podcast

Slow Burn Podcast Review, Making A Murderer Misstep & A Cow Named Lara

Slow Burn Podcast Review, Making A Murderer Misstep & A Cow Named Lara

The Crime Writers dig in to the problem with sending flowers to a judge, even when said judge has just ruled the way you wanted her to in the Steven Avery case.

Also, a cow named Lara? Toby's daughter is a star? And only Rebecca swears too much?

Then, we respond to some ire around our mixed review of the Netflix show Alias Grace.

Finally, a review of the (spoiler alert) OUTSTANDING new podcast from Slate about Watergate. It's called Slow Burn, and if you want to hear our spoiler-free recommendation, you'll want to skip to the 55:44 mark.

A CWO Gameshow! Some Up and Vanished News, and Elizabeth Smart on A&E

A CWO Gameshow! Some Up and Vanished News, and Elizabeth Smart on A&E

Watch out - this episode is punchy! The Crime Writers settle a beef, play a couple of games, and yes, talk about Payne Lindsey's new TV deal AND his YouTube music video alter ego.

Then, a look at the Elizabeth Smart case through the lens of the new A&E 2-part documentary, the super confusingly named Biography Presents: Elizabeth Smart Autoiography.

Plus, our Crime of the Week cuts the cheese!

Stranger Things 2 Reviewed, Maura Murray Disputed, Bowe Bergdahl Sentenced

Stranger Things 2 Reviewed, Maura Murray Disputed, Bowe Bergdahl Sentenced

The Crime Writers complain about Rebecca's jet lag and a certain crappy airline, and Lara is about to LITERALLY become a crazy cat lady. Plus, Toby's book is classy AF in French!

Then, a trio of True Crime Updates: Bowe Bergdahl's been sentenced! That Maura Murray TV show made a crazy claim! And Making a Murderer's Steven Avery still has a filing-happy lawyer who seems to love accusing every single one of his relatives of something.

The panel does a deep dive review of Stranger Things 2 - and gives a pretty great explanation of why episode 7 is the most disappointing thing to ever happen in history of forever.

DONATE TO CATS 1ST, THE RESCUE ORGANIZATION THAT GAVE STAMPY A CHANCE

Heaven's Gate, Toby's Cult of Personality, & Stranger Things 2 First Impressions

Heaven's Gate, Toby's Cult of Personality, & Stranger Things 2 First Impressions

Check out the email we got kicking us off the Amazon Associates program!

No more Amazon list??? Yup, the behemoth site kicked us out of their affiliate program, so we'll have to find something else for Toby to do... 

The Crime Writers open up the hit podcast Heaven's Gate, and, KNOWLEDGE ALERT, one of the panel is kind of an expert on the cult phenomenon.

DONATE TO CATS 1ST, THE RESCUE ORGANIZATION THAT GAVE STAMPY A CHANCE

Plus, the panel will dive into Stranger Things 2 in full next week, but isn't shy about sharing first impressions. And no, Toby STILL hasn't seen Goonies! Also, an update from the courtroom in the Serial Season 2 subject Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing, and our Crime of the Week climbs to 30,000 feet for some felonious hanky panky.

Mindhunter from Netflix, Making a Murderer's Paper Trail, and an Ode to Stampy

Mindhunter from Netflix, Making a Murderer's Paper Trail, and an Ode to Stampy

The Crime Writers dive in to Mindhunter - a series from Netflix about FBI profilers that even Rebecca can get behind. And newly-minted Broadway Siri Patrick Hinds makes a cameo with a little Groffsauce primer you won't want to miss!

Plus, Stampy died! Lara does a little PSA every pet lover should listen to.

DONATE TO CATS 1ST, THE RESCUE ORGANIZATION THAT GAVE STAMPY A CHANCE

And, yet another filing in the never-ending paper trail for Making a Murderer's Steven Avery. Is his lawyer Kathleen Zellner a genius? Or is she a little cuckoo?

Finally, our Crime of the Week asks a critical question...what would *you* do if you came home from the thrift shop with a dead person in your purchase?

Accused Season 2 and BIG Serial and S-Town legal news

Accused Season 2 and BIG Serial and S-Town legal news

The Crime Writers review the second season of Rebecca's favorite true crime podcast from last year, Accused by the Cincinnati Enquirer. Will the story of the unsolved murder of Retha Welch stand up to the success of season one? (Spoiler alert: one of us has issues!)

In a pair of true crime podcast updates, we talk about the surprising plea deal made by S-Town subject Tyler Goodson, as well as the maybe-surprising plea in Bowe Bergdahl's case.

Our Crime of the Week will make you high...especially if donuts are your drug of choice.

