The Silver Linings Handbook

Jayson Blair
  • 4.6 (126)
  • True Crime
  • Weekly

Life has many layers. Whether it's true crime, the media spotlight, mental health, religion or any other part of a person’s journey, there are so many deeper truths underneath the surface. To truly understand them, you need to peel back those layers to find the depth, beauty, joy, suffering and struggles that become the silver linings. Join Jayson Blair each week for interesting conversations with interesting people from all walks of life. Artwork by Hannah Hill. https://www.instagram.com/serious_moonlite/?hl=en Production by Alyssa Miller. https://www.instagram.com/alyssarenee.co/?hl=en

  1. 2d ago

    Best of: Exploring the Unexplained with Brett Talley, Part 2 of 2

    Each October, one of my favorite things to do is sit down with author Brett Talley to explore the unexplained. In our best of series on this Halloween, I am sharing the first two episodes in our annual tradition. Links to the other episodes are below. For the first episodes I had not yet met Hannah Hill, but her amazing artwork on the later episodes is worth a link all on it's own. Happy Halloween! Today, Part 2 of our conversation with Author Brett Talley of the Prosecutors Podcast, we discuss our fascination with mysteries and conspiracies, why it would suck if the world was dull and how horror helps us process the real terror out there. We discuss some of our favorite real-life mysteries, like the Dyatlov Pass incident, the Khaber Daban incident, what happened to the Mary Celeste ship and others. We also discuss how the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit uses statistics to solve crimes and, how, if all true crime was about probabilities, life would be a little less interesting. We also make a plug for the podcast of our friend, former FBI Criminal Profiler Julia Cowley, The Consult, which launches with new episodes tomorrow. Here’s a link to the Prosecutors Podcast and Brett’s author page on Amazon.com. 2023: Exploring the Unexplained 41. Exploring the Unexplained: Looking at the World Through the Lens of Horror and the Paranormal with Author Brett Talley (Part 1 of 2) - Silver Linings Handbook 2024: Why We Love Mysteries 93. Why We Love Mysteries with Brett Talley, Part 1 of 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 94. Why We Love Mysteries, Part 2 of 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 2025: The Monsters We Create 173. The Monsters We Create with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook 174. The Monsters We Create with Brett Talley, Part 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 2026: The Architecture of Dread 220. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook 221. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com Jayson’s Substack newsletter, The Center Holds, can be found at: The Center Holds | Jayson Blair | Substack The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Best of: Exploring the Unexplained with Brett Talley, Part 2 of 2

  2. 2d ago

    Best of: Exploring the Unexplained with Brett Talley, Part 1 of 2

    Each October, one of my favorite things to do is sit down with author Brett Talley to explore the unexplained. In our best of series on this Halloween, I am sharing the first two episodes in our annual tradition. Links to the other episodes are below. For the first episodes I had not yet met Hannah Hill, but her amazing artwork on the later episodes is worth a link all on it's own. Today, in the first of two episodes with Author Brett Talley, the co-host of the Prosecutors Podcast, we discuss the importance of interconnectivity and communities, and how fiction, horror, the paranormal, science fiction, urban legends and forklore helps entertain us and manage and understand reality. 2023: Exploring the Unexplained 42. Exploring the Unexplained: Looking at the World Through the Lens of Horror the Paranormal with Author Brett Talley (Part 2 of 2) - Silver Linings Handbook 2024: Why We Love Mysteries 93. Why We Love Mysteries with Brett Talley, Part 1 of 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 94. Why We Love Mysteries, Part 2 of 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 2025: The Monsters We Create 173. The Monsters We Create with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook 174. The Monsters We Create with Brett Talley, Part 2 - Silver Linings Handbook 2026: The Architecture of Dread 220. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook 221. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1 - Silver Linings Handbook Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com Jayson’s Substack newsletter, The Center Holds, can be found at: The Center Holds | Jayson Blair | Substack The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Best of: Exploring the Unexplained with Brett Talley, Part 1 of 2

  3. 5d ago

    Best of: Bonus on The University of Idaho Murders, True Crime and Kindness with Julia Cowley

    Julia Cowley, a retired FBI profiler and the host of The Consult podcast, and I set out to discuss the University of Idaho murders and the killer of four college students, Bryan Kohberger. But something strange happened when we began discussing the survivors who were in the house. It was during a week when a beloved podcaster, friend, and researcher for this podcast died. In this emotionally charged bonus, we explore grief, trauma, and the importance of kindness within the true crime community and in life. Our conversation touches on how loss, children and age have changed the way we view true crime stories. NOTE: In July 2025, those roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, broke their silence at Kohberger’s sentencing in the murders of 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, and 21-year-olds Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen. Use the links above to hear from them in their own words. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Best of: Bonus on The University of Idaho Murders, True Crime and Kindness with Julia Cowley

