Shows
Box in the BasementTexas’s Oldest Unsolved Family Massacre: What Really Happened to the Arellanos?Send us a textIn 1968, five members of the Arellano family were slaughtered in a remote Texas farmhouse, shot execution-style while they slept. No arrests. No motive. And over five decades later, still no answers. How does a crime this brutal remain unsolved? Was it a robbery gone wrong, a personal vendetta, or something more sinister swept under the rug?With renewed attention from journalists, podcasters, and even the Texas Rangers, pressure is building to uncover the truth. But will justice ever come?Join Arlene and Leah as they examine the victims, the...2025-07-1734 min
Box in the Basement7-Year-Old Cortney Clayton Disappeared in Broad Daylight… Then Her Body Was Found 15 Miles AwaySend us a textSeven-year-old Cortney Clayton vanished while walking home from a corner store in tiny Stamford, Texas. It was 1988—a time when kids still rode bikes until dark, and trust lingered in small towns. But what followed shattered that trust: Cortney's body was found miles away, and despite witness sketches, leads, and decades of investigation, her murder remains unsolved.This case has haunted the community for over 36 years. New composite sketches, evolving theories, and a heartbroken family’s relentless push for answers have kept Cortney’s name alive. But has law enforcement missed someth...2025-07-1030 min
Box in the BasementHe Vanished After a Party—Three Years Later, His Bones Were Found on a Hillside: The Case ofSend us a textOn a cold February night in 1999, 25-year-old Wil Hendrick vanished after leaving a party near Moscow, Idaho. His friends thought he had walked home. He never made it. Months later, his abandoned car was found—muddied, keys gone, and ominously silent. Three years after that, Wil’s remains were discovered on a remote hillside, miles from town.Wil was openly gay in a small town, a proud artist with a vibrant spirit—and possibly, a target. Despite the passage of more than two decades, no one has been charged with his murder...2025-06-2624 min
Box in the BasementThey Were in Love. He Was Watching. Then He Opened Fire.Send us a textIn the spring of 1988, two women set out for peace, adventure, and freedom on the Appalachian Trail. But only one would make it home. Rebecca Wight and Claudia Brenner were hiking through Pennsylvania’s Michaux State Forest when their journey turned into a nightmare. After being stalked by a stranger in the woods, the couple was ambushed in a shocking act of violence fueled by hate. Rebecca was shot and killed. Claudia, injured and alone, had to survive—and fight to tell their story.In this episode, Arlene and Leah revisit one...2025-06-1929 min
Box in the BasementUtah’s Dark LGBT History—Who Murdered Anthony Adams?Send us a textIn 1978, 27-year-old Anthony Adams, a gay man living in Salt Lake City, was found brutally murdered in his home. His killing was both savage and personal—signs of a struggle and a life cut short. Four decades later, no arrests have been made, and vital evidence has gone missing.Why did the police let this case go cold? Was Anthony targeted because of his sexuality? And what dark secrets still linger in Salt Lake City’s cold case files?Join Arlene and Leah as they examine the victim, time...2025-06-1239 min
Box in the BasementTrans, Two-Spirit, Missing & Murdered: Aubrey DameronSend us a textIn the early morning of March 9, 2019, 25-year-old Aubrey Dameron left her home in Grove, Oklahoma, and disappeared. As a transgender, two-spirit woman, Aubrey’s identity placed her at greater risk in a community already grappling with systemic gaps in missing persons cases. Her family launched desperate searches and demanded answers, but for years, the mystery of her disappearance loomed large.Six years later, her remains were discovered in a wooded area, bringing heartbreaking closure, yet still no accountability. What happened to Aubrey that night? Why did it take so long to fi...2025-06-0533 min
Box in the BasementThe Unsolved Murder of Leon Laureles: Crying For JusticeSend us a textIn this powerful episode of Box in the Basement, Arlene is joined by her life partner, Leah, and podcast producer Bree to discuss the latest developments in the unsolved 1996 murder of Leon Laureles in Brownwood, Texas.💔 Arlene shares the emotional toll of losing Leon and introduces new findings from the private investigator's files that were hidden for decades, including a suspect list and shocking crime scene photos.🕵️ Leah shares her chilling connection to true crime: she attended the same church as Jeffrey Dahmer’s father and grew up hearing stories of...2025-05-2940 minBox in the BasementJustice for Leon part 3: The Day of the MurderSend us a textIn this gripping continuation of Box in the Basement, host Arlene shares what happened in the days leading up to and the night of her uncle Leon Laureles unsolved murder on May 10th, 1996, outside Brownwood, Texas.Through witness accounts, community stories, and her own exhaustive research, Arlene pieces together the timeline of events—red flags, threats, a suspicious red sports car, the chilling final 911 calls, and the appalling mishandling of the investigation by local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers.This episode reveals:Leon’s fe...2025-05-2233 minBox in the BasementJustice for Leon part 2: Examining a Victim's LifeSend us a textThis episode tells the emotional life story of Leon Laureles—a beloved uncle, caregiver, and community member—who was murdered on May 10, 1996, outside Brownwood, Texas. Nearly three decades later, his case remains unsolved, and justice has never been served.Host Arlene, Leon’s niece, shares heartfelt stories from his life and their unbreakable bond. She exposes the neglect by law enforcement and her ongoing fight to reopen his case under the Homicide Victims' Families’ Rights Act.