Here we are. Over a full year into lockdown. I would say that this is a time to reflect but I don’t think I am alone in saying that reflecting is what I have been doing since this all began. A year of reflection and epiphanies deserves its own post, so I will save that for another time when I am feeling brave. I will say that I have had more than one conversation about us all getting back to ‘normal’, whatever that was for you, but I can’t see that ever happening. Who wants things to go back to the way they were, anyway? Certainly not me. This is our chance to examine what works and what doesn’t, and time to discard archaic ways of working and living. I used to hate change and now I realise that it is an opportunity to examine and improve situations. We now cannot deny that certain jobs can be done from home, that a better life/work balance is possible; lets embrace that.
So, with the second lockdown well underway, and in fact almost over (hooray!!) and no posts since last year, this third entry in my blog is overdue. I have ideas for other posts which I am sure will eventually get written but, as it usually does, life gets in the way. However, as I am lucky enough to be able to work from home during this somehow longer and harder lockdown, I thought it was high time for another post. It is also due in part to my friend Claire who asked me to send her a list of all the podcasts I have on my podcast’s app (132. 132!!). I happily obliged but it inspired me to write again, so thank you Claire. They are mostly true crime but I have now branched out into film and history. These were always interests of mine, but as I’m a sucker for a mystery, true crime caught me first. If the subject interests you and if the cases are treated with sensitivity and empathy, then you have the beginning of a first-rate podcast. The main point of all of the true crime podcasts is to raise awareness of the victim’s and their stories and, hopefully, to bring those responsible of those crimes to justice. They were all human beings whose stories deserve to be heard and their lives remembered.
More Podcasts!
‘Not J.B. Fletcher, the famous author?!’
anyone who meets Jessica
This podcast investigates whether or not the police caught the man responsible for the rape and murder of Christa Worthington, who was found dead in her home in Cape Cod with her two-year old daughter clinging to her body. Christa’s story is not forgotten as the host examines the case and subsequent conviction against the man accused of her murder.
A fantastic literary podcast by hosts Andy Miller and John Mitchinson featuring a huge assortment of guests and intelligent discussion. I have only recently discovered this pod which was recommended to me by my friend Derek and although I have only listened to one episode (on the wonderful Shirley Jackson’s masterpiece We Have Always Lived in the Castle – now that would make a good blog post) I have added more episodes to listen to, and soon.
Michael Tucker, creator of Lessons from the Screenplay, a YouTube channel which analyses certain aspects of film scripts and presents them in video essay form decided to branch out and make a podcast. An educated, experienced and intelligent man, Michael is a pleasure to listen to. In his podcast, he gets together with fellow hosts and friends from the industry to discuss – you guessed it – more films. Although I find myself agreeing with most of what they say, their animated discussions and variety of observations means that you get to hear other points of view which you may not have considered before.
Catching Melanie’s Killer – A True Crime Podcast
An extremely polished and well researched podcast about how determined Detective Chief Inspector Julie MacKay and her team solved the horrendous cold case murder of Melanie Road in 1984. Julie and her team are tremendous in their resolve to find and bring Melanie’s murderer to justice. Melanie’s mother Jean is an incredible woman, an inspiration and a testament to what true strength is.
Laura Richards of Real Crime Profile (see further down) takes on cases in her own podcast. A fairly new series, Laura begins by telling us that she will focus on the victims, which is something they do in Real Crime Profile. For now, Laura is delving into the case of serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. One of the many things I love about this podcast is that Laura refuses to call him by his media moniker, which I also refuse to do, in the belief that this glorifies the killer and eclipses the victims. Indeed, the many mistakes made in this case will shock and anger you, and that is partly due to the attitude of some members of the police force which is, in part, exemplified by this rather silly nickname. It undermines the seriousness of the case by implying that the women’s lives are not as important or interesting as the sick coward who took them by preying upon vulnerable women. Laura is clear, concise and passionate about what she does. I look forward to her conclusion on this case and any other case she decides to tackle in the future.
You may have heard of this one if you are already into true crime podcasts as it began back in 2014. Co-creator and host is Phoebe Judge, and with her calm voice and manner, she brings us short stories of people who have ‘done wrong […] been wrong […] and/or gotten caught somewhere in the middle’. I have yet to delve into Criminal further but I am already intrigued to hear more. I am especially drawn to this one, as it branches out from the usual unsolved murders or disappearances.
A sad case investigating the unsolved murder of Tammy Jo Alexander, previously known as Caledonia Jane Doe, who was unidentified for thirty-six years and whose case remains unsolved today. The hosts, reporters Veronica Volk of WXXI News and Gary Craig of the Democratic and Chronicle tell the story using small segments and without sensationalism.
