As we continue to process the far-reaching implications of the shocking verdict in the Kowalski case, we take a closer look at Maya Kowalski’s testimony and what we know about her. She’s emerged as a divisive figure in the case: alternately being cast as a brave heroine or as a manipulator. But given the evidence of her possible abuse and the questionable motives of the adults surrounding her, the truth is far more nuanced.    We bring in survivor Jordyn Hope and child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Mary Sanders to help unpack the impact of trauma on memory and the aftereffects of medical child abuse. As Maya continues to be thrust into the spotlight for a role she didn’t choose, we grapple with the outcome of what it could all mean for her.   Munchausen Support accepts donations and volunteers at www.munhausensupport.com   If you have a story about medical child abuse that you are ready to share you can tag @andreadunlop, email hello@nobodyshouldbelieveme.com or leave us a voicemail at (484) 768-0266  Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a verdict in the case days away, host Andrea Dunlop unpacks some of what’s happened so far in the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens trial with lawyer and trial consultant Jonathan Leach. They analyze the dueling opening statements, consider what each side is likely to look for in jurors, and which of the charges—if any—might be most viable.   Andrea shares insights on the lawyers after watching their interactions in court. She also weighs in on the extensive medical testimony so far, including a major revelation about the origins of Maya's controversial CRPS diagnosis. We also share a chilling account of Maya’s ketamine coma that was shared in court via missives written by Beata herself.   As both sides begin their closing arguments Andrea weighs the merits of what each side has told the jury and considers what the ramifications of the imminent verdict might be.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial.   Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months!  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Who Killed Mia (Relatable)   Get Who Killed Mia for your next game night, and get 20% off with promo code BELIEVE at Relatable.com/whokilledmia.  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens trial barrels forward, new information comes to light each day about what really happened to Maya Kowalski during her time in the hospital. In part 2 of The Believers, Andrea digs into the testimony from the doctors at the center of the case and finds medical professionals at odds. Did Maya really have CRPS or was something else going on? With trial watchers choosing sides and digging in: what does the evidence actually tell us? Andrea also talks more about her conversation with Laura Richards and her co-host Jim Clemente, following up on some of the leads they presented. NOTE: It came up in court on 11/1 in the rebuttal that Dr. Chopra did NOT attend Harvard Medical School, but rather an institution in India affiliated with HMS. He also clarified that he is a clinical assistant professor at Brown rather than a full professor. Read about Dr. Chopra’s beliefs about medical child abuse here: https://painri.com/epidemic-child-abuse-doctors-harming-children/ Crime Analyst: https://www.crime-analyst.com/ Real Crime Profile: https://www.realcrimeprofile.com/ Law & Crime Networks coverage of Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZTZxCMy8Oc To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial. Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Brilliant Earth Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Better Help To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Andrea seeks an outside perspective on the controversial Maya Kowalski case. Laura Richards, host of Crime Analyst and cohost of the Real Crime Profile podcast, joins Andrea to talk through the complexities and contradictions of the Netflix documentary. The conversation reveals just how polarized interpretations of this case have become. With the verdict in the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens looming, today we look at what’s been revealed by the both the vast amount of documentation on this case, as well as the trial unfolding before our eyes. Megan Phelps-Roper TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/megan_phelps_roper_i_grew_up_in_the_westboro_baptist_church_here_s_why_i_left?language=en The Witch Trials of JK Rowling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-witch-trials-of-j-k-rowling/id1671691064 Crime Analyst: https://www.crime-analyst.com/ Real Crime Profile: https://www.realcrimeprofile.com/ Law & Crime Networks coverage of Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Childrens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZTZxCMy8Oc To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial. Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Brilliant Earth Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Better Help To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the flattened version of the Maya Kowalski story that has dominated the headlines, Beata Kowalski is a mother who fell prey to age-old biases against women. This story attaches itself to the well-documented reality that women are all too often not believed when it comes to their own pain, the stories of their own lives, and their professional opinions. Beata is cast as the martyr in Netflix’s “Take Care of Maya” and two other women, Cathy Beady and Dr. Sally Smith, are cast as the villains. Today, we unpack the messy gender dynamics of this case.   Cathy Beady is the social worker with a troubling past who’s been accused of grooming and assaulting Maya Kowalski. What do we know about what happened during Maya’s stay at Johns Hopkins All Childrens? Was Cathy Beady really hellbent on keeping Maya and Beata apart?  