Smoke Screen: My Friend, the Serial Killer

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A teenager suspiciously drowned. A mother and her childhood nanny drive off a cliff. Between 1977 and 1989, a dozen people died under mysterious circumstances, with one thing in common: a connection to a spiritual leader in Dallas, Texas named Terri Hoffman. In Scary Terri, investigative reporter Jonathan Hirsch unravels the web of lies, manipulation, and dubious deeds that surround Hoffman. A dark Texas Gothic about the Charlie Manson you’ve never heard of. Smoke Screen is now The Binge Cases - new name, same home for thrilling true crime stories. Scary Terri is the latest series from The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, all ad-free right now. From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Binge Cases show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

aminkansas

Denise Didn't Come Home

What an exceptional, authentic work. Anthony, you became part of the story. Your devotion to the truth revealed all the complexities, the layers involved in tragedy - even the juxtaposition of devastation and transformation. You brought Denise to life and honored your friend Karen. You went far above and beyond in this one & I feel connected. That is more than I expect from a podcast. Thank you❤️
Miller Svoboda

It would have been a five but

Quite enjoyable but then they fell into the Megan Markle bashing and I’m sick of it.
Lajuskc

Season 8 review

This story had a lot of potential but holy cow the daughter’s dramatics is hard to listen to. It is painstakingly apparent she has meticulously thought out and planned every. single. word she says to be dramatic and exaggerated that I can’t help but find her have manipulative motives. I really appreciate how each season is unique to its hosts. It’s unfortunate this season (8) takes away from the overall series.
Jhatf

Interesting but

Great story and season. I wish Ashley wasn’t included, she seemed very fake and add no value.
Cupcake sean

Not about you

Why is it so many hosts of podcasts insist on telling eberyone about themselves. We dont care
dantmamn

Season 8 is terrible

Guy takes money obviously because he doesn’t wanna work that’s what came through but you use his daughter so now she has to make it like the greatest guy in the world when clearly he didn’t take care of his family. He ran into a huge debt, no life insurance. He lied about who he was, and kept everything secret (finances,health, identity) making the stepdad out to be some horrible person is unconscionable, you have zero proof besides some vague memory of his old best friend.
DGCPat

Season 8

Had to stop. Couldn’t finish it. Ashley wants to be dramatic, but she was so scripted and exaggerated. She shouldn’t have been on the podcast. Or, as one persons suggested, interview her for a single episode. Just can’t continue to listen.
SomewhatSinical

Moving

Denise Didn’t Come Home is so thoughtful, authentic, haunting and somehow healing. Incredible work.
J_Boxes_Juice

Season 11 is perfection

I appreciated everything about season 11. I could listen to the host all day. The story was intriguing, it pulled you in and kept you there. I wish there were more episodes. My condolences to the family, I hope this podcast helped them.
Camel.llama

Super bummed, I feel fooled.

Super sucky to get all the way to episode 6 just to find out I can’t find out the ending unless I pay to subscribe… so no closure here.
wu library

Cheese, chopped ham & pickles…

are completely ruined for me. But great podcast 😭
random)9438chikr

Great pacing and depth

It’s not dramatically overblown yet keeps you intrigued.
sUzQb

Loved the intrigue!

Proof positive for that evil lurks in those who portray themselves as pure and caring. Beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing!
Jill Zie

Season 7, Betrayal on the Bayou

In listening to this Podcast, I felt like I was supposed to believe that every career criminal is a victim just because they’re black and every law enforcement official is a white devil just because they’re white. I’m pretty over this fake narrative. There’s bad people of every color and profession so stop making it racism. That hand has been way overplayed.
carma1969

Finally a show worth binging on at this channel.

If you like shows with a twist this one is for you. I don’t like the other shows here but this one made want to pay for the access to binge every episode!
Jillian Wa.

I want my 6 hours back!

The show has no payoff. She just gets away with it. Wasted time. Cone on Sony.
Ahimsa2013

Interesting conundrum

A reason I find this story compelling is the difficulty the legal system finds itself in in bringing cult leaders to justice, given how hard it is to prosecute someone for psychological manipulation that can lead to their followers doing harmful things to themselves and others.
JacobOmbac

Scary Terri

This stupid show keeps playing every time I enter my car and they make it impossible to remove from my phone, I want to punch the narrator and which ever apple employee makes it impossible to remove
About Time for a Change!