  4. 5d ago

    Best of: The Real-Life Nightmare of Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho Four with Julia Cowley, Part 2

    In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, someone entered a house just off the University of Idaho campus in a brazen home invasion that left four University of Idaho students — Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves — dead. Julia Cowley, a retired FBI profiler and host of The Consult podcast, joins me to continue on conversation about what we can learn from the behavior of the real-life nightmare that is the suspect, Bryan Kohberger. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Best of: The Real-Life Nightmare of Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho Four with Julia Cowley, Part 2

  5. 5d ago

    Best of: The Real-Life Nightmares of Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho Four with Julia Cowley, Part 1

    In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, some entered a house just off the University of Idaho campus and stabbed four students to death. Months later, a suspect was identified. This year, he pled guilty to the charges without giving any hint why he committed the crimes or what made the victims desirable targets. Julia Cowley, a retired FBI profiler and host of The Consult podcast, joins me to discuss what we can learn from the behavior of the real-life nightmare that is the suspect, Bryan Kohberger. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Best of: The Real-Life Nightmares of Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho Four with Julia Cowley, Part 1

  6. Oct 20

    221. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 2

    In Part 2, Brett Talley, the horror writer and co-host of The Prosecutors podcast, push deeper into how fear becomes architecture — not just in myths and folklore, but in the way communities respond to real‑world uncertainty. We explore how conspiracy theories, moral panics, and cultural narratives emerge when information is scarce and anxiety is high, from modern “Twitter panic” to ancient explanations for natural disasters. Brett connects these patterns to horror’s enduring power: stories give shape to danger, even when the underlying threat is chaotic or unknowable. Together, we trace how humans continually rebuild meaning in the face of randomness, using narrative as both shield and compass. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com Jayson's Substack newsletter, The Center Holds, can be found at: The Center Holds | Jayson Blair | Substack The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    221. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 2

  7. Oct 13

    220. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1

    Brett Talley, the horror author and host of The Prosecutors podcast, explores how ancient concepts like guest rights and modern legends like Cropsey reveal a universal human impulse: turning danger and uncertainty into stories we can understand and navigate. We connect this to broader patterns — from Greek mythology to conspiracy theories — showing how narratives help people regulate fear, impose order on chaos, and build community. The conversation moves through real cases, folklore, and Lovecraft’s cosmic nihilism to illustrate how horror functions as moral technology and psychological survival strategy. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com Jayson's Substack newsletter, The Center Holds, can be found at: The Center Holds | Jayson Blair | Substack The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    220. The Architecture of Dread with Brett Talley, Part 1

  8. Oct 6

    219. The Shadow Architect with Christian Kenny

    Christian Kenny's story unfolds as a blend of curiosity, compulsion and a lifelong drive to understand the unseen architecture of human behavior. From childhood, he describes himself as an "oddball," someone who asked existential questions early and pursued answers with obsessive, research-driven intensity. He describes there being a "whole courtroom in there" in his mind, constantly debating himself, challenging assumptions and pushing ideas to their limits. This led to, among other things, a deep analytical interest in the occult. Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.com Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at: https://silverliningshandbook.com/ Check out our Patreon to support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbook Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623 Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store Visit The True Crime Times Substack at: https://truecrimemessenger.substack.com Jayson's Substack newsletter, The Center Holds, can be found at: The Center Holds | Jayson Blair | Substack The Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music. See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    219. The Shadow Architect with Christian Kenny
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4.6
out of 5
126 Ratings

About

Life has many layers. Whether it's true crime, the media spotlight, mental health, religion or any other part of a person’s journey, there are so many deeper truths underneath the surface. To truly understand them, you need to peel back those layers to find the depth, beauty, joy, suffering and struggles that become the silver linings. Join Jayson Blair each week for interesting conversations with interesting people from all walks of life. Artwork by Hannah Hill. https://www.instagram.com/serious_moonlite/?hl=en Production by Alyssa Miller. https://www.instagram.com/alyssarenee.co/?hl=en

Information

  • Creator
    Jayson Blair
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    272
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BlueSky Studios LLC
  • Show Website
    The Silver Linings Handbook

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