EastIdahoNews.com journalist Nate Eaton is revisiting years of reporting on the Daybell case through a new podcast that explores the people, beliefs and deception behind the story.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio’s Brandon Isle, Eaton discussed “Deceived: The Daybell Story” podcast, a collaboration with KSL that has been about five years in the making. The series combines reporting with personal recordings, case materials and interviews with people who had not previously shared their experiences publicly.
Eaton said podcast and documentary companies began approaching him in 2020. He initially declined, wanting time to report the developing story and create something that went beyond its most sensational details. When KSL approached him, he agreed with conditions.
“We really do it right, and we focus on the victims and their lives, and we focus on the family members who are left behind,” Eaton said.
The podcast traces a case that began with the disappearance of Lori Vallow Daybell’s children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. Their bodies were ultimately found buried in Chad Daybell’s backyard near Rexburg. Chad and Lori were ultimately convicted separately of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, which included the deaths of Lori’s children and the death of Chad’s first wife, Tammy. Chad is now on death row, and Lori is in the women’s prison in Bannock County serving multiple life sentences.
The podcast also examines how people who appeared friendly and ordinary embraced extreme beliefs.
“This is a story of how someone can go from mainstream to extreme,” Eaton said.
For Eaton, telling that story also meant sharing more of his own experience. Producers encouraged him to discuss his thoughts and emotions, offering listeners a perspective he generally keeps separate from daily news coverage.
One significant moment was his trip to Hawaii, where he questioned Chad and Lori about the missing children. Eaton recalled struggling for hours to upload the video because of poor internet connection.
“We finally uploaded it. Went to bed, and the next morning, every national news network had called. Every TV station wanted to talk to us, and the story was suddenly back in the headlines,” Eaton said.
The series also turns attention toward those whose grief received less public attention. Eaton described an interview with Tylee’s best friend, who shared memories of their friendship and the experience of losing contact with her before learning what had happened.
Although Eaton hosts the podcast, he emphasized the contributions of his newsroom colleagues and KSL’s production team. Listening sessions led to extensive revisions, including three versions of the opening episode.
Eaton hopes the podcast encourages listeners to consider how deception develops and recognize warning signs, including isolation from family and friends or the introduction of troubling beliefs.
“Deceived: The Daybell Story” podcast is available through major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify and on their website, with new episodes released Thursdays. At the time of the interview, two episodes were available, with 12 episodes planned. Listeners can also join the Deceived Insider Club for early, ad-free access and 12 planned bonus episodes.