True Crime Podcasts #7

And just like that, I have 10 more podcasts for you to check out. Whether you are driving, running, cooking, working, or sitting around and need something to occupy the silence, I got you. I’ve done this six times before, so feel free to check out my other 60 podcasts I listen to:

Let’s Talk 10 Podcasts #6 - September 2019
10 of my Favorite Singular Story Podcasts (#5) - February 2019
Up (4) Another 10 Podcasts To Check Out In 2018 - October 2018
10 Podcasts (X3) To Listen To In 2018 - February 2018
10 More Podcasts You Should Listen to Today - October 2017
Top 10 Podcasts To Listen To Today - April 2017

All of the podcasts on this blog are singular story, true crime themed podcasts. Each podcast is focused around a specific person, event, or series of murders… Each story is slightly different, but all are a little twisted in one way or another (hence the murder theme), so let’s get going with another 10 podcasts I listen to.


10. Conviction

“Manuel Gomez is a detective straight out of a detective novel. He carries a pen that’s really a knife, wears a watch that’s really a camera, adores Sherlock Holmes and Miami Vice. But the cases Gomez takes on are all too real: cases of young men in New York City who say they’ve been arrested for crimes they didn’t commit. Reporter Saki Knafo follows Gomez as he tackles the biggest case of his career—and along the way, Saki explores big questions about criminal justice in America.”

Decent podcast that follows detective Manny Gomez and some of the cases he involves himself in. It is a Gimlet podcast, so you know the production value is pretty high. Host, Saki Knafo takes us through 7 episodes that are around 40 minutes each with ads at the beginning, middle & end.

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9. Who the Hell is Hamish?

“He was born Hamish Watson, a surfie dude from Sydney - but he could morph into whatever you needed him to be. Hamish is due to be sentenced to jail in early 2019 for swindling a handful of victims out of more than $7m. But these crimes are just the final pages in a resume too thick to staple; for decades he's duped victims in the US, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong and Australia. How did he do it? How did he evade authorities around the world for so long and what's he done with all those tens of millions of dollars he stole?”

This is an Australian show that comes from the same people who made “The Teacher’s Pet” I featured on podcast blog #5. This is a 10 episode podcast, episodes ranging from 30-40 minutes, that is led by reporter Greg Bearup. He dives into the many stories from many people about a man named Hamish. It’s stories like this that make me nervous about investing money, and trusting anyone in general!

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8. To Live and Die in LA

“Our debut season takes a deep dive into the mysterious disappearance of 25-year-old Adea Shabani, an aspiring actress and model who vanished without a trace from her apartment complex near Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame. Last seen in February of 2018, Shabani is a native of Macedonia. Like the thousands who flock to Los Angeles each year, she hoped to realize her Hollywood dream of stardom. What really happened to Adea? The full story has never been told.”

To Live and Die in LA is a 12 episode podcast that comes from Tenderfoot TV (makers of Up and Vanished) and is hosted by journalist Neil Strauss. Most episodes come in around 30 minutes, however, the last couple are over an hour long. A sad story about someone trying to make it in Hollywood only to be torn down.

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7. Murderville

“When a brutal murder rocks a small Southern town, residents and police are shocked. Could the new guy in town be the one who who did it? Yes, the cops say, he is. Case solved. But then another murder happens. And another. In the end: four bodies, two convictions, and one man in jail for a crime he likely did not commit. Welcome to Murderville, Georgia. Investigative reporters Liliana Segura and Jordan Smith uncover what happens when law enforcement locks up their first suspect, leaving another man free to kill.”

Murderville is brought to you by reporters Lilliana Segura and Jordan Smith who walk us through 8 episodes ranging from 20-35 minutes per episode. A classic true-crime type of podcast.

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6. Broken Harts

“Markis, Hannah, Devonte, Abigail, Jeremiah, and Sierra Hart—six beautiful black children, ranging in age from 12 to 19—were all adopted by Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both white. On Jen’s Facebook page, it looked as if they were the perfect blended family, even earning the nickname “Hart Tribe” from friends. Then, on March 26, 2018, the family’s GMC Yukon was found belly-up on the rocks below California’s Highway 1. The news of the murder-suicide shocked their friends and made national headlines, leaving many wondering what possibly led to the fatal crash. Could these lives have been saved?”

