The Secret Passage Podcast| True Crime & Psychology

Dana Vespoli and GenXJacky

A GenX therapist and a conflicted pornographer, who has recently been called to Christianity, join forces, providing unique perspectives on subjects ranging from true crime, social issues, horror, and Hollywood.

  1. 3d ago

    21 Children, One Mansion: The Dark Side of Surrogacy

    Behind the gates of a sprawling California mansion, 21 children were living in circumstances that would eventually spark a disturbing child abuse investigation. In this episode of The Secret Passage, Dana Vespoli and GenX Jacky examine the shocking case of Guojun and Sylvia Zhang, a wealthy couple accused of involvement in an alleged child abuse scandal involving children born largely through surrogacy. As surrogates began connecting online, they discovered something unsettling: they had been led to believe they were helping a family have a child, only to learn that numerous other women had been recruited for the same purpose. Why would someone want so many children? How did repeated reports to child protective services fail to prevent the alleged abuse? And what happens when an industry built around helping people create families becomes entangled with extraordinary wealth, secrecy, and questionable oversight? Dana and Jacky explore the psychology of control, the responsibilities of intended parents, the ethical complexities of commercial surrogacy, and the uncomfortable question of whether wealth influences how authorities recognize child abuse. It's a disturbing case that raises questions about reproductive freedom, parental responsibility, and who ultimately protects the most vulnerable. The Secret Passage — where true crime meets psychology, and no uncomfortable question is off-limits. The criminal case remains ongoing, and the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Like This Interview with Robert Greene: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Robert Greene: The Surprising Reason You Feel Unhappy Even When Life Is “Good” from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power and The Law of the Sublime, Robert Greene, joins Jay to explore why so many of us feel unfulfilled, even when we're achieving everything we thought we wanted. He opens up about the life-threatening stroke that changed his perspective and inspired his new book, and shares how reconnecting with our childhood interests can help us discover our true purpose. Robert also explains why boredom, struggle, and confronting our mortality can lead to a more meaningful life, how to turn envy into gratitude, and practical ways to navigate workplace politics, complicated relationships, and the feeling that life has become stagnant. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What I Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Why We Feel Disconnected and Unfulfilled 06:27 Pursuing The Right Goals 11:32 Near-Death Experience And Writing The Sublime 13:13 Uncovering Your Authentic Self 19:51 The Looking-Glass Self 22:20 Overcoming Boredom Through Slow Disciplines 27:38 What is The Difference Between Happiness And Fulfillment? 32:15 Resisting Modern Culture And Embracing Difficulty 36:08 Building Confidence Through Small Steps 41:03 The Anxiety of Feeling Behind in Life 48:00 Connection To Others vs. Chasing Wealth 51:17 Turning Envy Into Gratitude 55:12 Real Fulfillment Beyond Financial Success 58:32 Money As Oxygen, Not Fulfillment 01:00:13 Workplace Politics And Power Dynamics 01:02:46 Why We’re Drawn to People Who Send Mixed Signals 01:04:53 Breaking Out of Repetitive Life Patterns 01:07:23 Confronting Mortality To Feel Alive 01:14:45 Transcendence, Evolution, And Spirituality 01:19:37 The Anti-Sublime Vs. the False Sublime 01:25:02 Robert On Final Five Episode Resources: Pre-order The Law of the Sublime https://sites.prh.com/lawofthesublime Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/robertgreeneofficial YouTube | https://youtube.com/@robertgreeneofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Like This Interview with Robert Greene: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Oct 26

