The Unlovely Truth

Season 3, Episode 49: The Art of Storytelling: Bringing Facts to Life

Imagine looking into the window of your favorite clothing store and seeing the hottest new fashions lying there in a heap. You can’t picture how they’d look on you the way you can when those stylish top and bottoms are put on a mannequin. That’s what good storytelling does for facts, statistics, and otherwise dry information - it gives it good bones. It lets you connect with your listeners on a deeper level - something I hope we are doing here on the Unlovely Truth!
We’re going to focus on just one story for the entire month of December and it’s a very appropriate one: The Santa Claus Bank Robbery by the late A.C. Greene, a prominent Texas journalist and author. Our guest today is Lawrence Yuen, host of The Myth Pilgrim podcast and he’s going to talk with me about the power of story.
The Myth Pilgrim is a Catholic podcast exploring how popular myths and fairytales can nourish your spiritual journey. Brother Lawrence Yuen explores theology alongside Disney, scripture alongside The Lord of the Rings, Saints alongside Star Wars … and so much more!
Our Bible verse this week is Hosea 4:2
“You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery.
There is violence everywhere — one murder after another.”
In chapter 4, Hosea is pointing out Israel’s problems with immorality and idolatry. The people weren’t following the ways of God, and the community was suffering because of it. The boundaries of good behavior were being trampled, and it led to more and more violence. Violence that culminated in murder. I’ve seen this as I’ve volunteered in a jail ministry. Once people get into a downward cycle, it can be hard to turn it around. We try to show them that there is another way, and that God can help them truly change their lives if they want to.
It’s a really rewarding way to volunteer, so that’s our practical action step for this week. You can volunteer at your local jail or work center to give hope to people who really need it. And it’s truly a way to be a Person of Impact in your community. From a very practical standpoint, we want people coming out of jail better equipped to handle life than they were when they went in.
If you liked this episode, be sure to check out some earlier ones. I’ve had so many amazing guests who gave me fantastic information you won’t want to miss. You can also help someone else begin their journey as a different kind of PI - a person of impact, when you share the episode, and when you subscribe, give me a five-star rating and a nice review.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Buy The Santa Claus Bank Robbery
Link to archive of contemporary news article
Link to Lawrence’s website
Find out what some of my favorite safety things are

Season 3, Episode 48: Twelve Years Gone: Where Are the Skelton Brothers?

Tanya and John Skelton were in the midst of a bitter divorce as Thanksgiving neared in 2010. Tanya had sole custody of their sons, ages 5, 7, and 9, but let the boys visit her estranged husband for the holiday. It was the last time she ever saw them. Maybe someone listening knows what happened.
Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton spent Thanksgiving in 2010 with their father John in Morenci, Michigan. When Tanya went to John’s house the next day to pick up her sons, he wasn’t there. John was in the hospital saying he had broken his ankle during a suicide attempt.
He told multiple stories about where Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner were. When police accessed his house, the inside had been torn apart. This story isn’t easy to tell. These boys were let down by someone who should have been taking care of them.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says, “There are six things the Lord hates. In fact, he hates seven things. The Lord hates proud eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who aren’t guilty. He also hates hearts that make evil plans and feet that are quick to do evil. He hates any witness who pours out lies and anyone who stirs up conflict in the community.” We’ve got all of that in this episode.
I hope this episode reaches someone who knows something about what happened to Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton. If that’s you, please call Michigan State Police at 517-636-0689, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1800-843-5678.
Age progressed photos from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Give to the NCMEC to help them serve more families in need.
You Tube video of memorial on 1st anniversary of disappearance
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Season 3, Episode 14: Finding Keeslyn Roberts
Season 2, Episode 18: Gone in an Instant: The Kentucky Vanishing of Heather Teague
Heather’s mom wants items from crime scene tested for DNA

