Free Daily Podcast Summary
The First Degree: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek
Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago43 min
Episode 426: We Were Never Alone
Some encounters with the unexplained are terrifying. Others offer an unexpected sense of comfort. But all leave us wondering what, if anything, exists beyond death. In this special Halloween episode, Lex and Jac share more extraordinary stories from Firsties, including disturbing encounters, mysterious apparitions, and chilling evidence captured on camera. Are these coincidences, tricks of the mind, or glimpses of something we don't yet understand? Enjoy this year’s final Halloween tribute episode, because we’re back to the traditional format next week. Join Jac and Lex on Talk Shop Live to dish about Lex’s book, Between the Devil and the Tide. Link to join below. You can also get your signed copy using the same link. Date/ time- Thursday, October 29th at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST Join Jac & Lex on TalkShop Live for the Between the Devil and the Tide livestream 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago45 min
DEEP DIVE: SECRET PIZZA PARTY?
Jac pulls the string of the Kelly Clarkson / $15K mechanical bird drama and (SHOCKER!) it leads to Epstein adjacent children’s books about secret pizza parties??? Plus, the girls chat about Jonestown opening for tourists, Kate Gosselin’s alleged abuse, and not being able to get away from the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago38 min
Episode 425: The Things That Haunt Us
This week, Firstober continues with a collection of chilling listener stories, unexplained encounters, and a real-life Halloween nightmare. From eerie apparitions to a mysterious death on Halloween night, Lex and Jac explore the things that haunt us, both supernatural and all too human. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago46 min
DEEP DIVE: WHAT IS SUSAN DELL?
The world is going crazy and we’re just trying to keep up. This week we are talking about a woman sneaking into high school to pretend to be a substitute teacher just to talk shit to students, a possible serial killer in Michigan, a brand new cute Trump statue, a new cat species, and what the hell is Susan Dell? 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago46 min
Episode 424: The Dead Speak
In this special Halloween episode, Lex and Jac share chilling paranormal encounters from Firsties who swear they’ve experienced something they can’t explain. Then, they unravel the incredible true story of a murdered woman who may have found a way to identify her own killer from beyond the grave. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago51 min
DEEP DIVE: CALEB FLYNN
You asked for it, you got it. This week we are going down the rabbit hole that is the atrocious man named Caleb Flynn. Alexis’ new obsession has been courtroom tv, and she has been watching the entire trial in real time. We go through texts with his mistress, the embarrassing AI songs he wrote for her, and how one man can go from hot to Frankenstein in less than a year. Plus, we discuss Erika Kirk’s new bizarre photoshoot, Gypsy Rose’s husband’s untimely death, and another Epstein whistleblower found dead by *suicide*. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago47 min
Episode 423: Spooky Stories & Strange Crimes
Today, Jac and Lex are taking us on a spooky adventure into the places where true crime and the paranormal collide. From chilling listener encounters to a historic murder case with a supernatural twist, they’re leaning all the way into spooky season. Plus, they unpack the bizarre story of a true-crime author whose unexpected encounter with police quickly spiraled into a case of its own. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago45 min
DEEP DIVE: DR. TOMASZ KOSOWSKI
This week we are diving into one of the most bizarre cases of the year, Dr. Tomasz Kosowski. You may have seen clips circulating online of his insane courtroom behavior, or maybe of him trying to suck DNA off his fingers in the back of a cop car. No matter what you’ve seen so far, it only gets weirder the more you go down the rabbit hole. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get The First Degree summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
True Crime Garage
Two hosts analyze real crime cases weekly, from missing persons to serial killers, blending research and dark humor.
Serial Killers & Murderous Minds
Examines the psychology of serial killers and violent criminals through true crime storytelling and forensic analysis.
Murder She Watched: True Crime Documentaries & Docuseries Recaps
Women analyze true crime documentaries and cold cases with sharp intuition and life experience, dissecting evidence and spotting lies.
Crime Weekly
Retired detective and true crime creator analyze high-profile and personal cases with insights and safety advice.
The First 48
Follows real homicide investigations during the critical first 48 hours, detailing interrogations, dead ends, and breakthroughs.
Crime, Conspiracy, Cults and Murder
Explores notorious historical figures, bizarre murders, conspiracy theories, and unsolved mysteries with deep-dive true crime storytelling.
Serialously with Annie Elise
Annie Elise investigates true crime cases with deep detail and a conversational tone, uncovering overlooked facts and breaking developments.
Murder, Mystery & Makeup
A beauty influencer explores true crime stories, from serial killers to cannibals, while doing makeup.
Murder: True Crime Stories
A deep dive into notorious murders, exploring the crimes and their lasting impact on the lives involved.
Crimes That Haunt America
Natasha June
Homicide 360
A true crime podcast examining homicide cases through victim stories, investigations, and the pursuit of justice.
America's Most Infamous Crimes with Katie Ring
Examines notorious true-crime cases in American history, focusing on serial killers, unsolved murders, and investigative details.
About The First Degree
Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The First Degree in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The First Degree daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The First Degree as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The First Degree podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The First Degree product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The First Degree release new episodes?
The First Degree publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The First Degree cover?
The First Degree covers topics including News, True Crime, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The First Degree summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.