I really enjoyed “Beyond All Repair.” I was a bit frustrated in the beginning because I could feel details were missing, but I stayed for the ride and let the truth that I suspected all along reveal itself in the end. It’s just a shame that this woman lost her life. But I appreciated the reporters journey and the brothers journey. It took a lot of twists and turns. Life is complicated and this definitely was an example of that.

Naive super liberal journalist trying to do anything to make Sophie the only female in the is seasons story as the victim. It’s beyond obvious that Sophie is responsible for the murder of her mother in law and that she tried to set up her younger brother who had zero motive to kill his sisters mother in law. Immoral journalism willing to distort the truth in order to try and make something interesting that’s not. Immoral and unethical, pushing the far left narrative that women and other minorities are always the victim. Truly pathetic.

This is a well made podcast but omg is it incredibly one-sided. Jacob is right where he should be and he absolutely doesn’t deserve any sort of parole. If you want to point out the issues with parole and incarceration in this country maybe find a better example. Jake should never be free in public and his father is deliberately ignorant. Reading Season 2 reviews doesn’t look much better.

Great journalism and reporting on a difficult case. I arrived at the same conclusion.. Sophia is not trustworthy.. then or now. I believe she is manipulative and self serving. The Justice system served its purpose. People have to live with their choices. Thanks for the great listen!

If I can help one person escape having to listen through this tripe to the end in order to realize what a massive waste of time and ultimately extremely unpleasant journey it was, this review will have been worthwhile. This show is very professionally produced and those behind its production have plenty of talent — the only thing I can imagine is that after having spent a huge amount of time and money on it, they realized that the actual story was just a sordid mess and wouldn’t work as a podcast so they chose to present it differently - injecting uncertainty that wasn’t actually there and manipulating the listeners sympathies in their choices as to how the story is told — in the end they abet the sociopaths in doing more damage such that what results is a kind of low-grade horror that we as listeners feel somewhat implicated in in having even given this whole mess our time and attention. Listening to this will not make any aspect of your or anyone else’s life who deserves it better — it may have the opposite effect. BIG PASS.

This is a great story told by a great story teller- not a detective nor a pure investigative journalist. It flows well and leaves the listener yearning for the next episode. It’s clear that Amory had a difficult time staying unbiased with regard to the confessed murderer. (Still protecting her). I realize there must be an element of suspense and doubt to keep the story going, but as someone who has personally investigated dozens of homicides, the narrator comes off sounding naive and gullible. This story points out the harsh reality that what really happened, and what can be presented in a court of law, are two different things. Often detectives/investigators have knowledge that is not permitted to be introduced as evidence due to strictly legal protocol- not an interest to weigh ‘the whole truth’. - A Midwest Coroner

Season 1 is way too biased towards the perpetrator’s side. It makes the killer out to be the victim because the parole board system is not tilted in his favor. I wonder if he had molested a group of kids if the host would be so focused on how unfair it is he is behind bars.

Amory, if you’re going to be a “reporter/investigator” it’s very important to keep your personal feelings out of the story. You’re way to personally invested into a story that has absolutely nothing to do with you. Just simply report your findings and walk away. Stop all the over emotional 🧢!

Amory’s research and vulnerability to arrive at the truth is remarkable. Sophia is not a really likeable person-she’s had a hard life but Brad’s family was correct about her. Amory was so kind, patient, and professional with her, as well as the other family members. I look forward to another story. People are really complicated!

The host of this podcast did a beautiful job of telling an incredibly complicated story. She takes you on such journey, revealing more and more of a picture of this person Sofia with each episode. One of the best podcasts I’ve uncovered.

I just finished the second season and am looking forward to listening to season 1 next. Candid, insightful but factual, well researched, well told. Great voice, smooth and seemless to listen to.

I LOVED both season 1 and season 2. So compelling and such great reporting. Really appreciate the thoughtfulness.

