Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by investigator Paul Holes, New York Times bestselling author of “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases.” Paul is known for helping solve high-profile homicide cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer. But his crime-fighting success was masked by what was going on with Paul personally. He spent decades with unresolved anxiety and panic attacks, eventually turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the stress.
Together, Paul and Elizabeth discuss how his own anxiety changed how he views his cold cases; and his own experiences in the law enforcement community, including how making himself vulnerable opens the door to more honest mental health discussions.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
· Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Help Protect Young People
· Substance Use + Mental Health: Your Guide to Addressing Co-occurring Disorders
· Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. For more information, visit drugfree.org.
Connect with us: drugfree.org
Facebook: facebook.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
Twitter: twitter.com/ToEndAddiction
Instagram: instagram.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/PartnershipToEndAddiction
#PaulHoles
Paul Holes on his NYT Best-Selling Book and the Importance of Honest Mental Health Discussions
In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by investigator Paul Holes, New York Times bestselling author of “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases.” Paul is known for helping solve high-profile homicide cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer. But his crime-fighting success was masked by what was going on with Paul personally. He spent decades with unresolved anxiety and panic attacks, eventually turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the stress.
Together, Paul and Elizabeth discuss how his own anxiety changed how he views his cold cases; and his own experiences in the law enforcement community, including how making himself vulnerable opens the door to more honest mental health discussions.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
· Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Help Protect Young People
· Substance Use + Mental Health: Your Guide to Addressing Co-occurring Disorders
· Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. For more information, visit drugfree.org.
Connect with us: drugfree.org
Facebook: facebook.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
Twitter: twitter.com/ToEndAddiction
Instagram: instagram.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/PartnershipToEndAddiction
#PaulHoles
Paul Holes on his NYT Best-Selling Book and the Importance of Honest Mental Health Discussions