Serial Justice, Podcast Crushes, And A Big Hand For The Handmaid's Tale

Serial Justice, Podcast Crushes, And A Big Hand For The Handmaid's Tale

First: More listener-driven shenanigans

Next: The panel makes recommendations for podcasts you should be downloading. They include finishing the long-but-excellent "Crimetown," a double recommendation for "My Dad Wrote a Porno," and the brand new show "True Crime Obsessed."

Further: Undisclosed just dropped a special pre-appeal episode on the Adnan Syed case. In it, Rabia poses the question of whether justice is served when the appellate judges know less about the case than the general public. 

The main event: The crime writers discuss Hulu's adaptation of "The Handmaid's Tale." Is the story about a nation of subjugated woman - forced either into servitude, exile, or procreation - a feminist manifesto? From costuming, cinematography, and color schemes, there's much to ponder.

In crime of the week: Is it wrong that a topless cleaning lady would be arrested for stealing underwear? 

Richard Simmons Emerges! Adnan Syed Update! And Casey Anthony...WTF?

Richard Simmons Emerges! Adnan Syed Update! And Casey Anthony...WTF?

Did Missing Richard Simmons flush out our favorite fitness guru? The Crime Writers give their take. Plus, Kevin reaches out to Legal Siri (AKA Colin Miller of Undisclosed) to get the latest scoop on the never-ending Adnan Syed appeal.

Then, WTF was up with that three-part Investigation Discovery special Casey Anthony: An American Murder Mystery? Do *any* of the Crime Writers think this case is a mystery? And how does Toby feel about the first I.D. show he's ever been forced to watch? Much less having to talk about it TWICE?? (Listen to Toby on The Blotter Presents with Sarah D. Bunting.)

S-Town by Serial: Group Therapy on a Post-Podcast Couch

S-Town by Serial: Group Therapy on a Post-Podcast Couch

The Crime Writers are taking you to church (er...not that church) as we share your love for and criticisms of S-Town (and your criticisms of our criticisms).  

Were we made to sympathize with racist characters? Did we miss a deeper significance in episode six? How does the horology metaphor hold up upon further review? Is CWO not intellectual enough for our listeners? Was John manipulating Brian and the other people in his life with a variety of false promises? Would any of this story have been told if John hadn't died? What's it look like inside Tyler's house? (Like this.)

In our crime of the week: how NOT to dress for a DWI.

The Staircase/Michael Peterson Owl Theory, Alford Pleas & A Stranglers Podcast Review

The Staircase/Michael Peterson Owl Theory, Alford Pleas & A Stranglers Podcast Review

The panel tackles a HUGE true crime update - the Alford plea taken by Michael Peterson, the novelist and suspected murder featured in The Staircase - a documentary Rebecca contends is the Citizen Kane of true crime. As a bonus, our very own Legal Siri (AKA legal professor and Undisclosed genius Colin Miller) educates us on WTH Alford pleas actually are. 

Then the Crime Writers argue about an alternative theory posed in the Peterson case...was his wife Kathleen actually killed by an owl? That was the theory posed in the amazing pilot episode of the podcast Criminal - but Toby's not exactly buying it. (Shocking, we know.)

Then, in our regular segment about whether you should watch/listen to/read the latest big thing in crime media, we review Stranglers, the podcast by Earwolf that takes a deep ol' dive into the Boston Strangler case. (Warning: This segment features a quasi-mansplain meltdown and Kevin Flynn doing a pretty convincing trashy Boston accent.)

Finally, our Crime of the Week features one of Rebecca's favorite big box stores, a sex crime, and scabies.

No Serial Pardon, Bowe Bergdahl's Trump Problem & The Myth Of Kitty Genovese

No Serial Pardon, Bowe Bergdahl's Trump Problem & The Myth Of Kitty Genovese

Pardon us. Please. We're looking into the latest twist in the court martial of Serial season two protagonist Bowe Bergdahl. We're joined by friend-of-the-show USMC Judge Advocate James Weirick (ret), host of the Military Justice podcast. Now that former-President Obama declined to pardon Bergdahl, his lawyers say he can't get a fair trial with President Trump as Commander-in-Chief. Weirick will explain the arguments in the docket, why they submitted a video presentation, and he'll also provide some insight into the clemency granted to Pvt. Chelsea Manning. 

Also, Lara gives a quick review of the new true crime podcast, Gone at 21. One of her positives: "it's short."

Then we'll talk about a documentary premiering on PBS's Independent Lens, "The Witness" (also available on Netflix). It reexamines the infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, the NY woman killed as 38 neighbors alleg edly watched but did nothing. Fifty years later Kitty's brother, Bill, digs into a crime he (and we) don't really know the truth about...including the myth that so many bystanders did nothing. 

And in the Crime of the Week, one Florida man makes a big mistake when seeking his own presidential pardon.