📅 Join us May 31, 2025, for a public celebration of Leon’s life: 📍 Common...2025-05-1529 minBox in the BasementJustice for Leon part 1: Arlene’s Journey of Heartbreak & HeadachesSend us a textThis month, Box in the Basement returns to where it all began—the story of Leon Laureles, a beloved 30-year-old man who was murdered execution-style outside of Brownwood, Texas, on May 10, 1996. His case remains unsolved and is suspected to be a hate crime.Host Arlene, Leon’s niece, shares her deeply personal account of Leon’s life, the night she learned he was killed, and the decades of grief, unanswered questions, and systemic failure that followed. Through raw emotion and courageous storytelling, Arlene sheds light on the injustice surrounding Leon’s case—and...2025-05-0932 min
Voices on the SideCha with JoélJoél Leon also known as Joél L. Daniels, is a Bronx born and raised performer, father, author, and storyteller who writes and tells stories for Black people. Joél specializes in moderating and leading conversations surrounding race, masculinity, mental health, creativity, and the performing arts, with love at the center of his work and purpose. He is the author of Book About Things I Will Tell My Daughter, God Wears Durags, Too, and Everything and Nothing at Once: A Black Man's Reimagined Soundtrack for the Future. His TED talk on healthy coparenting has been viewed over 1.5M times. He’s...2025-05-011h 02Box in the BasementA Pregnant Woman’s Final Call: Why Was D’Lisa Kelley Ignored?Send us a textIn March 2014, 24-year-old D’Lisa Kelley—pregnant and full of life—left her Dallas home to attend a funeral. She never came back. Hours later, she was heard on a phone call screaming for help. Her family pleaded with police to track her phone, but delays and missteps followed. Days later, her body was found brutally murdered, discarded beneath a bridge.Nearly a decade later, D’Lisa’s family is still searching for justice. Her case has become a symbol of systemic failure—of what happens when a woman's screams are heard… but n...2025-05-0127 min
Box in the BasementShe Vanished on the 4th of July—Who Took Dannarriah Finley?Send us a textIn the early hours of July 4th, 2002, four-year-old Dannarriah Finley disappeared from her home in Orange, Texas. Days later, her body was discovered in a neighboring county, sparking one of Southeast Texas’s most heart-wrenching investigations.For over two decades, the case has remained unsolved—despite national attention, renewed DNA testing, and continued pleas from her family and law enforcement. Investigators believe someone out there holds the missing piece that could finally bring justice.Who was Dannarriah? What do we know about her final hours? And why has the trut...2025-04-2530 min
Box in the BasementHe Walked Into the Desert. She Left Her Apartment. Neither Were Seen Again: The Disappearances of Catherine Hammel and Christopher SaundersSend us a textTwo Texans. Two timelines. Two lives vanished without a trace.In 2017, Chris Sanders walked away from his RV in Monahans, Texas, into thin air. With no ID, phone, or confirmed sightings, the 40-year-old father disappeared. Despite public appeals and tireless efforts from his family, Chris remains missing, his case as dry and vast as the West Texas land he left behind.Now rewind to 1998—Catherine Hammel, just 25 years old, was last seen at a Houston apartment complex. A mother, a daughter, a young woman full of life—gone. Her car...2025-04-0241 minBox in the BasementLuxury Home, Triple Deaths, No Answers—What Really Happened in Anaqua Springs?Send us a textIn January 2019, Nichol Olsen and her two young daughters were found shot to death inside a luxury home in the Anaqua Springs Ranch community near San Antonio, Texas. Authorities quickly ruled it a murder-suicide, claiming Nichol shot her daughters before turning the gun on herself. But her family and many in the community have never believed it.Nichol was a devoted mother, described as vibrant and full of life, with no history of violence. Strange details, unanswered questions, and conflicting reports have fueled suspicions that someone else may have been responsible...2025-03-2032 min
The Fully Expressed PodcastEpisode #73: The Power of Storytelling & Building a Business with Your Partner ft. Leah De LeonIn this episode, we dive deep with Leah De Leon on the art of storytelling in business and what it’s like to build a business with your life partner.2025-03-1939 min
Box in the BasementNo Forced Entry, No Arrests—A Texas Cold Case That Won’t RestSend us a textOn a quiet evening in 1981, Karen Lynn Douglas—a devoted mother from Harris County, Texas—was brutally stabbed to death in her own home. With no signs of forced entry, investigators believed she may have known her killer. But despite an extensive investigation, the case quickly turned cold, leaving more questions than answers behind.Who wanted Karen dead? Was she the victim of a targeted attack, or was it a crime of opportunity? Over four decades later, Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety continue searching for leads, but the iden...2025-03-1324 min
