Obsessed. That’s what I am.
I’m not ashamed to admit it.
If you know me in real life you know that I’ve always got a good podcast or audio book recommendation. I listen to them all the time and have for years. Business, self-improvement, current events, faith — the topic is irrelevant. If it is a good story or good conversation, I’m in.
I must admit that lately I have been on a true crime podcast bender. Some people watch Game of Thrones, my guilty pleasure is creepy podcasts.
And because I am so enthusiastic about them, I assume that others are just as receptive.
It makes for awkward conversation sometimes. Note to self: Don’t discuss with complete strangers in line at Starbucks.
Six Podcasts for People Obsessed with True Crime
1. Casefile [ongoing]
Casefile is my go-to weekly true crime podcast. I’ve been listening to it for years and it never disappoints.
It is hosted by an Australian man who, interestingly, chooses to remain anonymous.
Casefile is well-written and expertly delivered. It deals with solved or cold criminal cases and relies primarily on original police or mass-media documents, eyewitness accounts, and interview or public announcement recordings.
Once you start, you’ll be hooked!
2. The Teacher’s Pet [15 episodes]
This case is actively unfolding and it has layers upon layers upon layers. it is so popular that they’ve actually pulled it from downloads in Australia so that a fair trial can be held.
The Teacher’s Pet investigates the disappearance of Lynette Dawson in 1982.
Lynette was the wife of rugby league player and teacher Chris Dawson, who disappeared without a trace in 1982. The podcast details their marriage, her abrupt disappearance, the affair between her husband and a sixteen-year-old student along with claims of rampant sexual “misconduct” between teachers and students at Cromer High and other Northern Beaches public high schools in Australia.
This case is infuriating from the get go. The flaws in the police investigation are staggering. SO. MANY. RED. FLAGS.
3. Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia [8 episodes]
Holy guacamole I had no idea what I was getting into when I started listening to Root of Evil. When my friend recommended it, I thought it was simply about the 70 year old unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, aka The Black Dahlia.
There is nothing simple about this podcast.
The 8 part series is narrated by sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the daughters of Fawna Hodel and great grand daughters of Dr. George Hodel. Dr. Hodel is widely believed to be the killer of The Black Dahlia, thanks to an investigation by his own son. Think that is a little out of the ordinary? Wait till you hear about the generations of secrets and abuse in the Hodel family tree. It’s shocking, infuriating and convoluted.
I have to admit that at times this podcast made me cringe. I had a whole lot of “what the hell?” moments. You may have to listen though it twice to get all the details straight.
It is intense!
4. Dr. Death [10 episodes]
Dr. Death that tells the story of Christopher Duntsch, a Texas surgeon who was convicted of gross malpractice after thirty-one of his patients were left seriously injured after he operated on them, and two patients died during his operation.
Yes, friends, you read that right. THIRTY ONE patients left injured (from paralysis to nerve amputations) and TWO deaths. How in the world could anything like that happen, you ask? Why was someone allowed to practice long enough for those kind of statistics to add up? The medical system in Texas, that’s how. This story had me both outraged and straight up terrified of any upcoming medical procedures.
5. Happy Face Killer [12 episodes]
Happy Face Killer is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the sadistic cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media.
What makes this podcast so binge-worthy is the fact that it is also about the story of the horrific legacy he left to his children. Melissa Moore, his daughter, investigates her father’s crimes and wades through her own fears of following in his footsteps.
Hearing about Jesperson “the dad” is difficult to reconcile against that of Jesperson the serial killer. You can’t help but feel deeply for her as she tries to comes to terms with it all.
6. My Favorite Murder [ongoing]
I almost didn’t include this in the list because I’ve been listening to this podcast since its first episode and I’ve recommended it before. (I’ve seen hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark live, even.) I completely take for granted the fact that not everyone knows of MFM.
So on the off chance you’ve been living under a rock, My Favorite Murder is indeed a true crime podcast not to be missed. But before you dig in, know that this is also a humor podcast. Confused? Believe me, it works.
The hosts are charming and awkward and will feel like your best friends by episode ten.
You’re welcome.
