Episode Details

The Lauren Johansen case takes a shocking turn as investigators examine how a grieving mother became an accused murderer. In this episode of the STS podcast, we break down the latest developments in the Lauren Johansen case, explore the timeline of events involving COE, Gigi, and Lauren, and examine the evidence that led to criminal charges. The Lauren Johansen case has quickly become a major story in true crime news, raising difficult questions about grief, motive, and justice.

Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Joel Waldman and the #BestGuests in true crime as they analyze the investigation, review the prosecution's evidence, and discuss the legal challenges ahead. Our expert panel explores the relationships between the people involved, key moments in the case, and how investigators built their timeline. We also separate verified facts from speculation while discussing what could happen as the case moves through the courts.

This episode delivers a direct, conversational, and concise breakdown of one of the most talked-about criminal cases in recent headlines. Stay informed with expert legal analysis, compelling real crime stories, inspiring survivor stories, the latest true crime news, discussions of notable cold cases, and trusted coverage from the STS podcast.
Key Points from the Episode:

Latest developments in the Lauren Johansen case

Timeline involving COE, Gigi, and Lauren

How the investigation unfolded

Review of key evidence and criminal allegations

Expert legal analysis from the #BestGuests

The legal challenges ahead

What to expect as the case progresses

Welcome to a special episode of Surviving The Survivor...the podcast that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #truecrime. 

In this LIVE episode, the COE fills in for Host Joel Waldman and brings on friends and #BestGuests ‪Gigi McKelvey from @PrettyLiesAndAlibis‬ and Lauren Matthias from ‪@HiddenTrueCrime‬. 

The three discuss Kouri Richins, the mother turned author who wrote a book to help her three sons process their father's death...only to be arrested for his murder. 

The "COE" is STS' "Chief of Everything" and Joel's wife. Before joining STS @TheCOE or Ileana, was a network news correspondent in LA and in Miami. She was also a local news anchor and reporter in NYC, LA, DC, Philly, Tucson, and Yakima, WA. The COE covered everything from breaking news to investigative pieces but mostly enjoyed doing health and advocacy stories that directly impacted and supported the community. Ileana lives in Miami with Joel, their 3 kids and their 2 pups. 

Lauren Matthias hosts @HiddenTrueCrime with her husband Dr. John Matthias who is a forensic psychologist. Lauren is a former award-winning journalist who retired from news to pivot to true crime storytelling. Lauren and her husband have been featured on NBC's Dateline as well as ABC's 20/20 for various cases they have covered on their true crime channel. Lauren is known for her in-depth coverage of the Chad Daybell case. 

Gigi McKelvey is the host of @PrettyLiesAndAlibis and is a freelance reporter for various true crime networks. Gigi covers true crime's most complex and tragic cases as she deep dives into the details of each case. Gigi has covered everything from Alex Murdaugh to Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. Gigi is also an advocate for victims of domestic abuse and violence and con