Attention all shiver-seekers! The Dark Oak is a weekly thrill and chill inducing mystery podcast. Every Wednesday, Stefanie and Cynthia will present to you a true tale of the supernatural, the macabre, historical crimes, cryptids, the unexplained and the downright spooky. To help ease your fears, we also include The Branch of Hope Foundation, which connects you to the human side of our cases by giving back to non-profit organizations related to the first episode of the month. If you enjoy gu ...
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There are many elements in our lives that affect our well-being and there are many ways that we can explore them. One avenue to optimal self-care is having open, honest conversations about what it means to be well. Navigate love and relationships, purpose and meaning, mental health and wellness, success and failure, and all of those things that make us human with Whitney Lauritsen on This Might Get Uncomfortable. Whitney has over 13 years of professional experience in the health, wellness, a ...
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At Podcasting and Platforms, we help you turn your passions into podcasts that build relationships. We tackle three problems on the show: 1. The struggle to get to episode one 2. How to get past the 9-month slump once you've started. 3. The overthinking and loneliness of content creation. We solve it by exploring the tools, techniques, and strategies you need to craft compelling shows that create meaningful culture around your niche by changing the metric of podcasting success from downloads ...
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Hot Pursuit - A Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun - Episode 2
1:48:07
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Hello, Shiver-seekers! We have a special summer treat just for you! The Dark Oak Podcast was honored to participate in "Hot Pursuit - a Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun" which includes 17 true crime podcasters all dedicated to solving crimes and helping victims. We are so excited to share two bingeable episodes that are sure to steer you toward you…
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Hot Pursuit - A Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun - Episode 1
1:43:35
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Hello, Shiver-seekers! We have a special summer treat just for you! The Dark Oak Podcast was honored to participate in "Hot Pursuit - a Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun" which includes 17 true crime podcasters all dedicated to solving crimes and helping victims. We are so excited to share two bingeable episodes that are sure to steer you toward you…
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ADHD updates and a new travel chapter
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Whitney opens up about her recent experience with ADHD management, including adjusting her medication with the help of her psychiatrist. She talks about the challenges, such as dealing with dysphraxia and the emotional impacts of feeling different. Whitney also shares her decision to buy a camper van for her upcoming annual road trip, detailing the…
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Episode 56: "A Dingo's Got My Baby!" - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain
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A camping trip in one of the most beautiful spots in Australia ends in tragedy when a young family's infant daughter goes missing. Lindy Chamberlain's screams pierced the night when she discovered her 9 week old missing from their family tent that a wild dog had just emerged from. Unfortunately, Lindy's account of what happened on that fateful even…
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Episode 55: The Disappearance of Robyn Gardner - Part 2
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In today’s episode we will tell you about the tragic story of Robyn Gardner who disappeared from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Aruba while visiting with her travel companion Gary Giordano. Gary says Robyn was lost to a freak snorkeling accident, but Robyn’s friends and family believe Gary is to blame. Sources: Burnside, T. (2012, September 11).…
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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis and Exploring "Treatment"
1:00:28
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Whitney shares updates about her mental health, creative blocks, and the significance of physical and emotional therapy in her life. She gets vulnerable about content creation and her recent experiences with ADHD diagnosis and medication. She reflects on the challenges of self-awareness, body image, and the journey of exploring neurodivergence. Add…
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Episode 54: The Disappearance of Robyn Gardner - Part 1
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In today’s episode we will tell you about the tragic story of Robyn Gardner who disappeared from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Aruba while visiting with her travel companion Gary Giordano. Gary says Robyn was lost to a freak snorkeling accident, but Robyn’s friends and family believe Gary is to blame. Sources: Burnside, T. (2012, September 11).…
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Episode 53: The Strange Death of Kendrick "KJ" Johnson
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On January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick "KJ" Johnson was found deceased in a rolled-up wrestling mat at his high school. Many believe it was an accident, but an equal amount believe KJ was murdered. We tell you everything we know.By Just Us Gals Productions
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Episode 52: Carl Tanzler and His Corpse Bride
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50:33
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Thanks to a vision provided by a dead relative, Carl Tanzler claimed to have been in love with Elena de Hoyos before they even met. Actually, decades before they met. He tried desperately to save her from tuberculosis but was unsuccessful. Unwilling to let death separate them, Carl embarked on an unimaginable and unexplainable journey to keep the b…
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My solo travel adventures through America Samoa and Hawaii National Parks
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In this episode, Whitney recounts of her three-week trip exploring the national parks of Hawaii and American Samoa. She goes into detail on the planning process, the financial ease she experienced, and adventures had at nature spots like Maui's Road to Hana and American Samoa's island of Ofu. She also touches on personal milestones, such as paying …
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Episode 51: SeaWorld and the Death of Dawn Brancheau
1:14:18
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For decades Sea World has been committed to supporting environmental conservation by providing financial and scientific support to organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. Additionally, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated more than $19 million …
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Episode 50: The Unexplained Death of Ryan Singleton
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On the 9th of July 2013, a 24-year-old Ryan was driving his car through the Mohave desert through what we know as Death Valley. He was on his way back to Los Angeles after spending the day in Las Vegas, when his car ran out of gas on Hwy 15. After walking several miles towards the closest town in the intense heat, Ryan encountered what should have …
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How Much Is Too Much When It Comes to Social Media Promotion?
