True Crime Obsessed Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Introducing "Underestimated"! You Gotta Check Out This Podcast!
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts Jillian and Bob Ruff delve into an inspiring new project emerging from the halls of a Michigan high school. Entitled "Underestimated Podcast," this initiative showcases the remarkable efforts of high school students who are immersing themselves in the world of true crime journalism under the mentorship of Bob Ruff. This episode not only celebrates the students' dedication but also highlights the future of investigative podcasting nurtured within educational settings.
Bob Ruff and His Educational Endeavors
Bob Ruff, a passionate educator, teaches broadcast journalism at a Michigan high school. His commitment to fostering young talent is evident through his innovative approach to teaching, where students are encouraged to engage deeply with real-world investigative journalism.
Jillian, a member of the advisory board for Bob's class, shares her enthusiasm:
"The kids are so into it, and they love Bob. They're making podcasts, and he, like, really cares about teaching them the ins and the outs of the business, the industry, and how to do it." [00:20]
Bob elaborates on the structure of the class:
"He teaches broadcast journalism at this high school in Michigan. So they started their investigative journalism class in, like, August of 2024. It's 30 students." [00:35]
The Birth of "Underestimated Podcast"
From a cohort of 30 dedicated students, five groups were formed, each tasked with investigating a distinct cold case. This collaborative effort resulted in the creation of the "Underestimated Podcast," a platform where students apply their journalistic skills to unravel unresolved mysteries.
Bob Ruff exclaims:
"They made a podcast. It's called the Underestimated Podcast. And so when I say they did all the research..." [00:55]
Comprehensive Podcast Production by Students
The students' involvement extends beyond mere reporting. They engage in every facet of podcast production, showcasing a level of professionalism and dedication that belies their age.
Key aspects of their work include:
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Research and Investigation:
Bob highlights the meticulous nature of the students' work:
"They filed all the FOIA requests. They made all the connections with the experts, the witnesses. They interviewed them themselves." [00:55] -
Scriptwriting and Editing:
The students are responsible for crafting compelling narratives and ensuring the quality of each episode through careful editing. Bob notes:
"They're writing the script, recording it, they're editing it. I know from top to bottom everything that goes into making a podcast." [00:55] -
Creative and Logistical Support:
Beyond content creation, students handle the artistic and business sides of podcasting. This includes designing artwork and securing advertising:
"These high school kids are doing the artwork." [00:55]
"They, like, hit the streets and got advertisers to fund their work." [01:09]
Jillian adds:
"The students are really looking at the downloads. Just go download the damn thing, please." [01:12]
Showcasing Passion and Overcoming Underestimation
The name "Underestimated Podcast" is a testament to the students' resolve to defy expectations. They embrace the challenge, driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact through their work.
Bob proudly states:
"The students came up with the name underestimated because that's how they feel they're viewed. So they're just like, hell, no. We're teenagers. We're going to do this. We learn from the best. We're giving a shit. We're making this podcast." [02:11]
Jillian echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the students' dedication and the quality of their work:
"They are so into it. And, like, no one in the world better to learn from than Bob. I remember before we were even podcasters, and I was listening to Bob's first podcast called Serial Dynasty, and Bob was doing the investigative stuff on the ground, on his own." [01:12]
Highlighting the First Episode
The debut episode of the "Underestimated Podcast" focuses on the mysterious disappearance of three young boys, known as the Skelton Brothers. Launched on March 12, the episode promises a thorough and emotionally charged exploration of this unresolved case.
Bob remarks on the quality and emotional impact of the first episode:
"The first episode's only, like, 20 minutes, but it's so, so, so well done." [01:40]
"I was like, there are tears in my eyes. I love these kids." [02:52]
Encouragement to Listen and Support
Throughout the episode, Jillian and Bob encourage listeners to support the students by tuning into their podcast. They emphasize the importance of backing young investigators and the fresh perspectives they bring to true crime journalism.
Jillian provides practical guidance:
"There's a link to the show. In the show notes of this episode, you just, like, go. The show notes are the things that, like, describe what the episode is that you're listening to." [02:25]
Bob adds a heartfelt commendation:
"Seriously, congrats to all of the kids who worked on this. You're doing amazing work. This is the new generation of podcasters and the new generation of investigators." [02:40]
Conclusion
This episode of True Crime Obsessed shines a spotlight on the "Underestimated Podcast," a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of high school students under Bob Ruff's mentorship. By engaging in thorough investigative journalism, these young podcasters are not only honing their skills but also contributing meaningful narratives to the true crime genre. Listeners are encouraged to support and follow "Underestimated Podcast" as these students continue to unravel compelling cold cases with heart and professionalism.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Jillian:
"The kids are so into it, and they love Bob. They're making podcasts, and he, like, really cares about teaching them the ins and the outs of the business, the industry, and how to do it." [00:20] -
Bob Ruff:
"They made a podcast. It's called the Underestimated Podcast. And so when I say they did all the research..." [00:55] -
Jillian:
"They are so into it. And, like, no one in the world better to learn from than Bob." [01:12] -
Bob Ruff:
"The students came up with the name underestimated because that's how they feel they're viewed. So they're just like, hell, no. We're teenagers. We're going to do this." [02:11] -
Bob Ruff:
"Seriously, congrats to all of the kids who worked on this. You're doing amazing work. This is the new generation of podcasters and the new generation of investigators." [02:40]
Support the "Underestimated Podcast"
To listen to the "Underestimated Podcast," visit the link provided in the show notes of this episode. Join Jillian, Bob Ruff, and the talented students as they embark on their investigative journeys, bringing fresh insights and heartfelt storytelling to the true crime community.