By: Austin Price, Staff Writer
Most people find the topics of murder, torture, and kidnapping absolutely horrifying and avoid them at all costs. But there are some outliers, like me, that are fascinated by true crime. Before anyone freaks out, a human's interest in true crime and horror is a completely normal and non-psychotic thing. Studies show that true crime dramas give us an insight into our culture as well as addressing our anxieties and fears. By watching true crime dramas, we unlock our natural desire to solve puzzles and mysteries and get to speculate as to why criminals may act the way they do. So, for all you true crime lovers out there, I figured it would be helpful to compile a list of true crime podcasts and give you all a little preview of them, so you know what you want to listen to.
I will be rating 5 different true crime podcasts on a scale of 5 stars. These ratings are based on different features for each podcast such as episode lengths, personality of hosts, accurate research on a variety of topics, individuality, and accessibility. Before we begin, I want to reiterate that these ratings and reviews are based on my own opinion and listening experiences. I am in no way trying to discredit or dishonor the work or reputation of these podcasts and podcasters, this is simply my opinion. I hope this true crime podcast compilation introduces you all to some innovative ideas, informs you of some new mysteries, and sparks your interest in the victims of these crimes in a way that honors them and is respectful to their families. So, without further ado, let the reviews begin!
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Podcast Name: RedHanded
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Hosts: Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala
Accolades: Spotify’s 2020 Number One (Case Closed), Listener’s Choice Award 2021 for British Podcast Award, Listener’s Choice Award 2022 for British Podcast Awards
Latest Episode Released: September 22nd, 2022
Average Episode Length: 60-90 Minutes
Official Website: https://redhandedpodcast.com/home-1
Other Projects: RedHanded – The Book, Confessions Live Tour
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Patreon
I stumbled across RedHanded looking for something to listen to that would keep me entertained while doing laundry. I have always loved true crime documentaries but often got caught up watching them instead of doing what I needed to do. So, the idea of listening to an episode with the same amount of detail into a case that a movie or tv show would have without the distraction of visuals sounded perfect. The first episode I listened to was the infamous Casey Anthony case and immediately, I was hooked.
The hosts of the podcast, Hannah, and Suruthi instantly made me feel comfortable when talking about the most gruesome stuff imaginable. The two of them became friends over a love of true crime and left their day jobs to pursue podcasting full-time. One of my favorite things about these two is that I feel as if I am having a conversation with good friends of mine as I listen. Their chatter back and forth is insightful, entertaining, and provides so much-needed humor throughout a grisly crime. Despite the laughter and commentary between the two, they both show the utmost respect for the victims and the victims’ families. They make it clear that “victim shaming” does not help anyone, and although these people are gone, that does not mean we can disrespect them as we see fit.
Another thing I love about RedHanded is their extensive use of varying resources. They always pull in as much detail as possible without making the story confusing and analyze each piece of the puzzle with the same about of attention and dedication. They also often use audio clips from the case their covering whether they be over a 911 phone call or through a recoded conversation. By inserting these clips into their script, the crime is covered extensively in the order that it went, not in the order of evidence being discovered. Hannah and Suruthi also provide links and resources in the description of every episode, allowing listeners to investigate further on their own.
While Hannah and Suruthi follow a loose script, they often incorporate their own theories along the way. This gives the reader a chance to consider their own personal theories while also listening to personal stories from the girls. Listening to RedHanded feels like I am out to lunch with good friends. Yes, sometimes they curse. Yes, sometimes they get sidetracked. Yes, sometimes they stumble over words. But to me, these human actions are endearing and serve as a reminder to me that we are all just humans trying to make it through the world while also investigating the things we find interesting. We are not book reports, and we are not essays. Humans talk. Humans interrupt. Humans laugh and cry at random. Hannah and Suruthi’s open and imperfect narrative allows listeners to relate to them, and to fight the good fight in exploring and bringing light on true crime.
Hannah and Suruthi’s friendship is apparent in every episode with friendly teasing, comedic banter, and shared experiences. The two of them risked a lot starting this podcast and now, due to its popularity and success, they can relax and enjoy each other and connect to their listeners in a more personalized and vulnerable way. I award RedHanded 5 out of 5 stars for their brilliant coverage of both well-known and lesser-known crimes, their analysis of verdicts, and their theories on unsolved cases.