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49:07
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Social media is a great way to promote a podcast, but creating more content and posting it to multiple platforms can be exhausting. What platforms are working for podcasters? Chris Spangle and guest Brandon Peters answer this, along with a question from Aaron, who wants to start a podcast but isn't sure what he should start on. Learn more about you…
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Episode 49: The Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel
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The 1997 disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel has been called one of the most baffling cases in U.S. history. A massive search was launched when she vanished, the search was so large even Russia was asked to assist. The healthy young athlete went jogging in the Shoshone National Forest and was never seen again. Amy’s husband led efforts to find his mi…
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Episode 48: The Mysterious Death of Jessica Renee Johnson
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When Jessica Renee Johnson's friends and family were told that she died by suicide, their worlds were shattered. Over the next few weeks and months, details came to light that that just didn't make sense: Jessica was found wearing clothes that no one recognized, she had strange new markings on her body, and the way in which she died was beyond unus…
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Paying more attention to global issues & reflecting on privilege
39:29
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Whitney struggles with feelings of vulnerability and ignorance while addressing the major conflict in Palestine. She navigates her privilege and the discomfort accompanying her expanding awareness of global issues through using TikTok again. The episode covers the complexities of global suffering, personal guilt associated with privilege, efforts t…
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Episode 47: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 3 of 3)
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Episode 46: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 2 of 3)
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Episode 45: The Disappearance of Maura Murray (Part 1 of 3)
1:13:19
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Maura Murray is an American woman who disappeared on the evening of February 9, 2004, after a car crash on Route 112 near Woodville, New Hampshire, a village in the town of Haverhill. At the time of her disappearance, Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student completing her junior year at the University of Massachusetts. In this three-part series, we…
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Whitney openly talks about her insecurities related to podcast length, body image, aging, and the judgments of others. Her exploration touches on the struggles with disordered eating, societal pressures, and the desire for authenticity in various aspects of life, including online dating experiences and societal metrics of success. Whitney reflects …
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Using Video Podcasting to Connect a Community with No Dishes: Bloomington
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50:41
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Thanks to Indiana University and the beautiful landscape, Bloomington is a destination city. Where are the good spots to eat when visiting for a game or hike? No Dishes: Bloomington uses video and audio podcasting to connect the culinary community within the city while also showing off culinary delights to outsiders. Host Jordan Davis and producer …
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Episode 44: The Bizarre Death of Paulette Gebara Farah
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1:12:51
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Commonly referred to as the "Mexican Jon Benet Ramsey", the death of four year old Paulette Gebara Farah is nothing short of a tragedy. What began as a missing person case turned into one of the most suspicious death cases in recent history. Accident? Homicide? Tell us what you think after you listen to the story of Paulette Gebara Farah. Sources: …
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Episode 43: The Abduction of Frederick Valentich
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At the time of his final flight, Frederick was an ambitious, healthy, hardworking, and optimistic young person. On the evening of Saturday October 21st, 1978, at 6:15 Fred Valentich left Moorabbin airport and headed west, crossing Port Philip Bay on the way to King Island. Fred’s flight started without incident. After about 6 minutes over the open …
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Inner Critic vs. Inner Resilience: a personal reflection
38:11
38:11
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Whitney shares her personal journey of struggling with consistency, grappling with perfectionism, and dealing with critical self-judgment. She opens up about the challenges of content creation, feeling burnt out, and the struggle to balance self-care with professional responsibilities. This includes feelings of vulnerability, fear of judgment, and …
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Episode 42: The Disappearance of Geneva Adams
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When single mother, Geneva Adams, doesn't come home after a rare night out, her family immediately jumps into action, but finds few clues. After almost 40 years of searching a tip leads them to believe their mother may be buried under the name of Jane Doe in a cemetery about an hour away from where she disappeared. The day of exhumation, everyone i…
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Episode 41: The Unbelievable Story of Once-Convicted Serial Killer, Kathleen Folbigg
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55:29
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In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg became the most hated woman in Australia when she was convicted of murdering her four children ranging from only 19 days old to two years old. The most damning evidence against her were her journals or what she called her "babble books." These journals detailed her daily life with her children and husband and became a crit…
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Episode 40: The Hidden Side of Boeing - The Suspicious Death of Whistleblower, John Barnett
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57:41
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On March 9, 2024, less than four weeks ago, Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead of a suspected self- inflicted gunshot wound to the head. But many are calling for a full investigation into his death as Boeing's involvement in his death are examined. The state of the great American manufacturing giant, Boeing, has continual come under f…
