The Matt Phifer Experience

Matthew Phifer

The Matt Phifer Experience makes emotional intelligence contagious. Every Monday and Friday, you can listen to new conversations with some of the most insightful people in this world straight from your computer or mobile device! With episodes available for streaming on-demand immediately after they air, there's never been an easier way to learn about what is emotional intelligence.

  • 3 minutes 6 seconds
    Did This DoorDasher Pepper a Food Order?

    This Door Dasher was arrested for spraying a customer's food with pepper spray. Meet Courtney. Courtney says that she sprayed pepper spray because she saw a spider and got freaked out. And of course, people had a lot to say about it in the comment section. reading the notes. Extra spicy her when she got banned from Door Dash, banned. She needs to be arrested, which obviously in hindsight she was. Learn more about their investigation. Leslie, well, Jamie Rob, we now know that driver was arrested earlier this morning by the McCracken County Sheriff's Office. Authorities identified her as Courtney Stevenson of Keville, Kentucky near Paduca. Mark Carden sent us this video earlier this week. As we've previously reported, Carden and his wife decided to order Door Dash on December 7th when they eventually realized something was wrong with their food. Video from Mark's doorbell camera caught the suspect, later identified as Courtney Stevenson, spraying the food bag with pepper spray after dropping it off. Cardan told officials after eating the food, they both began feeling sick. This is instance was rather disturbing. Obviously, uh it's not something you see every day a Door Dash driver or a food delivery driver deliberately tampering with somebody's food. Um obviously the word got out pretty quick with the victims posting the video online. It gained a lot of attention even regionally and nationally. Police spoke to Stevenson and say she claimed she was spraying a spider and explained that she is terrified of them. Vanderberg County Sheriff's officials say they don't buy it. I am not an arachnid expert, but I I do know having been a southern Indiana resident for my entire life that spiders don't crawl around in the winter time. And the low that night was somewhere around 35°. Any spider would be warm inside at shelter and would not be uh crawling around on somebody's doorstep. And of course, people had a lot to say about this, especially after we've had multiple Door Dash incidents. And you know that saying that's like you can't eat at everybody's house. I feel the exact same way about delivery services. You do not know what the inside of that person's car looks like. You do not know what happens to your food in between them leaving the restaurant and you having the food physically in your hands. I I'm I'm I'm telling you, Door Dash drivers can be the most entitled, insensitive people you will ever meet. Y'all going to get enough of ordering Door Dash. You going to have to start getting in your car and going to pick up your own food. As tired as we are and as much as we don't be feeling like doing it, you going to have to start picking up your own food cuz these Door Dash delivery people ain't right. So, on one end, we have people saying that they are done with Door Dash and that they would rather pick up the food themselves. And on the other, we have people saying that these are just one-off incidents and that they don't have a problem with Door Dash at all. But what do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.


    A DoorDash delivery took a disturbing turn when a driver was caught on camera spraying a customer’s food with pepper spray. The driver, later identified as Courtney Stevenson of Kevil, Kentucky, claimed she was trying to spray a spider—but investigators weren’t buying it.



    Video Credit:


    @izzyavh via TikTok


    @rhondatheinventor via TikTok


    @aa.laysiaa via TikTok

    17 December 2025, 2:16 pm
  • 5 minutes 48 seconds
    Democrats Delusional About Crockett's Senate Chances?

    Democrats Delusional About Crockett's Senate Chances?Jasmine Crockett has officially announced her run for U.S. Senate in Texas, and the reaction has been explosive. From Donald Trump’s personal attacks to mixed reactions from progressives, this race is already shaping up to be one of the most controversial political conversations of 2025.In this video, we break down: • Why Trump keeps attacking Jasmine Crockett and what it signals • Whether Crockett actually has a path to winning a Texas Senate race • The USA Today opinion claiming she has no shot in Texas • The debate around Black women in politics and why the standards are often higher • The Democratic primary matchup between Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico • How voters can use the primary process to pressure candidates before the general electionBut that’s not all.In the second half of this video, we shift to a viral social media debate that has the internet divided:A woman named Estella went viral after proposing to her boyfriend of 14 years—after he never proposed to her.We discuss: • Why this proposal sparked backlash, especially from women • The uncomfortable truth about modern dating dynamics • Whether love, time, and children are enough to justify breaking tradition • And the big question: Should women propose to men in 2025?This video explores politics, power, remember to vote, gender dynamics, relationships, and social expectations—all in one conversation.👇 Join the discussion • Can Jasmine Crockett win the Democratic primary? • Does she stand a real chance in a red state like Texas? • Is proposing to your partner empowering—or a warning sign?Let me know your thoughts in the comments.Video Credit:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8yddysA/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydRr9B/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydYjuv/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydR2gb/