Conversations with Musicians, with Leah RosemanTal Yahalom: Jazz guitarist and composerTal Yahalom is an award-winning jazz guitarist and composer and you’ll be getting a preview of his compelling quintet album Mirror Image with refreshingly unique instrumentation: violin, cello, percussion, sax and flute and both nylon-string and electric guitar. You’ll be hearing excerpts from the album and hear about Tal’s creative process and collaborators including percussioninst Rogerio Boccato and David Leon on sax and flute. Tal told me about some great advice he got from Pat Metheny, whom he met when Tal won the Detroit Jazz Festival National Guitar Competition, and the invaluable guidance of key mentors throughou...2025-03-091h 26
Box in the BasementA Feud, A Fire, and A Murder—The Twisted Case of Ira TobolowskySend us a textOn May 13, 2016, prominent Dallas attorney Ira Tobolowsky was found burned to death inside his home. What first appeared to be a tragic accident quickly unraveled into something far more sinister. Investigators determined the fire had been deliberately set, and Ira had been attacked before the blaze. But who would want a respected lawyer dead?Soon police arrested a suspect, a man entangled in a bitter legal feud with Tobolowsky. As evidence mounted, Aubrey was arrested and charged with murder. But in a shocking twist, the case against him was dismissed, leaving...2025-03-0633 min
Talk Doc To MeBuild Your Dream Team for your Documentary with Cole SaxEvery great documentary starts with a vision—but it takes the right team to turn that vision into reality.Leah sits down with award-winning filmmaker Cole Sax to break down the essential steps to building a dream team for your documentary.With a career spanning collaborations with YouTube Originals, VICE, Google, Nike, and The Olympics, Cole shares insights from his experience directing World Debut, an award-winning feature documentary produced in partnership with Boardwalk Pictures and executive produced by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.In this episode, you'll learn: The right time...2025-03-0343 min
Box in the BasementShe Went Jogging and Never Came Home—What Happened to Rachel Cooke?Send us a textOn the morning of January 10, 2002, 19-year-old Rachel Cooke went for a run in her quiet Georgetown, Texas neighborhood. She was home from college for the holidays, enjoying the break with family. She never returned.Rachel was last seen less than a mile from her house, a routine jog that should have ended in time for breakfast. But when her parents came home later that day, Rachel was gone—her keys, wallet, and belongings untouched. There was no sign of struggle, no obvious clue pointing to what happened. Just silence.Th...2025-02-2732 min
Box in the BasementCaught on Camera: The Chilling Church Murder of Missy BeversSend us a textOn April 18, 2016, 45-year-old fitness instructor Missy Bevers arrived early at Creekside Church in Midlothian, Texas, to set up for a boot camp class. Less than an hour later, she was found brutally murdered inside. Surveillance footage captured a chilling figure dressed in full SWAT gear roaming the church halls, wielding what appeared to be a hammer. The suspect’s slow, deliberate movements—almost staged—have fueled theories and speculation for years.Despite the eerie video, the case remains unsolved. Missy had no known enemies, yet investigators uncovered troubling details: a cryptic Linked...2025-02-2041 min
Box in the BasementSlashed Tires, Shaky Alibis: The Vanishing of Tara BreckenridgeSend us a textOn a warm July night in 1992, 23-year-old Tara Breckenridge finished her shift at The Men’s Club, an upscale Houston nightclub, and walked out into the night. She never made it home. A promising young woman with dreams of photography, Tara vanished without a trace, leaving a trail of unanswered questions.Her car was later found abandoned on the side of a highway, its tires slashed—a chilling sign of foul play. But there were no signs of a struggle, no evidence to reveal where she went or who may have take...2025-02-1326 min
Box in the BasementNo Shoes, No Money, No Goodbye—What Happened to Monica Carrasco?Send us a textOn the night of October 2, 2003, 16-year-old Monica Carrasco seemingly vanished into thin air from her relatives' home in Balmorhea, Texas. She had recently moved in with her aunt and uncle after her mother suffered a stroke, and though she was adjusting to a new environment, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But by morning, Monica was gone—her bed neatly made, her Bible missing, and no trace of her anywhere.Authorities were baffled. There were no signs of forced entry, no evidence of a struggle. Monica reportedly left without shoes, money, or...2025-02-0631 min
Box in the BasementA Killer Set Free? The Frustrating Unsolved Murder of Brittany McGloneSend us a textIn the early morning hours of July 2007, 19-year-old Brittany McGlone clocked out from her overnight shift at a local store in Wood County, Texas. She was tired but eager to get home and rest. By the afternoon, she was dead—brutally murdered in the home she shared with her boyfriend. The crime was savage, leaving investigators with more questions than answers. Who had entered the house that morning? Why was Brittany the target? And most chillingly—was the killer someone she knew?For years, the case remained cold, haunting Brittany’s family...2025-01-3039 min
Talk Doc To MeThe Highs & Lows of Finding a Job in Documentary with Devon BlackwellHow do you navigate the documentary job landscape? Asking for a friend…
Leah sits down with Devon Blackwell to chat about her time working at The New Yorker, how she handled layoffs, and her approach to using archival materials in documentaries.
