The UPIKE Justice Journal

The Cult on the Ranch: Inside the Manson Family

Hey UPIKE Justice Journal family! We are running a bit late with this week’s episode, and we want to apologize for the delay. We are still settling into our new groove and routines, and our number one priority is making sure we deliver the absolute best quality episodes for you all instead of rushing them out. But trust us—the wait is worth it. In this episode, we are diving deep into the dusty trails of the infamous Spahn Movie Ranch and untangling the chilling history of the Charles Manson Family. 🌵🎙️ Grab your headphones, because this is one deep dive you won't want to miss.

Shadows of Up Top: The Family

In the mid-1960s, a charismatic yoga teacher named Anne Hamilton-Byrne convinced some of the country’s most influential doctors, lawyers, and socialites that she was the living reincarnation of Jesus Christ. But behind the closed doors of her estate, she wasn't just building a spiritual movement.

Voice for the Mother: Ajike Owens

In this episode of the UPIKE Justice Journal, we dive into the tragic and legally complex case of Ajike "AJ" Owens, a mother of four who was shot and killed through a locked door in Ocala, Florida. We break down the timeline of the neighbor dispute that led to this moment, the controversial "Stand Your Ground" defense, and the psychological impact on the children who witnessed the event. We’re honoring the memory of Ajike “AJ” Owens and looking at the psychological and legal factors that led to a 25-year sentence. It’s a heavy one, but an important conversation on justice and accountability. Listen now on your favorite platform! Links in the Bio! #TrueCrime #VictimAdvocacy #UPIKE #JusticeJournal #CriminalJustice #Podcast

Mini-Episode 2: Deep in the Holler

Dust off your overalls and grab a funnel cake, it’s Hillbilly Days in Pikeville! 🎡 But while the rest of the county is enjoying the carnival rides and parade floats, Meg and Krystina are diving into the darker side of "Mountain Hospitality." In this episode of the UPIKE Justice Journal, the girls debate whether Appalachia's most terrifying urban legends are actually just misunderstood introverts in need of a snack. Meg shares her "supermodel" encounter with a Not-Deer and pitches a podcast guest spot for the Mothman, while Krystina desperately tries to explain why you should never, ever offer a sourdough starter to a creature that screams like a banshee.

Seventeen & Sentenced: The Bullet in the Suburbs

In this episode, we dive into the sensational 1992 case that blurred the lines between a suburban drama and a tabloid nightmare. When 17-year-old Amy Fisher stepped onto the porch of Mary Jo Buttafuoco and pulled the trigger, she wasn't just committing a violent act. She was the catalyst for a media firestorm that defined an era. We’ll dissect the grooming and manipulation at the heart of her relationship with Joey Buttafuoco, the "Long Island Lolita" narrative constructed by the press, and the lasting impact this case had on how we view young women in the criminal justice system.