Secret Passage Podcast

Join us for a chilling start to the fall 2025 season of the Secret Passage Podcast as we dive into the heartbreaking case of Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky cheerleader accused of secretly giving birth to and then killing her newborn in a shocking act of neonaticide. We explore the complex issues behind neonaticide, drawing parallels to cases like Amy Grossberg and Brian Peterson, Brooke Skylar Richardson, and Gail Eastwood-Ritchie.    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 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 emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on red flags to prevent future tragedies.    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 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 research on the "psychopath brain" and the potential for early intervention to prevent violent outcomes.   Links:   James Fallon's book The Psychopath Inside:   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707530-the-psychopath-inside   Greater Good Science Center interview with James Fallon:   https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_a_psychopath_learn_feel_pain   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, 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 of the digital age. 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 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 how we can protect our youth from similar exploitation. 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 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: 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 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, despite neither party wanting to escalate the issue. We look at the immense pressure Meyer faced, the lack of mental health support, and the resulting Katie Meyer's Law, which ensures students have an outside advocate during disciplinary actions. We touch on broader themes of mental health stigma, social media pressures, and the need for empathy in academic institutions.   Links:   Katie's Save:   https://katiessave.org/   Information about Katie Meyer's Law:   https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2024/09/29/katie-meyer-stanford-mental-health-california-law/75433731007/   Save: The Katie Meyer Story   https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/save-the-katie-meyer-story/umc.cmc.3rnzvc1ylmuscdlpfmiedelzu   Join our Patreon community!   www.patreon.com/SecretPassagePodcast   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 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 struggles can create a silent crisis, even in those who seem to "have it all."    Links:   What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan:   https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kate-fagan/what-made-maddy-run/9780316356534/?lens=little-brown   Madison Holleran Foundation:   https://www.madisonholleranfoundation.org/   Suicide Prevention Resource Center:   https://sprc.org/about-sprc/   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 Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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 @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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 Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver  

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. Touching on recent influencer tragedies, mimetic desire, and the psychological toll of public shaming, we question our investment in curated lives and call for more empathy in a hyper-connected world. Join us for a look at how technology reshapes relationships, identity, and accountability.   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 Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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-sufficiency, community, and surviving chaos.    Links:   The Urban Prepper - Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@theurbanprepper Doomsday Preppers: National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/show/6e70ab41-6da6-478f-9d76-565070aa757d/season/1 Inside the Prepper Movement: Preparing for Disaster and Ensuring Survival - WELT Documentary https://youtu.be/jjuvNBwmi3w?si=L0NzuhVI6N5aLtej The Casual Preppers Podcast: https://www.casualpreppers.com/ 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 Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver      

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.pulitzer.org/article/i-sent-them-good-boy-and-they-made-him-murderer   Four Hours in My Lai (film):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NwnnLnvQYA   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver    

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://www.netflix.com/title/81728889 Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke https://press.hulu.com/shows/devil-in-the-family-the-fall-of-ruby-franke/ Kidfluencers: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/kidfluencers/umc.cmc.7iou8l4mc4jufv51a0k3sxera Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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 @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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, and a security guard.    Links:   The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez:  https://www.netflix.com/title/80220207   Murder In America: The Torture and Murder of 8-Year-Old Gabriel Fernandez:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-99-california-the-torture-and-murder-of-8/id1547409175?i=1000600169959   Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:  https://www.childhelphotline.org/   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver

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 discretion is advised.       Links:   Article about Only Fans model Maria Kovalchuk:   https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/onlyfans-model-found-on-side-of-the-road-with-broken-spine-report/   Medium article by Gal Darrash:   https://medium.com/@galdarrash/the-dubai-porta-potty-is-the-end-product-of-the-digital-crisis-b644090a379e   The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease:   https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/237880/the-biology-of-desire-by-marc-lewis/9780385682305   The Fit Mind Podcast featuring Donald Hilton MD:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fitmind-podcast-mental-fitness-neuroscience/id1461518124?i=1000484919097   Ways to get help for porn addiction:   NoFap Reboot Nation Your Brain On Porn Fight The New Drug   Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how: Instagram @secretpassagepodcast X @secretpasspod Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers Producer: Tim Rogers Editor: Mitch Silver