Podcast Name: Killer Queens
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Hosts: Tyrella Slemp and Tori Tobi
Accolades: Featured on Marie Claire’s 2020 list “39 True Crime Podcasts We’ve Been Hooked on this Year”, featured on Cosmopolitan's 2020 list “The 17 Best True Crime Podcasts of 2020”
First Episode Released: January 4th, 2019
Latest Episode Released: September 22nd, 2022
Average Episode Length: 45-90 Minutes
Official Website: https://www.killerqueenspodcast.com/
Other Projects: Merchandise line including clothing, homeware and accessories
Where to Listen: Spotify, Patreon, Podbean
Killer Queens is the epitome of Southern charm and endless 1990’s pop culture references. This podcast stars sisters Tyrella Slemp and Tori Tobi, and both their families are often mentioned in every episode. They stay true to the friendly banter and sibling rivalry of a younger and older sister with inside jokes, favorite memories, and heartwarming experiences from their lives together. Killer Queens does have a much bigger staff than most other independent, true crime podcasts. However, their work is always consistent and thoroughly detailed,
Like Hannah and Suruthi’s relationship on RedHanded, Tyrella and Tori often poke fun at each other while also bringing sensitivity to the severity of the case and showing their respect for victims and admiration for survivors. However, I believe the defining attribute of Killer Queens is their immense knowledge of 1990’s pop culture with references to television show icons such as “Friends” and more recently, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.
Tyrella and Tori often reference their childhoods throughout episodes, demonstrating their close-knit bond with one another as being born to an absentee mother, Tyrella quickly became the matriarch of the family at a very young age. While these girls have certainly had their fair share of hardships and challenges in their relationship, their sibling love and friendship is apparent in every episode, making the entire show seem more intimate, more family oriented, and more relatable to listeners. I award Killer Queens with 5 out of 5 stars for their personal touches, 90’s references, and thorough research and dedication given to each episode.
Podcast Name: Murder with my Husband
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Hosts: Garrett Moreland and Payton Moreland
Accolades: Over 150 podcasts, over 2 million followers
First Episode Released: April 24th, 2020
Latest Episode Released: September 19th, 2022
Average Episode Length: 30-60 Minutes
Official Website: https://murderwithmyhusband.com/
Other Projects: Weekly newsletter, themed merchandise
Where to Listen: Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
Murder with my Husband is exactly what it sounds like. Hosts Payton and Garrett Moreland are a happily married couple with varying interests. Payton loves true crime and investigating the how's and what's behind murder whereas Garrett absolutely hates it but humors his wife by allowing her to tell him and their listener gruesome stories with nitty gritty details. These two conflicting feelings towards malicious acts on mankind certainly make for an interesting podcast.
Garrett and Payton’s relationship is what I consider couple goals. Garrett supports the hours and hours of research done by Payton, without rushing her or arguing with her throughout the story. He shows his understanding of Payton’s love for true crime by letting her tell him the stories as she sees fit. Garrett is Payton’s biggest cheerleader, always applauding his wife for her work and always appreciating everything she does for their show.
Payton shows her enthusiasm through her extensive research by providing her list of references at the top of every show, and by sharing her own personal thoughts and opinions along the way. Most of Garrett’s initial dialogue in the show consists of “Oh my gosh” and “That’s crazy” to which Payton very nonchalantly replies, “Yeah, I know.” However, it’s nice to have Garrett verbally expressing every listener’s inner monologue.
The fact that Garrett is not involved in any of the research and is unfamiliar with the cases covered makes it easier for listeners to feel included in the show. Rather than listening to two experts on a complex case, we listen to one expert on complex cases with a clueless but diehard fan with us along the way. All in all, the two of them are very entertaining and heartwarming to listen to as they journey through true crime together while also showing their love for one another.
Garrett and Payton began their podcast at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not unusual. Many new podcasters began to draw attention to their work throughout the initial lockdown because they had nothing else to focus on. Most of these new podcasts faded away into nothing as the world began to open again but Payton and Garrett have gone strong by maintaining 1 to 2 new podcasts per week. While the majority of their episodes feature just the two of them, occasionally they’ll include a guest such as Payton’s mom, Julie, who is also a podcaster.
I give Murder with my Husband 4 out of 5 stars because while their dynamic and overall work is fabulous, sometimes the research is presented out of order, making the episode hard to follow. However, Payton, per Garrett’s request, will recap what’s happened so far and what will remind listeners who’s who. So, while sometimes their episodes are a little hard to follow, we always end up back on track somehow.