I discovered this podcast, which focuses on true crime in the state of Texas, after reading that the 1974 murder of Carla Walker had been solved thanks to advances in technology and I wanted to know the full story. It is a truly horrendous case which has finally seen some form of justice. They cover many cases which I have yet to listen to, however, I did listen to their episodes about the three missing women known as the Fort Worth Trio, who vanished without a trace in1974. Both cases that I listened to are complicated and this pod does an excellent job of presenting their detailed research in a clear, polished and respectful manner.
Now in its third season, this series begins with host Catherine Townsend returning to her home town of Mountain View, Arkansas, armed with her recently acquired private investigator license and hardened dedication to solve a cold case with a personal connection: the murder of Rebekah Gould. After the success of season one, Catherine continues on to investigate another case from this area, the unexplained death of Janie Ward in season two, and then further afield to California in season three to find out how Mitrice Richardson ended up dead after being released from jail into the night by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Catherine seems to genuinely care about each case and the people involved, and her enthusiasm to solve the case is infectious.
A well-researched and fascinating look into how and why the great director Alfred Hitchcock decided to make the classic Psycho. As a huge fan of Hitchcock’s work since my teens, I was looking forward to listening to this podcast and I was not disappointed. Well researched, including stories that I had not heard before, this pod is well worth a listen if you have the slightest interest in either the director or the film. Be warned though: it will make you want to watch Psycho again, which can only ever be a good thing because it is a masterpiece.
This one has just started but Bardstown was so well done that I have to mention it and can say that the first two episodes are just as polished and professional as the last series.
Marion Barter disappeared from Queensland, Australia in 1997 and has never been seen again. Her daughter Sally understandably wants answers and launched this podcast as a way of getting them. This case becomes complicated quickly with lots of unforeseen twists and turns so you have to pay attention but the host does well in navigating his audience through the story.
At the request of the family, David Murray of The Australian newspaper delves into the mysterious disappearance of 18-year-old Théo Hayez, a backpacker who went missing in the ‘celebrity town’ of Byron Bay, Australia, also known for its idyllic beaches and heritage listed lighthouse. The family are not alone however, as the shocked community comes together to help in the search for answers.
Ian, Mike and Dave, three guys from Ohio, drinking beer and discussing everything from alien abductions to murders. I stumbled across this podcast whilst reading about the disappearance of Lauren Spierer and decided to listen to their episode detailing the incident. Ian does an excellent job of researching the subjects that they talk about and every episode that I have listened to since has been to the same meticulous standard. Dave frequently acts as a voice for the audience, sometimes purposely avoiding the subjects to be discussed, and therefore asking questions that the listeners might have. And I think Mike is the glue which holds it all together. A great podcast if you want to feel like you’re chatting with friends.
Two University of Texas journalism students investigate an infamous local case from 2005 which they kept hearing about; the brutal murder of Jennifer Cave, a fellow resident of West Campus, whose body was discovered at the Orange Tree Condominiums, home to the man last seen with Jennifer. The case becomes further complicated when that man goes on the run, and he is not alone.
Four missing women, seemingly unconnected, and one man – haunted by the ‘paper ghosts’ of their missing person’s posters scattered all around the state of Connecticut – trying to figure out what happened. Investigative journalist M. William Phelps does an excellent job of bringing all the women’s stories together. You’ll have to listen closely as this is a complicated case, but it is a fascinating one.
Since my last podcasts post, this series has become one of my favourites. The three hosts are the multi-talented Laura Richards (former Scotland Yard, founder of Paladin, amongst other accolades), Jim Clemente (former FBI profiler and writer on Criminal Minds) and Lisa Zambetti (casting director of Criminal Minds) who get together to analyse recent crime documentaries. They discuss everything from Making a Murderer to Finding Neverland. I first started by listening to episodes discussing documentaries that I had seen but once I had ran out of them, I happily moved onto episodes of documentaries I had not seen, simply because I enjoyed their spirited discussions so much. All three hosts are passionate advocates for the victims and are interested in hearing their stories and honouring them which is a nice take rather than focusing on the killers themselves.
Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family
I am sure you will have heard of the murder of Elizabeth Short, sadly better known as the Black Dahlia. There were many suspects in the murder, one of them being surgeon George Hodel. In this podcast, Hodel’s great-granddaughters explore the possibility that he was the murderer of Elizabeth Short. A rather dark and disturbing tale but an interesting delve into the Hodel family’s history.
You can probably guess what this one is about. The host, Marissa Jones purposely looks for and explores less well known cases, bringing them to the public’s attention which, unfortunately, can be crucial in getting them solved. The show began in 2016 so there are many episodes to dive into, which is a grim reminder of just how many missing people there are in this huge and scary world we live in.
History for people who hate history. Which isn’t me but this is a fun and interesting podcast, featuring curious presenters, a variety of topics and host of experts on each particular subject. A good place to start with a subject that interests you and progress from there. A lively, amusing and engaging listen.
really deep thoughts 