In the premiere episode of our gripping new series "Throwaways: The Forgotten Strands," we unravel the chilling narrative of the Redhead Murders. The episode embarks on a haunting journey through the depths of one of the most enigmatic serial killing sprees of the 1980s, inviting listeners to join me as I trace the killer's bloodstained path and bring to light the stories of those who fell victim to his wrath.

Our story begins with a personal account of my entanglement in the investigation that breathed new life into cold cases and opened up wounds that seemed long forgotten. With painstaking research and dogged determination, I pursued leads that would eventually pinpoint a predator who exploited the era's blind spots to traffic in human misery. Through a blend of narrative storytelling and investigative journalism, this episode offers a raw and unflinching look at the danger that truck stops and forgotten highways posed to vulnerable souls dubbed 'Lot Lizards'. These women, often marginalized and overlooked, found themselves prey to a ruthless serial killer who left a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions.

Listeners will be treated to exclusive insights into the killer's psyche, a disturbing portrait sketched from interviews, case files, and a dark journey through America's underbelly. We'll also shed light on the untold stories of survival, including a poignant testimony from a woman who escaped the life of a 'Lot Lizard' and the clutches of near-death. "Throwaways: The Forgotten Strands" is more than a true crime tale; it's a call to action—a plea to reevaluate the stories we tell about those living on the fringes.

By series end, we aim not only to uncover the truth behind the 'Redhead Murders' but to ignite a conversation on how society views—and often dismisses—the lives of those who dwell in its shadows. Join us on this somber quest for justice and understanding. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey together.

Find us online.

Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

In the second episode of "Throwaways: Shadows at the Crossroads," we delve deep into the world of the truck stop hustler, a figure as misunderstood as they are stigmatized. 'Lot Lizards' is the term that has echoed through the trailer parks and late-night rest stops of America — not as a badge of honor, but as a label born out of mockery and perpetuated by stereotypes. These aren't the glamourous scenes from far-flung locales with their high-stakes espionage and luxury escorts.

Instead, our story is rooted in the grit and struggle of the blue-collar sex trade where Hollywood's caricatures meet harsh reality. Picture the scene: the archetypal 'rustbelt hooker' with her leopard print and red lipstick, a figure both vilified and romanticized in equal measure, bearing the unseen scars of a life lived on the precipice of society's margins. We trace the origin of this derisive moniker back to its roots, examining how a quip from a comedian in the 1970s has evolved into a lexicon of contempt. This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the superficial judgments, to see the individuals behind the epithet — many of whom are navigating a world rife with danger and desperation.

What's often missed in the snide commentary is the raw vulnerability of these souls: the men and women who, labeled as 'predators' by an unforgiving society, are, in truth, often the prey. We peel back the layers of misconception to reveal the stark realities of life for those who find themselves trading flesh for survival at the intersection of loneliness and commerce. "Throwaways: Shadows at the Crossroads" promises a journey into the heart of darkness that exists in the daylight, where the hunt is not for the thrill of the chase but for the next meal, the next fix, the next step in a seemingly endless road of hardship. With empathy and unflinching clarity, we're shining a light on the lives too often ignored, bringing voice to the voiceless, and understanding to the misunderstood.

Stay with us as we continue to expose the truths behind the taboos, weaving together the narratives of the past and present to redefine the future for those whom society has labeled as throwaways.

Find us online.

Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

In episode three of "Throwaways: Viral Justice," we explore the ripple effect of storytelling and its power to resurrect cold cases from the silence of the archives to the forefront of public attention.

This chapter begins with Shane, whose tenacious research into the forgotten case of the Barbourville Jane Doe ignited a spark of interest across the communities tethered to the Bible Belt's local media. As Shane's narrative found its way onto Foul Play, it wasn't long before the tale of the unsolved murder began to reverberate through the corridors of small-town newsrooms and onto the screens of crime bloggers nationwide.

The renewed intrigue is a testament to the profound impact that sharing these stories can have — giving voice to the voiceless and igniting a collective determination for resolution. Spurred by this burgeoning interest, I turned to a trusted ally in the investigative community, Gemma Hoskins. Known for her sharp insights and indefatigable spirit, Gemma suggested harnessing the connective power of social media to cast a wider net for information.

It was a simple yet pivotal act that would mark a turning point in our journey. The establishment of a dedicated Facebook page became a beacon for engagement, drawing in tips, shared stories, and collaborative efforts from across the nation. This single digital platform provided a gathering space for a community united by the desire for truth and justice, transcending traditional barriers to becoming a crowd-sourced investigation.

"Throwaways: Viral Justice" is not just a narration of the progress in the Barbourville Jane Doe case but also an examination of how modern connectivity can bring about a resurgence of interest and aid in a case long considered stagnant. The episode is a testament to the idea that in the age of digital media, everyone can be an investigator, and no case needs to remain unsolved — a sobering reminder of the power we hold in our hands and the responsibility that comes with it.

Tune in to a story of collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of truth. Join us as we witness the transformation of an investigation through the power of community and collective action.

Find us online.

Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!