Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom?

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In May 1992, nine days after marrying her high-school sweetheart, 20-year-old Jennifer Judd was killed in her apartment in Baxter Springs, Kansas. The killer had used knives from Jennifer's own set, a wedding gift the couple had only just opened. Upon returning home from work, her husband, Justin Judd, finds Jennifer lying on the kitchen floor with the blade of a knife still lodged in her back. Police immediately suspect one of Jennifer and Justin’s friends. A decade later, another man confesses. However, the case is never solved. In this captivating new series from ID, investigator Sarah Cailean attempts to answer the 32-year-old question: Who Killed Jennifer Judd? She’ll speak with Jennifer’s friends and family as she seeks to understand Jennifer’s life and untimely death. Throughout, Sarah also attempts to understand why police dismissed the confession of convicted murderer, Jeremy Jones. 

Also, go back and listen to Season 1, Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom? On Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom? host Sarah Cailean recounts her three-year investigation into the unsolved murder of Renée Bergeron that seems to leave more questions than answers. 

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Recent Reviews

Cupcake sean

Eh

Is every true crime podcaster a narcissist? With the exception of any keith morrison does every podcaster attempts to make at least part of the story about them or talking about themselves. The subject matter is good and the production is better then most. No overdoing of annoying background and sound effects. Saying that hearing the word I constantly was almost too much to complete this podcast.
Strikerhawk

Meh

S1 was ok at best. Host has way too much tunnel vision. And didn't even ask the simple questions, that would by any standards answer the questions of who the 2 people who did this were. Over all well produced but not well executed from a detective standpoint
jellyfish___

Great Listen

This is an intriguing story ~ amplified by incredible product, cadence, story telling .. I was recommended to Who Killed Jennifer Judd from Crime Junkies and as soon as I caught up on that I came to listen to Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom and Sarah and her team do such a good job respectfully telling these families stories. Highly recommend!
Margotunes

Decent Podcast, Horrible Investigator

While I genuinely appreciate that the host seems to care for the victims and is dedicated in her work to bring them justice, I am abhorred by her “investigations”. She is incredibly arrogant, often contradicts herself (claims that a serial killer wouldn’t have committed a murder without showing up with a weapon then goes on to adamantly believe that a serial killer committed the crime), and worst of all, has blatant and extreme tunnel vision. I’m grateful she only investigates in an informal/adjunct capacity, because she is exactly the type of investigator who sends innocent people to prison while the guilty roam free. That being said, the podcast is well-produced and engaging enough, although monotonous and repetitive at times. Neither season 1 nor 2 bring any resolve at the end (but I’m hopeful for future updates).
Chnvaldez

Engaging and compelling

Excellent production. I couldn’t stop listening.
KCJOK

Should have been called “Jeremy Jones”

Insane! Listening to a podcast where the host spends the whole show trying to disprove that the guy who was at Jennifer’s house the day she was killed, acts strangely afterwards, changes his clothes, numerous stories that show he had a problem with Jennifer, HER OWN DIARY saying he was weird to her, and then the guy has a life of crime afterward made me angry! We get it!!! You are obsessed with Jeremy Jones. This podcast told me more about him, his life, the host’s “behavioral analysis” of him, and the host’s ability to hang on to his confession EVEN THOUGH SHE PROVES HOW MUCH HE LIED. SMH It’s like she is only going over the casefile to prove Jeremy Jones did it. So annoying.
tgorman82

So good!

I love the investigative nature of this podcast.
MahsaTav

Repetitive!

It’s full of repetitive comments. Things that have been mentioned in episode three is being said in episode eight. Tedious, no resolution, and circling around and around.
WildTruffles

Great!

I wasn’t sure it would be that compelling but it hooked me!!
Twinloves79

You are dong so great!