Insufferable

Like a harlequin romance of crime/mystery genre. Pumped up drama from narrator to fluff the banal story.
PandaPopStarry

Binge Premium Fail

Although I’m a binge premium member, I’m not able to binge these episodes all at once and have to wait each week like a commoner.
Casey Marie's Music

Exceptional Journalism

I’ve only listened to 3 different season but this is so much more than just true crime. You’ve managed to bring humanity to both the coconut also the criminals. I found myself reflecting on the human experience and touched by the impact of those simply trying to find answers.
BAEH008

Great show

Thank you!
Mo426

Local story that hit hard

Read about this podcast in my local paper because it took place just blocks from my house! Anthony did a wonderful job bringing confirmation and peace to Karen about her sister. Well done.
Dene’05

Scary Terri

When he said Terri G is going to Terri Jail I lost it. Great podcast
bunnyravitz

Close to home.

I'm a Binge fan but my mind was just blown when Episode 1 mentioned Bergen County towns. I grew up in Demarest, adjacent to Closter. I can picture Old Hook Road. Definitely a new experience vis a vis true crime.
k2007tn

Truth is stranger than fiction

I highly recommend this series. Having known a family directly impacted by this group I was extremely interested in this series. As the series title seems to imply a possible simple “scary” explanation & tone- it actually goes much deeper. As the legal system is just now starting to catch up with new laws in coercive control we have a long way to go. There is a lot to be learned in this series by those in the legal as well as psychological fields. As prevention & awareness is crucial- ways to prosecute evil amongst us must be pursued as well. Great job in getting so much in a 6 part series.
Ruger@8470

Can’t stop listening

This is one of the best shows at the end of a episode I can’t wait to hear the next
Jungle Grl

More than just another true crime podcast

I just finished binging all of season 11 and I thought it was wonderful! In the end it was much more than the unfortunate story of a child who was taken from this world far too soon. It was also a story about friendship and the lifelong impact that losing someone in a traumatic way can define a love ones life.
monique1992

Easily the most beautiful true crime podcast

I am honestly at a loss for words. The best podcast I’ve listened to since season 1 of serial. I thought it would be about a murder but it ended up being about the way that pain and hurt resonate through families causing denial, addiction, madness, and hope. Definitely a must listen.
MooseReport

Honored his friend while being fair

The journalist did an excellent job of showing how a murder impacts so many people in different ways and the complexities of human personalities involved. He honored his friend while being fair to the story.
micky.alys

Meh

Not sure what all the five star reviews are going on about. It was kind of boring and contrived.
Steph_Rut

Must Listen

This podcast was so well done. It was interesting in terms of wondering up to the final episodes who was actually responsible for Denise’s murder. The final episodes also brought tears to my eyes. I hope Karen and her sweet family gained closure from this podcast. The host is genuinely invested in Denise’s case and Karen’s friendship which is refreshing. This is how true crime should be reported. Thank you!
ShelPeck

You’ll be locked in

It took me to the end of the 2nd episode to be hooked. I thought it was going slow at 1st, that there wasn’t going to be much of a story but I was way wrong. This had me wondering what was coming next at every episode and there was always something new to learn. Must listen.
jessefurr

Like thinking of 20 ways to explain paint drying.

Most of the people that pay for Patrice’s service need the inspiration. In a world of literal horror going after a tax paying business owner is laughable. Maybe go after comic book publisher next?? Just sta out of India and Africa. Entry level positions start with ripping off the elderly for everything the are worth and saved their entire li es. This guy will be our in 5 years. Slap on the wrist at most. Why did no one sue him? I’ve been a successful business owner 13 years. Most real estate agent, car salesmen. Politicians, anyone can sales positions. .have lied plenty and most hurt their customers way worse. Don’t forget who sells him those suckers lists and and the federal government that has accepted his tw rz year after Ü
TamBris

Very Good Podcast!

