Pushing Up Lillies
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
    • YouTube Channel
  • Events
    • CrimeCon 2026: Las Vegas
    • Women In Podcasting Cruise
    • Beyond the Crime Convention
    • Global Webinar on Forensic Science
    • True Crime Club
    • The Bearded Monk – True Crime Panel
  • Murder Merch
  • Serial Box
  • Media Kit
    • Sponsor
  • Extras
    • Be A Guest
    • Suggest A Case
    • Contact Me
  • Julie Mattson
  • August 28, 2024August 28, 2024
  • Podcast

Fatal Fences: Deadly Feuds Between Neighbors

Have you ever wondered how a simple disagreement between neighbors could escalate into something deadly? On this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’ll be diving into some chilling cases where neighborly disputes went way beyond petty arguments and ended in murder.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • August 21, 2024August 21, 2024
  • Podcast

Caged in Horror: The Cassidy Rainwater Tragedy

Hey everyone, it’s Julie Mattson, and today on Pushing Up Lilies, we’re tackling one of the most shocking and heartbreaking cases in recent years—the brutal torture and murder of Missouri mother Cassidy Rainwater.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • August 14, 2024August 14, 2024
  • Podcast

Crossbow Tragedy in Bushey: The Hunt Family Murders

Today on Pushing Up Lilies, we’re diving into the chilling case of the Hunt family murders. On the evening of July 9th, 2024, Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt were brutally killed in their own home in Bushey, England. The weapon? A crossbow—an unusual and terrifying choice that only adds to the horror of this tragic event.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • August 7, 2024August 7, 2024
  • Podcast

Newlywed Betrayal: The Fatal Push of Cody Johnson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we uncover the chilling story of Montana newlywed Jordan Linn Graham, who admitted to luring her husband of only eight days, Cody Johnson, to Glacier National Park and pushing him off a cliff.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • July 31, 2024July 31, 2024
  • Podcast

The Grim Business of Body Brokers: Uncovering the Horrors of Megan Hess and Shirley Koch

In today’s chilling episode, we delve into the unsettling and grotesque world of body brokers. We’ll take a close look at the horrifying case of Megan Hess and Shirley Koch, who exploited grieving families by selling body parts and giving out the wrong cremains.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • July 24, 2024July 24, 2024
  • Podcast

Nathaniel Bar-Jonah: The Child Killing Cannibal

In today’s episode, we delve into the horrifying case of Nathaniel Bar-Jonah, a man whose name became synonymous with unspeakable evil. Known as the Child Killing Cannibal, Bar-Jonah’s crimes against children in the late 90s left an indelible mark of fear and revulsion.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • June 19, 2024June 19, 2024
  • Podcast

The Very Suspicious Death of Noah Presgrove

In this gripping episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we delve into the very suspicious death of Noah Presgrove. As a forensic death investigator, I’ll guide you through the perplexing details surrounding Noah’s untimely demise, examining the evidence, uncovering the inconsistencies, and questioning the narratives presented.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • June 12, 2024June 12, 2024
  • Podcast

Suicides and Cold Cases: Unraveling the Mystery of Boys on the Train Tracks

Hey Ya’ll! Julie Mattson here, your host and a forensic death investigator. This week on “Pushing Up Lilies,” we’re delving into the somber reality of dealing with suicides. I’ll be sharing some of my experiences and the emotional challenges faced when investigating these tragic deaths.

Read more
  • 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.

Read more
  • 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.

Read more

  • 1
  • …
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • …
  • 16

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.

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnGoogle PodcastsListen OnSpotify

Podcast Subscription Menu

  • Catalog
  • Catalog
  • Career Resource Center
  • Career Resource Center
  • Hiring Partners
  • Hiring Partners
  • Student Success
  • Student Success
  • Udacity Connect
  • Udacity Connect
  • Udacity Talks
  • Udacity Talks
  • Scholarships
  • Scholarships
The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m examining the disturbing case of Shawn Michael Grate, a serial killer whose crimes spanned a decade across northern Ohio and left multiple families forever changed.

What makes this case especially unsettling is not only the length of time the murders continued, but how many opportunities there may have been to stop the violence sooner. As investigators pieced together the evidence, a clearer picture emerged of a predator who targeted vulnerable women, leaving behind unanswered questions and unimaginable heartbreak.

As a forensic death investigator, I walk through the timeline of the investigation, the evidence that ultimately connected the cases, and the forensic and investigative techniques that helped bring long-awaited answers to the victims’ families. We’ll also discuss how missing persons investigations, crime scene evidence, and victim identification play critical roles in solving complex serial homicide cases.

But as with every case I cover, I want to keep the focus where it belongs.

On the victims.

Each woman had a life, a story, and people who loved her. Behind every headline was someone whose future was stolen far too soon. Their lives deserve to be remembered with dignity, not simply as part of a criminal’s history.

This episode explores the realities of serial homicide investigations while honoring the individuals whose stories might otherwise be overshadowed by the person responsible.

This episode contains discussion of homicide, sexual violence, and serial murder. Listener discretion is advised.

The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
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
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
Search Results placeholder

Help Kick Off the Podcast With a Bang!

Please Rate + Review on Apple

Trending Topics

Cannibal Case Cases Children Crime Scene Dead Death Death Investigator Deaths Deceased Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Drugs Family Forensic Forensic Investigator Forensics Homicide Investigation Investigator Julie Mattson Killed Killer Medical Examiner Missing Mom Mother Murder Murderer Podcast podcasting Pushing Up Lilies Relationships Scene Serial Killer Sexual Assault Stories Suicide Texas Torture True Crime True Crime Podcast Victims Violence Wife

Episode Air Dates

June 2026
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« May    

Don't Forget to Visit Our Murder Merch Store! Thanks for Tuning in!!!

Shop Here

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

Subscribe to Podcast

  • Apple Podcast
  • Amazon Music
  • Stitcher
  • Spotify
  • iHeart Radio
  • Pandora
© Copy 2026. Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
footer-logo

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.

Facebook Youtube

Recent Episodes

The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer

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

The State of Texas vs Karmelo Anthony

One Final Moment: The Tragic Death of Austin Metcalf

Subscribe to Podcast

  • Apple Podcast
  • Amazon Music
  • Spotify
  • iHeart Radio
  • Pandora
© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.