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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
Legal System
Community Support
Justice System
Stalking
Child Sexual Abuse
Survivor Advocacy
Sexual Abuse
Therapy
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes186Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for What Came Next

Latest Episodes

Content warning: emotional abuse, sexual abuse, rape, torture, domestic violence, physical brutality, kidnapping, and murder.

Jordan Wulf is a mother, business professional, victim advocate, and survivor of domestic violence from Iowa. After growin... more

Content warning: bullying, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, systemic abuse, systemic betrayal, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Mary Cain is an author, athlete, and non-profit board member that was once hailed as one of the greatest young running tal... more

Content warning: child abuse, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder.

Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind a deeply personal and complex cas... more

Content warning: domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder.

Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind ... more

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Recent Guests

Jordan Wulf
Victim advocate and survivor of domestic violence from Iowa
Independent survivor/advocate
Episode: 186: [Jordan Wulf] The Beginning of the End // Part 1
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 Forsaken
Author/Advocate
Episode: 183: [Shelley Hamilton] Almost 39 Years // Part 2
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
Business professional and divorce-care advocate, survivor of multiple traumas
Divorce Care Support Company (founder)
Episode: 180: [Amber Rodgers] A Crisis Victim Within the System // Part 2
Marissa Giamancho
One of the sisters in the family at the center of the story
Episode: 177: Introducing Deep Cover: The Family Man
Elise Giamanco
Marissa's sister and co-narrator in recounting the family events
Episode: 177: Introducing Deep Cover: The Family Man
Tracy Hall
Author, speaker, educator and advocate for victims of scams and fraud (intimate fraud)
Self-employed / Victim advocacy
Episode: 174: [Tracy Hall] I Was His Last Victim // Part 1

Hosts

Amy B. Chesler
Host and creator, guiding the narrative and survivor-centered work; co-creator of the show.
Tiffany Reese
Co-creator, co-host, and producer with focus on survivor stories and investigative context.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • 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 States4 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 States4 months ago
  • Boring, Lefty blah blah blah

    Just more tiresome liberal propaganda. Started well but nowadays it’s basically an anti Trump yawnfest. Boring.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    nickiwww
    Australia5 months ago
  • Mae Scott

    I listened to the episodes about Mae Scott and then ran to kindle to read her book. There were times I had to take a break from reading the unbearable harassment and endless attempts to break her. She is one of the bravest women I have heard on this podcast. I don’t say that lightly because there are incredible stories of endurance through abuse, trauma and adversity on this podcast. I hope that her book can give hope and strength to those that are and will be going through similar circumstance... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SteveDee11
    United States5 months ago
  • Not the same anymore

    I used to love and look forward listening to this podcast. The first seasons were awesome, they kept it entertaining and with a big spotlight on the victim.

    This season’s first episode killed me… the song was like 10 minutes long. While her voice is beautiful this is not a broadway show.

    Then Tiffany talking about statistics for about 15 minutes felt completely unnecessary. While I appreciate the facts and research, I don’t think it should be that long.

    I wish she’d go back to listen to seaso... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    GabrielaSav
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the show for survivor-centered storytelling and respectful handling of traumatic topics.
Fans appreciate expert guests who provide practical healing and advocacy insights.
The show is seen as a leading space for resilience and survivor advocacy in true crime.
Some listeners feel the format has become too long or digressive in later seasons.
Critiques note pacing issues or heavy focus on guests' bios at times.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#244
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#128
Argentina/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#176
South Korea/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#198
Hong Kong/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#238
Netherlands/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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About What Came Next

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

A narrative-focused true crime show centered on the aftermath for survivors after headlines fade. Episodes blend survivor perspectives with expert context to explore healing, accountability, and systemic issues—from coercive control and domestic violence to financial crime and policy reform. Noteworthy is the long-running emphasis on survivor advocacy, media impact, and post-conviction trajectories, with guest voices spanning clinicians, advocates, and family members who illuminate real-world consequences beyond the initial case. The show often features sponsor reads and cross-promo, reinforcing its mission to support survivors while engaging audiences with tightly drawn, emotionally resonant storytelling that seeks practical takeaways for ... more

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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. The Secret Room | True Stories

How many episodes of What Came Next are there?

What Came Next launched 3 years ago and published 186 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 What Came Next?

Recent guests on What Came Next include:

1. Jordan Wulf
2. Mary Cain
3. Alicia Doyle
4. Shelley Hamilton
5. John-Michael Lander
6. Amber Rodgers
7. Marissa Giamancho
8. Elise Giamanco

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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