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. 5D AGO

    96 – Ted Bundy

    Sam shares the chilling story of Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. Operating during the 1970s, Bundy was responsible for the abduction and murder of numerous young women across multiple states. Known for his intelligence, charm, and ability to blend in, he used manipulation and deception to gain the trust of his victims—making his crimes all the more disturbing. This episode explores not only the timeline of Bundy’s murders, but also the psychology behind them. Drawing from criminal analysis and mental health research, Sam dives into how Bundy’s behavior challenged assumptions about what a killer “looks like,” and how investigators—including those who would later pursue other serial killers—learned from his case. From courtroom theatrics to shocking confessions, Bundy’s story remains one of the most studied and haunting in true crime history. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sources Seattle Times – Obituary of Bob Keppel https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/bob-keppel-the-cop-who-spent-his-life-chasing-serial-killers-including-ted-bundy-dies-at-76/ HistoryLink.org https://historylink.org/File/23480 Wikipedia – Ted Bundy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Bundy The Last Podcast on the Left – Episodes 99 & 100 (Bundy Parts 1 & 2) University of Kentucky – Psychology Research on Ted Bundy https://psychology.as.uky.edu/psychology-researcher-unravels-serial-killer-ted-bundys-mental-health Encyclopaedia Britannica – Ted Bundy https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Bundy Crime Museum – Ted Bundy https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/ted-bundy/ EBSCO Research Starter – Ted Bundy https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/ted-bundy Florida Sheriffs Association – Chi Omega Murders https://flsheriffs.org/blog/entry/remembering-ted-bundy-and-the-chi-omega-murders/ All That’s Interesting – Ted Bundy https://allthatsinteresting.com/ted-bundy Biography.com – Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer Investigation https://www.biography.com/crime/a65603336/ted-bundy-green-river-killer-investigation Netflix – Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

    1h 49m
  2. MAR 27

    94 - Shanda Sharer

    Sam shares the devastating and deeply unsettling case of Murder of Shanda Sharer, a crime that shocked the nation and exposed the darkest edges of youth violence. In 1992, 12-year-old Shanda Sharer was abducted, tortured, and ultimately murdered by a group of teenage girls in Indiana. What makes this case especially disturbing isn’t just the brutality—it’s the psychology behind it. Drawing from research on adolescent violence, group dynamics, and behavioral development, this story explores how peer influence, identity formation, and unchecked aggression can spiral into unimaginable tragedy. Sam breaks down not only what happened that night, but why—digging into studies on youth violence, gang-like behavior, and the role of environment and psychology in shaping extreme actions. It’s a case that forces a hard question: are monsters born… or are they made? This one is heavy. And it stays with you. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. Sourceshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9512271/https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-27055-009https://www.catch-22.org.uk/resources/understanding-violence-in-young-people/https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2023.1142241/fullhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Shanda_Sharerhttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-31-mn-1053-story.htmlhttps://people.com/shanda-sharer-inside-killing-indiana-girl-burned-alive-11764118https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/what-gang-definitionshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5215800/

    1h 2m
  3. MAR 19

    93 – The Nutty Putty Cave Incident

    Jeff tells the tragic story of the Nutty Putty Cave Incident. In 2009, John Edward Jones went spelunking with his brother and a group of friends inside Nutty Putty Cave in Utah. What began as an adventure quickly turned into a nightmare when John mistakenly entered a narrow, unmapped passage and became trapped upside down. Despite an intense rescue effort that lasted for hours, the extreme conditions, positioning, and physical strain made recovery impossible. John ultimately did not survive. The cave was permanently sealed, turning it into his final resting place. This is a heartbreaking story of exploration, risk, and the limits of rescue - and a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com.Sources Museum Facts – Nutty Putty Cave: John Edward Jones’ Tragic Descent https://museumfacts.co.uk/nutty-putty-cave-john-edward-jones-tragic-descent/ Medium – One Minute Horror Story https://medium.com/the-shortform/one-minute-horror-story-07ac90c802c4 All That’s Interesting – Nutty Putty Cave https://allthatsinteresting.com/nutty-putty-cave MDLinx – Upside Down for 7 Hours: Doctors Debate Survival Possibilities https://www.mdlinx.com/article/upside-down-for-7-hours-doctors-debate-survival-possibilities/2vSrzwK1iEay4pw2PnMdUz HowStuffWorks – How Nutty Putty Cave Works https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/nutty-putty-cave.htm The Science Survey – Spelunking: Dangerously Enjoyable or Enjoyably Dangerous? https://thesciencesurvey.com/spotlight/2026/03/10/spelunking-dangerously-enjoyable-or-enjoyably-dangerous/ Wikipedia – Nutty Putty Cave https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutty_Putty_Cave NBC News coverage https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34157005 Brandon Kowallis – The Nutty Putty Cave Rescue: One Rescuer’s Perspective https://www.brandonkowallis.com/2024/02/the-nutty-putty-cave-rescue-the-death-of-john-jones-one-rescuers-perspective/ Morbid Podcast episode (YouTube) https://youtu.be/Z2WgfUcSOLI?si=Gcmn_IAcx8OoZIJn