    The Cornell Seven: Consent, Controversy & the Dark Side of Hookup Culture

    What happens when a night of consensual sexual exploration turns into allegations of sexual assault, public humiliation, and a legal battle? And how do we determine what really happened when alcohol, ketamine, conflicting accounts, and social media are all involved? In this episode of The Secret Passage, Dana Vespoli and GenXJacky examine the controversial Cornell Seven case, involving a Cornell University student who alleges she was sexually assaulted following a fraternity party in October 2024. As the allegations sparked widespread debate, questions emerged about intoxication, the ability to consent, the role of bystanders, and the difference between criminal liability and university disciplinary action. But this conversation goes beyond the case itself. Dana and Jacky explore whether modern hookup culture has blurred the lines between sexual freedom and sexual pressure. Has pornography influenced what young adults consider normal? Are we confusing sexual experimentation with empowerment? And can someone technically agree to an experience while feeling emotionally pressured, uncomfortable, or unable to speak up? We also discuss the dangers of social media judgment, the psychological impact of sexual humiliation, and how to talk about personal safety without blaming victims. At the heart of this episode is one difficult question: Just because someone says yes, does that always tell us the whole story? The allegations remain contested, and we distinguish what has been reported from what has been legally established. Join Dana and GenXJacky for a provocative conversation about consent, accountability, vulnerability, and the changing sexual culture. Join the conversation: Instagram: https://instagram.com/SecretPassagePodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretpassagepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretpassagepodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SecretPassagePodcast Email: SecretPassagePodcast@gmail.com Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. Further Research & Resources: Cornell University — Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education: https://share.cornell.edu/ RAINN — Sexual Assault Support and Education: https://rainn.org/ New York State — Enough is Enough Campus Sexual Assault Prevention: https://www.ny.gov/programs/enough-enough-combating-sexual-assault-college-campuses National Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org/ Cornell Seven, Cornell University, Cornell fraternity scandal, Chi Phi fraternity, Sexual consent, Campus sexual assault, Hookup culture, Sexual assault allegations, Alcohol and consent, Ketamine and consent, Sexual psychology, Sexual revolution, Pornography and society, College party culture, The Secret Passage Podcast, Cornell7, Cornell Jane Doe

  4. Oct 19

    West Memphis Three, Part 3: Free, But Never Exonerated

    After nearly two decades behind bars, the West Memphis Three walked free. But freedom came with a catch: their convictions remained intact, and the murders of three eight-year-old boys remained unresolved. In the final installment of our West Memphis Three series, Dana Vespoli and GenXJacky explore the extraordinary aftermath of one of America's most controversial murder cases. We examine how HBO's Paradise Lost documentaries sparked a movement, bringing celebrity advocates, legal resources, and renewed scrutiny to a case many believed was already closed. We break down the controversial 2011 Alford pleas, the ongoing fight for DNA testing, and the troubling reality of being released from prison without being legally exonerated. We also explore alternative theories, the lasting psychological effects of incarceration, and the role that poverty, public pressure, and media attention play in determining who receives justice. And at the center of it all are three boys—Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch—whose killer or killers have never been definitively identified. What does freedom really mean when the world still considers you guilty? And what happens when justice never comes for the victims? Join us for the conclusion of the West Memphis Three on The Secret Passage. Join the conversation: Instagram: https://instagram.com/SecretPassagePodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretpassagepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretpassagepodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SecretPassagePodcast Email: SecretPassagePodcast@gmail.com Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with.

  5. Oct 12

    The West Memphis Three, Part 2: When Fear Becomes Evidence

    Three murdered children. Three teenagers convicted. And a justice system that may have been more interested in finding someone to blame than finding the truth. In Part 2 of our West Memphis Three series, Dana Vespoli and GenXJacky revisit the trials that shocked America and ask a disturbing question: What happens when a community becomes so convinced of someone's guilt that the evidence no longer matters? We examine Jessie Misskelley's controversial confession, the testimony used against Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin, the influence of the Satanic Panic, and the extraordinary role of HBO's Paradise Lost documentaries in challenging the official narrative. From questionable expert witnesses to juror bias, we explore the psychological forces that can turn suspicion into certainty: confirmation bias, groupthink, fear, social pressure, and the human need for closure. And we wrestle with a difficult distinction: Someone can be troubled, unlikeable, or deeply flawed without being guilty of murder. This isn't just a story about three convicted teenagers. It's about what happens when fear replaces critical thinking—and the devastating consequences when the justice system gets it wrong. Understanding human behavior doesn't mean excusing it. 🎧 Listen to The Secret Passage and decide for yourself. Join the conversation: Instagram: https://instagram.com/SecretPassagePodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretpassagepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretpassagepodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SecretPassagePodcast Email: SecretPassagePodcast@gmail.com Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. #TheSecretPassage #WestMemphisThree #WM3 #TrueCrimePodcast #SatanicPanic #ParadiseLost #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimeCommunity West Memphis Three, WM3, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley, West Memphis Three Trial, Satanic Panic, Paradise Lost Documentary, False Confessions, Wrongful Convictions, Criminal Justice System, Confirmation Bias, Groupthink, Jury Bias, Police Interrogations, Coerced Confessions, Reasonable Doubt, True Crime, True Crime Podcast, True Crime Documentary, Unsolved Murders, Robin Hood Hills Murders, Arkansas Murders, 1993 Murders, Criminal Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Psychology of Crime, Trial Controversies, Justice System Failures,