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What my new therapists say about my sleepwalking and chronic pain
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36:59
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Whitney shares some personal updates and insights, covering topics from health and sleep challenges to ambitions and self-exploration. She discusses the ongoing battle with tiredness and the journey of understanding the brain. Whitney mentions neurodivergence and the importance of forming one’s own opinions about health. She shares insights into an…
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Episode 39: Alfred Rouse and The Burning Car Murder
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55:19
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In 1930, Alfred Rouse, finding himself in financial trouble, faked his own death by purposefully setting his car, a Morris Minor, ablaze. To make the grizzly scene more believable, he murdered a man and placed him at the scene. The victim's identity has been a mystery for almost 100 years in what would come to be called The Burning Car Murder. But,…
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Half a Thousand Episodes In: Lessons, Reflections, and the Future of This Podcast
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In the 500th episode of this podcast, Whitney reflects on her podcasting journey, comparing it to earlier experiences on YouTube and discussing how this medium has become a more fulfilling venture. She shares insights on the production process and the challenges of content creation. Whitney talks about her consulting work within the podcast industr…
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Building Friendships Through Podcasting: The HarderBrunch Story
40:18
40:18
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Dyke Michaels and Zach Rohn of HarderBrunch are my guests, discussing the unique blend of comedy, food, and community their show offers. They started recording on a cell phone and have grown into hosting themed events and a summer camp by embodying passion and hospitality in podcasting. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of podcast …
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Episode 38: The Mysterious and Tragic Death of Kenneka Jenkins
1:11:31
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It's hard to believe that a beautiful, smart and talented 19-year-old woman would accidentally lock herself inside of a walk-in freezer, but that's exactly what hotel staff and police say happened to Kenneka Jenkins in 2017. Steeped in mystery, Kenneka's death has raised eyebrows since the news of it broke. Strange surveillance footage and unanswer…
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Episode 37: Escape from Alcatraz Island
1:18:13
1:18:13
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Join us as we reveal the secrets of the United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, also known as Alcatraz or simply, The Rock, which was a maximum-security federal prison on Alcatraz Island, 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. We take a look at famous inmates, including the Birdman of Alcatraz and two of the most famous prison …
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Episode 36: The Unsolved Murder of Lindsay Buziak
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1:00:32
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When up and coming real estate agent Lindsay Buziak received a cold call from a new client that seemed too good to be true, she was both excited and nervous. This transaction could create a lot of amazing opportunities for her, but she struggled to understand why she, relatively new in the business, would have been trusted with such an opportunity.…
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Well-Being Beyond Measure: Navigating Social Media [Session 7]
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The seventh session of the Well-Being Beyond Measure series focuses on the implications of social media and technology. Whitney explores the effects of social media burnout, mental health impacts, addiction to the constant infusion of content, 'Influencer Creep', and the subconscious challenge of always striving to do more. Drawing from published a…
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Live: What is the Future of Podcasting? In Person and Local
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Join us for the first live and in-person episode of Podcasting and Platforms as we explore the future of podcasting: connecting people locally and in person. Our guest is Jeremiah Morrell of the Boss Hog of Liberty, who serves the community of New Castle with his show and shared his lessons on building a thriving local audience. The next generation…
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Episode 35: The Mysterious Death of Hugues de la Plaza
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55:20
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Hugues de la Plaza's death is quite the compelling mystery... a dead body, stabbed multiple times, behind a locked door with no evidence of an assailant and no potential suicide weapon. Security cameras did not pick up anyone other Hugues near his home on the early morning of his death. After being stabbed, why did 36-year-old Hugues de la Plaza wa…
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Well-Being Beyond Measure: Thoughtful Communication [Session 6]
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The sixth session of the Well-Being Beyond Measure series focuses on understanding different methods and styles of communication. Whitney discusses passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication, and explores the challenges with each. She encourages listeners to understand their unique communication style and offers ways to im…
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Episode 34: The DB Cooper Skyjacking
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We cover details of DB Cooper’s 1971 plane hijacking and go into some of the more compelling theories and suspects including Richar Floyd McCoy, Dick Briggs, Robert Rackstraw, Sheridan Peterson, Vince Petersen and William Gossett. This episode will be a great way to get caught up to speed on the latest and greatest in the land of the Cooperites. **…
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Well-Being Beyond Measure: Self-Compassion & Finding Peace within Discomfort [Session 5]
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The fifth session of the Well-Being Beyond Measure series delves into the importance of self-compassion. Whitney offers an honest account of her struggles with perfectionism, self-loathing, stress, and career transition. She discusses the critical nature of self-acknowledgement and positive self-perception, sharing psychological studies that valida…
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