If there’s one thing Katie Price and I have in common (aside from big boobs and an unhealthy obsession with fake tan) it’s true crime. She recently stated on Loose Women that she had a real fascination with serial killers, and had even exchanged private messages with Oscar Pistorius during the Steenkamp trial that destroyed his career.
Like Katie, I’ll read anything I can get my hands on about serial killers. My bookshelves are literally bulging with the likes of Bugliosi, Masters & Olsen - authors who delve into the psyche of murderers, terrorists and the falsely accused. I’ll even sit beside Craig on the sofa with headphones on, ass-deep in documentaries on my mobile whilst he’s streaming something gun-heavy on Netflix.
Yet this is a burgeoning genre of entertainment. Those who binge-watched Making of a Murderer, are now slowly discovering the likes of The Staircase, The Jinx and Paradise Lost - edge-of-your-seat television with seemingly unimpeded access to the protagonists. And now we see the rise of the podcast; Although an altogether less expensive way for true crime broadcasters to flex their muscles, this is hardly a second-rate medium with top shows boasting millions of downloads a year.
If you’re keen to dip your toes into the true crime podcast world, get ready to get hooked. You’ll find yourself doing the washing up, cooking and even walking the kids to school with headphones on. To help you find the best free content on iTunes, here’s my list of the best podcasts for true crime addicts:
Serial
The daddy of all true crime podcasts, Serial has to be the ideal starting point for those craving a true crime saga. Whilst series two has strayed away from the popularist angle, series one is a serious binge-listen. Covering the 1999 murder of 18-year-old student Hae Min Lee, the podcast has received world-wide coverage and propelled the protagonists (maybe unwittingly) into the world’s consciousness. Not to give too much away, ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed was convicted with first degree murder and, despite resolutely pleading his innocence, is currently serving a life sentence. This is the podcast’s starting point, and boy does it stray some distance from here.
Downloaded over 68 million times, Sarah Koenig’s podcast has won awards and was arguably the catalyst for the re-examination of the case that might see a new Trial for Syed. It has everything. A horrific murder, sinister characters, racism, a mistrial, a seemingly innocent man… Download and prepare to be sucked in.
Sword and Scale
Often regarded as the best podcast for true crime seekers, Sword and Scale is a must-listen. Often using entirely real audio footage, this podcast is a mash-up of 911 calls, court feeds and YouTube content juxtaposed against intentionally monotone and intelligent commentary by host Mike Boudet. The result? The most intense, disturbing and slickest podcast of the bunch.
Tackling high-profile trials, unsolved murders and missing persons cases, Boudet masterfully recreates some truly heinous crimes, from rape to murder to child abuse. In short, this is the ultimate before-bed podcast that will sate the most ardent true crime addict.
Start with: Episode 51 (Brit case), Episode 49, Episode 66 - or any of them - they’re all brilliant
Casefile True Crime
Another must-listen, this Australian podcast series deserves serious praise for being among the most thorough out there. If you’re big into your true crime and want to cut through the waffle, Casefile is the podcast for you. With most (although not all) the cases being Australian, you’ll find a fresh set of really intriguing cases not covered elsewhere. Now 23 episodes in, the host has really got into his stride. The nerves are gone, the scripts are excellent and each case is treated with real respect.
Start with: Snowtown and The Erikkson Twins (Brit case)
True Crime Garage
Perhaps the most divisive true crime podcast, True Crime Garage has me in stitches every week. It’s not meant to be funny, and is actually a well-researched podcast hosted by friends Nic & ‘The Captain’, but the former’s ‘couldn’t give a shit’ attitude just gets me every time. The format is random - two guys, in a garage, drinking beer and talking true crime. Thing is, Nic is clearly the workhorse and barely has a moment to take a swig, whereas you can reasonably imagine The Captain is half-cut at the end of each episode. His interjections verge on the unintelligible, but he’s endeared himself to long-time listeners and it wouldn’t be the same without him.
Format aside (I recommend forwarding through the first 5 minutes (the beer chat / admin)) I haven’t missed an episode of this podcast and really like it. The variety of cases, level of detail, and the theories provided are spot on. These guys are also bang on social media-wise too (Thanks Captain) - so you can ask the odd question via Twitter if they’ve piqued your interest.
