ABOUT JENNIFER KAPANKA

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I’m Jennifer Kapanka, but you probably know me better as Jen; I’m one half of Two Crime Newsies!

I graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2008 (Tina and I joke about being old on the podcast.. and, I sure am, but that’s okay because I believe that everyday is a great day to learn something new!)

Since the country was in the middle of a major financial crisis at the time, I, like thousands of college grads, didn’t have many options. Thankfully, a former co-worker made some calls and asked if anyone knew of any jobs, and alas, I ended up getting hired at an ABC affiliated news station on a complete whim.

I started as the weekend morning show Producer and Assistant Assignments Editor. I went to work at midnight, worked through the night listening to the police scanners and putting together my rundown. Then, around sunrise, we went live on-air. During the week, I would work at the Assignments Desk – the literal heart of the newsroom. From fielding news tips, to sending reporters and photographers to scenes, and working on stories; the assignments desk taught me a lot about how news stations really operate.

After about two years of overnights, I started working as a “Primetime” 6pm Producer at an NBC affiliated tv station. These were some of the best “work years”, in large part, to the stories I was able to cover. I worked serial killer stories, countless shootings and stabbings, the H1N1 “Swine Flu” outbreak, political and election drama, severe weather – the stories were endless. There’s something so exciting about a huge story breaking twenty minutes before a live newscast and scrambling the rundown to support adding a live shot into the newscast. The adrenaline rush is real and any newsie knows what I’m talking about!

I have an absolute passion for writing. I love to evoke emotion through words. I want to make people feel something they wouldn’t otherwise feel. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to write the intros to our podcast episodes because I want to capture your attention in the first minute of the show. My goal is to hook you and to make you feel something that transports you to another place – to allow you to leave your worries behind and give you a place to mentally escape to.

Outside of the podcast, I love to spend time with my family and my dogs, travel and play in the sunshine. I’m also in the process of writing a novel (I said it before – writing is my passion and I can’t get enough of it).

Thanks again for stopping by and learning a little more about me!
-Jen

ABOUT TINA CASTLE

Tina is former journalist, media strategist, and co-host of Two Crime Newsies. She started her career as a TV news anchor, reporter, and producer chasing stories in front of the camera. A few years in, she made what some journalists jokingly call a move to “the dark side”: public relations.

As a Media & Marketing Manager, Tina spent nearly a decade facilitating media relations for one of the world’s largest venue and event management companies further sharpening her skills in messaging, crisis response, and storytelling from the other side of the mic.

When adventure called, Tina launched her freelance career to travel and work remotely as a writer and editor in 2018. She remains rooted in helping others craft content that informs, connects, and makes a meaningful difference.

Through it all, journalism remained in her DNA. Now, with Two Crime Newsies, Tina brings her newsroom and PR experience to the world of true crime. Alongside longtime friend and fellow journalist Jen, she breaks down true crime TV with clarity, enthusiasm, and a dose of wit. From courtroom drama to investigative twists, the podcast is a return to her storytelling roots with fewer deadlines and better company.

Tina has worn many hats in and out of the newsroom and brings her full perspective to every episode. Whether she’s analyzing a high-profile case, or lightening the mood with a laugh, Tina delivers true crime stories with insight, integrity, and heart.