What a roller coaster!!!! Stay with it!!!
TheRealJohnA

The unfolding story was amazing but…

The unfolding story and the way it is told was really well done. But the background sound/music overlay at times was so extremely distracting it was hard to actually HEAR the content. I understand how this overlay was an attempt to build the intensity but the drip sound or chime or whatever it was was a terrible choice in my humble old guy opinion. Otherwise I highly recommend.
prettieststar

Extremely frustrating

The stories are interesting, but there’s no closure to either of them. Just…”stay tuned!” At least Serial S1 tried to do a wrap up episode. I didn’t even realize S2 was “finished”….because it’s not. We don’t know anything more than we did at the beginning.
flalpha

Fascinating!

I really am enjoying the investigation, the team’s approach, their teamwork together. I am on Episode 6, but I’ve already solved this in my mind…. I hope I am right and there is finally justice for her family!
Barb LW

Is it done?

I've been enjoying this. It doesn't seem over, yet there has not been a new episode added after episode 8.
fhhxfhbvyd

Ehhhh

Pretty good but in the latest episode it’s almost like the host is flirting with Justin and it is uncomfortable to listen to. He sounds uncomfortable, too.
trichase

Tell us if the fingerprints match

I was very captivated at first. Then I started to feel it was being drug out to make more episodes. I was still interested. Then at the end you can’t tell us if it’s Jones’s fingerprint on the knife? After you had fancy DNA testing done. That’s why I gave it 1 star. Dragging it out for another season? I think the answer is no, they don’t belong to Jones or you would have told us. And if you know they don’t and you did this whole series against him shame on you.
mowgirl1970

Interesting

This is very interesting cause I don’t remember this happening. I’m just a few years younger get than Jennifer. I’m from Neosho, Mo., south of Joplin I do remember a girl going missing/never found back in the 80s from Galena, Ks. And she was a stripper who might have been thrown down a mine shaft. I have also heard recently that we may have a serial killer in our four state area. There was another lady that went missing/never found from Joplin just a few years ago. I do remember the Bible girl and her friend missing. Thank you for reporting this and taking the time for all you’re research. I would to research stories like this one day. Hopefully you will crack this case and get it solved.
LindainCincy

Disappointment

No surprise, no closure.
angel.edge95

First time listener and already captivated me *updated*

This podcast has me hooked. By episode two I feel strongly towards the host, she is strong and witty. The way she snapped at detectives and corrected their negative assumptions about the victims financial status really got me. I cannot wait to continue listening to this podcast! Update after listening to all of season one. I dropped it to 4 stars because of the ads. I understand they are necessary but for multiple 4 minute ads in a short episode is excessive as can be. Even big popular podcasts don’t have ads longer than 3 minutes!
Charlie Dollins

Zero payoff

This started out very interesting. By the end there is absolutely nothing solved despite bragging about access to DNA labs and police support. The same information repeated over and over. The poor families given hope for a resolution and they got nothing but reliving the trauma. Waste of time!
BEM47

Host goes down rabbit hole

Started off interesting but the host goes so far down the Jeremy Jones rabbit hole. She just regurgitates the interviews. It’s hard to listen to & follow. Will not be finishing this one!
LaniR74

Great Listen

I am enjoying this podcast. I live in Oklahoma. I remember when the Freeman/Bible case happened. I worked with Freeman’s sister at the time. It was a terrible time. And they never found those girls. If Kansas has a DNA profile, I would if genealogy has been tried. I think this case is totally solvable. I can’t wait for future updates.
Emmascroggles

Not family approved & spotty investigation

Listeners, do your research on this one. There is zero solid evidence on Jeremy Jones yet this podcaster has blinders on for him. Jennifer’s family has spoken out and said they do not approve of this podcast & that tells you a lot! Besides from those blatant disregards, podcast was super spotty, way longer than in needed to be as the podcaster was SO repetitive and giving unnecessary details. Seems like she’s just a wanna be investigator and this was her only way to get into an evidence room. If she truly respected Jennifer & cared for her story, you’d think Jennifer’s family would’ve been involved and more approving. Her saying Jeremy Jones story is “75%” accurate is actually a joke. None of Jennifer’s friends agreed with her but she still kept going down this aimless rabbit hole. Do your research outside of this y’all! You’ll realize very quickly this lady does not know what she’s doing.
tarons13

