Mass shootings have become a daily, uniquely American tragedy. But what happens to those left behind afterward? In Senseless, journalist Erika Mahoney presents her deeply personal, unfiltered journey through grief, trauma, resilience, and moving forward, and a look at the complex web of pain left behind after your world shatters forever. From Lemonada Media, out June 17th, wherever you get your podcasts.

Mass shootings have become a daily, uniquely American tragedy. But what happens to those left behind afterward? In Senseless, journalist Erika Mahoney presents her deeply personal, unfiltered journey through grief, trauma, resilience, and moving forward, and a look at the complex web of pain left behind after your world shatters forever. From Lemonada Media, out June 17th, wherever you get your podcasts.

Everything changed one ordinary Monday, when Erika Mahoney’s mom called to say there was an active shooter at the grocery store nearby. In a matter of seconds, ten people were killed – including Erika’s father. With the high-profile trial of the shooter as a backdrop, Erika speaks to survivors of mass shootings, community leaders, and others affected directly by the tragedy in Boulder on her quest to move forward after the unthinkable.

Everything changed one ordinary Monday, when Erika Mahoney&rsquo;s mom called to say there was an active shooter at the grocery store nearby. In a matter of seconds, ten people were killed &ndash; including Erika&rsquo;s father. With the high-profile trial of the shooter as a backdrop, Erika speaks to survivors of mass shootings, community leaders, and others affected directly by the tragedy in Boulder on her quest to move forward after the unthinkable.

Senseless with Erika Mahoney

Senseless (Official Trailer)

EPISODE 8 -- With the trial over, Erika explores the mass shooting’s permanent imprint on her community. Plus, we’ll hear from musicians Aly & AJ, who survived a mass shooting in Sacramento about turning their pain into purpose. Finally, we meet the last known person to see Erika’s dad alive—a young woman who says Kevin Mahoney saved her life in the parking lot on that fateful day.

 

Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show: 

IG: @eri_mahoney 

Substack: @erikamahoney

Website: erikamahoney.com 

 

Senseless is written and reported by me, Erika Mahoney. I’m your host and executive producer.

Krista Almanzan is our senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting. Plus, original music by Daniel Weidlein.  

My deepest thanks to my mom, who supported this project through and through — I couldn’t have done it without you, and I love you. And to my incredible husband, Brandt — thank you for all your love and support.

Gratitude to March Fourth, a nonprofit working to end mass shootings, for connecting me with Aly & AJ — and to Aly & AJ for sharing their story and allowing us to include their powerful song Sirens in the finale. Sirens was written by Aly Michalka, AJ Michalka, and James McAlister. Produced by Jonathan Wilson and James McAlister. Engineered by Michael Harris and Jonathan Wilson. Recorded at Five Star Studios, Topanga Canyon, CA. Assistant Engineer at Five Start Studios: Grant Milliken and Mirza Sheriff. Mixed by Jonathan Wilson at Five Start Studios. Mastered by Adam Ayan at Ayan Mastering.

Musicians: 

Aly Michalka – Vocals
AJ Michalka – Vocals
James McAlister – Emax, Drums, Drum Programming
Joe Kennedy – DX1 Synth, Lowrey Organ
Jonathan Wilson – Electric Guitar, Moog
Gabe Noel – Bass, Strings
Gabe Witcher – Strings
Drew Taubenfeld – Jazzmaster Guitar

This project was made possible through support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance, and was recorded at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado — immense appreciation to all three for making space for this work.

Finally, to the powerful team at Lemonada Media — Stephanie and Jess, you saw something in me and I’ll never forget it. Lizzie, Jackie, Grace, and Alina, you’ve all brightened my life with your magical energy.

Sponsors:

For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit lemonadamedia.com/sponsors

EPISODE 8 -- With the trial over, Erika explores the mass shooting&rsquo;s permanent imprint on her community. Plus, we&rsquo;ll hear from musicians Aly &amp; AJ, who survived a mass shooting in Sacramento about turning their pain into purpose. Finally, we meet the last known person to see Erika&rsquo;s dad alive&mdash;a young woman who says Kevin Mahoney saved her life in the parking lot on that fateful day.
&nbsp;
Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show:&nbsp;
IG: @eri_mahoney&nbsp;
Substack: @erikamahoney
Website: <a href="http://erikamahoney.com">erikamahoney.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Senseless is written and reported by me, Erika Mahoney. I&rsquo;m your host and executive producer.
Krista Almanzan is our senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting. Plus, original music by Daniel Weidlein.&nbsp;&nbsp;
My deepest thanks to my mom, who supported this project through and through &mdash; I couldn&rsquo;t have done it without you, and I love you. And to my incredible husband, Brandt &mdash; thank you for all your love and support.
Gratitude to March Fourth, a nonprofit working to end mass shootings, for connecting me with Aly &amp; AJ &mdash; and to Aly &amp; AJ for sharing their story and allowing us to include their powerful song Sirens in the finale. Sirens was written by Aly Michalka, AJ Michalka, and James McAlister. Produced by Jonathan Wilson and James McAlister. Engineered by Michael Harris and Jonathan Wilson. Recorded at Five Star Studios, Topanga Canyon, CA. Assistant Engineer at Five Start Studios: Grant Milliken and Mirza Sheriff. Mixed by Jonathan Wilson at Five Start Studios. Mastered by Adam Ayan at Ayan Mastering.
Musicians:&nbsp;
Aly Michalka &ndash; Vocals AJ Michalka &ndash; Vocals James McAlister &ndash; Emax, Drums, Drum Programming Joe Kennedy &ndash; DX1 Synth, Lowrey Organ Jonathan Wilson &ndash; Electric Guitar, Moog Gabe Noel &ndash; Bass, Strings Gabe Witcher &ndash; Strings Drew Taubenfeld &ndash; Jazzmaster Guitar
This project was made possible through support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance, and was recorded at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado &mdash; immense appreciation to all three for making space for this work.
Finally, to the powerful team at Lemonada Media &mdash; Stephanie and Jess, you saw something in me and I&rsquo;ll never forget it. Lizzie, Jackie, Grace, and Alina, you&rsquo;ve all brightened my life with your magical energy.
Sponsors:
For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit <a href="http://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors">lemonadamedia.com/sponsors</a>

