Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Fretwell-Arreola.
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started subscribing and listening to true crime podcasts while training for my second full Ironman triathlon. I needed something to keep my sanity while I was out on 100-mile training rides. After months of binging every true-crime podcast out there, I thought about starting my own podcast. I wanted to create a show that was unique to the genre. A show that filled the gaps I listened for in other shows. I also knew I wanted to incorporate my professional and educational experience into the show. I worked for the Orange County Superior Court for years and graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology.
But, like many people, I had no idea where to start. What type of microphone do you need to record? Is that expensive? How do you record and edit an episode? Again, how much will the software cost?
Finally, after several months of telling my fiancé, Tony (and now husband!), that I wanted to start a podcast, he pushed me to take the leap. For a Christmas present, he purchased me an online course on creating a podcast from start to finish. A course that would answer all the questions that bothered me and prevented me from starting the show for months. The course was Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting course. Once Tony presented me with the course, I knew I was committed to launching my podcast. There was no going back now!
Forensic Tales launched in January 2020; It’s a weekly true-crime show covering real stories with a twist of forensic science. Some cases have been solved with forensic science. While others have turned cold and are waiting to be solved with forensics.
Since launching, I’ve released over 90 episodes. Since starting my company and podcast, I quit my cushy and secure job at the court. I decided to leave and pursue my dreams and passions through podcasting. I’m now a full-time podcaster and entrepreneur. And I couldn’t be happier with my decision to take that leap of faith.
Forensic Tales has listeners from all over the world and is downloaded thousands of times per day. It’s a dream come true!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would be lying if I said it was a smooth road! The biggest obstacle happened before I even launched Forensic Tales. I had so much fear about starting my own podcast and putting my voice out there. What if people didn’t like it? What if I got bad reviews? I had so much fear and anxiety about putting my voice out there before releasing a single episode!
Once I got over the fear of starting the show, a second obstacle presented itself. How do I make money podcasting? I knew I wanted to quit my full-time job and work for myself, but I had no idea how to monetize. I didn’t know anything about how to land sponsorships or make money podcasting. To overcome this obstacle, I educated myself on best practices and strategies to monetize. Once I educated myself, I partnered with Podcorn and Buzzsprout to become monetizing my show.
As my company continues to grow, I’m constantly faced with challenges and obstacles. Sometimes these challenges are getting bad or negative reviews. But I need to continue to learn from my mistakes and learn ways to overcome each challenge that presents itself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the writer, producer, and host of the weekly true-crime podcast Forensic Tales. I worked for the Orange County Superior Court for years and I have a master’s degree from Arizona State University in Forensic Psychology. I’ve conducted research on violent crimes and mass shooting incidents. I studied abroad in Leicester, England at the University of Leicester where I gained experience working in a crime lab.
My professional and education experience brings a unique perspective to a true-crime podcast. Each episode, I present in-depth research of a case and explain how forensic science was used. Combined, these aspects set Forensic Tales apart from other true-crime podcasts.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Mission Viejo, California. I have an older brother, Ryan who I’m really close with. As a kid, I enjoyed playing competitive soccer. I played for Orange County’s All-Star team. When I got to high school, I stopped playing soccer and competed on the school’s color guard team. I was drawn to color guard because it incorporated so many skills. From dance to music to athleticism. I loved it so much I participated in color guard all four years of high school and after graduation became a couch for several years.
I also found my obsession with true crime at an early age. I was probably way too young when I first started watching every episode of Dateline, 48-Hours, and Forensic Files. That’s what probably drove me to a career in criminal justice and forensic science!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.forensictales.com
- Instagram: @courtneycj, @forensictales
