Free Daily Podcast Summary
Earwitness: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Lava for Good Podcasts
One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy’s murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5’ by 8’ cell on Alabama’s death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest’s guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest’s conviction relied on an
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jun 10, 20267 min
Introducing - Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry: Preview
In the woods outside Carmel, New York, a hunter finds the bones of a twelve-year-old girl. She had been missing. The people meant to protect her had looked the other way. Police set their sights on two teenage drug dealers, who are convicted of her murder and sent to prison.But this is just the beginning of the story. Now, buried records, ignored warnings, and a justice system that may have gotten it dangerously wrong are forced into the open, while the real killer bides his time, counting the days until he can hunt again.Award-winning investigative journalist and longtime Rolling Stone Magazine contributor Paul Solotaroff hosts the next entry in the acclaimed Bone Valley anthology. To hear this episode in its entirety, search for Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry wherever you listen to podcasts. Listeners can binge the entire season by subscribing to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Bone Valley Season 5: The Devil’s Quarry is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Rolling Stone Films and Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Jun 10, 20263 min
Introducing: Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry
A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert, his victims, and the justice that has yet to come. But with his potential release looming in 2026, the question remains: will he hunt again? Listen to The Devil’s Quarry here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Jun 3, 20263 min
Introducing - Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry
In the woods outside Carmel, New York, a hunter finds the bones of a twelve-year-old girl. She had been missing. The people meant to protect her had looked the other way. Police set their sights on two teenage drug dealers, who are convicted of her murder and sent to prison.But this is just the beginning of the story. Now, buried records, ignored warnings, and a justice system that may have gotten it dangerously wrong are forced into the open, while the real killer bides his time, counting the days until he can hunt again.Award-winning investigative journalist and longtime Rolling Stone Magazine contributor Paul Solotaroff hosts the next entry in the acclaimed Bone Valley anthology: Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry starting June 10. Listeners can binge the entire season by subscribing to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Bone Valley Season 5: The Devil’s Quarry is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Rolling Stone Films and Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Nov 13, 20251 min
Introducing - Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco | Season 2
Six new, inspiring episodes of Wrongful Conviction, hosted by Lauren Bright Pacheco, that celebrate the potential of human connection to empower ordinary people to overcome extraordinary odds and injustices. Real individuals who unexpectedly became one another’s personal heroes by turning tragedy into triumph. Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco will be available every Thursday beginning November 13 wherever you get your podcasts. To hear episodes ad-free, subscribe to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Oct 31, 202344 min
Chapter 8 | Bondage to the Law
In an unusual turn, District Attorney Danny Carr and original prosecutor Jeff Wallace push against Toforest Johnson’s conviction, even as he remains on death row. Beth Shelburne traces a system reluctant to admit its failures, while Toforest’s children reveal the human toll of a life caught between injustice and hope. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Oct 24, 202337 min
Chapter 7 | Messy
Years after the conviction, original prosecutor Jeff Wallace begins questioning Violet Ellison’s story, while Beth Shelburne uncovers a troubling pattern. Ellison’s moves through the legal system blur the lines between cunning and deceit, revealing a figure far from the innocence prosecutors once claimed. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Oct 17, 202345 min
Chapter 6 | Misfiled
Beth Shelburne uncovers the murky story behind Violet Ellison, the ‘earwitness’ whose $5,000 payoff shaped Toforest Johnson’s fate. Decades of denial give way to uneasy facts, revealing a conviction propped up by money, influence, and half-truths. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Oct 10, 202356 min
Chapter 5 | Anybody Will Do
Beth Shelburne digs into how Toforest Johnson was convicted without a shred of physical evidence, as prosecutors leap between ever-shifting theories of Deputy Hardy’s murder. Confronting the prosecutor who once sought a death sentence, she uncovers a case where the law bends into something dangerously personal. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get Earwitness summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Bone Valley
An investigative journalist uncovers flaws in a small town’s justice system after a girl’s murder and a series of wrongful convictions.
Admissible: Shreds of Evidence
A reporter investigates a forensic analyst tied to 13 wrongful convictions and allegations of misconduct at a state crime lab.
Monster
True crime stories of infamous serial killers and mass murderers, told through victims, investigators, and perpetrators.
Murder on Songbird Road
Re-examines the 1980 stabbing of an 11-year-old girl in Illinois and the conviction of her father’s fiancée, questioning whether justice was served.
The Burden
A documentary series exploring corruption in law enforcement and the criminal justice system through real investigations and insider accounts.
Murder in Oregon
Investigates the 1989 murder of Oregon’s corrections director and claims of a wrongful conviction tied to prison corruption.
Murder in Illinois
A man convicted of killing his wife and children in 2007 claims amnesia and innocence, prompting a reexamination of forensic evidence.
The Trial: USA
Analyzes major criminal trials through court transcripts, interviews with investigators and experts, and detailed courtroom evidence breakdowns.
Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
A journalist and forensic expert reexamine historical crimes using modern science to assess past investigations and possible wrongful convictions.
Valley of Shadows
The search for a missing sheriff’s deputy exposes a web of meth trafficking, outlaw bikers, and police corruption in the Mojave Desert.
10 to Life
Annie Elise examines true crime cases, from murders and disappearances to cold cases and trials, uncovering details and seeking justice.
Court Junkie
Covers wrongful convictions and unsolved crimes by analyzing court documents, attending trials, and interviewing affected individuals.
About Earwitness
One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy’s murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5’ by 8’ cell on Alabama’s death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest’s guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest’s conviction relied on an
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Earwitness in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Earwitness daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Earwitness as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Earwitness podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Earwitness product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Lava for Good Podcasts.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Earwitness release new episodes?
Earwitness publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Earwitness cover?
Earwitness covers topics including True Crime, Documentary, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Earwitness summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.