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Artwork for Examined: The Backfire Effect

Examined: The Backfire Effect

Western Sound and Pushkin Industries
Mitrice Richardson
Malibu
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Mental Health
Rick Forsberg
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Jon Aujay
Dark Canyon
Methamphetamine
Cold Cases
Hannah Parks
Psychology
Sarah Cavanaugh
Bank Robbery
Alabama Murders
Leslie Manukian
Criminal Justice System
Rick Engels
Montanito
Missing Persons

About Examined: Overlooked cases that never got the real investigation they deserved. Each season features deeply reported stories about crime, punishment, and the people inside the criminal legal system.

Nearly 40 years ago, in the parking lot of a community college in Port Huron, Michigan, a 20-year-old student named Scott Macklem was shot dead in broad daylight. His murder shocked the communi... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes71Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Examined: The Backfire Effect

Latest Episodes

In 1986, a man named Scott Macklem was killed in broad daylight. Eight days later, a suspect was arrested. But now, almost 40 years later, reporter Josie Duffy Rice is re-examining this case. Has the wrong man been in prison this whole time?

New ep... more

Lost Hills has been quiet for a bit, so we've decided to do something different: turn this feed into a home for a new kind of story, told fresh each season. Starting this fall, this feed becomes Examined — a show about overlooked cases that never got... more

In February 2024, celebrated children’s book author and illustrator Petra Mathers and her husband, photographer Michael Mathers, mailed letters to dozens of friends and family members to let them know they had died by suicide. Petra and Michael were ... more

Deep Cover's new season, The Family Man, tells a story about how families can deceive each other and the lengths we’ll go to to protect our loved ones Elise and Marissa grew up in a seemingly normal house in the suburbs of St. Louis, but it was a hou... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Mike Bauer
Retired LASD Captain, introduced the Aujay case
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Episode: Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows
Larry Brandenburg
Homicide Detective, involved in Aujay case
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Episode: Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows
Tom Hinkle
Meth dealer tied to Aujay case, subject of interviews
Private individual (provisionally)
Episode: Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows
Rick Engels
Deputy sheriff associated with multiple incidents under scrutiny
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Episode: Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows
Darren Hager
Former LASD deputy and central figure in the lawsuit
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (former)
Episode: Episode 7: The Trial | Valley of Shadows
John Paul
A man who committed an armed bank robbery at the age of 14 and later sought redemption for his actions.
Episode: Introducing Heavyweight: The Bank Robber
Rob Carrico
Former Cat Lake Site Manager who discovered Jesse's vehicle.
Episode: Introducing: Dirtbag Climber from CBC’s Uncover
Eva McClennan
Jesse's partner who sheds light on his secretive nature and lifestyle.
Episode: Introducing: Dirtbag Climber from CBC’s Uncover
Yvette Brand
CBC journalist who reports on Jesse's partner and provides insights about the case.
CBC
Episode: Introducing: Dirtbag Climber from CBC’s Uncover

Hosts

Dana Goodyear
Full-name journalist and co-host/producer, connected with major outlets and pushkin projects; central to long-form investigations.
Hayley Fox
Co-host and producer, key driver of investigative framing and interviews; long-running collaborator with co-host.
Betsy Shepherd
Co-host and writer/producer, contributes narrative structure and interview strategy.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 5.1k ratings
  • Tragic but stellar investigation

    I was sad when this was over because it was so well done and I was so hoping for an answer. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this story.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beetles mimi
    United Statesa month ago
  • Malibu…

    Have thoroughly enjoyed Season 1 - Season 2 not so much. Don’t understand why you thought Rob Lowe would have any effect on the back story. You have enough insight, information and journalism to explain what happened and close the story - Rob just seemed like “fluff”. Looking forward to Season 3.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Skwilcox65
    United Statesa month ago
  • Ads even though I’m subscribed.

    Add and repetition plus hiding key facts undercut some good journalism

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    patnmal99
    United States2 months ago
  • Dana is soooo gooood

    A friend recommended season 3 to me re: Mickey Dora. I was interested as we grew up at

    that time surfing in Santa Monica and could go to Malibu, if I got a ride, too young to drive. Love Dana’s investigative presentation and her delivery. Her voice is also easy to listen to. Continued with all the seasons !!! A+++

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JeffGeeeee
    United States2 months ago
  • Love it

    I enjoy the podcast for many reasons but first,let’s talk about the storylines in the podcast, they are well written and I enjoy how hardworking they are to seek out the real reason. I also enjoy when they talk to people close to the victims and ask them big questions.I love how detailed and how they go to extremes find the culprit. They question possible culprit’s and what the culprits motive may be.People who don’t enjoy the thrill of murder mystery don’t feel real joy anymore. It’s a must.THR... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Heatherpedia
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Strong, thorough research with some holes noted by listeners.
High-quality production and compelling storytelling are consistently praised.
Audience appreciates careful reporting and sensitivity to victims.
Ads are a frequent complaint and can overwhelm content for some listeners.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#203
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#241
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#70
Argentina/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#123
Belgium/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#138
Austria/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#143
Brazil/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 2: An Unreasonable Act | Valley of Shadows
Q: Was he depressed?
He had told the psychologist that he had been unhappy for two years with the marriage.
Episode 2: An Unreasonable Act | Valley of Shadows
Q: Do you think he was hopeful that this session was going to help save the marriage?
No, he was not hopeful as per Debbie's response.
8. Rick Trouble | Lost Hills
Q: What do you think led to Rick's downfall?
Rick's increasing substance abuse and reckless behavior were key factors in his downfall as he became more involved in violent situations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Examined: The Backfire Effect

What is Examined: The Backfire Effect about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dive true crime series that examines complex investigations around high-profile cases in affluent Southern California, focusing on alleged misconduct, coverups, and institutional tensions within law enforcement. Across episodes, listeners follow former investigators, journalists, and families as they pursue overlooked records, conflicting narratives, and long-simmering questions about accountability, oversight, and justice. Notable strengths include rigorous document-driven reporting, multi-perspective interviews, and a willingness to challenge official accounts, though some episodes face criticism for pacing or heavy ad breaks. The show stands out for weaving together archival tapes, courtroom and investigative drama, and sustained ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Examined: The Backfire Effect?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Examined: The Backfire Effect:

1. Valley of Shadows
2. Deep Cover
3. The Binge Crimes: What Happened to the Harrisons?
4. The Binge Cases: What She Buried
5. Bad Women Presents Stolen Sister

How many episodes of Examined: The Backfire Effect are there?

Examined: The Backfire Effect launched 6 years ago and published 71 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Examined: The Backfire Effect?

Recent guests on Examined: The Backfire Effect include:

1. Mike Bauer
2. Larry Brandenburg
3. Tom Hinkle
4. Rick Engels
5. Darren Hager
6. John Paul
7. Rob Carrico
8. Eva McClennan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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