DEVIANT

Join Dan Szematowicz and Andrew Iden as they discuss recent updates in the cases they've been following, including the Devil's Den murders in Arkansas. The hosts share their thoughts on various policing strategies, polygraph use and extremism. Listen for insightful commentary and updates on ongoing investigations, and find out what's coming next on all things DEVIANT. JOIN OUR PATREON: http://www....

You've been conned, and now you're getting revenge. That's the story of Johnathan Walton, our guest on DEVIANT Off Script. In this episode, Johnathan shares his harrowing experience of being swindled out of nearly $100,000 by a professional con artist who pretended to be his best friend. After years of investigation, he's now dedicated to exposing these scammers and protecting others. He's the aut...

On a summer afternoon hike in Arkansas' Devil's Den State Park, tragedy strikes a family when Clinton and Cristin Brink are attacked in front of their children. The children survive. Their parents don't. The assailant: a mysterious man dressed in black. This episode of 'Deviant' brings you the details of the crime, the immediate police response and the intense manhunt that ensues. Host Dan Szemato...

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED In this episode of Deviant Off Script, host Andrew Iden engages in a deep and intense conversation with Clark Fredericks, author of 'Scarred.' Fredericks recounts his harrowing journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse, and the impactful decision to confront and ultimately kill his abuser. He delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil that ensued, his struggl...

In this episode of Deviant Summer School, host Andrew Iden sits down with Michael Yoder, a former agent in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), here to explain how criminal profiling actually works. From dispelling Hollywood misconceptions to discussing the intricate process of developing profiles, Yoder provides an in-depth look into how the BAU operates in reality. JOIN OUR PATREON: http://...

We're diving dive deep into the world of polygraphs, interrogations, and lie detection with Brad Beeler, a former Secret Service agent with 25 years of experience. Brad shares insights from his illustrious career in protective services and polygraph examination, including the science behind polygraphs, how investigators use them to detect truth and practical strategies from his new book, 'Tell Me...

Have you ever wondered how police handle a missing child case? In this episode of Deviant Summer School, retired detective Jeff Bell, who worked for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his involvement in the high-profile Carlie Brucia case, the investigative process behind missing child cases and the emotional challenges faced by detectives. Jeff...

(AUDIO ONLY) How do you catch a spy if you're an FBI counterintelligence agent? In this episode of Deviant Off Script, we dive into the 80-year cat-and-mouse game of espionage. Host Dan Szematowicz interviews LaRae Quy, a former FBI agent who spent almost 25 years protecting the U.S. from Russian and Chinese spies. LaRae shares stories from her career, discusses the evolution of counterintelligenc...

(PART 2/2) In Part 2 of our DEVIANT Summer School class on homicide investigations, retired Chicago Police homicide Detective Mike Hammond takes us through the intricate process of catching killers. From establishing motive and gathering evidence to working with prosecutors and navigating the complexities of cold cases, Mike shares his extensive experience and insights. He discusses the challenges...

In this episode, host Andrew Iden talks with Jacob Moon, a US Army veteran and former corrections officer who has transitioned into a true crime writer. Jacob shares his journey from serving in the military to accidentally finding a career in corrections, the challenges and dangers of working behind bars, and the importance of respect and restraint in dealing with inmates. He also discusses how hi...

(PART 1/2) It's Deviant Summer School's deep dive into the world of homicide investigations. Featuring former Chicago homicide detective Mike Hammond, part one of of a two part exploration covers the initial phases of an investigation—from receiving the call and processing the crime scene to gathering critical evidence and interviewing witnesses. Learn about the meticulous steps detectives take wi...

From Ted Bundy to Gary Ridgeway, why does the Pacific Northwest produce so many serial killers? Join host Dan Szematowicz as he sits down with Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Fraser, author of 'Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers,' to try and unravel this bizarre mystery. Caroline and Dan delve into theories, including the lead-crime hypothesis, geographical oddities and o...

Join us as we kick off our new series, Deviant Summer School, where we bring experts to give in-depth insights into their fields. In this first episode, we talk to Dr. Darrin Porcher, a criminal justice expert with over 20 years in the NYPD. They explore the intricacies of policing in America, discussing geographical differences, crime statistics, the Broken Window Theory, and the daily challenges...

