“It’s tragic, really… We all have a story - a dark secret wrapped in emptiness and regret.
You know… The Toll.”
IT STARTED 3 YEARS AGO…
Well, 20 really. I spent 20 years in the newsroom at KTTS in Springfield, Missouri where I was the assistant news director. During that time, our reporters could dive into stories and truly investigate. I have covered many tragic stories and community-changing events over the years. As news styles have changed, there's only so many details you can put into a 60 second piece. The Toll is a place where a story goes beyond the headlines; a place where more voices can be heard.
The Toll Podcast explores the collateral damage a crime or unexpected loss has on the families it touches and their community.
Nancy Simpson
CO-CREATOR, RESEARCHER, AUTHOR, AND HOST
Nancy Simpson describes herself as a storyteller. She is the co-creator, author and host of The Toll. Nancy is an accomplished journalist who has earned many prestigious awards for investigative news, breaking news, and severe weather coverage including twelve Edward R. Murrow awards. She has been recognized 6 times for “Best Radio Newscast” by the Missouri Broadcasters Association.
Nancy started at KTTS in 1998 as a news anchor and investigative reporter and worked her way up to assistant news director. In 2018, she became part of the KTTS Morning Show team. Because of her love for storytelling, Nancy decided to dive into this true-crime podcast project.
The Toll Team
Jay Lashley
CO-CREATOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Jay Lashley is the Program Director and afternoon drive host of Power 96.5. He is also the Co-Creator, Music Director, and Executive Producer of The Toll. Jay has been listening fervently to podcasts since the days you had to download them to an iPod, and he’s quick to tell anyone who will listen that he was a fan of podcasts before many people even knew what they were.
Jay has been a musician and producer for 20 years and has had original music featured on MTV, CW, VH1, Fox Sports, and used by brands such as SeaDo and American Airlines.
Kat Morgan Gaines
TECHNICAL PRODUCER, AUDIO EDITOR
Kat Morgan Gaines has been immersed in the recording and audio world from the moment she picked up a Radio Shack tape deck at age five. She developed a lifelong love and appreciation for stories from her Louisiana family, especially her father’s improvised bedtime tales. Since then, Kat has spent more than 25 years as a producer, copywriter and voiceover artist, helping thousands of advertising clients and community agencies tell their stories through sound. She sees The Toll Podcast as a natural progression for meaningful, multi-dimensional narrative. When not in a studio using her ninja editing powers for good, you’ll find her at home in Missouri with her husband and three very spoiled rescue dogs named after Beatles songs.
Pamela Shelby
MARKETING MANAGER
Pamela Shelby provides over 10 years of experience in advertising, sales, and marketing. Pamela leads The Toll marketing team in the creation and execution of the overall marketing strategy, public relation’s support, copywriting and community management support making sure the visual experience matches the audio drama. As Nancy’s sister, she’s been on this journey with her since inception and the very first interview, encouraging her all along the way. She resides in the Detroit area where she works closely and collaboratively with her amazing marketing team. When Pamela isn’t collaborating, she’s raising her daughter, spending time with her rescue pup, Otto, or making dioramas for fun.
SHELBY POWERS
WEBSITE DESIGNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Shelby Powers is a seasoned branding professional. As the Creative Director, she defined and created all of the brand components as well as designed The Toll Podcast’s website. Shelby creates all social elements and keeps the channels up-to-date while creating new and engaging ways to connect with our listeners visually. When Shelby is not working on The Toll, she’s creating branding strategies and designing beautiful websites at her company, Morheart. She’s also an avid concert goer and has attended over 100 concerts.