Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[Unsolved] Ryan Shtuka: Missing in Sun Peaks Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

On a cold February night in 2018, 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka left a house party in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, and was never seen again. What should have been a 10 to 15 minute walk home turned into a haunting mystery that still echoes through the local community.

Ryan was a bright, adventurous young man working at the Sun Peaks ski resort. He loved snowboarding, had a close group of friends, and was living his best life in the mountains. But on February 17, 2018, he vanished without a trace.

Despite extensive searches involving hundreds of volunteers, search and rescue teams, and even specialized cadaver dogs, no sign of Ryan has ever been found. His family has never stopped searching, creating the "Shtukasaurus" nd keeping his story alive.

This episode follows the emotional journey of Ryan's family, their relentless search, and the global movement that grew from one young man's disappearance. Ryan's mother describes being caught between grief and hope—unable to fully grieve because he's missing, but unable to give up hope that he'll be found.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #RyanShtuka #MissingPerson #SunPeaks #BritishColumbia #Canada #UnsolvedMystery

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Mystery Drones: The Sky Invasion with Obscure Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In late 2019 and early 2020, residents of rural Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas reported seeing massive swarms of mysterious drones flying over their farms and towns at night. Law enforcement reported seeing 50 drones at once. Locals described large white ball-shaped drones surrounded by smaller ones with red and white flashing lights. No one knew who was operating them or why.

The FAA investigated. The FBI got involved. Local residents formed "drone hunter" groups to track them down. But despite extensive investigations, the mystery was never solved. Were they government surveillance? Private companies? Something else entirely?

This episode features an interview with Gabe from the Obscure podcast, who investigated the drone phenomenon firsthand. We discuss the sightings, the theories, the government response, and why this case remains one of the strangest unsolved mysteries in recent years.

Listen to the full investigation on the Obscure podcast.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #MysteryDrones #UnsolvedMystery #Colorado #Nebraska #Kansas #Obscure

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[Unsolved] Brian Shaffer: Vanished from a Bar Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

On the night of April 1, 2006, 27-year-old medical student Brian Shaffer went out with friends to the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio. Security cameras captured him entering the bar—but he was never seen leaving. When the bar closed and his friends couldn't find him, Brian had simply vanished.

Despite extensive searches, hundreds of tips, and years of investigation, no trace of Brian has ever been found. The case has baffled investigators and captivated the public for nearly two decades. How does someone disappear from a crowded bar without being seen on any security camera? Did Brian leave voluntarily? Was he the victim of foul play? Or did something else happen that night?

This episode explores the mysterious disappearance of Brian Shaffer, the theories surrounding his vanishing, and the heartbreaking search that continues to this day. Brian's family is still looking for answers.

If you have any information, please contact Columbus Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #BrianShaffer #UnsolvedMystery #Columbus #Ohio #MissingPerson

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April Mailbag Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

In today’s bonus episode of Moms and Mysteries, we're diving into an intriguing batch of listener-submitted stories that are equal parts wild, hilarious, and mysterious. From strange run-ins with the law to unexpected twists that leave you questioning everything, these stories are anything but ordinary.

An Unforeseen Investigation: A seemingly innocent task turns into a major headache, involving local authorities in ways no one could have predicted.
A Highway Chase... or Was It?: A routine drive turns into a tense situation with flashing lights and an officer who has a lot to say.
A Creative Distraction: What could go wrong when kids decide to put on a show for unsuspecting drivers on a road trip? Turns out, quite a bit.
A Close Encounter with a Notorious Figure: A listener’s dad, a former deputy, shares a chilling story involving a very famous criminal who had a unique talent.

These stories are proof that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Tune in for a bonus episode that will leave you wondering, “How is this even real?” And don't forget to send in your own wild and weird stories for next month’s mailbag episode!

Send your submissions to: momsandmysteries@gmail.com. Subject line: Mailbag

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[Mystery] The Ghost Blimp: L-8's Vanished Crew Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

On the morning of August 16, 1942, a US Navy blimp lifted off from Treasure Island in San Francisco on a routine anti-submarine patrol. Hours later, it crashed into a quiet neighborhood in Daly City, California. But something was terribly wrong.

The blimp's doors were open. Its equipment was untouched. The life raft was still secured. But the two crew members—Lieutenant Ernest DeWitt Cody and Ensign Charles Ellis Adams—had vanished without a trace.There was no distress call. No sign of a struggle. No blood. No bodies. Just an empty blimp drifting through the sky like a ghost ship.

Eighty years later, the mystery of the L-8 blimp remains unsolved. What happened to the two Navy airmen? Did they fall out? Jump? Were they abducted? This episode explores one of the strangest unsolved mysteries in American military history.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #MysteryBlimp #L8Blimp #UnsolvedMystery #Navy #SanFrancisco #GhostShip

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True Crime Firsts Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

This week we explore true crime firsts—the groundbreaking cases and moments that changed criminal investigations forever.

