The First Degree Podcast By Alexis Linkletter Jac Vanek cover art

The First Degree

The First Degree

By: Alexis Linkletter Jac Vanek
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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. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek Biographies & Memoirs Politics & Government Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • DEEP DIVE: HALEY BECK, PART 2

    DEEP DIVE: HALEY BECK, PART 2
    Apr 23 2026
    Another week of crazy headlines awaits us including D4VD finally being arrested, Michael Jackson’s weird link to Epstein, and Gislaine Maxwell’s possible pardon. And unfortunately we’re back diving deep into the Haley Beck / Angela Burlaka scandal because a new bombshell drops every day. Texts, videos from other classmates, unsent notes from her phone. The list goes on and on and on. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 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
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    51 mins
  • Episode 399: Clayton Echard

    Episode 399: Clayton Echard
    Apr 22 2026
    You might know Clayton Echard as The Bachelor, but this time, he’s sitting down to tell his side of the story. In this special interview episode, we’re joined by Clayton Echard and Stephani Young of Love Trapped as we dig into the questions everyone’s been asking. Nothing is off limits: Clayton opens up about the headlines, the controversy, and what it’s really been like navigating the paternity scandal in real time. It’s raw, unfiltered, and gives a deeper look at the story beyond what you’ve seen online. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 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
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Clayton Echard: The Story

    Clayton Echard: The Story
    Apr 21 2026
    You might know Clayton Echard as The Bachelor, but lately his name has been tied to something far messier: a viral paternity scandal filled with bold accusations, conflicting stories, and nonstop online speculation. We’re unpacking the timeline, the drama, and what actually went down before we release our exclusive interview with him tomorrow, right in your feed. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 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
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    1 hr and 9 mins
All stars
Most relevant
You see it on the news, you see it on the paper, you see it on Facebook…This is the kind of podcast that is supposed to happen in movies, not in real life.

As I write this review I’m sitting very far away from Jan Vanek, very far from Alexis Linkletter, and even further from Slenderman (Billy Jensen). (That is because I live in KY.)

And in case you were wondering…today is National Microwave Day.

First things first, there is no cooked fruit in this review. You’re welcome, Alexis.

I’ve been listening to the true crime podcast that you might end up on since day 1 and The First Degree continues to slay. The group banter is funny, witty, clever, and relatable. I feel like I’m low key Alexis on the inside, but act like Jac on the outside. And Billy is my awkward but cool step-dad.

The stories put the victims first, include the right amount of detail, and are unique (for the most part) from other podcasts.

If you haven’t heard any of this podcast yet, start from the beginning. The episodes don’t necessarily have to be listened to in order, but the production and polish on the show have grown along the way. Great work. I blame Jared.

Well that’s enough of that… let’s turn down the lights and turn up your anxiety. Because enjoying this podcast…could be you.

After you’ve Killed Some Time reading this review, be sure to…
-go buy some merch from the First Degree merch store
-order your grub from Daily Harvest
-buy your designer duds from The Real Real
-obsess over playing Best Fiends
-bundle your policies with Geico
-express yourself this holiday with the best styles and gifts from Express
-go set up your SimpliSafe in about 30 minutes (even Jac was able to do it)
-join The First Degree Facebook group where we are talking true crime all the time

Thank you for reading this review of a Podcast One Production,
-Leah (your first degree reviewer)
IG: @MackeyLeah

P.S.
Only you can prevent serial killers.
Keep your friends close, but not that close.
P.S.S. Happy national microwave day.

BREAKING: OG Firstie drops first Audible review

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I just found this podcast the other day by searching the name of Billy Jensen It does not disappoint and after four episodes I'm hooked!

Billy Jensen fan club

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I do enjoy this podcast but I hate how much they cuss. I just feel like so much of the cussing is very unnecessary. That's really my only con. Other than that, it's a unique idea behind the podcast.

Love this podcast but...

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I really enjoyed this episode. I feel for this man and completely agree that our leaders in Texas need to push getting rid of old laws that are written because of parties.

Touching Story

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this podcast is excellent! I love hearing the perspectives of those who were just one degree away from a crime! I found this after listening
to Chase Darkness with me by Billy Jensen

excellence in true crime!

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