    15 December 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 5 minutes 54 seconds
    Happily Married People Are Hiding Something—Here's Why

    Happily Married People Are Hiding Something—Here's WhyAre happily married couples gatekeeping relationship advice?Why does sharing healthy marriage dynamics online lead to being called a simp, pick-me, or controlled?In this video, we break down the growing conversation around relationship gatekeeping, sparked by viral clips and real-life experiences from happily married couples. From splitting household roles without gender expectations to protecting your marriage from negativity, this discussion explores why healthy relationships often stay quiet online—and whether that silence is a red flag or simply self-preservation.We talk about: • Why happily married people stop sharing relationship advice • Being labeled a “simp” for loving your spouse • Why what works in one marriage won’t work in another • How social media warps expectations about marriage • Gender roles vs. preference-based partnerships • When sharing your relationship becomes unhealthy • Is gatekeeping your marriage protection—or a warning sign?This conversation challenges traditional relationship narratives and asks an important question: Do people really want healthy relationship advice—or just validation?If you’re married, dating, single, or just tired of toxic relationship culture online, this video is for you.👇 Join the conversation in the comments👍 Like the video if it resonated🔔 Subscribe for more real, honest discussions on relationships, marriage, and modern cultureThe internet is buzzing with discussions about `relationships` and the `love advice` shared (or not shared) by happily married people. This video explores the idea that a `couple` might be "gatekeeping" their joy, with the speaker sharing personal experiences of being called a 'simp' for his devotion, affirming that `love is` personal `mental peace`. It's a candid look at prioritizing genuine connection over external judgment.

    15 December 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 4 minutes 37 seconds
    I Found Out My Husband Had a Secret Life

    I Found Out My Husband Has a Secret Life!📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferConnect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmgCaught in the act! This **tiktok** video shows a dramatic **confrontation** with **cheaters**, leading to an **exposed** secret. Navigating **relationships** can be tough, especially when facing **betrayal** and the complexities of modern **dating**.

    30 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 4 minutes 6 seconds
    Substitute Teacher Fired On Day One!

    Substitute Teacher Fired On Day One!

    📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferConnect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg😳 This substitute *teacher life* took a turn! Catch the *tiktok drama* as a teacher faces a *social media disaster* after *inappropriate behavior* in *high school*. Was it just a *scandal*, or something more? 👀

    29 October 2025, 7:11 pm
  • 8 minutes 18 seconds
    Palisades Fire Suspect Finally Caught!

    The Palisades Fire: The Uber Driver Who Burned a City — Jonathan Renderneck’s Shocking ArrestNine months after the devastating Palisades Fire, authorities have arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Renderneck, charging him with arson in connection to one of California’s most destructive wildfires in recent history.According to investigators, Renderneck allegedly started the smaller Lochman Fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day, which smoldered underground for a week before resurfacing and spreading into what became known as the Palisades Fire. Prosecutors claim the blaze was set intentionally and maliciously — and now, chilling new details are coming to light.Court documents reveal that Renderneck was driving for Uber that night, described by passengers as angry and agitated just before the fire started. Investigators also uncovered disturbing AI-generated images he allegedly created using ChatGPT — one depicting a burning forest and people fleeing in terror.In this video, I break down:The timeline of the Palisades fire and Renderneck’s alleged involvementThe psychological motives behind acts of mass destructionWhy some people find power in causing sufferingThe community’s reaction and the long road to rebuildingThis case raises deeper questions: Was this the act of a man seeking attention, revenge, or simply chaos? And how do we make sense of crimes that seem senseless?👇 Let’s talk about it in the comments.Do you think this was planned — or a moment of rage that spiraled out of control?🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth breakdowns of real-life true crime cases and psychological analysis.📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotivesPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg

    11 October 2025, 1:25 pm
  • 10 minutes 13 seconds
    Derek Groves Caught: Final New Orleans Escapee Found Hiding in Atlanta Crawl Space

    🚨 BREAKING: Derek Groves Captured in Atlanta | Last New Orleans Jail Escapee Found Hiding in Basement Crawl SpaceAfter a five-month nationwide manhunt, U.S. Marshals have captured Derek Groves, the final inmate from the New Orleans jail escape that shocked Louisiana earlier this year. Authorities tracked Groves to a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was discovered hiding in a crawl space beneath the floor after tear gas and K-9 units were deployed.In this video, I break down every detail of how the Atlanta SWAT team cornered New Orleans’ most wanted man — and the shocking details about his double escape history.You’ll also see how Crime Stoppers tips, federal agencies, and months of surveillance finally brought him down.🔎 In This Video:How U.S. Marshals and Atlanta SWAT located Derek GrovesWhy this is not his first prison escapeThe 5-month investigation that led from New Orleans to AtlantaThe shocking family reaction and what Groves’ mother revealedSpeculation on who helped him and why he chose AtlantaMy thoughts on how a man like this keeps escaping custody🧠 True Crime Analysis:Derek Groves is being called an “escape artist” — but what drove him to risk everything again? From disguises and cross-state travel to hiding in plain sight, this case reveals the mindset of a man who refuses to stay behind bars.I’ll also explore how law enforcement closed in, the psychological side of repeat offenders, and what’s next for Groves and anyone who may have helped him.Timestamp:00:00 – Welcome Back & Case Update0:16 – The Last Escapee Captured in Atlanta0:25 – What Today’s Video Covers0:28 – Like, Share & Subscribe (True Crime Community)0:53 – SWAT Surrounds Home in Atlanta1:06 – SWAT Finds New Orleans’ Most Wanted1:16 – Derek Groves Arrested in Basement Crawl Space1:21 – News Anchor Coverage: The 10 Escapees1:33 – How Crime Stoppers Helped Catch Groves1:38 – Reporter Details the Capture on Honeysuckle Street1:50 – SWAT Deploys Tear Gas and K-9 Units2:07 – Host Reaction: “This Guy Is Different”2:32 – How Groves Outsmarted Police2:55 – His Arrogance & Blowing Kisses at the Camera3:07 – Can He Escape Again?3:23 – Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Breakthrough3:39 – Task Force Formation & Investigation Details4:11 – U.S. Marshal Brian Far on Collaborative Effort4:36 – Questions About Groves’ Disguise and Activities4:49 – Reporter Wrap-Up & Transition4:51 – Reaction to Mother’s Interview5:19 – Mother’s Statement: “I’m Glad It’s Over”5:22 – Host Reaction: The Family’s Ordeal5:45 – Emotional Toll of a Fugitive Family6:05 – Remembering the Original 10 Escapees6:27 – Past Escapee Who Asked Trump for a Pardon6:53 – Investigation Not Over: Expect More Arrests7:06 – Did He Have Help Escaping?7:24 – Who Hid Him in Atlanta?7:49 – How Did He Survive for 5 Months?8:11 – Why Atlanta? Possible Motives & Connections8:26 – His Disguises: The Escape Artist Returns8:54 – Living Disguised as a Woman9:00 – Why Atlanta Was the Perfect Hideout9:32 – Possible Local Connections in Atlanta9:45 – Final Thoughts & Viewer Discussion9:50 – Comment, Like & Follow for More True Crime10:00 – Subscribe on YouTube & Substack10:09 – Closing Remarks & Sign-Off

    10 October 2025, 1:23 pm
  • 22 minutes 2 seconds
    The Truth About Kyren Lacy: Louisiana State Police Just Changed Everything

