Defeating The Darkness

In this two-part series, Heather Brown sits down with Tom Brown "FBI". From his days in the Marines to serving in the FBI and SWAT in Los Angeles, Tom has seen it all. In Part 1, Heather and Tom share the story of how they met before diving into his early journey into law enforcement. Hear firsthand how his experiences shaped his approach to justice, investigations, and protecting the in...

In this gripping episode, Heather shares the story behind the name, “The Brown Widow” and the intense child molestation case that earned her the title. Joined by special guest Jeffrey Salberg, they dive deep into the pursuit of justice, the challenges of exposing predators, and the impact these cases have on survivors and those fighting for them. Hear firsthand how Heather’s relentless determinati...

In Part 2 of our conversation with veteran crime reporter Larry Welborn, we dive deeper into the shocking twists and turns of the Murder by Suicide case. Larry shares more chilling details about the investigation, the key evidence that unraveled the killer’s story, and how justice was ultimately served. From the mistakes that nearly let a murderer walk free to the relentless pursuit of truth, this...

In this episode, Heather sits down with veteran journalist and author Larry Welborn to dive deep into his gripping new book, Murder by Suicide. With decades of experience covering high-profile criminal cases, Larry shares the shocking true story behind this case—one that seemed like a suicide but unraveled into something far more sinister. They discuss the twists, the hunt for the killer, and the...

In Part 2 of Heather’s powerful conversation with Jesse Vasquez, we dive deeper into his life after incarceration. Once imprisoned for a murder charge at 17, Jesse now dedicates his life to helping those still behind bars find hope and purpose. Through his work with  Pollen Initiative , Jesse is proving that redemption is possible, and that even in the darkest places, light can break through. Tune...

What’s life really like behind bars? In this gripping episode, Heather sits down with Jesse Vasquez to uncover the unfiltered truth about prison life. From being incarcerated at 17 for a murder charge to finding purpose and growth, Jesse shares the highs, lows, and everything in between. Tune in for part one of this incredible story!

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness , Heather sits down with forensic nurses Gina Daquilla and Jennifer Dineen, two incredible women who work tirelessly on the frontlines of survivor care. Together, they explore the vital role of forensic nursing in uncovering the truth behind cases of sexual assault and trauma. From providing compassionate care to survivors during their most vulnerable mome...

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with Isaac McKeithen to talk about rescuing survivors of human trafficking. Isaac shares the journey of partnering with organizations like Epik Project to provide security, transportation, and a lifeline for those trapped in the nightmare of trafficking. With a heart for justice and a passion for making a difference, Isaac’s story sheds...

In this episode, Heather sits down with Melissa Whiteman, a survivor of human trafficking who was taken at the age of 12. Melissa shares her harrowing journey, the struggles she faced, and how she found her voice to rise above the trauma. Now, through her nonprofit, The Ashley Higgins Project: Speak Life, Melissa is dedicated to helping others who have faced similar hardships. Join us as we explor...

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with Sandy Pendleton-Dorton from Project Shield USA, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking. Sandy shares the harrowing realities of human trafficking and how Project Shield is actively rescuing victims, providing resources for survivors, and equipping communities to combat this devastating crime. Together, they discuss...

In part two of  The Kevins Take Center Stage , Heather and her two biggest fans, the Kevins, dive into life after the Jeffrey Jones trial. From the intense emotions of the verdict to the boys’ unforgettable tour of San Quentin, this episode captures the humor and camaraderie that fuels their fight to shine light in the darkest places. Filled with laughter, banter, and reflections on the power of f...

In this fun and lighthearted episode, Heather introduces us to her two closest friends, known as The Kevins. What started as a chance encounter at a bar has blossomed into a front-row seat to some of the most intense criminal trials of their lives. The Kevins share their hilarious journey from casual supporters to Heather's biggest fans, as they recount their experiences watching her take down cri...

In Episode 13, Heather Brown sits down with Brian Williams, managing partner at Greenberg Gross and Fight for Survivors. Together, they explore the vital work Brian and his team are doing to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and personal injury, providing a beacon of hope in their darkest moments. Discover how legal expertise, compassion, and determination can bring justice to those who nee...

