Pushing Up Lillies
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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 28, 2026January 28, 2026
  • Podcast

Winter Threats That Kill

On this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we’re delving into the twisted tale of David Tronnes, a Florida man whose obsession with home renovations and dreams of reality TV stardom ended in murder.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • December 4, 2024December 4, 2024
  • Podcast

Breathless: Tragic Asphyxia and Choking Deaths

In this episode, I’m diving into a heartbreaking and often misunderstood topic—deaths caused by asphyxia and choking. Whether it’s accidental, intentional, or the result of foul play, these cases are some of the most challenging and emotional to investigate.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • December 6, 2023December 13, 2023
  • Podcast

Tis the Season: Navigating Holiday Hazards

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we embark on a reflective journey into the shadows that often accompany the festive season. Join me as we unveil the untold stories of accidents and tragedies that cast a somber hue over the holiday cheer.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • July 12, 2023July 12, 2023
  • Podcast

Deaths From Asphyxiation

In this chilling episode of our true crime podcast, we dive into the unsettling world of asphyxiation-related deaths from the unique perspective of a seasoned death investigator. Join us as we unravel the haunting stories behind these tragic fatalities, delving into the intricate details and circumstances surrounding each case.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • July 5, 2023July 5, 2023
  • Podcast

Fireworks Fatalities: Investigating 4th of July Tragedies

On today’s episode, we explore the shocking world of incidents and fatalities resulting from fireworks during the Independence Day celebrations. Join me as we meticulously unravel the heart-wrenching stories of lives tragically lost, examining the causes, circumstances, and devastating consequences of these incidents. Discover the dangers lurking behind the beautiful fireworks displays, and the importance of safety and responsible celebration.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • April 26, 2023April 25, 2023
  • Podcast

Head Trauma: From Infants to Seniors to Criminal Behavior

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the physical and neurological signs of head trauma and the ways in which they can manifest in different age groups, from babies to the elderly. We also explore head trauma and the connection to criminal behavior, taking a closer look at the scientific evidence and the real-life case of the Louisville shooter, Connor Sturgeon.

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Pushing Up Lilies

Pushing Up Lilies
Pushing Up Lilies

Dissect the science behind some of the most spine-tingling, unusual and terrifyingly true crime stories with Julie Mattson, a seasoned Forensic Nurse Death Investigator in this gripping weekly podcast.

Julie’s unique approach to investigations is informed by her background in nursing, which allows her to provide an in-depth analysis of the medical intricacies and physiological aspects of each case.

With her compassionate storytelling and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, Julie takes you on a thrilling journey into the world of forensic science, shining a light on the intersection of medicine, justice and criminal investigation.

In “Pushing Up Lilies,” Julie’s expert medical analysis will captivate your imagination and challenge your understanding of the human body’s role in solving the most complex and enigmatic criminal case.

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The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the mysterious death of Spencer Irwin, a 30-year-old Fresno City College student whose body was discovered behind a business loading dock in Fresno, California, in August of 2024.

What initially appeared to authorities to be a tragic but straightforward case quickly became something far more complicated.

Spencer was found naked, with no obvious signs of trauma, and early assumptions pointed toward a drug overdose or transient-related death. But toxicology reports later came back clean. No overdose. No clear explanation. And despite the unanswered questions surrounding his death, the coroner ultimately ruled it “natural causes.”

What makes this case especially unsettling is what didn’t happen.

No autopsy was performed.
And Spencer’s body was cremated.

As a forensic death investigator, I discuss the difficult reality of cases that fall into gray areas, where evidence is limited, assumptions are made early, and families are left searching for answers long after a case is considered closed.

Because sometimes the hardest part of an investigation…
is not what we know.

It’s what we don’t.

This episode contains discussion of death, investigative uncertainty, and unresolved circumstances surrounding the case. Listener discretion is advised.

The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind
The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind
May 20, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby
May 13, 2026
Julie Mattson
Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Three
May 6, 2026
Julie Mattson
Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Two
April 29, 2026
Julie Mattson
Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part One
April 22, 2026
Julie Mattson
Julie Mattson: LIVE From Beyond The Crime 2026
April 15, 2026
Julie Mattson
Pedro Rodrigues Filho: The Man Who Killed Killers
April 8, 2026
Julie Mattson
Walter Carl Kenney: Twice a John Doe
April 1, 2026
Julie Mattson
A Case That Still Hurts: Revisiting Aubreigh Wyatt’s Story
March 25, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Layover Mystery: Flight Attendant Diana Ramos
March 18, 2026
Julie Mattson
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Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Julie Mattson.

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Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Forensic Nurse Death Investigator, Julie Mattson.

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Recent Episodes

The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind

The Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby

Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Three

Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Two

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© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.