Serial Snobbery? A JonBenet Lawsuit! And Scientology & The Aftermath

Serial Snobbery? A JonBenet Lawsuit! And Scientology & The Aftermath

When Toby's away, the mice will play...AND talk about all sorts of great stuff.

Special guest panelist Amelia McDonnell-Parry gives us a lowdown on what she saw at Adnan Syed's PCR hearing, and why she thinks Sarah Koenig isn't doing the right thing by ignoring new evidence dug up by other podcasters.

Plus, our true crime update takes on that $750 MILLION dollar lawsuit filed by Burke Ramsey after a CBS special pointed to him as the murderer of his sister, JonBenet. The panel has some strong feelings about that.

And then, Scientology doesn't freak Kevin out, but talking about it does. Nonetheless, we give an overview of the incredible docuseries created by Queen of Queens (and Queen of Nails) Leah Remini, A&E's Scientology & the Aftermath.

After our crime of the week airs, one upstate New York man may try to buy every copy of this podcast. Yeah...we know.

A FEISTY Split Decision: Should You Listen to This True Crime Podcast?

A FEISTY Split Decision: Should You Listen to This True Crime Podcast?

The CBC's Someone Knows Something is back with a second season.

So should you listen? That's the question the crime writers will try to answer. Spoiler: it's a split decision, with at least one of the panelists (ahem, Kevin) expressing a very passionate opinion.

WILL CANADA EVER FORGIVE US? We hope so.

The good news: host David Ridgen is back for his second interview with Rebecca, and he's really, really awesome. The bad news: after the interview, Kevin Flynn has a meltdown over how much he hates the podcast. It's kind of epic, but at least he feels a little bit bad about it.

Also, we eliminate homework for our listeners...especially for those of you who never do it!

In the Crime of the Week, a Santa-lookalike is kicked out of Six Flags. Grinch move or totes justified?

Serial Scoop? Breakdown Conviction! Undisclosed Up Close! And Missing & Murdered

So many gifts for true crime fans this holiday season, as a new batch of podcasts are hitting the charts. Where to begin...where to begin?

First, the panel drops a ton of true crime updates. These include a last-minute order keeping Brendan Dassey in prison, a verdict in Breakdown's Justin Ross Harris case, and a newspaper editorial calling for a pardon for Bowe Bergdahl. Plus, Rebecca parties-hearty with the team from Undisclosed and Addendum

The most exciting news comes from "Serial" co-creator Julie Snyder who says their team will be dropping a new seven-week podcast in March. No, it's not Serial season three, but it sounds like a compelling story nonetheless - and Rebecca's got a decent theory as to who will be telling it.

Then we dive into the CBC's investigation of the Alberta Williams case, "Missing & Murdered." Set on an island fishing town off the coast of British Columbia, this podcast looks at a cold case from 1989, and the cop (and reporter) who's not afraid to name names. Bonus: Rebecca interviews host Connie Walker about making the podcast!

Finally, we go all "Hidden Tiger, Crouching Dragon" in the Crime of the Week.

Serial Season 3 News? Sort Of. And What's Different About Up and Vanished?

Serial Season 3 News? Sort Of. And What's Different About Up and Vanished? 

Breaking: Lara's cat has a super weird disease! For real.

Some maybe-news about Serial Season 3 has us theorizing. Was Kevin super, duper wrong when he said Sarah Koenig would never do a true crime story again?

Plus, we get a whole lot of listener email and tweets about what podcasts we should be listening to and talking about.

One of the podcasts we’ve had pimped to us the most often lately is the hit show "Up and Vanished," an investigative podcast about the 2005 disappearance of Ocilla Georgia Beauty queen Tara Grinstead.

But before we get into our discussion about Up and Vanished, we'll first listen in to Rebecca's conversation with someone who knows a little bit about that show - its host and creator Payne Lindsey. Even if you haven't heard the podcast, you should listen to this interview.

And, Toby apologizes to a nation. And our Crime of the Week strikes pretty damn close to home.

In The Dark's Finale And Our Book, TV & Podcast Picks

In the Dark's finale And our Book, TV & Podcast Picks

What do people want to talk about? World Series? Presidential election? Nope. The world wants to know what Lara Bricker got arrested for. (Hint: it wasn't election fraud.) Looks like her accomplices left her holding the bag...literally.

In our audience feedback segment, the Crime Writers respond to a heartwarming email from a cancer survivor who's ready to take on the challenge of punching one of their least-favorite attorneys. 

Then, when it's time for business, the panel digs into the final episode of APM Reports' "In the Dark." Madeleine Baran didn't pull punches when it came to the police narrative that Danny Heinrich was just too good at covering his tracks for 25+ years. But is her conclusion too broad? Unfair? (Sometimes investigators know who did it, but can't get enough to make the arrest - as officials have told Rebecca & Kevin about the Stacey Burns "Mothers Day Murder" case.)

