THE GOAL
The Times’ podcast series Dirty John investigates and exposes the manipulative and dangerous behaviors of John Meehan, a con artist who infiltrated the life of Debra Newell, a successful Southern California interior designer and single mother.
HOW?
Reported and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Christopher Goffard, the six-part series is based on extensive interviews with Debra Newell, her family members and others connected to the case. Goffard also reviewed thousands of pages of court documents, police reports, and other records to construct a comprehensive account of events.
RESULTS
The podcast was produced in partnership with Wondery and released in October 2017. It quickly gained popularity, premiering at No. 1 on Apple Podcasts and amassing over 10 million downloads within six weeks.
The series not only brought attention to the specific case of John Meehan but also contributed to broader conversations about relationship safety and the importance of recognizing red flags in interpersonal dynamics.
Dirty John captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and in-depth reporting, leading to widespread acclaim and discussions about the dangers of coercive control and emotional abuse. The podcast’s success spurred a television adaptation by Bravo, in collaboration with LA Times Studios, starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana.
