If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself inexplicably drawn to the dark and mysterious world of true-crime stories. Over the past few years, the popularity of true-crime story podcasts has skyrocketed, and it’s not hard to see why. These podcasts offer an extraordinary and immersive experience where you can feed your fascination with crime, while also satisfying your curiosity for the truth. From chilling murder mysteries to tangled conspiracies, there’s no shortage of spine-tingling tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But with the vast array of true-crime podcasts out there, it can be tricky to sift through the masses and find the absolute best ones. In this little corner of the internet, we’ve curated a list of the crème de la crème, the best true-crime podcasts that are taking the world by storm this 2023.
Uncover The Top True -Crime Podcasts
Crime Junkie
All true crime fans are very much aware of this podcast. Crime Junkie is a popular true crime podcast hosted by Ashley Flowers, where she delves into a different crime each week that has caught her attention. The podcast is like having a conversation with close friends, as Ashley presents the stories in a straightforward and engaging manner. She avoids getting lost in unnecessary details, ensuring that the cases stay suspenseful and easy to follow.
While Crime Junkie may have lacked proper citations of their sources in the past, the podcast remains compulsively listenable for true crime enthusiasts. Each episode delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave – an immersive experience that delves into intriguing and captivating criminal cases. It’s worth noting that the podcast experienced a change when Brit Prawat, the former co-host, stepped back due to health issues. Nevertheless, Crime Junkie continues to provide its dedicated fan base with their weekly fix of well-told true crime stories.
My Favourite Murder
My Favourite Murder is a podcast where humor meets the macabre. Every week, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark sit down and chat about their favorite tales of true crime, weaving in their own commentary and humor. They also share crime stories from their hometowns, as well as those submitted by their friends and fans, fondly known as Murderinos. The podcast has a unique spin: it’s not about glorifying crime, but rather telling the stories with a sense of levity, making it more digestible for those who might shy away from the grim details of true crime.
Since its launch in 2016, My Favorite Murder has shattered download records and amassed a dedicated following worldwide. It’s also paved the way to the creation of Exactly Right Media, a podcast network hosting 15 shows, many of which frequently top the Apple Podcast charts. Karen and Georgia’s influence extends beyond their podcast, with a best-selling memoir, sold-out live shows, and recognition from numerous media outlets.
Two Sleuths
The Two Sleuths podcast is a unique true crime show hosted by Katie Kaplan and Em, two professionals with real-life experience in investigating crime. Katie is an investigative journalist who has won awards for her work, while Em is a former special agent. Together, they have worked on criminal investigations across seven states, from the sunny shores of California to the bustling streets of New York. Their passion is in shedding light on unsolved cases, with a hope to bring awareness and closure to those affected by unsolved murders and disappearances.
The podcast is not just about unsolved mysteries, though; Katie and Em are also keen on sharing solved stories, giving listeners a glimpse into the innovative techniques used to crack cases. They believe that in today’s digital age, with the advent of social media and advanced technology, cases stand a better chance to be solved than ever before. The hosts hope to channel their listeners’ interest in true crime into a collective effort to solve these mysteries, making the Two Sleuths podcast an interactive and engaging experience.
CenLaw Podcast
CenLAw is a true crime podcast that talks about crimes and cases that happened in Central and Northeastern Louisiana. It’s hosted by Kellye & Kyler, and they’ll take you on a ride through some of the most fascinating and shocking cases from the area. Kellye is obsessed with true crime and Kyler is just going along for the ride. Together, they explore cases and crimes from the Central and Northeastern parts of Louisiana.
Their podcast covers a range of cases, from the unknown and obscure to the well-documented and nationally known, but always with a Louisiana connection. Whether the crime happened in Louisiana or the killer/victim(s) were from the southern boot, the CenLaw Podcast brings these stories close to home. So if you’re into true crime and want to hear about cases from the heart of Louisiana, deep dive with Kellye and Kyler on their podcast journey.
MrBallen Podcast
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories is an enthralling podcast that dives headfirst into the world of true crime. Hosted by Navy SEAL and storytelling enthusiast, John Allen, also known as MrBallen, this podcast is not for the faint of heart. With a no holds barred style, Allen delves into chilling stories and cryptic mysteries that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Each episode of the podcast covers a wide range of true crimes, from serial killers to unexplainable disappearances. Allen’s matter-of-fact and descriptive storytelling will instantly draw you in, with episodes that begin with a bang within the first thirty seconds. However, it’s important to note that this podcast is not suitable for those with a weak stomach or easily unsettled. The intense nature of the episodes is reflected in the warnings that accompany them, ensuring that listeners are prepared for the spine-chilling tales that await them.
