The Jeff and Sam Show

Jeff Rogers and Sam Smith

A true crime, comedy and historical gem podcast. Just a conversation between two friends telling each other stories that we find interesting.  🔗https://linktr.ee/thejeffandsamshow

  1. Jun 4

    104 – Matthew Shepard

    Jeff tells the tragic and impactful story of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student whose murder in 1998 became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Matthew was targeted, brutally assaulted, and left for dead near Laramie because of who he was. His death shocked the nation and sparked conversations about hate crimes, discrimination, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals across America. The case ultimately helped inspire stronger hate crime legislation and remains a powerful reminder of the consequences of prejudice and intolerance. This episode explores Matthew's life, the events surrounding his murder, and the lasting legacy carried on by his family and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. If you or someone you know is an LGBTQ+ young person who needs support, consider reaching out to the The Trevor Project. Trained counselors are available 24/7 by calling 1-866-488-7386 or by visiting their website for additional support resources. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources Our Story – Matthew Shepard Foundation https://www.matthewshepard.org/our-story/ Pushing Forward the Legacy of Matthew Shepard https://open.substack.com/pub/matthewsplace1/p/pushing-forward-the-legacy-of-matthew-677 NPR – Matthew Shepard Laid To Rest, 20 Years After His Death https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660969035/matthew-shepard-laid-to-rest-20-years-after-his-death LGBTQ+ Bar Association – LGBTQ+ "Panic" Defense https://lgbtqbar.org/programs/advocacy/gay-trans-panic-defense/ YouTube – MATTHEW SHEPARD: THE DEATH THAT CHANGED AMERICA | MIDWEEK MYSTERY https://youtu.be/3m0S5xkM4fM RedHanded Podcast – Episode 202: The Haunting Murder of Matthew Shepard https://redhandedpodcast.com Homophobia in the Heartland (PDF)

    40 min
  2. May 28

    103 – Killing Fields

    Sam shares the haunting story of the Texas Killing Fields, a stretch of land between Houston and Galveston tied to decades of disappearances and murders of young women. Sam also dives into the lingering fear, failures in investigations, and the devastating human toll left behind by these crimes. This is a story about victims too often forgotten—and the relentless pursuit of justice decades later. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources Crime + Investigation – The Murder of Krystal Jean Baker https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/articles/murder-krystal-jean-baker Galveston Daily News – Smith Guilty in Murder of Krystal Jean Baker https://www.galvnews.com/news/smith-guilty-in-murder-of-krystal-jean-baker/article_5275f6ce-7305-56d1-9191-ccc83cd42de3.html Rosewood, Jack. The True Crime Books Collection FBI – Seeking Information in Unsolved Killing Fields Murders https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/seeking-information-in-unsolved-killing-fields-murders-091819 The Guardian – Laura Miller and the Texas Killing Fields https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/may/12/laura-miller-texas-killing-fields FOX 26 Houston – Texas Killing Fields Suspect Facing New Charges https://www.fox26houston.com/news/texas-killing-fields-suspect-facing-new-charges Criminology Podcast – The Texas Killing Fields Part 1 ABC13 – Laura Smither’s Disappearance https://abc13.com/post/23-years-ago-today-laura-smithers-disappearance/1272189/ ABC13 – William Reece Court Appearance https://abc13.com/post/william-reece-guilty-plea-court-appearance-texas-serial-killer/12003895/

    1h 9m
  3. May 14

    101 – Holmes

    Sam shares the chilling story of H. H. Holmes, one of America’s earliest and most infamous serial killers. Operating during the late 1800s in Chicago, Holmes became notorious during the time of the 1893 World’s Fair. Behind his charming demeanor and successful business ventures was a dark and calculated killer whose crimes would become the stuff of legend. Holmes is most remembered for his so-called “Murder Castle,” a building allegedly designed with hidden rooms, secret passages, and deadly traps. While some details surrounding the case have become exaggerated over time, the horrifying reality of his fraud, manipulation, and murders remains deeply disturbing. This episode explores the myth, the man, and the terrifying legacy Holmes left behind in turn-of-the-century America. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources Encyclopaedia Britannica – H.H. Holmes https://www.britannica.com/biography/H-H-Holmes Library of Congress – Chronicling America: H.H. Holmes https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-h-h-holmes EBSCO Research Starter – H.H. Holmes https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/h-h-holmes Forensic Scholars Today – Academic article on H.H. Holmes https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/forensic_scholars_today/vol1/iss2/4/ Larson, Erik. The Devil in the White City Schechter, Harold. Depraved – The Definitive True Story of H.H. Holmes, Whose Grotesque Crimes Shattered Turn-of-the-Century Chicago

    1h 36m
  4. May 7

    99 – The Kent State Shootings

    Jeff covers the story of the Kent State shootings, a pivotal and tragic moment in American history that took place on May 4, 1970. During a period of intense national unrest over the Vietnam War, students at Kent State University gathered to protest the expansion of the conflict into Cambodia. What began as a demonstration escalated into chaos when members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students. In just 13 seconds, four students were killed and nine others were wounded. The event shocked the nation, ignited further protests across college campuses, and became a defining moment in the conversation around war, civil rights, and the role of government force against its own citizens. This episode explores not only what happened that day, but the lasting impact it left on American society. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources Kent State University Libraries – May 4 Memorial Collection https://www.library.kent.edu/special-collections-and-archives/may-4-memorial-kent-state-university Kent State Today – Students Guiding History https://www.kent.edu/today/news/students-guiding-history-kent-state Wikipedia – Kent State Shootings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings Kent State University – May 4 Historical Accuracy https://www.kent.edu/may-4-historical-accuracy History.com – Nixon’s Response to Kent State https://www.history.com/articles/richard-nixon-kent-state-shootings-response History.com – Kent State Shooting Overview https://www.history.com/articles/kent-state-shooting Darkest Hours: The Kent State Shootings (Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/darkest-hours-the-kent-state-shootings/id1638918169?i=1000749601765

    56 min
  5. Apr 30

    98 – Apollo 13

    Jeff tells the incredible true story of Apollo 13, the near-disastrous NASA mission that became one of the greatest survival stories in space exploration history. What was meant to be a routine lunar mission quickly turned into a life-or-death crisis when an onboard explosion crippled the spacecraft. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert were left stranded in space, relying on ingenuity, teamwork, and ground support to make it home alive. Jeff also connects the lessons learned from Apollo 13 to the future of space exploration, including Artemis II, NASA’s upcoming mission aimed at returning humans to the Moon.  Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources NASA – Apollo 13 Review Board Report (50 Years Later) https://www.nasa.gov/history/50-years-ago-apollo-13-review-board-report/ Wikipedia – Apollo 13 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_13 YouTube – Apollo 13 overview https://youtu.be/69LDSL-9--g?si=-6O0okO2ecYx9uXp Wikipedia – Katherine Johnson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Johnson Wikipedia – Fred Haise https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Haise Wikipedia – Jim Lovell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Lovell Wikipedia – Jack Swigert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Swigert Wikipedia – Ken Mattingly https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Mattingly NASA – Apollo 13 Mission Overview https://www.nasa.gov/mission/apollo-13/ Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Apollo 13 Story https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/apollo-missions/apollo-13 NASA – Katherine Johnson https://www.nasa.gov/katherine-johnson/

    1 hr
5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

A true crime, comedy and historical gem podcast. Just a conversation between two friends telling each other stories that we find interesting.  🔗https://linktr.ee/thejeffandsamshow

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