The End of a Season, But Not the Story (Issue #95)
Reflections on justice, unfinished stories, and the future of Truer Crime.
Hi friends!
This week marks the end of a really exciting chapter in my life. It feels fitting that as the days get longer, the weather warmer, and the birds louder, something in my own world is shifting, too.
This past Monday, the final installment of Truer Crime season two hit podcast apps.
Two months ago, almost to the day, I wrote about the anticipation of releasing these new episodes. I reflected on why I started this show and why I feel so passionate about continuing to make it. I wrote about my hopes for the new season and how excited I was to share these stories. And then, for the past few months, I got to live it—to wake up every week knowing that new people were hearing these stories, engaging with these cases, and becoming part of this community we’ve built together.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for all of you—for every person who’s listened, shared, and supported the show. But now that Season 2 has officially wrapped, I’m sitting with some big feelings about what Truer Crime is, what it means to me, and where we go from here.
In this final main season episode, I tell the story of Timothy Coggins:
“In October 1983, 23-year-old Timothy Coggins was brutally murdered in the small town of Sunny Side, Georgia. As his family grieved, they were met with menacing threats, warning them to back off from the investigation. Today’s episode covers a case that had stayed cold for more than three decades, spotlighting a family that never stopped hoping for justice.”
While preparing for this episode, I reached out to Timothy’s niece, Heather Coggins, who has become a powerful advocate for his legacy. As we always do, my team asked how Truer Crime listeners could support her, her family, and Timothy’s memory.
Her request was simple: Make sure as many people hear this story as possible.
She shared with us her dreams of turning Timothy’s story into a movie and her efforts to have his case included in her local history museum (with little success). And about why it matters to keep telling these stories, “When you forget what happened, [when you forget] your history— it repeats itself,” she said.
In true crime media, people often gravitate toward unsolved cases—mysteries that still need answers. But what about when a case is solved? What about when “justice” is served?
It took decades for Timothy’s killers to be held accountable, and when they finally were, his family was able to breathe a small sigh of relief. But Timothy is still gone. This horrible tragedy still happened. And his family will live with that reality for the rest of their lives. They will never forget what happened, and neither should we.
I think that’s the power of true crime stories. They have the potential to connect us to something bigger than ourselves. To promote real change in the world, not just so cases are solved but so these crimes don’t happen in the first place. To understand the systems that create these tragedies. To make real change.
Which brings me back to Heather. Timothy's life mattered. His story deserves to be heard. If you have some time this week, it would mean the world to me if you could listen to this episode and share it with anyone you think might find it meaningful. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by searching “Truer Crime” wherever you get your podcasts.
So, What’s Next for Truer Crime?
We’ve still got a few bonus episodes coming your way—deep dives into the making of past episodes, interviews with people connected to these cases, and more. But with the main season wrapped and Truer Crime on break, I feel more energized than ever and excited for what’s ahead.
My hope is that we’ll be returning with season three as soon as possible – no more multi-year hiatuses!! But I’m not going to lie – the podcasting landscape is tough. Funding shows is not easy — especially research-intensive anthologies like Truer Crime. As wonderful as the Truer Crime community is, I can’t promise a renewal. But I can work my ass off for one. And with your support (yes, literally YOURS 🫵🏽), I really do think it’s possible.
In the podcasting world, a show’s success isn’t just about how many people listen while it’s airing. Continued engagement between seasons is just as important. If you want to help bring Truer Crime back for a third season, here are a few ways to help:
1️⃣ Grab a limited-edition Truer Crime shirt! These aren’t just a merch item—they’re a conversation starter, community badge, and direct support for the future of Truer Crime. Snag yours here.
2️⃣ Leave a review! If you’ve listened to Truer Crime and haven’t left a review on Apple Podcasts (or rated it on Spotify), now’s the time! I set a goal of hitting 2k reviews this season, and we’re at 1,908. If everyone who reads this wrote a review, we’d easily smash that goal! Plus, sharing your thoughts helps new listeners find the show.
3️⃣ Stay connected! Follow the show on Instagram and TikTok! You can even subscribe to the Truer Crime Substack here. We don’t have a ton of content over there just yet, but we plan to share important updates as new things come up.
As always, thank you for being here. I’m deeply moved by your support—not just for me, but for this show, these stories, and the people at the heart of them. I can’t wait for what’s next. And I’m so glad to have you on this ride with me. <3
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Substack:
byBeth is an incredible writer and investigative reporter, and her Substack is a must-read! Based in Birmingham, Beth focuses on mass incarceration in Alabama, covering stories that explore the realities of justice and injustice in our carceral system. For more Beth, make sure to check out my Truer Crime interview with her where we discussed her reporting on the case of Toforest Johnson, a man currently on Alabama’s death row for a crime he didn’t commit.
The Atlantic: Why People Feel Nostalgic for Terrible Times by Olga Khazan
With a little time and distance, even the worst of times start to look suspiciously rosy. Using the early pandemic as a prime example, this article examines the science behind this surprisingly common form of nostalgia
Podcast Ghost of a Chance
After buying a 113-year-old house, Minneapolis reporter Eric Roper found himself on a journey to uncover its long and troubled history. In his research, he finds the story of Harry and Clementine Robinson, a Black family who owned the house more than a century earlier. Through the story of one family, Ghost of a Chance paints a vivid portrait of how racism, discrimination, and consistent resistance shaped Minneapolis into the city it is today.
Action items to support and care for the world around us.
Sign the ACLU’s petition to free Mahmoud Khalil - Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil is a legal permanent resident who was detained by ICE in response to his work leading pro-Palestinian protests on campus last year (you can read more about his story here and here). He is now facing deportation for his work, a direct attack against free speech, and the right to protest in the United States.
Find a Palestinian family to support through Operation Olive Branch - Since Israel broke the ceasefire this week, their attacks on Gaza have killed more than 400 people and injured hundreds more. To find ways to support, operation Olive Branch is an incredibly helpful spreadsheet that regularly highlights ways to tangibly help Palestinians affected by Israel’s attacks on Gaza. You can also follow @operationolivebranch for more ways to help.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise I’ll only ever share items I love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
I’m always looking for a good thriller, and the fact that the main character in *None of This is True is a podcaster made it even more enticing!
I’ve added this Sweet potato and blood orange steak salad with a hot honey Calabrian chili vinaigrette from @chacekitchen to the top of my summer recipe list. I’m especially excited to try it once we break out our grill!!
I just ordered this dress (perfect for spring!), and it’s on clearance now, so why not snag one before they’re gone? :)
Last week, I shared some real talk on homeownership, generational wealth, and becoming our ancestors’ wildest dreams. Check it out below:
Have a great weekend!
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
Absolutely love your podcast! It has gotten me through many bad Migraine days.