STOP THE KILLING PODCAST

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Stop the Killing

Evergreen Podcasts & Sarah Ferris Media
  • 4.5 (87)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

  1. 2d ago • Subscribers Only

    S6E13 SANDY HOOK TO BONDI: HOW MASS-SHOOTING TRAINING CHANGED POLICING — PART ONE

    What happens when three experienced investigators from opposite sides of the world sit down to examine how police respond to an active shooter? In this special crossover between Stop the Killing and Watching Two Detectives, former FBI Special Agent Katherine Schweit joins retired New South Wales detectives Peter Hogan and Scott Rogan for an expert examination of the lessons that have reshaped mass-shooting prevention, preparation and police response. Katherine was working on national security and counterterrorism cases when the murder of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School changed the direction of her career. Following the shooting, she was appointed to the White House team tasked with developing a coordinated national response to mass shootings and became the architect of the FBI’s Active Shooter Program. In Part One, Katherine explains how the devastating events at Sandy Hook helped accelerate a fundamental change in policing: moving away from the traditional strategy of “contain, negotiate and wait” towards the immediate deployment of officers to confront and stop an active threat. Peter and Scott reveal how those lessons travelled across the world and influenced Australian policing. They discuss the introduction of New South Wales Police’s Active Armed Offender training, the impact of the 2014 Lindt Café siege and the confronting reality of preparing ordinary frontline officers to run towards attackers armed with military-style weapons. Together, they explore: Why active-shooter incidents can be over within minutes The extraordinary risks faced by the first officers entering the scene Why an active shooter and a mass shooting are not always the same thing Why workplaces—not schools—account for many active-shooter attacks in the United States The challenges of negotiating with attackers driven by extremist or ideological motives Why warning signs must be recognised and reported before violence begins How information shared by one student helped prevent a planned school shooting Why measuring the attacks that never happened is so important Katherine also shares the remarkable story of the message that reminded her why Stop the Killing must continue: a school vice principal who credited the podcast with helping her team recognise the warning signs and prevent a planned attack. This conversation lays the groundwork for the next part of the series, when Katherine, Peter and Scott turn their attention to the December 14, 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack, examining the actions of the attackers, civilians and responding officers through their combined FBI and Australian policing experience. The attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people. This is not simply a conversation about what happened. It is a conversation about what has been learned, what has changed—and what still needs to change to stop the next attack. Listen now to Part One of this special multi-part crossover. LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE Stop the Killing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489 Watching Two Detectives on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/watching-two-detectives/id1740792484 GET EARLY ACCESS AND SUPPORT THE PODCASTS Watching Two Detectives Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtd Stop the Killing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/stopthekilling Please follow both podcasts and leave a five-star review wherever you listen. Your support helps us continue producing independent investigations, sharing the experiences of survivors and law-enforcement professionals, and creating conversations that may genuinely help save lives. Join us for Part Two, when the experts begin their examination of the Bondi Beach attack. This episode contains discussions of mass shootings, terrorism, child victims and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

    32 min

  2. May 25 ·  Bonus

    S6B8 When a Six-Year-Old Shoots: The Richneck Case and the Question of Accountability

    In this Stop the Killing update, Katherine Schweit revisits the Richneck Elementary School shooting in Newport News, Virginia — the case where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, in January 2023. This episode focuses on the latest legal development: the dismissal of criminal charges against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, who had been accused of felony child abuse and endangerment after warnings were allegedly raised before the shooting. Katherine explains what happened in court, why the judge dismissed the charges, and why this case continues to raise difficult questions about school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to firearms, school accountability, and legal responsibility. When a six-year-old cannot be held criminally responsible, who can be? The parent? The school? The administrator? The system? For more detail on the original incident, listen to our earlier episode:Richneck Elementary School – Stop the Killinghttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richneck-elementary-school/id1585146489?i=1000610558667 You can also listen to our follow-up episode on the case here:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489?i=1000621142440 In this episode:Katherine discusses the Richneck Elementary shooting, the criminal case against Ebony Parker, the role of school warnings, the mother’s conviction for child neglect, and the broader accountability crisis surrounding children, firearms, and school safety. Keywords: Richneck Elementary School shooting, Newport News school shooting, Abigail Zwerner, six-year-old shooter, Ebony Parker, school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to guns, school accountability, Stop the Killing podcast, Katherine Schweit. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”  RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min

