About Us

What the Forensics is a true crime podcast that explores the world of forensic science through the lens of three hosts who, while not experts in the field, are deeply fascinated by the intersection of crime and science. Drawing on their backgrounds in forensic science, the hosts take listeners on a journey through the fascinating world of forensic investigation, exploring real-life cases and the latest techniques and technologies used to solve crimes. With its unique perspective and engaging hosts, What the Forensics offers a fresh take on the true crime genre that's both informative and entertaining.

Rebecca Ryan

In May 2022, I completed a Bachelor of Science at SMU with Honours Psychology, and a Certificate of Forensic Sciences. I am currently working with the Financial Investigation Unit of one of the five major Canadian banks and am so excited to see where the future takes me!  My love of psychology began with my interest in Criminal minds, and as I started getting more into crime TV shows (looking at you Dexter), I realised forensic sciences was something I wanted to pursue. My parents always used to joke that I would make a great medical examiner because I loved helping people but didn't like talking to them, so that's the best of both worlds! SMU was an easy choice of school for me as it was in the same city I was already living in, and had Atlantic Canada's only forensic science program. I look forward to growing as a professional in the field of forensics, as well as a human looking to expand my hobbies and passions!

Journey Giesbrecht

I studied Forensic Anthropology student at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. I grew up on a sheep farm in Central Alberta. My dad is a chiropractor which is where my first love of bones began, however, I did not want to touch people for a living so I crossed that off my list of career options. When I was a little bit older I read a Nancy Drew book where she was an archaeologist and thought that looked fun too. And then, in grade 9 I started watching the TV show Bones and absolutely fell in love with Dr. Temperance Brennan and Forensic Anthropology. Not long after that I found SMU in Halifax and decided that I am going to move to Halifax and become a Forensic Anthropologist. I graduated in May 2021 and I'm not sure what the future holds but I'm staying hopeful.

Nicole Hopper

Hi everyone! I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Forensic Science Certificate at Saint Mary's University. I grew up just West of Toronto Canada (Burlington) and moved to Halifax to pursue my academic goals. Like Journey, I started watching the Fox TV series Bones and loved the role of the character Sweets, a criminal psychologist working alongside an FBI field agent and forensic anthropologist. From that show, my intro to Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology course in high school, I knew forensics and psychology was a path I wanted to follow.... not fully knowing the plethora of disciplines that exist within forensics! My dream job would be working in the realm of behavioural analysis, but it's a niche field to get into unfortunately. Although the three of us are not experts in this field, we hope our current knowledge and research can help those of you listening to learn more about forensics!

Just Some Forensics Girls, Doing Some Forensic Things

Us pretending to be Dexter. #bloodsplatteranalysis
Eating poutine after a forensic lecture at Smokey's! Not necessarily a forensic thing...but an AFTER forensic thing
Forensic exam study dates at Halifax's beautiful Garden Food Bar & Lounge!
Lots of festive backgrounds while recording our podcast during the holidays!!