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Although life is full of highs and lows, more time is spent in those in-between moments. Determining how to spend your time on any day takes intentionality. This podcast is about doing the small everyday things which enable you to do the grand things in your marriage, home and family. Live a life you will remember. Invest your days in things that will last longer than you. Remember, your life is not a dress rehearsal. If you delay doing what is important, you might never have the chance to r ...
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"Box in the Basement" is a compelling new podcast created by Arlene, a woman whose life was forever changed by a family tragedy. The unsolved murder of her Uncle Leon Laurales serves as the catalyst for this investigative series. Disturbed by the lackluster investigation and the mystery that still surrounds his case, Arlene dives deep into the details of her uncle's story, uncovering the many problems that plagued the investigation. Her journey doesn't stop there, as she expands her focus to ...
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The NiFTy Chicks with JeNFT & Mint-ECell Uncovering The Wonderful World Of Women in NFTs The NiFTy Chicks feature NFT projects created, led, featuring & appealing to women. Join us weekly for NFT news, tutorials, featured guest interviews, reviews & NFTruths where we tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly truths in the NFT world. Come with us as we dive into the world of NFTs and bring you cool chicks doing amazing things with new technologies.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we feature the selfless mother of 6, Takara Hightower, and the current case of missing San Antonio 51-year-old mother Suzanne Simpson. If you're experiencing domestic violence, please seek help: National Domestic Violence Hotline Navy Senior Chief Recruiter Kills Wife, Dies in Shootout, Police Say T…
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How can you fall into more coziness? Can you be too cozy? Since it is fall by all indications here, it might be the right time to lean into what is spectacular about this season...coziness. As the late warm summer teases with cooler, crisp temperatures, the glories of the promised transition to fall brings the anticipation of some of our favorite t…
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In 2018, a masked intruder attacked 31-year-old teacher Sophi Sullivan, and her 7-year-old son was the only witness to the stabbing. The town of Marfa, Tx mourned, her former students creating a memorial in her honor. Sophi's son claims he knows the murderer, but will the police build a solid case? If you or anyone you know, is being abused, please…
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Mariah Gardner's life changed forever on the night her ex-husband, Stephen Clare, attacked her in a fit of rage. In February 2023, Clare shot Mariah, killing their 10-month-old daughter, Willow Grace, in the process. Clare's violent assault left Mariah fighting for survival, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath, Mariah has spent over a…
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In January 2009, San Angelo shop owner & bowling aficionado Randy Cave's murder shocked the community, including hosts Arlene and Leah. Randy, known for his kindness and popularity, was found by employees when he didn't show up to work. Investigators have a few persons of interest, who would want Randy dead? Candance Boley, a former Marine and moth…
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Catrina Mowrey's death in 1985 remains one of Dallas, Texas' haunting cold cases. Kansas native Catrina was found dead in her Oak Cliff apartment, and despite the passage of nearly 40 years, questions about what exactly happened to her continue to plague her family. Her body was discovered under mysterious circumstances, with inconsistencies that l…
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Late on July 4th, 2010, 19-year-old Shonda Townsend, a kind mother of one, disappears on a drive home after celebratory fireworks in Palo Pinto, Tx. Months later, her remains would be found. Why would anyone murder Shonda? Staff Sergeant Jessica Mitchell, a shy, hardworking, intelligent 30-year-old mother, went out on New Year's Eve 2020 with frien…
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Phyllis Barry, a member of the Choctaw, headed off camping in Terlingua, Texas, in 1975. Enjoying nature and a motorcycle ride with a stranger, Phyllis spent the evening around the campfire with friends. As they dispersed to look for more firewood, Phyllis disappeared. In 1993, 34-year-old Jane McDonald-Crone danced in Magnolia, Texas. Her car woul…
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Today's epsiode covers two suspicious missing persons cases in Texas. In 2006, Cole Jackson left his friend in a gas station Whataburger without a word as to where he was headed, speeding off in his half-ton pickup. He then crashed into a fence, promising the owner he'd return and pay later. That's the last time anyone spotted Cole. What happened t…
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On a cold December evening in 2017 in Bailey, Colorado, high school senior Maggie Long left school to grab cookies and water for a concert. She never came back. Hours later, her home was engulfed in flames, and Maggie’s remains were found inside. Murdered. Bound. Her killers vanished into the night, leaving behind more questions than answers. Was i…