Media coverage of the Maya Kowalski story has also done irreparable harm to the life and career of the respected doctor at the center of the controversy: child abuse pediatrician Sally Smith. She’s been accused of violating HIPPA in a single-minded crusade to create a case against Beata Kowalski. But is there evidence that Dr. Smith did anything other than her job? Did she drive Beata to death as the film suggests or is it possible her interventions saved Maya Kowalski’s life?  As we break down the narratives and misinformation surrounding this case we get to the heart of the matter. The Kowalski legal team’s claims that Munchausen by proxy is based on “junk science” and that Beata Kowalski wasn’t guilty of medical child abuse because this form of abuse isn’t even real.   To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial.  Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months!  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Who Killed Mia (Relatable)   Get Who Killed Mia for your next game night, and get 20% off with promo code BELIEVE at Relatable.com/whokilledmia.  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.    Beata Kowalski’s tragic death by suicide in January of 2016 is at the center of the $220 million lawsuit Jack Kowalski has filed against Johns Hopkins All Childrens hospital. But did Beata really take her own life to free her daughter from the hospital keeping her captive as the plaintiff claims? As with everything in this story, the truth is much more complicated. The narrative told in the Netflix film “Take Care of Maya” is far from a complete picture of the harrowing series of events that led to Beata’s death.    In this episode we go through the police reports of the incident and various testimonies of those who were present to fill in the gaps of the days and hours leading up to Beata’s death. We also examine the final court hearing Beata attended, which gives us a glimpse into where the case stood at the time of her death.     To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial.   Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com    Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months!  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our third episode, we look at a central piece of the story that was left unfinished at the time of Beata Kowalski’s death: the police investigation into her for medical child abuse.  Along with Detective Mike Weber and our anonymous Florida pediatrician friend, we unpack shocking new details from the police investigation and from Jack Kowalski’s interview the Detective Stephanie Graham. Was Jack really just being pressured to throw his wife under the bus? Or did he have suspicions of his own about her? We also unpack some of the many discrepancies in Maya's medical history and the troubling behaviors of her mother Beata, showing that that this pattern of deceptive behavior went way beyond the question of whether her daughter’s diagnosis of CRPS was correct or not As the Kowalski v Johns Hopkins All Children’s trial unfolds in real time, we examine the facts of the case as they stood when Beata died and show how the prevailing media narrative about this case is getting it all wrong.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial.  Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months! *Brilliant Earth  Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Who Killed Mia (Relatable)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Maya Kowalski case heads to trial, we dig into the massive trove of documents about this case and begin to unpack what we know about what really happened during Maya Kowalski’s fateful stay at Johns Hopkins All Childrens in October 2016.   The Netflix documentary about the case—and the prevailing media narrative---would have you believe that Maya was ripped from her parents by a corrupt system, and that this could happen to any parent of a sick child. But did Maya really have a deadly disease for which she required the massive amounts of ketamine and other drugs she was being given? Was the hospital unfairly biased against Beata Kowalski because she was difficult, or was something more sinister at play?   We talk to national law enforcement expert on medical child abuse, Detective Mike Weber, as well as a Florida pediatrician who helps us unravel some of the myriad strange details about Maya’s medical history.   The beginning of our multi-part deep dive into the case reveals the shocking events that led up to the family separation.  Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.   For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com     Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/50believe and use code 50believe for 50% off your first order plus 15% off the next 2 months!  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Who Killed Mia (Relatable)   Get Who Killed Mia for your next game night, and get 20% off with promo code BELIEVE at Relatable.com/whokilledmia.  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warning: This content includes references to suicide and child abuse. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org for additional resources and support. As the Jack Kowalski v. Johns Hopkins All Childrens trial gets underway today in Sarasota, FL, we revisit our conversation with top experts Bea Yorker, Dr. Mary Sanders, Detective Mike Weber, and survivor Jordyn Hope about “Take Care of Maya” the Netflix documentary about the Maya Kowalski case. Today we introduce our third season of Nobody Should Believe Me, where we will delve into the complex notion of “false accusations” of medical child abuse, getting into everything we’ve uncovered about the Maya Kowalski case and the broader conversations happening around the nation. Is there really an epidemic of over-diagnosis of medical child abuse, or are offenders slipping through the cracks?  Andrea is a finalist for the Signal Awards! Best Host - Documentary Category: PLEASE VOTE HERE: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2023/shows/craft/best-host-documentary For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  This show is produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea checks in with lawyer and trial consultant Jonathan Leach hours after the Kowalski verdict comes down. They talk about the judge’s decision to disallow testimony from the defense on medical child abuse, what happened with this jury, and the chances for a possible appeal for JHAC.   