Something Was Wrong

S25 Ep10: Connected Some Dots

February 25, 2026

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  • The lawsuit filed by multiple students against the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) regarding allegations against Professor Cato Buss was ultimately dismissed due to a Supreme Court ruling that barred emotional distress damages under Title IX, leaving the plaintiffs feeling powerless and unnotified. 
  • The survivors, including Miranda and Olivia, found significant emotional support and catharsis in connecting their individual experiences, realizing the systemic nature of the failures at UCO, even though the legal process was humiliating and isolating. 
  • Despite the lawsuit's failure to secure legal resolution, the public attention generated by the case led to some positive cultural impact, such as protests and the removal of the professor from some in-person teaching roles, though he remains employed by the university. 

Segments

Subscription Management Ad Read
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Rocket Money manages subscriptions, alerts users to price increases, and allows in-app cancellation, saving members an average of $378 annually.
  • Summary: Subscription costs have significantly increased over five years, prompting the recommendation of Rocket Money for management. The app lists all subscriptions, sends payment reminders, and alerts users when prices rise. Users can cancel unwanted services directly through the app, and Rocket Money attempts to secure refunds for lost money.
Scarpetta Trailer Ad Read
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(00:01:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The crime thriller series ‘Scarpetta,’ based on Patricia Cornwell novels and starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, premieres on Prime Video on March 11th.
  • Summary: A new crime thriller titled ‘Scarpetta’ is advertised, featuring an ensemble cast including Academy Award winners. The series is described as both a crime thriller and a messy family drama. All episodes will be available to watch starting March 11th exclusively on Prime Video.
Content Warning and Disclaimers
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(00:01:30)
  • Key Takeaway: The podcast addresses mature themes including sexual, physical, and psychological violence, advising careful consumption and directing listeners to episode notes for full warnings and resources.
  • Summary: Something Was Wrong is intended for mature audiences due to upsetting topics discussed in the episodes. Listeners are advised to proceed with care, as the season covers sexual, physical, and psychological violence. Full content warnings, sources, and resources are available in the episode notes.
Previous Episode Recap Setup
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(00:02:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The production team reached out to Professor Cato Buss and the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) for comment prior to the episode’s release but received no response.
  • Summary: The podcast notes that they attempted to contact Professor Cato Buss and UCO for comment regarding allegations discussed in the episode. As of the release, no response had been received from either party. The segment then transitions into a recap of previous events.
Recap: Filing Title IX and Lawsuit Initiation
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(00:02:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Following an initial Title IX complaint that yielded no change, survivors, including Olivia and Miranda, decided to file a lawsuit against UCO with the help of an attorney, Sheila.
  • Summary: After graduating, one survivor decided to file a Title IX complaint, which was later followed by a lawsuit after the initial report was dismissed. The lawsuit included seven plaintiffs—survivors and a professor advocate—who experienced harassment or retaliation from Cato. The professor initiated the lawsuit idea after Title IX failed and she faced professional repercussions.
Recap: Media Fallout and Public Reaction
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(00:05:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The filing of the lawsuit led to immediate media coverage where survivors’ names were not redacted, causing significant personal distress, particularly for Miranda, who felt mortified by the public exposure of her trauma.
  • Summary: Once the lawsuit was filed, it gained widespread media attention, leading to public sharing where some articles failed to redact names. This publicization was deeply traumatic for the survivors, especially Miranda, who felt heartbroken watching her intimate trauma publicized. While students protested and demanded action, the survivors felt isolated, noting that many who cared publicly never offered support when they noticed inappropriate behavior previously.
Rihanna’s Perspective on Lawsuit and Support
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(00:07:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Rihanna agreed to join the lawsuit after the initial Title IX findings failed, noting strong support from UCO students who protested for Cato’s removal, contrasting with the terror of having trauma documented publicly.
  • Summary: Rihanna joined the lawsuit because she felt UCO’s Title IX department failed to protect the students involved. The process involved writing detailed statements and Zoom meetings with lawyers during COVID, followed by UCO attempting to dismiss the case. While students at UCO offered significant support and protested, social media response was terrifying due to the vulnerability of having trauma in a public document.
30 for 30 Podcast Ad Read
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(00:08:17)
  • Key Takeaway: The ESPN 30 for 30 podcast ‘Murder at the You’ investigates the unresolved 2006 execution of University of Miami football star Brian Pata, leading to a former teammate’s trial.