Start with: DEFINITELY Brian Shaffer, or Slender Man
Thinking Sideways
A refreshing take on the true crime genre, Thinking Sideways is hosted by friends Steve, Devin & Joe. These guys will tackle most things unexplained, with the hosts sharing the caseload fairly evenly between them. It breaks the mould in the sense that they’ll do the odd downed plane, shipwreck or historical mystery too - some of which don’t do it for me, however each are interesting in themselves.
Although I’m usually impressed by the level of research these guys have done, you do get the odd in-joke, insensitive comment or fit of giggles (Devin will sometimes veer off-script and ask questions too) - but this is what makes the format work for me - they haven’t sold out to corporate sponsorship either so they’re doing it for the love of it, and not to make their millions.
Start with: The Disappearance of Andrew Gosden (Brit case) or The Beaumont Children
The Generation Why Podcast
Another weekly longer length show (averaging 1-1.5hrs each), Gen Why is hosted by friends Aaron & Justin, who discuss theories on unsolved murders, controversies and conspiracies. For some reason, this show is oft criticised online as lacking in structure and being irreverent, however I sit firmly on the other side of the fence. It has covered some of the most infamous (en vogue) cases such as Ted Bundy, Aileen Wuornos, The Enfield Poltergeist, JonBenet Ramsey as well as lesser known cases that will have you Google imaging within minutes
Although not known for its level of detail, folks listening whilst commuting or cracking on with the housework will appreciate the conversational tone. It’s almost like having a natter with your mates down the pub, and I appreciate how the hosts don’t take themselves too seriously either (trust me, some of them really do). I also like how these guys will take on virtually any case, regardless of where it is, making it far less US-centric than some of the other big players.
Start with: The Robert Durst Case (116) or Amanda Knox (86)
Breakdown
Breakdown is a weekly podcast series produced by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Series one featured the case of Justin Chapman, now serving life in prison having been found guilty of burning down his rented home and killing his elderly neighbour. Host Bill Rankin is resolute that Chapman is innocent and sets out to prove why in a way that’s unapologetically reminiscent of Serial.
Yet for me series two (Death in Hot Car) is where this podcast really comes into its own. This deals with the death of toddler Cooper Harris who was “mistakenly” left in a baking hot car by his father Justin Ross Harris. Perhaps it’s because I find the case more compelling, or because it is still ongoing, or because Justin Ross Harris is so controversial (a womaniser and serial sexter), but this really hits the mark with me. Now on a break whilst the case is brought to court, it’s an opportunity to join a podcast in the throes of a case that really has divided opinion.
Someone Knows Something
I was a latecomer to this podcast and therefore binge-listened to catch-up earlier this year. Someone Knows Something was an eleven part venture (now finished) by Canadian award-winning filmmaker and writer David Ridgen, first released in March 2016. With episodes lasting anywhere between 15-40 minutes, David Ridgen does an amazing job of bringing this cold case to life. Focusing on the 1972 disappearance of Adrien McNaughton, a five-year-old boy who vanished during a family fishing trip in Eastern Ontario, Ridgen goes on location to try and solve the mystery; was this a tragic accident or something more sinister?
Without giving anything away, the case is really quite harrowing. Featuring interviews with the McNaughton family, their heartbreak will resonate with any parent, and Ridgen narrates with such compassion, impartiality and genuine enthusiasm, I’m excited for the next case he tackles.
48 Hours
This CBS newsmagazine podcast is bringing up the rear as us Brits will find it harder to see past the countless ads and hyperbole. The trick is definitely to view this podcast as a tv-show-by-audio. Yet if you can get past the irritating narration from the likes of US crime correspondents Erin Moriarty, Peter Van Sant and Troy Roberts, this show is treasure-trove for true crime addicts. Featuring a new (American) murder every week, you’re entreated to interviews with key people involved in each investigation, and in many cases, actual 911 recordings relating to the event. If you’re busy and just need something light to listen to, this is a ideal choice as it’s less information-heavy.
Start with: The Hannah Graham case (a rare case featuring a British ex-pat murdered in 2014)
There you have it! If you decide to listen to any of my recommendations, do drop by later and let me know what you think. Similarly, if you have any other to add to this list - feel free to comment below or hit me up on Twitter.