  6. Oct 5

    The West Memphis Three, Part 1: Three Murders, Three Convictions, and a Case That Still Divides America

    On May 5, 1993, eight-year-old Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore disappeared in West Memphis, Arkansas. The following day, their bodies were discovered in a wooded area known as Robin Hood Hills. What followed was an investigation that would become one of the most controversial murder cases in American history. Three teenagers—Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley—were convicted. But more than three decades later, questions about the investigation, the confession, and the evidence continue to divide the public. In Part 1, Dana and Jacky revisit the murders and the cultural climate of the 1990s, when the Satanic Panic, poverty, and fear of anyone considered different helped shape public perceptions. They examine Damien's troubled background, the psychological vulnerabilities surrounding Jessie's confession, and the role of documentaries and celebrity advocacy in shaping the story we've come to believe. The questions we're asking: Did investigators follow the evidence, or did they become convinced of a theory and look for evidence to support it? Why would someone confess to a crime they didn't commit—and how can we distinguish a reliable confession from a false one? Does poverty influence who becomes a suspect and who can afford an effective defense? Are documentaries revealing the truth, or are they simply telling us a more compelling version of the story? This is a case about far more than three convictions. It's about the psychology of fear, the consequences of assumptions, and the danger of confusing someone's character with evidence of their guilt. Understanding human behavior doesn't mean excusing it. Join us for Part 1 of The West Memphis Three on The Secret Passage. The conversation doesn't end here. Instagram: https://instagram.com/SecretPassagePodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretpassagepodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SecretPassagePodcast Email: SecretPassagePodcast@gmail.com Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. Additional Reading & Viewing The West Memphis Three — Part One For listeners who want to explore the case further, we've gathered several resources that examine the investigation, the evidence, the people involved and the different perspectives surrounding the West Memphis Three. 1. The Callahan Archive — Original Case Documents http://callahan.8k.com/ An extensive collection of original case materials, including police interviews, witness statements, trial transcripts and court documents. A valuable resource for anyone who wants to examine the evidence firsthand. 2. Famous Trials — The West Memphis Three https://www.famous-trials.com/westmemphis A comprehensive overview of the case, featuring a timeline, maps, selected transcripts, details about Jessie Misskelley's confession and important court decisions. 3. Innocence Project — What You Should Know About the West Memphis Three https://innocenceproject.org/news/who-are-west-memphis-three-damien-echols/ An examination of the case from the perspective of innocence advocacy, including concerns about the confession, DNA evidence and the legal implications of the Alford pleas. 4. Crooked Tree: A West Memphis 3 Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crooked-tree-a-west-memphis-3-podcast/id1896042612 A detailed, victim-focused examination of the case that explores the lives of Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore, their families and the West Memphis community. 5. Paradise Lost — HBO Documentary Series https://www.hbo.com/documentaries The documentary series that brought international attention to the case and helped shape public perceptions of the West Memphis Three. Particularly relevant to our discussion about the power of documentaries to influence what audiences believe. A note to our listeners: These resources present different perspectives, and some contain graphic descriptions of violence against children. We encourage you to examine the evidence, question the narratives and remember Stevie, Christopher and Michael—the three boys at the heart of this case.   West Memphis Three, West Memphis Three Part 1, The Secret Passage Podcast, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley, Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, West Memphis Arkansas, Robin Hood Hills murders, 1993 murders, Satanic Panic, Jessie Misskelley confession, false confessions, police interrogation, wrongful convictions, criminal psychology, forensic psychology, investigative failures, tunnel vision, confirmation bias, poverty and justice, criminal justice system, Paradise Lost documentary, West of Memphis documentary, celebrity advocacy, Johnny Depp, Eddie Vedder, Peter Jackson, true crime, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, murder investigation, Alford plea, justice for the victims

