The Unscripted Investigator Podcast

Behind the Scenes of a Murder Case - Episode 4

Austin Slate & Daniel Bowden — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In a world where private investigation is often overshadowed by sensationalism, this episode pulls back the curtain to reveal the true essence of the profession. Join Austin The PI and Daniel as they share insights that not only educate but also entertain, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring PIs and curious minds alike.

Austin and Daniel dive into the exciting feedback they've received from listeners, showcasing how their conversations are resonating within the PI community. They discuss the surprising impact of their first episode, with listeners eager to share insights with their own networks. You'll discover the heartfelt stories that motivate these two passionate hosts, along with the unique challenges they face in their investigative journeys.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The importance of community in the PI industry and how shared experiences can enhance your skills.
The role of innovative tools and techniques in modern investigations, including a humorous take on using DoorDash for sleuthing.
How to navigate sensitive topics in storytelling while still engaging with your audience.

The stakes are high: understanding the nuances of private investigation can mean the difference between success and failure in this competitive field. Miss out on this episode, and you risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving industry where every detail counts.

Whether you're a seasoned investigator or just starting out, this episode is essential listening. Austin and Daniel’s lively banter and genuine passion for their craft will leave you inspired and eager for more. Don't miss out – tune in now and take your first step toward becoming a better investigator!

The Steps Tracker That Caught A Cheating Nurse - Episode 1

Austin Slate & Daniel Bowden — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A hidden steps app, a nurse’s “extra shifts,” and one tiny clue that blows up a 13-year marriage. ‪@AustinThePI‬ breaks down the real-world surveillance tactic that exposed the affair, plus what it actually takes to work cheating cases when the truth is uglier than people expect.

Daniel and Austin also pull back the curtain on Austin’s origin story—from growing up around FBI and PI work to building his own firm, the cases that shaped him, and why so much of private investigation is part detective work, part counseling, and part patience. If you’ve ever wondered how PIs spot lies, what they need before they can prove a suspicion, or how someone even gets into the industry, this episode has the answers.

You’ll discover:

How a spouse used step counts and routine patterns to spot that “extra shifts” were a cover
Why surveillance often starts with almost nothing and requires reading behavior, not just catching a moment
The difference between a private investigator and a police detective
What Austin learned from training under his FBI-agent father and why mentorship matters in PI work
The less glamorous side of the job, including bad stakeouts and moments that stick with you

They also react to the newest iOS location feature and unpack a bigger question: Do tools like these stop cheating, or just make it easier to hide? Along the way, Austin shares stories from criminal investigations, undercover-style surveillance, and the business side of running a private investigation firm.

Essential listening if you’re curious about PI life, relationship deception, or the real tactics behind surveillance cases - and if you want the unscripted, behind-the-scenes version of a world most people only see in movies.

00:00 Introduction to the Unscripted Investigator Podcast
02:06 Austin's Background and Family Influence
12:02 The Case of Alejandro: Cheating Suspicion
24:00 The Emotional Toll of Investigations
29:40 Introduction to iOS 27 Features
31:26 Location Sharing and Privacy Concerns
33:41 Practical Uses of Location Sharing
34:46 Creative Ways to Hide Your Location
36:32 The Implications of New Technology
37:53 Q&A Session Begins
39:15 Understanding Private Investigators vs. Detectives
42:48 Personal Insights on Happiness and Work
44:37 Crazy Experiences in PI Work
50:27 Mental Health in the PI Profession

What People Get Wrong About Being a Private Investigator - Episode 2

Austin Slate & Daniel Bowden — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Unscripted Investigator podcast, hosts Daniel and Austin discuss personal experiences, including Austin's week and Daniel's new job, before diving into a hypothetical scenario involving a kidnapping and the investigative process. The conversation also touches on the complexities of criminal investigations, particularly in cases of false accusations and the importance of thorough investigation. In this conversation, Austin The PI shares insights from his experiences as a private investigator, discussing the complexities of criminal cases, the importance of inconsistencies in testimonies, and the emotional weight of defending the innocent. The dialogue also explores the necessary skills and pathways to becoming a private investigator, emphasizing the value of mentorship and understanding the criminal justice system.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
05:30 Marketing Strategies and Business Ideas
12:43 Daniel's Chipmunk Encounter
24:09 Criminal Investigations and Case Studies
28:28 The Emotional Weight of Innocence
31:05 Identifying Inconsistencies in Testimonies
34:40 The Role of Private Investigators
36:06 Q&A: Insights from Followers
37:11 Becoming a Private Investigator
39:25 Education and Training for PIs
43:46 Starting a PI Firm
45:51 Specializations in Private Investigation
49:32 Dream Jobs and Aspirations

How a PI Followed One Man for 4 Months Without Getting Caught - Episode 3

Austin Slate & Daniel Bowden — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Unscripted Investigator Podcast, hosts Austin and Daniel discuss their weekend experiences, delve into the world of private investigation, and share humorous anecdotes about hot dogs and tracking devices. They also explore the misconceptions surrounding the life of a private investigator, comparing it to dramatized portrayals in media. In this conversation, Austin The PI shares insights from his experiences as a private investigator, detailing the intricacies of surveillance, the challenges of tracking individuals, and the importance of understanding legal frameworks. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of client relationships, the significance of mentorship in the PI field, and the nuances of interviewing techniques.

Chapters

00:00 Weekend Recap and Hot Dog Humor
05:59 The Life of a Private Investigator
11:53 Media Portrayals vs. Reality
17:55 Tracking Devices and Legalities
24:06 A Cheating Husband Case Study
29:49 The Art of Surveillance
32:14 Tracking Techniques and Challenges
35:05 Client Expectations and Financial Considerations
38:20 Legal Nuances in Investigations
41:09 The Importance of Mentorship
46:00 Balancing Surveillance and Research
51:32 Common Mistakes of Rookie PIs
54:10 Lessons from Law Enforcement