Basic Chemistry

The Off Switch

The death of Robin Williams crushed the world in 2014. In this episode, we discuss everything that plagued him inside and out, with an emphasis on the science behind his death. Because the self-harm content of this episode, discretion is strongly advised.

A Date to Dismember

When severed limbs began to wash up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee County had their work cut out for them. Follow along to learn all about the pathology, DNA, and sharp force trauma science that helped solve Sade Robinson's first date murder.

Basic Chemistry

Chemistry, electronic microscopy, ICP-AES, and impressive detective work solved the thallium-laced Coca-Cola murder of the 1980s. This episode highlights all of the forensic science involved in catching the murderous chemist, as well as provides a crash course on the chemistry of the element thallium and what it does to the human body.

The Commonwealth v. Chloe

The cocktail of elements that led to John O'Keefe's mysterious death are explored in this episode. Was it a hit and run or something else, entirely? We know that alcohol and hypothermia are factors, but what about.......dog bites?

Water & Snow

Drowning v. overdose in the Whitney Houston case. The mechanisms of how drugs affect the body and what happens to a body during the drowning process.