A Brian Shaffer Story podcast cover art

A Brian Shaffer Story

ByEdo Larosa
21 episodes

Podcast Summary

This is a podcast series about the disappearance of Brian Shaffer, a 27 yr old med. student in Columbus Ohio, who went out on the 31th of march in 2006 to enjoy a night out bar hopping to celebrate the beginning of Spring break. He was observed by the entrance area in the campus bar ”The Ugly Tuna Saloona” at around 2am, by which after he was never seen or heard from again.

#1

Part 1. A Narrative.

"A Narrative" 2024.04.09 - This Episode is available in an AI Format. Currently part 18. Greetings, I’m Edo, hailing from Scandinavia, drawn deeply into the perplexing case of a missing person that has yet to be resolved. Throughout this series, I will delve into the known facts of the case, narrating with my distinctive accent and committing to this exploration until all possible insights are exhausted and plausible scenarios are presented. The inaugural episode admittedly focuses on the disappearance of Brian Shaffer. We revisit key details and my personal journey into this mystery, especially highlighting the areas around the bar where Brian was last seen—particularly the emergency exit/fire escape, a critical point in this case. Given the enigmatic nature of Brian's disappearance, it's challenging to find a starting episode that does justice to the myriad of unanswered questions and the aura of mystery that surrounds it. Nevertheless, I invite you to join me in this series, hoping it will inspire you to delve deeper into the unfolding narrative. Many, including the police and detectives who have pondered this case for over 13 years, have attempted to decode what truly happened to Brian Shaffer. Despite their efforts, the former lead detective admits to having no leads. However, by progressively uncovering details and learning about related events, we inch closer to forming hypotheses about the events of April Fool’s Day in 2006. For newcomers to Brian's case, I recommend starting with "The introduction to the Brian Shaffer case" episode that provides a foundation before diving into "A Narrative." This will equip you with a broader understanding of the complexities involved. We have shared an age progression photo and contact information for authorities on our Instagram page. I appreciate any reviews or information you can provide and encourage you to share this series with others. My ultimate goal is to unearth what exactly happened to Brian Shaffer, or at th...

2021-04-2344mins
#2

Part 2. Exits and Searches

A Brian Shaffer story part 2 continues with Brian and his friends visiting the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar the second time around. We get to know the band that played in the bar and what we guess likely transpired before Brian ultimately made his way out. And how "did" he manage to get out without being seen? Afterwards I recount the immediate searches undertaken by the Columbus Police Department. NB. At around 03.00 minutes into the episode I mention the possibility to go either left or right when arriving on the top of the escalators. And going left meant in this instance visiting the Gateway Cinema. At this hour however, when visiting the Gateway building, the Cinema was closed and this area was restricted and guarded by two on-duty police officers. They can be seen in their white uniform in the cctv footage captured around 01.55 am with Brian standing on the foyer. Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-04-2335mins
#3

Part 3. Cameras and Clint

A Brian Shaffer Story part 3 continues with the investigation of the footage retrieved and the interviews conducted by the Columbus Police Department. Then eyes turn towards Brian's companion that evening, Clint Florence, and we go to great lenght to discuss his role in this story. Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-04-2345mins
#4

Part 4. Events and Theories

In this fourth part of A Brian Shaffer Story, we've reached the part recounting the major events that occurred after Brian went missing. We also head in into the theories territory... and start to try to unpuzzle this mysterious case.... Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-04-2351mins
#5

Part 5. The Primo Connection with Giulia M.

