So You Want to Listen to a True Crime Podcast

It was the jealous best friend. No, it was the cheating husband. No, the husband cheated with the best friend and they schemed to acquire the million dollar inheritance. The allure of crime and mystery has captivated human curiosity for ages, constantly leaving consumers yearning for the next gripping tale. In recent years, this trend has grown more apparent with the rise of a seemingly never-ending supply of true crime podcasts. But which podcasts will satisfy the human craving for suspense? Here are some true crime podcasts you may not have heard of, but will satisfy your true crime curiosities.

“Ultra” by Rachel Maddow

For those intrigued by what secrets lurk beneath major U.S. events and the inner workings of government bodies, Rachel Maddow’s “Ultra” digs into the winding tunnels of American history. Through captivating narration and meticulous research, she reveals the concealed realities and hidden agendas of elected officials, exposing the treasonous collaborations between them and violent ultra-right groups bent on undermining the nation. This thought-provoking podcast not only unveils startling revelations, but also challenges the conventional narratives of the past, prompting listeners to reassess the historical frameworks they’ve been taught.

“Rotten Mango” by Stephanie Soo

This podcast delves into a diverse array of true crime narratives, spanning from cases involving fraud to those marked by murder. With exceptional storytelling prowess and insightful commentary, Stephanie Soo and her husband interject a distinctive and engaging essence into the true crime genre. Embracing lesser-known cases, Soo masterfully intertwines humor with suspense, meticulously dissecting each case’s intricacies with sensitivity to their real-life ramifications. Through her compelling storytelling, listeners are transported into the heart of each investigation, fostering a riveting exploration of the complexities and psychology behind true crime.

“Scamfluencers” by Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi

In this modern digital age, countless social media influencers have risen. Many are harmless, promoting trends and launching clothing lines, but what happens when their intentions aren’t as innocent? On “Scamflunecers,” Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi explore the world of influencers who orchestrate elaborate scams and frauds. From Ponzi schemes to secret pasts, the two hosts explore how well fans can truly know people that seemingly post their entire lives for the world to see.

“The Sunshine Place” by Sari Crawford

Narrated by Sari Crawford, the daughter of former Synanon leader Bill Crawford, this podcast transports listeners into the story of Synanon, an experimental rehab facility turned extremist cult. Using firsthand accounts of people who survived Synanon, “The Sunshine Place” explores the realities of how people fall into the traps of cults. The two hosts account how Charles E. “Chuck” Dederich created Synanon and destroyed it all, along with the lives of many of his followers and millions of dollars in assets. This podcast uniquely teleports listeners to the center of the 1960s and sheds light on the vulnerability of cult victims.