Do You Know Mordechai?
There are loads of awesome true crime podcasts right now that expose the serial scams of some really awful con men. One standout is Do You Know Mordechai, where Canadian journalist Kathleen Goldhar not only has a personal friendship with one of Mordechai Horowitz’s victims, but also gets to interview the man himself.
This limited series is a heartbreaking investigation into the victims of a serial conman who told countless lies to women he met on Tinder. It’s not just about money like Netflix’s Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev, but as the podcast progresses, more and more conned women come forward, revealing the dark aftermath of Mordechai’s actions. Goldhar’s exploration of the man’s mind is especially captivating as she talks to his family members and, importantly, those who are no longer afraid to speak up.
Someone Knows Something
Cold cases are both fascinating and frustrating. These are unsolved murders and crimes that lack closure and true justice. In the podcast Someone Knows Something by David Rigden, each season focuses on one case, sharing the painful stories of those directly impacted, including suspects, family members, and bystanders who witnessed the crime. These stories, although heartbreaking, are important to listen to as they gradually unfold, allowing you to form your own conclusions.
Over the course of seven seasons, Ridgen, in collaboration with the families of missing and murdered individuals, has dedicated himself to searching for answers in neglected cases, particularly in rural and working-class communities. The podcast has covered a wide range of mysteries, from the disappearance of a five-year-old boy during a fishing trip in Ontario four decades ago, to the Ku Klux Klan murders of two young African American men during the Civil Rights era in Mississippi. In the most recent season, the focus is on the 1988 murder of an abortion doctor, delving into a network of anti-abortion violence that has persisted for many years. Throughout each investigation, Ridgen conducts interviews with surviving loved ones, displaying sensitivity and compassion.
Dirty John
Dirty John is an eight-part podcast series that delves into the life of John Michael Meehan. It’s a true crime podcast hosted by Christopher Goffard and created by Wondery and the Los Angeles Times.
The podcast uncovers the dark actions of John Meehan, a con artist who posed as a Navy doctor and manipulated businesswoman Debra Newell and her loved ones for years. Despite her children’s distrust, Debra falls for John and marries him after a whirlwind romance. However, the podcast reveals just how bad John truly is, and highlights the unsettling fact that we often don’t know others as well as we think. In 2016, Meehan met his demise when Newell’s daughter, Terra, defended herself against his attempted abduction.
The success of Dirty John led to its adaptation into a Bravo TV series, captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling and psychological insight into the true crime genre.
Morbid
Morbid: A True Crime Podcast is an American podcast about true crime. It is hosted by Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley. Urquhart is an autopsy technician/author and Kelley is a hairdresser. Morbid is a podcast for true crime fans with a sense of humor. It takes a lighter approach to the serious genre. This makes it more enjoyable and easier to listen to. It’s perfect for true crime fans who don’t always want the heavy and gruesome style of other crime investigation podcasts.
The podcast’s style has attracted a large audience and gained a strong following of fans. As of 2022, Morbid: A True Crime Podcast is the 10th most popular podcast in America. It strikes a good balance between casual conversation and structured episodes. It stays on topic without going off on long tangents. It remains a proper podcast and doesn’t become like an audiobook. It’s a fun and informative podcast that has it all. Listeners can satisfy their true crime cravings while enjoying the hosts’ quirky personalities and humor.
Serial
Serial is a podcast made by the same people who make This American Life. It’s hosted by Sarah Koenig and tells one true story throughout a whole season. Serial has won a bunch of big awards for broadcasting, like the duPont-Columbia, Scripps Howard, Edward R. Murrow, and even the first-ever Peabody for a podcast. It’s made in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago, just like This American Life. The company that makes Serial, called Serial Productions, also released S-Town in 2017 and has more stuff in the works.
The host doesn’t know what happens at the end of the story until it happens, so you’re finding out along with her throughout the season. The previous seasons were all about really interesting cases, but the third season is about a courthouse in Cleveland and it’s a bigger picture of how the institution works. It’s still really captivating though, don’t worry.
