Advertise on podcast: Carol Costello Presents: The God Hook

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★★★★☆

4.4

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In Season Two of her true crime series, The God Hook, journalist Carol Costello investigates the complex case of the Ohio Craigslist Killings—and in doing so, unearths the untold story of the crimes that preceded the murders—and the victims who’ve never received justice. Richard Beasley was convicted of murdering three men and attempting to kill a fourth in the fall of 2011, but before that heinous spree, authorities were building a human trafficking case against him. Now, working with the case's prosecutor, a county sheriff, and many closely involved sources, Carol examines previously unknown details of Beasley’s alleged crimes, and how he used the God Hook to lure his victims and bend them to his will. In Season One of this podcast, Blind Rage, journalist Carol Costello revisits the first big assignment she covered as a 22-year-old, novice reporter: Phyllis Cottles’ brutal attack. Psychologists call them “Triumphant Survivors,” but Phyllis Cottle was more than a survivor, she used this crime to better herself and the world around her. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

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Check latest episodes from Carol Costello Presents: The God Hook podcast

1 | The False Prophet

2025/04/29

In this premiere episode of "The God Hook," host Carol Costello introduces the chilling story of Richard Beasley, infamously known as the Ohio Craigslist Killer. In previously unreleased jailhouse recordings, Beasley portrays himself as a devout Christian, concealing his manipulative and predatory behavior. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Beasley's deceitfulness extends beyond the victims he buried in shallow graves. Listen to the preview of a bonus conversation between Carol and Emily available after the episode. Additional info at carolcostellopresents.com. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see additional videos, photos, and conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

2 | The Ravenous Wolf

2025/04/29

In Akron, Ohio, Richard Beasley gains the ear of the most powerful and the faith of the most vulnerable. A twist of fate provides him the opportunity to purchase a home that he puts to nefarious use. Amy, a familiar face at the Summit County Jail, falls prey to Beasley’s scheme. But she ultimately makes a courageous choice that she hopes will bring him to justice. Additional info at carolcostellopresents.com. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to The God Hook’s YouTube channel for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

3 | Pulling Strings

2025/05/06

Akron detectives begin listening to recorded phone calls from the Summit County Jail, hoping to track down a predatory jailhouse pastor known as “Chaplain Rich.” Amy places her trust in Lieutenant Detective Terry Pasko, a vice detective slowly building a trafficking case. Investigators learn what goes on at Chaplain Rich’s halfway house and respond to an unexpected Christmas incident. Watch the video trailer here! Stay tuned after the episode for a sneak peek from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Detective Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Samantha Salamon - Executive Chair, The Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (https://sccaht.org/) Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Additional info at ⁠carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes⁠. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

4 | Beating the System

2025/05/13

Chaplain Rich is arrested, and investigators gather evidence from his so-called halfway house. Due to prior convictions, he faces the possibility of extradition out of state, and a lengthy prison sentence. Yet against all odds, a judge grants him release. And with the help of a young friend, Richard Beasley vanishes. Watch the video preview here! Stay tuned after the credits for a preview from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

5 | The Fugitive

2025/05/20

Richard Beasley is on the lam, with his young acolyte Brogan Rafferty in tow. Now the killing starts. The first victim? A man seeking redemption. Carol & Emily travel to Noble County, Ohio to meet Sheriff Jason Mackie, who led the investigation into the murders. Watch the video trailer here! Stay tuned after the credits for a preview from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Additional Music Provided by Thrumm (https://thrumm.audio/) SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

6 | The Craigslist Ad

2025/05/27

In August of 2011, Richard Beasley murders Ralph Geiger in the woods of Noble County, Ohio, and assumes his identity. Months later, Scott Davis responds to a Craigslist ad for a farm caretaker and ends up narrowly escaping his own death after being lured into those same woods. Then-detective Jason Mackie investigates Davis’ story, and begins his search for the crime scene. Watch the video preview here! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Additional info at (⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com)⁠. AI Disclosure: This episode contains an element of AI-created content. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

7 | A Grave in the Woods

2025/06/03

Scott Davis escapes his attempted murder, but law enforcement are about to discover that other victims were not so fortunate. Deb Bruce notifies authorities in Noble County that she hasn’t heard from her twin brother David since he left to take a job he found on Craigslist. Detective Mackie's search for a missing ball cap in the woods takes a dark turn with the chilling discovery of a freshly-dug grave. Watch the video trailer here! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Additional info at (www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). AI Disclosure: This episode contains an element of AI-created content. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to The God Hook’s YouTube channel for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