Season 3, Episode 47: My Sister’s Case: Unsolved Murders’ Effects on Families

Famous unsolved murders get a lot of attention. Think about how often you see media articles about JonBenet Ramsey, The Zodiac Killer, or the Black Dahlia. In his book “A Long Walk Home”, award-winning journalist Joe Strupp outlines the case of 17-year-old Carol Ann Farino in a small town just 10 miles away from New York City.
After we investigate today’s book about Carol’s long unsolved case, we’ll be joined by my guest Wendy Casteneda. She’s going to share her own journey as someone who lost a sister to a violent murder. Wendy shares with us how her faith helped her get through the long years with no resolution, and the trial that finally put an end to the unknown.
We all have our own “cold case” issues. We’ll look at Psalm 37:7-10 to see how God wants us to respond in difficult situations. It’s not always easy but it’s a great way for you to be a different kind of PI - a Person of Impact.
If you liked this episode, be sure to check out some earlier ones. I’ve had so many amazing guests who have shared fantastic information that you won’t want to miss. I need your help to grow and reach more people. It’s easy! Just share this episode, subscribe to the podcast, and give me a five-star rating and a nice review. I’d be so grateful if you would.
If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can reach free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States by dialing 988. It’s short and easy to remember like 911. People are available to help you if you need them.
Learn more about Carol Ann Farino’s cold case here.
Grab your copy of my book, “How to Kick Fear to the Curb” here.
Season 3, Episode 15 - Cold Case Investigator J. Warner Wallace Talks About "Person of Interest" link
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.

Season 3, Episode 46: The Meaning of Discernment and Keeping Kids Safe

Keeping kids safe from predators is something that I hope is on everyone’s radar - but sometimes we don’t correctly judge who is a threat to our kids and who isn’t. The Jerry Sandusky scandal and Penn State football’s possible cover-up that broke just over a decade ago may never have come to light if one of his victims hadn’t decided to be silent no longer. Jerry coached under the legendary Joe Paterno from 1969 to 1999. We are going to talk about Aaron’s story, and how we can become more discerning to increase safety for our children and children in our community.
Our book this week is “Silent No More: Victim 1’s Fight For Justice Against Jerry Sandusky” by Aaron Fisher, and our guest is Julie Lowe, author of the book “Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids”. It’s full of great safety information, which you know I love! We’re going to share some great information with you this week to help you keep all of the kiddos in your life a bit safer.
Julie has a lot to say about discernment, so I want to investigate what Proverbs 3:21-24 says on that topic:
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
So if discernment can keep us safe, how do we make ourselves more discerning? I’ve got three tips for you in that regard. First, we have to read the Bible so we know what standards God expects. Second, we evaluate character based on a person’s actions, not their words. Third, we pray for wisdom which God says he will give us whenever we ask. So if you just aren’t sure about trusting someone - read what God’s word says is good, look at that person’s actions to see if they match God’s standard, then pray for the wisdom to make good decisions.
At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. Since these are very underreported crimes, the actual number of children affected is probably even higher. There are children in your neighborhood, your kid’s school, and even your church who are being or have been abused. Does your church offer classes or support groups that teach positive parenting skills? If not, see if you can be the person who gets something started. I looked online for a Bible-based curriculum to use with at-risk families and couldn’t find anything! There’s plenty out there about teaching parents how to raise biblically literate kids, but I didn’t see anything for a church to use as an outreach to its community. If you know of one, please reach out and share it with me!
If you liked this episode, be sure to check out some earlier ones. I’ve had so many amazing guests who have given me fantastic information you won’t want to miss. You can also help someone else begin their journey as a different kind of PI - a person of impact, when you share the episode, and when you subscribe, give me a five-star rating and a nice review.
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Link to buy “Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids”
Connect with Julie here
Information on child abuse from the CDC
Want safety tips AND Scripture? Buy my newly released book “How to Kick Fear to the Curb”

