Meet the team.
For years, Melissa and Mandy have connected over their fascination with true crime, a subject they’ve each been interested in since childhood. Their hope is that by sharing both stories and resources with their audience, listeners will be better equipped if they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
LISTEN ON –
Melissa
Melissa is the creator, editor and co-host of two podcasts, Moms and Mysteries (formerly Moms and Murder), and CRIMINALITY. She first entered the podcast landscape in 2017 when she and her friend, Mandy, debuted "Moms and Murder," a weekly true crime podcast. "Moms" attracted an audience quickly, and Melissa soon learned she wasn't the only one who snuck Dateline episodes and true crime podcasts between late-night feedings and toddler playdates. Moms and Murder continues to consistently chart in the true crime category and has garnered over million downloads to date. Drawing from the success of her first podcast, Melissa tapped into her other passion; reality TV. In February of 2021, Melissa launched a second podcast, CRIMINALITY, which explores the non-murdery true crimes of reality stars. The two shows marry her long-standing obsessions, true crime and reality TV.
Her involvement in the industry has led to charity fundraising efforts, creative collaborations, and a place to share her unique interests with like-minded people around the world. Melissa has a heart for the wrongfully convicted and will always make room for a redemption story. When she isn't podcasting she is definitely watching something on Bravo, TLC or sneaking in an episode of Dateline. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and two amazing kids.
A perfect day for Melissa would involve several fountain diet cokes, a late afternoon at the beach, followed by a night cap of ice cream and watching the Scary Island episode of Real Housewives of New York.
Mandy
Mandy is an independent podcaster and entrepreneur who writes and co-hosts the hit podcast, Moms and Murder. Working alongside her witty friend, Melissa, she has helped produce the weekly true crime podcast for over 4 years, which has amassed over 30 million downloads. The Moms have successfully built an engaged audience of loyal listeners who tune in every Tuesday to hear them break down real crime stories in a palatable and easy-to-listen to manner. Mandy was born and raised in Central Florida where she currently lives with her family. She enjoys a fast-paced life and when she’s not working on new content she is sure to be off on a new adventure with her adorable pointer puppy, Lila.
Mandy’s personal interests and hobbies include traveling and competitive bodybuilding, but as a social butterfly with the gift of gab, interacting within the podcast community is where her heart is. Through her platform, Mandy has helped organize fundraising efforts and spent time cultivating real relationships both personally and professionally. Prior to podcasting, Mandy focused primarily on raising her young boys. She began her journey into the industry as a true amateur who has relied and thrived on the help and advice of others. She has also grown through the hands-on experience that comes with learning as you go.
Mandy is a nut butter connoisseur who often has up to 10 different types of peanut butter ranging from sweet to spicy flavors. Will work for a lifetime supply of gourmet peanut butter. At one time had a ton of chickens and never met a dog she didn't consider kidnapping.
Haley
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE | haleygrayresearch.com
Since 2016, Haley Gray has been a renowned true crime researcher and writer for over 20 podcasts, including Moms and Mysteries. Today, Haley specializes primarily in researching and writing about unsolved crime cases. In her contributions to true crime podcasts, and in her daily life, Haley prioritizes ethics, integrity, and helping others above all else.
Haley lives in Kansas with her partner, Ben, and their two dogs, Lucy and Radio.