Finally, Rebecca, Kevin, Lara, and Toby offer up their recommendations about what you should be listening to, reading, and watching right now.

Crime of the Week: When it comes to Halloween candy, someone can give you a break - you're just not supposed to steal it.

Rebecca:

Kevin

Lara:

Toby:

Adnan Syed's Bail Motion, Sarah Koenig's Serial Choices, Offshore's Big Splash

Adnan Syed's Bail Motion, Sarah Koenig's Serial Choices, Offshore's Big Splash

Heads up Baltimore City Court! Here comes Adnan Syed seeking a bail hearing. It's not your usual motion, written more like a campaign speech than a legal brief.

The Crime Writers dig into the latest in the efforts of Serial's protagonist to get out of prison now that his conviction has been vacated.

And a journalism conundrum: IF Sarah Koenig knew about Jay Wild's post-Adnan criminal history, should she have included it in Serial?

Also, the panel hangs ten in Hawaii with the new podcast, "Offshore" from Honolulu Civil Beat and PRX. Can a white reporter do justice to a tale of Hawaiian culture and disenfranchisement? 

Related: Toby recommends reading this article from the New Yorker, "The American Raj," to learn more about Hawaiian history.

In our Crime of the Week, the panel shakes the tree. But who goes undercover as a tree, anyway? (Kevin reported on a similar bank robbery story in NH. Watch the version filed by his colleagues.)

Listen to the episode:

A Triple True Crime Podcast Bonanza - Phoebe's Fall, Breakdown & In The Dark

Tripped up by Phoebe's Fall, Breakdown's REAL Mission & In The Dark's Enlightenment

So that happened.

Things get back to normal in the Crime Writers' world. They discuss the perils of doing bad accents and explain why they can't do audio book versions of their own books.

A true crime update (add your own echo): Burke Ramsey has followed through on his threat to sue over the CBS special on his sister's murder. Looks like the case will focus on one comment from one person.

Then the focus shifts to the new investigative podcast from Australia, "Phoebe's Fall." We know that Phoebe Handsjuk dropped 12 stories down a garbage chute, crawled out, only to bleed to death from injuries from the trash compactor. Was it a suicide attempt? Was it a drunken misadventure? Or was it something more nefarious? So far, the Crime Writers have mixed opinions. 

Footnote: for another strange how-did-she-get-into-that situation, check out the case of a 21-year-old Chinese tourist who drowned in a hotel water tank.

Checking in with some of the other leading true crime podcasts, in "In The Dark"'s penultimate episode, the Sterns County sheriff is confronted with their pitiful clearance rate. And the trial of Justin Ross Harris is finally underway in "Breakdown."

In the Crime of the Week, don't block a driveway in Australia...even if it's your own. 

We Stand Accused ...of Loving the Podcast 'Accused'

Accused of Loving Accused? Yeah - Just Go With It

Every couple of weeks, other podcast comes along and seems like the heir to "Serial." Few live up to the anticipation. Is it possible that the Cincinnati Enquirer's "Accused" podcast has replicated the secret sauce: a truly compelling murder mystery and the transparent, obsessive reporting which goes into the story? It sure is.

Rebecca talks with Amber Hunt and Amanda Rossman about their year-long investigation into the 1978 Elizabeth Andes murder. If her acquitted boyfriend Bob Young didn't do it, than who did? 

Next, the Crime Writers dish on who was the biggest villain in the case: one of the four remaining suspects OR the prosecutor who dodged Amber for a year. (Spoiler alert: three quarters of the panel is REALLY down on Gmoser - and not just because the "G" is silent.)

We get a TRUE CRIME UPDATE from Lara about the official Army findings in the Bowe Bergdahl case. Were any servicemen killed looking for Bergdahl? The answer appears to be no...but then again, we don't really know what we're talking about.

Kevin sends out love to all who sponsored his Walk-a-Mile In her Shoes event; yes, he finally completed that mile-long course in high-heeled shoes. 

In the Crime of the Week: A bucket list wish unlike any other. Grandma, Grandma, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

Making a Murderer Brendan Dassey SHOCKER! Plus, Bergdahl Update & "The Night Of" Predictions

Another episode, another questionable murder conviction vacated.

The panel reacts to the news that a federal magistrate has vacated the conviction of Brendan Dassey, the accused accomplice in the Steven Avery "Making a Murderer" documentary.

Although the public went nuts over what many perceived to be a coerced confession, it was something else the detectives did to the intellectually-challenged teen that violated his Sixth Amendment rights.

More true crime updates: why did a General burn letters related to "Serial" season 2 subject Bowe Bergdahl? And the man accused of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy is also walking out of prison.

Is Naz breaking bad in "On the Night Of"? What is the audience supposed to think of main characters in the HBO limited series at this point?

In the Crime of the Week: POOPACALYPSE!