NBC Universal, Inc.
Chris Lambert would like to get back to making music but he can’t seem to stop chasing a ghost that has haunted him for nearly 25 years.
A billboard on the side of the road on California’s Central Coast led him on a detour three years ago from his career as a singer-songwriter and recording engineer. He created a podcast about the 1996 disappearance of college freshman Kristin Smart and it’s taken over his life. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.
“I can’t step away from it for more than a few days,” Lambert said. “I just get sucked right back in because I want to be resolving things.”
Lambert has been thrust into the spotlight with the arrests. His eight-part series, “Your Own Backyard,” hit 7.5 million downloads Thursday and it was the No. 2 podcast on iTunes. Lambert’s phone has been blowing up with messages from fans, tipsters and news reporters. He appreciates the attention but has been overwhelmed.
“It’s driving me insane,” he said, yet he remained focused, patient and polite during a 45-minute interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday.
All the attention isn’t leading to any money Lambert takes no advertising for the podcast, relying on donations.
His is the latest in a line of true-crime podcasts to play a role in an arrest, a court appeal or even an exoneration.
Podcast helped in hunt for 1996 killer of California student
BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press
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1of20Chris Lambert, a musician and recording engineer, poses Thursday, April 15, 2021, in front of Muir Hall dormitory at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Lambert started a podcast to document the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart, who was a college student at Cal Poly and lived in Muir Hall when she disappeared. On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, the San Luis Obispo County sheriff announced arrests in the 25-year-old case, crediting Lambert with helping bring in witnesses that propelled the case forward.Nic Coury/APShow MoreShow Less
2of20Chris Lambert, musician and recording engineer, records the arraignment of Paul Flores, and his father Ruben Flores, at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Thursday, April 15, 2021. Lambert started a podcast to document the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart, who was
Podcaster helped police solve California cold case killing dailyherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailyherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.