2024 – The Year I Discovered True Crime Podcasts

 Catherine Dilts

This year had the usual ups and down. Some more sad than usual, like my father passing in March at the age of 89. Some stressful, like remodeling half our house.

Under the column listing happy events was discovering the wonderful world of podcasts. Especially true crime. I’m often late to the party, whether it concerns technology or current entertainment. I don’t know why it took me so long. I love multi-tasking, and podcasts are perfect when I’m running, cooking, or gardening.

Because I have only just begun to explore podcasting, my list of favorites will be limited.

Small Town Dicks: My younger sister nagged me until I gave this podcast a listen. Yeardley Smith (yes, the voice of Lisa Simpson from the animated TV show) hosts police detectives and brothers Dan and Dave, plus a revolving cast of law enforcement professionals. They discuss criminal cases in – you guessed it – small towns. Many are cases Dan or Dave were involved in, and they offer an insider view of criminal investigations, explaining terminology and procedure.

True Crime Garage: Two guys sitting in a garage, drinking beer and discussing heinous crimes. I presume Nic and the Captain are recycling those bottles, because of their one rule stated in every episode: don’t litter. Their cases can be international, but are mostly set in the US. At the end of unsolved cases, they offer their opinions on whodunit. They also cover solved cases, missing persons, and serial killers.

The FOX True Crime Podcast: host Emily Compagno has access to major players, and is backed by an investigative team. Compagno often interviews survivors of crime, with compelling episodes on people who lived to tell their stories despite horrific attacks. I’ve heard podcasts as varied as how juries are selected, serial killers, how DNA can solve cold cases, Secret Service protocol, and the Jonestown massacre.

Hell and Gone: tagline – “There is no such thing as a small town where murder never happens.” Catherine Townsend receives pleas for help from people all over the US seeking answers about their missing or murdered loved ones. Her cases seem to take her frequently to the rural South. Multiple episodes are often needed to chase down clues and suspects.

Single case podcasts: They typically follow cases from beginning to end, unfolding as new evidence is uncovered, or arrests are made.

One of the first podcasts I listened to was The Piketon Massacre. Almost an entire family was wiped out by another family, at least partly over a child custody dispute. Drug use, trailer houses, and infidelity abound in a case with hillbilly feud tones. The criminals are tried, and verdicts declared in spring of 2023. The hosts Stephanie Lydecker, Courtney Armstrong, and Jeff Shane are currently following The Idaho Massacre.

Burden of Guilt, hosted by Nancy Glass, covers the bizarre story of a two-year-old blamed for the death of her infant brother. The accused began to pursue the truth as an adult, not willing to accept her family’s blame. Glass reveals the challenges of solving a forty-year-old cold case with the forensic evidence of that era. Not to mention uncooperative family members.

Status Untraced: A missing person case. In 2016, Justin Alexander went to the Parvati Valley in India seeking adventure, enlightenment, and maybe coincidentally drugs. Host Liam Luxon retraces Justin’s route, and discusses the theories surrounding his disappearance. 

My newest discovery might be a stretch to fit in my true crime library.

Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks. Sounds sensationalist, but this podcast is hosted by wildlife biologist and animal behavior expert Wes Larson. His brother Jeff and friend Mike add commentary that can be juvenile, but funny. I’ve learned a lot about animals, and what to do if you encounter one in the wild. Dos and don’ts, what your chances are of surviving an attack, and whether the species is endangered or thriving. Great to listen to while I’m running trails through thick trees.

I’m missing a few that I’ve given a listen, because I’ve forgotten the podcast name and can’t find it at the moment.

A word of caution: if listening to true crime or animal attack stories while running, do not have earbuds in both ears, in case something or somebody tries to sneak up on you. And prepare for many jump scares caused by garter snakes, birds, and bunnies bursting across the trail right when you’re listening to the really scary parts. Please note the perfectly harmless snake slithering for cover in the photo, the cause of many a jump scare.

I’m certainly not the expert here. There are so many true crime podcasts, I’ve barely dipped my toe in the pond. I’m sure there are plenty you could recommend, and please do, in the comments.