In this episode, Michelle Glogovac interviews Courtney Lund O’Neil, author of Postmortem, which explores the chilling story of John Wayne Gacy through the lens of Courtney’s mother, who was the last person to see one of Gacy’s victims. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma on families, the societal fascination with criminals, and the importance of telling stories from different perspectives. Courtney shares her journey of writing the book, the courtroom drama surrounding the case, and the ripple effects of such tragedies on individuals and communities.
In This Episode, Michelle Talks About…
- Courtney’s mother was a key witness in the Gacy trial.
- The book provides a personal perspective on a historical crime.
- Generational trauma affects how families cope with tragedy.
- The societal fascination with criminals can overshadow victims’ stories.
- Writing the book was a way to honor her mother’s experience.
- The courtroom drama reveals the complexities of legal proceedings.
- There is a need for more voices in true crime narratives.
- The impact of crime extends beyond the immediate victims.
- Understanding the past can help shape a safer future.
- The book aims to shift the focus from the criminal to the victims.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to True Crime and Personal Connection
05:02 The Background of John Wayne Gacy
07:52 The Impact of Gacy’s Crimes on Families
10:55 Researching the Past: A Journey with Mom
13:50 The Sensationalism of True Crime
17:05 Exploring the Ripple Effects of Crime
19:52 The Role of Victims and Their Families
23:05 Generational Trauma and Storytelling
25:40 The Aftermath: Living with the Legacy of Gacy
28:54 Reflections on the Book’s Purpose
34:51 Introduction to ‘Postmortem’ and Its Significance
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