Talking Dateline: Running Man
- Nov 19, 2025
- 27:27
- Full Episode
Blayne Alexander talks with Andrea Canning about her episode, “Running Man.” When the remains of Ontario mother Ashley Schwalm were found inside a burned-out car in 2023, investigators narrowed in on her firefighter husband and the careful steps he took to try to get away with her murder. Andrea talks about reporting on a case in her hometown and her unexpected, yet personal, connection to the women and children’s shelter My Friend’s House. Blayne and Andrea play a podcast-exclusive clip about the Sunflower Fund established in Ashley’s honor. Plus, Dateline producer Lynn Keller joins to answer social media questions.
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Listen to the full episode “Running Man” on Apple:https://apple.co/43BaM6u
Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ngU2A0Jnu1TyjdiuUDiym
Get resources on domestic violence: https://www.thehotline.org/
Check out NBC’s The More You Know Campaign on domestic violence featuring the Dateline correspondents: https://www.themoreyouknow.com/
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Brief Summary
Ashley Schwalm's murder by her husband reveals domestic violence issues and community support for victims.
Key points
- The Sinister Discovery. Investigators uncover the chilling truth behind Ashley Schwalm's death, revealing a planned murder by her husband.
- A Heartbreaking Connection. Andrea discovers her connection to Ashley through a high school friend, deepening the emotional impact of the story.
- The Sunflower Fund. In Ashley's honor, a fund is created to support victims of domestic violence, showcasing the community's response to tragedy.
- The Mystery of the Dog. Listeners are puzzled about the dog's absence during a key moment. 'Where was the dog?'
- The Teacher's Heroic Call. A teacher's instinct leads to a critical welfare check on Ashley's children. 'She was really going above and beyond.'
- Children's Well-Being. The children of Ashley and James are thriving and well cared for. 'I'm so glad to hear that.'
Episode highlights
- The Sinister DiscoveryInvestigators uncover the chilling truth behind Ashley Schwalm's death, revealing a planned murder by her husband.“In 2023, Ashley's remains were found in a burned-out car.”0:21Nov 19, 2025
- A Heartbreaking ConnectionAndrea discovers her connection to Ashley through a high school friend, deepening the emotional impact of the story.“It was amazing how our lives had intersected, but we didn't know each other.”3:47Nov 19, 2025
- The Sunflower FundIn Ashley's honor, a fund is created to support victims of domestic violence, showcasing the community's response to tragedy.“What a beautiful soul she was and how loved she was.”12:48Nov 19, 2025
- The Mystery of the DogListeners are puzzled about the dog's absence during a key moment. 'Where was the dog?'“Where was the dog?”22:01Nov 19, 2025
- The Teacher's Heroic CallA teacher's instinct leads to a critical welfare check on Ashley's children. 'She was really going above and beyond.'“She was really going above and beyond.”25:08Nov 19, 2025
- Children's Well-BeingThe children of Ashley and James are thriving and well cared for. 'I'm so glad to hear that.'“I'm so glad to hear that.”25:31Nov 19, 2025