    1h 4m
  4. MAR 12

    92 – Gary Heidnik and Olga of Kiev

    Jeff tells the disturbing story of Gary Heidnik, an American murderer whose crimes shocked Philadelphia in the late 1980s. Heidnik abducted six women and held them captive in the basement of his home, where he subjected them to horrific torture and abuse. Two of the women were murdered during the ordeal. The case came to light in 1987 when one of the captives managed to escape and alert police, leading authorities to uncover the gruesome “house of horrors.” The investigation revealed the extent of Heidnik’s cruelty and the unimaginable suffering endured by the victims, making the case one of the most infamous in Philadelphia’s criminal history. Sam shares the story of Olga of Kiev, the fierce 10th-century ruler of Kievan Rus' who became legendary for her ruthless vengeance. After her husband, Prince Igor, was murdered by the Drevlians, Olga launched a calculated and brutal campaign of retribution against them—burning cities, executing envoys, and securing her power as regent. Despite her violent path to authority, she later converted to Christianity and was eventually canonized as a saint, earning the title “Equal to the Apostles” in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. SourcesJeff’s Sources (Gary Heidnik): History.com – Torture Chamber Uncovered in Philadelphia https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-25/torture-chamber-uncovered-in-philadelphia Green, R. (2025). The Pit: The True Crime Story of Six Women, One Monster, and the Nightmare Below. Ryan Green Books. The Casual Criminalist episode on Gary Heidnik https://youtu.be/npaEJB0ciE4?si=vlDRzJ66Jsin9nN3Sam’s Sources (Olga of Kiev): https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Olga-of-Kiev https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev https://www.worldhistory.org/Olga_of_Kiev/

    1h 1m
  5. MAR 5

    91 – The Clue in the Drum and a DNA Reunion

    Jeff tells the chilling story of the murder of Reyna Marroquin. In 1999, construction workers renovating a home in Jericho made a horrifying discovery: a body sealed inside a 55-gallon drum for three decades. What followed was a forensic puzzle involving a former employer, long-buried secrets, and a case that proved the past never stays hidden forever. Sometimes justice waits quietly… and then kicks the door in. Sam shares the story of how an unsolved 1971 murder in Howard County led to an unexpected and emotional DNA breakthrough decades later. Advances in genetic genealogy helped investigators identify a long-unknown victim, reconnect surviving family members, and finally bring answers to a case that had remained cold for over 50 years. Science doesn’t forget—and neither do the people still waiting for the truth. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. SourcesJeff’s Sources (Reyna Marroquin): CBS News – The Clue in the Drum https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-clue-in-the-drum/ Megan Ashley, Medium article https://medium.com/@chelsealynnqueen94/the-murder-of-reyna-ang%C3%A9lica-marroqu%C3%ADn-a-tragic-discovery-30-years-later-5c962f8757a3 Forensic Files episodeSam’s Sources (1971 Cold Case DNA Identification): Howard County Police Department https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police/howard-county-police-identify-jane-doe-1971-homicide-reunite-surviving-children The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/07/cold-case-sibling-reunion-howard-county/

    55 min
  6. FEB 26

    90 - Ruth Ellis and MKUltra

    Jeff tells the story of Ruth Ellis, an African-American LGBTQ+ rights activist and one of the oldest surviving openly lesbian women, living to the age of 101. Though she considered herself ordinary, her quiet courage, lifelong advocacy, and support of Detroit’s queer community made her extraordinary. From operating one of the few safe gathering spaces for LGBTQ+ people in the mid-20th century to inspiring generations of activists, Ruth’s legacy is one of resilience, dignity, and unapologetic authenticity. Sam shares the story of Project MKUltra, an illegal human experimentation program designed and carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency during the Cold War. The program sought to develop techniques and drugs that could alter human behavior, including experiments involving LSD and other substances—often conducted without the knowledge or consent of participants. Decades later, declassified documents and testimony revealed the disturbing scope of the project and its profound ethical violations. Visit us on Linktree for the collection of links, Instagram, or email us at jeffandsamshow@gmail.com. SourcesJeff’s Sources (Ruth Ellis): https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/a-century-of-courage-activism-and-legacy-ruth-c-ellis https://bentley.umich.edu/news-events/magazine/living-with-pride/ https://pridesource.com/article/how-ruth-ellis-inspired-my-early-activism-helping-queer-at-risk-youth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis_(activist)Sam’s Sources (MKUltra): MKULTRA: How the CIA Used the Cold War to Commit Horrors on US Citizens by Dawson M. https://safe.menlosecurity.com/doc/docview/viewer/docNBFC8F817A722e7b2e98174f84e8f35b0224aae7515b4ca0358577a181726d9320a24538f2a6f https://research.unc.edu/human-research-ethics/resources/ccm3_019064/ https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/dnsa-intelligence/2025-10-30/top-secret-testimony-cias-mkultra-chief-50-years-later

    1h 11m
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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