Up and Vanished Weekly – CrimeCon 2025 with Sherrilyn Dale

Podcast: Up and Vanished Weekly
Host: Maggie Freleng (Tenderfoot TV)
Guest: Sherrilyn Dale (True Crime Content Creator)
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode diverges from the usual focus on unsolved cases, instead spotlighting ethical storytelling and the personal side of true crime content creation. Host Maggie Freleng introduces a candid conversation between Tenderfoot TV producer John and Sherrilyn Dale, a prominent true crime creator. Recorded live at CrimeCon 2025, the discussion unpacks Sherrilyn’s approach to victim-focused reporting, ethical practices in the true crime community, the importance of mental health, and her experiences transitioning from YouTube to podcasting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sherrilyn Dale’s True Crime Background

[03:10 – 04:24]

• Early Inspiration: Sherrilyn credits early exposure to shows like Dateline and 48 Hours (often with her mother) for her interest in true crime. She was drawn to stories focusing on victims.
• YouTube Origins: Launched her channel six years ago; initial hesitation to reach out to victims’ families.
• Turning Point: Reaching out to the Umquist family and staying with them shifted her approach to direct family involvement.

  “There was just so many questions about the case. And I reached out, and I ended up going to stay with the family for…a weekend. And that was just, like, the push that got me into working directly with victims and survivors…” — Sherrilyn Dale [03:25]

2. Finding Authenticity & Audience Connection

[06:36 – 07:25]

• Authenticity Over Perfection: Sherrilyn emphasizes being herself, fumbling words, and being open about mental health struggles.
• Advice for New Creators:

  “…when I first started True Crime, like, you have to be aware that that first video you put out and the first 20, no one's gonna watch them...So that's who I was looking at my camera thinking of, right. And it was, if this didn’t feel authentic to my best friend or my parents, I don't want to put it out there.” — Sherrilyn Dale [06:39]

3. Ethical Reporting & Relationships with Families

[07:45 – 08:58]

• Sensitive Engagement: Pre-researching cases to avoid repetitive or invasive questions; always respects family wishes and boundaries.
• Positive Impacts and Limitations: While raising awareness is valuable, Sherrilyn notes the frustration of not being able to directly resolve injustices.

  “There is a lot of positive, but there's a lot of frustrations about it as well, because you can see that something is broken and needs attention. And…we're just kind of somebody with a microphone.”— Sherrilyn Dale [08:58]

4. The Importance of Consent and Respect

[11:47 – 12:21]

• If families are uncomfortable speaking about a case, Sherrilyn will not proceed with reporting it, prioritizing respect over content.

5. The Research Process

[12:21 – 13:03]

• Sherrilyn describes her method as “chaotic”—combing through podcasts, articles, and documentaries to ensure thorough understanding and responsible coverage.

6. Defining Ethical True Crime

[13:03 – 13:51]

• Key Principle: Always consider whether the victims’ families would be comfortable with public coverage.

  “Are you okay if they see this? Are you comfortable saying what you're going to say right now, knowing that the family is most likely going to see that? And if the answer is yes, then it's probably okay. If it's no, let's not do that.” — Sherrilyn Dale [13:23]

7. Observations on “Citizen Sleuths” and Social Media

[13:59 – 15:57]

• Potential Harm: Speculation and “dog-piling” on unfounded theories (especially in ongoing investigations) can do real damage.
• Media Balance: Suggests collaboration with professionals and sensitivity to the speed and complexity of criminal investigations, referencing high-profile cases like the Idaho Four.

8. Expanding into Podcasting

[16:08 – 17:57]

• Sherrilyn expresses excitement for producing limited series, such as “Elizabeth”—eight episodes on a serial con artist with a strong TikTok presence.

  “The first one that I produced, I am not on it very much…it's David's dad, Scott, who narrates the entire thing about his son's case. So that was so meaningful to me…” — Sherrilyn Dale [16:20]

9. The Double-Edged Sword of Social Platforms

[18:10 – 18:27]

• Frustration over seeing bad actors gain and exploit social media followings, leveraging influence for unethical purposes.

10. Mental Health in True Crime Work

[20:37 – 23:33]

• Personal Struggles: Sherrilyn recalls “crashing out” after two years without rest, learning the necessity of boundaries and downtime.

  “…it's heavy. I think learning to say that it was okay to…shut off at the end of the day or take a day if you need to…Responsible reporting, ethical reporting, but also taking care of yourself.” — Sherrilyn Dale [21:20]

• Societal Progress: More open conversations around mental health, less stigma, and social media as a tool for support and resource sharing.

11. Advice for Aspiring True Crime Creators

[23:58 – 25:04]

• Just Start: Don’t overthink; there’s value in early efforts, even if only a handful of people are watching.
• Persistence: Sherrilyn credits her mother’s encouragement (“my delusion feeder”) for instilling a never-give-up mindset.

  “Don't overthink it. Just do it.” — Sherrilyn Dale [24:16]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the evolution of true crime reporting:

  “I think finding your own style is, is one thing, but also wanting to, like, make a, I guess, like, an example, like, for other, like, newer creators coming in. I wanted them to, like, see more people like Kendall (Ray) as well. Not that I'm, like, dogging on anybody, but I don't like when it's more sensationalized.” — Sherilyn Dale [05:36]

• On the challenge of working with victim families:

  “You get, like, an attachment, but I think that's important.” — Sherrilyn Dale [04:14]

• On dangerous speculation in active cases:

  “Especially when there's, like, a theory and it's an ongoing investigation, and then…dog piling…of a certain theory that could be…not factual. I do find that that is…where it gets a little bit dicey.” — Sherrilyn Dale [14:30]

• On audience connection:

  “I think maybe that's—it just feels like you're talking to a friend maybe.” — Sherrilyn Dale [06:36]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:10] — Sherrilyn introduces her background and approach
• [06:36] — Authenticity and audience connection
• [07:45] — Working with families
• [12:21] — The research process
• [13:03] — Ethics in true crime content
• [14:30] — Dangers of “citizen sleuth” efforts
• [16:08] — Transition to podcasting
• [18:10] — The impact of bad actors on social media
• [20:48] — Mental health and burnout
• [24:16] — Advice for new creators
• [25:23] — Where to find Sherrilyn’s work

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, empathetic, and practical—marked by Sherrilyn’s warmth, honesty, and reflective wisdom. There’s a mix of lightness (self-deprecating humor about early content), sincerity in discussing trauma and responsibility, and urgency around ethical best practices.

Conclusion

The episode stands out as a thoughtful exploration of the evolving true crime landscape, emphasizing authenticity, ethical consideration, and mental wellness. Both aspiring creators and engaged listeners gain insight into the human side of true crime storytelling, and the ongoing responsibility owed to both victims' families and oneself.

Find Sherrilyn Dale:

• YouTube: “Sherrilyn Dale”
• Podcast limited series: “Elizabeth” and “The Stack Deck”

Memorable closing thought:

"If we lose credibility with survivors, victims and their families, then we stand to lose everything." — Maggie Freling [25:40]