  • Summary: The advertisement promotes the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast ‘Murder at the You,’ detailing the unsolved murder of 22-year-old football player Brian Pata. The case was cold for nearly a decade, defined by rumors until an ESPN investigation uncovered new details. The story covers loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice, culminating in a former teammate standing trial.
Staples Print Ad Read
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(00:11:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Staples is offering up to $125 off custom print orders, which can be used for business needs like menus and signage.
  • Summary: The advertisement features a business owner who used Staples for printing menus and signage for a new restaurant. Staples offers custom printing services, including suggestions for takeout menus. Currently, customers can receive up to $125 off custom print orders by visiting staples.com/slash print.
Rocket Money Holiday Finance Ad Read
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(00:12:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Rocket Money helps users manage finances by consolidating income and expenses, tracking budgets, and finding savings by canceling unused subscriptions and negotiating lower bills, potentially saving users up to $740 annually.
  • Summary: The holiday season often leads to overspending, making financial management crucial for starting the new year right. Rocket Money pulls all financial data into one place to provide a clear picture of spending and upcoming charges. The app alerts users before bills hit and actively seeks savings by canceling subscriptions and negotiating lower bills.
Yostin Campbell HVAC/Plumbing Ad Read
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(00:13:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Yostin Campbell, an 85-year-old company, now offers plumbing services alongside heating and cooling, with high-efficiency HVAC systems starting at $149 a month.
  • Summary: Yostin Campbell has expanded its services to include plumbing, handling everything from water heaters to kitchen solutions. They offer upgrades to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems starting at $149 per month, which includes repairs, maintenance, and filters. Customers can contact them at 800-640-9678 or YostinCampbell.com.
New York Window Nation Ad Read
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(00:13:31)
  • Key Takeaway: New York Window Nation is offering 60% off their energy-efficient windows with no money down, no monthly payments, and no interest for two years in their grand opening sale.
  • Summary: New York Window Nation services the five boroughs, Long Island, North Jersey, Hudson Valley, and Westchester for homeowners needing energy-efficient windows. They are currently running a 60% off grand opening sale. This promotion includes the benefit of no money down, no monthly payments, and no interest for two years.
Morgan’s Involvement and Initial Lawsuit Feelings
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(00:14:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Morgan joined the lawsuit after being contacted by Rihanna and learning UCO had previously dismissed Miranda and Olivia’s report, feeling she had nothing to lose after already being exiled from the community.
  • Summary: Morgan was contacted by Rihanna in mid-2021 regarding a potential Title IX case against Cato after learning UCO had dismissed prior reports. She agreed to join as a plaintiff because she felt she had already shared her story with no consequence and was exiled from the community. The process of filing the lawsuit was relatively easy, but she felt nervous about the media drop due to her career as an educator.
Morgan’s Reaction to Media and Institutional Failure
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(00:17:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Morgan initially hoped the lawsuit would bring justice and hold someone responsible, but realizing the suit targeted UCO, not just Cato, made her understand the depth of institutional failure, which was confirmed when the university did not fire him.
  • Summary: Morgan was nervous about the media release but felt the lawsuit was a chance to validate her prior claims. She expected justice and accountability, knowing the suit targeted the institution rather than just Cato. When UCO failed to fire Cato after the lawsuit dropped, she realized many people within the university had let them down.
Miranda’s Update on Lawsuit Status
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(00:18:53)
  • Key Takeaway: The lawsuit stalled after UCO filed a motion to dismiss, which was compounded by a May 2022 Supreme Court ruling eliminating emotional distress damages under Title IX, severely impacting the claims.
  • Summary: UCO quickly filed a motion to dismiss in 2021, which the plaintiffs countered, but the case entered a holding pattern pending the motion’s resolution. The Supreme Court ruled that emotional distress damages are unavailable under Title IX, treating the statutes like a contract breach, which was a radical departure from prior case law. The legal team began evaluating strategies to amend the complaint, but the case entered limbo.
Lawsuit Dismissal Without Notification
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(00:22:25)
  • Key Takeaway: The plaintiffs discovered through an external article that their lawsuit against UCO was jointly dismissed in February, despite the lawyer failing to notify them after the Supreme Court ruling.
  • Summary: Morgan found an article stating the case was jointly dismissed by plaintiffs and the university in February, a fact the plaintiffs were never directly informed of by their attorney. This lack of notification was frustrating, though the survivors felt the case was unlikely to proceed without the possibility of emotional damages. Cato still teaches online classes, but the lawsuit attention did remove him from some power.
Chime Banking Ad Read
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(00:23:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Chime offers fee-free banking, including no overdraft or monthly fees, and their new Chime card allows users to build credit history using their own money while earning up to 1.5% cash back.
