Serial
First, about Serial. I’m sure I’ve mentioned Serial before – it’s an NPR podcast that took an in-depth dive into a crime that took place in 1999. A high school girl named Hae Min Lee was murdered and her body was found in Leakin Park, in Baltimore. Her boyfriend Adnan Syed was convicted of the crime and sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison – he is now 35 years old and has served 17 years.
By Serial
Some believe that Syed’s defense attorney did not represent him to the best of her abilities; a star witness with a solid alibi for Syed was not asked to testify in his trial. Serial explored the details of the case and the shortcomings of Syed’s defense attorney in a riveting “told week by week” format.
If you haven’t yet listened to the first season of Serial, go now! Do it! I began to listen to season two but didn’t find it as interesting, however there are a few episodes that revisit the Adnan Syed case because it was appealed in early 2016, so make sure to listen to those.
Note: In the days after I wrote this post, I heard that Adnan Syed has been granted a new trial! I look forward to following along with the case as it continues to develop!
Sword and Scale
This is my new favorite true crime podcast. Hosted by Mike Boudet, this podcast has excellent production value and great music and covers fascinating cases. Some of the episodes include real 911 phone call recordings, which are extremely eerie and bring the cases to life. As this podcast generally covers one case per episode, you don’t necessarily need to start at the beginning, so here are my favorite episodes to get you started. Warning: some are very disturbing.
- Episode 23: On mothers who kill their children (Andrea Yates, Casey Anthony, etc.)
- Episode 34: A narcissistic murderer whose crime was videotaped and posted all over the internet (Luka Magnotta)
- Episode 49: A mother’s Munchausen by proxy (Gypsy and Dee Dee Blancharde)
The Trail Went Cold
I only started listening to this podcast because it publishes episodes on the off-weeks of Sword and Scale. Guilty as charged, but turns out it’s pretty great! I found out about this podcast through Reddit (where I find out about…everything basically) because the host is a fellow contributor to the same crime subreddits I frequent.
The podcast covers little-known cases that are unresolved, giving as many details as are available about the case and then speculating about some plausible answers. Since these are cold cases, they often lack some detail so it can be a little unsatisfying, but it’s still fun to try to guess what might have happened.
Judy Smith
Favorite episodes:
- Episode 7: Judy Smith accompanies her husband on a business trip but goes missing. Her skeletal remains are found states away, five months later.
- Episode 9: Don Kemp leaves his NYC ad executive life behind and his abandoned car is found in Wyoming. It’s four years before his body is found, and in the meantime, a friend receives bizarre phone calls from him.
Casefile True Crime
This podcast is one of my best-kept secrets because it’s not quite as popular as some others, but it keeps improving as it gains tenure. I love the intro music they picked and that they’re trying new things like reenactments to add some flair.
Many of the cases covered take place in Australia or New Zealand, so they’re new to me and it’s interesting to hear about how the justice system works overseas. I recommend listening to early episodes of this podcast on headphones rather than in the car because the audio quality can be poor.
Favorite episodes:
- Episode 16: Who killed 3-month-old twins Chris and Cru Kahui?
- Episode 17: Police are dispatched to the side of the highway where adult female twins are standing calmly. Soon, the situation becomes frightening.
Cyndee says
Wow! you have a lot of comments on here. I thought I was the only one that liked crime shows and such. I didn’t know they had podcasts. I’m totally interested in listening to some of these! Thanks for sharing on Idea Box link party. I just might have to feature this info on my blog at next Thursday’s party.
Buddy Garrett says
This is the first time I have heard about these. They all sound great but I would really love Serial.
Richard Hicks says
I will have to check out the podcast. I love crime type stuff
K-Squared says
I admit thinking of different things to watch when not attending medical appointments….. This is surely going to be a talk that I hope to continue upon later on throughout the future!
Jerry Marquardt says
I would love to see this fine podcast. I thank you for the information on this.
Grace H says
I’ve never listened to crime podcasts in particular, but I love podcasts. I mostly listen to video game podcasts and wrestling podcasts but I might have to branch out a bit at some point.