Best true crime pod

I’ve listened to many and this is one of the best. The victimology angle is amazing. The in-depth interviews and access to information…also great. I am obsessed, and moved, and impressed.
Friendship is magic

Location

I find listening to your episodes very interesting and keeps me hooked. The only suggestion I would make is to pronounce location names how the locals and state pronounce them. “Miami” Oklahoma is not pronounced the same way as “Miami”, Florida. Thank you and keep up the great investigative work.
Air Assault Hog

Outstanding and Stellar

Solid investigative work and production.
Kellyddh

Boring!

As many have stated, this podcast is boring. There seems to be nothing really happening and the host doesn’t want to know who really killed Jennifer just if it was 1 specific guy(it probably wasn’t). Moving on.
yqjqfgwu

Captivating

As someone with a rather short attention span, I typically listen to true crime podcasts that cover a new case each episode. That being said, I’ve been riveted by this show and listen to each new episode as soon as it’s released. Excellent storytelling done in a very respectful way. The inclusion of so many first hand interviews with those close to the victim as well as the obvious attention to detail in the research of the case and those related make it feel as if great care has been taken to respect Jennifer Judd as well as her friends and family.
MelvininNC05

Excellent

Keep up the great work!
wendypeanut

Great storytelling, easy voice to listen to

I’m so happy this podcast is not repetitive like so man other true crime podcasts. Great storytelling.
3sunflower

Confused

Hi, I really enjoy this show but it's confusing just like with why can't we talk about Amanda's mom? I am unclear if these are ongoing and there will be more episodes or did they just end like the last show? Doesn't seem like an end to me. Are there going to be more? I subscribed to the Binge and assumed they all came at once? Are they weekly? Sorry just unclear. Yes it's a really good show. I enjoy it.
Sooky Sook

Too much noise

The clocked ticker in the background and all the fake sound effects are really distracting. It makes it more like a show I stared of true crime. It was interesting but the sound effects took center stage.
Klh398

Unethical podcast- family of Jennifer is completely insulted by it

Ever wonder why Jennifer’s family won’t participate in this podcast? Because they as well as the listeners can tell how unethical it is. From the family: “This Sarah Cailean is a joke as you can tell in the podcasts. She is pushing a completely different narrative and that is Jeremy Jones, so her and the Sheriff can write a book. She was deputized for this podcast in Cherokee County, Kansas and she lives in Pennsylvania? A little sus! Also she is sending DNA evidence to an unauthorized independent lab, which is not any law enforcement? Why would they do that you ask...They are going to make Jeremy Jones the killer even in if he is not. You just wait, but I am going to bring their unethical behavior to light before they can do such a thing. I have already notified the proper Government Agencies and plan to contact the KSCPOST. There is definitely going to be an investigation into this”
NattySea

Good listen!

I am pretty picky about what I can sit and listen to and this one is great! It’s interesting and the host is easy to listen to. It also feels like ethical podcasting as she is involved in helping to solve the case rather than just reporting on someone else’s tragedy!
shelleyspells

Really good

Really interesting and I really like the host, her voice, her storytelling, her breadth of knowledge and dogged determination to solve this case. I’m on episode 6 and can’t wait for more episodes.
Only Sane Floridian

Insanely boring.

Excellent pod for a nap.
Viridescent1

The sounds. I can’t.