Devon Blackwell is a director and editor, a Sundance Ignite Fellow, and currently pursuing her Master’s in Documentary Filmmaking at Stanford University. She began her career as a filmmaker and curator at The New Yorker, where she produced Nina and Irena, a film that was shortlisted for an O...2025-01-0838 min
Box in the BasementA Christmas Eve Tragedy: The 2015 Unsolved Murder of Henry GutierrezSend us a textHenry Gutierrez Jr., a 71-year-old prominent businessman from Schertz, Texas, was known for his charisma, generosity, and success as a real estate mogul and former nightclub owner. Described as hardworking and deeply connected to his community, Henry was known for helping those in need and living with vibrancy. But on Christmas Eve 2015, his life was tragically cut short when he was found brutally murdered in the garage of his upscale home.Discovered by his son, Henry’s death stunned the quiet town. Evidence suggested the crime was targeted, but the motive re...2024-12-1925 min
Box in the BasementThree Billboards & Still No Justice: The Unsolved Murder of Kathy PageSend us a textIn the early hours of May 14, 1991, Kathy Page was found dead in her car in Vidor, Texas, the victim of what appeared to be a staged car accident. Decades later, her murder remains unsolved, casting a long shadow over the quiet town. Kathy’s father took justice into his own hands, erecting billboards accusing her estranged husband of involvement, a move that inspired the Oscar-winning film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.In this episode, Arlene and Leah delve into Kathy’s life, the suspicious circumstances of her death, and the decades-long figh...2024-12-1230 min
Box in the Basement13 and Gone: The Unsolved Murder of Hailey DunnSend us a text Hailey Dunn, a 13-year-old from Colorado City, Texas, vanished on December 27, 2010, after telling her mother she was going to a friend’s house. Her disappearance sparked a massive search, but her remains weren’t discovered until 2013, near Lake J.B. Thomas. Years of investigation focused on Shawn Adkins, her mother’s boyfriend, who was charged with her murder in 2021. However, in 2023, charges were dropped, citing insufficient evidence. Documents revealed Hailey suffered blunt-force trauma, fueling outrage over the lack of justice. Join Arlene and Leah as they dive into Hailey's case, reviewing the evidenc...2024-12-0532 minBox in the BasementThe Vanishing of Misty Copsey: A 14-Year-Old's Disappearance That Still Haunts WashingtonSend us a textIn 1992, 14-year-old Misty Copsey disappeared after attending the Puyallup Fair in Washington. Misty was a bright, independent teenager who spent the evening at the fair with a friend. Misty attempted to walk home when she missed her bus but never made it. Her mother, Diana Smith, immediately reported her missing, but law enforcement initially dismissed her concerns, treating Misty as a runaway. Her parents, friends, and community launched a frantic search, but Misty was never found, and her disappearance remains unsolved to this day.Over the years, the case has been m...2024-11-2843 minBox in the BasementThe Tragic Indigenous Murders of Rachel Sloan and Lakota RenvilleSend us a textRachel Sloan and Lakota Renville were Indigenous women whose lives ended in violence, leaving their families searching for justice. Rachel’s burned remains were found in 2015 in Laytonville, California, and her case remains unsolved, overshadowed by systemic neglect that often surrounds cases involving Native women. Adding to her family’s pain, Rachel’s mother was also a homicide victim, marking a chilling pattern of violence.In 2005, Lakota Renville’s body was discovered in a vacant lot in Independence, Missouri. Despite years of advocacy by her family and attention from Missing and Murdered...2024-11-2134 minBox in the BasementShining Light on Indigenous Women: The Disappearance of Ida Beard & Murder of Suspicious Death of Chynelle LockwoodSend us a textWhen 29-year-old Ida Beard, a shy Cheyenne & Arapaho woman from Oklahoma, disappeared, it left her family and community devastated. Her vanishing led to the passage of “Ida’s Law,” groundbreaking legislation designed to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people in OK. In July 2017, Chynelle Lockwood’s body was discovered on a remote Alaskan beach, leaving her family devastated and desperate for answers. Her mother, haunted by the silence from investigators, spent years sifting through rumors and dead ends, clinging to hope and the search for justice in the face of u...2024-11-1431 min
Talk Doc To MeHow to Partner with Brands for Your Documentary with Anna Wilder BurnsSure, we all have our dream brands; but how do you actually land a partnership for your film?
Leah chats with Anna Wilder Burns and they discuss how she and her team were able to raise $20K through brand partnerships for their original film ‘Beyond Normal.’
Anna Wilder Burns is an award-winning Cinematographer and Director who tells impactful stories about athletes, adventurers, and activists. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in sports and outdoor content, with a unique ability to connect with her subjects and a passion for striking visuals. She has worked with major brand...2024-11-1039 minBox in the BasementThe COVID Pandemic Vanishing of Pepita RedhairSend us a textEvery morning, Anita Redhair receives a "good morning" text from her 27-year-old daughter, Pepita. On the morning of March 25, 2020, Anita waited for her usual text, but it never came. She wondered if her daughter was busy with school, work, her hobby of skateboarding, or spending time with her boyfriend Nick. She soon reached out to Nick, and he claimed she left a party the night before, and he didn't know where she was. When Anita alerted the authorities of Pepita's disappearance, the Albuquerque Police Department, her case was ignored due to the recent...2024-11-0730 min
Talk Doc To MeHow To Win an Oscar & The Business of Short Documentaries with Ben ProudfootWhat does it take to win an Oscar? Leah chats with Ben Proudfoot, the CEO and Founder of Breakwater Studios.
Ben Proudfoot is a two-time Academy Award® winning documentary filmmaker and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Breakwater Studios, the home of the short documentary. Based in LA, he leads a team of 20 full-time filmmaking staff to create Oscar winning short documentaries. He was born in Nova Scotia, attended USC, and founded his company in 2012. Since then, he’s made short documentaries for brands like The New York Times, Charles Schwab, LinkedIn, and Ama...2024-10-2758 minBox in the BasementLiving a Domestic Nightmare: The Murder of 10-month old Willow Grace GarnerSend us a textMariah Gardner's life changed forever on the night her ex-husband, Stephen Clare, attacked her in a fit of rage. In February 2023, Clare shot Mariah, killing their 10-month-old daughter, Willow Grace, in the process. Clare's violent assault left Mariah fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath, Mariah has spent over a year seeking justice, advocating for domestic violence awareness, and fighting for stronger protections for survivors.Join Arlene and Leah as they highlight domestic violence in Texas through this jarring case.October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month...2024-10-1727 min
Talk Doc To MeCurating Asian Stories for the World as Editor in Chief of EST Media with Keshia HannamWhat does it take to curate documentaries for a global media company?
