The Best Podcasts If You Love True Crime
Whether you're commuting, exercising, or just hanging out, a podcast can be the perfect way to pass the time. A true crime podcast is the perfect way to pass the time and properly scare yourself into checking behind doors and over your shoulder for potential danger. While it may seem like your options are endless in the world of true crime podcasts, some are more listen-worthy than others. There are options that will make you laugh as well as some that will make you cry, and all of them will keep you informed on the most compelling true crime cases.
It might come as a surprise to learn that 75% of true crime podcast listeners are female (via OZY). The source cites three main factors in this imbalance — interaction, escape, and voyeurism. No one needs to know which, if any, of these categories you might fall into, but you might want to check out some of these titles.
For laughs
"My Favorite Murder" is the perfect true crime podcast for those who like to approach serious topics in a lighthearted manner. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark speak candidly about some of the most gruesome murder cases in history, delivering both an informative breakdown of the cases and a laugh at every turn (via Marie Claire).
"And That's Why We Drink" hosts Christine Scheifer and Em Schulz touch on the paranormal and the criminal with a candid dynamic that adds a bit of humor to even the most gruesome and harrowing stories (via Marie Claire).
The "Killer Queens" podcast likes to keep things light and easy, serving up true crime facts with "killer 90's references and southern sass," (via their website). This is a great place to start if you're new to the true crime world and you want to ease in with some casual listening, with hosts Tyrella Slemp and Tori Tobi noting that they want listeners to feel like they're "chatting with their besties."
"Sinisterhood," while not always focused entirely on murder, is a wildly informative and well-researched podcast hosted by improv comedians Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney (via Marie Claire).
Informative deep dives
Ashley Flowers and co-host Brit bring you new episodes of "Crime Junkie" every week, maintaining a somber and respectful tone and using compelling language and in-depth research to bring awareness to crimes that remain unsolved, as well as updates on cases as new information surfaces (via Crime Junkie).
"Serial Killers" with Greg Polcyn and Jessica Richardson gives you a super straightforward title to let you know exactly what you're in for. Week after week, these two compile the full breadth of information available about a specific serial killer by diving into the "minds, method, and madness of the most notorious serial killers," (via Parcast).
True crime isn't true crime if you don't sprinkle in a little conspiracy theory every now and then, and if you're looking to brush up on your theories then "Conspiracy Theories" is the podcast for you. Every Monday and Wednesday, hosts Molly Brandenburg and Carter Roy take a closer look at something that might not be quite what it seems (via Parcast).
Single case-focused podcasts
Missing persons cases are often the most baffling of the true crime world, and "Up and Vanished" host Payne Lindsey aims to shed light on those cases. Season 1 of "Up and Vanished" covers the disappearance of beauty queen and teacher, Tara Grinstead (via CBS News).
The Long Island Serial Killer is one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in American History, and Chris Mass brings you "LISK" to take a closer look at the victims, the investigation process, and new leads that might bring justice and a close to this case (via LISK).
Told over six episodes, "The Officer's Wife" covers the story of Jessica Boynton's 2016 murder (via The New Yorker). This story shook up a small town, and it might just shake you up as well (via Stitcher).
Whatever your true crime style is, there is a podcast out there for you. When you're done listening, don't forget to check your locks one more time before you turn out the lights!