Between The Madness - Episode 20 - Under Her Influence - The Polyamorous Cult of Martina Esqueda

Between The Madness - Episode 20 - Under Her Influence - The Polyamorous Cult of Martina Esqueda

Author: Grip Tape September 30, 2026 Duration: 30:40

In Maumee, Ohio, 26 year old Austyn McClellan walked into a gas station and asked a stranger if he could borrow her phone. He hadn't seen his mother in nearly two years, and with several people waiting for him outside, he quietly sent her a message asking her to come get him. Then, Austyn handed the phone back and walked outside. What his mother would soon discover would reveal the disturbing reality of the life her son had been living.

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Research & Writing:
Sherri Smith

Sources:
Law & Crime Network – Kidnapped Man Escapes Woman and Her 5 Lovers
Law & Crime Trial – Torture Victim Details Horrific Abuse
Court TV – Polygamist Leader Expresses Regret at Sentencing
Court TV – Judge Says She Is “Sickened” by Cult Leader at Sentencing
The Blade – Court Report
People – Man Allegedly Held Captive and Beaten
13abc/WTVG – Guilty Plea in Maumee/Toledo Kidnapping Case


Hosted by Grip Tape, The Minds of Madness-True Crime Stories is a documentary series that explores the darker corners of human behavior. This podcast goes beyond the basic facts of a case, aiming to understand the circumstances and psychology that lead to extraordinary crimes. Each episode is a deep, narrative dive into a single story, built from court documents, interviews, and reported accounts. The focus is on the human element-the lives altered, the communities shattered, and the often-complex motivations behind the acts. You’ll find no sensationalism here, only a sober and meticulously researched examination of events that challenge our understanding of society and culture. Listening to this podcast feels like engaging with a thorough, long-form piece of journalism, where the pacing allows for reflection and the details paint a complete, if unsettling, picture. It’s for those who seek more than a headline, offering a respectful yet unflinching look at the realities of true crime. The production emphasizes clarity and depth, making complex legal and emotional trajectories accessible. By focusing on the story from multiple angles, The Minds of Madness provides a compelling and thoughtful audio experience that lingers with you, prompting questions about justice, fate, and the fragile lines we all navigate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories
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Episode 325 - Butcher Nurse - The Murder of William McGuire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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After closing on his dream home in Woodbridge, New Jersey, William McGuire disappeared. Days later, a gruesome discovery in the Chesapeake Bay launched an investigation where almost every piece of evidence seemed to have…