "obsessed with", emphasizing its personal, cultural focus and the unique perspective of its narrator, James.
Patrick praises Jillian for intentionally curating diverse stories:

"You always find really interesting stories, stories that really need to be told that I think a lot of other podcasts wouldn't cover." (Patrick, [04:01])

2. Setting: The Edge of The World

The story unfolds in Kotzebue, Alaska and smaller villages nearby – populations in the hundreds – highlighting isolation and the close-knit nature of these communities ([09:08]).
James shares personal anecdotes about growing up Inuit, the impact of colonization, and how quickly Alaska's Indigenous populations were thrust into American mainstream in 1959.
"This land is an extreme place that's barely America. It just doesn't care if you live or die." (James, as quoted by Patrick, [03:04])

3. Cultural Representation and Colonization

The hosts discuss the profound effects of colonization on the Inuit, including forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and damaging stereotypes in media.
James' work in film is discussed, including his mixed feelings about participating in commercials that played on stereotypes ([12:05]).
On the 2011 film On the Ice, which marked a milestone for Indigenous representation:

"I felt like it was the start of us being able to tell our own stories and not have other people tell our stories." (James, [14:47])

4. The Crime: Teddy Kyle Smith’s Downfall

Teddy, once a Marine and actor in On the Ice, was admired for his positive impact in the community and efforts to revitalize traditional skills ([16:49]).
After his mother’s (Dolly Smith) sudden death (ruled undetermined), Teddy flees and eventually shoots two brothers, Paul and Charles Buckle—both miraculously survive.
The narrative explores Teddy’s mental state, with hints at drinking, community gossip about "boasting" (anga), and potential supernatural influences "[32:06]," culminating in his erratic behavior.

5. Myth meets Reality: The Inukins

At the core of the documentary—and the case—are the Inukins (or Inukans): mythical "little people" central to Inuit folklore, believed by many villagers to dwell in the Alaskan wilderness.
Teddy claims encounters with Inukins led to his breakdown. James finds resonance:

“When you grow up constantly seeing yourself as a caricature, it messes with your... Like, when you think, like, wait, that’s not who we are, but that’s how the world sees us. Like, is that who we are? It kind of forces you to like gaslight yourself." (James, via Patrick, [15:11])
The cultural taboo of discussing the Inukins is repeatedly highlighted ([23:28], [40:28]).

6. Folklore, Evidence, and Skepticism

The hosts explore community beliefs—nearly everyone interviewed, from elders to law enforcement, acknowledges either first-hand or inherited stories of the Inukins ([47:03]).
James references his great-grandfather—one of the last great Inuit storytellers—whose collected tales include firsthand accounts of the Inukins ([21:09], [22:07]).
Scientific intrigue is added via the Ambler Road mining project: archaeologists, tribal liaisons, and the discovery of mysterious "little people homes" ([66:18]–[67:33]).

“Homes. Like someone's house. Like not people houses. Not in homes. Yep.” (Mary Black, tribal liaison, [67:15])

7. The Manhunt and Aftermath

Teddy, after days in the wilderness, survives a grueling journey—without adequate supplies, through "impossible" conditions—prompting even law enforcement to wonder if he had supernatural help ([53:00]).
He is ultimately captured, and at trial, continues to insist on his experience with the Inukins.
Cultural disconnect is apparent:

“Was Teddy really being tried by a jury of his peers, or is it a bunch of white people who don’t know anything about the folklore and his culture...?" (Patrick, [62:42])
Teddy is sentenced to 99 years for attempted murder, with the jury rejecting supernatural explanations.

8. Community, Identity, and Healing

James’ personal journey in making the documentary mirrors the story’s themes: a struggle with drinking, identity, and self-erasure, paralleling Teddy’s arc.
In a moving segment, James reaches out to Teddy, sending a letter and his great-grandfather’s book; Teddy eventually calls back ([73:07]).

9. Redemption, Storytelling, and Legacy

Teddy, in conversation, insists on his innocence in his mother’s death and expresses regret for the shooting.
Both he and James reflect on the warnings of the “old ways,” and the urgent need to maintain culture against erasure ([77:31]).