Kathy Pease says
I have never listened to podcasts but they do sound interesting..I have always loved reading true crime books and would love to check these out
Laurie Emerson says
I love podcasts. I have always been a crime series watcher as I like to see just who and why someone commits a crime.
Betsy Barnes says
These are cool, I never listen to podcasts, however, I love crimes stories and shows. I;m definitely going to check some out! 🙂
Birdiebee says
I have never listened to any podcast before but would be interested in the crime investigations. I will have to check this out.
shelly peterson says
I find Crime investigations interesting. I have never listened to them before. I did listen to a few , which were interesting. I still prefer to watch a show than listen to podcasts.
Helen Costello says
Ooh I always forget to listen to podcasts – they are great for our long car journeys but obviously I would have to be child free to listen to some of these! I bet they are terrifying knowing that they are true stories.
Stephanie Larison says
Wow this sounds really interesting! My husband would be really into this.
Jackie says
I’ve never listened to a podcast. I’d rather watch a news show or true-crime show on tv than some of the other shows. These podcasts sound like a great alternative to watching on tv. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie Phelps says
Oh my gosh I love true crime but have never listened to podcast but I will be giving the first two a try! Thank you for sharing! I am downloading the first one as I type!
Garf says
I have never done podcasting but don’t think it is the kind of thing that I like to do.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I did not know about these! My sort of guilty secret is a fascination with true crime cases. I think it is a thing that I fear, so I try to understand it.
Charlene S. says
This is new to me, but I’m definitely interested. My kind of topic.
Cecilia Keinapel says
I had no idea that they made crime podcasts! I have listened to one podcast but I never really fell in love with it. Maybe something I should try to do more? I like the sound of Serial, definetely my kind of tea.
Linda Hobbis says
Podcasting is a whole new world to me. I tend to avoid music and audio because I have trouble with my ears. I’m much more of a book worm. Great to see a different creative avenue for authors though.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
oh man now that I switched to Spotify I can’t remember the last time I actually listened to a podcast! I like shows like NCIS and Major Crimes so I may have to dust off my iPod and give one of these a go! 🙂
LaShawn says
I found out about Serial late! But I’m always looking for more podcasts to listen to. Thanks for sharing these.
Toughcookiemommy says
I don’t think that I have ever listened to any of these crime podcasts. I am intrigued to learn more now since I have always been a big fan of true crime.
TheGracefulMist says
I checked their site because this is the first time I`ve heard of Serial. They actually tell real-life stories? This seems interesting.
Marielle Altenor says
I feel like I’ve been living under a rock! I didn’t even know they made crime podcasts!
Bonnie @wemake7 says
This is awesome. My husband and I love watching crime shows. We’ve never tried podcasts though, will have to now.
Meagan says
I haven’t heard of these. They could be interesting.
Anna says
i have never listened to podcast before, but im interested to here more on this. x
Ave says
These are some interesting podcasts. I have to show these to my husben as he is interested in this topic because of his work. I think I don’t have any crime related podcasts on my list yet, but will check them out.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I like the crime stories.
I was always a fan of Forensic Files.
Chanelle says
I LOVE Forensic Files!
Rachel says
I dont think I have ever actually listened to a podcast in my life x
CourtneyLynne says
Ha! I never thought of crime podcast! I do listen to a lot of pod cast though. Mainly business ones!
Dreammerin says
I’ve never listened any podcast. But after reading your post, I think I will to listen some podcast which are recommend by you. It sounds a quite interesting. Nowadays, most people prefer to watch TV serials.
Hannah says
Ooo I love podcasts – going to get these out!! xz
lynzy says
My mom listened to Serial and I wish I had too – I think I may have to, especially now that he’s getting a new trial! Can you believe it? I’ll have to show my mom the rest of your suggestions, she loves these podcasts!
Kitty Kaos says
I love podcasts I listen to mostly supernatural and true crime ones so these sound great I will have to check them out. Serial sounds so interesting! x
Sarah Bailey says
I am going to have to check all these out – I love anything to do with crime. x
Jess says
I’ve never actually listened to a podcast but these sound like the sort of thing I could get into! I love true crime, it’s so interesting. Thanks for the recommendations!
