Ep. 25 Life and Death on Forensics Found: How One Family Manages Life Surrounded by Death

Dec 7

We're bringing you a compelling conversation with Sandy Pope, a professor of education, as he offers a glimpse into his unique love story with a forensic anthropologist and death scene investigator who is none other than your host, Katharine Pope! Imagine meeting your soulmate in college, only to navigate a life that is entwined with a profession that studies human remains and encounters death on a daily basis. Quite the contrast to Sandy's role as an educator.

They dive into discussions around issues of oversight and mismanagement that plague both their fields, and the repercussions these have on their personal lives. Tight schedules, and demanding jobs, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection. They talk about the importance of training and professional development. And discuss the struggles of balancing calendars and the adversities of having unconventional jobs.

But the discussion doesn't stop there. They unravel the dangers and emotional toll of working as a death scene investigator and the cruelly overlooked aspects of this profession. They talk about the need for recognition, the high rates of burnout, and the glaring lack of support and safety measures.

Join us in this final installment of the Forensics Found Podcast as we celebrate the professional achievements of this extraordinary couple, and share in the discussions of the day-to-day struggles of their unique professions.

About Sandy Pope

Born in Austin, Sandy peaked as the number 53 ranked tennis player in the state of Texas but now prefers watching his son play flag football and his daughter act on stage. He's spent enough time traveling that birds on four different continents have pooped on him. Sandy is an associate professor of education at Salisbury University, teaching courses on social studies methods and spending time in local schools. He is also Director of the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, leading a range of programs that help bridge the imaginary gaps between campus and community. An Us@250 Fellow with New America, Sandy has won the Outstanding Professional at a Social Studies Organization from the Maryland Council for Social Studies, Barbara Burch Award for Faculty Leadership in Civic Engagement from AASC&U, and Distinguished Faculty Award from Salisbury University. His first book, Becoming a Holocaust Educator: Purposeful Pedagogy through Inquiry, is available from TC Press.

Topics Covered

Relationships and Abnormal Professions

Challenges With Oversight and Schedules

Challenges of Death Investigators, Support Needed

Challenges and Misconceptions of Death Investigators

Proud Moments and Professional Achievements

Mentioned in This Episode

"Per the National Center for Education Statistics, across the nation 17% of teachers exit the profession within the first 5 years."

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