Season 3, Episode 45: Murdered by a Family Member: The Story of Becky Watts

This week’s episode touches on so many interesting topics. You’ll hear behind the scenes stories from a fellow private investigator, information about a celebrity investigation, tips on how to serve the deaf community, and what it’s like to have a family member murdered. My guest today has done it all. Of course, we will also take a look at a true crime case that I hope we can study some red flag examples so we can avoid the heartache that Becky Galsworthy and her family endured.
Blending families with teenagers is tough. Darren Galsworthy had two children with his ex-girlfriend Tanya when he ran into an old acquaintance named Anjie. Things between them got serious quickly. Anjie had a child too, a son named Nathan. It was obvious to Darren that the boy was possessive of his mother. But there was no way to know that possessiveness would lead to the murder of a family member. Our book this week is “The Evil Within” by Darren Galsworthy and our guest is former private investigator, Amazon bestselling author, philanthropist, and artist Connie Rowland.
This week’s Scripture is from the Old Testament:
Proverbs 14:22 CSB
Don’t those who plan evil go astray?
But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
Nathan’s actions as they are described in our book for this week are a perfect example of this passage. Notice that God isn’t calling out just those who DO evil things, but those who PLAN to do evil things. James 1:15 says, “Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.” Our thought lives matter because they influence our actions. When we think on things, and plan to take good action, the Bible promises that we will find loyalty and faithfulness.
I want to tie that into this week’s practical action step. When we see someone struggling with dark thoughts, or we notice anyone being obsessed with violent song lyrics, movies or video games, we need to check in with that person. It may not be an issue, but they might be having thoughts that will give birth to deeds with life-altering consequences. We've got to watch out for each other so we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safer.
For another mesmerizing episode about family dysfunction, listen here.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Visit Connie’s website.
Read more about Becky's life.
For safety tips and Scripture, check out my new book, “How to Kick Fear to the Curb” on Amazon.

Season 3, Episode 44: Domestic Violence: There is Help Available

Chances are you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence. You just don’t KNOW that your family member, friend, or acquaintance is suffering because we don’t always define domestic violence correctly. There are so many victims with no visible bruises. It’s the silent epidemic that flourishes in darkness. This episode was originally scheduled to be out during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the issue is really something we need to be talking about all year long.
Our book this week is “No Visible Bruises” by Rachel Louise Snyder and our guest is Author, Speaker, Certified DV Advocate & Abuse Recovery Coach Julie Bonn Blank. We are going to talk with her about why domestic violence continues to claim, in average, 137 women’s lives across the world. Every. Single. Day. But first, we are going to look at just one woman’s death - Michelle Monson Mosure.
Julie is a trained domestic violence advocate, a survivor, and an abuse recovery group leader. She facilitates the Survivor Voices Committee for the Family Justice Center of Washington County, Oregon. Julie is also a speaker and author.
We’ll also talk about Ephesians 5:21-27 because too often, verses 22-24 are pulled out of context and used to justify abuse if a wife isn’t “performing” correctly as defined by her husband or a set of church elders. But what about verse 21 where spouses are called to mutual submission? A man’s actions toward his wife should be unselfish, nurturing, and kind. A husband or boyfriend should never talk down to you, pressure you, isolate you, control you, or be violent towards you.
I’m going to lay out a practical action step this week that’s a little more involved than some have been. The church has not always done a very good job handling things when women have come forward for help in a domestic violence situation. That’s just a fact that we need to accept, but then become determined to change. I’m challenging us all to open up our eyes and ears a bit. If you see anyone in your faith community who seems to have a lot of bruises or injuries, she’s not allowed to attend study groups or other church functions that don’t include her husband, or her ability to communicate is being controlled - see if you can let that person know that you are a safe person to talk to. You can make a difference in someone’s life like Michelle’s before it’s too late.
You can learn more about domestic violence on this previous episode of The Unlovely Truth. I interview author Karen DeArmond Gardner who has first-hand experience with leaving an abusive relationship. We had an interesting conversation about practical tips to help someone who is ready to be free. You’ll also learn why abuse victims stay silent.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Get a copy of “No Visible Bruises” here.
Get a copy of Mary DeMuth’s “We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis” here.
Julie Bonn Blank’s website
Email Julie here or here
Check out ARMS, Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services here