8 | Full Circle

2025/06/10

After months on the lam, Richard Beasley is apprehended by a special task force. Detective Mackie interrogates both Beasley and teenager Brogan Rafferty about the Craigslist murders. Tim Kern becomes the final victim, though the manner of his death raises questions about who pulled the trigger. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

9 | Dumb Like a Fox

2025/06/17

Prosecutors utilize old charges to keep Beasley locked up while they carefully construct their case. Investigators uncover disturbing details about the Craigslist murders from Richard Beasley’s alleged accomplice, Brogan Rafferty. Beasley cooks up one final con in the Summit County Jail while awaiting trial. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

SERIES FINALE: 10 | The Final Con

2025/06/24

In this series finale, special prosecutors Emily and Paul reflect on the murder trial, and its lasting personal impact on them. Brogan Rafferty turns down a plea deal. Richard Beasley takes the stand, blaming everyone but himself for the murders. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Epilogue | Loose Ends

2025/07/01

Hear firsthand about the survival bonds formed by victims and their families, and how they will face Brogan Rafferty’s potential parole. Amy never received justice – listen to her surprising message to Richard Beasley. Investigators share their feelings about the religious conman turned serial killer. Former prosecutors reflect on the systemic issues within the justice system, and the need for change. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Terry Pasko’s first novel, “Knights of the Graveyard Watch.” Devin Friedman’s GQ piece, “The Craigslist Killers.” Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Bonus | The Untold Story of the Beasley Death Case

2025/07/15

Carol interviews Emily Pelphrey and Paul Scarsella, two of the special prosecutors on the Beasley death penalty case. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

INSIDER SESSION | Reframing Trafficking: Ellyn Marsh on the Language of Exploitation

2025/07/29

Carol and Emily discuss human trafficking with podcaster Ellyn Marsh, exploring the disturbing parallels between the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Richard Beasley. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Ellyn Marsh is a co-host of the I Think Not! podcast, which blends true crime with comedy. Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

INSIDER SESSION | Ripple Effect: When Crime Becomes Your Story with Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton

2025/08/12

Carol and Emily interview “The Knife” podcast hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton about empathetic storytelling and the delicate nature of telling survivors’ stories. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton are the hosts of The Knife, a weekly podcast that reveals the ripple effect of crime through empathetic, solution-oriented journalism. Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

INSIDER SESSION | Maternal Manipulation: The Craigslist Killer’s Calls to Mom

2025/09/16

Criminologist Dr. Volkan Topalli joins Carol and Emily to analyze Richard Beasley’s jailhouse phone calls to his mother, revealing the disturbing psychological dynamics that underscore a manipulative relationship. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Podcast reviews

Read Carol Costello Presents: The God Hook podcast reviews

4.4 out of 5

223 reviews

★★★★★

Krhan 2025/07/21

Great pod!

I was turned to this podcast from a recommendation from another pod, I Think Not and per usual… it did not disappoint. Super smart women here!

★★★☆☆

Deeeeeedubya 2025/11/25

Too much conjecture

Great range and access to interviewees but LOTS of conjecture and leading questions

★☆☆☆☆

it was recommended 2025/08/16

Oh, the moral superi

The host is the absolute worst. Has her entire life been so privileged? She doesn’t get it, any of the trauma. but she’ll benefit from it! Her experts...

★★★★★

ObscureOwl 2025/07/03

S2 is even Better

I liked season one, but the second series is even better! Carol Costello is such a professional, and I like the way she explores larger themes like re...

★★★★★

CrockpotJones 2025/05/05

Carol Costello Strikes Again

Already intrigued by where this story is headed. Can’t wait to see what they’ve uncovered.

★☆☆☆☆

Matt_B_W 2025/05/20

Stopped after 1 minute

It was immediately all about the hostess, which is a bad sign. Then there was a comment about it being a “man’s world” so I moved in.

★★★★★

sabs vibes 2025/05/04

Outstanding

This is an excellent podcast, very nicely done, found myself sitting in my car didn’t want to miss a thing, Costello hit it out the park with the deta...

★★★★★

GIGi CO 2024/08/24

Very interesting

It was very interesting I really enjoyed the storyline the flow. You learned a little psychology it was very nicely done. Would recommend

★★★★★

Berbids 2024/05/09

Oh wow

A remarkable woman and a remarkable true story. Very well told by Carol Costello. Must have been amazing to cover such a story as a novice reporter!...

★★★★★

DBelle1 2024/05/08

Intriguing

The story was heroic and tragic. Glad it was brought to light

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