Falling Through the Trap

About Falling Through the Trap

Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes each month; Fridays. apriljmoore.substack.com (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/s/falling-through-the-trap?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

April Moore

Category

society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Feb 2025

Latest episode

20 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Bonus: Max P. Fisher (Part II)

   This is Part II and the conclusion of Max P. Fisher: The Man Who Didn’t Forget. Be sure to catch Part I (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/p/bonus-episode-max-p-fisher)if you haven’t done so already. Max was a remarkable human being who understood the importance and value of empathy and how to selflessly move through the world, both in and out of uniform. And while his name and accomplishments are not well known, it certainly doesn’t diminish the impact he had on the lives of so many people. And maybe, now that you know him . . . the next time you see something wrong, the next time you have a choice between easy and right . . . you might find yourself asking—What would Max do? YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) (see for articles) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Music: Intro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander“Glass Petals,” by Moments“Hit the Streets,” by LNDO“Suite Du Matin,” by Moments“Foundations,” by Shimmer“Pensive,” by Shimmer“Pillar,” by Shimmer“Corners,” by Shimmer“Tales from the Past,” by Adam Saban“Winds of Change,” by Four Trees“Meridian Moon,” by Moments“Sneakers,” by Cast of Characters“Beloved Reborn,” by Moments“Spies on Duty,” by Adam Saban“The Rose Bridge,” by Wicked Cinema“The Recovery,” by CJ-OOutro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   13 Mar 2026

   Bonus Episode: Max P. Fisher

   I’m back and so thrilled to be bringing you a new episode! This story has been a long time in the making and I don’t just mean these last few months, but actually, years. It’s a story I’ve been wanting to tell since I first came across Detective Max P. Fisher . . . and I think you’ll understand why. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) Links/Resources: Pinkerton Detective Agency (https://www.thehistoryreader.com/historical-figures/the-pinkertons-in-myth-and-history/) Jim “Cuckoo” Collins (https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/jsporthistory.45.3.0334?mag=professional-running-the-nineteenth-centurys-dirtiest-sport&seq=1) Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom (https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674260344) by Sarah A. Seo (https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674260344) Patreon for articles ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Music: Intro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander“Glass Petals,” by Moments“Pensive,” by Shimmer“Beloved Reborn,” by Moments“Night Music,” by JCar“Choices We Make,” by Moments“Winds of Change,” by Four Trees“Sneakers,” by Cast of Characters“Hit the Streets,” by LNDO“Corners,” by Shimmer“Urgent Assistance,” by Cast of Characters“The Rose Bridge,” by Wicked Cinema“Suite De Matin,” by Moments“Things Gone Wrong,” by Moments“Letter to You,” by AwyrOutro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   7 Feb 2026

   UPDATE: New Episode Coming!

   Hey--sorry the long hiatus, but just wanted to let you know that a new episode is coming! YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

4. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Bonus Episode: James Willett

   You may remember James Willett from episode 6 (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/p/episode-6-9-charles-raymond-and-12). If you haven’t had a chance to listen that episode, you may want to before listening to this little bonus. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Music: “Horseshoe Bend,” by Heartland Nights“Swamp Tale,” by Dario Benedetti“Out West,” by Alsever Lake“A World Suspended,” by Brent Wood Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

5. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Bonus Episode: Charles Aull

   Charles Aull became Folsom Prison’s third warden in 1887. (Some sources refer to him as the prison’s first official warden while Thomas Pockman and John McComb were merely “temporary.” However, my research revealed that both Pockman and McComb were very much considered official wardens of the prison.) While Pockman and McComb were accused of cruelty toward prisoners, it was Aull who really leaned into it. Aull was proud to be known as a ruler with an iron fist; and together, with his right-hand-man, Guard R.J. Murphy, terrorized the inmates of Folsom Prison using various forms of corporal punishment. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Links: Sontag-Evans Gang (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Evans_(outlaw)) Music: Intro: “Left for Dead” by Wastelander“Untethering,” by Hearland Nights“Grim History,” by Lost Ghosts“Veil of Secrets” by Wicked Cinema“The Enemy Within” by Moments“Fleet Street,” by Stephen Keetch“Not as they Seem,” by Wicked Cinema“Web of Lies,” by Moments“Reverence,” by Marie“Humid Blues,” by Desert Dive“Out West,” by Alsever Lake“Woven,” by Alice in Winter“Boo!” by Dresden The Flamingo“Coat of Arms,” by Wicked CinemaOutro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Bonus Episode: Part II of The History of California's Prison System

