The Phyllis Cottle Story

In this podcast, journalist Carol Costello revisits the first big assignment she covered as a 22-year-old, novice reporter: Phyllis Cottles’ brutal attack. Psychologists call them “Triumphant Survivors,” but Phyllis Cottle was more than a survivor, she used this crime to better herself and the world around her.

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Coming Soon! Blind Rage: The Story of Phyllis Cottle

In 1984, Phyllis Cottle was tortured, then left to die in a burning car, yet she survived. For one reason: “To fry the son-of-a-bitch.” Detectives called Phyllis a “living homicide victim” because she could not identify her rapist, but Phyllis was no victim. Throughout her hours-long ordeal she never panicked, opting instead to channel a sort of controlled rage to, as she put it, “catch the bastard.” As a reporter and former CNN anchor, I (Carol Costello) covered every kind of vicious crime imaginable. Most stories I was able to leave at work. But not this one. Phyllis gets under your skin. She was one badass woman. You must know her name.

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Update: The Unthinkable

Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage | S:1 E:16
Carol shares a shocking development in the case of Phyllis Cottle's brutal assault....
Listen to Update: The Unthinkable

Bonus: Survivors and the Media

Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage | S:1 E:15
Carol interviews her former colleague, award-winning producer Ronni Berke, about what it’s like to interview victims....
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Bonus: A Spiritual Awakening

Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage | S:1 E:14
In this bonus episode, Carol interviews attorney Larry Vuillemin, Phyllis’ good friend who shared a similar spiritual experience with her....
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Why Didn't You Scream?

Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage | S:1 E:13
Carol interviews Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh, whose life mission is to change the way we respond to survivors of sexual assault....
Listen to Why Didn't You Scream?