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Artwork for Examined: The Backfire Effect

Examined: The Backfire Effect

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
Bank Robbery
Sarah Cavanaugh
Alabama Murders
Hannah Parks
Psychology
Leslie Manukian
Criminal Justice System
Port Huron, United States
Rick Engels
Jackson Pollock

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 weeklyEpisodes71Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Examined: The Backfire Effect

Latest Episodes

The trial of Temujin Kensu had happened quickly, just six months from arrest to verdict. What came next was unbearably slow. And with every year that passed, his odds of getting out of prison would go down. But then, one judge decided to rule in his ... more

At trial, Temujin Kensu’s defense is simple — he was across the state when the crime occurred. In court, he brings multiple witnesses to testify that they saw him in the Upper Peninsula, more than 400 miles from Port Huron. But then prosecutor Robert... more

In November 1986, Robert Cleland was the head prosecutor in St. Clair County, Michigan. The morning after Cleland lost a statewide race for Attorney General, Scott Macklem was murdered. Cleland decided to prosecute the case himself, depicting the def... more

Temujin Kensu spent much of his youth wandering, mainly in his home state of Michigan. In 1986 he and his then-fiancée moved to a cabin outside Port Huron, where he briefly dated someone else. A few weeks later, he and his fiancée moved again, more t... more

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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People also subscribe to these shows.

Deep Cover
Deep CoverPushkin Industries
Valley of Shadows
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The Binge Cases: Doctor BillionsSony Music Entertainment

Recent Guests

Bill Proctor
Reporter who covered the case
Journalist
Episode: Episode 4: The Alibi
Josh Sharp
Reporter who contributed to the case coverage
Reporter
Episode: Episode 4: The Alibi
Robert Cleland
Prosecutor depicted in trial
Prosecutor
Episode: Episode 4: The Alibi
David Dean
Defense attorney
Attorney
Episode: Episode 4: The Alibi
Bob Evans
Pilot alleged by prosecution to have supported alibi theory
Pilot
Episode: Episode 4: The Alibi
Temujin Kensu
Subject of the episode, central figure in the case
Involved in the 1986 murder case
Episode: Episode 2: The Hypnotist
Dr. Thomas Mooney
Psychology professor who conducted hypnosis with a witness
SC4 (Michigan community college)
Episode: Episode 2: The Hypnotist
Joy Marie Mann
Journalist who discusses the case with Temujin
Reporter
Episode: Episode 2: The Hypnotist
Herb Welser
Retired Port Huron Police Detective
Port Huron Police Department
Episode: Episode 1: The Good Cop

Hosts

Josie Duffy Rice
Journalist and host focused on criminal legal system accountability; affiliated with Pushkin Industries.
Hayley Fox
Co-host and host of investigative series focusing on criminal justice stories and accountability.
Betsy Shepherd
Co-host and investigative journalist deep-diving into long-form true crime narratives.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 5.1k ratings
  • Great listen

    Has the pull and propulsion of true crime but with deep empathy, strong ethical framework, and journalistic rigor. Thoroughly enjoy reporting by Josie Duffy-Rice!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nen417
    United States21 days ago
  • So nuanced and smart

    Josie Duffy Rice is one of the best journalists on the planet. She brings thoughtfulness, nuance, and care to a very complicated story. She reminds us that justice includes those who often are far from perfect.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JMoney145
    United States25 days ago
  • Great Production

    I have had a lot of questions about this murder for a long time, because of podcasts claiming he’s guilty. It always felt like they left out critical information. I think this is really great - bought a subscription and listened to the whole thing. It’s very strong.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gorrly
    United States25 days ago
  • 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 States2 months 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 States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Well-reported with compassionate storytelling and rigorous journalism.
High production quality and thoughtful guests are consistently noted.
Listeners appreciate ethical framing and depth over sensationalism.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#106
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#96
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#110
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#181
Germany/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#196
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#55
Hong Kong/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?

Investigative, narrative-driven true crime with a strong journalistic spine that scrutinizes overlooked cases within the criminal justice system. Across seasons, the show blends archival reporting, witness interviews, and expert context to expose how investigative missteps, procedural flaws, and institutional pressures shape outcomes—from high-profile trials in small towns to complex, decades-long justice questions. Productions emphasize ethics, accountability, and the human impact of systemic failures, often featuring lawyers, investigators, journalists, and occasionally subjects who challenge official narratives. A standout element is the level of on-the-record reporting, thoughtful questioning, and a clear commitment to nuanced storytell... 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. Deep Cover
2. Valley of Shadows
3. The Binge Crimes: What Happened to the Harrisons?
4. The Binge Cases: Doctor Billions
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. Bill Proctor
2. Josh Sharp
3. Robert Cleland
4. David Dean
5. Bob Evans
6. Temujin Kensu
7. Dr. Thomas Mooney
8. Joy Marie Mann

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