Rebecca Swenor says
This sounds so interesting to me and I am going to have the check the podcasts out for sure. I will have to share this with my sisters and friends also. Thanks for sharing the podcasts.
Tara says
I really need to listen to Serial, so many people I know love it!
Elizabeth says
I confess that I’ve never listened to a podcast before, but this post has convinced me to give one a go. Serial sounds gripping!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I’m always morbidly fascinated by true crime. Will definitely check out the Serial podcast!
Amanda Love says
Crime shows are always so fascinating to me especially since it’s always exciting to find out what happened! These podcasts are very interesting and I would love to listen to them when I get the time!
Sarahjane says
These sound so thrilling. I often watch true crime documentaries on the TV
Claire says
What a cool idea for a post! I loved Serial.
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
oh this looks interesting. i have never watched podcasts before but i think i am gonna def have to check this out.
Jessica says
I need to check out serial now. My friend loves crime series. This may interests him. 🙂
Toni says
I have not listened to a podcast. These sound exciting!
Franc Ramon says
I would love to follow this crime series too. I’m sure you can be hooked unlocking all the details.
Bella B says
I had no clue there were crime podcast thats actually really cool!! I have never even listen to any tip of podcast before I guess ill have to try it out
Adriana Lopez-Martin says
I love NPR and their programming have not had a chance to check out “serial’ now with your review you are tempting me to hear the program =)
Elizabeth O. says
This is the first time I’ve heard of these podcasts. I don’t often listen to them but with shows like this, it would be nice to tune in every once in a while. I am very interested in crime stories as well. They are so exciting and most will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Anna says
I am always looking for a new podcasts and these look so interesting! I will absolutely check them out! XO
Anna || A Lily Love Affair
Melanie Edjourian says
My mum would probably love all these, she finds them interesting.
Sarah says
Oh this is a great list, I am not super into crime but have some friends who may like these options!
Brandy says
I had no idea there were crime podcasts, appreciate you sharing them with us! I may have to tune into at least one to see what crime podcasts are all about!
Milly Youngman says
I love a good crime story – I don’t listen to that many podcasts but definitely adding these to my list!
M Williams says
I’ve never listened to a true crime podcast but I do listen to travel podcasts. Sounds like this is interesting though. I used to work with offenders at one time in my life
Jeanine says
I can’t do true crime anything! I’m such a baby and like to live in my bubble. That said I don’t think I’ve ever even heard a podcast before. Sounds interesting.
nicol says
true crime stories are very fascinating as it’s actually happened and not fictional. scary at the same time
Heather says
I don’t listen to podcasts at all but this subject matter interests me. I love watching unsolved mystery type shows.
Neely (@Neelykins) says
These are great suggestions. I loved Serial so I am always looking for new things!
Life as Mum says
True Crimes scare me when I watch them but I do must admitt I do like watching them
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
I must admit, the only podcasts I listen to are for work. They’re all on insurance marketing – blah. These sound much more interesting! I wish you luck in finding even more!
Vera Sweeney says
I have never heard of this podcast before!! I love watching True Crime shows, I need to look this up would be great for traveling!
Susanna says
I’m fascinated by true crime, but I don’t think I could handle these – I’m paranoid enough as it is, but I’d be looking over my shoulder if I knew more about true crime…
Carrie says
I love Crime shows but Ive never listened to a podcast before! But these sound great! I will have to try these out!
janis says
I don’t really listen to podcasts, but they are a great for some people. These crime one sound interesting though.
Sabrina Barbante says
I’ve always loved crime stories mainly in literature. I’m not yet very much into podcasts and series but I think if I started it would be a kind of new addiction, wouldn’t it? 🙂
Chanelle says
Yes, you’ll be hooked! I know I am!