With the medical community reeling from this news, Jonathan and Andrea unpack the dire consequences of the verdict and wonder — what now?   Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea and special guest Bex (aka our Florida pediatrcian friend) process the shocking verdict in the Maya Kowalski trial. After 9 weeks of testimony, the jury awarded the Kowalski family nearly $300 million in damages from Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Bex shares her perspective as a pediatrician on how this verdict will impact the medical community and reporting of suspected child abuse cases. They discuss the implications for social workers and hospital staff who stood up and testified, and grapple with how the jury seemed to side with the emotional storytelling despite medical evidence. Andrea and Bex reflect on what this means for the U.S. justice system, mandatory reporting laws, and the public's willingness to accept that medical child abuse exists.  Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: *Brilliant Earth  Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com. *Better Help  To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Andrea Dunlop and lead producer Tina Nole dive into listener feedback from season 2 of Nobody Should Believe Me. Addressing questions of gender issues and potential sexism around medical child abuse accusations, Andrea’s guest appearance on Real Crime Profile, pro-cop allegations and more. Plus, Andrea and Tina fill listeners in on what to expect for season 3 and beyond.   To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free, including weekly recaps of the Kowalski trial.   Produced by Larj Media  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by:  *Brilliant Earth   Well-made and responsibly sourced. Find beautiful, unique styles at BrilliantEarth.com.  *Better Help   To be matched with a licensed therapist, visit Betterhelp.com/BelieveMe to get 10% off your first month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the finale of Season 2, we finally hear from the person at the center of our story: Alyssa Waybourn. Despite the immense challenges she has faced, Alyssa shines as a beacon of intelligence, strength, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. During a visit to Fort Worth, we meet Alyssa: a smart, happy, athletic teenager who is starting her new after-school job later that day. Alyssa has found solace and normalcy after enduring so much at such a young age. Her determination to move forward and create a brighter future is truly inspiring. Alyssa shares her memories of the abuse she endured, the experience of testifying against her biological mother, and the profound impact it had on her life. Despite the pain, she remains steadfast in her commitment to fight for those who are voiceless, even testifying before the Texas State Legislature in support of a bill that bears her name.  Alyssa opens up about her hopes and dreams for the future, revealing the strength and resilience she has found in her family. We also get an update on Brittany as Andrea shares some final thoughts for the season.  Produced by Larj Media *** Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea’s books here. To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching account of Jordyn Hope, another survivor of medical child abuse. Taking a brief departure from Alyssa's story, we shine a spotlight on a far more common outcome for MBP survivors in which they are never successfully protected from their abuser.   From a young age, Jordyn was led to believe they were a chronically ill child by their mother. Life-threatening asthma, organ removal attempts, and countless hospital visits became their horrific norm.   But everything changed in 2018 when Jordyn stumbled upon the concept of Munchausen by Proxy during a community college class. Suddenly, the veil of deception was lifted, and the true extent of their mother's abusive behavior came into sharp focus.  As we explore Jordyn's journey, we uncover the painful aftermath of confronting their mother's manipulation and the ongoing trauma they continue to navigate. Jordyn illuminates how the deep bond between victims and their parents often shapes their very perception of reality, leading to a harrowing and profoundly destabilizing road to recovery.   Tragically, Jordyn's story exemplifies the most likely outcome of a medical child abuse case: one in which a perpetrator is never brought to justice despite the concerns and reports of numerous family members and medical professionals.   Jordyn shines a light on the terrifying reality of Munchausen by Proxy and shows us a way forward for survivors both in their lived example and their own work to help others.   ***  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop  Buy Andrea’s books here.  To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.   For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com  Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here.  ***  Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit  Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!  Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We return to Alyssa's story - In the aftermath of Brittany Philips' conviction, Alyssa faces a daunting new reality: the path to recovery. The long-term physical and psychological effects of Munchausen by Proxy abuse cast a long shadow for survivors, and bringing Brittany to justice is just the beginning of the healing process.  In this episode, we delve into Alyssa's journey and witness her remarkable growth as she embraces her new life. Bravely refusing to let her past define her, Alyssa emerges as an inspiring overcomer, as aptly described by her adopted mother, Laura Waybourn. As a family, the Waybourns navigate the challenges with unwavering determination and resilience. ***  Produced by Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop   Buy Andrea’s books here.    