So far this has been in my opinion one sided ! The one side is the murderers side! Haven’t heard one thing about the victims life up until he was stabbed & killed! I’m going to listen to the rest and write part 2

Great research & narration. So many people involved were included. Can’t say enough good things about season 2! I really liked season 1 as well but season 2 was the best in my opinion

Great cases and storytelling. Very captivating in all aspects.

Incredible journalism—my standards have lowered a bit since I’ve been devouring podcasts at such an aggressive clip but DANG wish they were all this well done! Truly excellent journalism and truly wild journey. Could not recommend more!!!! ALL THE STARS!!!!

We live 25 miles north of Vancouver and I don’t recall hearing about this. I am shocked they went after Sophia instead of Sean - plus the judge was prejudiced against her was enough for a new trial. Like Amory - I don’t think she was totally innocent - but what a confusing story. I enjoyed listening to this podcast. Thanks Jack

Important details left out till the last episode in order to build suspense.

Well well well done! No stone unturned. Such a fantastic piece of work. Truly a stunning conclusion.

It’s sad that the host that calls herself a journalist that didn’t even do a slight Google search into the Jehovah witness believes. I think that if you’re going to use that as a backstory to show something connecting to another thing, then it would make sense but she didn’t and it really didn’t add up unto how she just kept bringing it up, especially trying to blame forgetting your birthday(shane or w.e) because “they don’t cElEbRAtE bDaY’s” seems very weird… It’s definitely a reach… other than that, the podcast is very well Narrated & written, the transitions are clean. It’s definitely addicting. I just wish that there was more transparency that there is a religious bias from the host. So two stars taken: (basically I would have done a 2.5) 1. Misinformation that can lead to bigotry/hatred 2. Religious Bias 3. Lazy journalism

This is making my blood pressure go up!! Obviously Sean did it!! When I hear stories like this I realize our justice system is wack!!! Sophia husband can vouch for her being with him and that girlfriend of Sean where is she!!! I haven’t finished the series but lord I’m going to have to double up on meds.

Both seasons of this show are terrific. Season 1 will haunt me for a long time. The injustice is just maddening! Jacob Wideman deserves his freedom and I will follow this case until he is released. Season 2 is so full of twists and turns, it was just an incredible story to follow. Thanks for great, fair, detailed journalism.

Great job, had me sitting In my car at home listening. Thank you for reporting this story

I listened to beyond all repair and was very impressed by Amory and the production team. Very interesting case , and tough subject matter. I now just completed my binge of Season 1 , Violation .. which is another very interesting case from a point of view we don’t typically hear from in true crime. Beth Schwartzapfel did an Incredible job handling a very sensitive subject . I look forward to more WBUR podcasts and specifically any podcast with these two particular hosts in the future. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

This podcast has so many twists and turns! I have no idea how Amory was able to put together such a complicated story and share it in a way that made it so easy to follow. Sophia is probably the best liar (not a compliment) I have ever heard. I don’t know if she even knows what is true because she has lied for so long. Shawn is conniving and selfish. And I hope the authorities bring charges against him. Shane is incredibly endearing and I worry about him continuing a relationship with Sophia. I just wanted to hug him. He’s obviously incredibly intelligent and kind. I would highly recommend this podcast! Thank you Amory and your whole team for sharing this fascinating story.

Absolutely amazing podcast!

This is one of the best podcasts that I’ve listened to, and told in such a way that was as organized as it could possibly be. The twists and turns in the story are so confusing though. I’ve listened to the entire thing plus the Q&A at the end. I still do not know what Sofia actual claim as to the chain of events that happened that day? She has told so many lies and changed her story so much that It became impossible to follow at the end for me. It was a thoroughly entertaining podcast though and well told

Amory is very good. We need another compelling story, thanks!

This is an excellent podcast and Amory Siverston is outstanding. She’s a fine orator- natural, never sounds scripted. She tells a story masterfully and inserts the perfect dose of heart and feeling. I hope she moves on from Endless Thread and does more long format narrative podcasts like this one. 10/10

I was hooked, what a great job Amery!