“A previously unheard baffling disappearance might yield a plausible answer” In A Brian Shaffer Story part 5, the series continues with more focus on one of theories of what could have happened to Brian that night. Giulia Montanari joins in to discuss the case of Primo Zanoli. Mr. Zanoli, a patient, vanished within a crowded hospital in Modena, Italy, while recovering from a surgery. Despite searching for him in all possible manners authorities failed to locate him and later proclaimed Mr. Zanoli had ran away from the hospital out into the wilderness. But family members didn’t buy the explanation. Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-04-2328mins
#6

Trailer

2021-04-272mins
#7

The Introduction to the Brian Shaffer case

' A Medical student enters a bar and vanishes forever' Columbus, OH.: A seemingly regular night out between friends on the 31:th of march 2006 turns into a bewildering, almost incomprehensible disappearance. And it's hard to lay your mind at rest after you've found out about it. This episode is an introduction to Brian Shaffer's case. If you've never heard of his disappearance prior or you'd like to refresh your memory I've created this episode just for that. Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory Music partly by: ItsWatR

2021-06-0715mins
#8

Part 6. A True? Crime Episode with Tanna

This episode will cover aspects in Brian Shaffer's disappearance in a "crime context". With the help from outstanding Tanna from Sculch True Crime Studios we've tried to come up with every possible foul-play situation that could have occurred that early morning and ensuing weekend. In a situation where a person goes missing, there’s always a possibility that a criminal act committed against this person can be the underlying reason to why this person is not around any more. When The Police enters the scene to investigate, they try to get an overhaul view and look at plausible situations that could have occurred. They search, they inquire, they try to gather information that’s useful so that they can make their best assessment of what actually happened. In most criminal cases, usually some form of evidence is gathered, something indicating a sinister motive is discovered, and many times non-pertinent theories can be eliminated so the real cause can be determined. We know that foul play was considered a possibility in Brian’s case. Something could have happened to him in that regard for him to disappear. So the conversation/interview touches the subject with a notion that nothing has been found. The conversation started a little bit earlier, the recording catches up when we entered the subject speculating how Brian could've left the Gateway area! Age progression photo and contact information to Authorities are posted on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-06-1559mins

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#9

Part 7. Deniz Arda - The Missing Soldier Connection

Welcome to this two-chapter Episode. An off-duty Swedish Officer goes missing without a trace while supposedly exercising on a running trail and an unparalleled search effort is launched to try to find him. People close to him begin to scrutinize their initial theories. No one seem to come to grips with..... 'How can a person just vanish into thin air'? Amidst all this a havoc of various theories are discussed and shared online. One would ultimately it turned out, resonate with perceived events on the ground. (UPDATED in part 17). Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-08-1421mins
#10

Part 8. Brian Shaffer LEFT the building RIGHT

In this riveting episode, we continue to unravel the enigmatic case of Brian Shaffer. Central to our investigation is the haunting question: Did Brian ever really leave the building that fateful night? Addressing this mystery is crucial to understanding the possible scenarios that could have unfolded and is pivotal to any resolution in his disappearance. Despite years of searching and countless inquiries into his last known whereabouts inside the bustling Gateway building, the thick fog of mystery persists. Brian wasn't captured on any exit surveillance cameras, and no footage in the heavily monitored areas of Columbus shows him leaving. For some, this isn't a concern—it merely adds a layer of intrigue to the case. But should we dismiss this lack of evidence so lightly? This episode takes you through a detailed examination of the building’s layout, the physical laws of space and time, and the potential significance they may hold in the case. We'll engage in some theoretical physics and role-playing to explore the dimensions of Brian's disappearance and discuss intentions and potential theories that could explain why Brian was never seen leaving the Gateway building. Join us as we dissect every angle, from the plausible to the paranormal, to try and piece together where Brian Shaffer could possibly be. Can a building entangle itself with a person’s fate? Tune in as we delve deep into the shadows of the unknown in search of answers. Small curiosity, now that ABBA released their album today is thumbs up as there is an indirect reference to one of the members of the group in this very episode. Music kindly provided by Michela M., who has written, performed and composed the audiotrack. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-09-0320mins
#11

