Shows
Secret Passage PodcastStanford’s Failure: The Tragic Death of Star Student Athlete Katie MeyerIn 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 advo...2025-07-251h 24Secret Passage PodcastLocked Out & Locked In: Madison Holleran’s Mask of Perfection and Inner PainIn 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...2025-07-181h 26Secret Passage PodcastTragedy in the Basement: Castle Doctrine, Fear, and the Failures of the VAIn 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 2025-07-111h 21Secret Passage PodcastPatreon Bonus Episode Sneak Peek! Producer's Corner: Prepping 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 2025-07-0457 minSecret Passage PodcastCurated Lives, Unseen Costs: Mimetic Desire, Shame, and Social Media FameJoin 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...2025-05-301h 27Secret Passage PodcastReady, Set, What Now?!: Preppers, Prepping, and Catastrophes 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/6e70ab41-6da6-47...2025-05-231h 11Secret Passage PodcastGetting To Know Dana: A Candid ConversationIn 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 2025-05-161h 13Secret Passage PodcastFrom My Lai to Us: War’s Dark Mirror 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 2025-05-091h 22Secret Passage PodcastKidfluencers: Navigating the Wild West of Social Media StardomThis 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.c...2025-05-021h 45Secret Passage PodcastDeconstructing Jayne Mansfield: Feminism, Marketing, and AgencyIn 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 2025-04-251h 19Secret Passage PodcastPatreon Bonus Episode Sneak Peek! Producer's Corner: Revisiting Dubai Porta Potty PartiesThis 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 2025-04-1824 minSecret Passage PodcastThe Betrayal of Gabriel FernandezApril 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.chil...2025-04-111h 30Secret Passage PodcastWelcome to the Future: Dubai Porta Potty Parties and Pornography in the Digital AgeThis 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: ...2025-04-041h 38Secret Passage PodcastThe Audacity of Casey AnthonyThis 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 the prosecution overlooked. Was Caylee’s death an accident or a calculated act by a mother who saw her child as an obstacle? We wrestle with these questions, blending behavioral analysis with personal reflections on compassion, forgiveness, and the limits of unde...2025-03-281h 45Secret Passage PodcastWhy horror? Hostel and Hostel Part II: Genius and AbjectionThis 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 of Diddy and Jeffrey Epstein. We also reflect on Eli Roth's genius, humor, and how much we both enjoyed these films. Both films feel like special gifts to horror film fans. Shannon shares her unpopular take that H...2025-03-211h 18Secret Passage PodcastPornography, Lily Phillips, and the Case Against the Sexual RevolutionIn 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 Revolution: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Case+Against+the+Sexual+Revolution-p-9781509550005 Article about the book: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jun/06/the-case-against-the-sexual-revolution-by-louise-perry-review-an-act-of-insurrection-a-new-guide-to-sex-in-the-21st-century Like, su...2025-03-141h 32Secret Passage PodcastThe Kassenoff Family: Rage, Death & DespairIn 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 the systemic failures within family courts and the challenges faced by parents in custody disputes. This conversation delves into the complex and tragic story of a custody battle that culminated in assisted suicide, exploring themes of family dynamics, media...2025-03-071h 27Secret Passage PodcastThe Substance of Promising Young Women: Feminism, The Gothic, and Biblical ImageryHosts 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: Gender in the Modern Horror Film by Carol Clover: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691166292/men-women-and-chain-saws Trauma and Recovery b...2024-12-131h 41Secret Passage PodcastPorn, Samurai Swords, Masculinity, and The AbsurdIn 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 the human search for meaning in seemingly meaningless pursuits. Links: Articles about Stephen Clancy Hill: https://www.salon.com/2010/06/09/stephen_hill_porns_lost_boys/ https://www.salon...2024-12-071h 30Secret Passage PodcastLindsay Clancy, Motherhood, and Postpartum PsychosisIn this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers explore the tragic case of Lindsay Clancy, a mother charged with the murder of her three children, and the complexities surrounding postpartum psychosis. They explore the nuances of mental health, societal expectations of motherhood, and the stigma that often prevents women from seeking help. The conversation also touches on the case of Andrea Yates and emphasizes the need for better awareness and support for maternal mental health issues. Links: Rachael Watters - Understanding Postpartum Psychosis Ted Talk https://www.y...2024-11-291h 18Secret Passage PodcastInsex, BDSM & Our Relationship With PainIn this episode, Dana and Shannon discuss the controversial BDSM-focused pornographic website Insex.com and its founder Brent Scott. Themes of pain, suffering, empathy, power dynamics, and the impact of financial reward on consent are examined. Links: Insex Wiki Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insex Graphic Sexual Horror IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326224/?ref_=vp_vi_tt Variety review of the film, Graphic Sexual Horror: https://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/graphic-sexual-horror-1200475386/ Vice article about BDSM and therapeutic effects: 2024-11-221h 27Secret Passage PodcastDiane Schuler: Women, Addiction, Denial, and TragedyIn this episode, Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the tragic story of Diane Schuler, who caused a fatal car crash while driving under the influence. They discuss the normalization of alcohol in society, the complexities of addiction, and the harsh criticism faced by individuals in the public eye. Through the lens of Diane Schuler's tragic story, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding the underlying issues of addiction, the stigma surrounding it, and the necessity of asking for help. The conversation emphasizes that pain can serve as valuable information, and that the consequences of hiding one's struggles can...2024-11-151h 11Secret Passage PodcastZoo, Mr. Hands & Our Relationship with AnimalsIn this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the infamous Enumclaw horse sex case, exploring the themes of bestiality/zoophilia, animal ethics, and the psychological motivations behind sexual behaviors. The conversation raises critical questions about consent, morality, and the societal implications of human-animal relationships, ultimately reflecting on the broader ethical considerations surrounding animal exploitation and human desires. Links: The film Zoo: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0874423/ Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer Article about Alain Delon: https://ww...2024-11-091h 09Secret Passage PodcastKim WallIn this inaugural episode of the Secret Passage podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers delve into the tragic case of journalist Kim Wall, who was murdered by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. The conversation explores Kim's life, her impactful journalism, and the chilling events leading up to her death. The hosts discuss the psychological implications of Madsen's actions and the investigation that followed. Links: Remembering Kim Wall Website: https://www.rememberingkimwall.com/ Kim Wall Memorial Fund: https://www.iwmf.org/programs/kim-wall-memorial-fund/ The Gift of F...2024-11-0147 min