Secret Passage Podcast

In our season finale episode we explore the shocking case of Emily Long, a New Hampshire mother who killed her husband, two of her children, and herself in August 2025. Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod TikTok @secretpassagepodcast Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of Secret Passage, we revisit the Columbine High School shooting, exploring the events, timeline, and devastating impact of the attack carried out by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. We discuss the warning signs, systemic failures, and psychology of the perpetrators. We reflect on the broader societal implications, including school safety protocols and the role of bullying, while emp...

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, we dive into the chilling case of Paris Lee Bennett who murdered his four-year-old sister in 2007. We explore the psychological and environmental factors that may have contributed to his actions, drawing parallels to the recent murders of Jessica Lyman and her son Eli Painter. We look at the neuroscience of psychopathy, referencing Dr. James Fallon's...

In this episode, we discuss Savannah (Shannon Wilsey), a prominent figure in the adult industry, whose early trauma and struggles with addiction shaped her turbulent journey. We speculate about the factors that may have led to her battle with addiction and ultimately her suicide. We reflect on the evolving landscape of the adult industry, examining shifts in mental health awareness, and the impact...

In this episode we discuss Ghislaine Maxwell, exploring her privileged upbringing, her role as Jeffrey Epstein's enabler, and the psychological factors that may have driven her actions. We look at the dynamics of power, manipulation, and class that fueled her complicity in Epstein's sex trafficking network. We explore the broader implications of such predatory behavior and share our thoughts about...

In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we dive into the chilling Idaho Four murder case, exploring the tragic events, the investigation, the media's handling of the case, and the emotional toll on victims' friends and families. We look at the psychology of Bryan Kohberger, and discuss how early intervention might prevent such tragedies.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instag...

In this episode of the Secret Passage podcast, we explore the tragic story of Katie Meyer, a star Stanford soccer player and team captain who took her life in 2022 after facing a harsh disciplinary process. We discuss the institutional failures of Stanford's Office of Community Standards, which pursued action against Meyer for spilling hot coffee on a football player in defense of a teammate, desp...

In this episode of The Secret Passage Podcast we discuss Madison Holleran, a 19-year-old University of Pennsylvania student and elite athlete who died by suicide in 2014. Despite her outward success and curated social media presence, Madison struggled with the transition to college life and became depressed. We discuss how societal expectations, social media, and unrecognized mental health struggl...

In this episode we explore the controversial Byron Smith case, the murders of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady. We discuss the legal and ethical questions surrounding self-defense, the Castle Doctrine, and the impact of military service and trauma on mental health. Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassag...

This week's episode provides a sneak peek into the kind of content we offer on our Patreon. Our producer, Tim, interviews us as we revisit the Prepper episode together. Join us!   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shann...

Join us for the season finale of the Secret Passage Podcast. We look at the world of parasocial relationships, exploring how social media and influencers create an illusion of intimacy that fuels both fandom and fierce criticism. From nostalgic celebrity crushes to the devastating impact of online shaming, we unpack the emotional pull of digital connections and the dark side of snark communities....

Join us as we dive into the world of prepping. From chasing crows to save baby bunnies to dodging wildfires, we share what sparked our interest in prepping. Why do we resist preparing for disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, or even a zombie apocalypse? We explore psychological barriers, debunk myths about preppers, and offer practical tips to start small. Come along with us as we discuss self-s...

In this special episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, co-host Shannon Rogers interviews Dana Vespoli for an intimate look into her life and career. From her journey in the adult industry to her reflections on its challenges and evolution, Dana shares personal stories, professional insights, and her recent spiritual journey.    Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   L...

In this episode we explore the Vietnam War, focusing on the My Lai Massacre as a lens to examine the psychological toll of war and the fragility of human morality.   Links:   Kill Anything That Moves by Nick Turse  https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250045065/killanythingthatmoves/   Vietnam War Timeline:  https://www.history.com/articles/vietnam-war-timeline   Pulitzer Article:  https://www.pulit...

This week we discuss kidfluencers, exploring the ethical implications and parental responsibilities associated with children in the digital entertainment space. We look at the complexities surrounding child influencers, the psychological impacts on children, and the dilemmas faced by parents.  Links: Mom Uncharted: https://www.momuncharted.com/ Bad Influence: The Darkside of Kidfluencing https://w...

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, we look at the life of Jayne Mansfield, 1950s Hollywood icon and proto-influencer. We explore her rise to fame, her branding and marketing savvy, her complex relationships, her tragic death, and her enduring impact on celebrity culture.   Links:   Jayne Mansfield and the American Fifties:   https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Martha-Saxton/dp/0553025562   Lik...

This week's episode provides a sneak peek into the kind of content we'll offer on our upcoming Patreon. Our producer, Tim, interviews us as we revisit the Dubai Porta Potty Parties episode together. Join us as we discuss our favorite moments from the Porta Potty episode, our worthless college degrees, youthful mischief, and much much more.    Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @...

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This week we discuss the heartbreaking case of Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old boy from Palmdale, California, who was brutally abused and murdered by his mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, in 2013. We explore the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue despite multiple reports from family, Gabriel's teacher,...

This week we explore Dubai porta potty parties, where influencers and Only Fans models are allegedly paid exorbitant sums for degrading acts. We discuss addiction, porn's cultural impact, and Dana's experience in the adult industry. This episode (trigger warning: graphic content) mixes humor, horror, and introspection—perfect for those with an iron stomach and a taste for the bizarre. Listener dis...

This week we discuss the Casey Anthony case and her emergence as a TikToking, Substacking legal advocate. Rather than rehashing the trial, we speculate on what drives Casey's audacity and apparent lack of remorse, drawing parallels to psychopathy and narcissism. We examine her family dynamics, the infamous 911 call, and the chilling Firefox search history (including "foolproof suffocation") that t...

This week we discuss Eli Roth's Hostel and Hostel: Part II, exploring the films' subversive take on class, power, and the "Elite Hunting Club" where rich predators torture unsuspecting travelers. From Paxton's revenge in the first film to Beth's brutal escape in the second, we unpack horror's cultural commentary, touching on the abject, dehumanization, and real-world parallels like the depravity o...

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, Dana and Shannon explore the complexities of modern pornography and sites like Only Fans, particularly focusing on Lily Phillips and Bonnie Blue. They discuss the implications of sex work, the ethical dilemmas surrounding pornography, and Dana shares her personal reflections on her experiences in the industry.  Links: The Case Against the Sexual Revol...

In this episode, Dana and Shannon discuss the Kassenoff case, a highly contentious divorce and custody battle that highlights issues of parental alienation, abuse, and the complexities and of the family court system. They explore the dynamics between Catherine and Allan Kassenoff, their treatment of their children, and the implications of their actions on the family. The conversation delves into t...

Hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the films The Substance and Promising Young Woman , exploring themes of feminism, The Gothic, biblical imagery, and the social pressures faced by women as they age.  Links: The Substance IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17526714/ Promising Young Woman IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9620292/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 Men, Women, and Chain Saws:...

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the adult industry, focusing on the tragic case of Stephen Clancy Hill, a lesser-known male performer (a "mope") who committed a violent crime. They discuss the implications of his actions, the treatment of male performers in the industry, and the absurdity of porn highlighting the issue of addiction and t...