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Criminology

197 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5K ratings

Criminology is a true crime podcast that takes a deep dive into some of the most famous cases in the annals of crime. Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford will give you every details of these infamous crimes. New episodes come out every Saturday night at 10 PM.

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Episodes

The Murder of Megan Nichols

August 08, 2021 02:00 - 55 minutes

On July 3, 2014, 15-year-old Megan Nichols disappeared from her Fairfield, Illinois home. Megan was dating an 18-year-old named Brodey Murbarger, and the relationship had caused a rift between Megan and her mother. There were a few cryptic clues left behind at the home, one was Megan's cell phone which had been completely wiped. Another was a note that Megan had written that contained very strange word choices and phrasing. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Me...

The Lake Bodom Murders

August 01, 2021 02:00 - 53 minutes

In 1960, three young people, Maila Bjorklund, Anja Tuulikki Maki, and Seppo Boisman were murdered in Finland while they were camping. A fourth person, Nils Gustafsson, who was with the group was injured but survived, and later became a suspect. This is one of Finland's most infamous unsolved murder cases. It rocked the country at the time it occurred and some people are still wary, to this day, about camping because of the stories that have been told over the years. Join Mike and Morf as they...

The Party of a Lifetime

July 25, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour

In 2011, Florida teenager Tyler Hadley killed his parents and then held a massive party at his house. Many people, including Tyler, called it the party of a lifetime. What the other partygoers didn't know was that Tyler's parents, Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley, were dead inside their master bedroom at the time. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this infamous story out of the state of Florida. Tyler had been on a downward spiral, and his mother was so concerned she'd had him involuntarily committe...

Introducing: Killer Psyche

July 13, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes

When a shocking crime occurs, people ask “WHY?” Was it about power, ego, or revenge? On KILLER PSYCHE, retired FBI criminal profiler Candice DeLong draws on her decades of experience to reveal why these murderers and criminals committed these acts. She will reveal fascinating new details about what drove these people, including cases she worked on first-hand. Candice has been called the FBI’s “real-life Clarice Starling,” and she will share specific psychological methods and profiling techniq...

The Teacher Murders

July 11, 2021 02:00 - 57 minutes

In 1973 two teachers were murdered, one in New York City, and the other in Indiana. While both murders were extremely brutal, they were covered very differently. A Catholic school teacher named Roseann Quinn was murdered in New York City. Her murder became the basis for the book, "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and later a movie by the same name. 26-year-old Ann Kline was a mathematics professor who was murdered in Evansville, Indiana. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two cases. Roseann's m...

Autumn Lee Stone

June 27, 2021 02:00 - 58 minutes

On August 30th, 2019, the body of Autumn Lee Stone was found in Green Lake in Seattle, Washington. She was found by a man paddleboarding who thought at first that she was a turtle in the water. When the police pulled Autumn's body out of the water, they found her shoelaces tied together around her neck. Within just an hour of Autumn's body being found police said there was no foul play and told journalists that Autumn had taken her own life. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious d...

Manuel Gehring

June 20, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes

Manuel Gehring was a man who was not happy with his life. He had a hard time holding down a job. He wasn't happy that his marriage to his wife Teri had ended and that she had found and married another man. Manuel was also not happy with the custody and child support arrangement that he had with his wife. He wasn't happy that in June 2003, Father's Day fell on Teri's weekend with the kids. And, when Sarah and Philip disappeared over the Fourth of July holiday, Teri and the police feared the wo...

Bobby Bizup

June 13, 2021 02:00 - 57 minutes

In 1958, 10-year-old Bobby Bizup went missing while at a Catholic summer camp in Boulder County, Colorado. It was assumed he had wandered off and searchers would find him quickly, but, that didn't happen. Parts of Bobby's remains were later found as were bits of his clothing. Some were found 3 miles up Mount Meeker. Bobby's skull was never found. Investigators determined that Bobby most likely died of exposure to the elements. But, there were conflicting reports about Bobby's activities leadi...

Speedway

June 06, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes

The town of Speedway, Indiana is known for racing with the Indianapolis Speedway being a huge attraction. But, in 1978, Speedway gained attention for a number of high-profile crimes. In September of that year, a serial bomber terrorized the area by detonating eight separate bombs. A month after the bombings, the murder of four young Burger Chef employees rocked the area. Known as the Burger Chef murders, Jayne Friedt, Daniel Davis, Mark Flemmonds, and Ruth Shelton were murder as they were clo...

