True Crime · Audible Original
by Audible Original
Many listened to the Dirty John podcast, which introduced the world to John Meehan, a dangerous serial predator who infiltrates the life of Debra Newell and ultimately dies at the hand of her daughter, Terra. But there was an overlooked story that’s now being told, in full, for the first time. In The First Wife: John Meehan’s Reign of Terror , Tonia Bales recounts her harrowing experiences as John’s wife of 10 years and the mother of their daughters, Emily and Abby. Highlighting new details and revelations, Tonia shares the abuse she suffered from the man she once believed to be her soulmate, but who ultimately revealed himself as a coercive and controlling terrorist. Through exclusive archival materials and all-new interviews with the people who knew her and John best, uncovering long-held secrets and including perspective from their daughters, Tonia embarks on a re-investigation of the man she thought she knew. The multiple bombshells she unearths include one that will change her and her daughters’ lives forever.
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Where The First Wife: John Meehan's Reign of Terror ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Nov 10, 2026).
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The First Wife: John Meehan's Reign of Terror, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
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