The First Degree

By: Alexis Linkletter Jac Vanek
  • Summary

  • Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)
    Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek
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Episodes
  • DEEP DIVE: THE DRAMA MASHUP
    Feb 13 2025

    Another week, another round of messed up and delusional celeb shenanigans. We bring you the Blake vs Justin updates, Taylor & Travis Super Bowl conspiracies, Armie Hammer eating more body parts, & Allison Holker (allegedly) writing fake Amazon reviews for her new memoir? These people truly are the gift that keeps on giving.

    🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

    patreon.com/thefirstdegree

    📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree

    🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee

    👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree

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    50 mins
  • Episode 338: Love, Chaos & Tragedy
    Feb 12 2025

    On July 25, 2015, a man went to check on his neighbors, a married couple living in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona. When the 43-year-old husband opens the door, the neighbor outside recoils in horror when he sees the man has a severed arm. Realizing that a much more gruesome scene far beyond anyone’s nightmares lies inside the home, the neighbor calls police. When they arrive they find the man has not only gouged out his eye, but that his 49-year-old wife is dead. As investigators try to piece together the events leading to such incomprehensible violence, even the most seasoned of detectives are shocked at what’s occurred. In episode 338, Jac and Alexis detail the heart breaking murder, and question to what extent such unimaginable incidents are truly preventable, if at all.

    🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

    patreon.com/thefirstdegree

    📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree

    🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee

    👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • DEEP DIVE: RECEIPTS. TIMELINE. PROOF. SCREENSHOTS.
    Feb 6 2025

    Another week, another Blake vs. Justin vs. Ryan deep dive, and this one is a DOOZY. Justin Baldoni’s lawyer followed through with his promise and launched THELAWSUITINFO.COM detailing the updated complaint as well as a 198 page timeline of events. We’re going through all of the highlights and break down everything you need to know, including some of the cringiest texts known to man.

    🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

    patreon.com/thefirstdegree

    📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree

    🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee

    👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree

    Show more Show less
    48 mins

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BREAKING: OG Firstie drops first Audible review

You see it on the news, you see it on the paper, you see it on Facebook…This is the kind of podcast that is supposed to happen in movies, not in real life.

As I write this review I’m sitting very far away from Jan Vanek, very far from Alexis Linkletter, and even further from Slenderman (Billy Jensen). (That is because I live in KY.)

And in case you were wondering…today is National Microwave Day.

First things first, there is no cooked fruit in this review. You’re welcome, Alexis.

I’ve been listening to the true crime podcast that you might end up on since day 1 and The First Degree continues to slay. The group banter is funny, witty, clever, and relatable. I feel like I’m low key Alexis on the inside, but act like Jac on the outside. And Billy is my awkward but cool step-dad.

The stories put the victims first, include the right amount of detail, and are unique (for the most part) from other podcasts.

If you haven’t heard any of this podcast yet, start from the beginning. The episodes don’t necessarily have to be listened to in order, but the production and polish on the show have grown along the way. Great work. I blame Jared.

Well that’s enough of that… let’s turn down the lights and turn up your anxiety. Because enjoying this podcast…could be you.

After you’ve Killed Some Time reading this review, be sure to…
-go buy some merch from the First Degree merch store
-order your grub from Daily Harvest
-buy your designer duds from The Real Real
-obsess over playing Best Fiends
-bundle your policies with Geico
-express yourself this holiday with the best styles and gifts from Express
-go set up your SimpliSafe in about 30 minutes (even Jac was able to do it)
-join The First Degree Facebook group where we are talking true crime all the time

Thank you for reading this review of a Podcast One Production,
-Leah (your first degree reviewer)
IG: @MackeyLeah

P.S.
Only you can prevent serial killers.
Keep your friends close, but not that close.
P.S.S. Happy national microwave day.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Billy Jensen fan club

I just found this podcast the other day by searching the name of Billy Jensen It does not disappoint and after four episodes I'm hooked!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Love this podcast but...

I do enjoy this podcast but I hate how much they cuss. I just feel like so much of the cussing is very unnecessary. That's really my only con. Other than that, it's a unique idea behind the podcast.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellence in true crime!

this podcast is excellent! I love hearing the perspectives of those who were just one degree away from a crime! I found this after listening
to Chase Darkness with me by Billy Jensen

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Touching Story

I really enjoyed this episode. I feel for this man and completely agree that our leaders in Texas need to push getting rid of old laws that are written because of parties.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Is Billy coming back?

I found this podcast after listing to Billy Jensen’a book, watching and listening to unraveled I searched up Billy Jensen! I have been hooked! I love this podcast BTU then when it was announced that Billy was going to step away from podcast. I have looked into why but I sure wish he would return! Is there Any info if he will come back?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

the chemistry between hosts is 👩‍🍳💋

I love listening to Alexis & Jac! everything is always so we'll researched, and the deep dives are perfection. tinfoil hats on!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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One of my faves

This host and the story always captures my attention beginning to end. Love the show, love the hosts!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I just can’t anymore

I really wanted to enjoy this podcast because I enjoy true crime and I like the premise of focusing on someone who is connected to the crime in some way. I listened to at least a year’s worth of episodes, and but unfortunately the mispronunciations and misuse of words, phrases and metaphors just drives me insane and I can’t listen anymore. It seems to be getting worse as time goes on. The podcast seems to have decent writing, but it often sounds like it’s being seen by Alexis and Jac for the first time at the time of recording, as if they’ve only been briefed on the content but have not rehearsed. I won’t give it any more of my time. I’m grateful that I won’t have to hear, “As ALWAYS our first degree is ALWAYS our largest source,” again.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

I am trying to figure out how to delete this

non crime series from my Audible account. Nothing about crime, and two girls one boy was a bad idea to begin with.

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