Episodes

Nov. 3, 2023

The Journey

This episode, titled "The Journey" almost got called "The Struggle". I've been struggling lately and needed to just speak from the heart. I've learned SO much from death investigation but my greatest lesson I gained was from the families that I spoke...
Oct. 27, 2023

The Ex-Husband

This week I talk to Jessica and share her story about her ex-husband and how she found out after he died that he wasn't exactly who she thought he was. We revisit the steps we went to confirm suspicions and talk about the challenges of reframing your...
Oct. 20, 2023

The A Team with Christina Van Tassel Knepper

This week I invited a special guest to the show to talk about our career together. Christina Van Tassel Knepper has been with me from day 1 in the forensic world and together we have SO many stories and experiences. Listen to this week's episode where...
Oct. 13, 2023

Cutting A Head

A big part of my job was working in the morgue and something I did often was cutting open the head during autopsy to access the brain. This episode visits my experience with working in the morgue, assisting in autopsies, and the evisceration process....
Oct. 6, 2023

My Mistake

We all make mistakes. In life, in our careers, in relationships. I happened to make one on a case and it has made me feel so much shame for years. Looking back on it now, I realize how the narrative was controlled. Listen to the newest episode of...
Feb. 25, 2023

"PTSD" - Episode 10

Starting a podcast on a career surrounding death and dying to share stories, education, and my experience has been so therapeutic.  It has also been triggering.  I've learned so much about myself in the last few years and I would be willing...
Jan. 27, 2023

"The Casket" - Episode 9

Imagine buying a house and starting the process of locating the septic tank and replacing irrigation only to find a very small casket buried deep down in the backyard.  It was my job to dig up the casket and open it to figure out who was in it...
Jan. 19, 2023

Flies in the Window

Who knew a visit to the icecream shop on a Saturday would bring a swift flood of memories of decomposing bodies to me, but here we are with Episode 8 all about decomposition and what it is like going to a scene where a body has been deceased for a...
Jan. 7, 2023

"The Process" - Episode 7

This episode is all about "The Process".  I'm hoping this may help those that don't work in the field of law enforcement or forensics that don't understand why they won't know everything about a case up front.  SO much goes into an...
Dec. 17, 2022

"Fresh Meat" - Episode 6

In the beginning, there's a level of excitement to a new investigator.  A level of shock and awe that will eventually be replaced with stress and exhaustion.  But in between the newbie and the seasoned employee there is humor and little...
Dec. 6, 2022

"Up Close and Personal" - Episode 5

Investigating deaths and learning so much personal information about the deceased has given Emily such a different perspective on life.  Listen to the different exposures that inspired life changes.  From the need to workout to the absolute...
Nov. 21, 2022

"Hard to Kill" - Episode 4

The little voice in your head, the feeling in your stomach, your intuition.... signs you should always pay attention to.  There are situations we have all been in where we feel that our safety is compromised.  I discuss instances where I...
Nov. 12, 2022

Intestinal Garland

What is the most common question EVER asked to a Forensic Death Investigator?  Tune in and find out!  Hear some different answers and stories along the way. --- Support this podcast:
Oct. 28, 2022

"John and Valerie", Episode 2

*Trigger Warning*- This episode will cover the topic of suicides. Listen to a difficult experience as a death investigator and forensic specialist in the autopsy suite.  Follow along with Emily as she gives the account of two deaths, both by...
Oct. 21, 2022

"Tom"

Welcome to the first official episode of Death Calls!  This death call is titled "Tom".  Hear about one of my favorite cases, a skeletal recovery.  Learn about the scene, the maceration process, and how Tom became my buddy.   ---...
Oct. 19, 2022

Introducing Death Calls - Episode Zero

Welcome to the introductory episode of Death Calls.  Experiences of a death investigator.  This episode will introduce the host, Emily Speed, and what each episode will bring.  Listen in and see what happens when Death Calls. ---...