It’s crazy to think that Halloween is just around the corner! If you’re anything like me, then you haven’t had much time to get into the ~Halloween spirit~ in the midst of midterms and deadlines. Well, lucky for you, I have the perfect fix for this dilemma.
It’s no secret that podcasts have become increasingly popular, now more than ever. You can find a podcast on essentially any topic; there’s truly one for everyone! I personally listen to a variety of podcasts focusing on subjects ranging from current events to health and wellness. My favorite kind of podcasts, though, are true crime podcasts. I have always been fascinated by acts of crime and criminal proceedings. I even wanted to be a detective at one point (aka Olivia Benson from Law and Order: SVU). Podcasts focusing on crime are perfect because you can learn all about the people involved, the criminal act itself, and the legal proceedings in about an hour or less! I also can’t think of a better way to get into the Halloween spirit than listening to some real-life scary stories. Here’s a list of some of my favorite crime podcasts:
- Serial
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Serial is a classic true crime podcast, which is why I had to start off with it. Each season of the podcast, hosted by Sarah Koenig, focuses on a different crime. The episodes detail the instance in which the crime was committed, the details of the investigation, the descriptions of the legal proceedings, and the information that is known about the case at the time the final episode of the season is recorded. It truly is a great podcast to listen to if you enjoy mystery, like to learn about the details of a crime, and want to attempt to solve the case yourself before the truth is revealed.
- Confronting O.J. Simpson with Kim Goldman
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Even if you don’t have an interest in true crime, I’m sure that you have at least heard of the O.J. Simpson case. If you aren’t aware, O.J. Simpson was accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. In what was viewed as a tumultuous “Trial of the Century,” O.J. Simpson was tried and acquitted for the murders, despite the fact that many thought — and still believe — that he is guilty.
In this podcast, Ron Goldman’s sister, Kim, discusses her brother’s legacy, re-examines much of the evidence brought up during the trial, and even sits down with pertinent people involved in the case such as the ADA, Bill Hodgman, the prosecutor, Chris Darden, and some of the people who are believed to have witnessed the murders. Episodes are short, ranging from 15 to 20 minutes, and are truly fascinating if you have in interest in this case at all.
- Criminal
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In its description, Criminal is described as focusing on “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” The stories discussed on this podcast reflect the type of crimes that typically do not capture the attention of the media because of how “minute” they are compared to acts that we typically consider “criminal” and “news-worthy.” Nevertheless, the stories told often focus on acts of injustice that are incredibly fascinating. I would definitely give this podcast a listen if you’re not that into super scary or gruesome crimes but still enjoy an interesting and intriguing story related to the topic of crimes and criminals.
- My Favorite Murder
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Another podcast that isn’t too spooky, My Favorite Murder tells the stories of true crimes in a way that isn’t super scary. The show is hosted by two best friends who tell each other their favorite crime stories. The show is full of jokes and laughter that help make the stories being told seem a little less scary than they actually are. The podcast has a way of making you feel as though you are simply talking about crimes with two of your best friends.
- 13 Alibis
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13 Alibis is a podcast hosted by Dan Slepian, a producer of NBC’s Dateline. This series follows the case of Richard Rosario, a man who was convicted of murder despite having 13 alibis and being in a different state than the one in which the crime was committed. Throughout the series, Slepian investigates the details of Rosario’s case to determine whether or not he is as innocent as he claims to be. The episodes are shorter than most (typically about 15 to 20 minutes) and the show is perfect for anyone who wants to understand how journalists typically investigate and research crimes.
- Female Criminals
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Female Criminals cites itself as being a “true crime podcast where women aren’t just the victims.” If this doesn’t get you excited to listen, then I don’t know what will. The podcast focuses solely on crimes committed by women. The hosts of the show try to understand the motive of the women who have carried out some immensely brutal acts. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite podcasts mentioned here, and could be a good one to listen to if you, like myself, are tired of only hearing stories in which women are the victims.
There are so many true crime podcasts out there, in addition to the ones that I’ve mentioned, that are so interesting. Hopefully the few that I’ve mentioned here can help you get into the Halloween spirit! If you know of any others, have any recommendations, or simply want to talk about the ones I’ve listed here, feel free to reach out!