Moving Forward

EPISODE 7 -- Three and a half years after the shooting, the trial finally begins in a Boulder courtroom for the young man who killed 10 people — including Erika’s father. Dozens of witnesses take the stand, including the police officer who stopped the gunman. Erika and other families share their victim impact statements. It’s both brutal and beautiful — a chapter where, at long last, some long-awaited answers finally arrive.

 

Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show: 

IG: @eri_mahoney 

Substack: @erikamahoney

Website: erikamahoney.com 

Senseless is written and reported by Erika Mahoney, the host and executive producer. Krista Almanzan is the senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting. 

Special thanks to Sarah Cantu, a senior investigator with the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office and the lead investigator on the case. She testified three times during the trial and helped Erika fact check numerous details in this episode. Thank you Sarah. 

This podcast was made possible by support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance.

The episode was recorded by Aaron Garrison at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado.

Executive producers for Lemonada Media are Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs. 

Sponsors:

For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit lemonadamedia.com/sponsors

EPISODE 7 -- Three and a half years after the shooting, the trial finally begins in a Boulder courtroom for the young man who killed 10 people &mdash; including Erika&rsquo;s father. Dozens of witnesses take the stand, including the police officer who stopped the gunman. Erika and other families share their victim impact statements. It&rsquo;s both brutal and beautiful &mdash; a chapter where, at long last, some long-awaited answers finally arrive.
&nbsp;
Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show:&nbsp;
IG: @eri_mahoney&nbsp;
Substack: @erikamahoney
Website: <a href="http://erikamahoney.com">erikamahoney.com</a>&nbsp;
Senseless is written and reported by Erika Mahoney, the host and executive producer. Krista Almanzan is the senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting.&nbsp;
Special thanks to Sarah Cantu, a senior investigator with the Boulder County District Attorney&rsquo;s Office and the lead investigator on the case. She testified three times during the trial and helped Erika fact check numerous details in this episode. Thank you Sarah.&nbsp;
This podcast was made possible by support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance.
The episode was recorded by Aaron Garrison at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado.
Executive producers for Lemonada Media are Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs.&nbsp;
Sponsors:
For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit lemonadamedia.com/sponsors

The Trial

EPISODE 6 -- After realizing she can still talk to her dad, Erika’s search for connection and comfort deepens. She looks to the belief system instilled in her by her mom and begins meeting with a medium. She also connects with other people facing the trauma of loss when she attends an intimate grief retreat in the redwoods of Northern California.

 

Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show: 

IG: @eri_mahoney 

Substack: @erikamahoney

Website: erikamahoney.com 

 

Senseless is written and reported by Erika Mahoney, the host and executive producer. Krista Almanzan is the senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting. Plus, original music by Daniel Weidlein. This podcast was made possible by support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance. 

Special thanks to Sarah Cantu, a senior investigator with the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office and the lead investigator on the case. She testified three times during the trial and helped Erika fact check numerous details in this episode. Thank you Sarah. 

The episode was recorded by Aaron Garrison at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado.

Executive producers for Lemonada Media are Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs. 

Sponsors:

For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit lemonadamedia.com/sponsors

EPISODE 6 -- After realizing she can still talk to her dad, Erika&rsquo;s search for connection and comfort deepens. She looks to the belief system instilled in her by her mom and begins meeting with a medium. She also connects with other people facing the trauma of loss when she attends an intimate grief retreat in the redwoods of Northern California.
&nbsp;
Follow Erika for a behind-the-scenes look at the show:&nbsp;
IG: @eri_mahoney&nbsp;
Substack: @erikamahoney
Website: <a href="http://erikamahoney.com">erikamahoney.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Senseless is written and reported by Erika Mahoney, the host and executive producer. Krista Almanzan is the senior producer and executive editor. Original music, sound design and mastering by Hannis Brown. Audio editing and sound mixing by Jerimiah Oetting. Plus, original music by Daniel Weidlein. This podcast was made possible by support from Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance.&nbsp;
Special thanks to Sarah Cantu, a senior investigator with the Boulder County District Attorney&rsquo;s Office and the lead investigator on the case. She testified three times during the trial and helped Erika fact check numerous details in this episode. Thank you Sarah.&nbsp;
The episode was recorded by Aaron Garrison at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado.
Executive producers for Lemonada Media are Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs.&nbsp;
Sponsors:
For a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and all other Lemonada series, you can visit lemonadamedia.com/sponsors

Senseless (Official Trailer)

Senseless with Erika Mahoney

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Senseless with Erika Mahoney

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