Lifestyle
10 of the best true crime podcasts to solve
Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or just dipping your toe in the water, have a listen to some of our favourite true crime podcasts.
By Carolyn Tate
If you love a good mystery, true crime podcasts offer a thrilling way to engage our minds and satisfy our curiosity. They provide a window into what really goes on in a crime investigation, from the comfort of our favourite armchair or maybe behind the wheel of our car, transporting us into the heart of real-life investigations, cold cases and criminal psychology.
Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or just dipping your toe in the water, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite true crime podcasts. Each provides captivating narratives, in-depth investigations, and sometimes even the opportunity to help solve real-life
These ones too: Podcasts to pair with your morning coffee
Here's our curated list of some of the best true crime podcasts that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie has won the hearts of true crime enthusiasts with its conversational style and engaging storytelling by hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Pawat. Their chemistry makes you feel like you’re part of the conversation, chatting about crimes with friends over coffee. Each episode tackles a new case, keeping the content fresh and exciting. Crime Junkie recently won the 2024 iHeart Podcast Awards for Best Crime Podcast, cementing its place as a fan favourite in the genre.
Available: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Audible
2. Casefile
If you like your true crime with a side of anonymity, Casefile delivers. Hosted by the mysterious "Casey," who keeps a low profile to ensure the focus remains on the crimes (or that’s the story, at least), this podcast is renowned for its graphic and gruesome details – so a strong stomach is required at times. Casefile's commitment to thorough research and atmospheric storytelling has earned it a dedicated following among true crime aficionados.
Available: YouTube, Casefile website, with bonus episodes on Patreon, Spotify Premium, and Apple Premium
3. True Crime Cheat Sheet
Hosted by journalists Nina Young and Bek Day, True Crime Cheat Sheet offers a unique format perfect for those times you’re multitasking or busy. This Aussie podcast covers major cases from both at home and abroad in digestible, "cheat sheet" style episodes. It's ideal if you want explainers to help you stay informed about high-profile crimes without committing to lengthy, overly detailed episodes.
Available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
4. The Teacher's Pet
This gripping 17-episode series, hosted by Hedley Thomas, is the stuff of legends in Australia these days. It dives deep into the disappearance of Lynette Dawson from her Sydney home in 1982. The podcast not only garnered over 30 million downloads but (spoiler!) also played a crucial role in reopening the 40-year-old cold case, leading to the arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Lynette’s husband Chris for Lynette’s murder. It's a testament to the power of investigative journalism in podcast form.
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart
5. Who The Hell is Hamish?
Australian journalist Greg Bearup hosts this fascinating dive into the life of Hamish McLaren, a Sydney conman who swindled millions from unsuspecting victims. The story of how a single marathon photo led to his downfall is as thrilling as any fiction. If you liked The Teacher's Pet we reckon you’ll enjoy this equally compelling Australian true crime narrative.
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
6. Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks
If you enjoy longer, more in-depth investigations, Paper Ghosts is the perfect choice to immerse yourself in. Each season has 10 episodes dedicated to a single crime, mostly focusing on American missing persons and murder cases. Its high ratings from podcast critics attest to its quality and engaging content. It’s fourth and latest series investigates the cold case of 1989 murders in The Ozarks.
Available: Audible and other major podcast platforms
7. Trace
ABC journalist Rachael Brown takes us on a journey through Australia's criminal justice system in this internationally acclaimed podcast. Each season focuses on a different cold case murder, shedding light on systemic issues along the way. If you’re interested not only in true crime but also in social justice, this one is an eye-opening listen.
Available: ABC listen, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Australian Audio Guide
8. I Catch Killers
Hosted by former Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin, this podcast offers a unique perspective on crime from someone who's been on the front lines. Jubelin interviews a range of people connected to the criminal world, from cops and criminals to victims and addicts. It's an Australian production that provides insight into the real world of crime-solving.
Available: Apple, Spotify, YouTube
9. Unravel True Crime
This innovative podcast series takes a more personal approach to true crime. In its first season, "Fire Bomb," host Crispian Chan investigates the mysterious burning of his family's restaurant. Subsequent seasons, which Crispian co-hosts with Alex Mann, continue to explore compelling crime stories, offering a fresh take on the genre that combines personal narrative with investigative journalism.
Available: ABC Listen, Spotify, Apple, Australian Audio Guide
10. Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding?
And now for something completely different! If you like a whole lotta comedy with your true crime podcasts, this hilariously offbeat pod has your name on it. It’s an irreverent, laugh-out-loud story of a funny thing that happened at one kiwi wedding… delivered in deadpan “poodunnit” fashion. The mystery is oddly compelling and the hosts are compellingly oddball – what can we say? The whole thing just works!
Available: Apple, Spotify, Audible and most other podcast platforms
Feature image: iStock/RapidEye
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