True Crime Talk

TrueCrimeTalk

True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. True Crime Talk show brought to you by WildBlue Press. Hosted by Carolyn Berardino, Bryan Smith, and Nic Edwards. Featuring books and authors from WildBlue Press. For more information go to www.WildBluePress.com

  1. 12/05/2025

    I Shot President Reagan

    This episode of True Crime Talk delves into the life of John Hinckley Jr., exploring his descent into mental illness, his obsession with Jodie Foster, and the events leading up to his assassination attempt on President Reagan. Hinckley reflects on his childhood, his aspirations of becoming a musician, and the isolation that contributed to his deteriorating mental state. The discussion also touches on the influence of the film 'Taxi Driver' on his actions and his subsequent reflections on the consequences of his choices.   Takeaways Hinckley aspired to be a musician but was led astray. Isolation contributed significantly to Hinckley's mental health issues. He related deeply to the character of Travis Bickle in 'Taxi Driver'. Hinckley recognized he needed saving, not Jodie Foster. He viewed his actions as a form of destiny. Hinckley expected to die during the assassination attempt. He left a letter for Jodie Foster explaining his actions. His obsession with the president was not political but personal. The murder of John Lennon was a pivotal moment for Hinckley. He was fixated on themes of rescue and love in his delusions. Chapters   00:00 - Introduction to John Hinckley Jr. 01:43 - Childhood and Family Background 04:09 - Aspirations and Isolation 06:55 - Influence of Taxi Driver 08:46 - Stalking and Obsession 11:40 - The Attempt on Reagan's Life 21:11 - Stalking and Obsession: A Glimpse into John's Mind 22:41 - The Impact of John Lennon's Murder

    36 min
  2. 10/31/2025

    The Mad Butcher

    Welcome to True Crime Talk.  This is the story of the Mad Butcher Part 1 - We explore the chilling history of the Mad Butcher of West Virginia, an unidentified serial killer linked to a series of gruesome murders and disappearances in the early 1960s. The hosts discuss various victims, including Esker Ernest Gwynn, Sammy Smith, Michael Rogers, Lou Bennett, Shirley Jean Arthur, and Sergeant James Lee Haynes, exploring the circumstances surrounding their disappearances and the impact on their families. The discussion highlights the confusion and speculation surrounding these cases, as well as the evolution of the Mad Butcher's story into local folklore. Takeaways The Mad Butcher is an unidentified serial killer from West Virginia. Victims included men from various backgrounds, often last seen in Oak Hill. Esker Ernest Gwynn was last seen before his remains were found in 1963. Sammy Smith disappeared after a night out, remains never found. Michael Rogers was dismembered, raising questions about the killer's identity. Lou Bennett's disappearance remains a mystery, with theories of suicide or foul play. Shirley Jean Arthur's torso was discovered, but identification was complicated. Sergeant James Lee Haynes vanished after hitchhiking home from military service. Bob Mack Aggie's case highlights the confusion surrounding missing persons. The Mad Butcher's story has evolved into local folklore. Keywords - Mad Butcher, West Virginia, true crime, serial killer, unsolved murders, folklore, victims, disappearances, crime stories, historical crimes

    1h 15m

About

True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. True Crime Talk show brought to you by WildBlue Press. Hosted by Carolyn Berardino, Bryan Smith, and Nic Edwards. Featuring books and authors from WildBlue Press. For more information go to www.WildBluePress.com