The Escape Pod Traumedy cover art

The Escape Pod Traumedy

The Escape Pod Traumedy

By: Escape Pod
Listen for free

About this listen

A traumedy about the trials and tribulations of people in their journeys of “escape”.
Escape what, you ask? ALL the things!
From trauma, crime, and unhealthy family cycles, to traffic and good deeds not going unpunished.
Like we said—all the things!

(Just tune in…you’ll understand.)

Co-hosted by Charity Doyle and Karabeth Borresen --The Escape Pod aims to connect, educate, entertain, and humanize through the lens of lived experience.

Copyright 2023 EscapePod-traumedy All rights reserved. Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • From Protection to Peril, the Sabrina Zunich Case- Ep. 100

    From Protection to Peril, the Sabrina Zunich Case- Ep. 100
    Dec 24 2025
    In this harrowing milestone episode, Charity unpacks one of the most shocking and heartbreaking cases to ever come through the foster care system—the murder of Lisa Knoefel, a dedicated social worker and loving mother, at the hands of the teen she brought into her home to protect. What began as an act of compassion—taking in 16-year-old Sabrina Zunich, a girl with a traumatic past and severe mental health struggles—quickly twisted into something unimaginable. Grooming. Manipulation. A secret relationship. And a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by the one person Lisa should have been able to trust: her husband, Kevin Knoefel. Charity walks through Sabrina’s turbulent childhood, the psychological vulnerabilities that made her a target, the disturbing evolution of her relationship with Kevin, and the brutal 178-stab murder that shook Willoughby Hills, Ohio. This episode also highlights systemic failures in foster care, the red flags that were missed, and how a teenager in crisis was weaponized by a manipulative adult to destroy the very family trying to help her. Episode Highlights Lisa Knoefel’s passion for protecting children—and how it tragically cost her lifeSabrina’s childhood trauma: addiction, instability, neglect, and mental health strugglesThe foster care statistics behind placement instability and teen vulnerabilityHow Sabrina initially thrived in the Knoefel home before the dynamic shiftedEarly red flags: accusations of favoritism, emotional distancing, and inappropriate closeness with KevinThe grooming trajectory: massages, sexual “jokes,” escalating boundaries, and Kevin planning a future with SabrinaKevin’s manipulation: coercing Sabrina with threats of suicide, love-bombing, and promises of a life togetherThe life insurance motive—$785,000—and the plan to stage a burglaryThe chilling details of the murder: 178 stab wounds and a bent knifeMegan’s courageous 911 call and her attempt to stop the attackKevin’s suspicious behavior after the murder—calm demeanor, insurance paperwork, visiting Sabrina in jailSabrina’s eventual cooperation with police and the unraveling of the conspiracyTrial outcomes: Kevin Knoefel — Life in prison + 12 yearsSabrina Zunich — Life with parole eligibility in 30 years The deep failures in foster care oversight and ignored warning signsWhere the surviving daughters and key figures are nowHow a system meant to save Sabrina instead placed her in the worst possible home Reflection Lisa Knoefel spent her life protecting children. She opened her home to a teenager who desperately needed safety. And she was betrayed by the system she trusted and the man she loved. This case is a devastating reminder: When red flags are ignored, vulnerable people pay the highest price. Resources & References Daughter Gets Life in Foster Mom's Stabbing Death Oxygen: Sabrina Zunich State of Ohio Vs. Kevin Knoefel $6.2 Million Awarded in Lisa Knoefel Murder Case What You Need To Know About The Sabrina Zunich Case Ahead Of The Premiere Of 'Snapped: Behind Bars The Tragic Murder of Lisa Knoefel Relationship Details Revealed Between Husband, Foster Daughter Lisa Knoefel Murder: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her? Graphic Details of Woman’s Murder Come Out in Husband’s Trial Man Manipulated Teenage Foster Daughter to Fatally Stab His Wife Worth More Dead Than Alive Sabrina Zunich Teen Killer Murders Foster Mother 'I Was Not Mentally There,' Woman Who Murdered Foster Mom at Foster Dad's Request Says in Prison Interview 40 Foster Children Statistics & Facts: 2025 Data U.S. Foster Care Statistics 2025 What Impacts Placement Stability? The Impact of Placement Stability on Behavioral Well-Being for Children in Foster Care Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more. https://www.escapepod.live Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts? General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live On Social Media  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapePod.traumedy  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape_pod_podcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Escape_Pod_podcast/videos Subscribe and listen now- https://linktr.ee/escapepod57701
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Desperate for Motherhood: Pregnancy Abductions Ep. 99

