In a compelling blend of personal experience and storytelling, Andrea Gunning’s journey from childhood witness to host of a podcast-turned-docuseries has captivated audiences and opened discussions around betrayal and personal trauma. Originally launched in 2022 with the podcast ‘Betrayal,’ Gunning has evolved the project into a docuseries titled ‘Betrayal: Secrets & Lies,’ which premiered on ABC in March and is now accessible via streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu.
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Reflecting on her past, Gunning recalls her family’s intense engagement with the O.J. Simpson murder trial during her childhood. At just eight years old, she and her family were transfixed by the courtroom drama. Gunning’s mother, dealing with the death of her own brother, found solace in watching the trial, particularly the emotional journey of Ron Goldman’s sister, Kim. This formative experience ignited Gunning’s passion for storytelling and ultimately shaped her approach to true crime narratives.
“Working with Kim Goldman as she began the audio division of Glass Entertainment Group propelled me into this world,” Gunning says. She recognized that the narratives surrounding the Simpson trial were frequently filtered through O.J.’s perspective, a viewpoint she feels overshadows the victims’ experiences. This realisation cemented her commitment to amplify the voices of those who endure the consequences of others’ actions.
In 2019, Gunning made her foray into true crime audio with the podcast series ‘Confronting: O.J. Simpson.’ It was during this venture that she met Jennifer Faison, leading to the creation of the ‘Betrayal’ podcast. The inaugural episode featured Faison recounting the shocking revelation that her husband, a celebrated teacher, had exploited his position to manipulate a student and had engaged in infidelity. Gunning found a deep personal connection to Faison’s story, drawing parallels to her past experiences of betrayal.
“There was an emotional connection that resonated deeply with me,” Gunning explains. She sees this connection as crucial in her storytelling, providing a sense of humanity that she aims to uphold in her projects. The relaying of such intimate tales has a profound impact on Gunning and drives her ambition for ‘Betrayal.’
Following the podcast’s success, the ‘Betrayal’ franchise expanded into a docuseries that has streamed three seasons between 2023 and 2025. The show’s new series, ‘Betrayal: Secrets & Lies,’ not only aims to tell powerful narratives but also began partnering with RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States. RAINN’s involvement underscores a commitment to responsible storytelling that prioritises survivor experiences.
Each episode delves into harrowing tales of betrayal, such as the recent episode titled “The Bible Study Kidnapper,” which recounts the chilling story of Chad Schipper, an Illinois man who kidnapped a couple from his church. Donielle Showvay, Schipper’s ex-wife, shared her heart-wrenching experience of discovering her husband’s hidden life, complete with financial deceit and betrayal after two decades of marriage and six children.
Gunning acknowledges the overwhelming sense of shame that often accompanies stories of betrayal and deception. “Many of our storytellers grapple with the stigma attached to trust being broken,” she says. “All they did was place their trust in someone they loved.” Her hope is that by sharing these stories, listeners can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their experiences.
The collaboration with RAINN adds an essential layer to the docuseries, as Jennifer Simmons Kaleba, RAINN’s Vice President of Communications, highlighted the significance of honouring the bravery of those who share their narratives. She emphasised that ‘Betrayal’ is setting a new industry standard where storytelling can serve as a vehicle for healing.
New episodes of ‘Betrayal: Secrets & Lies’ air weekly on Sundays at 10 p.m. on ABC, with the following day’s episode made available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. As Gunning continues to explore the nuanced layers of betrayal, her vision remains steadfast—to create a platform where the raw and real stories of survivors resonate with those who need them most.