The Ballad of Dena & Andrea

Becky Poole
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

“The Ballad of Dena & Andrea” is a podcast featuring original murder ballads and conversations in reaction to the story of Andrea Yates and Dena Schlosser, two women who murdered their children in the early 2000s.  Host Becky Poole was originally drawn to this story when she learned that Dena and Andrea ended up as roommates, briefly, in a North Texas mental institution. She soon discovered that their lives had been heading in the same tragic and preventable direction for years. Poole wrote an album in the style of Appalachian murder ballads and Americana to create empathetic myths about these mothers. With this podcast, she invites artists, colleagues, and friends to have conversations in reaction to the story - covering topics like religion, mental health, women's health, misogyny, our failing justice and healthcare systems, motherhood, creating work about tragedy, and more. Each episode includes a bit of Dena and Andrea's story, an interview chat, and an original song. Not a classic true crime doc but myth-making by ballad with honest conversations. Please join us to discover what might come up for you.  

Episodes

  1. FEB 27

    Garden in Kerrville - 08 - With Educator/Facilitator/Artists Carly DW Bones & Zach Bones

    Send us a text In this final episode of the Ballad of Dena & Andrea I read a bit from the old bible and wonder about our current institutions for mental health and our sick carceral system.  I speak with two folks who've worked in various positions as educators and facilitators in restorative justice, sex education, and art programs.   I'll mention the fund that Andrea started with her lawyer to support mental health of young mothers. It is linked below as well... The song is a fictional POV from Andrea inside the Kerrville, TX mental institution.  Show Links Article: Sorrow and the Shame of the Accidental Killer  Restorative Justice Definition: https://www.vera.org/ The L.A. jail system is the largest mental health institution in the U.S. https://www.vera.org/news/for-decades-los-angeles-jailed-people-with-mental-health-needs-now-its-finally-prioritizing-treatment Homeboy Industries adrienne maree brown & a list of her books we mention Pleasure ActivismEmergent StrategyWe Will Not Cancel Us Octavia Butler: Parable of the Sower Dory Midnight The Witch Wave Podcast with Pam Grossman Nicole Brewer - Anti-Racist Theatre: “The grace to speak in draft and the responsibility to edit if it is harmful" Fumbling Toward Repair Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund I Need An Abortion National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at  https://988lifeline.org/ Domestic Abuse Hotline Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    1h 49m

  2. JAN 7

    Get A Job - Episode 07 - With Comedian & Ceramicist Eliza Skinner

    Send us a text Comedian, Showrunner, Ceramicist and very good friend Eliza Skinner and I talk about how rom coms effed us all, Bad Women, cultural fables, what do our "butts and guts want" and how she should’ve been a Unitarian Minister. The song for this episode is Get a Job. Inspired by the fact that Dena was fired from Walmart within hrs of the local news making public a picture of her at work. She was doing nothing wrong, had served her time, and was following all the rules given to her.  Links Eliza's Socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@realelizaskinner https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1982901/ Faster Pussycat Kill Kill Trailer Masterpiece Bakery  / ACLU (Colorado) Kim Davis - Kentucky Clerk who denied licenses  Web Designer Supreme Court Decision Down Came the Rain - Brooke Shields book on postpartum depression Postpartum Book Club Chat about it… A Way With Words Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net/ PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/legal-justice/ A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund https://www.postpartum.net/twenty-years-later/ I Need An Abortion https://www.ineedana.com/ National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at https://988lifeline.org/ Domestic Abuse Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Support the Podcast Links Venmo Album Hosted and created by Becky Poole Songs written and sung by Becky Poole Musical Saw by Becky Poole Song and Theme Instrumentation, Production, and Mix by Abby Posner Mastered by Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing by Evan Mosher Graphic Design by Stefan Lawrence Photo by Logan Futej Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    55 min

  3. 12/24/2024

    Murder in the Bible - Episode 06 - With actor and medical interpreter Marta Portillo

    Send us a text Female rage. I'm feeling it and that's what this week's song is about. And to balance complaint with community - the guest is my good friend Marta Portillo. An actor, teaching artist, and certified very good person. We discuss her work as an interpreter, the importance of independent health clinics and education, dramatic catholic rituals, PERIODS!, grieving what you thought life would be and what it turns out being.  Show Links MEND Clinic Homicide Leading Cause of Death for Pregnant Women Article HPV Vaccine https://www.gardasil9.com/patient-a/ British Mother & Baby Units Article SA in LA Juvenile Detention Centers Indigenous Language Interpretation Cielo.org Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net/ PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/legal-justice/ A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund https://www.postpartum.net/twenty-years-later/ I Need An Abortion https://www.ineedana.com/ Shout Your Abortion https://shoutyourabortion.com/ National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at https://988lifeline.org/ Domestic Abuse Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Support the Podcast Links Full Album on Link Venmo Link Patreon Link  Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    1h 5m

