Episode's summary
A Facebook friend request. A mother who blocked him. A 7-year-old who never made it home from her school bus. Hidden True Crime’s Lauren Matthias examines the Joseph Andrew Bragg case in Zimmerman, Minnesota—and the disturbing allegations every parent needs to understand. Through charging documents, reported messages, and accounts from families, we explore how Bragg allegedly sought access to children through babysitting offers, online childcare groups, and contact with mothers. What did parents notice, what raised investigators’ suspicions, and how can someone use familiarity to gain a family’s trust? This episode unpacks the child abduction investigation, alleged grooming of parents, and the warning signs behind offers of free childcare, with practical lessons about social media privacy, vetting babysitters, and talking to children about boundaries and safety. Sponsors: HomeServe: Join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe. For 50% less your first year, go to https://www.homeserve.com/hidden Jones…
A Facebook friend request. A mother who blocked him. A 7-year-old who never made it home from her school bus. Hidden True Crime’s Lauren Matthias examines the Joseph Andrew Bragg case in Zimmerman, Minnesota—and the disturbing allegations every parent needs to understand. Through charging documents, reported messages, and accounts from families, we explore how Bragg allegedly sought access to children through babysitting offers, online childcare groups, and contact with mothers. What did parents notice, what raised investigators’ suspicions, and how can someone use familiarity to gain a family’s trust? This episode unpacks the child abduction investigation, alleged grooming of parents, and the warning signs behind offers of free childcare, with practical lessons about social media privacy, vetting babysitters, and talking to children about boundaries and safety. Sponsors: HomeServe: Join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe. For 50% less your first year, go to https://www.homeserve.com/hidden Jones…
Episodes
A Friend Request. A Missing 7-Year-Old. What Every Parent Needs to Know
ListenedA Facebook friend request. A mother who blocked him. A 7-year-old who never made it home from her school bus. Hidden True Crime’s Lauren Matthias examines the Joseph Andrew Bragg case in Zimmerman, Minnesota—and the disturbing allegations every parent needs to understand. Through charging documents, reported messages, and accounts from families, we explore how Bragg allegedly sought access to children through babysitting offers, online childcare groups, and contact with mothers. What did parents notice, what raised investigators’ suspicions, and how can someone use familiarity to gain a family’s trust? This episode unpacks the child abduction investigation, alleged grooming of parents, and the warning signs behind offers of free childcare, with practical lessons about social media privacy, vetting babysitters, and talking to children about boundaries and safety. Sponsors: HomeServe: Join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe. For 50% less your first year, go to https://www.homeserve.com/hidden Jones…
Could the Holdout Controversy Stop a Second Trial? | Lindsay Clancy
ListenedThe Lindsay Clancy case is far from over after a mistrial and an 11–1 jury split. Hidden True Crime’s Lauren Matthias breaks down the post-trial hearing, Judge Sullivan’s denial of the defense’s request for a finding of not guilty, and Kevin Reddington’s surprising argument questioning whether prosecutors proved Clancy killed her three children, Cora, Dawson and Callan. We also examine the separate double-jeopardy motion seeking to block a retrial, the fight over sealed juror notes, and holdout juror Michael Desronvil’s public statements as his attorney announces plans for a bar complaint against Reddington. What does the judge’s ruling mean, and could Lindsay Clancy’s defense still prevent a second trial? Sponsor: Ethos- Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/HIDDEN. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Trustpilot rating as of 8/1/2026. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their…
Caleb Flynn Is GUILTY—But These Questions Won’t Go Away
ListenedWhy did Caleb Flynn’s defense point the finger at his mistress—and where is the missing gun? Hidden True Crime breaks down the final courtroom showdown in the Caleb Flynn murder trial, from the defense’s accusations to the prosecution’s rebuttal and the jury’s guilty verdict in the killing of his wife, Ashley Flynn. The former American Idol contestant’s affair, chilling text messages, Apple Watch activity and alleged staged break-in took center stage as both sides made their final arguments. We examine the competing claims, the evidence prosecutors used to dismantle Flynn’s intruder story, and the questions the verdict still leaves unanswered. Join Lauren Matthias for closing arguments, the verdict, and a closer look at the case behind the headlines. Sponsor: Brodo: Head to https://Brodo.com/HTC for 20% off your first subscription order and use code HTC for an additional $10 off. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic…
The “American Idol Murder” Trial: The FULL Backstory & Bombshell First Week | Caleb Flynn
ListenedThe murder trial of Caleb Flynn is underway in Ohio, seven months after his wife, Ashley Flynn, was found shot to death in their home while their two young daughters slept nearby. In this episode of Hidden True Crime, Lauren Matthias breaks down the full Caleb Flynn and Ashley Flynn backstory and the first explosive week of testimony, including Caleb’s past appearance on *American Idol*, his secret affair with worship leader Aleigha Botner, more than 100,000 private messages, disturbing texts about wanting his wife “gone,” digital evidence from the night of Ashley’s murder, the missing 9mm handgun, and the prosecution’s claim that the alleged home invasion was staged. We also examine the defense case, the evidence investigators have—and what they don’t—as Caleb Flynn maintains his innocence and stands trial for his wife’s murder. Sponsor: Honeylove- Save 20% off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/HIDDEN! #honeylovepod #ad About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner…
I Was in Court for Richard Allen’s Appeal- What the Cameras Missed | Delphi Murders
ListenedRichard Allen is appealing his convictions for the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German, and Hidden True Crime was inside the courtroom as the Indiana Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the Delphi murders case. Lauren Matthias breaks down what happened inside the hearing as appellate judges questioned Allen’s defense attorneys and the State about his confessions, the lack of a traditional police interrogation, the unspent cartridge evidence, excluded defense expert testimony, third-party suspect evidence, the defense’s Odinism theory, the search warrant and other alleged trial errors. What did the judges push back on, what arguments appeared to get their attention, and could any of these issues ultimately result in Richard Allen receiving a new trial? This episode takes you inside the courtroom and breaks down the biggest moments from Richard Allen’s appeal. Sponsors: Article-Thanks to Article for sponsoring this podcast! Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or…