The Free Press Investigates
Episodes
Spiral | 5. A Beautiful but Imperfect System
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A startling legal twist changes the case’s outcome, possibly forever. As we reflect on Samantha Woll’s legacy—especially that of a bridge builde...
Spiral | 4. Bring It On
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The prosecution believes the case is airtight, but when the defendant takes the stand, the case takes a turn. With alternate suspects introduced, the ...
Spiral | 3. Motive and Opportunity
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Woll’s ex-boyfriend calls 911 in a panic. He tells the police he thinks he might have killed her. When they bring him in for questioning, h...
Spiral | 2. Wrong Place, Wrong Time?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A man seen breaking into cars near the crime scene is arrested, and he lies to police about what he’s been up to. But does that make him a killer? A...
Spiral | 1. One of 36 Angels
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Woll, 40, was a beloved Detroit Jewish community leader with her life ahead of her. Tragically, she is found stabbed to death outside her hom...
Season 2 Trailer | Spiral: Murder in Detroit
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On October 21, 2023, beloved Detroit community leader Samantha Woll was found brutally stabbed to death outside her home—two weeks to the day after ...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 7. What If You're Wrong?
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Host Megan Phelps-Roper asks J.K. Rowling to respond to pushback from some of her critics. The two also discuss the difficulty of discernment—why it...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 6. Natalie and Noah
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Transgender fans of Harry Potter share their criticism of J.K. Rowling—and the experiences that inform their views. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew ...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 5. The Tweets
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After years of observing the conflict between advocates for trans rights and women’s rights, J.K. Rowling weighs in. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 4. TERF Wars
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The movement for trans rights hits its stride in the early 2010s, but encounters fierce resistance from an unexpected source. J.K. Rowling watches the...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 3. A New Pyre
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness ...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 2. Burn The Witch
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As "Harry Potter" becomes an international phenomenon, it coincides with the culture wars of the 1990s. In the backlash from Christians across America...
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 1. Plotted In Darkness
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Host Megan Phelps-Roper writes a letter to J.K. Rowling—and receives a surprising invitation in reply: the opportunity for an intimate conversation ...
Season 1 Trailer | The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Learn more Read an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper Learn more about your ad ...