  3. May 25

    INTRODUCING THE JORDAN HARBINGER SHOW

    INTRODUCING THE JORDAN HARBINGER SHOW Katherine and Sarah recommend the Jordan Harbinger Show. In particular, the Molly Boom episode is a must listen for Stop The Killing listeners. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

    3 min

  4. May 21 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    S6B8 When a Six-Year-Old Shoots: The Richneck Case and the Question of Accountability

    In this Stop the Killing update, Katherine Schweit revisits the Richneck Elementary School shooting in Newport News, Virginia — the case where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, in January 2023. This episode focuses on the latest legal development: the dismissal of criminal charges against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, who had been accused of felony child abuse and endangerment after warnings were allegedly raised before the shooting. Katherine explains what happened in court, why the judge dismissed the charges, and why this case continues to raise difficult questions about school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to firearms, school accountability, and legal responsibility. When a six-year-old cannot be held criminally responsible, who can be? The parent? The school? The administrator? The system? For more detail on the original incident, listen to our earlier episode: Richneck Elementary School – Stop the Killing https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richneck-elementary-school/id1585146489?i=1000610558667 You can also listen to our follow-up episode on the case here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489?i=1000621142440 In this episode: Katherine discusses the Richneck Elementary shooting, the criminal case against Ebony Parker, the role of school warnings, the mother’s conviction for child neglect, and the broader accountability crisis surrounding children, firearms, and school safety. Keywords: Richneck Elementary School shooting, Newport News school shooting, Abigail Zwerner, six-year-old shooter, Ebony Parker, school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to guns, school accountability, Stop the Killing podcast, Katherine Schweit. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY

    8 min

  5. May 21

    S6E12 From Survival to Action: Whitney Austin on Recovery & Preventing Gun Violence — Part 2

    In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Katherine Schweit continues her discussion with Whitney Austin — survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. In Part One, Whitney shared the moment she was shot 12 times in less than a minute while walking into her workplace. In this episode, we pick up where that story left off. Whitney takes us through the long road to recovery — multiple surgeries, months of physical and mental rehabilitation, and the determination it took to rebuild her life. But survival was only the beginning. Whitney shares how that experience became the catalyst for action — leading her to create Whitney Strong, an organisation focused on finding common ground to reduce gun violence through practical, data-driven solutions. This episode explores: The physical and mental recovery after surviving a mass shooting Turning trauma into purpose The creation and mission of Whitney Strong Community-based solutions to prevent gun violence The reality of pushing for change — and why persistence matters From hands-on safety training to advocating for targeted legislation, Whitney explains how small, practical actions can come together to save lives. This is a conversation about what comes after survival — and how one person can turn tragedy into impact. Learn more about Whitney’s work:Whitney Strong WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con  Watching Two Detectives  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min

  6. May 14

    S6E11 Surviving a Mass Shooting: Whitney Austin’s Story of Strength — Part 1

    In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Katherine Schweit speaks with Whitney Austin, survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. Whitney shares the ordinary morning that became life-changing: driving from Kentucky to Cincinnati for work, walking into her office building while on a conference call, and suddenly finding herself caught in an active shooter situation. Shot 12 times, Whitney recalls the terrifying moments inside the revolving door, the clarity that helped her survive, the first responders who reached her, and the phone call to her husband that no family should ever receive. This episode explores survival, situational awareness, trauma, and the ripple effects of violence — not only on those physically injured, but on families, workplaces, first responders, and entire communities. In Part Two, Katherine and Whitney discuss recovery, Whitney Strong, and how Whitney turned unimaginable trauma into action. Learn more about Whitney’s work:Whitney Strong In this episode: Whitney Austin’s experience during the 2018 Cincinnati shooting Why situational awareness matters The role of first responders in active shooter events The impact of gun violence beyond the immediate victims What it means to survive — and begin again Part Two is out next week. For early access, ad-free episodes, and to support the work we do, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit:patreon.com/stopthekilling WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con  Watching Two Detectives  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  7. May 12 • Subscribers Only