Christy Crystal Creek

May 30, 2021 02:00 - 54 minutes

Christy Crystal Creek was the name given to an unidentified female murder victim found near the town of Bonner in Missoula County, Missouri in 1985. She was named after the road near where she was found. Investigators had very little to work with in trying to identify her and went down a lot of avenues that turned out to be incorrect. A number of varying models and composites hindered the identification efforts. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of Christy Crystal Creek. It took inv...

The Murder of Anita Taylor

May 23, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes

In 1966, Anita Taylor was murdered inside her home in Springfield, Ohio. Her husband came home from work to find her clinging to life and their infant son in his crib, alive, but with a broken leg. Anita was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The investigation into Anita's murder began and a number of persons of interest were ruled. Join Mike and Morf as they dive into this baffling case. Anita's son, Aaron, who as a baby survived the attack that killed his mother, joins us for this ...

Introducing: The Vaping Fix

May 18, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes

Two young Silicon Valley entrepreneurs set out to rid the world of smoking with an incredible new product. The device stands to disrupt the tobacco industry and make them rich, until it falls into the wrong hands and lives are ruined. From classrooms to hospitals, boardrooms to the Oval Office, what can be done to protect teenagers and is it too late? From Laura Beil, the reporter behind Dr Death and Bad Batch, comes The Vaping Fix, the inside story of the rise of Juul and the making of a cri...

The Torso Killer

May 16, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour

Serial killer Richard Cottingham earned the moniker of "The Torso Killer" for his crimes. To the outside world, Richard seemed like a professional and a family man. But, he was unfaithful to his wife and he had urges deep inside that eventually resulted in a number of murders. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss serial killer Richard Cottingham. He operated in his home state of New Jersey but also ventured into New York to select his victims. Papers began calling him "The Torso Killer" when tw...

Nick and Lisa Masee

May 09, 2021 02:00 - 57 minutes

Nick and Lisa Masee were living what appeared to those around them to be a great life in Vancouver, Canada. But, even though they brought in a substantial income, they were deeply in debt. In 1994, the two began acting strangely in ways that were noticeable to those around them. In August of that year, they disappeared and have never been heard from or located. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious disappearance of Nick and Lisa Masee. Some of the details of their actions before t...

Introducing Confronting: Columbine

May 04, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutes

The events of April 20th, 1999 shaped our nation and altered the American narrative. One of America’s deadliest school shootings took place in a small town in Colorado, leaving thirteen dead and another twenty-one severely injured. And it was all broadcast over national tv for the nation to see. The second season of Confronting takes on one of the most prolific tragedies in American history: the Columbine High School massacre. It was a devastating example of how easily a place of learning, fa...

Baby Hope

May 02, 2021 02:00 - 55 minutes

Baby Hope was the name given to a four-year-old little girl found dead in a cooler near the Henry Hudson Parkway. Baby Hope's body was found by construction workers in Manhattan, New York, in 1991. Authorities found witnesses but were unable to figure out who Baby Hope was or what exactly had happened to her. It wasn't until 2013 that police caught a break in the case and the pieces started to fall into place. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of Baby Hope. Police learned that her r...

The Canadian Spree Killers

April 25, 2021 02:00 - 54 minutes

In 2019, Canadian teenagers Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod embarked on a deadly crime spree. They told their families that they were headed to the Yukon territory to look for work. But, after stopping to buy a semi-automatic rifle, they started their killing spree. Their victims were selected at random and included a young couple whose van broke down on a road trip to Alaska and a botany professor and husband in his sixties. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two Canadian killers. It ...

Wondery: In God We Lust

April 20, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes

A woman named Becki is lounging by the pool at the Fontainebleau Hotel when she decides to proposition a strapping pool attendant. Go on a date with her...and her husband. What begins as an unconventional proposition will soon throw them all into the international spotlight. And that’s because the couple is none other than Jerry Falwell Jr. and his wife Becki, two of the most powerful figures in Evangelical America. Wondery presents In God We Lust, hosted by Brooke Siffrin and Aricia Skidmore...

The Dardeen Family Murders

April 18, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes

In 1987, the small town of Ina, Illinois was rocked by the senseless and brutal murders of the Dardeen family. When 29-year-old Keith Dardeen failed to show up for work, his parents called the police. The police made a shocking discovery at the Dardeen home. Keith's wife Elaine, who was seven months pregnant, and their 3-year-old son Peter were found bludgeoned to death. Elaine delivered a baby girl during the attack and police found the infant deceased as well. Join Mike and Morf as they dis...

Danger Lurks on Interstate 80

April 11, 2021 02:00 - 50 minutes

In Nevada, Interstate 80 runs through stretches of desert. The desert can be a very unforgiving place with temperature swings and dangers that await those who venture through it. There have been a large number of unexplained disappearances and deaths along a certain stretch of I-80. Pumpernickel Valley's Exit 205 is extremely interesting because it leads to nowhere. But, there have been some very mysterious disappearances that appear to have occurred at this exit. Join Mike and Morf as they d...

The Circleville Letter Writer

April 04, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour

In 1976, residents of Circleville, Ohio began receiving obscene and threatening letters that contained details and rumors regarding some of the residents in town. For residents of Circleville, it wasn’t a serial killer that shattered their sense of safety and neighborly closeness. It was a serial writer - a writer who by the time he or she was done, had sent over 1000 letters targeting many of Circleville’s residents, but seemingly targeting one resident more than the rest.  Join Mike and Mor...

Introducing: Spy Affair

March 30, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes

A charismatic Russian woman arrives in the US on a mission to improve relations between the two countries, and she soon makes some powerful friends. But who is Maria Butina? And who is she working for? As Maria gets closer to the rich and connected she also attracts the attention of the FBI. In the politically charged world of US-Russia relations, everyone has secrets and almost nothing is what it seems. From Wondery, the makers of The Shrink Next Door and Dr. Death comes SPY AFFAIR a story a...

Holly Branagan

March 28, 2021 02:00 - 49 minutes

High school senior Holly Branagan was murdered inside her Bethlehem, Pennsylvania home on March 28, 1979. She was brutally stabbed to death in a horrific manner, but, her murder case was overshadowed by the partial meltdown that same day at Three Mile Island. The police pieced together the timeline of Holly's murder through phone calls that she made that day. But, they have been unable to catch her killer. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the brutal murder of Holly Branagan. The police beli...

Mostly Harmless

March 21, 2021 02:00 - 55 minutes

In 2018, an unidentified hiker, which many began called Mostly Harmless, was found in Florida and what followed was a search for his identity. It was discovered that the hiker had been traveling the Appalachian Trail. People began to come forward with information about their encounters with Mostly Harmless after the story took hold on social media and people around the world started working on the mystery. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious case of the man known to many as Most...

Introuducing: MAN-Slaughter

March 17, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes

MAN-Slaughter tells intertwining stories about how one gunshot on a cold Wisconsin night in 1970 dramatically changed multiple lives. A bullet brutally tore through decorated law enforcement veteran LaVerne Stordock. Decades later, his niece, Dorothy Marcic, transformed herself into an amateur detective in a quest for truth and closure about that night. At the center of Dorothy’s investigation is Suzanne Brandon, LaVerne’s second wife, who confessed to the shooting -- and who Dorothy believes...

The Orange Sock Murders

March 14, 2021 03:00 - 56 minutes

In 1982, 29-year-old Barbara Jo Oberholtzer and 21-year-old Annette Kay Schnee were both last seen in the town of Breckinridge, Colorado. Both were found murdered and their cases were linked by a pair of orange socks. A matching orange sock was found on or near each of the murdered women's bodies. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these tragic murders out of Colorado. Investigators were stumped for years as to the murderer's identity. It took advancements in the area of forensic genetic gene...

The Jeff Davis 8

March 07, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour

Between 2005 and 2009, 8 women were found murdered in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. There were eight women from Jennings, Louisiana who were murdered in those four years and they are referred to collectively as "The Jennings 8” or "The Jeff Davis 8.” 14 agencies from the federal level down to the local level worked together to hunt a serial killer operating in Jefferson Davis Parish. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this infamous unsolved series. Many thought that a serial killer was o...

The Tiede Family Murders

February 27, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes

The Tiede family spent quality family time each year at their cabin in Oakley, Utah. Rolf and Kay Tiede had two daughters, Linae and Tricia, and a son named Shaun. In December 1990, The Tiede family went to their cabin and were joined by Kaye's mother, Beth Potts, and a number of other family members.  Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the Tiede family murders. Their 1990 Christmas at the cabin was interrupted by two men intent on murder. 26-year-old Von Taylor and 23-year-old Edward Deli ha...

The Murder of Stephanie Crowe

February 20, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour

On January 21, 1998, 12-year-old Stephanie Crowe was found dead in her bedroom. She had been fatally stabbed multiple times while her family slept. Multiple people would eventually be charged with her murder, including members of Stephanie's own family. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious murder of Stephanie Crowe. Police initially suspected Stephanie's brother and some of his friends. The tactics used by investigators against these young boys were ruthless and caused them to sa...

The Murder of Kelsey Berreth

February 13, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour

The Thanksgiving holiday in 2018 should have been a joyous time for 29-year-old mother, Kelsey Berreth. She was engaged to be married and had a little girl with her fiance Patrick Frazee. But, Kelsey went missing and the police began to suspect that Patrick was somehow involved. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Kelsey Berreth. The details that emerged were so salacious that some seem almost made up. Patrick had reunited with an old flamed named Krystal Kenney...

The Sumter County Does

February 06, 2021 05:00 - 51 minutes

In August 1976, two bodies, one male and one female, were found off the side of the road east of Sumter, South Carolina. Neither of the bodies had any identification with them. Police determined that both individuals had been shot to death. They had very little evidence to use to solve the two most crucial questions in this case. Who were the two victims, and who was responsible for their murders? Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two individuals who became known collectively as the Su...

The Mysterious Death of Blair Adams

January 31, 2021 03:00 - 46 minutes

31-year-old Blair Adam's death in July of 1996 is as mysterious as a case can get. It has baffled investigators and fueled speculation by online sleuths for years. Much of this has to do with Blair's erratic behavior during the time before his death. He had mentioned to a number of people that he was afraid of something or someone. His movements from his home in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada to Knoxville, Tennessee, where his body was found, are perplexing. Join Mike and Morf as they discu...

Samuel Little

January 24, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour

Samuel Little may very well be the most prolific serial killer in the history of the United States. His murder claims have reached triple digits, but, unlike a lot of serial killers, the FBI has been able to substantiate a large number of claims. He selected his victims carefully, preying on women who he believed didn't have many people in their lives who would come looking for them. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the infamous serial killer Samuel Little. He traveled all over the country ...

Asha Degree

January 17, 2021 03:00 - 59 minutes

On Valentine's day, Feb 14, 2000, 9-year-old Asha Degree vanished. The circumstances around her disappearance are extremely mysterious. It seemed as though this little girl walked away from her North Carolina home in the dark in the early morning hours, never to come home. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Asha Degree. Police found no signs of forced entry at the home or any indications that she had been taken. Two different people came forward and said they saw her walk...

The Murder of Jessica Chambers

January 10, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour

On Dec. 6, 2014, in Courland, MS, a horrible murder occurred. First responders were called out to a scene that they thought was just a car fire. But, then they found 19-year-old Jessica Chambers who had severe burns on over 90% of her body. Emergency personnel tried to get information from Jessica on what happened to her but she could barely speak and she died later at the hospital. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the tragic murder of Jessica Chambers. Investigators struggled to piece toge...

The DC Sniper

December 20, 2020 03:00 - 55 minutes

In the fall of October 2002, a series of seemingly random shootings occurred in and around Washington, D.C. The country was still reeling from the events of September 11, 2001, and these shootings were terrifying. The authorities figured out the shootings extended to multiple states. They eventually identified the snipers as 41-year-old John Allen Muhammad and 17-year-old Lee Boyd Malvo. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the senseless and terrifying acts of Muhammad and Malvo. In a relativel...

Jeffrey Dahmer

December 13, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour

Jeffrey Dahmer is one of the most notorious serial killers in United States history. He killed seventeen men between 1978 and 1991. The details of his murders that emerged after his 1991 arrest shocked the entire world. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the horrendous actions of Jeffrey Dahmer. The details of his murders caused newspapers to call him "The Milwaukee Cannibal" and "The Milwaukee Monster."  You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Lea...

The Moses Lake Bombings

December 06, 2020 03:00 - 55 minutes

In August of 2008, two separate explosions occurred in the town of Moses Lake, Washington. Bill Walker and Javier Adame were killed when they plugged in ordinary items that each held inside a pipe bomb. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of the Moses Lake bombings. The explosions happened a day apart and police were baffled from the very beginning. They've never been able to establish a connection between Bill and Javier or figure out a motive for the bombings. Bill Walker's granddau...

Jennifer Kesse

November 29, 2020 03:00 - 54 minutes

24-year-old Jennifer Kesse vanished without a trace from her Orlando, Florida condo in January 2006. Her case made national headlines and received extensive media coverage. Despite a massive search, Jennifer Kesse has never been found.   Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. The investigation conducted by the Orlando police department has come under scrutiny. Jennifer's family does not feel that they have done everything they can do to find her. In fact, they...

The Seven Bridges Serial Killer

November 22, 2020 03:00 - 48 minutes

Between 2003 and 2009, ten women disappeared from the Rocky Mount area. Nine of them were found murdered in wooded areas near Seven Bridges Road, just outside of town. One woman remains missing to this day. All of the female victims were black and had a history of drugs and prostitution. Because of this, many people have said that the police didn't investigate the murders as hard, and, the media didn't provide much coverage. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these murders that many people be...

Jonelle Matthews

November 15, 2020 03:00 - 44 minutes

A few days before Christmas in 1984, 12-year-old Jonelle Renee Matthews disappeared from her home in Greeley, Colorado. For nearly 35 years, Jonelle's whereabouts remained a mystery. Then, in July 2019 construction workers found her remains, and very recently, an arrest was made in her case.  Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Jonelle Matthews. It was a long and puzzling road for investigators. Year after year they were unable to figure out what happened to Jon...

The Murder of Cheryll Spegal

November 08, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour

During the fall of 1971, 10-year-old Cheryll Spegal was brutally abducted, raped, and murdered in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Her killer has never been found. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the abduction and murder of Cheryll Spegal. Cheryll was a fifth-grader who was on her way to the school bus when she vanished. That day also happened to be her tenth birthday. Theories abound as to what happened to Cheryll and who was responsible for her death. Beth Rowland has investigated the case fo...

The Legend of Lizzie Borden

November 01, 2020 02:00 - 45 minutes

Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. That rhyme has been sung since the Borden axe murders occurred in 1892.  Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the axe murders that made Lizzie Borden a household name. You've heard the rhyme, now hear the details behind the murders. Lizzie Borden was arrested and tried for the murders of her father and step-mother. But, a jury did not feel as though the prosecution proved ...

The Aurora Hammer Murders

October 25, 2020 02:00 - 52 minutes

In January 1984, a series of brutal attacks and murders occurred in the Aurora, Colorado area. These caused city-wide panic and remained unsolved for over 30 years until 2018 when DNA linked an incarcerated man to the crimes. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this series of extremely horrific attacks and murders. Police noticed the similarities in the attacks and murders but had no idea who was behind them. It took advanced DNA testing and the use of genetic genealogy to lead the authorities...

The Fort Worth Trio

October 18, 2020 02:00 - 52 minutes

1974 was a tragic year for the city of Fort Worth, Texas. We detailed the disappearance and murder of Carla Walker in our last episode. Later that year, three young females, Rachel Trlica, Renee Wilson, and Julie Moseley went missing after a shopping trip. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of these three girls that the media dubbed as "The Fort Worth Trio." There are a number of bizarre aspects to this case including a letter mailed to Tommy Trlica, Rachel's husband, that w...

The Murder of Carla Walker

October 11, 2020 02:00 - 46 minutes

In February 1974, 17-year-old Carla Walker was abducted in front of her boyfriend from a bowling alley parking lot and found dead in a ditch four days later. Her brutal rape and murder shocked her Texas community, and cast a cloud of suspicion on her boyfriend. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the murder of Carla Walker. The case went unsolved for many years, but, in September 2020, police got a break. They arrested a suspect named Glen McCurley after DNA linked him to Carla's murder. Many ...

The Boy In The Box

October 04, 2020 02:00 - 51 minutes

In February 1957, a college student found a little boy's body inside a cardboard box in a field in Philadelphia. The find shocked and caused fear in residents. And, despite a very extensive and long investigation, the boy's identity and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unsolved.  Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this boy that is most commonly referred to as the boy in the box. We'll detail out the exhaustive investigation into the boy's death and identity. The condition of the...

Faith Hedgepeth

September 27, 2020 02:00 - 50 minutes

In September 2012, 19-year-old college student Faith Hedgepeth was brutally murdered inside her friend's apartment in Durham, NC. A hateful note was left at the brutal scene, scrawled on a fast-food bag Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the brutal unsolved murder of Faith Hedgepeth. Faith's friend made a 911 call that has been dissected by many and some have called her demeanor unusual. There are many mysterious elements to this case, including a voicemail that may have recorded events leadi...

The Disappearance of Zebb Quinn

September 20, 2020 02:00 - 45 minutes

In January 2000, 18-year-old Zebb Quinn disappeared from Asheville, North Carolina, and has not been seen since. Police developed a main Person of interest in connection with the case. It turns out, that fifteen years later, that same person of interest in Zebb’s disappearance pleaded guilty to the murders of a married couple and their unborn child. Join Mike and Morf as we try to unravel the mystery of what happened to Zebb Quinn?  You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An ...

The Murder of Zebb Quinn

September 20, 2020 02:00 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

In January 2000, 18-year-old Zebb Quinn disappeared from Asheville, North Carolina, and has not been seen since. Police developed a main Person of interest in connection with the case. It turns out, that fifteen years later, that same person of interest in Zebb’s disappearance pleaded guilty to the murders of a married couple and their unborn child. Join Mike and Morf as we try to unravel the mystery of what happened to Zebb Quinn?   An Emash Digital Production See omnystudio.com/policies...