Season 3, Episode 43: The Disappearance of Brittanee Drexel: A Thirteen Year Journey to Justice

Teenagers make bad decisions sometimes. It’s part of being a teenager. I remember a certain abandoned house my friends and I decided to explore. In the dark! I’m amazed none of us got hurt. We escaped without any bad consequences - mostly because no one’s parents found out. Today we’re going to talk about a teen who made a decision she never thought would be a big deal. And if she hadn’t met up with a predator named Raymond Moody, the worst that may have happened would have been getting grounded when she got home. Unfortunately, she never did make it home.
Today we’re going to talk about a case that went cold for 13 years. Brittanee Drexel’s story is filled with twists and turns, false accusations, and a startling confession. This case has been back in the news recently, and we will investigate why, so be sure not to miss a second of this episode!
In Psalm 35:4-7, David is pleading with God to save him from his enemies. He even goes so far as to ask for God to destroy them. Ever felt that way?
David not only wants to be safe, but for everyone to know that he had people after him for no reason. Britannee had someone after her for nothing that she did, but to satisfy his own evil desires. Let’s read David’s words:
Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me;
turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.
Blow them away like chaff in the wind—
a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.
Make their path dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me.
I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me.
Brittanee didn’t do any wrong to Raymond Douglas Moody, but he decided to use her and throw her away just because he wanted to.
Timothy Da'Shaun Taylor didn’t do anything wrong to the inmate who lied when he said Taylor was involved in Brittanee’s death. He was never charged with anything in connection with Brittanee’s case, but his mom says the family has lost friends and jobs over the false accusation. They’ve been harassed and even received death threats.
The young man who Brittanee visited at the Blue Water Resort didn’t do anything to the people who slammed him online saying he had to have been involved in what happened to her.
Is someone digging a pit for you, trying to catch you when you’ve done nothing wrong?
If you were intrigued by this episode, you’ll want to listen to this two-part story:
Season 2, Episode 20: True Crime Moms who Never Give Up - " in the Heartland" by Jax Miller
Season 2, Episode 21: Meth and Murder - " in the Heartland" by Jax Miller (Part 2)
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Dr. Phil clip 1
Dr. Phil clip 2
Dr. Phil clip 3
myhorrynews.com article
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual assault, please reach out for help by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

Season 3, Episode 42: An Eye for an Eye: Ann Rule’s Classic, The I-5 Killer

If you’ve listened to The Unlovely Truth before, you know how much I love Ann Rule’s books. I’ve got another one of her true crime masterpieces today. It’s about a man who was convicted of one murder, linked to 18, and suspected in as many as 44.
Our book this week is The I-5 Killer by Ann Rule and our guest is Tonya Kubo. Tonya is a writer, speaker, social media consultant, and coach. She’s also a mom who is going to share a story with us today about what many people see as a minor, even petty crime. But first I’m going to tell you the story of Randy Woodfield, a man who started out with petty crimes and worked his way up the ladder to serial killer.
In the twenty-first chapter of Exodus, Moses is listing out laws so the people know how to deal with situations as they arise. You’ve probably heard Exodus 21: 23-25 before.
“But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”
Sounds pretty bloodthirsty and retaliatory. But it might not be meant literally. As I was reading this I was struck by the parallelism which is a common literary device used to give the written word a sense of order and makes your message resonate with the reader. The repetition of the idea that any punishment given should match the crime, so to speak, cuts both ways. We shouldn’t be excessively harsh, but at the same time criminals should face consequences. Who is to say if Randy Woodfield would have developed into the serial killer he was had he gotten both punishment and therapy when he was exposing himself as a junior high student.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
How you can help reduce sexual violence
Buy The I-5 Killer
Connect with Tonya here