Leah chats with Keshia Hannam, Editor in Chief at Eastern Standard Times. Keshia & Leah discuss the roles and responsibilities of an Editor in Chief & what makes for a compelling documentary.
About Keshia:
Growing up mixed race and then living as an immigrant across Hong Kong, India, Australia, the UK, and now the US, Keshia was always drawn to how belonging and assimilation affect identity. Her work as an environmental advocate, building communities across the world with womens’ safety orga...2024-10-1341 minBox in the BasementThe Unsolved Murders of Randy Lee Cave & Candance BoleySend us a textIn January 2009, San Angelo shop owner & bowling aficionado Randy Cave's murder shocked the community, including hosts Arlene and Leah. Randy, known for his kindness and popularity, was found by employees when he didn't show up to work. Investigators have a few persons of interest, who would want Randy dead? Candance Boley, a former Marine and mother of two, joined the Army & moved to Fort Hood in 2011. After a neighbor finds her body, Candance's family receives confusing information, including outright lies regarding the autopsy.Join Arlene and Leah as they e...2024-10-1027 minBox in the BasementAlmost 40 years and Still No Answers in the Dallas Murder of Catrina MowreySend us a textCatrina Mowrey's death in 1985 remains one of Dallas, Texas' haunting cold cases. Kansas native Catrina was found dead in her Oak Cliff apartment, and despite the passage of nearly 40 years, questions about what exactly happened to her continue to plague her family. Her body was discovered under mysterious circumstances, with inconsistencies that left investigators puzzled. Initially ruled an accidental death, the case was later reopened as a homicide when new information came to light, sparking her family’s relentless pursuit of justice.Catrina's family has remained vocal, tirelessly fighting for answers an...2024-10-0325 min
Talk Doc To MeMental Health & Screening Your Documentary at the US Capitol with Max KarpmanLet’s talk about mental health and documentary filmmaking.
Max Karpman is a filmmaker who was born in New Jersey, but spent most of his childhood in Moscow, Russia. He is a recent graduate from Chapman University and is the director of “Did You Forget Mr. Fogel?” a short documentary about American hostage Marc Fogel who was a teacher at Max’s school in Moscow.
Max, Matt & Leah discuss how he found the story & the exact steps he took to create a student film from start to finish.
In this...2024-09-291h 01Box in the BasementThe Fourth of July Murder of Shonda Townsend & the New Years Shooting of Jessica MitchellSend us a textLate on July 4th, 2010, 19-year-old Shonda Townsend, a kind mother of one, disappears on a drive home after celebratory fireworks in Palo Pinto, Tx. Months later, her remains would be found. Why would anyone murder Shonda? Staff Sergeant Jessica Mitchell, a shy, hardworking, intelligent 30-year-old mother, went out on New Year's Eve 2020 with friends, happily posting on her socials. She left the 4th Quarter Sports bar at 2:00 am, only to be followed and gunned down by a red SUV, shocking the community of San Antonio and the military base Fort Sam H...2024-09-2634 minBox in the BasementGone at Midnight: The Mysterious Disappearances of Phyllis Barry & Jane McDonald-CroneSend us a textPhyllis Barry, a member of the Choctaw, headed off camping in Terlingua, Texas, in 1975. Enjoying nature and a motorcycle ride with a stranger, Phyllis spent the evening around the campfire with friends. As they dispersed to look for more firewood, Phyllis disappeared. In 1993, 34-year-old Jane McDonald-Crone danced in Magnolia, Texas. Her car would be found a few blocks from her home, but no signs of Jane. She was sighted several times, but were they Jane? Join Leah as she goes through the lives of the two victims and investigates the theories. 2024-09-1940 minBox in the BasementThe Mysterious Disappearances of Cole Jackson and Toni ChildressSend us a textToday's epsiode covers two suspicious missing persons cases in Texas. In 2006, Cole Jackson left his friend in a gas station Whataburger without a word as to where he was headed, speeding off in his half-ton pickup. He then crashed into a fence, promising the owner he'd return and pay later. That's the last time anyone spotted Cole. What happened to Cole, and what did investigators find? Forty-one-year-old Toni Childress finally started putting the pieces of her life together when she reached out to her sister on Facebook. After several chi...2024-09-1231 minBox in the BasementMurder in Quiet Texas Towns: Who Killed Katara Johnson & Philise Estes?Send us a textLate on an August night in 2004, 20-year-old college basketball star Katara Johnson left her job at Taco Bell and returned to her home in Taylor, TX. When Katara didn't return her grandmother's calls the next day, her grandmother immediately checked her home, only to find her car missing and Katara murdered. Who would kill Katara? In 2006, Security guard Philise Estes and her boyfriend, Jeremy Fair, moved into a quaint, quiet Round Rock neighborhood. Her boyfriend's screams would shatter the serenity as he found her body. Did a random stranger kill Philese, o...2024-08-2936 minBox in the BasementA Tribute to the Heart of Brownwood: Steve HarrisSend us a textOn Saturday, August 18, 2024, Brownwood, TX, lost its heart and voice. Steve Harris, owner of Steve's Market & Deli, passed away at 63. He has supported Arlene in her quest for answers in Brownwood and touched everyone he met. He loved Brownwood and everyone in the community and kept Leon's memory alive on his blog and through his tireless activism. Listen as Arlene shares her journey with Steve