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What does it mean to be in pursuit of the truth? To Delia D’Ambra, host of the hit podcast CounterClock, it means approaching a case with all bias aside, gathering as much evidence as possible, and determining which pieces of information will prove to be one step closer to fact, and which need to be eliminated so that they no longer cloud the path to the truth.

Six years ago, CounterClock – a true-crime podcast pioneered by D’Ambra, an Outer Banks native who built a successful career as an investigative journalist – premiered. Now seven seasons in, her podcast has been making waves in the world of true-crime. CounterClock has gained a massive following and critical acclaim for its in-depth coverage of complex and often overlooked cold cases.

The podcast’s first season, which premiered in 2019, focused on the cold case of Denise Johnson, who was murdered in Kill Devil Hills back in 1997. While working through the investigation of Johnson’s murder, D’Ambra also dove head-first into researching another local cold case – the 1990 murder of Stacy Stanton. Stanton’s story would become the subject of CounterClock season 2. Having grown up in the area, D’Ambra chose these two cases as her first endeavors into the podcast world because she felt like she had a footing in the community and, as a citizen, genuinely wanted to know more about them.

“Having the edge as a journalist and having grown up there locally was really valuable to the success of those investigations and the delivery of facts, and getting the entities that had control over those cases to pay attention.” D’Ambra’s goal from the very first interview was to “pursue them [the cases] until the very end.”

CounterClock gained traction organically after being acquired by Audiochuck, a podcast network set up by Crime Junkie host Ashley Flowers. In March of 2020, D’Ambra left her job as a news reporter to work full-time on CounterClock. The transition allowed her to dedicate more time and resources to the podcast, leading to a significant increase in production quality and investigative depth.

Subsequent seasons have covered a range of cases, each with its own unique complexities and challenges. Season 3 explored the Pelley family murders, a high-profile case from 1989 that involved the brutal murder of four family members. This case was particularly challenging, with multiple suspects and conflicting evidence. D’Ambra’s meticulous research and interviewing skills helped to shed new light on the case, raising important questions about the investigation and prosecution.

Season 4 focused on the unsolved, suspicious death of John Welles in South Florida. D’Ambra spent a year investigating the case, which remained unresolved but led to the district attorney’s office becoming aware of it and pushing the sheriff’s office to look into it further.

Season 5 explored the unsolved murder of Bruce Cucchiara in New Orleans, Louisiana. This case was unique in that it was a more recent homicide, having occurred in 2012. D’Ambra was drawn to the case because of its complexity and the many moving parts involved, despite the fact that it was a murder which occurred in a more “modern” era.

Season 6 of took a different approach, focusing on a series of suspicious deaths and homicides in Martin County, North Carolina. This season was notable for its “anthology” style, exploring multiple cases and their connections to the community. D’Ambra’s investigation shed light on the lack of transparency and accountability in the local justice system, highlighting the need for further investigation and reform.

In the podcast’s latest season, a homicide and wrongful conviction claim out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina are investigated. The season was marked by a significant development, as the courts ruled that there would be a new evidentiary hearing in the case. D’Ambra was able to focus on her last two seasons in tandem, as she now has a team of people who work on the show in a post-production space, enabling feasibility, more resources resources and a bigger capacity for investigation.

CounterClock’s impact extends well beyond its listenership. In many cases, the podcast has prompted law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to re-examine evidence and re-open investigations. The podcast’s coverage of the Stacy Stanton case, for example, led to new evidence and the possibility of exoneration for Clifton Spencer. Spencer was convicted of murdering Stanton in 1990 and pushed to accept a plea deal in order to avoid the death penalty. He spent 17 years behind bars before being released in 2007.

“After season 2 was released, there was a phenomenal impact on Clifton Spencer’s life,” D’Ambra shared. Through a GoFundMe, there has been almost $140,000 raised to date for Spencer. Listeners of CounterClock have contributed to his cause, and D’Ambra was proud to report that Spencer has been able to buy a home and start a retirement fund with the money raised. In addition, he has been able to reconnect with his adult daughter, ex-wife, family members and friends. “Stacy’s family – her brother and sister-in-law particularly – publically came out and said they don’t think that Clifton did this to Stacy. It’s great to see that reckoning for Stacy’s family and a good aftermath.”

“Delia found things in the case that I didn’t even know. For years, I was trying to figure out what was going on, and most of it, I didn’t know” Spencer told The Coastland Times. “I appreciate her for everything that has transpired since then.” D’Ambra and Spencer still keep in touch to this day, and consider each other friends. Spencer said he will forever support CounterClock because of the positive impact it has had on his life, and feels that it was “God-sent.”

“It opens up a lot of people’s views of the system. A lot of families that have been affected by this on both sides. It’s not only the victim, it’s their family and then the accused and their family that are affected too. There’s a lot of stress for each family – the victim’s family always wants justice and, rightfully so, they deserve that. The accused’s family also wants justice. If your loved one has been falsely accused, they want to see that overturned and their rights be given back as well. There’s no winner when you have two sides and there’s people not being totally honest with the community.”

Through her work on CounterClock, D’Ambra has gained a deeper appreciation for the relationships we make throughout our lives. “It’s made me more appreciative of little moments in life, little conversations that we have with our loved ones,” she reflects. “The understanding that you cannot judge someone on the very minimal information you know about them. You really have to know someone and why they are making the decisions they’re making or why they’re in the places they’re at to fairly assess them as a person.”

This nuanced understanding has also made D’Ambra more determined to push for accountability and transparency in the justice system. “I’m more endeavored to push entities, individuals and agencies that have authority to not operate in ignorance,” she says. “Encourage them and me to always learn. What are the newest forensic testing methods, what are new standards, how can we come up with different ways to get leads and tips?”

For D’Ambra, the key to success lies in staying curious and committed to learning. “Continue learning about how we can bring resolution and exposure to cases versus just doing it the way it’s always been done,” she emphasizes. “I’ve seen how developments and sciences can change everything.”

Through her work on the podcast, D’Ambra has also developed a deeper empathy for the individuals and families affected by crime. “Having a softened heart,” she reflects. “It’s a reminder that I’m dealing with real people with real problems and real stories and real trauma, and having to process that in a healthy way as a human and as a journalist.”

D’Ambra’s commitment to investigative journalism has also led to the development of other successful podcasts, including Park Predators, a series which explores crimes committed in national parks. Her work has been recognized by the true crime community, with CounterClock recently nominated for Best True Crime Podcast of 2025 by iHeart Podcasts.

As CounterClock continues to grow and evolve, D’Ambra remains committed to uncovering the truth and shedding light on cases that may be worth a second-look. With seven seasons under her belt, she shows no signs of slowing down, and her dedication to investigative journalism has cemented her place as a leading voice in the true crime community. D’Ambra shared that she is currently working on a novel, and there are possible plans to integrate video content into the podcast’s marketing and distribution strategy, to keep up with the ever-evolving world of online media.

As the true crime genre continues to evolve, CounterClock remains at the forefront of the conversation. With its commitment to investigative journalism and its dedication to uncovering the truth, the podcast is poised to continue its impact for years to come.

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