Circumstance

Welcome to Circumstance, a podcast that explores the depths of the human experience. Host Gina Cafasso, formerly of the Two Fab Femmes Podcast, has branched out on her own. Join her on the journey through life's intricate stories. Together, we can uncover the power of circumstance and connect through shared understanding. 

In this episode, I chat with the talented Aaron Smith about what it was like for him to grow up with his father, esteemed political cartoonist and bestselling true crime author of Zodiac (and more), Robert Graysmith. We decipher how one of the most notorious serial killers, the Zodiac, became a backdrop to his childhood. 

Aaron Smith and I delve into the intriguing world of ciphers, letters, and phone calls. Our deep dive explores the impact of trauma—because, let's face it, most of us navigate life with some form of it. We discuss providing support to trauma victims, coping mechanisms, accepting the healing journey, and the conscious effort required to emerge stronger on the other side.And that's not all! We continue our riveting conversation about Robert Graysmith's account during his investigation of the Zodiac, the In-Nig-Matic Arthur Leigh Allen, the chilling case of the Trailside Killer, and more.

Join us as we explore how the unassuming orange Volkswagon rabbit played a pivotal role in retracing the chilling steps of the Zodiac Killer and a scary encounter with suspect Arthur Leigh Allen. From anonymous phone calls to the letter sent to journalist Paul Avery, we unravel the threads that led to the creation of Zodiac, the groundbreaking book that forever changed the true crime genre.

This is the final installment of my chat with the animator, artist, and publisher, Aaron Smith. He and his father have built a legacy full of intrigue, art, and, well...serial killers.