Part 9. The #Story will Continue

This episode advances the ongoing narrative of Brian Shaffer with a retrospective look at the pivotal year that brought his case into the spotlight. We’ll delve into various aspects of the investigation, including the construction site near his last known location and the significant statements from John Hurst. Additionally, I’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the recent HLN episode and discuss the purpose behind 'A Brian Shaffer Story.' The episode will also include reflections on my personal journey with this case, sharing insights gained from closely following its developments. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2021-12-1043mins
#12

Part 10. A "British" Conversation with Jordan

We're kicking off 2022 with an easy-going episode, where me and Jordan from On the Mind Pod talk about the HLN episode that was released and Brian Shaffer's case in general. Thank you for giving the series a thumbs up on Spotify and Apple podcasts. Tune in to Jordan's great podcast at: On The Mind | Pod on Spotify Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2022-01-121hr 3mins
#13

Part 11. The Video Debacle and Else

Listen up! This part explores the "odd movement" Brian was seen doing on cctv outside the bar thanks to the greater detail of the HLN episode footage. It got a lot of left and right reverbarations but was it justified or not? We also get to hear fresh news of a couple of some other disappearances out there, can we gather something from one in particular in relation to Brian's own vanishing? _________________________ Added content; I’ve extracted the footage in question and slowed it down, it can be seen here: The Odd Movement Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2022-02-1320mins
#14

Part 12. Terrence Woods Jr.

In the haunting expanse of Idaho's wilderness, a young production assistant, while working on a documentary, mysteriously breaks away from his film crew—and vanishes without a trace. The crew claims he simply ran off, but his disappearance remains shrouded in uncertainty and unanswered questions. Reference for the episode: How Terrence Woods Vanished While Filming A Discovery ‘Gold Rush’ Show – Deadline The Mysterious Disappearance of Terrence Woods Jr. (vice.com) The shockingly weird disappearance of Terrence Woods — StrangeOutdoors.com Search for missing man in Idaho County stops after no leads found in search effort - East Idaho News What You Don't Know About Terrence Woods, Jr.'s Disappearance (grunge.com) Disappearance of 'Gold Rush' producer Terrence Woods gets renewed attention; family still searching for answers | Fox News Missing Pieces | Pod on Spotify Crime Redefined | Pod on Spotify findterrencewoods (@findterrencewds) / Twitter Fundraiser by Terrence Woods Sr : Find My Missing Son: Terrence Woods (gofundme.com)

2022-07-2941mins
#15

Part 13. A Stroll with Hard Facts and a Loose Dream

In this slow-burnin' thirteenth part of A Brian Shaffer Story we head to an outdoor setting for the first time and experience various surrounding sounds (noizz) including my rebuttal to the claim that The Captain from TCG believes his own eyes when seing Brian go down the escalators...... to my own thinfoil hat story that happened to hold eloquent tidbits connected to Brian's disappearance. NB: In the final parts of the episode I happen to say ”craters” multiple times actually, I must have been overly ecstatic. I of course meant to say ”Crates” !! Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2022-08-2235mins
#16

Part 14. The Two Squares □ ■

In a fleeting span of less than a minute, Brian Shaffer provides numerous hints that could shed light on his mysterious disappearance. Venturing beyond traditional lines of thinking, this episode of "A Brian Shaffer Story" employs logic and reason in an effort to decode the intricate web of clues he left behind. In parallel we also analyze and question the approaches taken by law enforcement, pondering whether they truly gave themselves a viable opportunity to unravel this enigma. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2023-02-0934mins
#17

Part 15. Bryce Laspisa

In this fifthteenth episode of the Brian Shaffer Story, we delve into the perplexing case of Bryce Laspisa, a 19-year-old college student whose sudden disappearance in August 2013 has mystified many. Initially a cheerful and carefree individual, Bryce's demeanor alarmingly shifted after returning from summer break to Sierra College in California. His inexplicable actions included abruptly ending his relationship, giving away his belongings, and sending distressing messages to close friends. These events prefaced a chilling road trip that led him to the Tehachapi Mountains, where his overturned vehicle was later found near Castaic Lake with no trace of Bryce. This episode explores the stark transformation from ordinary to irrational, continuing the themes introduced in Part 15, "The Two Squares." We investigate various theories around his disappearance—potential suicide, a deliberate vanishing, or foul play—while also considering the psychological and environmental influences that might have led to his drastic change in behavior. Join us as we explore this haunting journey that transformed an everyday route into a passage to the unknown, leaving a puzzle with more questions than answers and captivating all who delve into its depths.

