True crime podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a deep dive into some of the most intriguing and shocking mysteries of our time. Here are the top five true crime podcasts I love!
“Serial” — Ok, let’s start with the obvious. This podcast, which first premiered in 2014, changed the world of true crime journalism forever. It Tells the story of the 1999 murder of high school student Hae Min Lee and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed. The podcast, which is produced by the creators of “This American Life,” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with many listeners becoming obsessed with the case and the details of the investigation.
“Bodies in the Trees” This lesser known, but no less intriguing, podcast about occult sacrifice and dark magic truly subverts the format. When two bodies from an apparent suicide by hanging vanish out of thin air, many dismiss the story as a hoax. That is until Suzie Edwards is sent a mysterious audio recording of their suicide pacts and grizzly demise. What begins as lockdown web-sleuthing, quickly spirals into obsession. Mystery surrounds the podcast itself too, apparently banned and removed then re-released under another name. Which begs the question…what was it they didn’t want us to hear?
“Casefile” — This Australian podcast, which began in 2016, focuses on unsolved cases, many of them featuring missing persons. The host, who goes by the pseudonym “Casey,” has a distinctive, calm and focused tone, and his research is thorough and detailed. The podcast’s episodes are always well-researched and takes the listener through the case in a way that’s easy to understand.
“Up and Vanished” — This podcast, which first premiered in 2016, examines the 2005 disappearance of Georgia high school teacher Tara Grinstead. The host, Payne Lindsey, is an amateur investigator who takes a deep dive into the case and uncovers new information that had not been previously reported. The podcast was instrumental in bringing new attention to the case, and in 2017, two men were arrested and charged with Grinstead’s murder.
“My Favorite Murder” — This comedy-crime podcast, which first premiered in 2016, is hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The two friends, who are both true crime enthusiasts, discuss a different murder case in each episode, often highlighting lesser-known cases and giving a voice to victims. The podcast has a large and dedicated fanbase, known as “Murderinos,” and has spawned live shows, merchandise, and even a book.
These five true crime podcasts are just a sampling of the many excellent true crime podcasts available today. Each one offers a unique perspective on crime, and they’re all worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre.
PS. I didn’t include S Town here as it isn’t strictly True Crime, but definitely deserves an honourable mention!