Coercive Control & Criminal Curiosity: The Cases of Sally Challen and the Barefoot Bandit, with Hannah and Patia from The Knife!

This week we've teamed up with our true crime friends from The Knife, journalist-producers Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton, for a one-of-a-kind episode where we each brought a story to the table. First, Melissa and Mandy tell the bizarre and unforgettable tale of Colton Harris-Moore, better known as the Barefoot Bandit. He was a lanky teen from a small island town who went on the run, stealing cars and planes while dodging authorities for years. His story captured the internet’s imagination, but behind the memes was a kid failed by the very systems meant to protect him. Next, Hannah and Patia dive into the heartbreaking and impactful case of Sally Challen, a woman convicted of murdering her husband in 2010. What seemed at first like a shocking and senseless crime was eventually reexamined through a modern understanding of coercive control and domestic abuse. The result: a rare and powerful legal reversal years later. This episode explores two lives shaped by control, survival, and the long shadow of trauma. It’s a compelling look at how the ripple effects of crime stretch far beyond the headlines. Listen and subscribe to The Knife wherever you get your podcasts! Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, discord access and zoom hangouts at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast  Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Get the best savings of the season during Boll & Branch’s Annual Summer Event! Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollandBranch.com/MOMS. Limited time only. Exclusions apply. Give your summer closet an upgrade—with Quince. Go to Quince.com/moms  for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.  Right now, Skylight calendars is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to SkylightCal.com/MOMS.  To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast.    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more.