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Late on an August night in 2004, 20-year-old college basketball star Katara Johnson left her job at Taco Bell and returned to her home in Taylor, TX. When Katara didn't return her grandmother's calls the next day, her grandmother immediately checked her home, only to find her car missing and Katara murdered. Who would kill Katara? In 2006, Security…
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"I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find til' death, I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same." - C.S Lewis Perhaps you have felt like you do not fit here on earth. As a Christ follower we were…
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On Saturday, August 18, 2024, Brownwood, TX, lost its heart and voice. Steve Harris, owner of Steve's Market & Deli, passed away at 63. He has supported Arlene in her quest for answers in Brownwood and touched everyone he met. He loved Brownwood and everyone in the community and kept Leon's memory alive on his blog and through his tireless activism…
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Heaven is REAL! It exists today. Little is discussed about our eternal destination, but the truths expressed in God's holy word offer glorious glimpses of the potential future for those who trust God. An understanding about the true teaching of heaven can change our daily reality. Join this conversation to open your mind to truths about heaven. Wha…
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80-year-old Margorie Nugent met 32-year-old funeral director Bernie Tita when her husband died in 1990. Lonely and wealthy, she enjoyed his company, and soon, he became her daily companion. Exotic trips, expensive watches, large loans, the two started raising flags to Margorie's family. After 6-years of estrangement, Margorie's family begged Tita t…
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Double Murders in 1980: The Slaying of the Conables & The Christmas Strangling of Estella & Andrew Salinas
31:53
A quiet, modest, retired couple, Margaret and Keith Conable lived comfortably in San Antonio in 1980. Late Friday night in May, neighbors heard gunshots. The next day, the neighbors found the couple dead in their home. Who would target the couple? On Christmas of 1980, Estella and her 14-year-old son, Andrew, are found murdered from asphyxiation in…
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Now in its fifth decade, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproduction technology have been the answer to many people's prayers for a family. However, this success has led to an excess of frozen embryos. Nearly 1.5 million babies are in a frozen orphanage. Many biological parents store embryos for further use. When parents have completed thei…
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On a hot day in July 1993, Bill Roland headed out with his extended-cab pickup truck and a 24-foot pontoon boat for his lake house near Lake Sam Rayburn, with a fishing trip in mind. When Bill failed to return home as planned on July 21st, 1997, his wife reported him missing. The day after Christmas, on a cold night in Marshall, Texas, 49-year-old …
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Join this conversation with Leslie Hollowell. Hear how intentional living and the pattern of discipleship has shaped her life. Only God could have known that Leslie's road of singleness of 37 years along with working as an elementary school teacher for 10 of these years, would be the building blocks He used in her life to allow her the privilege of…
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On a hot summer night in August of 1982, 19-year-old homebody Christie Wilson & her co-worker locked up Snappy's convenience store in Dayton, Texas. She got in her 1969 Thunderbird with cash from the store to deposit the next day. When she failed to arrive home by 1 am, her husband panicked and searched for her car. His worst fears turned into a li…
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Thank you, to you our listener, for joining us in this journey of 150 podcast episodes with companion blogs. This celebration invites us to hear Tim's favorite five episodes, my favorite five episodes and most importantly, YOUR favorites! What is your personal favorite? What would you like to hear more of? Thank you for being the reason we spend ti…
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Sandra Dubbs left her home in St. Charles, Missouri to start a new life in Texas. Her life would end with a vicious attack - who would want 30-year-old Sandra dead? After being attacked and found nearly dead, Jackie Lambert fears for her life and flees town with a mysterious trucker. What happened to Jackie? The theories are numerous, and Arlene ex…
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Recently a friend shared this encouragement on communication that focuses on the inner qualities of a person instead of their outer appearance. This is so important when practicing social skills, emotional intelligence and friendship development. Consider memorizing a few of these compliments. Or use these as prompts to create authentic, winning co…
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Is The Disappearance of 9-year old Dorian Thomas related to the Murders of Gloria Covington and Linda Jackson?
