The Vibes Were Off

Kathryn Malley and Meg Irwin
  • 4.6 (11)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

Behind every headline is a human heart that kept beating. Join sisters Kathryn and Meg as we look past the yellow tape to find the stories of those who survived the unimaginable. Based in Texas, where the grit is as real as the heat, we explore the bravery of victims turned victors. This isn't just a podcast about what happened; it's about how they fought back and what it takes to heal.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 33- House of Horrors: Part 1

    At first glance, Gary Heidnik seemed like an unlikely predator—a self-proclaimed preacher who appeared to have wealth, influence, and a quiet life in Philadelphia. But behind closed doors, he was carefully searching for vulnerable women he believed no one would miss. In Part 1, Kathryn and Meg dive into the beginning of Heidnik's horrifying crimes. From the warning signs that were overlooked to the first kidnappings that would set a nightmare in motion, this episode follows how Heidnik lured women into his home and transformed his basement into a prison. As more victims disappeared, the situation became increasingly terrifying, leaving the women trapped in a fight for survival with no way of knowing if they would ever escape. This is the beginning of one of the most disturbing captivity cases in American history—and the story of the women whose courage would eventually help bring it to an end. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_M._Heidnik.   https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/weird/heidnik/.   https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/supreme-court/1991/526-pa-458-1.html.   Interview with Gary Heidnik Clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhBLYDHRCSQ (starts at 13:30)   https://www.aetv.com/articles/gary-heidnik.   Monster Preacher Documentary: Oxygen True Crime   https://www.truecrimeedition.com/post/gary-heidnik.   https://theywillkillyou.com/profile/gary-m-heidnik.   https://thecinemaholic.com/gary-heidnik-survivors/.   TV Show: The Killer Next Door – Gary Heidnik: House of Horrors  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment.   Photo Credits:   https://allthatsinteresting.com/gary-heidnik.   https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/weird/heidnik/.   https://www.truecrimeedition.com/post/gary-heidnik.   https://theywillkillyou.com/profile/gary-m-heidnik.   https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h1/heidnik-gary-photos.htm.   https://discover.hubpages.com/politics/Serial-Killer-Gary-Heidnik-Inspiration-for-Movie-Silence-of-the-Lambs.   https://medium.com/@lisariggio1994/gary-heidnik-and-the-6-women-in-the-cellar-23d87e450596.   https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gary-heidnik-attorney-house-of-horrors-buffalo-bill-true-crime-doc.  Produced by: Raymond Malley

    1h 17m

  2. Jun 9

    Episode 32- Shot in the Dark: The Survival Story of Sharon Komlos

    A single headlight appeared in Sharon Komlos's rearview mirror late one night. Assuming the driver wanted to get around her, she slowed down and pulled over. Seconds later, a bullet tore through her head.You won't believe what happened next.Bleeding and terrified, Sharon found herself trapped in a nightmare of kidnapping, assault, and unimaginable cruelty. And when a man appeared who seemed like he might be her chance at rescue, she quickly learned that not everyone who offers help has good intentions.This week we cover Sharon's incredible story of survival, the determination that kept her alive, and the escape that turned the tables on the man who thought he'd taken everything from her. References: Myotron Infomercial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMG0h4rVQ9o. TV Series: I Survived - Season 3 Episode 6 https://www.deseret.com/1990/5/1/18859623/woman-who-was-blinded-in-attack-hasn-t-lost-her-sense-of-humor/. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/04/26/victim-of-a-brutal-rape-working-to-help-others/. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/591490d0add7b0493457d1cb. Picture Credit: Young Sharon - Myotron Infomercial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMG0h4rVQ9o. Sharon’s Book Thomas Rossi - https://rain-street.org/Thomas-Rossi-7p1X12. Produced by: Raymond Malley

    36 min

  3. Jun 2

    Episode 31- Dr. Whitney Temple

    For years, Whitney Temple lived in a relationship that looked normal from the outside, but behind closed doors, she endured relentless abuse. In this episode of The Vibes Were Off, Kathryn and Meg explore Whitney's powerful survival story. We discuss how emotional, mental and physical abuse can slowly chip away at a person's confidence, the warning signs that are often overlooked, and the lasting impact of living under constant control and intimidation. Whitney's story is one of resilience, courage, and ultimately reclaiming her life. Through her own experiences, she sheds light on a form of abuse that doesn't always leave visible scars but can be just as devastating. Join us as we unpack the red flags, the turning points, and the strength it took for Whitney to break free and tell her story. If you've ever wondered how someone becomes trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship—or how they find the courage to leave—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Because sometimes the most dangerous wounds are the ones no one can see... and the vibes were off from the very beginning. Resources: https://www.amundsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/whitney-temple https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/01/30/plea-agreement-man-accused-abusing-wife-with-cancer/?outputType/ Explore with us - YouTube Channel

    50 min

  4. May 26

    Episode 30- 27 Hours Missing, the Survival Story of Teri Jendusa-Nicolai

    Imagine climbing into your car for a normal custody exchange and realizing way too late that you’ve just walked into a trap. That’s exactly what happened to Teri Jendusa-Nicolai on January 31st, 2004. After years of trying to escape her abusive ex-husband, Teri was brutally attacked, taped up, and locked inside a plastic storage bin packed with snow in the back of a pickup truck. For the next 26 hours, Teri fought to survive freezing temperatures, devastating injuries, and the terrifying reality that nobody knew where she was. Somehow, against every possible odd, she stayed alive. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most shocking survival stories we’ve ever covered — and the unbelievable strength it took for Teri to make it home. Resources: TV Series: I Survived: Season 3 Episode 1  TV Series: Three Days to Live: Season 1 Episode 1  https://abcnews.com/2020/story?id=124252&page=1.  https://wgntv.com/news/cover-story/beaten-woman-left-to-die-in-garbage-can-survives/.  https://www.womansday.com/relationships/dating-marriage/a58621/teri-jendusa-nicolai-domestic-violence-survivor/.

