Episode 203: Bravo’s Dirty John & Our True Crime Obsession with Sarah Kessler

Episode notes

We’re getting down into the down and dirty story Dirty John, the new Bravo show based on the LA Times and Wondery podcast of the same name. Joining us in the discussion this week is media scholar and TV critic Sarah Kessler who happens to also be married to our very own Karen Tongson. Dirty John is the true crime story about Debra Newell, a successful Orange County businesswoman who seemed to have everything going for her except when it came to love. In her middle age, she began online dating and met this guy who her two daughters found extremely shady. Obviously, throughout the course of the limited series starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana, she and we find out why.

We take a deep dive into what it is that titillates and draws us into the dark and disturbing world of true crime. The panel takes a look at podcasts like Teacher’s Pet, Serial and Bear Brook, among others, as well as shows such as Making a Murderer, Lifetime’s A Woman Scorned and the sensational, made-for-tv accounts of the most notorious serial killers. What does true crime tell us about women and what does it tell women to watch out for? Find out!

True Crime Podcasts Discussed:
Serial
Bear Brook
Teacher’s Pet
Atlanta Monster
Star 80
Fall of a Titan: The Steve McNair Story
In the Dark
Crime & Scandal: Chris Watts

True Crime Film & TV Titles Discussed
A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story
A Deliberate Stranger
Snapped

All Abouts

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh is all about the interpersonal dynamics at play at H.W. Bush’s funeral.

Sarah Kessler is all about My Brilliant Friend on HBO based on the bestselling series by Elena Ferrante.

Karen Tongson is all about a recent stand-up set she saw of Aparna Nancherla.

That’s My Jam

Sarah Kessler – Stereolab – Outer Accelerator

Wynter – Grace Jones – Slave to the Rhythm

Karen Tongson – Juliana Hatfield – A Little More Love

With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Sarah Rebecca Kessler.

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Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.