28:55
In 1997 Amarillo Texas, two women were murdered and another was attacked. A few year later, a possible witness, 9-year-old Dorian Thomas, goes missing while riding around his neighborhood. Did the murderer attack Dorian for seeing too much? Join Arlene and Leah as they delve into Amarillo, the women and their lives, the crime scenes in a low income…
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A Shocking Commonality Between Two Jackson, Texas Murder Victims: Terri Reyes & Shaunti Coleman
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In 2006, two women go missing in the small eastern Texas town of Jacksonville. One woman, Terri Reyes raised her children and lived a quiet life. Shaunti Coleman lived a transient lifestyle, and was reported missing by her mother. Both bodies would be discovered in time, and the small railroad town of 13,000 residents wouldn't be the only thing the…
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While preparing for preschool seems optional for the summer or the school year, it is vitally important. Don't waste the preschool years by limiting your little one to entertainment options. Maximize the season of learning that those early years bring. Preschool years are ripe learning years. Secondly, if you don't have a plan to keep the little on…
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When couples are discovered murdered in lover's lanes in the Texarkana twin cities metro. Who would attack these couples and why? Join Arlene and Leah as they take us back to 1940's Texas and walk through the murders, the victims, and the evidence. Support Box in the Basement & Our Causes Leon Laurales: Website & GoFundMe Follow us on Facebook & In…
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Speaking as a parent of a strong-willed child (SWC), I can communicate as one has been in the trenches. The wonderful part of this is that I can confirm that this child is likely intelligent and full of potential. While parenting this personality can be altogether demanding, frustrating and intensely maddening. It also gives you a front row seat to…
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Violence splashed across El Paso newspapers late summer of 1966. Ruth Holland lived a quiet, opulent life, her wealth on display as she drove a gold Cadillac around town. The ex-wife of a race track owner, intellectual Ruth loved gardening and kept a close, small circle of friends. On Sept. 8th. her maid discovered the home in disarray, Ruth nowher…
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Shot Through a Window, the murder of Michael Flores & the murders of Laura Guerra and Laura Warren in small town Texas
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Three cases haunt the hosts of Box in the Basement in today's episode. In 1998, a 15-year-old High School student, Michael Flores, in Rio Hondo unsuspectingly blasts his radio as a bullet shatters his window. Laura Guerra's dead body is found in Rio Grande. Laura Warren's body was discovered Halloween day after being seen with a Hispanic man in Bee…
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My hope is that you have a wonderful relationship with your parents. My hope is that you are visiting them as frequently as you hope your own children will visit you when they are grown. We can agree that relationships take work. Our interaction with our parents or our children is no exception. Open, honest conversations lead to better relationship…
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In 1989, thirteen-year-old Elisa Roberson left her home to meet a friend in the Texas gulf town of Aransas Pass. Born in Nicaragua, she adjusted well to American life, enjoying hair band 80's music and bossing around her younger siblings. After a short walk towards the elementary school, she would never be seen again. What happened to Elisa? Join A…
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Today's thoughts center around what to do with the stuff that represents life that has been lived, but is no longer used daily or on a regular basis. Life is a series of transitions. One of the inevitable changes is moving out of the home where you lived with your parents. Consider how many parents continue to live with their children's things long…
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An Era of Terror in Brownwood Part 4: Sherry Newman, Christy Jo Eggers & Stephanie Jo Flannery: Victims of a serial killer
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Three women, Sherry Newman, Christy Jo Eggers, and Stephanie Jo Flannery's last moments were nearly identical: sexually assaulted, beaten, and murdered by a sick and depraved serial killer roaming the hills and flatlands of central Texas, leaving bodies in ditches for his own sick pleasure. Was justice served for two of his victims, whose cases are…
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Since I was a young woman, I have worked with children. As I dearly love these young hearts, I am particularly attuned to the anger evident in so many of them. Sometimes the anger comes from a wounded place or a response to bullying. Other times it is the response to neglect or even an head injury. This podcast explores practical helps for the prev…
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On a rainy day in May 1989, Amanda "Sissy" Goodman fails to return home from school. Within 45 minutes, Amanda's body is found outside of town, shot to death, mystifying the entire city of Brownwood. Who would murder a sweet, innocent, church-going 13-year-old Junior High student? Arlene and Leah tell Amanda's story and interview Judy Williams, her…