    Desperate for Motherhood: Pregnancy Abductions Ep. 99
    Dec 17 2025
    In this chilling and emotionally heavy episode, Charity dives into the rare but deeply disturbing world of pregnancy abductions, fabricated pregnancies, and pregnancy denial. Sparked by a previous conversation with guest Vallen Webb, this episode examines how the intense psychological pull toward motherhood can lead to deception, violence, and—tragically—murder. With fewer than 40 documented fetal abduction cases worldwide, these crimes are rare, but their brutality is staggering. Charity breaks down the infamous cases of Lisa Montgomery and Darci Pierce—women who faked pregnancies and ultimately murdered to steal infants—as well as the heartbreaking case of Melissa “Prom Mom” Drexler, whose concealed pregnancy resulted in newborn death. We explore the psychology behind these crimes, what drives women into delusion or desperation, and how trauma, identity, fantasy, and social pressure can merge into catastrophic outcomes. While these cases are extreme, understanding them helps us better identify the red flags and protect vulnerable women and children. This is a difficult episode—but an important one. Episode Highlights The primal, distorted drive for motherhood and the psychological fracture points that can trigger extreme behaviorHow fabricated pregnancies escalate into dangerous obsessionsA breakdown of one of the most notorious fetal abduction cases: Lisa Montgomery & the murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett (2004) The 1987 case of Darci Pierce, who murdered Cindy Ray after months of faking a pregnancyThe devastating “Prom Mom” case involving Melissa Drexler and neonaticideWhy these crimes happen: insights from forensic psychologyHow trauma, infertility, relationship instability, and identity wounds can fuel delusional pregnancy narrativesWhy these crimes are so rare—and what early warning signs may look likeThe societal expectations of womanhood and motherhood that can intensify psychological pressureA reminder that while understanding motivations isn’t excusing them, it can inform preventionWhy curiosity can sometimes take you down roads you wish you never sawA call for awareness, empathy, and proactive intervention for women in psychological distress If You or Someone You Know Needs Help National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE • Text START to 88788 • If someone is hiding a pregnancy, showing obsessive pregnancy behavior, or expressing desperation about motherhood, seek help immediately—these situations can escalate quickly. Resources & References The Fetal Snatcher: Desperate to Be a Mom Murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett Executions Scheduled for Two Federal Inmates Convicted of Heinous Murders Statement From the Family of Bobbie Jo Stinnett Kansan Lisa Montgomery Executed for Killing a Pregnant Woman in 2004 and Stealing Baby Court Documents in Stinnett Case Lisa Montgomery: Looking for Answers in the Life of a Killer 'Prom Mom' Released from Prison 'Prom Mom' Case Recalled After Accusations Neptune Teen Killed Her Newborn New Jersey Mom Accepts Plea Agreement "Desperate for a Child: On a Muggy Summer Day, Darci Pierce Decided She Would Kill to Have a Baby" Woman Found Guilty of Killing Pregnant Woman for Her Baby Pregnant Woman Was Alive When Cut A Teenaged Mother Gives Birth and Murders Her Baby at the Prom Executions Scheduled for Two Federal Inmates Convicted of Heinous Murders A Staged Pregnancy | Most Evil S3 E7 | discovery+ Desperate for a Child : On a Muggy Summer Day, Darci Pierce Decided She Would Kill to Have a Baby Prom Mom Killers: The Impact of Blame Shift and Distorted Statistics on Punishment for Neonaticide Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more. https://www.escapepod.live Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts? General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live On Social Media  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapePod.traumedy  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape_pod_podcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Escape_Pod_podcast/videos Subscribe and listen now- https://linktr.ee/escapepod57701
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Protection or Illusion_ The Deadly Gaps in Protection Orders Ep. 98

