You Can’t Make This Up

The incredible real stories behind the making of the biggest documentary series & films on Netflix. Host Rebecca Lavoie leads in-depth interviews with creators and subjects, exploring how these stories are produced & their impact, while uncovering new information. New episodes every Wednesday. "You Can't Make This Up" is a co-production of Netflix and Partners in Crime Media.

TV & Film
Film Interviews
Society & Culture
276
No Ride Home: Unsolved Mysteries
For over three decades, Unsolved Mysteries engrossed audiences with true tales of missing persons, unsolved murders, and paranormal occurrences - touching on a wide range of stories from UFO sightings to the Kennedy assassinations. Over 260 cold cases were solved because of tips from viewers of the show. Now, the iconic documentary series is on Netflix. “No Ride Home” is the fourth episode of this series. Twenty-three-year-old Alonzo Brooks never returned home after attending a party at a farmhouse in rural Kansas. His body was found a month later only 250 feet from the party location, an area that had already been searched by law enforcement multiple times. Over sixteen years later, the manner and cause of his death still remain unknown. It’s rumored that locals know what happened to Alonzo but nobody’s talking. In this episode, our host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with the "No Ride Home" episode director Marcus A. Clarke. Before the conversation with Marcus, Rebecca also has a discussion with her real-life partner-in-crime and husband, Kevin Flynn. Kevin, who you’ve heard on this podcast before, is an Emmy-award winning former TV journalist, true crime author, and co-host of the true-crime podcast ‘Crime Writers On’ with Rebecca. Loyal fans of Unsolved Mysteries might remember these words from the late and irreplaceable former host of the show, Robert Stack: “For every mystery, someone somewhere knows the truth. Perhaps that person is someone listening. Perhaps it’s you.” If you have any leads on what might have happened to Alonzo Brooks go to https://unsolved.com/home/ to share tips or to learn more about the extensive amount of other mysteries covered by this series. Since this interview was taped, there has been a major development in the Brooks case. According to KSNT, the local NBC news affiliate in Topeka, Alonzo’s body was recently exhumed. This development comes only a few weeks after the FBI announced that they are investigating Alonzo’s death as a potential racially-motivated crime, and offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual or individuals that may be responsible for Alonzo’s death. Note to listeners: This episode contains spoilers. So make sure to watch the entire episode before listening on. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our guest was recorded in his home and not in a studio. We appreciate your understanding. Stay tuned for our next episode on Unsolved Mysteries, Episode 5: "Berkshires’ UFO."
58 min
277
House of Terror: Unsolved Mysteries
For over three decades, Unsolved Mysteries engrossed audiences with true tales of missing persons, unsolved murders, and paranormal occurrences - touching on a wide range of stories from UFO sightings to the Kennedy assassinations. Over 260 cold cases were solved because of tips from viewers of the show. Now, the iconic documentary series is on Netflix. “House of Terror” is the third episode of this series. Almost ten years ago, the bodies of five members of an aristocratic French family were found buried under the back porch of their home —a house later dubbed by reporters as ‘The House of Terror.’ The victims — a mother and her four children — were each shot to death while they slept in their beds. Almost the entire Dupont de Ligonnès family massacred except for the father, Xavier, who vanished shortly after the killings. Xavier is the primary suspect. His whereabouts remain unknown. In this episode, our host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with the "House of Terror" episode director Clay Jeter. Before the conversation with Clay, Rebecca also has a discussion with her real-life partner-in-crime and husband, Kevin Flynn. Kevin, who you’ve heard on this podcast before, is an Emmy-award winning former TV journalist, true crime author, and co-host of the true-crime podcast ‘Crime Writers On’ with Rebecca. Loyal fans of Unsolved Mysteries might remember these words from the late and irreplaceable former host of the show, Robert Stack: “For every mystery, someone somewhere knows the truth. Perhaps that person is someone listening. Perhaps it’s you.” If you have any leads on what might have happened to the Dupont de Ligonnès Family go to https://unsolved.com/home/ to share tips or to learn more about the extensive amount of other mysteries covered by this series. Note to listeners: This episode contains spoilers. So make sure to watch the entire episode before listening on. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our guest was recorded in his home and not in a studio. We appreciate your understanding. Stay tuned for our next episode on Unsolved Mysteries, Episode 4: "No Ride Home."
