Jake Haendel

Blink is intended for mature audiences as it discusses topics that can be upsetting, such as drug use, sexual assault, and emotional and physical violence. Content warnings for each episode are included in the show notes. Resources for drug addiction and domestic abuse can be found in the show notes and on our website, blinkthepodcast.com.

Blink is intended for mature audiences as it discusses topics that can be upsetting, such as drug use, sexual assault, and emotional and physical violence. Content warnings for each episode are included in the show notes. Resources for drug addiction and domestic abuse can be found in the show notes and on our website, blinkthepodcast.com.

The testimonies and opinions expressed by guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of myself or affiliates of this podcast. It's a question Jake has wrestled with for years, one he asked in silence when no one could hear him. And even now, as he pushes his body through grueling therapy and fights for every inch of mobility, that question still lingers.

The testimonies and opinions expressed by guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of myself or affiliates of this podcast. It's a question Jake has wrestled with for years, one he asked in silence when no one could hear him. And even now, as he pushes his body through grueling therapy and fights for every inch of mobility, that question still lingers.

Quietly, constantly. Jake's mind spiraled through possibilities. Was it years of drug use catching up to him? A bad batch? Fate? Or was something, someone, pushing him toward this outcome? As friends and family opened up, sharing candid thoughts about his addiction and his relationships, a troubling theory began to take shape. Could Jake have been poisoned?

Quietly, constantly. Jake's mind spiraled through possibilities. Was it years of drug use catching up to him? A bad batch? Fate? Or was something, someone, pushing him toward this outcome? As friends and family opened up, sharing candid thoughts about his addiction and his relationships, a troubling theory began to take shape. Could Jake have been poisoned?

For two years, it remained just that, a theory. To many, it sounded impossible, far-fetched, maybe even a way for Jake to shift blame away from himself and his drug use. But then, out of nowhere, Jake received a Facebook message from someone he didn't expect. Someone with a strikingly similar suspicion.

For two years, it remained just that, a theory. To many, it sounded impossible, far-fetched, maybe even a way for Jake to shift blame away from himself and his drug use. But then, out of nowhere, Jake received a Facebook message from someone he didn't expect. Someone with a strikingly similar suspicion.

At the time Jake received the message, he was in an Uber with Justin, one of his first friends he made after beginning his recovery. Justin also happened to live in our apartment complex.

At the time Jake received the message, he was in an Uber with Justin, one of his first friends he made after beginning his recovery. Justin also happened to live in our apartment complex.

Here's how the message starts.

Here's how the message starts.

The message continues, And then the message concludes with,

The message continues, And then the message concludes with,

A response comes in 20 minutes later. I'm the guy she supposedly tried to track down in the West in Seattle. So this person is claiming to be the ex that Ellen had plans to see when she was fixing up her RV when she and Jake first started dating.

A response comes in 20 minutes later. I'm the guy she supposedly tried to track down in the West in Seattle. So this person is claiming to be the ex that Ellen had plans to see when she was fixing up her RV when she and Jake first started dating.

The message continues, talking about his personal relationship with Jake's ex-wife, and then questioning Jake's relationship, writing comments like, I was just curious about her behavior while you were married. She seemed very dedicated to you. Again, I apologize if this is inappropriate, and I understand if you don't feel comfortable responding.

The message continues, talking about his personal relationship with Jake's ex-wife, and then questioning Jake's relationship, writing comments like, I was just curious about her behavior while you were married. She seemed very dedicated to you. Again, I apologize if this is inappropriate, and I understand if you don't feel comfortable responding.

Another message, more complimentary. I knew do you love her and probably tried just as hard, if not harder, to meet her demands.

Another message, more complimentary. I knew do you love her and probably tried just as hard, if not harder, to meet her demands.