This was by far the saddest story and podcast of the bunch. How does what seems like a normal, caring woman turn on her spouse and adoptive children? So many unanswered questions, but a lot of potential clues to solve them. No matter how well you think you have covered your tracks, there are always breadcrumbs left behind. The season lasts 9 episodes with episodes coming in around 35 minutes each. If you want a broken heart, listen to Broken Harts.

5. Over My Dead Body

“We all have limits. And some people who are pushed beyond those limits will do unspeakable things. In “Tally,” season One of OVER MY DEAD BODY, Dan and Wendi are two good-looking attorneys whose wedding is featured in the New York Times. But when this “perfect” couple falls apart, it leads to a bad breakup, a worse divorce, and a murder case involving a menagerie of high-priced lawyers and unexpected co-conspirators. Reported by Matthew Shaer and Eric Benson, and hosted by Matthew Shaer”

This is a podcast by Wondery, which I have featured on many of these blogs. When I first started writing this blog there was only one season of Over My Dead Body, “Tally.” Seven 40 minute episodes of detective reporting by Matthew Shaer. They now have released a second season called “Joe Exotic". Season two brings us another seven 40 minute episodes, this time about a crazy zoo keeper named Joe. Joe owns and breed big cats (tigers, ligers, and more). But is he doing it in a humane way? I recommend both as they walk through each crime story, trying to find the answer to questions that often result in someone dead.

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4. Man in the Window

“In Man in the Window, Paige St. John, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter has uncovered never before revealed details about the man who would eventually become one of California's most deadly serial killers. To an early love interest, Joe DeAngelo was energetic and worldly. Now, nearly 50 years later, he stands accused of an extended spasm of violence — home invasions, rapes, murders — in the 1970s and ’80s.”

Coming from the LA Times and Wondery, this podcast consists of eight 35-45 minute episodes through the victims’ eyes. Beautifully told by Paige St. John, she goes through and uncovers the gruesome details of the infamous Golden State Killer.

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3. The Dropout

“Money. Romance. Tragedy. Deception. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is an unbelievable tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. How did the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire lose it all in the blink of an eye? How did the woman once heralded as “the next Steve Jobs” find herself facing criminal charges — to which she pleaded not guilty — and up to 20 years in jail? How did her technology, meant to revolutionize healthcare, potentially put millions of patients at risk? And how did so many smart people get it so wrong along the way?”

Six episodes ranging from 35-45 minutes like all the rest. This pod is hosted by Jarvis and presented by ABC. It once again goes to show what someone can do with a little confidence, while actually having no idea what they are doing. Make that money… until you are caught… People are twisted!

2. Root of Evil

““Root of Evil” is an unflinching look at one family’s awful past and astonishing dysfunction, with one of the most famous unsolved murders in American history at the center of it.”

This podcasts has eight 45 minute episodes and is hosted by Yvette Gentile and Rasha Pecoraro, daughters of Fauna Hodel. They tell the true story of the Hodel family and all the terrors, dysfunction, and even one of the most famous unsolved murders that were brought by them. I really enjoyed how this was a first hand experience, which makes it that much more eerie, creepy & impactful. What a story!

1. Happy Face

“For Melissa Moore, 1995 was a nightmare. That’s the year the teenager learned her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial killer. It’s also the year Melissa Moore’s doubt spiral began: When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too? Happy Face is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media. But it’s also the story of the horrific legacy he gifted his children. Join Melissa Moore as she investigates her father’s crimes, reckons with the past, and wades through her darkest fears as she hunts for a better future.”

Coming in at #1 this time around is Happy Face. Just like the podcast right before this, this podcast is hosted by the daughter of the criminal, as she tells this story first hand. Melissa Moore, daughter of the Happy Face Killer goes into details about her childhood and the terrible legacy she was left with. This podcasts has twelve episodes ranging from 35-45 minutes and I highly recommend it!

I hope you can enjoy these new 10 podcasts all about true crime & murder. And with those 10, it takes us to 70 podcasts I try to get to every week. Don’t forget to check out the other 60 I have posted about before (links at the top).

As always, you can get listen to all these podcasts for free by downloading on itunes, listening on the websites (links provided above), stream on Spotify, or use the podcast app on your phone (like me!)