39 min
278
13 Minutes: Unsolved Mysteries
For over three decades, Unsolved Mysteries engrossed audiences with true tales of missing persons, unsolved murders, and paranormal occurrences - touching on a wide range of stories from UFO sightings to the Kennedy assassinations. Over 260 cold cases were solved because of tips from viewers of the show. Now, the iconic documentary series is on Netflix. “Thirteen Minutes” is the second episode of this series. It's the story of the abduction, disappearance, and murder of Patrice Endres. The 38-year old hairstylist vanished from her salon in Cumming, Georgia in broad daylight during a 13-minute timeframe. Twenty months later, her body was found in a wooded forest, 6 miles from her salon. In this episode, our host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with the "13 Minutes" episode director Jimmy Goldblum. Before the conversation with Jimmy, Rebecca also has a discussion with her real-life partner-in-crime and husband, Kevin Flynn. Kevin, who you’ve heard on this podcast before, is an Emmy-award winning former TV journalist, true crime author, and co-host of the true-crime podcast ‘Crime Writers On’ with Rebecca. Loyal fans of Unsolved Mysteries might remember these words from the late and irreplaceable former host of the show, Robert Stack: “For every mystery, someone somewhere knows the truth. Perhaps that person is someone listening. Perhaps it’s you.” If you have any leads on what might have happened to Patrice Endres go to https://unsolved.com/home/ to share tips or to learn more about the extensive amount of other mysteries covered by this series. This episode contains spoilers. So make sure to watch the entire episode before listening on. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, our guest was recorded in his home and not in a studio. Thank you for understanding the change in our normal audio quality. Stay tuned for our next episode on Unsolved Mysteries, Episode 3: "House of Terror."
46 min
279
Mystery on the Rooftop: Unsolved Mysteries
For over three decades, Unsolved Mysteries engrossed audiences with true tales of missing persons, unsolved murders, and paranormal occurrences - touching on a wide range of stories from UFO sightings to the Kennedy assassinations. Over 260 cold cases were solved because of tips from viewers of the show. In this episode, Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with Terry Dunn Meurer, the series co-creator and executive producer. They break down episode one of the series reboot: “Mystery on the Rooftop” about the unexplained death of Rey Rivera. Before the conversation with Terry, our host Rebecca has a discussion with her real-life partner-in-crime and husband, Kevin Flynn. Kevin, who you’ve heard on this podcast before, is an Emmy-award winning former TV journalist, true crime author, and co-host of the true-crime podcast ‘Crime Writers On’ with Rebecca. If you have any leads on what might have happened to Rey Rivera go to https://unsolved.com/ to share tips or to learn more about the extensive amount of other mysteries covered by this series. Loyal fans of Unsolved Mysteries might remember these words from the late and irreplaceable former host of the show, Robert Stack: “For every mystery, someone somewhere knows the truth. Perhaps that person is someone listening. Perhaps it’s you.” This episode contains spoilers so please make sure to watch the entire episode before listening on.
45 min
280
Unsolved Mysteries Trailer
The show “Unsolved Mysteries” sparked America’s obsession with cold cases and the paranormal from 1987 to 2010. For decades, the series captivated audiences with true tales & first-person accounts of inexplicable murders turned to cold cases, missing persons, and chilling encounters with the supernatural. It was one of the first shows of its kind to call on viewers for clues to help solve a real-life mystery. According to the Unsolved website, “Out of more than 1000 cases profiled in 230 episodes, over half the cases featuring wanted fugitives have been solved, most as a result of viewer tips.” Now, a decade after the last show premiered, the cultural phenomenon is back on Netflix on July 1st! Subscribe to the podcast ‘You Can't Make This Up’ for access to a special 6-part-mini-season dedicated to every single new episode featured on Unsolved Mysteries. As Robert Stack, the original Unsolved Mysteries host used to say, "For every mystery, there is someone, somewhere, who knows the truth."