    S6E12 From Survival to Action: Whitney Austin on Recovery & Preventing Gun Violence — Part 2

    In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Katherine Schweit continues her discussion with Whitney Austin — survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. In Part One, Whitney shared the moment she was shot 12 times in less than a minute while walking into her workplace. In this episode, we pick up where that story left off. Whitney takes us through the long road to recovery — multiple surgeries, months of physical and mental rehabilitation, and the determination it took to rebuild her life. But survival was only the beginning. Whitney shares how that experience became the catalyst for action — leading her to create Whitney Strong, an organisation focused on finding common ground to reduce gun violence through practical, data-driven solutions. This episode explores: The physical and mental recovery after surviving a mass shooting Turning trauma into purpose The creation and mission of Whitney Strong Community-based solutions to prevent gun violence The reality of pushing for change — and why persistence matters From hands-on safety training to advocating for targeted legislation, Whitney explains how small, practical actions can come together to save lives. This is a conversation about what comes after survival — and how one person can turn tragedy into impact. Learn more about Whitney’s work:⁠Whitney Strong⁠ WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE ⁠@sarahferrismedia⁠  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON ⁠APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE⁠ OR SUPPORT US:⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon.com/stopthekilling⁠  Message us on instagram :⁠ ⁠ ⁠@conmunitypodcast⁠ ⁠@stopthekillingstories⁠ And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: ⁠www.katherineschweit.com⁠ RESOURCES ⁠Stop the Bleed training⁠ ⁠FBI ⁠ ⁠RUN, HIDE, FIGHT⁠ This is a ⁠CONmunity Podcast Production⁠ on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: ⁠CONNING THE CON⁠ ⁠KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON⁠ ⁠GUILTY GREENIE⁠ ⁠THE BRAVERY ACADEMY⁠ ⁠Klooghless: The Long Con⁠  ⁠Watching Two Detectives⁠

    27 min

  8. May 12 • Subscribers Only

    S6E11 Surviving a Mass Shooting: Whitney Austin’s Story of Strength — Part 1

    In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Katherine Schweit speaks with Whitney Austin, survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. Whitney shares the ordinary morning that became life-changing: driving from Kentucky to Cincinnati for work, walking into her office building while on a conference call, and suddenly finding herself caught in an active shooter situation. Shot 12 times, Whitney recalls the terrifying moments inside the revolving door, the clarity that helped her survive, the first responders who reached her, and the phone call to her husband that no family should ever receive. This episode explores survival, situational awareness, trauma, and the ripple effects of violence — not only on those physically injured, but on families, workplaces, first responders, and entire communities. In Part Two, Katherine and Whitney discuss recovery, Whitney Strong, and how Whitney turned unimaginable trauma into action. Learn more about Whitney’s work:⁠Whitney Strong⁠ In this episode: Whitney Austin’s experience during the 2018 Cincinnati shooting Why situational awareness matters The role of first responders in active shooter events The impact of gun violence beyond the immediate victims What it means to survive — and begin again Part Two is out next week. For early access, ad-free episodes, and to support the work we do, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit:patreon.com/stopthekilling WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE ⁠@sarahferrismedia⁠  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON ⁠APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE⁠ OR SUPPORT US:⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon.com/stopthekilling⁠  Message us on instagram :⁠ ⁠ ⁠@conmunitypodcast⁠ ⁠@stopthekillingstories⁠ And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: ⁠www.katherineschweit.com⁠ RESOURCES ⁠Stop the Bleed training⁠ ⁠FBI ⁠ ⁠RUN, HIDE, FIGHT⁠ This is a ⁠CONmunity Podcast Production⁠ on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: ⁠CONNING THE CON⁠ ⁠KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON⁠ ⁠GUILTY GREENIE⁠ ⁠THE BRAVERY ACADEMY⁠ ⁠Klooghless: The Long Con⁠  ⁠Watching Two Detectives⁠

    28 min
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4.5
out of 5
87 Ratings

About

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Evergreen Podcasts & Sarah Ferris Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    325
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 509981
  • Provider
    Sarah Marie Ferris

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