Join Georgia as each week she talks you through important pieces of history that more people should know about or true crime cases that require more public attention – awareness and education are key!
180: Henrietta Lacks and How She Changed the World
Mar 07, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: today we uncover the incredible yet often overlooked story of Henrietta Lacks, the woman whose cells revolutionised modern medicine. Born in 1920, Henrietta’s cells—taken without her knowledge—became the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa cells. These cells played a crucial role in medical breakthroughs, from the polio vaccine to cancer research, IVF, and even COVID-19 treatments. Join us as we explore the ethics, impact, and legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her family’s fight for justice.
180: The West Mesa Bone Collector
Feb 28, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: today we're diving into one of the most haunting unsolved cases in American history: The West Mesa Murders. In 2009, a woman walking her dog in Albuquerque, New Mexico, made a shocking discovery - the remains of 11 women and an unborn child buried in the desert. The case, linked to a suspected serial killer known as the West Mesa Bone Collector, remains open to this day, with no arrests and more questions than answers. Who were the victims? What clues have investigators uncovered? And could the killer still be out there?
180: The Crimes of Peter Sutcliffe
Feb 27, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: Today we delve into the chilling case of Peter Sutcliffe, the man who terrorised northern England as the Yorkshire Ripper. Between 1975 and 1980, Sutcliffe brutally murdered 13 women and attacked 7 others, evading capture for years as fear gripped the region. His crimes exposed deep flaws in the police investigation, leading to one of the most infamous manhunts in British history. How did Sutcliffe evade justice for so long? What were the mistakes that allowed him to continue his reign of terror?
179: Camille Dardanes Dotson
Feb 21, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: In September 1994, 30-year-old Camille Dardanes Dotson vanished after leaving the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite decades passing, her case remains unsolved, leaving her family and friends searching for answers. In this episode, we delve into Camille's life, her sudden disappearance, and the efforts to uncover what really happened to her.
179: The AIDS Crisis
Feb 14, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: In the 1980s and ’90s, the AIDS epidemic devastated communities around the world—yet governments, media, and society largely turned a blind eye. In this episode, we uncover the early days of the crisis, the devastating loss of life, and the fearless activism that forced the world to pay attention. From the rise of organizations like ACT UP to the scientific breakthroughs that changed the course of the epidemic, we explore the human stories behind one of the most tragic and transformative public health crises in history.
179: Matthew Shepard | the death that changed America
Feb 11, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: In honour of it being LGBTQ+ history month here in the UK, today I'm going to be sharing the tragic story of Matthew Shepard. In October 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student, was brutally attacked and left for dead in Laramie, Wyoming - simply for being gay. His murder shocked the nation and became a turning point in the fight against hate crimes.
178: The Thalidomide Scandal
Jan 31, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: In the 1950s and 60s, a "miracle drug" promised relief from morning sickness but left a devastating legacy. The thalidomide scandal shook the world as thousands of babies were born with severe birth defects due to a drug marketed as completely safe. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing stories of those affected, the corporate negligence that allowed it to happen, and the fight for justice that followed. How did this tragedy change drug regulations forever? Join me as we explore one of the most infamous medical scandals in history.
178: The Parachute Murder Plot
Jan 24, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: Today we uncover the chilling story of the Victoria Cilliers case, also known as the parachute murder plot. When a routine skydive went horribly wrong in 2015, investigators uncovered a web of deceit, betrayal, and a sinister plan by her husband, Emile Cilliers, to kill her. Was it greed, lust, or something darker that drove him? Join us as we unravel the shocking details of this real-life thriller and explore the psychology behind betrayal and survival.
178: The True Story of Kitty Genovese
Jan 17, 2025
Show notes
FROM THE VAULT: On a chilly March night in 1964, Kitty Genovese was brutally murdered near her home in Queens, New York—a crime that shocked the nation and changed the way we think about human behavior. The tragedy became infamous for reports that 38 bystanders heard her cries for help but did nothing. Was it urban apathy, or is the truth more complicated? In this episode, we unravel the myths, explore the psychology of the bystander effect, and uncover how this case reshaped laws, research, and public consciousness. Join us as we dive into the lasting legacy of the Kitty Genovese case.
177: The murder of Paul Logan
Jan 03, 2025
Show notes
On 23rd December 1993, delivery driver Paul Logan was tasked with delivering a Chinese takeaway to a nearby farm. When he arrived, the homeowners said they hadn't made any order. By the time he got to the end of the driveway, Paul was dead. 31 years on, who lured him to his death, and why?
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
