Pushing Up Lillies
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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 1, 2025January 1, 2025
  • Podcast

Japan’s ‘Black Widow’ Serial Killer Chisako Kakehi 

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m taking a trip across the globe to uncover the unsettling story of Japan’s “Black Widow,” Chisako Kakashi. This infamous serial killer has been accused of luring her victims into deadly traps—often using poison—as she pursued financial gain and control.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • June 5, 2024June 5, 2024
  • Podcast

Accidental Poisonings and Health Maintenance

In this eye-opening episode of Pushing Up Lilies, as a forensic death investigator, I delve into the often-overlooked risks lurking in our homes. We’ll explore real cases of accidental deaths caused by common household poisons, shedding light on the hidden dangers that can turn everyday items into lethal weapons. From cleaning products to expired foods, you’ll learn how easily these substances can become deadly.

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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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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 Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the tragic and deeply disturbing case of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, who traveled to the United States in October of 2024… and never made it home.

According to investigators, Sonia flew into Gainesville, Florida, after connecting online with a man named Dwain Hall through a fetish website. She was expected to return to the UK just three days later, but she never boarded her flight.

What followed became an international homicide investigation that shocked both sides of the Atlantic.

As I walk through the timeline of Sonia’s final days, I do so with compassion and care, because beneath the headlines was a real woman whose life mattered. A woman who trusted someone she believed she knew… and whose story ended in unimaginable tragedy.

From an investigative standpoint, I also discuss the complexities of cases involving online relationships, long-distance travel, digital evidence, and how quickly missing person cases can escalate into homicide investigations.

This episode is not about judgment or sensationalism. It’s about understanding the vulnerability that can exist in human connection, the realities investigators face in cases like this, and honoring the victim at the center of the story.

This episode contains discussion of violence, homicide, and sensitive themes involving online exploitation. Please take care of yourself while listening.

The Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby
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
The Cleveland Suitcase Murders
March 11, 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 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

Inside the Crime that Shook a Community -Part One

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© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.