   Did the state learn from their many blunders while establishing San Quentin? Well . . . yes and no. A note: some sources list Charles Aull as Folsom’s first official warden and that Pockman and McComb were merely “temporary” wardens, however, my research clearly showed that both Pockman and McComb were very much considered official wardens of Folsom. Pockman served from July 15, 1880 to November 1, 1881 and John McComb served six years, from November of 1881 to December of 1887. To see more photographs, check out Unlocking History (https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2023/06/08/explore-the-history-of-folsom-prison/), the historical blog on California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Music: Intro: “Left for Dead” by Wastelander“Humid Blues” by Desert Dive“Shifting Sands” by Wicked Cinema“Horseshoe Bed” by Heartland Nights“The Lantern” by Wicked Cinema“Judgment Day Outside My Door” by Lost Ghosts“St. Mary” by Chelsea McGough“The Untethering” by Heartland NightsOutro: “Lamentation” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   8 Aug 2025

   Episode 12: #15 William Glover

   Most of us are familiar with the old joke (although maybe not a joke in some families) of a dad greeting his teenaged daughter’s boyfriend at the door while holding a shotgun—the classic intimidation tactic to ensure his precious little girl arrives home from their date on time and unharmed. But what if it’s the other way around? William Glover wasn’t about to take heat from his ex-fiancée’s father, so he brought the heat instead. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Episode extras and bonus episodes available on Patreon (http://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap)! Music: Intro: “Left for Dead” by Wastelander“As I Dream” by Moments“Unexpected Turn” by Moments“Things Gone Wrong” by Moments“Beyond All Time” by Moments“Ephemeral Colors” by Moments“Center of Gravity” by Yerself“Concrete Fjords of Oslo” by Atlas“Meridian Moon” by Moments“The Recovery” by CJ-O“Outlaw” by Brent Wood“A World Suspended” by Brent WoodOutro: “Lamentation” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   12 Jul 2025

   Bonus Episode: The History of California's Prison System, Part I

   There wouldn’t be a Folsom State Prison without a San Quentin State Prison. Like with the first born, it could be a lot of trial and error, so when the second one arrives, it’s smooth sailing, right? Well, that’s sort of true in this case. San Quentin’s beginnings were certainly a cautionary tale; a lesson in how not to do it. For one, don’t let a slave-owning con-artist have control of it all. In 1858, four years after San Quentin was (somewhat) built, the California legislature approved funding to build Folsom. Construction began twenty years later. Did Folsom learn any valuable lessons? Find out in Part II on Patreon (http://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap). YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Episode extras and bonus episodes available on Patreon (http://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap) LINKS: Article: California’s Legislature Has Roots in Slavery. Are Lawmakers Ready to Confront That? (https://www.kqed.org/news/11942302/californias-legislature-has-roots-in-slavery-are-lawmakers-ready-to-confront-that) California Supreme Court Historical Review, Fall/Winter 2024 (https://www.cschs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-CSCHS-Review-Fall-San-Quentin.pdf) Music: “Left for Dead” by Wastelander“Tuatha De Danann” by Third Age“Lord of the Dead” by CJ-O“The Skeptic” by CJ-O“Cat and Mouse,” by Wicked Cinema“A Swell Carousel” by Dresden The Flamingo“Shifter” by Wicked Cinema“Let the Games Begin” by CJ-O“The Scent of a Rose” by Dresden The Flamingo“The Bookshop” by CJ-O“Disappearance” by Wicked Cinema“Veil of Secrets” by Wicked Cinema“New in Town” by CJ-O“Our Web of Lies” by Moments“I Will Never Forget You” by Joshua Spacht“Winter in Fargo” by Alice in Winter“Aftermath” by Wastelander“Lamentation” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   11 Jul 2025

   Episode 10: #14 Frank Haines

   Frank Haines, a man of mystery, which was exactly how he liked it—keep ‘em guessing. He would certainly be a curiosity to the people and the courts of California, in that, he refused legal counsel, something rarely seen in the courts then. One thing was for certain (well, quite possibly . . . maybe . . . there’s a chance) if he hadn’t of committed his crime in 1898, the legendary jazz pianist and composer, Dave Brubeck, might not have been born. (If anything, it had some influence on the Brubeck family’s plans.) YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. One to two new episodes a month (and always on Fridays). Episode extras and bonus episodes available on Patreon (http://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap)! Music: “Left for Dead” by Wastelander“Long Walk Home” by Crack Skippy“A Silent Request” by Lost Ghosts“Standoff” by Wastelander“Swamp Tale,” by Dario Benedetti“Judgment Day Outside My Door” by Lost Ghosts“Whisky Hills” by Rest and Settle“Into the Unknown” by The Realist“Lamentation” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    27 Jun 2025

    Episode #9: George Puttman

    George Puttman's fateful robbery on his 20th birthday leads to unexpected consequences and a friendship that ultimately takes him to the gallows, revealing the grim realities of Folsom Prison.

