Terrible sound and interference

Although the sound copy was terrible and full of interference,the true life story was too good to not listen to it all. Definitely recommend to any true crime life fans. So glad he died in the end. I binge listened all in the same day.

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dirty John

The story mimics a lot of my life, and after 17 years of violent marriage, two daughters, 18 years divorced, 10 years through the courts to keep my youngest daughter safe as he wanted full custody, numerous protection orders all of which he broke. He is still trying to cause us pain and terror. There is something about the narcissistic psychopath that makes them try to inflict more terror . I really found this podcast very informative. Anyone listening should take note of the details of this type and if any of it rings a bell, then I implore you to seek refuge and advice. They do not change. I'm going to re listen as we are yet again being drawn into his focus.

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6 people found this helpful

Really superb!

I’d listened to “Dirty John” aeons ago and suspected this might be merely some sort of pale spin-off. Not a bit of it: in fact I think The First Wife surpasses Dirty John both in terms of content and delivery. The quality of this podcast is greatly enhanced by the articulate, measured way in which his first wife Tonia tells her sorry tale. Despite the years of torment and harassment from Meehan, often in fear for her own life and those of her two daughters, this woman emerges calm and strong and deserves a medal for bravery!

Sandwiched between the narrative episodes are other, shorter pieces where an ex Scotland Yard detective (now ploughing her furrow in the US as some sort of psychological crime consultant) discusses Tonia’s latest input.. This is an ingenious editorial device as, not only does it help the listener untangle the dense web of lies, spite, cruelty and deviousness we’ve just heard about, but also seems to enable Tonia herself (also on air during these pieces) to name and understand the outrages perpetrated against her. Without descending into psychobabble!

Meehan’s catalogue of evil beggars belief and the podcast makes clear how “relatively minor” infractions can escalate over time into full-blown psychopathy. With her dogged courage and insistence he be made accountable for his wrongs Tonia possibly put herself more than necessarily at risk, though her native intelligence did make sure she either escaped, hid or sought protection at critical moments. As she herself explains at one point, she was a nice middle-class Catholic girl from a loving family who, when she met that toe-rag, had scarcely heard certain words let alone witnessed certain behaviours, and it took her a while to get used to someone whose common currency was lies, deception, revenge and, basically, any other wicked human characteristic you care to throw into the mix. It’s totally plausible that her first reaction would have been disbelief and shock. The humans on her planet simply didn’t behave like that! Making the way she outmanoeuvred Meehan all the more to her credit. The triumph of intelligence and simple goodness over a seriously dangerous evil!

A gripping story - and a useful one if it gets people thinking how psychopaths evolve.

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very insightful but the bonus content is annoying

it's really interesting and insightful into manipulation. but the bonus content is awful. I gave up with it after the second episode

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Shocking

An horrendous and mind blowing account of one mans behaviour on his own family and anyone who was susceptible to his behaviours. Tonia and her daughters are amazing to have been able to survive and recount his terror towards them and women in general. 10 out of 10 to Laura Richards. Again. Check out her other podcasts.

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3 people found this helpful

Tonia is such an amazing example!

I think this is a story that all women should read or listen to. Thank you Tonia for sharing your story!

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3 people found this helpful

Excellent eye opener for emotionally manipulated

Not only is this podcast a fascinating narrative, it also contains perfect examples of how a victim can get sucked in and manipulated by a psychopathic/ sociopathic/ narcissistic partner. I found the conversations between the wife and the therapist particularly enlightening. I am so glad I came across this podcast

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2 people found this helpful

Educational

This podcast explains how vulnerable to coercive control women and men can get. Tonia Bales was very brave in standing up to John Meehan after all these yearsof abuse he has put her through.

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Interesting but narrator annoying

Having watched the movie Dirty John this was very interesting and enjoyable but I thought Laura should have been a separate narrator. Her ‘discussions’ were overpowering and dominated the conversation so it seem she was speaking AT the interviewee rather than with them. Not really allowing them to talk about how they felt in depth but rather she was doing it for them. I found this slightly jarring but it’s a good listen overrall

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Amazing story, amazing people

Fabulous real time telling of the notorious Mr Meehan by the people closest to him. What a twisted man. Absolutely fascinating and mesmerising retelling of the story by the amazing people who were part of his life and time. Loved it.

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