Rephonic
Artwork for What Came Next

What Came Next

Broken Cycle Media
Mental Health
Domestic Violence
True Crime
Victim Advocacy
Trauma Recovery
Criminal Justice System
Sexual Assault
Trauma
Advocacy
Stalking
Legal System
Community Support
Justice System
Child Sexual Abuse
Survivor Advocacy
Therapy
Sexual Abuse
Murder
Grief
Victims' Rights

What happens after the experiences of true crime survivors have been shared with the world? Does the media truly capture all it entails to survive such tragedy in the public eye? What comes after the convictions are in, the cameras stop rolling, and the court of public opinion has spoken? Can sharing our stories lead to justice, and is there ever really justice? These questions and many more are... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes192Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for What Came Next

Latest Episodes

Content warning: substance use disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and murder.

Ginger Goetz is a mother, graphic designer, and co-victim of murder from Kentucky. S... more

Content warning: substance use disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and murder.

Ginger Goetz is a mother, graphic designer, and co-victim of murder from Kentucky. S... more

Content warning: stalking, child sexual abuse material, childhood sexual abuse, kidnapping, rape.

Liz is a mother and survivor from New York. When she was 14 years old, the police launched an investigation with her next door neighbor as the subject... more

Content warning: murder, parricide, matricide, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and false reporting.

Rasul T. Freelain is an author and award-winning, retired veteran of the Oak Park Pol... more

Key Facts

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

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Something Was Wrong
Something Was WrongBroken Cycle Media
WHEN DATING HURTS
WHEN DATING HURTSEvergreen Podcasts
Strictly Stalking
Strictly StalkingStrictly Stalking

Recent Guests

Ginger Goetz
Mother, graphic designer, co-victim of murder
Kentucky
Episode: 191: [Ginger Goetz] An Uphill Battle She Was Losing // Part 1
Rasul T. Freelain
Author and retired police sergeant who investigated Sheila Mack's case and wrote When Lambs Become Wolves
Self/Author
Episode: 189: [Rasul T. Freelain] I Have to Tell Sheila's Story
Jordan Wulf
Victim advocate and survivor who recounts her domestic violence ordeal and escape
Self / Survivor
Episode: 187: [Jordan Wulf] The Night I Gained My Freedom Back // Part 2
Mary Cain
Author of This Is Not About Running; athlete and advocate
Author; Athlete; Athlete Survivor Assist board member
Episode: 185: [Mary Cain] Nowhere Else to Turn
Alicia Doyle
Award-winning journalist and author who co-authored The Forsaken and collaborated on The Oath
The Forsaken / The Oath
Episode: 184: [Shelley Hamilton + Alicia Doyle] Until Answers Are Found // Part 3
Shelley Hamilton
Co-victim of murder and co-author of the non-fiction book, The Forsaken
The Forsaken (book)
Episode: 182: [Shelley Hamilton] Life Was in Limbo // Part 1
John-Michael Lander
Friend and survivor advocate featured in Episode 22 update
Walk Together Columbus; Survivor Space; related advocacy initiatives
Episode: 181: [WCN Presents] Episode 1 - 30 Survivor Updates
Amber Rodgers
Survivor and advocate sharing her story
Independent survivor interviewee
Episode: 179: [Amber Rodgers] It's Safe Until It's Not // Part 1
Marissa Giamancho
One of the sisters in the family at the center of the story
Episode: 177: Introducing Deep Cover: The Family Man

Hosts

Amy B. Chesler
Host and co-creator; survivor advocate and writer; long-standing lead interviewer.
Tiffany Reese
Co-creator/Producer; co-host known for survivor-focused storytelling and journalistic insight.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • So Good & Different

    I still love this show!! Each guest is so powerful and their experiences are so unique, yet still relatable. I also love how each episode takes me through so much of each victim’s journey from start to finish. It’s impossible to cover it all, but they do a great job. I think Hearing all angles of their experiences really makes me feel less alone, and shows us the impact of true crime genre. Thank you to all the guests

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PodcastLover2024
    United Statesa month ago
  • Highly Recommend

    I found What Came Next from SWW and started listening from the July 2026 episodes backwards to the beginning. I’m only at mid-2025 right now, but I’ve fallen in love with the story telling. The way Amy takes care of her guests and their stories is amazing. They also took the time to answer my question regarding an old episode when I commented on it’s Instagram post (asking for the books referenced during the episode). Good people and a great podcast. Thank you 💚

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    alyblackthorne
    United Statesa month ago
  • Jordan Wulf