11. 

    6 Jun 2025

    Episode 8: #11 Frank Belew

    Frank Belew's story reveals how he plotted revenge against his siblings after being excluded from his parents' estate, leading to a historic legal case about inheriting from those one murdered, as told by April Moore.

12. 

    16 May 2025

    Episode 7: #10 John F. Barthelman

    What happens when you’re provoked? Do you have a moment of temporary insanity? And, therefore, excused from any responsibility? What if it’s your former spouse who “provoked” you? Well, John was apparently having such a moment—the same moment he happened to have a gun. This case was likely the first in the Los Angeles courts (if not all of California), to debate the temporary insanity (in a heat of passion) plea. It was a certainly a novel defense in the mid-1890s and for those packing courtroom, the topic of mental illness turned the case from a tragedy to a comedy. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) (more photos)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) Links:William Radam’s Microbe Killer (https://circulatingnow.nlm.nih.gov/2015/10/09/radams-microbe-killer-advertising-cures-for-tuberculosis/) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. New episode every 3rd Friday of the month. Episode extras and bonus episodes available on Patreon (http://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap)! Music: Intro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander“St. Mary,” by Chelsea McGough and Stephen Keech“As I Dream,” by Moments“Not As They Seem,” by Wicked Cinema“Our Web of Lies,” by Moments“Cat and Mouse,” by Wicked Cinema“I Will Never Forget You,” by Joshua Spacht“A Love Story,” by Wicked Cinema“Boo!” by Dresden the Flamingo“Shifter,” by Wicked Cinema“Ballroom Haunt,” by Dresden the Flamingo“Reverence,” by Marie“Molokai,” by Ian Kelosky“Curiosity,” by Shimmer“Grit,” by WastelanderOutro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

13. 

    18 Apr 2025

    Episode 6: #9 Charles Raymond & #12 Harry Winters

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: What happens when a case is mishandled, witnesses change their stories, and societal bias and ignorance dictate what justice ought to be? You get a case for innocence. But seldom was guilt questioned during the lawless days of the wild west, and for some, that meant the end of the road—or in this case, at the end of the rope. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) (more photos);INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/);PATREON (https://patreon.com/FallingThroughTheTrap?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink);SUBSTACK (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/s/falling-through-the-trap) Special thanks for Julie Chimenti at the Historical Society of South San Francisco (https://ssfhistory.org/)for providing me with great historical information about Baden, and for indulging me in my long-winded emails. The Innocence Project (https://innocenceproject.org/eyewitness-misidentification/)Why is Eye-Witness Testimony an Important Area of Psychological Research? (https://nobaproject.com/modules/eyewitness-testimony-and-memory-biases#content)Why Eyewitnesses Fail (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5544328/)Felony Murder Rule (https://www.restorejustice.org/issues/sentencing/felony-murder/) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. New episode every 3rd Friday of the month. Music: Intro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander“Virtue,” by Featherland“Niagara,” by The Realist“Mindful,” by Featherland“Growing Pains,” by Featherland“Hidden Places,” by Featherland“Dead Ends,” by Wicked Cinema“Aurora,” by Featherland“Evidence Board,” by CJ-O“Serial Minds,” by CJ-O“Winter Train Home,” by Featherland“Dystopia,” by Ian Kelosky“Gentle Moon,” by The Realist“Heartbeat,” by The Realist“Bats in the Foundry,” by Material Gurl“The Diary,” by CJ-O“Endless,” by The Realist“Giving Up Your Ghost,” by CJ-O“Devil’s Doorstep,” by WastelanderOutro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

14. 

