Hidden True Crime

Secrets, power, and belief—this episode unpacks the disturbing rise of Samuel Bateman and the system that allowed his abuse to flourish. From the origins of the FLDS and the influence of leaders like Warren Jeffs, to the isolation and unchecked authority that created an environment ripe for manipulation, we explore how control takes hold—and why it’s so hard to break free. At the center is Christine Marie, whose undercover work helped expose Bateman’s crimes and protect victims, while also challenging the narrative by showing that many within the community resisted and helped bring him down. This episode goes beyond the Netflix documentary Trust Me: A False Prophet to examine the hidden motives, missed opportunities for intervention, and the survivors now reclaiming their lives—reminding us that these systems don’t just exist in isolation… they grow in secrecy.

Sponsor:

First Day Life- Our listeners get up to 57% Off AND a Free Gift with code HIDDEN at https://FirstDay.com

About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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It's week 4 of the Tanner Horner trial and Lauren Matthias is here with all of the updates. The defense has now spent weeks trying to explain Tanner Horner—his autism, trauma, mental health, and the life that shaped him—but their own expert made something clear: he knew right from wrong, and the crime itself was horrific. In this episode, we break down the second week of defense testimony in the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, from teachers and pastors to ex-girlfriends and forensic psychiatrists, all painting a picture of a man who internalized pain… yet committed an unthinkable act. So the jury is left with the question at the center of this trial—how do these two versions of a person exist at the same time… and does any of it change what justice should look like?

Sponsor:
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About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, breaks down the penalty phase of the capital murder trial of Tanner Horner, the man convicted of killing 7-year-old Athena Strand. In this episode, we analyze emotional testimony from family members, claims of generational trauma, autism, and brain abnormalities, and the science presented to explain behavior. But do these factors actually help explain what happened—or are they being used to influence sentencing? This is a deeper look at what the jury is hearing, what it means psychologically, and the question at the center of it all: explanation vs. accountability.

Sponsors:
Wayfair: Way Day at Wayfair is April 25th-27th—shop up to 80% off with fast and free shipping on everything at https://wayfair.com
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About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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The defense begins in the capital murder trial of Tanner Horner, shifting the focus from the devastating final moments of 7-year-old Athena Strand to the life and mind of the man who killed her. In this episode of Hidden True Crime, Lauren breaks down emotional testimony from family members detailing generational trauma, addiction, and instability, alongside expert witnesses who introduce complex arguments around autism, lead exposure, and brain abnormalities. But as the defense builds its case for life without parole over the death penalty, prosecutors push back—emphasizing accountability, choice, and the undeniable brutality of the crime. With powerful courtroom moments, psychological insight, and critical analysis, this episode walks you through what the jury is now weighing—and what it could mean for justice in Athena’s case.

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About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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With Netflix’s “Trust Me: A False Prophet” topping charts worldwide, many are just now learning about the rise and fall of Samuel Bateman. But years before that documentary, Dr. Christine Marie sat in my home and shared her own story of a false prophet.

This interview—recorded six years ago—remains one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever had.

Because this isn’t just a story about one man…
It’s about belief.

How it forms.
How it deepens.
And how, in the wrong hands, it can be used as a tool for control.

If you’ve followed Hidden True Crime, you know we’ve explored this before—from Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow to the Duggar family.

This conversation with Christine may be one of the clearest examples of how it happens. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING LIKING AND HYPING

Sponsors:
First Day Life – Get up to 57% off + a free gift with code HIDDEN 👉 https://FirstDay.com

BEAM – Get up to 35% off with code TRUECRIME 👉 https://shopbeam.com/TRUECRIME

About Hidden True Crime

What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.

Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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