We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haley Gray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Haley, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose through my involvement with families of cold cases. Witnessing their unwavering determination to seek justice for their loved ones deeply resonated with me, prompting me to reflect on how I could leverage my skills to make a meaningful impact. It became clear to me that I could channel my abilities to assist others in their pursuit of justice.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve had the pleasure of wearing many hats in my career. Over the past eight years, I’ve been involved in researching and writing for a variety of podcasts, including Moms and Mysteries, Big Mad True Crime, and Detective Perspective with Derrick Levasseur.
In addition to working for podcasts, I’m thrilled to have co-launched True Crime Podcast Training with my friend and business partner, Andrea Marshbank. We offer 100% online courses that prepare students to become researchers and writers for true crime podcasts. We’ve poured our hearts and expertise into developing this program, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see it take off.
In addition to my work in the podcasting world, I proudly assumed the position of Secretary at The Bridegan Foundation, a non-profit founded by Kirsten Bridegan in response to the tragic murder of her husband, Jared Bridegan, in February 2022. Jared’s untimely death left his two-year-old daughter, Bexley, stranded at a police station without essential toddler supplies, prompting the creation of the “Bexley Box” project.
Each Bexley Box is thoughtfully curated with comforting items and essentials to ease the experience of traumatized children, including blankets, stuffed animals, toys, diapers of all sizes, snacks, puzzles, sippy cups, and more. The Bridegan Foundation provides Bexley Boxes to police stations, free of charge, to better equip them for interacting with traumatized children.
I am honored to be part of an organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children, and I am excited to contribute to our ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the reach of the Bexley Box project.
More recently, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the advocacy group, Light the Way. Together, we’re providing support to families navigating the complexities of unsolved cases. This partnership allows me to enhance my advocacy skills while sharing my expertise in case research. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful impact alongside a dedicated team.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be juggling all of these roles, and I’m eagerly anticipating what the future has in store.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have significantly impacted my journey include:
1. Empathy: Throughout my career, I’ve found that the ability to understand and connect with the experiences of others has been invaluable. In particular, speaking to families affected by crime has provided me with profound insights and has shaped me into a more compassionate advocate and researcher. My advice to those early in their journey is to actively listen to the stories and experiences of others, especially those directly impacted by the issues they are passionate about. Developing empathy not only fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities but also motivates meaningful action and advocacy.
2. Flexibility: In the ever-evolving landscape of the true crime field, being adaptable and open to change has been essential. Over the past eight years, I’ve witnessed significant shifts in trends, methodologies, and technologies within the industry. Embracing flexibility has allowed me to navigate these changes effectively and stay relevant in my work. I encourage aspiring professionals to remain flexible in their approach, continuously seeking opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing change and remaining agile, individuals can position themselves for success in any dynamic environment.
3. Continuous Learning: The pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement has been a cornerstone of my journey. Whether it’s staying informed about new developments in the field, honing my research skills, or expanding my understanding of victim advocacy, I’m constantly seeking ways to enhance my expertise. For those at the beginning of their journey, I emphasize the importance of lifelong learning. This could involve pursuing formal education, attending workshops and conferences, or engaging in self-directed study. By committing to continuous learning, individuals can stay ahead of the curve and make meaningful contributions to their chosen field.
In summary, cultivating empathy, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing continuous learning have been instrumental in my journey within the true crime field. To those starting out, I encourage you to cultivate these qualities and skills, as they will not only enrich your personal and professional growth but also enable you to make a positive impact in your chosen field.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my greatest area of growth has been in overcoming imposter syndrome. Initially, I struggled with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, questioning my expertise in my field. However, through self-reflection and personal development, I’ve come to recognize and accept my unique knowledge and skills. Embracing my expertise has empowered me to confidently share my insights and contribute meaningfully to my industry. This shift in mindset has not only boosted my confidence but has also opened doors for me to mentor and support others on their professional journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://truecrimepodcasttraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleygrayresearch/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-gray-research/
- Other: https://haleygrayresearch.com/ https://www.brideganfoundation.org/ https://www.lightthewaymissing.com/
Image Credits
On the photo where I am sitting in a chair next to another woman and we have microphones, that credit goes to “Byron Willis, Murder She Told”
