The Ballad of Dena & Andrea
“The Ballad of Dena & Andrea” is a podcast featuring original murder ballads and conversations in reaction to the story of Andrea Yates and Dena Schlosser, two women who murdered their children in the early 2000s.
Host Becky Poole was originally drawn to this story when she learned that Dena and Andrea ended up as roommates, briefly, in a North Texas mental institution. She soon discovered that their lives had been heading in the same tragic and preventable direction for years. Poole wrote an album in the style of Appalachian murder ballads and Americana to create empathetic myths about these mothers.
With this podcast, she invites artists, colleagues, and friends to have conversations in reaction to the story - covering topics like religion, mental health, women's health, misogyny, our failing justice and healthcare systems, motherhood, creating work about tragedy, and more. Each episode includes a bit of Dena and Andrea's story, an interview chat, and an original song. Not a classic true crime doc but myth-making by ballad with honest conversations. Please join us to discover what might come up for you.
The Ballad of Dena & Andrea
Lions & Kings - Episode 03
In this episode we get into a bit of the religious messaging that Dena was receiving as well as a glimpse into her home life. Song incorporates a bible verse that Dena fixated on before the killing. Guest: Writer, Tara Shoe. We talk about her experience with cervical cancer, growing up in an evangelical Christian environment, women’s health, the allure of church communities, changing minds abt motherhood, and speaking in tongues. We discuss health care, but we are NOT doctors. Please consult your doctors for any medical advice.
Pod takes twists in and out of light-hearted and serious. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster action!
CW: postpartum psychosis, depression, domestic abuse, suicide, infanticide, and religious zealotry.
Pod holds an inclusive definition of womanhood.
The Exvangelicals: Sarah McCammon
PSI Yates Children Memorial Fund Legal Justice Program
A bit about the Yates Children Memorial Fund
National Suicide Hotline: Or call 998
Hosted & created by Becky Poole
Songs written, sung, musical saw - Becky Poole
Song & Theme Instrumentation, Production & Mix - Abby Posner
Mastered - Dave Locke
Podcast Audio Editing & Mixing - Evan Mosher
Graphic Design - Stefan Lawrence
Photo - Logan Futej
Thank you for listening. For more about postpartum psychosis, go to Postpartum Support International. For the full album click here . Join the conversation on Instagram.
