Pushing Up Lillies
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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 29, 2024May 29, 2024
  • Podcast

Twisters and Toxins: Tornadoes, Poisons, and Date Rape Drugs

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we start with the recent devastating tornado in Texas, discussing its aftermath and the challenges it brings to death investigators. Then we will uncover the chilling reality of date rape drugs, exploring how they incapacitate victims and the forensic methods used to detect them.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 22, 2024May 22, 2024
  • Podcast

Bitter Almonds: Deaths By Cyanide Poisoning

In this gripping episode of Pushing Up Lilies, join me, Julie Mattson, as we dive into the chilling world of cyanide poisoning. Known for its bitter almond smell, cyanide is one of the most deadly and fast-acting poisons. I’ll share haunting real-life cases where this lethal substance was used to end lives, exploring the science behind how it works and why it’s so deadly.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 15, 2024May 22, 2024
  • Podcast

Silent Killers: When Family Turns Toxic

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I delve into the chilling world of slow poisoning deaths carried out by family members. Join me as I unravel the harrowing tales of trust betrayed and lives snuffed out by those closest to the victims. I’ll guide you through the unsettling patterns and psychological motivations behind these sinister acts.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 8, 2024May 8, 2024
  • Podcast

Deadly Elixir: Antifreeze Murders

Join me as we uncover chilling cases where individuals have been fatally poisoned by this seemingly innocuous substance. We’ll delve into the motives behind these crimes, the methods used to administer antifreeze, and the challenges faced by investigators in solving these perplexing cases.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 10, 2023May 10, 2023
  • Podcast

The Hart Family Murder-Suicide

On today’s episode, we explore the heartbreaking story of the Hart family murder-suicide. On March 26th, 2018, the family’s SUV was found at the bottom of a cliff in California, with the bodies of all eight family members inside.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • May 3, 2023May 3, 2023
  • Podcast

Inside the Minds of Women Who Marry Serial Killers

On today’s episode, we will explore the psychology behind the relationships and examine the motivations of individuals who write to and marry serial killers behind bars.

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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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  • Julie Mattson
  • April 19, 2023April 18, 2023
  • Podcast

Serial Killers Who Suffered Head Trauma

Join me as we unravel the mysteries of the human mind and seek to understand the complex interplay of factors that may contribute to the making of a serial killer.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • April 12, 2023April 12, 2023
  • Podcast

Head Trauma and Homicide: Exploring the Louisville Shooter and WWE Superstar Murders

In this gripping episode, I delve into the disturbing connection between head trauma and homicide, specifically examining the cases of the Louisville Shooter and a WWE Superstar, Chris Benoit.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • March 29, 2023March 29, 2023
  • Podcast

Buster Murdaugh and the Mysterious Death of Stephen Smith

This week I want to talk about Stephen Smith’s death. Stephen Smith, he was the young man, 19 years old, that was found dead in the middle of a rural road, not really anything indicative of a hit and run. However, his death was determined to be vehicular manslaughter. Eight years later, it’s being investigated as a homicide, with all eyes on Buster Murdaugh.

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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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A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m examining the heartbreaking murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five whose life was taken in a brutal daylight attack that stunned the Del Rio, Texas community.

When Caroline arrived at the hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds, medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Three women were arrested and charged with her murder, but many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

As a forensic death investigator and former emergency room nurse, I walk through what happens in the critical moments after a stabbing victim arrives at the hospital, why injuries like these can be far more severe than they first appear, and how investigators begin reconstructing a violent crime through witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and medical findings. I also discuss why it’s so important to separate verified facts from speculation while a case is still unfolding.

But more than anything, I want to remember Caroline.

She wasn’t simply the victim in a headline. She was a mother, a friend, and someone remembered for her generosity and the kindness she showed others, even during difficult times in her own life. Behind every investigation is a family whose world has been forever changed, and five children who will grow up without their mother.

This episode contains discussion of homicide, stabbing violence, and death. Listener discretion is advised.

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
July 8, 2026
Julie Mattson
Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths
July 1, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
June 24, 2026
Julie Mattson
Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies
June 17, 2026
Julie Mattson
The State of Texas vs Karmelo Anthony
June 11, 2026
Julie Mattson
One Final Moment: The Tragic Death of Austin Metcalf
June 3, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Monster He Wanted to Become
May 27, 2026
Julie Mattson
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
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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

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo

Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths

The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer

Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies

Subscribe to Podcast

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© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.