    21 Mar 2025

    Episode 5: Folsom Prison Executions, #4 Through #8

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: These executions all took place within 14 months, from June of 1896 to August of 1897. Three claimed self-defense, one blamed booze, and the last one, well . . . he couldn’t wait to take his turn on the gallows. Their stories intertwine a bit—even with the first three executed men—and it simply made sense to combine them. Find out why one was called a “handsome specimen of physical manhood,” and how the oldest of the ninety-three men, at age 70, ended up on the gallows. Others mentioned in this episode: YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) (more photos) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) PATREON (coming soon) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. New episode every 3rd Friday of the month. Music: Intro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander“Aisling’s Rise,” by Cody Martin“Death Root,” by Cody Martin“Letter to You,” by Awyr“Fleet Street,” by Stephen Keech“The Search,” by CJ-O“A Future With No Names,” by Stephen Keech“Explorations,” by Gold Coast“The Enemy Within,” by Moments“A Love Story,” by Wicked Cinema“It Never Ends,” by CJ-O“Let the Games Begin,” by CJ-O“Out West,” by Alsever Lake“The Recovery,” by CJ-O“L’amour Au Café,” by Reves Francais“Retreat,” by Chelsea McGough“The Frontier,” by Alsever Lake“Humid Blues,” by Desert Dive“The Wanderer,” by Third Age“The Part Where They Got Into a Fight,” by Stephen Keech“Veil of Secrets,” by Wicked Cinema“The Last Straw,” by CJ Oliver“Reverence,” by MarieOutro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander Additional sources: Biography of James Harrison Miller (https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/1559173/6cf0b48e-ef6c-11ed-80a3-02ac704a2d57/2614769/33991c7e-0b84-11ee-8740-0e4d60f44109/file/James%20Miller%20Biography.pdf) Historical Vagabond (https://historicalvagabond.com/2025/01/19/mackerel-slang-for-pimp/) Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

15. 

    7 Mar 2025

    Episode 4: #3 John Craig

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: John Craig definitely married up when he wedded Emily Hunter in 1884, but no one understood what Emily saw in a guy who had a reputation as a quarrelsome jerk with a drinking problem. This story entails some pretty historically significant events in the U.S. and California, dating back to 1846. You’ll even hear how Marilyn Monroe ties in . . . but wait, there’s more: our story has yet two separate ties to historic events in 2022 and 2024. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) (more photos)INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/)PATREON (coming soon) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. Sources and further reading from this episode: 2019 Los Angeles Dept of City Planning Recommended Report: Hunter Ranch House (https://planning.lacity.gov/StaffRpt/InitialRpts/CHC-2019-1822-HCM.pdf)February 2024 Addendum to October 2023 Hunter-Monroe Dossier (https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2023/23-0953_PC_PM_03-03-2024.pdf)1894 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn00656_003/)Los Angeles Public Library (Digital Collection) (https://tessa.lapl.org/)"The secret, sordid, history of Threemile House, a den of iniquity on the edge of 1890s LA” (https://laist.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/the-secret-sordid-history-of-threemile-house-a-den-of-iniquity-on-the-edge-of-1890s-la) by Glen Creason The Lost City of Tropico, California (https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/lost-la/the-lost-city-of-tropico-california)San Quentin Prisoner William “Kid” Thompson (https://annetkentroom.medium.com/san-quentin-prisoner-william-kid-thompson-73a511f73aff)Harriet Child Wadleigh (https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/scandal-stacks) Recommended reading: Gideon’s Promise: A Public Defender Movement to Transform Criminal Justice (https://www.amazon.com/Gideons-Promise-Defender-Movement-Transform/dp/0807064580/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) by Jonathan Rapping Correction: the children's guardian is referred to as "Aunt Emily," but was actually "cousin Emily." Music: Intro: “Lamentation,” by Wastelander; “Swamp Ash,” by Crack Skippy; “Long Walk Home,” by Crack Skippy; “Tumbleweeds,” by Desert Dive; “Brothers,” by Heartland Nights; “An Old Fashioned Magic Show,” by Dresden, The Flamingo; “Stranded,” by Wastelander; “The Lantern,” by Wicked Cinema; “Casino Tarantino,” by Dresden, The Flamingo; “Horseshoe Bend,” by Heartland Nights; “The Wanderer,” by Third Age; “Into the Breach,” by Third Age; “Standoff,” by Wastelande; “Ocean Shadows,” by Chelsea McGough; “Bamburgh,” by Stephen Keech; “Humid Blues,” by Desert Dive; “Lord of the Dead,” by CJ-O“; Grandpa Jokes,” by Heartland Nights; “Out West,” by Alsever Lake; “I Will Never Forget You,” by Joshua Spacht; “A World Suspended,” by Brent Wood; “Tempest,” by Falls; “Outlaw,” by Brent Wood; “Invisible Line by Stephen Keech; “Holy Wait,” Chelsea McGough; “The Untethering,” by Heartland Nights; “The Skeptic,” by CJ-O; “Grit,” by Wastelander; “La Guitarra,” by Cast of Characters; “Woven,” by Alice in Winter; “Banlieue,” by Dario Benedetti; “Rough Rider,” by Wastelander; “Uncanny Valley,” by Wastelander; “Happy Birthday,” by Amanda Welch; “Departure,” by Alice in Winter; “Sleepy Time,” by Dresden, The Flamingo; “Rise,” by Stephen Keech; “O’Brother,” by Wastelander; “Midnight Stroll,” by Ian Kelosky; “Swamp Tale,” by Dario Benedetti; “Delta Belt,” by Andy Ellison; “Moseying’,” by Heartland Nights; “Aftermath,” by Wastelander; Outro: “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

16. 

