Retrospective 2 takes us to the origin of the investigation; where Josh's interest in storytelling evolved into his obsession of needing to know everything. And it started in a surprising place: a bound book of correspondence between two teenage girls and their landlord. What started as comedic found writing, became a mystery that people could not let go. And as Josh made his way through it, while working on TCB, he learned about investigations and their repercussions.This is parts one and two of The Karen & Ellen Letters, Josh's first full-fledged investigation.10th Anniversary Retreathttps://www.bothand.fyi/event-details-registration/ten-year-anniversary-celebrationTROVA TRIP to Galápagos Islandshttps://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/ecuador/ecuador-with-josh-hallmark-jan-2027TROVA TRIP to Costa Ricahttps://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-josh-hallmark-nov-2026Cast:Sara Stapleton as KarenSara Kitcher as EllenJeff Powell as MarkMatt Peelen as RobSPONSORS• Boll & Branch: BollAndBranch.com/truecrimebs for 20% off.  • Quince: Quince.com/TCBS for free shipping and 356-day returns with code TCBS.  • Schedule35: Schedule35.co with promo code TCBS for 15% off your first order.

To celebrate 10 years in podcasting, we're spending the summer going back in time and both highlighting key episodes and telling the stories behind them; you’ll get new behind-the-scenes information about what was happening in life, in various investigations, and in the world that impacted these important episodes and their podcasts. You’ll learn how Josh started podcasting, how he started investigating Israel Keyes, some hilarious and terrifying stories from the road, and some really vulnerable and personal stories.We start our first retrospective at, duh, the beginning. Josh shares how both his podcasting journey and Keyes obsession began. He discusses his time in Seattle and on the Olympic Peninsula, how he ended up on the East Coast, his first deep-dive investigation (not Keyes) and how that led to his second (Keyes).And this kicks off an early episode of his very first show, Our Americana, entitled Van Life. TROVA TRIP to The Galapagos Islands:https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/ecuador/ecuador-with-josh-hallmark-jan-2027

Truth is a tricky thing. Three girls lived in a cottage once. They are both everywhere and nowhere in these versions of the Truth.Starring:Lori Snyder as DotAdrienne Hardison as HelenaMatt Peelen as RobSara Stapleton as Herself/KarenSara Kitcher as EllenJeff Powell as MarkJosh Hallmark as HimselfMegan Chaney Walker as Josh Hallmark as Mark as Ellen as A girl who lived in a cottage onceMusic by:Podington BearTwin SisterMaria TaylorRoseanne CashChris Zabriskie

The results are in. Mark moves on. Crochet Pants looks back. A life is celebrated. A birthday is celebrated. Aloha Karen watches the sunrise. Starring:Lori Snyder as DotAdrienne Hardison as HelenaMatt Peelen as Aloha RobSara Stapleton as Herself/Karen Crochet Pants/Aloha KarenJeff Powell as MarkRyan Connelly as ChristopherMatt Valletta as DarrenChris Braaten as ReporterJosh Hallmark as HimselfMusic by:Podington BearBeach Party Hula IslandSara StapletonEvgeny GrinkoRadical Face

The results are in. Mark moves on. Crochet Pants looks back. A life is celebrated. A birthday is celebrated. Aloha Karen watches the sunrise. Starring:Lori Snyder as DotAdrienne Hardison as HelenaMatt Peelen as Aloha RobSara Stapleton as Herself/Karen Crochet Pants/Aloha KarenJeff Powell as MarkRyan Connelly as ChristopherMatt Valletta as DarrenChris Braaten as ReporterJosh Hallmark as HimselfMusic by:Podington BearBeach Party Hula IslandSara StapletonEvgeny GrinkoRadical Face

We touch base with David. Dot & Helena look at "pics." Patty tells a friend about her wedding. Josh finds something at the bottom of a rabbit hole. Starring:Chris Braaten as Rod DowneyChris Green as DavidLori Snyder as DotAdrienne Hardison as HelenaHolly Hall as PatriciaSara Beth Poole as EllenSara Stapleton as Herself/KarenJosh Hallmark as HimselfMusic by:Podington BearMeleSamuel CorwinThe Do

Helena gets upset with the news. Ellen has her eye on a cat painting. Josh can't believe his eyes. Darren spills the beans. Thanksgiving is celebrated on opposite ends of the country.Starring:Adrienne Hardison as HelenaJosh Hallmark as HimselfSara Beth Poole as EllenSara Stapleton as Herself/KarenMatt Valletta as DarrenHolly Hall as PatriciaMusic by:Podington BearTitus 12Gary & JohnChris ZabriskieSamuel CorwinLia Ices

Dot tells Helena about her daughter's wedding. Josh and Sara try to sort out several possible Karens. Email Karen returns. Crochet Pants enters the fold. And Ellen catches another mouse. Starring: Lori Snyder as DotAdrienne Hardison as HelenaSara Stapleton as Karen/HerselfJosh Hallmark as HimselfDenise Page as RosieSara Beth Poole as EllenMusic by:Podington BearMuddy WatersAurelie

Helena fondly remembers Dot's daughter and her friend. The girls return from vacation. Ellen continues to struggle with geography. Josh reaches out to an old friend. Starring:• Sara Stapleton as Herself/Karen • Chris Green as Email Man • Adrienne Hardison as Helena • Jeff Powell as Mark • Sara Beth Kitcher as Ellen • Matt Peelen as Rob • Josh Hallmark as HimselfMusic by:• Podington Bear • Herman & Ian • YEYEY • Part Time

There's something oddly familiar, but strangely foreign about this. But what does it all mean, Leslie? Leslie? Starring: • Chris Green as David • Josh Hallmark as Himself• Lori Anyder as Dot • Deana Marie as Karen • Cory Saceaux as Rob • Steven Pappas as Mark • Donna Hume as Ellen • Sara Stapleton as Herself • Holly Hall as Patricia Music by:• Podington Bear • Grandma Pat • Ivy