This podcast is excellent. The story is framed in such a compelling way that you just want to keep listening to find out what happens. Amory’s style of storytelling and her voice are captivating.

Best I’ve listened to in a while. THIS WAS SO GOOD!

Ten episodes that felt like forever. Kept listening because I was hoping against hope there’d be some satisfaction for having made it thru. Plus the production quality is good (so few podcasts do this well). Ultimately I can’t believe WBUR threw so much time and resources at this. I understand the reporter spent years on the story but sometimes you gotta know when to let one go because at the end of the day I’m not sure what good could come out of airing this one. Dragging everyone thru it again by releasing this series feels more exploitative than some profound commitment to the truth that somehow enlightens the masses about… what?

I was hooked. Thank you.

Came for the story, stayed for the intro music! On a real note, Amory did a great job staying neutral. It also helps that she was patient as there are a lot of lies. There is so much trauma and brokenness in this family that I fear we’ll never know what happened.

I absolutely loved this podcast. This is the first podcast I have officially followed. Amory Sivertson done an amazing job that just kept me wanting more !!! Thank you & look so forward to the next podcast. Sincerely, Juanita

Amory is the epitome of professional journalism…she tells a story in such a way that I cannot get enough (similar to Dateline’s Andrea Canning). Keep up the great work- cannot wait until season 3!

I Just heard the latest episode,I don’t understand why this was not made public. I feel very confused with Amory having this information why Amory would’ve done what She did? Sounds to me like this was some sort of attempt to raise funds for Wbur? Now I feel bad with the anger I had for Sofia. Maybe she didn’t know anything. This absolutely feels icky. I’m very disappointed. While, this was well produced, It was an extreme emotional ride for us listeners. With no real substance. I’m giving this podcast one star because there’s not a zero option. This was jerking people around emotionally. Nicholas

Ann Marie captures your attention every moment of this podcast. She is unbiased and truly hears all sides of the story. I greatly enjoyed listening to this podcast and kept coming back for more!

If you’re looking for a complete series to binge, look no further. Bother seasons are exceptional and reasonably timed, with the perfect combination of narration and interviewing. Fingers crossed for more to come.

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to in a long time. Feels very reminiscent of Sarah Koenig style journalism circa Serial. So so well done. Great writing, likable host, great narration. I was hooked immediately and couldn’t stop listening. Can’t wait to hear more from Amory.

This podcast was very well done from all aspects: production, storytelling, investigation, etc. Hope the host puts together some new ones in the future!

Sophia is guilty. Also, she’s using poor Shane and her son subject to get a way to finally stay in the country. Thank you for such a good job: content, narration, voice, music, sound and overall, your unbiased analysis.

Long, drawn out woke narrative about the justice system. In short, he killed his roommate. He confessed. Was sentenced to 25 years. Gets out on probation after 25 years. Violates probation within 9 months. Sent back to prison. The end. Just saved you hours of a story out of nothing. You’re welcome.

Fabulous podcast. The music, production, script, interviews … everything is exceptional. I’ve listened twice because I can’t get enough of this story (season 2). Hoping for a season 3!

To solve this you need the combined minds of the tinder swindler, theranos lady, that fyre festival guy and Elon Musk, possibly David Blaine. Or Amory in consultation with Ye (AmorYe???)

This was a good listen but I felt like I had so many questions after. What happened to Brad? Does he think Sophia killed his mother? Was the relationship with Marlene as close as Sophia said it was? Why would she go to Marlene house if she was expecting her for lunch? I would like to hear more about the relationship with Marlene from her friends and sisters. I thought she must be innocent in the beginning but it became clear Sophia is a liar.

I bet the people who gave this one star was the people on the parole and probation board lol. This is an amazing podcast and things like this happen all too often. Thank you for bringing awareness to the injustice!

Her brother had no reason to kill his sisters mother-in-law. Sophia has completely incriminated herself with semantics. She did it, I’d bet my life on it.

My favourite podcast so far this year. Reporting on the same level as Season 1 of Serial and a story just as good if not better.