Here Lies the Tragedy: Hannah Kobayashi, Ryan Borgwardt, Crystal Mangum

In this episode, I reflect on the loss of my cousin Ephraim and my journey through grief, including the process of forgiving him for past differences. I then discuss the heartbreaking story of Hannah Kobayashi, who went missing and was later found in Tijuana, Mexico. Her actions caused immense pain for her family, culminating in her father’s tragic suicide. This raises the question: Are parents holding on to their children too tightly, and what drives adults to run away in search of freedom?

I also react to the story of Ryan Borgwardt, a man who faked his own death to escape his struggles. While I empathize with his pain, I examine the double standards men face when it comes to dealing with hardship and taking accountability for their actions.

Lastly, I confront the shocking confession of Crystal Mangum, who admitted—after 18 years—that she lied about the Duke Lacrosse rape case. Her false claims destroyed lives and left irreparable damage.

This episode tackles themes of selfishness, the consequences of poor decision-making, and the often-overlooked emotional burdens that men endure.