    The Truth About Kyren Lacy: Louisiana State Police Just Changed EverythingLouisiana State Police have finally released their official response video about the Kyren Lacy crash, and it changes everything. In this breakdown, I react to the full briefing from Colonel Robert Hodges and share how new evidence including 21 surveillance videos, witness statements, and body-cam footage completely reshapes the timeline of events that led to the tragic crash on LA-20 in Lafourche Parish.Was Kyren Lacy really responsible for the chain of events that caused the fatal accident? Or was he unaware of how his driving impacted others that day? After watching this Louisiana State Police update, my opinion has changed—and I’ll explain why.This video continues my coverage of the Kyren Lacy case, following my earlier reaction to attorney Matthew Ory’s original statement. If you missed that episode, you can find it linked in the description and in my podcast feed.Watch as we examine:The Louisiana State Police investigation and new video evidenceThe 911 calls, body-cam, and witness accountsWhy the “green Dodge Charger” is at the center of the caseHow the crash unfolded second by secondMy updated take on whether Kyren Lacy knew he caused the crashIf you follow true crime, real investigations, and current events, this is one you don’t want to miss.Watch this video: https://youtu.be/zAMOfpe5B_U🔔 Subscribe for more true crime breakdowns and investigative commentary.📰 Join my Substack for updates on true crime cases and exclusive analysis: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives🎧 Listen to my podcast for the full story: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmgTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: Louisiana State Police Responds to the Kyren Lacy Case00:37 – Setting the Scene: Revisiting the Original Kyren Lacy Video01:09 – Colonel Robert Hodges Introduces the Critical Incident Briefing02:01 – Timeline of the Fatal Crash on LA-20 in Lafourche Parish02:28 – The Green Dodge Charger and the Reckless Pass03:30 – Host Reaction: The 18-Wheeler Detail Changes Everything04:10 – The Crash and Aftermath: Charger Fails to Stop05:01 – Understanding the Gold Truck Driver’s Perspective06:21 – How a Football Field Isn’t as Long as You Think07:11 – Both Drivers Braked: What That Means for Responsibility07:55 – Troopers Arrive and Witnesses Describe a Green Charger09:00 – Witness Testimonies: What Drivers Saw That Day10:45 – Curve, Blind Spots, and the Chain Reaction Explained12:06 – Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Crash Sequence14:13 – Aftermath: Fatalities, Statements, and 21 Surveillance Videos15:10 – Why Multiple Angles Change Everything16:02 – Police Identify Kyren Lacy as the Driver of the Green Charger16:40 – Reaction Time and the Domino Effect of Reckless Driving18:20 – Did Kyren Lacy Know He Caused the Crash?19:52 – The Psychology of Young Drivers and Consequences20:43 – My Final Thoughts: Why I Now Believe Kyren Lacy Was Responsible21:17 – What’s Next: District Attorney Interview and Case Updates21:30 – Closing Thoughts, Substack Updates, and Viewer Call to Action

    8 October 2025, 6:48 pm
  • 9 minutes 44 seconds
    They Lied About Kyren Lacy: Bodycam Footage Proves He Was Innocent

    He was a standout LSU football star an NFL hopeful with a future worth millions. But just months before the draft, everything changed. Police accused him of causing a fatal car crash that killed 78-year-old Vietnam veteran Herman Hall and severely injured another driver, Briana. Overnight, Kyren went from celebrated athlete to public villain.But months later, after Kyren’s tragic death during a police pursuit in Houston, shocking new evidence surfaced evidence that may completely clear his name.In this video, we break down the full story:What really happened the day of the crash on December 17, 2024The charges that nearly destroyed Kyren’s futureThe media backlash and online harassment that followedThe heartbreaking events leading up to his death in April 2025And the bodycam footage and investigative files that reveal how law enforcement may have gotten it all wrong.From coerced witness statements to ignored evidence and unanswered questions, this is a story about more than just football it’s about accountability, media pressure, and a system that may have failed one of its own.Subscribe to my substack: https://substack.com/@criminalmotivesTimestamps00:00 – Intro: The Story Everyone’s Talking About00:45 – Who Was Kyren Lacy?01:38 – The Crash That Changed Everything02:41 – Meet the Victims: Herman Hall and Briana03:22 – Police Reports and the Blame on Kyren04:03 – The Media Storm and the Lawsuit04:56 – The Charges That Ruined His Future05:40 – The Breaking Point Before the Grand Jury06:31 – The Houston Tragedy07:18 – Matthew Ory’s Promise to Clear His Name07:56 – The Video Evidence That Changed Everything08:25 – Bodycam Footage and Witness Coercion08:58 – The Missing Passenger and Unanswered Questions09:14 – Louisiana State Police Double Down09:42 – Conclusion & Call to Action