1 min
281
I Am A Killer Season 2
Ten inmates, ten lifelong sentences, ten episodes featuring prisons across the United States. In season 2 of the docuseries I Am A Killer, streaming on Netflix, every episode recounts one prisoner’s memories of the events that led to their crime, underlying motivations, and how they make sense of their lives now. Interviews with victims, their families, and detectives uncover multiple layers to the stories and reignite the debate about rehabilitation and restitution in America’s criminal justice system. In this episode, Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with Danny Tipping, the executive producer of the docuseries. This episode contains spoilers so make sure to watch the whole series before listening on. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our guest was recorded in his home and not in a studio. We appreciate your understanding of the change in audio quality.
22 min
282
Filthy Rich: Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein is a name that has been attached to headlines for years. Billionaire, American financier, convicted sex offender, now a dead man. Streaming on Netflix, the docuseries Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich focuses on the survivor's perspectives as we hear their painful stories. The series also examines how Epstein evaded the law with his wealth, powerful connections, and network of co-conspirators. In this episode, Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with director Lisa Bryant and executive producer Joe Berlinger. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode was not recorded in a studio. Thank you for understanding the change in audio quality.
30 min
283
Trial By Media
Were these six highly televised and dramatic cases defined by headlines, or determined by them? Now streaming on Netflix, the docuseries Trial by Media explores how news coverage and public conversation around high profile crimes have had a lasting impact on United States criminal justice systems and culture. In this episode, Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On…) speaks with CNN’s Chief Legal Analyst, staff writer for the New Yorker, and Executive Producer of Trial By Media, Jeffrey Toobin. There will be spoilers so make sure to watch all of the episodes on Netflix before listening here! A note to listeners, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode was not recorded in a studio. Thank you for understanding the change in audio quality.
33 min
284
The Innocence Files: The Prosecutor
In the final episode of our miniseries about The Innocence Files, host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with Academy-award winning director, Alex Gibney (Going Clear; The Inventor). Alex’s episodes focus on how individual prosecutors can corrupt the whole justice system, examining cases from Philadelphia, Houston, and rural Michigan.
33 min
285
The Innocence Files: The Witness
This is the second episode in the miniseries about the Innocence Files. Host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On..) speaks with returning guest Academy-Award nominated director Liz Garbus (Lost Girls). Liz's block of episodes investigates the misuse of eyewitness testimony and how a person can be swayed into pointing to an innocent bystander.
28 min
286
The Innocence Files: The Evidence
This is the first episode of a mini-series about The Innocence Files, a documentary series about wrongful convictions, made in consultation with the Innocence Project. Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with Academy-award winning director, Roger Ross Williams (God Loves Uganda, Music By Prudence). He directed the first three episodes about bite mark evidence and exonerees Levon Brooks, Kennedy Brewer, and Keith Harward.
29 min
287
How to Fix a Drug Scandal
After nearly a decade of working for Massachusetts State Drug Testing labs, two chemists were found to have tampered with evidence connected to tens of thousands of cases against people accused of drug trafficking and possession. How To Fix a Drug Scandal, which is now streaming on Netflix, brings to light the investigation behind the corruption and cover-ups of these cases. In this episode, Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers on…) speaks with Director and Producer Erin Lee Carr about why she chose to tell the stories of chemist’s Sonja Farak and Annie Dookhan, discusses the lives of those affected by the chemist’s choices, and about her own journey to sobriety. There will be spoilers so watch all of the episodes on Netflix before listening here! A note to listeners, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode was not recorded in a studio. Please forgive the change in audio quality.
32 min
288
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
In 2013, Joe Exotic had two husbands, a dedicated staff of misfits, and over 200 tigers in his private zoo. But Joe also had a rivalry with fellow big cat owner, Carole Baskin. When their feud spun out of control, Joe found himself in a cage of his own. In this episode, host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On…) will be speaking with co-directors Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin. There will be spoilers so make sure you’ve watched all 7 episodes! A note to listeners, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode was not recorded in studios. So there will be a change in audio quality.
34 min
289
Lost Girls
Kevin Flynn (Crime Writers On..) talks with director Liz Garbus about her film Lost Girls. Based on the book Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolker. The film follows Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan) as she searches for her missing daughter Shannan. Meanwhile, the police uncover four more bodies and suspect a serial killer is on the loose. There will be spoilers, so make sure you've watched the whole film before pressing play.