2023-02-2237mins
#18

Part 16. The Radio interview with Randy Shaffer

Having just returned back from a special holiday I decided to release this episode consisting of a recap of this serie and it's progress towards our main goal, topping it off with an exclusive audio-file. The original audio with Mr. Shaffer has not been edited, the interview was conducted in 2007 over a phone line, with some clarity issues later on, but nothing major.

2023-03-0712mins
#19

Part 17. Deniz Arda the Aftermath: A Soldier on a Mission?

In this episode, we go back to the mystery that unfolded close to home—the baffling disappearance of the widely respected Navy Ranger instructor. This individual was both cherished and enigmatic, captivating the public’s attention and sparking widespread speculation about his fate. While the police have officially closed the case, labeling it as resolved, many, particularly his friends and family, vehemently disagree. Their doubt is fueled by newly surfaced questions concerning the circumstances found at the discovery site and the condition of the remains. To truly grasp the complexities of this case and gain some level of understanding, I went beyond conventional methods. I engaged in a profound conversation with Deniz Arda's best friend, Henrik, who spearheaded the search efforts. This discussion stretched into a two-hour special for my Swedish series. Additionally, I managed to persuade Orij, the man who stumbled upon Deniz Arda in the wilderness, to meet with me and recount his experience firsthand. (Following a curious detail I spotted in a photo provided by Orij, I have updated the episode image to reflect this intriguing new angle). Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2023-04-1441mins
#20

Part 18. A Narrative AI.

This episode sets the stage as the first installment in the series. You can find a comprehensive description of this episode alongside the debut episode in the series, available under the original part. The primary aim of this episode is to expand the reach of the Brian Shaffer case. The script remains faithfully consistent with the original narrative, with every word almost meticulously mirrored. The novel twist here is the introduction of an AI voiceover; a distinctly American, elegantly feminine tone that adds a fresh dimension to the storytelling. For avid followers of the series, I assure you there's no need for concern. Personally, I found it incredibly enjoyable to experience the episode anew in this unique format. Rest assured, I'm still actively involved, this is me taking some time to fine-tune a few aspects of the project. I invite you all to keep up to date with the latest on Brian Shaffer by following my updates on Instagram. Follow the series on Instagram instagram.com/brianshafferstory

2024-04-0728mins
#21

Part 19. The Least Desirable Outcome

"Dumpster Theory" Re-Unveiled: Detective Hurst's Controversial Take on Brian's Disappearance The newly released interview with former Detective Hurst on True Crime Garage part 770 has sparked renewed interest and speculation, stemming from his comments at the end of a previous HLN episode. In that broadcast, Hurst put forth a theory suggesting that Brian might have ended up in a dumpster and subsequently "lost." I've invested significant effort into examining this speculation, striving to debunk it to the best of my ability, while acknowledging the possibility that it just "might" still hold some truth. For those of you who missed or skipped it, here's an excerpt from that episode. This segment originally aired around the 30-minute mark in Part 9. The story will Continue. In 2006, a significant portion of waste from Columbus, Ohio was indeed sent to Tennessee. At that time, Columbus and its surrounding areas were managing their waste by transporting it to the Waste Management's Chestnut Ridge landfill in Heiskell, Tennessee. This practice was part of a broader waste management strategy that involved out-of-state disposal due to local landfill capacity constraints. As a final note, I might plan to release a dedicated episode in the near future, focusing on Hurst's comments on TCG. Stay tuned for more insights and updates. All the best//Edo.

2024-07-0814mins