Former FBI agent Jerri Williams shares her extensive career spent catching scammers, con artists, and fraudsters. Williams discusses her unexpected path to the FBI, the challenges she faced as a minority and a woman in the bureau, and her notable cases, including an intriguing credit extortion investigation. She also delves into her endeavors post-retirement, including her work as an author and pr...

In a quiet suburb of Utah, a Mormon man killed his wife, before committing suicide. Multiple neighbors described them as a normal couple whom they had never seen quarrel. But this isn't a whodunit. The police investigation never wavered on who committed the crime. The question is, why? Why did the lives of this seemingly normal couple end in such tragic fashion. Finding the answers will take us fr...

The person sitting next to you on the plane may be armed, and that's not a bad thing. In this episode of DEVIANT Off Script, host Dan Szematowicz delves into the secretive world of Federal Air Marshals with David Londo, President of the Air Marshal National Council. David shares his journey from a local police officer to becoming an air marshal post-9/11 and provides insights into the rigorous sel...

Join Deviant host Dan Szematowicz for a conversation with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a psychologist and sleep specialist at the FBI. Dr. Kaylor shares a wealth of practical tips to enhance your sleep quality, from establishing relaxing bedtime routines to understanding the impact of body temperature and exercise. Learn how she helps FBI agents and law enforcement staff cope with trauma and sleep disturbance...

On May 25, 2025, Grant Hardin, a convicted killer and former police chief, walks out of the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, disguised in a makeshift guard uniform. His escape sets off an intense manhunt involving the FBI, state police, and federal agencies. In this episode of DEVIANT, host Andrew Iden delves into Hardin's dark history, including the brutal 2017 murder of James Appleto...

(AUDIO ONLY) Former police sergeant Patrick O'Donnell joins Deviant Off Script to discuss his 25-year career with the Milwaukee Police Department, his experiences during the crack wars and his transition to becoming a best-selling author. Patrick shares crazy stories from his time on the force, insights into his post-retirement life and his work helping writers accurately depict police procedures...

Former journalist Michael Mayo recounts his experience covering the executions of two serial killers for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Mayo details the emotional journey of interviewing victims' families, and witnessing the executions of Danny Rolling and Aileen Wuornos. He shares his perspective on the death penalty, describing the sterile and surreal atmosphere of the death chamber and reflect...

Sex is an integral part of human nature, but it sometimes intersects with crime in troubling ways. In this episode of DEVIANT Off Script, host Dan Szematowicz sits down with Doug Fifer, a former Anchorage Police Department officer renowned for his work in hostage negotiation and sex crime investigation. Fifer discusses his new book, '50 Shades of True Crime,' which delves into the psychology of se...

Brian Townsend, a retired DEA agent, shares his journey into federal law enforcement, his experiences with drug enforcement, nd his views on the ongoing battle against drug addiction in the United States. From his early days in Missouri and Kansas to his extensive work with the DEA, Townsend discusses the complexities of the drug trade, the process of joining the DEA, and the importance of empathy...

We get a lot of questions and a lot of comments, so in this episode, DEVIANT hosts Dan Szematowicz and Andrew Iden tackles them all. How does DEVIANT get made? How do we choose stories? Do Andrew and Dan hate each other? Your questions and comments answered, and all will be revealed! JOIN OUR PATREON: http://www.deviantpodcast.com Visit DEVIANT's socials: http://www.instagram.com/deviant.podcast h...

(2/2) In part two of our conversation with retired FBI agent Scott Payne, host Andrew Iden continues his deep dive into Steve’s years spent undercover in some of America's most dangerous circles. In part two, Scott delves into his experiences infiltrating white supremacist groups like the KKK and The Base. He reveals harrowing tales of close calls, murder plots, and the inner workings of these rad...

(1/2) In this episode of Deviant Off Script, we dive into the world of undercover law enforcement with retired FBI agent Scott Payne. Scott takes us through his incredible journey of infiltrating outlaw biker gangs, neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other extremist groups in America. He shares the psychological toll and personal challenges that come with living a double life, and provides a glimpse into his...