To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of obtaining shocking public records about her sister’s case, host Andrea Dunlop decides to divulge the details of the second investigation into her sister, Megan Carter. Seated alongside Detective Mike Webber, Andrea delves into the extensive documentation, and together the two unpack the devastating information about what reportedly happened to her niece. Despite video evidence, a successful separation test, and expert testimony from one of the most well-respected experts in the country, the juvenile court judge who reviewed the case returned custody of Megan’s two children. Andrea remains deeply concerned that her niece and nephew are victims of a flawed system incapable of addressing the horrifying reality of medical child abuse and makes public the evidence against her sister as a last resort to protect them.  During their discussion, Andrea and Mike also examine an irresponsible and misleading article about Megan’s case published by NBC in collaboration with King 5, a local Seattle news outlet. In what has become a distressing pattern in media coverage of medical child abuse cases, this article attacks the doctor who reported the abuse and neglects to mention the evidence that made her do so.  Meanwhile the judge’s order that returned custody of the two children—and on which the media’s reporting appears to have relied—contains shocking mistakes and untruths. Andrea talks to someone close to the case to set the record straight. The reporting in this episode is based on information in the public record. We have collected the relevant documents at the link below:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AGfJiX-nZ39knECXhafzZ_TOItMmjXoD?usp=drive_link *** Buy Andrea's books here. Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop   To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Produced by Larj Media   Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the undeniable evidence against Brittany, the verdict takes a shocking turn. Dawn Ferguson, the prosecutor on the case elucidates the challenges of convincing a jury that a mother could engage in such abuse against her own child. After six months of review and preparation, the legal team enters the courtroom armed with reams of eyewitness accounts and, most damningly, Brittany’s grisly search history.  Detective Mike Webber walks us through the complications of the trial and unpacks why the judicial system is not equipped to handle this form of abuse. Throughout the trial, the Waybourns strive to protect Alyssa but ultimately, the now seven-year-old girl has to take the stand to testify against her mother.  ***  Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea's books here. To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.    For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com   Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Produced by Larj Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Waybourns face the daunting task of safeguarding Alyssa against Brittany's relentless attempts to pull her back into her web. We hear more about Alyssa’s turbulent journey to become a Waybourn, as the family fights through a system that doesn’t know how to deal with medical child abuse.   Beatrice Yorker, a child and adolescent psychiatric nurse, law professor and MBP expert, reveals the disturbing extent to which this crime is overlooked in our society. We also speak to a family law attorney who helps illuminate the complexities of these cases.  *** Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea's books here. To support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! *** Produced by Larj Media. Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this season of Nobody Should Believe Me, we've heard from Sheriff Bill and Laura Waybourn about their concern for Alyssa- who was a distant family member of theirs. Now, we take some time to get to know this incredible couple who’ve changed the lives of so many children.   Laura, a former CPS worker and devoted mama bear and Bill a seasoned law enforcement veteran with a heart of gold, have opened their hearts and home to numerous children in need: eventually adopting nine kids. These tireless advocates for children will go on to spearhead the efforts to make all children in Texas safe from medical child abuse.  *** Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Produced By Larj Media Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea's books here. To support the show, listen on Apple Plus or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe where you can listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com *** Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! *** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detective Mike Weber dives into the digital rabbit hole of Brittany’s online activity and makes a discovery so shocking it turns his investigation on its head and reveals the depths of depravity offenders are capable of. Meanwhile, the fight to protect Alyssa ramps up and we meet Sheriff Bill Waybourn—a towering Texan lawman with a huge heart and an iconic mustache. He and his wife Laura will become a beacon of hope in Alyssa’s life as she changes the course of their family forever.  *** Follow host Andrea Dunlop on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea's books here. To support the show, go to https://apple.co/nobodyshouldbelieveme  to listen on Apple Podcasts and just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the show page to listen to exclusive bonus content and access all episodes early and ad-free or go to Patreon.com/NobodyShouldBelieveMe. For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com Download the APSAC's practice guidelines here. *** Sponsored by: Hello Fresh, America’s #1 meal kit Go to HelloFresh.com/believe50 and use code believe50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! *** Produced by Larj Media Note: This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices