Wendy Whitman, former executive and producer of Court TV and the Nancy Grace show on HLN, shares her fascinating journey from comedy to crime. Wendy opens up about her experiences collaborating with comedic geniuses George Carlin and Lily Tomlin and how the OJ trial led her to Court TV.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the darker side of true crime, discussing its impact on society and how to prevent fear from consuming us. We also touch on the therapeutic aspects of working with victims’ families and having been a powerful motivator for Wendy. Plus, we discuss turning a devastating setback into a career as a mystery writer.
Links:
Wendy Whitman’s website
Wendy’s Amazon Page
Wendy Whitman on Instagram
Wendy on Facebook
Proud To Be In Baseball website
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About Wendy Whitman
Wendy Whitman has a unique background through her decades-long work as an executive and producer
for Court TV and HLN, covering almost every major high-profile murder case in America. Through her
knowledge of the most detailed aspects of the crimes, Ms. Whitman has become an expert on the
subject of murder in America. Before attending Boston University School of Law, Whitman worked for
comedians Lily Tomlin and George Carlin. After graduating from law school, the author embarked on
what turned out to be a twenty-year career in television covering crime. She spent fifteen years at Court
TV and another several at HLN for the Nancy Grace show, where she appeared on air as a
producer/reporter covering high-profile cases. Whitman received three Telly Awards and two GLAAD
nominations during her tenure at Court TV. Since turning her attention to writing, Whitman has
published two crime thriller novels: Premonition and the sequel, Retribution, due to be released on July
25, 2023.
True Crimes Effect on Society
Talking with Wendy made me more curious about how true crime exposure affects us so I did a little research. True crime shows are fascinating, and the rise of podcasts and television shows created an explosion of true crime content. These shows have become a cultural phenomenon, with viewers binge-watching for hours on end and discussing cases with friends and family. However, the popularity of these shows has led to some concern regarding their potential impact on society. One of the main concerns regarding true crime shows is it desensitizes people to realviolence and crime. Some experts argue that repeatedly watching violent content can lead to a decreased sensitivity to the real-world consequences of such behavior. This is especially concerning given that many true crime shows focus on horrific and violent crimes. In additon, some argue that true crime shows can contribute to a culture of fear. Constant visual and audio input of violent crimes might lead people to believe crimes are more common than they actually are. This fear can result in the spread of rumors and false information, and have a negative impact on society. However, good has come from true crime. These shows often bring awareness to unsolved cases, leading to renewed public interest and more leads for investigators. They can also promote victim advocacy and shed light on issues within the criminal justice system, such as wrongful convictions. The popularity of true crime shows is a complex issue with both positive and negative consequences. It is important for viewers to be aware of the potential impact these shows can have and approach them thoughtfully. This means recognizing the issues with desensitization and fear-mongering, while also acknowledging the potential benefits of raising awareness and advocating for victims. With this awareness, true crime shows can be enjoyed and appreciated while also promoting a healthy society.
Ending the Dog Meat Trade
Like many, I’ve given little or no thought about the dog meat trade. I knew it existed but never thought it was to the degree Wendy Whitman shared on the show. And, even after discussing it with her, it’s worse than I imagined. It’s estimated that over 30 million dogs are slaughtered for their meat every year. It’s most prevalent China, Korea, Vietnam, and many parts of Africa. Some argue we should turn our backs because it’s their cultural practice, but it must be stopped. One reason is the inhumane treatment that dogs are subjected to in this trade. Dogs may be stolen from their owners or strays to be rounded up for this purpose. They are crammed into tiny spaces without food, water, or proper ventilation during transport. Upon arrival, they are beaten and killed in front of other dogs, many of whom are forced to watch and knowing what lies ahead. . Another reason is the concern it poses to public health. Consuming dog meat is known to be a source of transmission for diseases such as rabies, cholera, and trichinellosis. Frequently, the meat is not inspected for quality control, making it dangerous to eat. Moreover, the dog meat trade not only affects dogs but also the. The industry has been identified as a factor contributing to the rise in dog thefts and the of dog farms, which often lack humane sanitation and housing. This results in the spread of disease, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. Organizations, such as those Wendy mentioned, China Rescue Dogs and Slaughterhouse Survivors are dedicated to putting a stop to this cruel practice. The Humane Society International, Animals Asia, and other animal protection groups are working tirelessly to end the trade. They do this by rescuing dogs and providing them with proper care, assisting in finding homes for these dogs, and lobbying governments to enact laws that ban the trade. As I hope with this post, there is a need to educate people on the ethical and moral issues surrounding the consumption of dog meat, and its prevalence. We need to work together to raise awareness, pressure governments, and support animal rights organizations to put an end to this cruel practice. Millions of dogs are being tortured.