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Anger in a child is a real response. While God holds each of us, even a child, responsible for his or her sin, God does hold parents 100% responsible for their actions which provoke a child to anger. Check out these 25 ways that a parent might provoke their child to anger. Loving my children well means that communication on this topic must remain o…
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An Era of Terror in Brownwood Pt. 2: The Twists & Turns in the Brutal Murder of Donna Mae Inlow
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Box in the Basement continues its look into the unsolved and solved murders in Brownwood, Tx, looking for the broader context in how Leon's murder remains unsolved. In Part 2 of an Era of Terror, we focus on an innocent woman whose life was cut short in 1982. A mother of four and widowed, 72-year-old Donna Mae Inlow worked in her shoe store in Brow…
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How is loneliness as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? For the last few years the topic of a loneliness epidemic has dominated much of the chatter in interpersonal news. This conversation has focused on healthy friendships. In life we often have to walk through the exploration of meeting a number of aquaintances in order to find true friends.…
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In this emotional episode, Arlene shares memories of Leon as we near the anniversary of his murder. On May 10th, 1996 at midnight, someone kidnapped Leon Laurales from his workplace, Kroger's grocery. Fifteen minutes later, they shot him outside of town, leaving behind Leon's burning Thunderbird, and a wake of shattered lives and hearts. Leon's box…
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Emotional health is vital to our physical and spiritual health. If shame is a reoccuring theme in my thoughts, it might be identified as a bully. Sometimes shame is a response to guilt, but recycling this toxic emotion once the situation has been dealt with is like an insistent bully. The four steps to respond to guilt allow forgiveness and new thi…
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Box in the Basement begins An Era of Terror in Brownwood, a series highlighting all the murders in Brownwood from 1980-1996, a period of time in which most of Brownwood's murders happened. We start with Judge Bunnell, a politician whose car goes off the road in 1980. But as we dig deeper, we see there's more to meet the eye when it comes to Judge B…
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Vanished in the Woods, Stolen from a Front Yard: Texas Missing Children Desirree Caroll & Bradley Gilbert
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When a child goes missing is one of the most terrifying nightmares for any community. Join us as we share the stories of two children in 80's Texas. Desiree Carroll, a toddler, was last seen walking down the wooded road outside a small town by her mother in her rearview mirror. Did Desiree disappear into the woods and a victim of mother nature, or …
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Parenting is hard work. The stages of childhood change rapidly. Before you realize it, it will be time to talk about dating. Approaching this subject with your child can be downright intimidating. Before you begin, know that today's dating culture is radically different from when you were a teen and young adult. Sexual promiscuity is rampant. Sexua…
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Our own host Leah and her Father share their memories of an explosion that rocked a quiet neighborhood in Akron, OH in 1978. A teacher out for a dating game at a local bar ends up discovered in her charred car in a dead-end alley near Leah's childhood home. Did she meet her killer at the dating game? Join Arlene and Leah as they travel through Akro…
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As the mom of two beautiful daughters the topic of beauty materializes often. This conversation is intended to validate the beauty in your daughter and mine. It is imperative that we speak to the dehumanizing of our daughters by the culture that they live in daily. What are the messages that they hear about beauty? What do they hear about their bea…
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Today's episode explores two missing persons cases in Texas. In 1973, 17-year-old Norman Prater vanished after visiting his mother at a Dallas coffee shop, a mystery that remains unsolved 51 years later. Join Arlene and Leah as they explore Norman's disappearance against the backdrop of a tumultuous year marked by historical events, from the Vietna…
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A young lab technician with her whole life ahead of her boarded a train from Texarkana, Texas to Denton. She planned on furthering her education and taking lab classes to advance her career in a post-war boom. After leaving in a cab from the train station, she would vanish. This is one of our oldest cold cases yet, a mystery from 1948. A sketchy st…
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As a rough water lifeguard and an eager health enthusiast, I completely support physical exercise being part of raising a whole child. However, I struggle with the emphasis on sports in today's youth culture. While sports is about fun and exercise, it's benefit can be much greater. More importantly, I think that playing recreational sports offers a…
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Due to the financial strain people feel in the current economy, discussions about food cost occur more frequently than ever. Many rising costs offer us little options for keeping our funds in line with our earnings. However, food is one of those more flexible categories. Discover easy-to-implement ideas on saving without scissors on food costs. Mor…
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