When we stumbled across Murder Mondays, we were immediately drawn in—not just by the haunting stories, but by the voice behind the mic: Nicole Simmons. Hairstylist by trade, podcaster by calling, Nicole’s journey into the world of true crime storytelling began not in a studio, but in her own family’s backyard.
We sat down with Nicole to talk about what sparked her passion, how her podcast found international acclaim, and what’s next in her mission to bring justice, awareness, and remembrance to the stories that often get swept under the rug.
A Family Story That Sparked a Passion
“I grew up in a household where my dad watched the History Channel in black and white, and my mom watched Unsolved Crime type shows,” Nicole laughs. “I naturally gravitated toward my mom’s side of the TV habits. We’d eat ice cream and watch murder shows together. It was just our thing.”
But the seed for Murder Mondays was planted during a summer family gathering, when Nicole overheard her uncle casually mention a name that would come to define her podcast journey: Peewee Gaskins.
As she later discovered, her great-aunt had been one of Peewee’s victims—and his last known survivor.
“She was just 13,” Nicole recalls. “He had been harassing her. One day, he came into her house. She tried to defend herself with a hatchet, but he overpowered her, hit her in the head, and left her for dead in a cornfield. Two men passing by in a pickup truck found her and saved her life.”
That testimony was what ultimately sent Gaskins to reform school—marking the beginning of his long and terrifying legacy.
From iPhone Recordings to International Recognition
The more Nicole learned about Peewee, the more she felt compelled to tell the stories that weren’t being told—those of the victims and their families.
“I started recording interviews with an iPhone so old it probably doesn’t even turn on anymore,” she says. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I had to do it.”
Despite the humble beginnings, the first nine episodes of Murder Mondays caught the attention of a UK TV production company. Nicole was invited to appear on Season 9, Episode 4 of World’s Most Evil Killers.
“The message here is: start where you are. You never know who’s listening. It’s not about fame—it’s about honoring the people whose stories deserve to be remembered.”
What Makes Murder Mondays Different
Nicole’s podcast stands out in a crowded true crime space. She doesn’t just rehash news stories—she speaks with the people who lived them.
“I’ve interviewed inmates, victims’ families, prosecutors… even Dick Harpootlian, who prosecuted Peewee Gaskins,” she says. “I get a lot of contacts through friends in law enforcement. Every story is personal. And I believe every story has the potential to change someone’s life.”
She also emphasizes empathy over shock value. “Everyone talks about the killer. But how many people can name the victims? These were people. They mattered. They still matter.”
Reaching the World From a South Carolina Salon
When she’s not behind the mic, Nicole is behind the chair—running her business, The Color Bar Hair Salon, and styling hair as she’s done for 20 years. But her podcast now reaches listeners in over 59 countries, all thanks to social media and word-of-mouth.
“I manage all the socials myself,” she says. “My husband helps I do have a great producer for the audio editing. But otherwise, it’s all grassroots.”
A New Mission: Cadaver Dogs and Missing Persons
Nicole’s passion for justice doesn’t stop with podcasting. She’s now working on launching a veteran-owned nonprofit focused on training cadaver dogs for missing persons searches.
“Right now, in South Carolina, there are very few trained dogs. I want to help change that,” she explains. “We have the people. We have the need. We just need the resources.”
Faith, Prayer, and Personal Growth
At the heart of Nicole’s journey is faith. When she took a break from podcasting, she turned to prayer and Bible study to find clarity.
“It helped me regroup and remember why I started this. I don’t want to be just another voice talking about murder. I want this to serve a purpose. I want it to help people heal.”
Final Thoughts: “Don’t Belittle Your Start”
Whether she’s giving a haircut, interviewing a prosecutor, or rescuing memories from being forgotten, Nicole is guided by one clear belief:
“You have to crawl before you can walk. Don’t belittle your start. You never know where it’ll take you.”
With Murder Mondays, Nicole Simmons is proving that the most powerful stories often come from the most unexpected places—and that one woman with an old iPhone and a deep sense of purpose can make an international impact.