DeepSummary
The episode discusses the 2017 disappearance of Kim Wall, a Swedish journalist who went missing after boarding a privately built submarine in Copenhagen to interview its inventor, Peter Madsen. Wall's dismembered body was discovered in the waters around Copenhagen a week later. Madsen initially claimed he dropped Wall off safely, but later changed his story multiple times, eventually admitting to killing her but not explaining how or why.
Madsen had built the submarine, called the Nautilus, as part of his ambition to launch himself into space as an amateur astronaut. He had founded a rocket company but was facing increasing failure and lack of funding. Evidence showed Madsen had premeditated the murder of Wall, likely acting out violent sexual fantasies based on disturbing videos found on his computer.
The case horrified people around the world, both because of the gruesome nature of the crime and the fact that Wall was simply doing her job as a journalist when she encountered Madsen. Her family and friends lamented that women like her, dedicated to giving a voice to the voiceless, were not safe doing their work. Madsen, who escaped briefly from prison in 2020, was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Kim Wall was a talented, ambitious young journalist who was brutally murdered by Peter Madsen after boarding his homemade submarine for an interview.
- Madsen initially lied about Wall's whereabouts but eventually confessed to premeditated murder, likely motivated by violent sexual fantasies.
- Evidence on Madsen's computer showed he was obsessed with graphic videos depicting violence against women.
- The case horrified people globally and highlighted the risks female journalists face simply trying to do their jobs.
- Wall's family and friends lamented that a voice dedicated to giving a platform to the voiceless had been brutally silenced.
- Madsen's narcissism and fragile ego appeared to be a factor, as he felt overshadowed when his amateur rocket company failed.
- Madsen briefly escaped from prison in 2020, further unsettling the public over his disturbing lack of remorse.
- The gruesome case underscored the need for better protections for female journalists working in high-risk environments.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Kim has worked in many dangerous places as her work as a journalist, and there have been many times we were worried about her. That something could have happened in Copenhagen. Just a stone's throw away from her childhood home is something we could have never imagined.“ by Kim Wall's parents
- “She's one of the students we're gonna brag about. We're gonna be like, I helped make that.“ by Kim Wall's professor
- “You're looking for an explanation. Why did this happen? Peter said that he was so frustrated at his rockets not succeeding, he felt like he was no longer the sole center of attention, and it started to really mess with him.“ by Narrator describing Peter Madsen
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Episode Information
Rotten Mango
Stephanie Soo & Ramble
6/28/23