Jasmine Eclipse says
I still haven’t gotten into podcasts, even though I’ve heard so many great things about them! The thing is, I don’t know when I would even listen to them! I don’t commute into work or anything like that. But these stories do seem interesting. Crime stories are my favorite! I’ll just stick with Law & Order reruns for now haha
Elena Toma says
I love crime shows but I have never heard of the ones you mention. I just finished first season of True Detectives, an American anthology crime drama and I was really impressed. The show focuses on three detectives from three cooperating police departments and a criminal-turned-businessman as they investigate a series of crimes they believed are linked to the murder of a corrupt politician. Maybe you wanna look it up 🙂
Jeanette says
I actually never heard of any of these. I’m somewhat into crime movies and shows. I like to see the good guy come out in the end.
Ana De- Jesus says
True crime scares me but at the same time in a weirdly morbid way it fascinates me. Especially when it comes to encoding a killers motives, even more so when they are serial offenders.
Pam says
I’m fascinated by true crime. However, it can definitely hit too close to home. I don’t like learning about true crime stories in my area!
Pam says
The Trail Went Cold sounds fascinating. I love learning about cold cases and unsolved crimes. I will have to check out these podcasts.
Hannah says
It sounds like a good one! My husband does a lot of travelling so I’ll recommend it to him.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These sound like great programs. I actually haven’t heard of these, but I’m really excited about them. I LOVE true crime stories.
jamie says
Hubby and I love watching these types of shows on tv, I never knew there were podcasts too!
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve actually never listened to a podcast before because I much prefer reading stories than hearing them x
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I really like the idea of listening to podcasts while working out. It’s a great distraction! I’m not into crime podcasts, but I will share this post with a few friends who would love to check out these podcasts!
Chanelle says
It’s great, especially for cardio like walking or biking!
Paula Schuck says
I’ve never head of any of these, but I can’t wait to watch them. I think I’m going to watch “The Trail Went cold” first. That’s totally up my alley.
Lynette says
I didn’t even know there were podcasts like this, I usually listen to ones relating to my work or to gaming. Not sure I could handle the crime ones though personally, I don’t think I’d go out the house after!
Chanelle says
Lol, best not to listen to them while home alone at night 😉
fashion-mommy says
I’ve never listened to a podcast before, but love reading true crime books so will have to give it a go.
Crystal Ward says
Have you listened to Undisclosed? So many episodes blew my mind with the stuff they figured out!
Chanelle says
Someone else recommended this one too so it’s the next one I’m going to check out – thanks!!
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
I’ve never listened to a crime podcast before – I must check these out! H x
Martina Williams says
I have never listened to this kind of crime stories podcasts before, only to audiobooks. I will give it a go one evening, they can replace reading a book before going to bed.
Marta says
This is what my bf’s mum loves, all the crime stories and if they’re real, she would love them even more, have to share your post with her 🙂
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I’ve actually never listened to a crime podcast. My Mom loves audio books, and is very interested in mysteries. I’ll have to let my Dad know about these and see if he can help her access them, she might enjoy them.
Stacey says
I really enjoy mysteries and follow true crime shows on TV. I’ve never listened to any of the podcasts about them though and you’ve convinced me that I need to check them out!
Christine Tataum says
I hadn’t heard of this podcast. I think I will check it out and I know my husband will too.
gingermommyrants says
I have never listened to a true crime podcast before. I will have to check this out.It sounds facinating I love true crime stories.
JJ johnson says
I’m not a Podcaster, but I’m sure I know.of peeps who will find this highly interesting. I’ll share with them 🙂
Nellwyn says
Thanks for this list! I’ve just started getting into podcasts lately so I’m always looking for good recommendations.
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
Tami says
My husband and dad both would enjoy listening to these podcasts. We end up watching a lot of true murder shows on television.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
I saw that awhile back and I was shocked. I will have to check more out.
Tara Noland says
I am a murder mystery fan but my husband is even more so. I have never heard of podcasts before, so cool.
Amy Desrosiers says
Would you know I love murder mysteries and crime shows. These sound like keepers while I work!
Kathy says
I’ll have to listen to the first one because I’ve never heard about this. I’ve never done podcasts either, but I am interested to hear more about this.