Sweet Bobby
Hosted by journalist Alexi Mostrous, Sweet Bobby is a mind-blowing series that you need to hear to believe. In just six episodes, Mostrous uncovers the shocking tale of a decade-long scam, where one individual cunningly employed more than 50 online identities to manipulate and trick their target.
This awesome podcast is about a radio presenter named Kirat. She gets a message from a guy she kinda knows online named Bobby. They become closer and start dating. But, surprise surprise, things aren’t what they seem and Kirat gets caught up in a huge scam. The podcast has six episodes and follows the investigation in real time. It’s a crazy story that will totally grab you. And let me tell you, the ending revelation is the most shocking thing ever in a podcast series. It would totally win an award for that.
Believe in Magic with Jamie Bartlett
The tragic story of Believe in Magic is a true crime podcast that challenges assumptions and makes you question your judgments. Investigated by Jamie Bartlett, it revolves around a terminally ill teenage girl and her charity for children with similar illnesses. It’s a dark tale involving charity fundraising, One Direction, and a mysterious death. The series focuses on Jean, the mother, and her daughter Megan, who starts the Believe in Magic charity. However, doubts arise about its legitimacy when Megan reveals her own battle with a brain tumor. The investigation delves into the dark side of celebrity obsession, familial control, deceit, and the nature of illness.
Like The Missing Cryptoqueen, Bartlett skillfully unravels a complex story, providing new information while maintaining the humanity of the narrative. Believe in Magic is a binge-worthy true crime podcast that sheds light on celebrity and internet culture.
Finding Q: My Journey Into Q Anon
Conspiracy theories are a major focus in true crime podcasts, and the rise of the right wing QAnon has become a captivating subject. Journalist Nicky Woolf goes beyond other documentaries in his podcast Finding Q, delving into the realm of cults and conspiracy theories. It all began with an anonymous post by someone called ‘Q’ in 2017, leaving behind puzzling messages that attracted a growing number of followers. Woolf’s investigation takes him into the online and offline world of QAnon as he attempts to uncover the enigmatic figure behind it all and the impact they’ve had.
What sets Finding Q apart is Woolf’s interviews with the victims of these far-fetched right-wing conspiracy theories, known as the ‘Q casualties.’ This adds a crucial human element to the story. Woolf’s storytelling style is consistently witty and engaging, while still respecting the individuals involved. Keep in mind that Finding Q is an Audible podcast, so a subscription is needed to listen. But this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go.
Disappearances With Sarah Turney
Alissa Turney was a 17-year-old girl from Phoenix, Arizona who went missing on May 17, 2001. In 2006, a serial killer named Thomas Albert Hymer claimed he killed her while in prison. Then, in 2008, Alissa’s sister, Turney, said she was murdered by two members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and buried in Desert Center, California.
In 2020, after years of searching, Sarah Turney used social media to help find justice for her sister’s disappearance. Now, she’s collaborating with Parcast to explore why people go missing and how it affects those left behind. “Disappearances” is a Spotify Original podcast by Parcast.
conversations about understanding these problems and, most importantly, stop them from happening again.
True Crime Obsessed
If you’ve had enough of true crime and need a good laugh, Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle have got you covered. Their podcast, True Crime Obsessed, has gained over 200 million downloads and is one of the most popular in the world.
True Crime Obsessed is a podcast that takes a unique spin on the usual true crime narration. They don’t just recount the stories, but bring in a refreshing perspective, making it easier for listeners to digest the grim details of the cases. The aim is to lighten the heaviness often associated with true crime stories, without diminishing the seriousness of the crimes committed. They don’t shy away from calling out the wrongdoers, be it the criminals themselves, corrupt law enforcement officers, or unscrupulous lawyers. At the same time, they highlight the courage and resilience of the victims and those advocating for justice. True Crime Obsessed strikes a balance between entertainment and advocacy, making it a must-listen for any true crime enthusiast.
Best True Crime Podcasts: Thrill with Every Episode!
If you’re a fan of suspense, unsolved mysteries, and real-life dramas, this list of the best true crime podcasts is just the ticket. Each podcast brings you closer to the edge of your seat, examining the darkest corners of human nature and the justice system. You can catch these chilling tales on a variety of platforms – from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, to Audible, and other podcast platforms. So, buckle up and prepare for a deep dive into the thrilling world of true crime.
Remember, ‘Truth is stranger than fiction’ – especially when it comes to crime.