    6 October 2025, 7:39 pm
  • 13 minutes 25 seconds
    Why Did Jimmy Kimmel Get Fired?

    Why did Jimmy Kimmel Get FiredThe fallout from the Charlie Kirk assassination has sparked ripple effects across media, politics, and entertainment and now, Jimmy Kimmel is at the center of it all.In this episode of the Criminal Motives Podcast, Matthew Phifer breaks down:Why ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitelyThe political pressure from Donald Trump and the FCCThe debate between free speech vs. incitement to violenceHistorical parallels to the McCarthy era and Red ScareThe slippery slope this creates for late-night TV, podcasts, and media freedomIs this an abuse of power or a justified consequence? Let’s dive into the controversy together.✅ Subscribe to my Substack for deeper dives and exclusive content: https://substack.com/@UCRjYgCSoB8eFCw-GnPChlgQ 🧠 BetterHelp Affiliate Link – Get professional therapy from the comfort of your home: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments—do you think Kimmel’s firing was free speech suppression or accountability?Credit:  @msnbc  00:00–01:17 Introduction: Ripple effects after Charlie Kirk assassination01:49–03:09 Breaking News: ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live03:20–04:40 Government vs. Private Company Role in Free Speech04:41–06:40 Trump’s Pressure & FCC Involvement06:41–09:31 Historical Parallels: McCarthy Era & Red Scare09:32–11:29 Slippery Slope: Fear of Government Retaliation11:30–13:24 Consequences for Media, Podcasts & Talk Shows + Closing Thoughts

    19 September 2025, 1:20 am
  • 12 minutes 37 seconds
    Why Was There a Body in David Anthony's Tesla?!

    Why Was There a Body in the Tesla?!A shocking discovery has rocked the music world and left a community searching for answers. 🚨Authorities found the dismembered body of 13-year-old missing teen Celestea Rivas in the frunk of a Tesla registered to R&B artist David (David Anthony Burke). The bizarre case has raised disturbing questions about David’s relationship with Celeste, eerie connections to his music videos and lyrics, and what really happened leading up to this tragedy.In this episode of the Criminal Motives Podcast, Matthew Phifer breaks down the timeline, the red flags in David’s music and behavior, the ongoing investigation, and why many believe it’s only a matter of time before David becomes a suspect.⚠️ This content covers sensitive and disturbing details, including violence involving a minor. Viewer discretion is advised.🔗 Stay Connected🧠 Talk to a licensed therapist online: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer📰 Get my written breakdowns and updates: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives📺 Watch more true crime cases here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Y8_j0njFdet3PtAIb0_SFTsRZPKRb1C🕵️ Case Details Covered in This Video:Who was Celestea Rivas and how she went missing in April 2024How her remains were discovered in David’s abandoned Tesla in HollywoodThe strange coincidences in David’s songs and videos (Romantic Homicide, Celeste)The tattoo clue that tied Celeste directly to DavidPublic outrage and family demands for justiceWhy David is “not a suspect” — yet🔔 Don’t Miss Future Episodes👍 Like this video if you found the breakdown informative.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on true crime, criminal psychology, and breaking cases.👉 Has this case shocked you as much as it has us? Share your thoughts in the comments below — do you think David will officially be named a suspect?Timestamps0:00–1:12 Introduction1:37–4:40 News Report Segment4:40–5:39 Sponsorship & Disclaimer5:41–12:13 Host Analysis & Speculation12:13–12:35 Conclusion

    19 September 2025, 1:16 am
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