    21 Feb 2025

    Episode 3: Ivan Kovalev

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The story of Ivan Kovalev is incredibly fascinating. In 1893, he escaped from the Siberian prison colony of Sakhalin Island, where Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov visited three years prior. Kovalev’s story also features a very famous whaling ship and a controversial Russian-American treaty, that you’ve likely never heard about. YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/@FallingThroughtheTrap) (more photos) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. Music: (Intro) “Lamentation,” by Wastelander“Endless Desert,” by Simple Thieves“Sandstorm,” by Simple Thieves“Vikings,” by Adam Saban“Tales from the Past,” by Adam Saban“Redemption,” by Adam Saban“The Diary,” by CJ-O“One Quirky Mystery,” by CJ-O“Spiraling into Despair,” by Adam Saban“Point of No Return,” by Salon Dijon“Coat of Arms,” by Wicked Cinema“Rough Rider,” by Wastelander“Out West,” by Alsever Lake“New in Town,” by CJ-O“Sussex,” by Stephen Keech“Our Web of Lies,” by Moments“Woven,” by Alice in Winter“Departure” by Alice in Winter“With Great Vengeance,” by Moments“Cat and Mouse,” by Wicked Cinema“Boo,” by Dresden, The Flamingo“Dracula’s Dentist,” by Dresden, The Flamingo“Let the Games Begin,” by CJ-O“Drama Dee,” by Rhythm Scott“Stiltskin,” by Cody Martin“Not as They Seem,” by Wicked Cinema“Unfolding,” by Alice in Winter“Little Devils,” by Dresden, The Flamingo“Mysterious Grove,” by Cast of Characters“Casino Tarantino,” by Dresden, The Flamingo(Outro) “Left for Dead,” by Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

17. 

    7 Feb 2025

    Episode 2: #1 Chin Hane

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This is the story of Chin Hane, Folsom Prison's first execution, on December 13, 1895. Called the "King of the Highbinders," (a Chinese hitman), Hane was found guilty of killing a Sacramento cigar merchant, but the case was filled with questionable legal tactics, blackmail, witness tampering, and conspiracies. YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkh71N22LB-JNEm_-2wNkYw) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. Music: "Lamentation," Wastelander "New in Town," CJ-O "Bats in the Foundry,” Material Gurl "Druid," Wicked Cinema "As Fate Would Have it," Wicked Cinema "Azure," Alice in Winter "The Bookshop," CJ-O "Let the Games Begin," CJ-O "Curiosity," Shimmer "Grim History," Lost Ghosts "Left for Dead," Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

18. 

    7 Feb 2025

    Episode 1: An Introduction

    ABOUT FALLING THROUGH THE TRAP: Step behind the walls of Folsom Prison where author and criminal justice professional, April Moore, delves into the haunting, yet profoundly human stories of the 93 men executed between 1895 and 1937. Join us as we explore the paradoxes of justice, taking a deeper look at the death penalty, and re-humanizing those that history might have left behind. ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The journey to this podcast essentially began in the late 1980s and eventually, to 17 years (and counting) of research into these stories. It all began with a box of mugshots, which I'll tell you all about. Also in this episode, I describe how a typical execution at Folsom was carried out. YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkh71N22LB-JNEm_-2wNkYw) INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/fallingthroughthetrap/) SUBSTACK (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/s/falling-through-the-trap) Music: "Lamentation," Wastelander "The Ballroom Haunt," Dresden, the Flamingo "Cast of Characters," Mysterious Grove "Legend," Moments "Beyond All Time," Moments "Ol' Boy Tavern," Heartland Nights "Horseshoe Bend," Heartland Nights "O Brother," Wastelander "Wonky Tonk," Reveille "Unexpected Turn," Moments "Left for Dead," Wastelander Get full access to A Just Us at apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe (https://apriljmoore.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,151

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

81

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

Contact Falling Through the Trap

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.