  7. Sep 28

    The Murder of Robert Wone: Three Men, One House and a 20-Year Mystery

    Three men were inside the house. Their guest was stabbed to death. And nearly 20 years later, his murder remains unsolved. On August 2, 2006, 32-year-old attorney Robert Wone stayed overnight at the Washington, D.C., home of his longtime friend Joseph Price. Also living in the house were Victor Zaborsky and Dylan Ward. Within approximately 90 minutes of Robert's arrival, a 911 call reported that he had been stabbed. The three housemates maintained that an unknown intruder had entered their home. Investigators questioned that account, pointing to the unusual crime scene, the apparent lack of defensive wounds and other forensic findings. All three men were eventually charged with offenses related to an alleged cover-up. All three were acquitted. No one has been convicted of Robert Wone's murder. But the mystery doesn't end with the evidence. Dana and Jacky explore the investigation, the competing theories and the psychological questions surrounding a case that has fascinated true-crime audiences for two decades. Could loyalty become stronger than someone's commitment to the truth? What happens when an entire relationship becomes organized around a secret? And how much weight should we give suspicious behavior when the evidence cannot establish what actually happened? We also examine the role of sexuality, assumptions about consensual BDSM, potential investigative bias and the important distinction between suspicion and proof. THE QUESTION: If someone you loved were involved in something terrible, what would it take for you to tell the truth? Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. ADDITIONAL READING & RESOURCES Want to investigate the Robert Wone case further? We've gathered additional reporting, courtroom coverage and documentary resources for anyone who wants to explore the evidence and competing theories. Want to explore the Robert Wone case further? Here are some articles, investigative resources and documentaries that examine the evidence, trial and unanswered questions. THE CASE & INVESTIGATION Robert Wone: Life, Death, and Love — Washingtonian https://washingtonian.com/2010/04/20/robert-wone-life-death-and-love/ Who Murdered Robert Wone? — Investigative Blog https://whomurderedrobertwone.com/ THE TRIAL & VERDICT Three Men Acquitted in the Robert Wone Case — The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/06/30/3-men-acquitted-of-wone-charges/da12d2e4-3bde-4554-b561-a11feaf36fe9/ Good Fences, Bad Neighbors — Washingtonian https://washingtonian.com/2010/06/04/good-fences-bad-neighbors/ ROBERT'S FAMILY & THE AFTERMATH Robert Wone's Family Settles Civil Lawsuit — The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/wone-family-settles-20-million-lawsuit-against-three-former-dc-roommates/2011/08/02/gIQAsDDvsI_story.html Twenty Years Later: New Dispute Emerges — The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/08/30/20-years-later-new-dispute-emerges-over-notorious-dupont-circle-killing/ DOCUMENTARY Who Killed Robert Wone? — Peacock Documentary https://washingtonian.com/2023/03/13/robert-wone-documentary-peacock/   Robert Wone, Robert Wone murder, Who Killed Robert Wone, 1509 Swann Street, Washington DC murder, unsolved murder, true crime, true crime podcast, criminal psychology, forensic psychology, murder mystery, Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, Dylan Ward, The Secret Passage,