to demand justice for Leon and the bond they created. Steve also shares, in his own words, his story of Leon's last secret. Support Box in...2024-08-2221 minBox in the BasementDouble Murders in 1980: The Slaying of the Conables & The Christmas Strangling of Estella & Andrew SalinasSend us a textA quiet, modest, retired couple, Margaret and Keith Conable lived comfortably in San Antonio in 1980. Late Friday night in May, neighbors heard gunshots. The next day, the neighbors found the couple dead in their home. Who would target the couple? On Christmas of 1980, Estella and her 14-year-old son, Andrew, are found murdered from asphyxiation in the bayou. Why would anyone want a mother and son dead on Christmas? Discover the evidence & the theories with Arlene and Leah as they explore the mysteries behind two Texas double homicides. Support Box in the...2024-08-0831 minBox in the BasementThe Strange Vanishings of Bill Roland & Beaverly MeadowsSend us a textOn a hot day in July 1993, Bill Roland headed out with his extended-cab pickup truck and a 24-foot pontoon boat for his lake house near Lake Sam Rayburn, with a fishing trip in mind. When Bill failed to return home as planned on July 21st, 1997, his wife reported him missing. The day after Christmas, on a cold night in Marshall, Texas, 49-year-old Beverly Marshall wandered from her nursing home and vanished. Join Leah and Arlene as they discuss the evidence left behind, the people waiting for their loved ones, and the theories as...2024-08-0127 minBox in the BasementStalked in the Dead of Night: The Murders of Christie Wilson & Veronica TaylorSend us a textOn a hot summer night in August of 1982, 19-year-old homebody Christie Wilson & her co-worker locked up Snappy's convenience store in Dayton, Texas. She got in her 1969 Thunderbird with cash from the store to deposit the next day. When she failed to arrive home by 1 am, her husband panicked and searched for her car. His worst fears turned into a living nightmare. Who would kill Christie? Did she know her killer? On the night of March 25, 1987, 13-year-old Veronica Taylor walked to her aunt's apartment, Darlene's, just 100 yards away in the same apartment c...2024-07-2529 minBox in the BasementIs The Disappearance of 9-year old Dorian Thomas related to the Murders of Gloria Covington and Linda Jackson?Send us a textIn 1997 Amarillo Texas, two women were murdered and another was attacked. A few year later, a possible witness, 9-year-old Dorian Thomas, goes missing while riding around his neighborhood. Did the murderer attack Dorian for seeing too much? Join Arlene and Leah as they delve into Amarillo, the women and their lives, the crime scenes in a low income part of Amarillo, the evidence provided by witnesses, and the suspects, in this episode of Box in the Basement. Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe F...2024-07-1128 min
Outcome MasteryHow to Humanize Your Marketing through Video with Leah de LeonMeet Leah de Leon - co owner of Sundoc Studios! Sundoc Studios is a creative studio based in San Diego that is dedicated to making original and branded documentary films.
Leah de Leon is an award-winning Filipina-American documentary producer and director based in San Diego, CA.
She is driven by her innate curiosity about people and her love for travel, telling empowering stories that explore culture and identity around the world.
Her recent short documentary, ‘We Are Like Waves’, was released with The Los Angeles Times. Other credits include producing works for The BBC, VICE, PBS, and 60 Seco...2024-06-2845 minBox in the BasementCouples Targeted by a Hooded Man: The Texarkana PhantomSend us a textWhen couples are discovered murdered in lover's lanes in the Texarkana twin cities metro. Who would attack these couples and why? Join Arlene and Leah as they take us back to 1940's Texas and walk through the murders, the victims, and the evidence. Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Follow us on Facebook & Instagram Donate to Seasons of Justice Listen to Darkcast Network Shows Join Uncovered.com 2024-06-2742 minBox in the BasementA Sister's Lifelong Nightmare: When Elisa Roberson Vanishes in 1989Send us a textIn 1989, thirteen-year-old Elisa Roberson left her home to meet a friend in the Texas gulf town of Aransas Pass. Born in Nicaragua, she adjusted well to American life, enjoying hair band 80's music and bossing around her younger siblings. After a short walk towards the elementary school, she would never be seen again. What happened to Elisa? Join Arlene and Leah as Elisa's sister Judy shares her memories of one of the worst days of her life - and her experiences with the police department as she searches for answers. Su...2024-06-0622 minBox in the BasementAn Era of Terror in Brownwood Part 3: The Unsolved Murder of 13-Year Old Amanda GoodmanSend us a textOn a rainy day in May 1989, Amanda "Sissy" Goodman fails to return home from school. Within 45 minutes, Amanda's body is found outside of town, shot to death, mystifying the entire city of Brownwood. Who would murder a sweet, innocent, church-going 13-year-old Junior High student? Arlene and Leah tell Amanda's story and interview Judy Williams, her cousin who now fights for justice for Sissy. With new facts discovered by Judy in the case, we question our original suspect in the case and shed light on new evidence. Join the Justice for Sissy Facebook p...2024-05-2348 minBox in the BasementAn Era of Terror in Brownwood Pt. 2: The Twists & Turns in the Brutal Murder of Donna Mae InlowSend us a textBox in the Basement continues its look into the unsolved and solved murders in Brownwood, Tx, looking for the broader context in how Leon's murder remains unsolved. In