  • Summary: Chime promotes itself as smarter, fee-free banking designed for everyday people, contrasting with traditional banks that charge fees. The Chime card offers a unique combination of safer credit building and cash back on purchases, with no annual fees or interest. Listeners can sign up at chime.com/slash sww to potentially earn an extra $350.
Rocket Money Savings Challenge Ad Read
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(00:25:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The 60-second savings challenge involves using Rocket Money to identify and cancel unused subscriptions, create financial goals, and potentially lower internet/phone bills for significant annual savings.
  • Summary: The challenge encourages users to download Rocket Money, link accounts to see all subscriptions, and cancel unused ones for immediate monthly savings. Users can set financial goals, allowing the app to automatically move small, affordable amounts of cash toward savings. Premium features can save members up to $740 per year.
Valspar Paint Ad Read
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(00:28:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Valspar offers durable, high-coverage paint for professionals, and currently, custom labels featuring logos and URLs are 30% off at Staples.
  • Summary: Valspar paint is promoted as a reliable product for professionals needing high coverage for various jobs. Pros are encouraged to visit Lowe’s to discuss saving time and money with Valspar’s signature paint. Additionally, Staples is offering 30% off custom labels featuring logos and URLs.
Lawyer’s Final Communication and Dismissal
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(00:28:24)
  • Key Takeaway: The lawyer informed the plaintiffs about the Supreme Court decision impacting emotional damages, promising to look into other options, but subsequently stopped all communication, leading to the case being dismissed without their knowledge.
  • Summary: The lawyer sent an email explaining the Supreme Court ruling was a major blow to the case and promised to explore alternative theories for claims. Following this, the lawyer ceased communication, leading Morgan to discover the case dismissal on the PACER website. The dismissal felt frustrating but unsurprising, as the plaintiffs lacked the resources to fight a major university for minimal damages without emotional distress claims.
Survivors’ Reflections on Institutional Trust
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(00:32:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The survivors expressed a complete erosion of trust in institutions like UCO, noting that the university prioritized protecting the accused faculty member over the students reporting misconduct across multiple reporting instances.
  • Summary: The speakers stated they have no trust left in institutions, fearing they might fall prey to similar situations again, even impacting their trust in related fields like theater productions. They emphasized that universities should prioritize students over protecting faculty, noting that UCO jumped through hoops to protect the man despite multiple reports. The policy framework was centered around the accused, not the reporter.
Healing Modalities and Voicelessness
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(00:38:25)
  • Key Takeaway: EMDR therapy was cited as a life-changing modality that helped process intense trauma in months, and sharing the story publicly is crucial for overcoming feelings of powerlessness and shame.
  • Summary: EMDR therapy was highly recommended as a tool that significantly aided in processing trauma much faster than traditional talk therapy. The speaker felt incredibly powerless and voiceless because the Title IX determinations and the lawsuit were closed without their direct input. Sharing the story is viewed as the opposite of shame and a necessary step toward healing and closure.
Olivia and Miranda’s Enduring Friendship
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(00:48:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Miranda stated that her friendship with Olivia is the best outcome of the entire traumatic experience, highlighting Olivia’s unwavering support throughout the relationship with Cato.
  • Summary: Olivia and Miranda maintain an ironclad friendship, viewing each other as family after enduring the ordeal together. Miranda is deeply grateful that Olivia never questioned her distance during the abusive relationship and remained her biggest support system. They found catharsis watching a play mirroring their experience, reinforcing their bond and desire to support each other’s healing.
Miranda’s Current Life and Closure
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(00:52:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Miranda moved to New York, left acting due to lost confidence, and is now in a healing relationship, reaching a point where the trauma no longer affects her daily life, finding closure through sharing the podcast.
  • Summary: Miranda moved to New York in 2021 and is in a healing relationship with her boyfriend, who was one of the first people she confided in. She stopped acting because the experience eroded her confidence in that world, though she hopes to return someday. She is now at a point where the trauma is not a daily concern, and participating in the podcast aids in achieving self-supplied closure.
Podcast Credits and Next Episode Teaser
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(00:56:01)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode concludes with thanks to the production team, the artist covering the theme song, and a teaser for the next episode featuring a listener who recognized the name Cato from the current UCO survivors’ story.
  • Summary: The production team, including the executive producer Tiffany Rees, is credited, along with the artist Abayomi Lewis for the cover of the theme song. Listeners are encouraged to support the show via subscription or sharing, and to submit their own stories. The next episode will feature a new perspective connected to the UCO allegations.