    Protection or Illusion_ The Deadly Gaps in Protection Orders Ep. 98
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode of The Escape Pod, we confront a sobering truth: the legal shield meant to protect victims of domestic violence can sometimes be little more than paper. Protection orders—also called restraining orders—are often hailed as a first line of defense, but as we’ll hear in today’s stories, their promises of safety are not always enough. Through real cases, data, and expert insights, we explore the deadly gaps in enforcement, the scenarios where orders fail, and the ways the system could evolve to truly safeguard those at risk. Inside This Episode The Promise and Limitations of Protection Orders Protection orders are court-issued documents intended to keep abusers away from victims, sometimes requiring surrender of weapons and forbidding contact. They can provide relief—but only when they are enforced. Studies show 10–12% of female intimate partner homicide victims had active protection orders at the time of their deaths. Globally, the UN reports that 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2023, revealing the lethal stakes when safety measures fail. Stories That Highlight the Danger We dive into the harrowing cases of women whose protection orders weren’t enough: Shirley Lowery (1992, Chicago) – Ambushed and killed in a courthouse hallway by her ex-partner before her order could even be served.Tammie Marie Davis (1990, Southern California) – Shot and killed by her ex despite an active restraining order.Donna Montgomery (1995, Indiana) – Murdered at her workplace by her estranged husband shortly after securing an order.Theresa Bender (1993) – Killed by her husband the moment a temporary no-contact order expired.Maria Navarro (1989) – Despite an active order and multiple 911 calls, her abuser killed her, two aunts, and a friend.Betsy Murray – Her husband violated a temporary restraining order 13 times before ultimately killing her. These stories show a stark reality: orders can fail due to poor enforcement, abuser defiance, or gaps in protective measures. When Orders Escalate Danger Filing a protection order can sometimes provoke abusers, especially in cases involving firearms, stalking, or past severe violence. Research shows that violations often spike shortly after issuance—turning a legal tool into a potential trigger. Risk is especially high where abusers have history of ignoring authority, access to guns, substance abuse, or rural isolation. When Protection Orders Work Protection orders are most effective when: The abuser respects the law or fears consequences.They are paired with firearm removal laws (e.g., Lautenberg Amendment).There is strong enforcement, community support, and safety planning (locks, workplace alerts, apps for emergencies). Orders are not a standalone solution, but part of a broader safety strategy. The Bigger Picture While protective orders save lives and reduce costs—NNEDV notes $85 million in savings in Kentucky alone—they are far from foolproof. Survivors and advocates stress that orders must be enforced consistently and combined with resources like shelters, monitoring, and risk assessments. The takeaway is clear: paper protections are only as strong as the teeth behind them. Key Takeaways Protection orders save lives but are not infallible.Enforcement gaps and abuser defiance are persistent risks.Filing an order can escalate violence in high-risk cases.Effective safety requires a comprehensive approach—legal, practical, and social.Survivors should always consult an advocate before pursuing an order. If you are in danger, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or text “START” to 88788. RESOURCES: Femicides in 2023 Woman Slain; Suspect Sets Himself Afire Husband Kills Wife at Work, Himself Despite Escorts, Woman Slain by Stalker Husband Four Shot, Killed After 911 Call Fails to Summon Police Court Orders in Abuse Cases often Fail to Deter Violence Operation for Hope Reminds Victims of Violence That Goal is 'Safety, Not Justice' Are Restraining Orders Really the Best Option? Perspectives on Civil Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases: The Rural and Urban Divide Domestic Violence Protective Orders Are Effective in Reducing Homicides, Study Finds Intimate Partner Violence, Firearm Injuries and Homicides: A Health Justice Approach to Two Intersecting Public Health Crises Civil Protection Orders: Victims’ Views on Effectiveness One Woman or Girl is Killed Every 10 Minutes by Their Intimate Partner or Family Member Judge Reportedly Denied Protection Orders For Woman Cops Say Was Killed By Ex Connect With Us If you have thoughts, theories, or questions about this case, message us on social or email the show. Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more. https://www.escapepod.live Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or ...
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.