Part 2 of an Era of Terror, we focus on an innocent woman whose life was cut short in 1982. A mother of four and widowed, 72-year-old Donna Mae Inlow worked in her shoe store in Brownwood, TX. On the morning of Tuesday, April 28th, a neighboring business owner found Donna Mae's body, her shoe store covered in blood. Who would murder an innocent, hard-working wid...2024-05-1622 minBox in the BasementRemembering LeonSend us a textIn this emotional episode, Arlene shares memories of Leon as we near the anniversary of his murder. On May 10th, 1996 at midnight, someone kidnapped Leon Laurales from his workplace, Kroger's grocery. Fifteen minutes later, they shot him outside of town, leaving behind Leon's burning Thunderbird, and a wake of shattered lives and hearts. Leon's box in the basement started our quest for justice for not only Leon, but the 100,000+ cold cases in the US sitting in boxes in basements. Join us as we continue to bring to light all th...2024-05-0916 minBox in the BasementA Dating Game Turned Deadly: The Murder of Leslie Ann Barker in Akron, OH, 1978Send us a textOur own host Leah and her Father share their memories of an explosion that rocked a quiet neighborhood in Akron, OH in 1978. A teacher out for a dating game at a local bar ends up discovered in her charred car in a dead-end alley near Leah's childhood home. Did she meet her killer at the dating game? Join Arlene and Leah as they travel through Akron in 1978 and walk through the night of the murder. Leah vividly recounts the neighborhood as she and Arlene walk through all the possibilities. Join us for another...2024-04-1831 minBox in the BasementVanished in the Night: The Unsolved Disappearances of Norman Prater & Kristy BoothSend us a textToday's episode explores two missing persons cases in Texas. In 1973, 17-year-old Norman Prater vanished after visiting his mother at a Dallas coffee shop, a mystery that remains unsolved 51 years later. Join Arlene and Leah as they explore Norman's disappearance against the backdrop of a tumultuous year marked by historical events, from the Vietnam War's ceasefire to the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling. Who were the mysterious men he was seen with the night of his disappearance, and do they have links to a famous serial killer? 2024-04-1135 minBox in the BasementWhen Arson Erases Evidence: The Unsolved Murders of Mikiko Kashara & Linda MueggeSend us a textIn the quiet town of Seguin, Texas, a grim discovery was made on December 14th, 2002. Firefighters responding to an apartment blaze uncovered a scenario more sinister than they could have anticipated: the charred remains of 21-year-old Japanese exchange student, Mikiko Kashura. Investigators quickly discovered someone had strangled her to death before her murder. Who killed Mikiko? Join Arlene and Leah as they walk through the clues the killer left behind. Another arson case haunted Texas in 2007. Linda Muegge, a recently divorced Fredrickson, Texas resident with a small business, "The Peasant Kitchen," r...2024-03-1427 minBox in the BasementTwo Public Servants, Two Decades Apart, One Familiar Crime Scene: The Murders of Dorthy Estep & Beth HicksSend us a textIn the shadowed silence of a Texas highway, a chilling discovery sends ripples through the heart of McLennan County. It's late at night, September 30th, 1985, when Texas State Trooper Richard Coddle, guided by intuition and duty, investigates an abandoned car off US Highway 84. What he finds inside the trunk ignites a mystery that has endured for decades—the remains of 32-year-old Dorothy Estep, a dedicated social worker from the nearby town of Mexia.Welcome to "Box in the Basement," a podcast where hosts Arlene and Leah delve into the darkest unsolved my...2024-02-2825 min
Voices on the SideThe Plurality of Existence - Part 2 with Joél LeonThanks for coming back for Part 2 of my conversation with Joél. We go deeper into the meaning of community and the importance of using your own discernment as you engage with others. I love the way that Joél holds in his heart and mind the authors and activists that have come before him. This in and of itself is a form of community.
Joél ultimately leaves us with a message of resounding hope for the future, including his thoughts on how we can teach our children about the world so that they can develop their own age...2024-02-2438 minBox in the BasementA New Mother Murdered in Midway: Who Killed Nancy Probst?Send us a textOn a chilling November night in Midwest City, Oklahoma, a devastating scene unfolded as Matthew Probst discovered his wife, Nancy Probst, lifeless in their home, marking the beginning of one of Oklahoma's most perplexing and unsettling unsolved homicides. Nancy, a 32-year-old mother, was found dead, leading to Matthew quickly becoming a person of interest. Despite his time behind bars, the case remains unsolved as of February 2020, leaving a haunting question mark over the tragic event.In 2000, amid significant global and national events—from the US presidential election controversy to the opening of...2024-02-2227 min
Voices on the SideThe Plurality of Existence - Part 1 with Joél LeonJoél is an author, performer, storyteller, and father. He is a steady voice of inspiration and information, teaching us the necessity of community. He has a somewhat magical way of speaking his truth both unapologetically and with the deepest compassion.
We talk about the impossibility of being in a constant state of traumatic peril while simultaneously being present with joy. Joél shares his thoughts on activism, being abolitionist, and collective liberation. He is an example of how we must lead with love and ultimately, he embodies hope for humanity.