  4. 12/24/2024

    Let You Go - Episode 05 - With Performing Artist Caroline Kingsley Moffat

    Send us a text A lullaby from Andrea's perspective & interview with ever-charming performance artist-actor-comedian-goddess Caroline Kingsley Moffat! We discuss her new mother journey, community, buttcracks, and more!  The Violet Hour / Winnifred Coombe https://www.instagram.com/winnifredcoombe/ The Motherhood Center https://themotherhoodcenter.com/ Tully https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5D3O4yCmCg Pen15 https://www.hulu.com/series/8c87035d-2b10-4b10-a233-ca5b3597145d Night Bitch https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55835474-nightbitch https://youtu.be/918prRymA-U?si=dUEkbip5K2CqlDUI Build Your Nest - Workbook & site by Kestrel Gates​​https://www.buildyournestworkbook.com/ This site includes resources like postpartum navigators, etc. https://www.buildyournestworkbook.com/postpartum-navigators-directory Moonwise Podcast - Dorothee Sophie Royall https://www.moonwise.co/ Parent Artist Advocacy League https://www.paaltheatre.com/ Matthew Coleman https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2023-10-12/coleman-competency-ruling-mexico-san-diego https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvmjzq/matthew-taylor-coleman-santa-barbara-qanon Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net/ PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/legal-justice/ About the Yates Children Memorial Fund https://www.postpartum.net/twenty-years-later/ I Need An Abortion https://www.ineedana.com/ National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at https://988lifeline.org/ Domestic Abuse Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Support the Podcast Links Venmo Patreon Link Album Hosted & created by Becky Poole Songs written & sung by Becky Poole Musical Saw - Becky Poole Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production, & Mix - Abby Posner Mastered by Dave Locke Pod Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    58 min

  5. 10/08/2024

    Extra Bit - Christian Surfers

    Send us a text Tara Shoe tells me about New Jersey's Christian Surfers and we get into a bit of the Matthew Coleman story. The man (and Christian Surfer) who killed his kids b/c they had serpent's blood.  Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    9 min

  6. 10/08/2024 · BONUS

    Extra Bit - Let's Talk About HPV

    Send us a text Tara Shoe and Becky talk about HPV. Fun!  Tara Shoe https://x.com/tarashoe Scaretown USA https://www.instagram.com/scare_town_usa/ HPV & Cervical Cancer https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic-information.html https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening/abnormal-hpv-pap-test-results HPV Vaccine https://www.gardasil9.com/patient-a/ HRT Cancer link overestimated https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/magazine/menopause-hot-flashes-hormone-therapy.html Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    9 min

  7. 10/08/2024

    Gentle Letters - Episode 04 - With Abby Posner: Multi-instrumentalist, Musician, Producer

    Send us a text In the episode, I'll briefly intro the song "Gentle Letters". Based on Dena's story. Dena wrote her surviving daughters a letter once a week after her arrest. The letters piled up, and were unsent - Dena's children weren't ready for them. Some letters include drawings of children, all are filled with how much she loves and misses her daughters. Dena calls them her "gentle letters." This ep's interview is with the very producer of the music for “The Ballad of Dena & Andrea,” Abby Posner. Abby is an award winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist specializing in genre bending music that she calls, ameri-kinda. She blows minds and breaks hearts all across the US and UK. Has music on Hulu, Netflix, This American Life, The CW. She’s scored music for documentaries including the fully engaging “Lady Buds.” Try to see her when you can and in the meantime listen to her here, right now. We talk about writing through a trance state of grief, her album “Second Chances”, the healing power of music, and about working with this podcast’s material in particular.  Show and Guest Links Abby’s Website: https://www.abbyposner.com/ Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Tools for peace https://www.toolsforpeace.org/ Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund I Need An Abortion PlanCPills  National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at  Domestic Abuse Hotline Trevor Project Exvangelical Podcast Support the Podcast Links Venmo Patreon Link Album Hosted & created by Becky Poole Songs written & sung by Becky Poole Musical Saw by Becky Poole Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production, & Mix by Abby Posner Mastered by Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing by Evan Mosher Graphic Design by Stefan Lawrence Photo by Logan Futej Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    33 min

  8. 08/19/2024

    Lions & Kings - Episode 03 - With writer Tara Shoe

    Send us a text In this episode we get into a bit of the religious messaging that Dena was receiving as well as a glimpse into her home life. Song incorporates a bible verse that Dena fixated on before the killing. Guest: Writer, Tara Shoe. We talk about her experience with cervical cancer, growing up in an evangelical Christian environment, women’s health, the allure of church communities, changing minds abt motherhood, and speaking in tongues. We discuss health care, but we are NOT doctors. Please consult your doctors for any medical advice. Pod takes twists in and out of light-hearted and serious. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster action!  CW: postpartum psychosis, depression, domestic abuse, suicide, infanticide, and religious zealotry.  Pod holds an inclusive definition of womanhood.  Tara Shoe Scaretown USA HPV & Cervical Cancer HPV Vaccine HRT Cancer Link Overestimated The Exvangelicals: Sarah McCammon Shout Your Abortion PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund I Need An Abortion PlanCPills  National Suicide Hotline: Or call 998 Domestic Abuse Hotline Trevor Project Exvangelical Podcast Venmo Patreon Link Album Hosted & created by Becky Poole Songs written, sung, musical saw - Becky Poole Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production & Mix - Abby Posner Mastered - Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing - Evan Mosher Graphic Design - Stefan Lawrence Photo - Logan Futej Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    1h 12m