Anthony is a talented storyteller and excellent journalist. He crafted his story with lots of research, interesting interviews and plenty of compassion for the subject and family. What a tragic and heartbreaking story. I can’t imagine the strength it took for Anthony to establish a relationship with a killer, to aid in telling this story.
zomblehch57382

Amazing

Amazing podcast. Wishing Karen & Denise’s families only happiness 💜
caresen

Denise didn’t come home

Omg. I loved this story. So many twist and turns and learning the true truth was very satisfying and sad at the same time. Anthony did an amazing job. Voice was so relaxing and compassionate was very easy to listen to made my drive across all the states. Exciting to get in the car again. truly a gifted podcast. Thank you again and I’m sorry for your loss and the families loss.
Vanessa Rar

Great show!

Amazing work Anthony! I love the way Denise’s story was told and the kinship you developed with the family.
smgray83

Amazing Work

Anthony, there are no words for just how amazing you did with Karen’s story. I adore that you became close with her and her family, but more importantly her (Karen). She needed you to come into her life. Thank you for showing the interest in her story and Denise’s story. I’ve never cried so much during a podcast. My heart was definitely in this season. It sounded like Karen was almost a victim, just not on the same night as her sister. Sounds like she mixed those two stories together over the years. Did anyone ever check the killers hand for scars? I know it’s him after listening but still interested to know. Anyway, this is well done and I feel Karen would be extremely proud. I’m glad she got some peace before passing, because of you Anthony! Thank you for this story.
gg88888ssss

Great podcast

Great podcast. Great story telling. Ending made me cry.
deggydawggy

One of the Best I’ve ever heard!!!

I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and this is easily in the top 2. Well done, fascinating story, twists and turns you’ll never see coming, and a sense of true care about the case - not just a reporter after a story. Listen to this one!
Mom1G1B

Binge-Worthy

Denise Didn’t Come Home is an excellent piece of journalism! In a style that at times reminds me of David Ridgen (CBC), Anthony is a superb storyteller. If I could have binged it in one sitting, I surely would have! As it was, anytime I had a few minutes, I found myself hitting play, excited to hear where this story was going next. In the end, I was in tears & so invested, not only in the story, but in the relationships that make this not “just another true crime podcast.” I highly recommend giving it a listen. I’m off to look for more from Anthony Scalia!
(K):(G)

Optional

Optional
Jvckid

Best True Crime Podcast!!

Amazing work by Anthony Scalia! This podcast takes you on a journey and tells a story of young woman taken too soon. This is a great listen and keeps you coming back!!
Bingodeb56

Wow!

What an interesting story that leaves you speechless! Excellent job done by Anthony Scalia!
#tellthetruth

Great job from a 20 year veteran in the court room

I really enjoyed this podcast! The title didn’t capture me nor did the first few minutes. I thought it may be hokey, but it was well told suspenseful, and in the end there was a beautiful relationship between the investigator/narrator and the victims sister that brought a little joy to a very painful story. I appreciated being able to see the killer as a human also. For years, it was difficult for juries to convict priest, grandpa’s, police officers, etc because they didn’t want to believe good people did bad things . I’ve been a prosecutor for 20 years and can’t usually listen to Criminal podcast or watch shows related to crime because they’re not told well and have a lot of false information or misinformation , a lack of understanding of the criminal justice system or are too sensationalized. This was none of those! I have an unsolved murder case that we worked on for years and it is a quite a page page turner. I would love to talk to you all about it.
Critical_Chris

Great interiors lead to great results

This podcast is the result of leading with love, integrity and truth. Great intentions lead to great results.
Kater 440

Best twist!

Unlike so many other true crime podcasts, this one actually does find the killer in this decades-long murder mystery. But that’s not the best part! The most surprising twist comes afterward! Hang on until the final episode.
DeezBeez Lori

Like talking with a friend

This podcast has everything and Very Well put together! I felt like I was right there with him talking to Karen…. And even after Karen past, how he discussed her memories….. it was true to her and the story, great job! You can tell it was personal to all involved, it was done with love and respect!
College kid 2263737

Very Well Done

I don’t often review but I hope it means that maybe this show will be shared more with others. Fantastic journalist work. Really well done!