Motherhood is Murder

Valerie Kacian

Welcome to Motherhood is Murder, a podcast where we explore criminal cases and the lessons we can learn from them. I am your host, Valerie Kacian. I am a mom of three who has been on the quest to understand the criminal mind for longer than I can remember. I have noticed that behind each crime there is not only a story that can be told, but something to be learned. This podcast is designed to provide you with both. Each Tuesday, we will discuss a case, as well as steps that can be taken to build awareness surrounding the issues presented in the case.

  1. 12/12/2023

    Ep 34: Smuttynose Murders Part 2 / Antisocial Personality Disorder

    Welcome to episode 34. We dive into the aftermath of the Smuttynose murders, the trial of Louis Wagner, theories, modern interpretations, and a discussion on antisocial personality disorder. There is lots to explore here! SOURCES: https://www.seacoastnh.com/why-louis-wagner-was-smuttynose-slayer/?showall=1#:~:text=Maren%20Hontvet%20went%20berserk%3F,Wagner%20was%20the%20guilty%20man.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353928  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-03710-y#:~:text=Various%20studies%20have%20been%20shown,and%2084%25%20%5B3%5D.  Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 34: Smuttynose Murders Part 2 / Antisocial Personality Disorder

  2. 12/05/2023

    Ep 33: The Smuttynose Murders Part One

    We are back! I am excited to bring you a historical two-parter for the month of December. We take it back to 1873 on a cold evening in March on an island far away from everyone else off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Here a family of a fisherman were brutally murdered one evening. The facts of the case of dismal and shocking. Part One covers a brief history of Smuttynose Island on the Isle of Shoals, family history, and the events that took place the evening of the murders.  Sources: https://newengland.com/yankee/history/smuttynose-murders/ https://www.nhmagazine.com/moonlight-murders-on-smuttynose-island/ Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 33: The Smuttynose Murders Part One

  3. 11/24/2023

    Motherhood is Murder Returns December 5

    Hi All! After a bit of a hiatus, we are returning on Tuesday, December 5. I am excited to offer you a 2-part episode exploring The Smuttynose Murders. What happened, why are we still fascinated by this case today, and what does that say about us then and now. See you all then! Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

  4. 10/31/2023

    Ep 32: Halloween Special

    Welcome to Motherhood is Murder 1st Annual Halloween Special. This week we will break format (once again!) to explore three lesser-known stories of New England lore. I will also share a scary story from my childhood that is a lesson in be care what you wish (or ask) for. Have a happy & safe Halloween season!  Stories: Headless Skeleton of Swampton (RI)Haunted Blood Forest of Lancaster (MA)Dover Devil (MA)Will You Visit Me Tonight? (Personal story, MA)No episode next week! We'll be back Tues, Nov 14. SOURCES: https://www.strange-new-england.com/2017/09/28/headless-skeleton-swampton/ https://soundcloud.com/strange_new_england/strange-history-e1-the-headless-skeleton-of-swampton https://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/town-forest-committee/pages/history-town-forest https://www.slightlyoddfitchburg.com/2021/05/the-strange-case-of-arthur-blood-and.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dover_Demon https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/picture-gallery/news/2021/10/18/photos-dover-demon-art-and-life/8472188002/ https://www.theyankeexpress.com/2022/01/05/380479/the-dover-demon Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 32: Halloween Special

  5. 10/17/2023

    Ep 31: Spooky, Scary Hauntings with Shirley Jackson / Bonus Missing Persons Case

    Hi All! This time around I am trying out a new format with an unscripted episode. Our featured author is the every spooky Shirley Jackson whose works have scared the pants off of readers in the 1940's. We'll also cover a missing persons case that happened in the small college town in VT where Shirley lived and wrote.  SOURCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Jackson  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Jean_Welden  Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 31: Spooky, Scary Hauntings with Shirley Jackson / Bonus Missing Persons Case

  6. 10/10/2023

    Ep 30: The "King" of Horror

    This week we continue our exploration of Spooky Authors for October. This prolific author has created an array of horror pieces all of which have hit the publication charts and many of which have been adapted for movies and TV shows.  Born in Maine, Stephen King has created worlds that have entertained and truly frightening millions. This week we explore his life, history, works and process. Enjoy! SOURCES: https://stephenking.com/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King  Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 30: The "King" of Horror

  7. 10/03/2023

    Ep 29: The Genius of H. P. Lovecraft

    It is officially Spooky Season! October will have a slightly different format to usher in the spookiest month of the year. We will explore horror and spooky authors in New England throughout the month studying their background, works and influence.  This week we dive deep into the cosmic world of H. P. Lovecraft. A native of Providence, RI who struggled with mental illness, H. P. Lovecraft began what we now know to be science fiction. His work has influenced horror fiction, science fiction, graphic novels, comic books, movies, and so much more. A person who studied mythology since the age of 5, Lovecraft has become a myth in and of himself. Join me as we discuss his influence. SOURCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._Lovecraft https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_magazine  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0APF-1f5pc0  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cthulhu_Mythos  Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 29: The Genius of H. P. Lovecraft

  8. 09/26/2023

    Ep 28: Crimes at UMass Amherst / Keeping Students Safe on Campus

    After a short hiatus, I am back! This week we will discuss crimes on campus at UMass Amherst from the 1990's when I attended to today. Please note that these crimes depict cases of sexual assault. If this would be upsetting please skip this episode as there is some great content ahead! We will also discuss the UMass campus response to these crimes, ask the question "can they do more?", and discuss the systemic issues surrounding these cases. There's lots here to unpack!  SOURCES: https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/1999/11/22/assaults-on-four-women-leave/51024442007/ https://www.masslive.com/news/2022/03/five-months-after-protests-over-sexual-assault-and-greek-life-erupted-at-umass-amherst-what-has-changed.html https://www.masslive.com/police-fire/2022/03/ryder-chilcoff-former-umass-amherst-student-found-guilty-of-on-campus-2017-rape.html  https://umlconnector.com/2021/10/protests-at-theta-chi-fraternity-at-umass-amherst/#:~:text=Recent%20sexual%20assault%20allegations%20against,18.  https://www.westernmassnews.com/2022/03/29/umass-amherst-planning-implement-new-sexual-assault-prevention-protocols/  https://www.umass.edu/umassmag/archives/2001/winter2001/athens.html  Support for Motherhood is Murder is so greatly appreciated! Website: https://motherhoodismurder.weebly.com/ Patreon: http://patreon.com/motherhoodismurder Facebook: http://facebook.com/motherhoodismurder Instagram: @motherhoodismurderpod Email: motherhoodismurderpodcast@gmail.com

    Ep 28: Crimes at UMass Amherst / Keeping Students Safe on Campus
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About

Welcome to Motherhood is Murder, a podcast where we explore criminal cases and the lessons we can learn from them. I am your host, Valerie Kacian. I am a mom of three who has been on the quest to understand the criminal mind for longer than I can remember. I have noticed that behind each crime there is not only a story that can be told, but something to be learned. This podcast is designed to provide you with both. Each Tuesday, we will discuss a case, as well as steps that can be taken to build awareness surrounding the issues presented in the case.

Information

  • Creator
    Valerie Kacian
  • Years Active
    2023
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Motherhood is Murder
  • Show Website
    Motherhood is Murder