I couldn’t even make it through one episode because of the music, sound effects and random noises.
The Centrist Center

Good story - but hosts obnoxious political/cultural views distract

This is an engaging true crime story which like many of them, unfortunately, discovers nothing to close the case - that’s ok. There are two strongly negative and totally unnecessary elements though - the authors is constantly pushing progressive value-signaling. Never misses an opportunity to talk about domestic violence, every “expert” she consults is a women, and many times remarks that the interview subject reacts poorly to her because they don’t like “a women in the position of authority”. That combined with the condescending comment about a 5’8’’ man being short (I don’t think she would react well if we called an overweight women “fat”, so she is being selective) she successfully “smashes the patriarchy” which is her unspoken prime goal in the podcast and it is distracting from the good story. Kudos to her (male) partner investigator who not obnoxious in the interviews and kept her shrill tone from completely derailing the investigation. Really, I can imagine how difficult it was hearing her nonstop shrill progressive agenda - good thing she is smart though! Bottom Line - “Hey Sarah, you have a good story - just get the chip off of your shoulder!”
IWHmom

Love it

I love the host’s voice and interviews. Such a good show.
Amston34

Excellent Host/Storyteller

I love this podcast- Sarah is meant to host podcasts. I’m so thankful for people like her that choose to spend years and years on these cold cases - out of the goodness of her heart! She is so knowledgeable and a serious go-getter. Someone I admire very much. It makes me want to dig in and help others this way as well! Keep up the good work Sarah. You are an angel here on earth to these families.
Chefchik8

Boring

This seems to me to be way more about psychoanalyzing and interviewing people who don’t have any facts of the case (non LEO friends, fam, etc.), than it is about solving the case. I’m partway through the 2nd or 3rd episode and I’m bored to death.
Mic0131

Well done!

This podcast along with the first season, why can’t we talk about Amanda‘s mom are extremely well done and I highly recommend. I love the host’s style. Her voice is very engaging and the stories she picks and how she investigates are unique.
mistey13

Very well done !

I hate to say I like any podcast about someone’s murder . I love to believe that all the hard work you are putting in will bring justice to Jennifer’s friends and family . GOD bless !
45morenaSD

Wow. Awesome. Amazing.

Sad this happened to Jennifer. I really love how detailed this podcast is.. I want to hear more and more. Sarah and her team are great. Listening makes me feel like I’m sitting next to Sarah. I’m picturing everything. I never felt this way about any podcast before. I truly recommend listening.
H34th3r 0

Records are hard to understand

This podcast has used a lot of original recordings to tell a story. Btwn the accents and poor quality of the recordings I feel like I’m just listening to hours jumbled sounds. I can’t follow the story line, or understand what’s being said. I wish they would use less time up with cruddy recordings and maybe record the story they are trying to tell the listener in a sound booth, with good microphones.
TA 771211

Top notch and thorough

I am so impressed with Sarah Cailean and both of the podcasts I’ve listened to. She is extremely detailed and engaging. I enjoy the way she describes the process of her investigation particularly when it comes to interviews. She takes the time to explain why she pulls on certain threads and when and why she needs to pull back and follow up later. It really requires a lot of patience and finesse. She takes you on a journey throughout her investigation and you really see how much of it is art as well as science. I’m always looking forward to the next episode as soon as the current one ends. I’m happy that such a kind but knowledgeable resource takes the time to help families and loved ones get the answers they deserve and know that those cases will never be cold as long as Sarah can help it!
MargueritaMcP

Reeled in

Perfect voice for podcasting! Intelligent, well-written and intriguing.
blastinbysonic22

Phenomenal Reporting

’ My immediate family is the only family to not live in Quapaw, Baxter Springs, Peoria, Miami. We’re a close family and we were there often. We heard the latest news from family, rumors. We were sleuthers even then. The Justice for Jennifer billboards are prevalent in my memory. I always thought, “God, reveal the truth. Give this family peace.” Your investigation is SO what we’ve all been wanting. Can’t wait for the next episode! PS-my aunt knew Jennifer and is still friends with their family. One family member posted “do not watch this. It’s trash.” 😬 My aunt said, “ ITS ABOUT TIME!”
Lit Wit 2

Eased The Long Drive

Great podcast! My wife and I listened on our drive from Ocean City Md. to Massachusetts. It helped make the long drive easier.
Alex B8198

STOP THE CLOCK TICKING SOUND

The constant ticking clock in the background is driving me insane, it’s all I can hear, all I can focus on. I like the podcast but I feel like a crazy person with this CONSTANT ticking