A Big Day for All of Us (Issue #86)
Reflections on legacy, purpose, and the stories that shape us.
As I sit down to write this, my mind is navigating a web of emotions—excitement, fear, and an overwhelming sense of anticipation. Next week marks a moment I’ve been working toward for years. It’s a big week for me, but it’s not lost on me that Monday is really a big moment for all of us.
My podcast Truer Crime’s launch date coincides with two monumental occasions. Premiering on MLK Day wasn’t a coincidence; it was intentional. For years, I’ve wrestled with the whitewashing of Dr. King’s legacy—the way history has repackaged a man who was vilified in his lifetime, a man who paid the ultimate price for daring to fight for a better, fairer future for all of us. So when I was presented with the opportunity to unpack the untold story of King’s assassination for Truer Crime — I jumped at it. But, of course, that’s a story for next week.
And then, there’s the inauguration. When we selected this date, the election results were still unknown. In the lead-up to Election Day, I pictured two versions of the world — two very different January 20ths. But now, as Monday looms closer, I realize that no matter which timeline we woke up in, my purpose remains the same.
I truly believe the world needs a project like Truer Crime. In every universe, we need stories that inspire us to fight back, challenge us to have hard conversations, and push us to question the truths we’re told to blindly accept. No matter what happens, this is the work I’m meant to do — this is exactly where I need to be.
Last month marked four years since my financial advisor stole my entire life savings. In the oft-repeated origin story of Truer Crime, it was this moment that led me to start binging true crime. This moment that exposed me to the flaws in crime storytelling, and this that moment gave me the “credibility” to tell these stories. But, like most marketable soundbites, that’s not the whole truth.
In reality, being defrauded was less turning point and more breaking point. That’s not to say my experience as a financial crime victim hasn’t shaped how I see the world. Of course it has. Still, it’s just one thread in a long chain of experiences that has shaped my perspective. My thoughts on crime are shaped by my experience as a victim, yes, but also by my experiences as a Black woman. By my experiences with family members who’ve been incarcerated. By my experience as a young debater and by my experiences guiding young debaters. By experiencing housing insecurity and by experiencing violence that was never prosecuted. And and and.
Truer Crime is a show about the human experience, grounded in my human experience.
I am deeply proud of Truer Crime Season 2. This season, we’re covering 10 important and unique cases. Each episode is a self-contained story about what crime, victimization, and “justice” look like in this country. We worked closely with several victims and their families, and I’m determined to do right by them—to make sure their stories reach as many people as possible. I want these episodes to drive conversation and encourage listeners to be more critical of the media they consume. Even more, I want this impact to extend beyond the confines of each episode, as we build a community of listeners that think deeply and take action toward building a better world.
If this mission resonates with you, it would mean the world to me if you gave Truer Crime a listen.
And for now, deep breaths—Monday is a big day for all of us.
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Podcast: Pretend
In each episode, host Javier Leiva explores a new story about someone pretending to be someone they’re not. Regularly featuring interviews with con artists and their victims, Javier offers critical nuanced storytelling. As a bonus, I was actually featured in their episode DNA Deception, which explores two cases shaped by the flaws of DNA evidence. In it, I discuss the wrongful conviction of Josiah Sutton, a case I covered in depth during Season 1 of Truer Crime!
New Yorker: A Husband in the Aftermath of His Wife’s Unfathomable Act by Eren Orbey
This article profiles Patrick Clancy, a man whose wife strangled his two children during a postpartum mental health crisis. Alongside his grief, Clancy holds so much empathy for his wife, insisting, “I wasn’t married to a monster—I was married to someone who got sick.” The entire piece is a beautiful example of nuanced storytelling. A must-read!
The Guardian: He fought wildfires while imprisoned. California reported him to Ice for deportation.
I came across this article after doing research on ways to support in the aftermath of the California wildfires. Did you know that more than 900 of the firefighters responding to this disaster are incarcerated folks? This article tells the story of Kao Saelee, who, in 2018 and 2019, worked as a firefighter while incarcerated.
Events to add to your calendar.
I’m thrilled to invite you to Podcasting ‘From Below,’ a celebration of storytelling, justice, and connection! This FREE, live event marks the highly anticipated launch Truer Crime‘s Season 2 and the debut of Good Judy Productions, a new Minneapolis-based podcast studio dedicated to amplifying unheard voices.
📍 Where: The Conn Theater at Plymouth Congregational Church (1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis)
🕖 When: Thursday, January 23 | Doors at 7 PM, event at 7:30 PM
What to Expect:
✨ A conversation with me (Celisia Stanton) and
(Unread, Good Judy Productions) about the stories we tell and why they matter.📚 A pop-up shop from Black Garnet Books and a book drive for the Women’s Prison Book Project — bring a gently used book, purchase one onsite, or donate to the cause.
🌈 Resources and engagement opportunities from Queermunity MN, a Minneapolis LGBTQ+ resource center.
🧁 Complimentary treats, including celebratory cupcakes from Sift Gluten Free Bakery.
Not local? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! The event will be live-streamed here.
Mark your calendar, tell your crew, and let’s celebrate. I can’t wait to see you there! 😘
Things to try + share in the group chat.
These Sausages and Brussels Sprouts With Honey Mustard (gift link) are the perfect sheet-pan meal for a busy week! The recipe says it takes 30 minutes to prepare, but in my experience, it’s only about 5-10 minutes of active prep, and the rest is just cook time!
I loved this reel and its really insightful message about embracing “calm”:
Last week, I wrote about how I learned to cultivate ideas instead of just waiting for them to fall into my lap. Check it out here.
Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to listen to Truer Crime Season 2 on Monday, January 20th! 👀
Want to stay connected between now and next Friday? Don’t be a stranger!! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Know someone who you think would like Sincerely, Celisia? It would mean the world if you could help spread the word by sharing this newsletter through the button below!! <3
Subbed to Truer Crime. Excited to listen. I had no idea you have a podcast!
So proud of you -- can't wait to discuss your journey with Truer Crime at our event next week!