    52 min

  5. May 19

    Episode 29- Jan Broberg Part 2

    In Part 2, we dive deeper into the horrifying true story of Jan Broberg and the second kidnapping that shattered what little normalcy she had left. Just when the Broberg family thought the nightmare was over, Robert “B” Berchtold manipulated his way back into their lives — using lies, guilt, religion, and psychological control to pull Jan away from everyone who was trying to protect her. We talk about how the second abduction happened, the disturbing emotional hold B had over the entire family, and the impossible position Jan was put in as a young girl trying to survive something she couldn’t fully understand. Through Jan’s own book and reflections later in life, we explore how deeply the trauma followed her long after the kidnappings ended — and how grooming can completely distort reality for victims and the people around them. The episode also covers the unraveling of B’s life after the truth finally surfaced, including the collapse of his relationships, the lasting damage left behind, and his eventual death. This is the heartbreaking conclusion to one of the most unbelievable kidnapping cases we’ve ever covered — and a story that still leaves people asking how something like this could happen in plain sight. Resources: A Friend of the family - Peacock Abducted in plain sight https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Broberg https://janbrobergfoundation.org/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/jan-broberg-kidnapping-friend-of-family-peacock-b2197093.html The Hidden Third Podcast

    1 hr

  6. May 5

    Episode 28- Jan Broberg: Part 1

    Jan Broberg: Part 1 Okay, this story is one of those where you keep asking yourself, how did no one stop this?In Part 1, we’re getting into the first abduction of Jan Broberg — and it starts way more normal than you’d expect. A family friend, someone everyone trusted, someone who slowly became part of their everyday life. Nothing about it feels off at first… until it really, really is.We’re going to walk through how this even happened — how manipulation, grooming, and control can happen right in front of people without them realizing it. And honestly, the deeper you get into it, the more frustrating and unbelievable it becomes.Like… how do you take a child and convince everyone around you that it’s okay?This is just the beginning — and it only gets worse from hereResources: A Friend of the family - Peacock Abducted in plain sight https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Broberg

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 28

    Episode 27- Shark Infested Waters: The Survival Story of Deb Scaling and Brad Cavanaugh

    In this episode, we dive into the terrifying true story of the Trashman sailboat sinking, where a group of friends set out on what was supposed to be an unforgettable journey—only to find themselves stranded in the open ocean after disaster strikes. Left without supplies, far from land, and exposed to the elements, they are forced into a desperate fight for survival. As the days pass, exhaustion, dehydration, and fear begin to take hold, especially as sharks start circling beneath them. But at the heart of this story are the survivors—those who managed to endure the unimaginable, relying on instinct, resilience, and sheer willpower to stay alive. This episode explores what they went through in those harrowing days at sea, the impossible choices they faced, and how some of them ultimately made it out alive to tell their story. Resources: I Survived TV Series: Season 5 Episode 8   I Shouldn’t Be Alive TV Series: Season 1 Episode 1   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Scaling_Kiley.   https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/lost-at-sea/.   Albatross: The True Story of a Woman's Survival at Sea (1994) by Deborah Scaling Kiley  https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/the-sharks-got-him-then-killed-the-others-shipwreck-survivor-recounts-five-days-stranded-at-sea/news-story/c60f679af78d537be9e1e09114c26a92.   https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231143696/meg-mooney.   https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231183281/john_p-lippoth.   Brad Cavanaugh Portrait by Matt Kalinowski  Discovery Channel I Shouldn't Be Alive TV Series and Capsized: Blood in the Water Movie (picture credit)  https://www.deeperblue.com/fascinating-lesser-known-shark-facts/.

    58 min

  8. Apr 21

    Episode 26- Susan Walters

    What starts as a troubled relationship slowly unravels into something much darker. In this episode, we’re diving into the case of Susan Walters. A story filled with tension, control, and a truth that didn’t come out until it was too late. On the outside, things may have looked normal… but behind closed doors, something wasn’t right. As investigators begin to piece together what really happened, the story takes turns you don’t see coming. Was this a case of self-defense… or something more calculated? Join us as we break down the timeline, the key moments, and the questions that still linger. Because sometimes, the most chilling part of a story… is what was hiding in plain sight. Resources: True Crime Central YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8oZ6moqq0I   I Survived: Season 5 Episode 2  How The Beep Did I Marry: Season 2 Episode 14   https://www.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/03/woman_who_strangles_attacker_w.html.   https://allthatsinteresting.com/susan-kuhnhausen.   National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/.   KOIN 6 News YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvlnkuFzVQs.  Anderson Live YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy74imo9-Mo.

    59 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Behind every headline is a human heart that kept beating. Join sisters Kathryn and Meg as we look past the yellow tape to find the stories of those who survived the unimaginable. Based in Texas, where the grit is as real as the heat, we explore the bravery of victims turned victors. This isn't just a podcast about what happened; it's about how they fought back and what it takes to heal.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathryn Malley and Meg Irwin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kathryn Malley and Meg Irwin
  • Show Website
    The Vibes Were Off

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