Please enjoy — the lovely and l...2024-02-2143 minBox in the BasementChased Through the Woods in Panola County: The Strange Death of Lauren ThompsonSend us a textIn the shadowed underbrush of Panola County's dense forests, a mystery as perplexing as the twisted pines unfolded with the disappearance of Lauren Elizabeth Thompson. This case, which has haunted the East Texas Timberlands since January 2019, serves as the focal point for an episode of "Box in the Basement," a podcast dedicated to shining a light on Texas' coldest cases and the families left grappling in the dark.Lauren, a 32-year-old mother of three, vanished without a trace, her last known moments captured in a frantic 911 call where she claimed she...2024-02-1426 minBox in the BasementDomestic Violence, Death, & Disappearance in Lockhart: The Murder of Latricia White & The Disappearances of Lee & Chance WackerhagenSend us a textIn this heart-wrenching episode of Box in the Basement Podcast, hosts Arlene and Leah delve into a chilling cold case from Lockhart, Texas. On December 27, 1993, two days post-Christmas, the tranquility of a small town is shattered when Jack White discovers his daughter, 38-year-old Latricia White, shot dead in her home. The mystery deepens with the disappearance of Latricia's partner, Lee "Dub" Wackerhagen, and his nine-year-old son, Chance, sparking a complex investigation that challenges initial suspicions and takes unexpected turns.Lockhart, known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, serves as the backdrop...2024-02-0729 minBox in the BasementA Seven Year Old Stabbed by Stranger & A Traveling Salesman Found Murdered: The Cold Cases of Jennifer Delgado and William FavorsSend us a textIn today's gripping episode of Box in the Basement Podcast, we delve into two heart-wrenching unsolved mysteries from Texas, each marked by seemingly random and violent acts. We first explore the tragic case of seven-year-old Jennifer Delgado, whose life was abruptly ended in San Antonio during a routine laundromat visit in 1988, leaving her mother wounded and a community in mourning. Our journey then takes us to Abilene in 1979, where we unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of William Favors, a traveling salesman who vanished after a night at his hotel bar, only...2024-02-0131 minBox in the BasementStrangled by the Telephpone: The Murder of Ruby Lewis Stevens - El Paso's Oldest Cold CaseSend us a textA pregnant woman is strangled to death by her own telephone cord on a warm summer night in 1966. In this episode of "Box in the Basement," hosts Arlene and Leah delve into the haunting cold case of Ruby Lewis Stevens, whose life was tragically cut short in El Paso, Texas, and remains El Paso's oldest cold case. Ruby, a young, pregnant wife living in the heart of El Paso, was found strangled in her home in 1966, a crime that remains unsolved to this day. The hosts, driven by personal ex...2024-01-2527 minBox in the BasementSunday Night Murder: The Unsolved Shooting of Marianne WilkinsonSend us a textWelcome to 'Box in the Basement', where we delve into the enigmatic and often overlooked cold cases of America. Today, we take you back to a serene evening in 2007 in an upscale neighborhood of the DFW metroplex, where a heinous act shattered the tranquility. Marianne Wilkinson, a devoted mother and grandmother enjoying a quiet night at home, was abruptly gunned down at her doorstep. This tragic event left the community and law enforcement perplexed. Was it a case of mistaken identity, a random act of violence, or a robbery gone awry? Join...2024-01-1726 minBox in the BasementWhen A Mother Goes Missing, Will a Psychic Crack the Case? The Disappearance of Kathleen RanftSend us a textWelcome to another chilling episode of Box in the Basement, the podcast dedicated to shedding light on cold cases in Texas and beyond. Join Arlene & Leah, as they delve into the mysterious disappearance of Kathleen Ranft from Seguin, Texas in 1985.In this episode, the navigate the unsettling vanishing of 29-year-old Kathleen, a tire shop employee and mother. Despite the immediate suspicion of foul play by the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, Kathleen's whereabouts remain unknown nearly four decades later, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends....2024-01-1025 minBox in the BasementWhen A Walk Home from School Turns Deadly: The Unsolved Murder of Amanda GoodmanContent Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of violence and sexual content, and may not be suitable for all listeners.In May 1989, Amanda Goodman, a 13-year-old student from Brownwood, Texas, tragically lost her life in an unsolved murder case. Known as Sissy, Amanda was an honor student and a friendly, big-hearted girl who dreamed of becoming a nurse. Her typical walk home from Brownwood Junior High School turned fatal on May 16th when she was murdered, leaving her family and the small community in shock.The hosts, Arlene and Leah, delve into the complexities of...2024-01-0427 minBox in the BasementThe Unsolved Murder of Leon Laurales Part 4: The Players, The Evidence, & What's NextSend us a textJoin us in this gripping episode of "Box in the Basement," where we delve into the shadows of unsolved murders and the relentless quest for justice. Hosted by Arlene, a steadfast advocate in the true crime community, and joined by her life partner and co-host, Leah, this episode unveils startling revelations and unexplored angles in the heart-wrenching case of Leon Loreles.Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of violence and may not be suitable for all listeners.Embark on a journey through the intricate web of true...2023-12-3038 minBox in the BasementThe Unsolved Murder of Leon Laureles Part 3: The Murder, the Investigation, The Call for JusticeSend us a textIn this gripping third episode of "Box in the Basement," host Arlene takes us through the harrowing details surrounding the unsolved murder of her uncle, Leon Laureles. "The Murder, the Investigation, The Call for Justice" uncovers the events of that fateful night on May 10, 1996, in Brownwood, Texas, and the ensuing flawed investigation that left more questions than answers.As Arlene pieces together Leon's last encounters, including troubling threats and ominous figures, she sheds light on the potential hate crime aspect of his murder. The episode scrutinizes the investigation's shortcomings, from the...2023-12-1333 min