    I’m guessing this story was told to evoke sympathy but the only sympathy I feel is for the boys. There were red flags from the beginning but yet Jordan chose to marry Chris. Then have not one, not two, but 3 kids with him! She brought them into a world of violence and fear. Running to their rooms to hide when dad came home was normalized. That’s not normal. I hope they don’t have life long trauma. Jordan said she realized Chris was psycho when he said he wanted to rape her mom and sister. That’s... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Ellisbee99
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank you ❤️

    Thank you for giving a voice and safe place for all of us survivors. The Jen Higgins episode was really beautiful ❤️ I love the idea of the 3 socks. In one of my abusive relationships my ex would try to catch me and hit me with his car if I managed to escape the house during any of his episodes. I would often be barefoot, have only one sock on after defending myself or have the only pair of socks I managed to get on (often mismatched) when I saw what was happening and would make a run for it. more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Louisa Lorenzo
    United States5 months ago
  • Such a great show!

    I love listening to WCN. The hosts do a great job! The stories shared are engaging and eye opening.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jordie___
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some episodes draw criticism for pacing or editorial choices in long-form interviews.
Guests consistently praised for powerful, relatable storytelling and careful handling of sensitive topics.
Listeners value survivor voices and the show's emphasis on accountability and healing.
Overall, feedback highlights high regard for hosts' empathy and guest care.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#207
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#250
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#232
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#243
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#152
Argentina/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#154
Indonesia/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

184: [Shelley Hamilton + Alicia Doyle] Until Answers Are Found // Part 3
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who want to pursue truth and justice in their reporting?
Alicia urges those entering the field to follow their conscience, seek honest reporting, document thoroughly, and recognize the impact of journalism as a historical record that can influence real-world outcomes.
184: [Shelley Hamilton + Alicia Doyle] Until Answers Are Found // Part 3
Q: As a survivor, what do you hope the media changes about its practices when covering cases like yours?
Shelley emphasizes sensitivity, thoroughness, and context, arguing that journalism should illuminate who the victims truly were and present multiple sides to help the public understand the full truth rather than sensationalize tragedy.
176: [Vanessa Reiser] Episode 77 Updates
Q: What is your mission with the show, and what do you hope listeners take away?
My mission is to destigmatize the trauma of abuse, empower survivors to find their voice, and shift the focus from blaming victims to confronting the behaviors of toxic individuals, while helping people understand healing is possible even after long, complex dynamics.
176: [Vanessa Reiser] Episode 77 Updates
Q: From the interviews you've banked thus far, has anything really stood out to you or surprised you?
What consistently surprises me is how prevalent narcissistic and cult-like abuse is, and how many people still struggle to recognize it in their own lives, which underscores the need for ongoing conversation, validation, and accessible resources.
163: [Mae Scott] Killing Me With Paper // Part 3
Q: What words of encouragement or support would you want to give listeners who can relate to any portion of your journey?
I would say, when you need to give up, give yourself a minute to do that and explore that possibility.

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 What Came Next

What is What Came Next about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers survivors and the aftermath of high-profile true crime cases, pairing personal narratives with analysis of media coverage, police work, and legal outcomes. Episodes typically explore how communities respond, how systems fail or adapt, and what happens after the spotlight fades—justice, healing, advocacy, and policy change. Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on survivor-led storytelling, accountability through media and institutions, and sponsorship-driven funding that supports ongoing survivor-focused work. Potential listeners will find a thoughtful blend of investigative context, emotional honesty, and practical guidance for those navigating trauma, advocacy, or reform.

Where can I find podcast stats for What Came Next?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for What Came Next. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to What Came Next and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does What Came Next get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for four million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for What Came Next, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for What Came Next?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for What Came Next, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does What Came Next have?

To see how many followers or subscribers What Came Next has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to What Came Next?

These podcasts share a similar audience with What Came Next:

1. Something Was Wrong
2. WHEN DATING HURTS
3. This Is Actually Happening
4. What Was That Like - True Stories. Real People.
5. Strictly Stalking

How many episodes of What Came Next are there?

What Came Next launched 4 years ago and published 192 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact What Came Next?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for What Came Next?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for What Came Next from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for What Came Next?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of What Came Next. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on What Came Next?

Recent guests on What Came Next include:

1. Ginger Goetz
2. Rasul T. Freelain
3. Jordan Wulf
4. Mary Cain
5. Alicia Doyle
6. Shelley Hamilton
7. John-Michael Lander
8. Amber Rodgers

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days