In this heartfelt episode, Heather sits down with Melody Anaya, the daughter of Martha, one of the victims of serial killers Steve Gordon and Frank Cano. Melody shares the heartbreaking story of her mother’s tragic death and the suspicions that first raised alarms. Despite the immense pain, Melody has embraced resilience and healing as she works toward her dream of helping troubled teens find a be...

In the gripping conclusion to the Julissa Trapp series, Heather dives into the intense trial of serial killers Steven Gordon and Frank Cano. This episode explores the chaos of facing a killer who chose to represent himself in court, revealing shocking moments and unexpected twists. Alongside the trial drama, Julissa shares the relentless investigation that uncovered the identity of a fifth victim,...

In this intense episode, Julissa Trapp takes us behind the scenes of a high-stakes interrogation that ultimately broke the heart of a killer. As a key detective in the investigation of serial killers Steven Gordon and Frank Cano, Julissa shares how her strategic approach led to a full confession from Gordon, unraveling the twisted bond between the two killers. But the shock didn’t end there—during...

In Part 1 of this gripping three-part series, Heather Brown sits down with Julissa Trapp, a seasoned detective from the Anaheim Police Department, to delve into the chilling investigation of a serial killer case involving Frank Cano and Steve Gordon. Julissa takes us inside the early stages of the case, sharing how the team first uncovered the horrifying pattern of murders and the challenges of pi...

In this episode, Heather Brown sits down with Swoop, a former LAPD detective turned podcaster. Keith shares his journey from working in narcotics to hosting a talk show aimed at informing and inspiring others. Together, they explore old cases, life lessons, and the power of using stories to be a light in the darkest of times. Tune in for an engaging conversation about resilience, awareness, and ma...

In this powerful episode, Heather Brown sits down with attorney Michael “Mike” Fell to discuss his relentless work defending victims’ rights, supporting those impacted by Marsy’s Law, and advocating for justice when the system falls short. With a background on Real Housewives of Orange County and years of legal experience, Mike shares his insights on standing up for the innocent and helping those...

In this riveting episode, Heather Brown sits down with special guest Steve Kramer, former District Attorney, Federal Prosecutor, and co-founder of Indago Solutions. As one of the key architects behind the FBI's Genetic Genealogy team, Steve played a critical role in the groundbreaking investigation that led to the capture of the Golden State Killer. Dive into the fascinating world of genetic DNA t...

In this powerful episode titled, Catching a Predator: Bringing Down Terry Shields, Heather sits down with special guest Jeffrey Salberg to discuss her remarkable journey of bringing justice to one of the most disturbing cases of her career. Heather shares the gripping story of how she worked alongside law enforcement and investigators to capture Terry Shields, a predator involved in child pornogra...

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown welcomes Patricia Wenskunas, founder of Crime Survivors. Listen in as Patricia shares her story of survival and transformation. After surviving an attempted murder, Patricia refused to remain a victim. Instead, she became a fierce advocate for others who have faced similar tragedies. Her nonprofit organization, Crime Survivors, empowers vict...

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown sits down with renowned prosecutor and author Matt Murphy to discuss his riveting new book, The Book of Murder. Matt shares compelling stories from his career as a prosecutor, offering an inside look into some of his most challenging and emotional cases. Together, they dive deep into the heart of justice, exploring what it means to fight for...

In Episode 2 of Defeating the Darkness, we sit down with Robin Sax—legal analyst, author, attorney, and therapist—who shares her remarkable journey from TV screens to courtrooms and therapy rooms. Robin discusses her work with Dear Co-Parent, helping families find clarity through conflict in the most difficult times. With a mission to bridge the gap between legal and emotional support, Robin expla...

In this powerful first episode, host Heather Brown sits down with her good friend, Robin Sax, to share the heartfelt reasons behind launching the Defeating the Darkness podcast. Heather opens up about her personal journey, the driving force behind her passion for justice, and the mission to bring light to the darkest corners of abuse and crime. Tune in to hear why this fight matters and how Heathe...