“We’re going to hold on to our traditions, our culture, our language, our dances, our stories in order to give future generations a sense of identity and not be told who you are.” (James, [79:42])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Alaska Wilderness:

“This land is an extreme place that’s barely America. It just doesn’t care if you live or die.” – James ([03:04])
On Storytelling and Representation:

“I felt like it was the start of us being able to tell our own stories and not have other people tell our stories.” – James ([14:47])
On Internalized Stereotypes:

“It kind of forces you to like gaslight yourself.” – James ([15:11])
On Teddy’s Possession Experience:

“If I followed them, I’d never come back.” – Teddy ([50:35])
On Community Skepticism:

"I've had experiences...I was able to stop it. Some people don't have the control to stop it." – Ross, retired magistrate ([52:01])
On Judicial Disconnect:

“Was Teddy really being tried of a jury of his peers, or is it a bunch of white people who don’t know anything about the folklore and his culture...?” – Patrick ([62:42])
On Cultural Survival:

“We’re going to hold on to our traditions, our culture, our language, our dances, our stories in order to give future generations a sense of identity and not be told who you are.” – James ([79:42])
On the Centrality of the Inukin Myth:

"Homes. Like someone's house. Like not people houses. Not in homes. Yep." – Mary Black ([67:15])

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:36] – Introduction to "Blood and Myth"
[03:04] – James' personal and cultural perspective as narrator
[09:08] – Life in Kotzebue, history of colonization
[12:05] – James' film/TV work and representation issues
[14:47] – On the Ice and Indigenous storytelling
[16:49] – Teddy’s community work and downfall
[21:09] – The importance of the storyteller ("Eskimo Storyteller")
[22:07] – First detailed Inukin (little people) story
[32:06] – "Anga"—the word for boasting/showing off in Inuit culture
[34:06] – The night of Dolly Smith’s death and Teddy's disappearance
[36:26] – The chaotic aftermath and lack of law enforcement
[39:11] – The arsenal found in Teddy's home, manhunt logistics
[47:03] – Law enforcement and elders on the Inukin myth
[50:35] – Teddy’s supernatural experience, pivotal moment
[62:42] – Teddy’s trial: culture clash, ACLU involvement
[66:18]-[67:33] – Archaeological discoveries supporting "little people" lore
[73:07] – James’ letter to Teddy, Teddy’s call, James’ sobriety turning point
[77:31] – Teddy and James reflect on cultural survival
[79:42] – The meaning and future of storytelling

Tone & Flow

Final Reflections

Both hosts agree that—regardless of what literally happened—Blood and Myth succeeds in sparking a necessary conversation about Indigenous culture, myth versus mental health, the danger of erasure, and the power of reclaiming narrative.
The episode ends with both hosts expressing admiration for James and a call to listeners to engage with and share stories from marginalized communities.

464: Blood and Myth

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Summary

True Crime Obsessed

Episode 464: Blood and Myth

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Blood and Myth" and the Storyteller (James)

2. Setting: The Edge of The World

3. Cultural Representation and Colonization

4. The Crime: Teddy Kyle Smith’s Downfall

5. Myth meets Reality: The Inukins

6. Folklore, Evidence, and Skepticism

7. The Manhunt and Aftermath

8. Community, Identity, and Healing

9. Redemption, Storytelling, and Legacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Flow

Final Reflections

For Listeners (Who Haven’t Watched the Documentary)

Summary

True Crime Obsessed

Episode 464: Blood and Myth

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Blood and Myth" and the Storyteller (James)

2. Setting: The Edge of The World

3. Cultural Representation and Colonization

4. The Crime: Teddy Kyle Smith’s Downfall

5. Myth meets Reality: The Inukins

6. Folklore, Evidence, and Skepticism

7. The Manhunt and Aftermath

8. Community, Identity, and Healing

9. Redemption, Storytelling, and Legacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timeline & Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Flow

Final Reflections

For Listeners (Who Haven’t Watched the Documentary)