And remember, sharing is caring, so if there are any podcasts that you suggest I listen to, please send them my way.

Josh

10 of My Favorite Singular Story Podcasts (#5)

Podcasts. You know the drill. If you drive, run, cook, work, or have extra time and are tired of listening to music or silence, you’ve probably loaded up a podcast. Now before we jump into it, I’ve already done this four other times, so feel free to check out my other 40 podcasts I listen to:

Up (4) Another 10 Podcasts To Check Out In 2018 - October 2018
10 Podcasts (X3) To Listen To In 2018 - February 2018
10 More Podcasts You Should Listen to Today - October 2017
Top 10 Podcasts To Listen To Today - April 2017

Update: Check out the newest 10 at Let’s Talk Podcasts #6

Okay, ready to go? All of the podcasts this time are singular stories told within each pod. Most are true crime stories and all are pretty addicting. If you are up for it, let’s jump on in to another 10 podcasts I listen to.


10. The Wonderland Murders by Hollywood & Crime

“In 1981 four people were brutally murdered in their home in the Hollywood Hills. The Wonderland Murders is the tale of a violent home invasion robbery and the revenge rampage that followed. It involves a drug-fueled gang of criminals, a crazed crime kingpin– and the world’s most famous porn star on a downward and deadly spiral.”

Too many ads, not enough background information. It probably would be good if I already knew the story behind this, but then again, there were so many ads, it was hard to keep going. But only seven, 45 minute episodes, so give it a whirl, but maybe research it up first.

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9. Homecoming

“Homecoming centers on a caseworker at an experimental facility, her ambitious supervisor, and a soldier eager to rejoin civilian life — presented in an enigmatic collage of telephone calls, therapy sessions, and overheard conversations. The result is an innovative, immersive audio experience — a mystery unfolding across the twelve episodes of Seasons One and Two.”

The TV show is pretty dope! I watched it before the podcast, so have a little different perspective. But the podcast moves along well and features David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends), Oscar Isaac, Catherine Keener, Amy Sedaris, and David Cross. This scripted series consists of 2, six part seasons and is pretty thrilling. Highly recommend the TV series on Amazon Prime as well!

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8. Empire on Blood

"In the Bronx, in the early 90s, two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” They lived large, wearing mink, drinking champagne, getting rich. Then their fraught relationship fell apart, dead bodies piled up, and one accused the other of a double homicide he didn’t commit. Or did he? We hear from the cops, the DA, the terrified eyewitnesses, the dealer doing life, and the dealer who put him there."

Empire on Blood is a well told podcast of wrongful conviction. It keeps the details a one time thing, no repeating of facts/details over and over like a lot of other podcasts, so be sure to listen to the story of how Cal tries to get this life sentenced overturned. Journalist Steve Fishman presents seven years of work into just 7 episodes.

7. A Killing on the Cape

"It was a crime that rocked an idyllic seaside town in Cape Cod – the 2002 murder of Christa Worthington, found stabbed to death with her 2-year-old daughter, unharmed at her side. What came next was a three-year search for her killer that would involve unorthodox steps by police, a lengthy list of potential suspects, and an entire town under suspicion. Christa’s trash collector, Christopher McCowen, would eventually be convicted of the crime, but his trial would raise questions about the evidence, investigative methods, and whether racial prejudice played a role.”

A Killing on the Cape, which is presented by ABC Radio and 20/20, follows the twisted tale of the murder of Christa Worhtington in Cape Cod in 2002. It is only a six part series that you will get through quick. After listening, let me know who you think did it. Shout out to Nikki for telling me about this one!

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6. The Teacher’s Pet

"A star footballer. His school girl lover.  A wife who vanishes. Chris and Lyn appear to have the perfect marriage. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story of strangely close twin brothers, teenage student lovers, and probable murder.”

The Teacher’s Pet is an Australian based true crime podcast about the story of Lyn Dawson who goes missing without a trace in 1982. Her husband Chris Dawson is a star Aussie rules football player and starts dating his former student, and babysitter of his children immediately after. Crazy 16 episode story. To be honest, some of the episodes drag on too long, repeating the same facts over and over again. But who doesn’t love an Australian accent? Worth the listen and still somewhat ongoing as the case has been reopened!