Season 3, Episode 41: My Name is Lisa: A Cold Case, A Hidden Identity, A Found Purpose

If you or someone you know has ever been the victim of sexual assault, you’ll want to hear the story of my guest Lisa Saruga. Lisa is herself a survivor as well as an advocate for others.
We all work hard to create just the right balance in our lives between work, spouses, kids, church, maybe caring for aging parents, hanging out with friends and more. Small stresses can cause big disruptions, right? Imagine how your life would be disrupted by a call from a detective about a cold case from 35 years ago. A case you never thought would be reinvestigated. A case that changed your life forever.
It’s easy to wonder where God was in all of this. I certainly don’t want to imply to anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault that just reading a verse or two will fix everything, but I do hope that these words from Isaiah 43:2-3a can give you some comfort:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”
Have you ever felt like you were about to drown in the water of your life? What about walking a path that has flames burning all around? Just try to remember that even when the waters are at their highest and the flames at their hottest, you aren’t alone. God not only sees you there - He tells us in these verses that He is there with us. Even if you feel like no one in your life is willing to be there for you - God is.
National Sexual Assault HotlineAvailable 24 hours 1-800-656-4673
Season 2, Episode 17: I Thought He was My Friend - "Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town" by Jon Krakauer
Season 3, Episode 30: No One Believed Her
Season 1, Episode 17: A Survivor's Journey - From Victim to Advocate
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Connect with Lisa here

Season 3, Episode 40: Why Community Safety Matters: Learning from Denver’s Five Points Neighborhood

Do you ever wonder how safe your community really is? The Five Points Neighborhood is one of the oldest and most diverse neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado. It’s also experiencing what residents are calling a “cold case crisis”. What made the fast-growing community slide from being a vibrant neighborhood to being one where the majority of murders don’t get solved?
We are going to take a look at a community that needs our help. A community that could be yours, or mine. The police can only work with the information that crime scenes and community members give them. So after you listen to this episode, be sure to share with everyone you know in the Denver area. Let’s dive in so we can make a difference.
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
To a society that tells us to look out for #1 - ourselves - this teaching probably sounds foolish.
But think back over your life and see if self-centeredness ever took you anywhere good.
I think Paul purposely used a broad term like “interests”. He wants us to expand what we do for others into any area they might need our help. If he’d been too specific, we’d probably have limited ourselves to doing only what he listed.
Remember the lawyer in the parable of the Good Samaritan? He was trying to limit the scope of who his neighbor was. We’re all like that at least a little in some area of our lives. This teaching fits very well with Jesus’ teaching to love others as we would love ourselves. Community is important not only among other believers, but among the people we find where we live, work, and play as well. So what kind of practical steps can we take to look to someone else’s interest in OUR neighborhoods?
According to the Brookings Institution, a Washington D.C. nonprofit public policy organization, gun violence in cities is concentrated in a small set of neighborhoods. Within these neighborhoods, it’s even more concentrated on particular streets. This is a well-established trend that holds in every city or non-urban setting in which it has been studied.
When it comes to solutions, a growing body of evidence also demonstrates the promise of micro-level place-based interventions (such as rehabilitating vacant lots or increasing the number of community organizations) in significantly decreasing violence within these neighborhoods.
If your neighborhood or maybe one around your church has abandoned or overgrown properties, see if volunteers can work with your city or town leaders to keep them cleared. What a great opportunity that could be to meet your neighbors, especially elderly or physically challenged neighbors that just need a little bit of help to make the community as safe as possible.
And who knows - if you build some relationships by SHOWING the love of Christ through service, you might get the opportunity to share the gospel.
Please visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.
Read an Office of Justice Programs article
Learn more about grief in the 5 Points community
Denver.org article
Denverpost.com article
Give Crimestoppers an anonymous tip here
Listen to other cold cases here or here