25 min
290
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
Host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On..) talks with director Brian Knappenberger and journalist Garrett Therolf about “The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez”. In this episode, they’ll be talking about the various trials of following Gabriel's death, the responsibilities of the social workers involved, and how a child like Gabriel became the victim of a broken system. There will be discussions of child abuse. Please listen at your own discretion.
36 min
291
The Pharmacist
In 1999, Dan Schneider was a small-town pharmacist in Louisiana. But after his son was killed in a drug-related shooting, he becomes obsessed with getting justice. In the Pharmacist, Dan investigates his son's murder, a local pill mill, and the drug crisis sweeping through his community. Host Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On...) speaks with directors Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason (Time: The Kalief Browder Story and Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story).
24 min
292
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
Kevin Flynn and Rebecca Lavoie (Crime Writers On....) interview sports writer Dan Wetzel and filmmaker Geno McDermott about their docuseries, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez. They'll be talking about Aaron's upbringing, his friendship with criminals like Alexander Bradley, and the murder of Odin Lloyd. This episode will also discuss Aaron's suicide. If you or someone you know needs the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the number is 1-800-273-8255. 
30 min
293
Don't F**k With Cats
Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, follows a team of armchair detectives searching for an anonymous cat killer before he can escalate to something worse. Crime Writers On… host Rebecca Lavoie talks with director Mark Lewis about the rise of online sleuths, his choice to show segments of the animal abuse videos, and whether the audience should also be complicit in the crimes of Luka Magnotta.
31 min
294
The Confession Killer
We have hosts Kevin Flynn and Rebecca Lavoie (of the Crime Writers On...podcast) to speak directors Robert Kenner (Food Inc.) and Taki Oldham about their new series The Confession Killer. They'll be deep diving the story of Henry Lee Lucas, a man who confessed to hundreds of murders that spanned the country.
31 min
295
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator
This month, we have a documentary film following Bikram Choudhury, the man who popularized yoga in America. Returning hosts Kevin Flynn and Rebecca Lavoie speak with director Eva Orner and lawyer Micki Jafa-Bodden about the rise and fall of a yoga guru who preyed on the very women who trusted him.
28 min
296
The Laundromat
In Steven Soderbergh's new film, "The Laundromat" he explores the world of offshore banking and the international crises caused by the Panama Papers. Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns, and journalist Jake Bernstein sit down with Soderbergh to talk tax evasion, casting Meryl Streep and to look at how they took a real-life scandal and adapted it into a feature film.
30 min
297
Unbelievable
The original series "Unbelievable" follows two policewomen (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) trying to capture a serial rapist, and one girl (Kaitlyn Dever) who may, or may not, be a victim. It just depends on who you believe. For this episode, we have Kate Wells and Lindsey Smith (hosts of the podcast Believed) speaking with writer/director Susannah Grant and Executive Producer Sarah Templeton about how they adapted the true story into a series, and what steps can be taken to take these crimes more seriously (See "An Epidemic of Disbelief" in The Atlantic).
40 min
298
Introducing From Where She Stands: The OITNB Po...
From Where She Stands: The OITNB Podcast is a new show that connects the storylines from Orange Is The New Black with the stories of real women whose lives have been impacted by prison. Hosted by Piper Kerman (author of the book "Orange In The New Black: My Year In A Woman's Prison"), each episode will feature an exclusive interview with a cast member from OITNB and will dive into the real stories from women navigating the prison system in America. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.
1 min
299
The Great Hack
Remember back in 2016 when Cambridge Analytica admited to "hacking" Facebook? In this episode, Aminatou Sow (Call Your Girlfriend) talks with the directors of The Great Hack, Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer. They get into data rights, persuadable social media and how one company used personal information as a means to a political end.
26 min
300
The Staircase (Revisited)
One year ago, Netflix released all 13 episodes of The Staircase, a documentary series that follows the trials of Michael Peterson. In this month's episode, we revisit the landmark series. Aaron Lammer (host of the Longform podcast) spoke with director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade to discuss the making of The Staircase and its legacy.
33 min