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5. A Murder on Orchard Street

“Follow the breakneck twists and turns of a strange, unsolved 2003 homicide where our reporter delves into her original recordings in an attempt to change the course of the case completely. Experience the case from every angle — from the perspectives of the initial suspect, detectives, witnesses and the determined family of the victim, Burke O’Brien.”

Could you imagine seeing your best friend get murdered and then being blamed for the crime? Another true crime podcast you will fly through as it is only seven episodes that range from 15-20 minutes long.

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4. Bear Brook

“Two barrels. Four bodies. And the decades-long mystery that led to a serial killer. A podcast about a cold case that's changing how murders will be investigated forever.”

Again, a true crime podcast that is only 7 episodes long! The trend continues! Sad story about four unidentified murdered girls who’s bodies are found in the woods. Despite the topic, it is very interesting to see how websites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe can give additional information and clues to murder investigations.

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3. Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football

“Football star Aaron Hernandez went from the bright lights of the Super Bowl to a convicted murderer in a few years. The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, takes a hard look at the crisis facing football through the lens of Aaron Hernandez’s life and terrible crimes. Spotlight uncovered new documents, audio, and interviews to go deep into the story of what happened to Aaron Hernandez, and what it means for those of us who cheer on a violent game. ”

If you are into football or murder, this podcast is the one for you. Gladiator covers once New England Patriot tight end Aaron Hernandez and his rise and fall. Again, only seven episodes, this podcast does a great job giving background on Aaron Hernandez’s upbringing, football life, personal habits, and more. It will leave you questioning if football is safe, among other things (no spoilers). Highly recommend this podcast made by Wondery.

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2. Believed

“How did Larry Nassar, an Olympic gymnastics doctor, get away with abusing hundreds of women and girls for two decades? Believed is an inside look at how a team of women won a conviction in one of the largest serial sexual abuse cases in U.S. history. It's a story of survivors finding their power in a cultural moment when people are coming to understand how important that is. It's also an unnerving exploration of how even well-meaning adults can fail to believe.”

NPR podcast produced through Michigan Radio, this 9 part series will make you sick to your stomach as convicted sex offender Larry Nassar gets away with his brutal crimes for decades. The title, "Believed”, is perfect because that is exactly what nobody did for these poor innocent girls. It will make you think twice about who you believe, especially when women and children, who have been pushed behind the scenes for so long, stand up and speak out. It even features a girl who goes to my alma mater, Adrian College, who was abused by Larry growing up. The dude is a sicko and this story should be heard by all so it doesn’t happen again.

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1. Dr. Death

"We’re at our most vulnerable when we go to our doctors. We trust the person at the other end of that scalpel. We trust the hospital. We trust the system. Dr. Christopher Duntsch was a neurosurgeon who radiated confidence. He claimed he was the best in Dallas. If you had back pain, and had tried everything else, Dr. Duntsch could give you the spine surgery that would take your pain away. But soon his patients started to experience complications. And all they had to protect them was a system ill equipped to stop the madness."

Dr. Death is a Wondery Podcast, who has made previous podcasts I’ve listened to like Sword & Scale, Dirty John, American History Tellers, and a handful of other podcasts in this blog. They seem to be constantly kicking out great material! Dr. Death is a twisted true story about a Doctor who had no idea what he was doing in Texas from 2011 to 2013. The 6 part series details gruesome descriptions of what this guy did and how the medical system failed to protect it’s patients. One of the worst parts is that he first operated on his best friend… Not sure if he is clinically insane or just a terrible human. This will make you question any doctor, if you don’t already!

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Bonus Podcast: A Very Fatal Murder (Bonus)

“David Pascall is in search of the perfect murder — a murder so beautiful, so moving that it could be the subject of his new podcast for OPR.”

Think American Vandal (netflix), but in podcast form. The seven episodes are only 10 minutes each and will give you a good laugh. So if you want a break from these heavy, true crime podcasts, give this parody one by Onion Public Radio a try.

And that’s that. As a reminder, this brings us to 50 (+1) total podcasts. Check out the other 40 podcasts I have suggested in the past (linked above).

And as always, feel free to suggest any podcasts you are listening to.

Josh