They dive into:

The first DNA conviction: The case of Colin Pitchfork in 1987 in the UK, where DNA evidence was used for the first time to convict a killer. Two teenage girls were murdered years apart, and DNA technology—still brand new at the time—helped identify and convict Pitchfork after a massive blood testing campaign of 5,000 local men.

The first woman executed by the US government: Mary Surat, a boarding house owner who aided John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. She was convicted and hanged in 1865.

The parrot witness: A bizarre Michigan case where a parrot may have witnessed a murder and repeatedly mimicked the victim's final words, saying "Don't shoot!" This became the closest thing the justice system has ever had to a talking bird witness.

This episode is a fascinating, lighter look at the innovations and oddities that shaped modern crime-solving. A fun, educational conversation for true crime fans who love the history and science behind the cases!

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #DNA #Forensics #ColinPitchfork #MarySurat #LincolnAssassination #ParrotWitness #TrueCrimeHistory

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[Unsolved] Bison Dele: The NBA Star Lost at Sea Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In July 2002, former NBA champion Bison Dele set sail across the South Pacific with his girlfriend Serena Karlan, his brother Miles Dabord, and skipper Bertrand Saldo. It was supposed to be an adventure—a journey of freedom and exploration for the retired basketball star who had walked away from millions to live life on his own terms.

But something went terribly wrong on that boat.

In September 2002, Miles returned to the United States alone. Bison, Serena, and Bertrand had vanished. Miles tried to access Bison's bank accounts, forged documents, and acted increasingly erratic. Before police could arrest him, Miles overdosed and died—taking the truth with him.

The bodies of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo have never been found. Investigators believe Miles killed all three at sea and dumped their bodies overboard. But without evidence, without bodies, and without a living suspect, the case remains officially unsolved.This episode explores the life of Bison Dele, the mysterious disappearance, and the chilling likelihood that his own brother murdered him.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #BisonDele #NBA #MissingAtSea #SouthPacific #MilesDabord #UnsolvedMystery

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[Update] Brittanee Drexel: The 13-Year Mystery Solved Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In April 2009, 17-year-old Brittanee Drexel disappeared during spring break in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was walking from one hotel to another when she vanished without a trace. For 13 years, her family searched desperately for answers, clinging to hope that Brittanee would be found alive.

In 2022, the case finally broke open. Raymond Moody, a registered sex offender, was arrested and confessed to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Brittanee. He led investigators to her remains in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Moody pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

This UPDATE episode covers the original disappearance in 2009, the 13 years of anguish Brittanee's family endured, and the 2022 breakthrough that finally brought answers. We explore how investigators used new technology and relentless determination to solve a case that had gone cold for over a decade.Brittanee's family finally has closure—but the pain of losing her will never fade.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #BrittaneeDrexel #MyrtleBeach #SouthCarolina #RaymondMoody #ColdCase #Update

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Harvey Milk: The Assassination of Hope Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

On November 27, 1978, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in San Francisco City Hall by former supervisor Dan White.Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California.

He was a trailblazer, an activist, and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community at a time when being openly gay could cost you everything—your job, your family, your safety, even your life.Dan White had resigned from the Board of Supervisors just days earlier. When he tried to get his job back and was denied, he smuggled a gun into City Hall, shot Mayor Moscone four times, then walked to Harvey Milk's office and shot him five times.

White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter—not murder—after his defense team argued he was suffering from depression, citing his consumption of junk food as evidence. The verdict sparked outrage and riots in San Francisco.This episode explores the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, the assassination that shocked the nation, and the controversial trial that followed.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #HarveyMilk #SanFrancisco #LGBTQHistory #Assassination #DanWhite #1978

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[Crossover] Annie Elise from 10 to Life Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this special crossover episode, Mandy and Melissa sit down with Annie Elise, the host of the wildly popular true crime podcast and YouTube channel 10 to Life.Annie shares her journey from the fashion industry to becoming one of the most-watched true crime creators on the internet. She talks about the challenges of covering sensitive cases, dealing with platform censorship on YouTube, and the emotional toll of researching horrific crimes—especially cases involving children.

The conversation covers some of the biggest cases Annie has covered, including Ruby Frankie and the 8 Passengers scandal, Casey Anthony, and Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Annie also discusses the cases she refuses to cover and why setting boundaries is essential for mental health in the true crime space.Plus, Melissa put Annie through a hilarious Vanderpump Rules trivia game at the end—because even true crime podcasters need a little reality TV fun.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of both Moms and Mysteries and 10 to Life!

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

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Follow Annie Elise:

YouTube: 10 to Life

Instagram: @_annieelise

#TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #AnnieElise #10ToLife #Crossover #YouTuber #RubyFrankie #VanderpumpRules

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