A limited series podcast about two women in 1870s Colorado — one with a tragic fate and one who took the blame. Over three episodes, we'll uncover the circumstances of Mary and Fredericka's scandal, what shaped the lives of women during Westward expansion, and what we've inherited. Available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Episodes
Aug. 1, 2025
Episode 3 - A Faith in Human Nature
How will Fredericka and Mary be remembered? This episode was written and produced by Abby O'Brien. Theme music by Dustin Ransom. Special thanks to the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder. This episode was aired on KGNU on August 7, 2025. Voice actors featured: Ryan Grassmeyer Sandra Murphy Cameron Varner Episode 3 of 3. To see photos, visit podpage.com/criminal-intimacy
Aug. 1, 2025
Episode 2 - Against the Peace and Dignity of the People
150 years ago, this criminal case was the talk of the town in Boulder. This episode was written and produced by Abby O'Brien. Theme music by Dustin Ransom. Special thanks to the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder. This episode was aired on KGNU on August 6, 2025. Voice actors featured: Ryan Grassmeyer Sandra Murphy Nate Ruble Cameron Varner Episode 2 of 3. To see photos, visit podpage.com/criminal-intimac
Aug. 1, 2025
Episode 1 - My Wife Has Left My Bed
The scandalous circumstances of a woman's death. This episode was written and produced by Abby O'Brien. Theme music by Dustin Ransom. Special thanks to the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder. This episode was aired on KGNU on August 4, 2025. Voice actors featured: Ryan Grassmeyer Ben O'Brien Cameron Varner Episode 1 of 3. To see photos, visit podpage.com/criminal-intimacy
About the Host
Abby O'Brien
Abby O'Brien is a journalist and creative writer based in Colorado. Her work, which has been featured in Westword, Aspen Public Radio, KGNU Boulder, KSUT Four Corners Public Radio, KSJD Southwest Colorado, KOTO Telluride, and the CU Independent, covers science, the environment, history, arts, and social issues. She is a graduate of CU Boulder with a Masters in Journalism.