  9. 08/19/2024

    Modern Mother Worldly - Episode 02 - With Biz Lawrence of One Bad Mother

    Send us a text In this episode we get into a bit of the religious messaging that Andrea Yates was receiving like the pamphlet she received with a rhyme titled “Modern Mother Worldly.” I chat with my good friend and host of the parenting podcast “One Bad Mother,” Biz Ellis. We talk about her experience as a mother, women’s health (being ignored), and sing inappropriate camp songs!  Pod takes twists and turns. Be prepared for emotional rollercoaster action!  CW: We will discuss postpartum psychosis, depression, domestic abuse, suicide, infanticide, and religious zealotry.   I aim to include anyone who has identified as a woman, female, or femme at any point in their journey.  Show and Guest Links One Bad Mother One Bad Mother Book Poison Control Therapy for Black Girls Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673 Unwell Women - Elinor Cleghorn Carla Naumburg Glenn Boozan Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund I Need An Abortion PlanCPills  National Suicide Hotline: Or call 998  Domestic Abuse Hotline Trevor Project Exvangelical Podcast Support the Pod  Venmo Patreon Link Album Hosted & created - Becky Poole Songs written, sung & musical saw - Becky Poole Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production, & Mix - Abby Posner Mastered - Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing - Evan Mosher Graphic Design - Stefan Lawrence Photo - Logan Futej "Modern Mother Worldly" Produced by Drew Pearson, Becky Poole saw/vox, Thea Lux on harmonies and banjo, Victor Cohen on guitar, John Cona Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    1h 4m

  10. 08/19/2024

    The Ballad of Dena & Andrea - Episode 01 - With Muriel's Murders (Muriel Montgomery & Nick Casalini)

    Send us a text This first episode introduces the story of Dena & Andrea in an epic murder ballad. You’ll hear a bit about what a murder ballad is and why I dig them. I’ll chat with two friends, who also tell stories of murder, about the pros and cons of true crime, what it’s like to create macabre content with humor, and the importance of letting go of reductive “good/evil” narratives. Guests: Muriel Montgomery & Nick Casalini of the true crime humor podcast “Muriel’s Murders.”  This pod takes twists in and out of light-hearted and serious. Be prepared for emotional rollercoaster action!  CW: postpartum psychosis, depression, suicide, infanticide, and religious zealotry. Please take care of yourself while listening.  When I use the word women I aim to include anyone who has identified as a woman, female, or femme at any point in their journey.  Links from Show & Guests Alan Lomax recordings  Roud Index  Omie Wise  Muriel’s Murders Texas Killing Fields I-45 between Houston and Galveston Ear Hustle The New Gurus  The Good Stuff Ballad of Dena & Andrea Links Postpartum Support International PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund I Need An Abortion PlanCPills  National Suicide Hotline: You can call 998 or find help online at  Domestic Abuse Hotline Trevor Project Exvangelical Podcast Support the Pod Links Venmo Patreon Link Album Hosted & created - Becky Poole Songs written & sung - Becky Poole Musical Saw - Becky Poole Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production, & Mix - Abby Posner Mastered - Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing - Evan Mosher Graphic Design - Stefan Lawrence Photo - Logan Futej Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    52 min

  11. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    The Ballad of Dena & Andrea - Trailer

    Send us a text Trailer for "The Ballad of Dena & Andrea" A podcast featuring murder ballads and conversation in reaction to the story of two women who killed their children in the early 2000s. Hosted and created by Becky Poole Songs written and sung by Becky Poole Musical Saw by Becky Poole Song and Theme Instrumentation, Production, and Mix by Abby Posner Mastered by Dave Locke Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing by Evan Mosher Graphic Design by Stefan Lawrence Photo by Logan Futej Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.

    1 min

Trailer

About

“The Ballad of Dena & Andrea” is a podcast featuring original murder ballads and conversations in reaction to the story of Andrea Yates and Dena Schlosser, two women who murdered their children in the early 2000s.  Host Becky Poole was originally drawn to this story when she learned that Dena and Andrea ended up as roommates, briefly, in a North Texas mental institution. She soon discovered that their lives had been heading in the same tragic and preventable direction for years. Poole wrote an album in the style of Appalachian murder ballads and Americana to create empathetic myths about these mothers. With this podcast, she invites artists, colleagues, and friends to have conversations in reaction to the story - covering topics like religion, mental health, women's health, misogyny, our failing justice and healthcare systems, motherhood, creating work about tragedy, and more. Each episode includes a bit of Dena and Andrea's story, an interview chat, and an original song. Not a classic true crime doc but myth-making by ballad with honest conversations. Please join us to discover what might come up for you.  

Information

  • Creator
    Becky Poole
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Ballad of Dena & Andrea
  • Show Website
    The Ballad of Dena & Andrea