Podcast Name: Morbid
My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Hosts: Ashleigh Kelley and Alaina Urquhart
Accolades: Over 360 published podcasts, rated 4.8 stars on Spotify
First Episode Released: May 1st, 2018
Latest Episode Released: September 23rd, 2022
Average Episode Length: 90-120 Minutes
Official Website: https://linktr.ee/amorbidpodcast
Other Projects: The Butcher and the Wren (book), themed merchandise
Where to Listen: Wondery, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Morbid is one of the most popular true crime podcasts out there, featured on platforms including Spotify, Wondrey, and Apple Music. However, despite its popularity and multiple accolades, I personally do not think it deserves all the praise it gets. Morbid is hosted by Alaina and Ash, an aunt and niece duo. The whole preface around why they’re credible in their podcast work is because of their professional careers. Alaina is an autopsy technician, giving her information about decomposition and corpses, and Ashley is a hairstylist, giving her information about gossip and human relationships.
While their professional careers do give them an inside look and advantage in true crime research, they oftentimes get off track, get distracted, and dive into rabbit holes of assorted topics with no clear come back. Their episodes are incredibly long, most lasting just under 2 hours long, and most of them have 2 to 3 parts in one case. With this immense amount of recording time, the content is often repetitive and irrelevant to the case.
In addition to their long episodes and distracted commentary, Morbid has faced backlash and controversy multiple times for their mishandling of delicate information and victim shaming those involved in the case, showing disrespect to the families and friends of the victims. In February of 2021, Morbid podcast got backlash for how they portrayed people involved in the Brittanee Drexel case when a listener who was connected to the case, emailed in calling the pair of podcasters out. The hosts recklessly placed blame for the disappearance of Brittanee Drexel on the friends that took Drexel to South Carolina from New York during spring break of 2009. Listeners felt compelled to cyberstalk and harass the friends of Brittanee Drexel simply based on these two hosts. Morbid has not effectively or positively addressed these claims.
Morbid has also been under fire for their insensitive and dismissive “trigger warnings,” given at the beginning of the show. While all other podcasts mentioned in this article have sensitive and detailed trigger warnings, Morbid has a general warning that is the same for every episode, no matter the content.
All in all, while Morbid is considered one of the most successful and financially lucrative true crime podcasts in the world, the quality of their content is vague at best, their connections to their audience are disrespectful and one-sided, and their consideration for survivors and families of victims is non-existent.
Podcast Name: Crime Junkie
My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
Accolades: 500 million downloads, 630 stories covered
First Episode Released: December 17th, 2017
Latest Episode Released: September 26th, 2022
Average Episode Length: 30-60 Minutes
Official Website: https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/
Other Projects: All Good People Here (book), themed merchandise
Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Google Podcasts,
Similar to my feelings about Morbid, I do not think Crime Junkie is worthy of all the hype it gets. Crime Junkie is recognized as one of the most successful and well-known true crime podcasts out there but despite its statistical success, it lacks the personal touch and charisma the other podcasts demonstrate.
Crime Junkie has most recently been under fire because of claims of plagiarism from several true crime writers and specialists. The most notable being accusations from writer and former reporter, Cathy Frye, in August of 2019. When these allegations came to light, Ashley removed several episodes from the public forum, stating it removed episodes because of sourcing concerns after a journalist and others accused the hosts of using their work without credit.
In addition to claims of plagiarism, along with researchers coming forward, the loved ones of victims have also come forward. People have taken to social media to accuse Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat of only doing the podcast for money, considering the false information that is included in their episodes. When accused of having wrong information about the victims, they once again decide to delete their episodes.
Many listeners have spoken out about their issues with the show and subsequently, their issues with the hosts of the show. While Ashley Flowers does the research and tells the listeners the story, Brit Prawat doesn't contribute much. One listener gave a one-star review, saying "I just have such a hard time with Brit saying the same 5 lines over and over... Brit alone makes me want to peace out."
All in all, I give Crime Junkie 2 out of 5 stars for its unequal commentary between hosts, ignorance and negligence to correctly address wrongdoings on their part and featured in the platform, and lack of dedication to releasing accurate and respectful podcasts.
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I hope this gives you true crime lovers some ideas on some potential podcasts for you to dedicate your time to. Once again, all reviews in this article are my opinion and my opinion only. No part of this article is intended to speak for or overpower the appropriate podcasts and podcasters.