  8. Sep 21

    Christa Pike: She Killed at 18. Now Tennessee Will Execute Her at 50

    Christa Pike was 18 when she participated in the brutal murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. She was 20 when she was sentenced to death. Now, at 50, Christa Pike is scheduled to be executed on September 30, 2026. The murder of Colleen Slemmer was extraordinarily cruel. She was lured into the woods, tortured and killed by a group that included Pike and her boyfriend. Pike later bragged about the killing and kept a piece of Slemmer's skull. But this episode of The Secret Passage asks a harder question: What happened to Christa Pike before she became capable of doing something so horrific? Dana and Jacky examine Pike's childhood of severe abuse, neglect, sexual violence and instability—and what developmental trauma can do to attachment, emotional regulation and a child's understanding of love, violence and relationships. Jacky explains, adverse childhood experiences don't make someone a murderer, and millions of trauma survivors never become violent. However, understanding the development of violent behavior is different from excusing it. They also confront the uncomfortable disparity at the center of the case: Pike was 18 when the murder occurred; her boyfriend and co-defendant was 17. Pike received death. He received life. Thirty years later, another question emerges: If a person changes profoundly in prison, who exactly are we executing—the 18-year-old who committed the crime or the 50-year-old she became? And where does that leave Colleen Slemmer, whose opportunity to grow, change and have a future was taken from her forever? This is not an episode about excusing Christa Pike. It's about whether we can hold two uncomfortable truths at the same time: What happened to Colleen Slemmer was horrific. What happened to Christa Pike before the murder matters too. Can someone deserve both our condemnation and our empathy? Could you sentence the 18-year-old Christa Pike to death knowing everything you know about her childhood—and knowing who she would become 30 years later? Send this episode to someone you want to debate it with. Instagram: The Secret Passage Podcast on Instagram TikTok: The Secret Passage Podcast on TikTok YouTube: The Secret Passage Podcast on YouTube JOIN US ON PATREON The conversation doesn't end here... Join The Secret Passage Patreon community for: ✔️ Early access ✔️ Bonus episodes ✔️ Behind-the-scenes content Join The Secret Passage on Patreon FURTHER READING & RESOURCES Tennessee Department of Correction — Christa Pike Execution Information Official information regarding Pike's scheduled September 30, 2026 execution. Tennessee Department of Correction: Christa Pike Execution Advisory Tennessee Supreme Court — State v. Christa Gail Pike The court record detailing the murder of Colleen Slemmer, Pike's conviction, aggravating and mitigating evidence, and the court's review of her death sentence. Read the Tennessee Supreme Court case materials Christa Pike's Clemency Petition & Current Clemency Case Pike's attorneys are asking Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to commute her death sentence to life without parole. The petition focuses heavily on her age at the time of the crime, extensive childhood trauma, mental-health history and development during incarceration. Death Penalty Information Center: Christa Pike's Clemency Request Adolescent Brain Development & Capital Punishment For listeners interested in our discussion about whether the legal line at 18 reflects what neuroscience tells us about development, this academic review specifically examines capital punishment for people who committed crimes at ages 18–20. Neuroscience and Death as a Penalty for Late Adolescents Tennessee Death Row Facts Current information from Tennessee regarding its death-row population. Pike is currently Tennessee's only female death-row prisoner. Tennessee Death Row Facts Christa Pike, Christa Gail Pike, Colleen Slemmer, Christa Pike execution, Christa Pike death row, Christa Pike case, Christa Pike clemency, Tennessee death row, Tennessee death penalty, September 30 execution, capital punishment, death penalty, women on death row, female death row inmates, juvenile brain development, adolescent brain development, developmental trauma, childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, ACEs, trauma psychology, criminal psychology, forensic psychology, rehabilitation, punishment and rehabilitation, clemency, life without parole, Job Corps murder, Knoxville Tennessee murder, Tadaryl Shipp, Shadolla Peterson, true crime, true crime podcast, true crime psychology, psychology podcast, The Secret Passage, The Secret Passage Podcast,

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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

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A GenX therapist and a conflicted pornographer, who has recently been called to Christianity, join forces, providing unique perspectives on subjects ranging from true crime, social issues, horror, and Hollywood.

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