Crime Writers On...True Crime Review

We said we had to win the whole damn thing - and we did! THANKS TO LISTENERS LIKE YOU we won Podcast Madness, vanquishing This American Life in the championship bracket. Now we take a victory lap!We return to normal programming with news from the Dirty John TV show. Plus, there's a "cheeky" news story out of Albuquerque that must win all the awards."Wild Wild Country" is the topic of a wild wild panel discussion. It's the Netflix documentary about the times, town, and troubles created by a group of Rajneeshee followers who flocked to Oregon in the 1980s. The material covered is a mile wide and an inch deep. For the original Oregonian expose on the Rajneeshees, click here.TO GET OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF WILD WILD COUNTRY, SKIP AHEAD TO 1:01:52.And in Crime of the Week - rotten eggs. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Crime Writers On is facing off against This American Life for a chance to win DiscoverPods's PODCAST MADNESS. We are one win away from SHOCKING THE WORLD! Let's get it done: vote now at discoverpods.com.The panel tackles quite a bit this week: more "Staircase" episodes coming, the "Black Tapes" fake out, a scathing review in Slate on "Atlanta Monster," books that stay with us, and a special announcement for our Patreon supporters (it involves Toby).Moving on, season two of CBC’s Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo looks at the case of a girl both murdered and now missing. Will Connie Walker find the Cree girl adopted into some American family? Will she skillfully tie the tale to the heartbreaking story of Canada's "Sixties Scoop"? What do the crime writers think of it?TO SKIP TO OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF FINDING CLEO, JUMP TO 1:03:49Then in crime of the week - ready player one.(Wanna see that "human looking dog?" Click here.) For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode the panel blitzes through a bunch of topics. Who knew Stormy Daniels was an accomplished equestrian? That $500m lottery winner gets to remain anonymous. Why did Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth) get paid less than Matt Smith (Prince Philip) on "The Crown"? Toby finished Atlanta Monster and has some further thoughts. Did OJ Simpson really confess on that Fox special...or did he REALLY confess? And what's on the Scientology TV Network tonight?Then the crime writers talk about the new Netflix series "Seven Seconds." The drama explores the effect of a covered-up hit-and-run on the victim's parents, the driver and his crooked police partners, and the alcoholic DA assigned to the case. And can someone explain why everyone's car is so dirty?TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE AND SKIP TO OUR REVIEWS OF SEVEN SECONDS, JUMP AHEAD TO 1:00:56In Crime of the Week - the hits keep on coming. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The panel talks about updates from "The Pope's Long Con" and "Mommy Dead & Dearest." We listen to a profanity-laden rant from "Crime in Sports" about self-important podcasters. And we talk about the gripping new book, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, published posthumously after crime writer Michelle McNamara's tragic 2016 death.Our main event: "McMafia," the new organized crime series from BBC and AMC. This good-guy-dragged-in-bad-deeds tale is expensive and extravagant, but will audiences like its high-finance meets underworld story?In Crime of the Week - deadly deodorant. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before we take a week off for school vacation (thank you, children) we'll circle back to some important True Crime Updates. The election to fill the statehouse seat of the late Danny Ray Johnson, subject of the "The Pope's Long Con," was this week...and it wasn't even close. "Making a Murderer"'s Branden Dassey has asked SCOTUS for a Writ of Cert (we'll explain what that means).The headliner for this show is the rock'n'roll-themed "Disgraceland." No interviews. No investigations. No audio tape. Not even the artists' music. Just a host spinning tales of musicians behaving very badly. Does this new chart-topper hit all the right notes?In Crime of the Week, it's one thumb down. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we ponder the problems of winning $550 million in the lottery and keeping a low profile. We get a love letter from Ireland and circle back to "West Cork" with a spoiler-full discussion about the prime suspect.IF YOU STILL WANT TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE ON WEST CORK, SKIP AHEAD TO 33:16.Then we'll have an up-close look at "Mosaic," Stephen Soderbergh's multi-platform storytelling experience. The six-part HBO limited series deals with the murder of a famous children’s book writer. While the concept is ambitious, does "Mosaic" deliver the goods?TO SKIP PAST SPOILER-FILLED DISCUSSION OF MOSAIC, JUMP AHEAD TO 1:02:24And this week's Crime of the Week is grrrrrrrreat! For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Not even a blizzard can stop the Crime Writers from their appointed rounds (though it may crackle the connection once in a while).We get skeeved out by the latest accusations of "Making a Murderer" defense-lawyer-now-judge Len Kachinsky (cue your own cat noises). There's a notable cameo in "Sword & Scale." And we toss around our thoughts on the Onion's new true crime parody podcast, "A Very Fatal Murder." Does a send up of the crime podcast world seem like it's about three months too late?Then a no-blarney, spoiler-free review of Audible's new 13-part series, "West Cork." The famous1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier is relatively unknown to American listeners. Not since "Serial" have we had such access to a prime suspect. We'll tell you whether you should make time for this one.Our review is truly spoiler-free, but if you still want to skip right to our verdicts, go to the 53rd minute.Then in Crime of Week, how else are you going to carry all that dough around? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Done Disappeared encore, Slow Burn’s next story, The Walk’s big idea, and an Alienist reviewThe Crime Writers take on a trio of True Crime Podcast Updates as Slow Burn wraps up season one and teases a *fantastic* follow-up, Dirty John lands a scripted series, and our best friend John David Booter tries to raise funds (click here to help him!) for a second season in which he’ll appropriate all things 1980’s.Then, our take on The Walk, the hit podcast from Panoply. This show is trying to do something completely different with a story that puts the listener in the middle of the action. But does it work? Or is it just the prototype for a future, better iteration of the format?And, a review of the TNT adaptation of the smash bestselling book The Alienist. (If you want to skip any and all potential spoilers and just hear the review, go to 51:04.) For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we unveil the new name for Studio C (it's a mouthful), learn Toby's actually the nice one, and get freaked out by what this drug can make you do in your sleep.The Crime Writers eat some humble pie and admit they were too quick to dismiss one of America's most underappreciated media figures last week - Keith Morrison from Dateline NBC. Some special podcasters will join the discussion - and you can find their awesome show A Date With Dateline right here.The main focus shifts to the new Netflix series, "Dark." This German-language "Stranger Things"-meets-"Lost" has everything: caves, dead birds, surprisingly depressing school plays...and a cast of characters dripping in Teutonic angst. (Try this link to see the Dark family trees.)TO JUMP OVER THE SPOILERS AND GO STRAIGHT TO OUR REVIEWS, FAST FORWARD TO TIME CODE 59:59Then in crime of the week: I love you. You love me. But it's going to cost you $350. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was one of 2017's biggest podcasts. Now the tale of "Dirty John" gets the treatment from Dateline NBC. Does a 42 minute TV episode add anything to a story already told over five hours in podcast form? Maybe just some pictures of how hunky John Meehan really was.The main event: we breakdown the first installments in "Atlanta Monster," the new podcast from Payne Lindsey's Tenderfoot TV and HowStuffWorks. This look back at the 1980s Atlanta child murders is billed as "an investigative podcast," but where is it taking us? Does Lindsey repeat the best parts (or the worst parts) of his hit debut "Up and Vanished"?(Want to skip to our thumbs up or down review of Atlanta Monster? Go to 1:03:20)And in the Crime of the Week: Gesundheit! For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"We are not crooks." This episode we'll circle back to Slate's excellent Watergate-based series, "Slow Burn." Look what happens when those who believe in conspiracies learn those conspiracies are actual conspiracies. (And no, Toby still doesn't believe in conspiracies!)Speaking of conspiracies within conspiracies, we ponder Netflix's "Wormwood." The genre-blending documentary about a secret CIA LSD-induced suicide is only the first layer in a trippy, troubling tale from Oscar winner director Errol Morris. Points for using Hollywood actors Peter Sarsgaard and Molly Parker to dramatize the back story, but did this unconventional series deliver the goods?Then in Crime of the Week, a little bit of pot goes a long way when deciding who to arrest. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers might be from New Hampshire, but the shizz that's been going down with our weather has been BANANAS. Seriously, by the time you hear this, we might all be dead.BUT - we're not dead yet, so we responded to some sassy listener emails, talked about OUTSTANDING finale of John David Booter's podcast Done Disappeared, and reviewed The Pope's Long Con, a pretty great podcast from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting. (To skip to the review, go to 56:10)Then, our Crime of the Week put's Rebecca in the spotlight. Yes, she IS a psychopath. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our last installment of 2017, we have an exclusive interview with Undisclosed’s Rabia Chaudry. She’ll be talking about a defense alibi witness for Adnan Syed, whose recent arrest again points to prosecutors looking the other way when it came to witnesses in Adnan's case. Also, is there a new lead in the mystery of Robert Durst's missing wife?Then we shoot it out about Netflix’s new limited series “Godless.” In an Old West town where the men have been killed in a mining accident, the women are left to fend for themselves. When an outlaw fleeing his former gang seeks refuge, you know trouble will follow. Do we think “Godless” lives up to its feminist premise?TO MISS ANY "GODLESS" SPOILERS, FAST FORWARD TO TIME CODE 1:00:04.Stick around for Crime of the Week. We’ve got an amateur Facebook Live “reporter” who solves an arson in the most hilarious, profane way. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, lookie lookie here. We've got the latest disappointing news for Brendan Dassey's hopes of a new trial, get to spread some podcast love to both Amber Hunt and Bill Rankin, and take the hit from Done Disappeared's wicked send up, "Crime Writers Off." (Spoiler alert: Bobby Tall needs to count to ten and cool off).Then we look through the peephole at Netflix's "Voyeur." This odd tale pivots from its subject - a motel owner who spied on guests for years - to the famous journalist so enamored with the story he becomes blind to its many red flags. (Want to skip the discussion and just hear the thumbs up or down review? Go to 59:58.)In the Crime of the Week, one bank robber learns why it's important to clear your browser history. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OMG - We can't get enough of Done Disappeared, the amazing parody true crime podcast by the unparalleled talent that IS John David Booter. We review that show and try to figure out the mystery of just what happened to missing 1987 woman Clara Pockets.Then, a more earnest review of the Netflix series Alias Grace. Based on a Margaret Atwood novel, does this show resonate? Or does it's less-than-Handmaid's Tale production values take away from what could have been a compelling view of a fascinating true crime?NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO SKIP THE DISCUSSION AND JUST HEAR THE REVIEW, GO TO 50:41Finally, the Crime of the Week tackles a whole lot of nudity and a whole lot of kidnapping. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's our 100th episode and we're celebrating by...doing what we always do. We'll look at the times and crimes of the late Charles Manson. The panel offers holiday travelers some recommendations of podcasts and TV shows that will make Thanksgiving bearable. The crime writers dig into "Long Shot," the new Netflix documentary. It tells the story of how an innocent man stayed off of death row because of the Los Angeles Dodgers and HBO's Larry David comedy of manners, "Curb Your Enthusiasm." FOR THOSE LOOKING TO AVOID SPOILERS, JUMP PAST THE DISCUSSION TO THE 59-MINUTE MARK. In Crime of the Week, it's Father Christmas vs. Santa Claus. CRIME WRITERS' RECOMMENDATIONS Toby: Polybius Conspiracy from Showcase; The Dollup; Open Floor from SI Lara: Deadly Manners Rebecca: Done Disappeared; Powerline Kevin: More Perfect, Crazy Ex-girlfriendClick here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Autobiography.Plus, our Crime of the Week cuts the cheese! For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers complain about Rebecca's jet lag and a certain crappy airline, and Lara is LITERALLY about to become a crazy cat lady. Plus, Toby's book is classy AF.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. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.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. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers dive in to Mindhunter - a series from Netflix about FBI profilers that even Rebecca can get behind.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 CHANCEAnd, 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? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rebecca met Sarah Koenig!! She fills us in on that awkward encounter.What's the latest with Serial season two subject Bowe Bergdahl? Seems he's made some kind of deal with the government. We invite back retired USMC Lt Col James Weirick of the Military Justice podcast to explain why he thinks some of the early media reports are wrong and what a plea for a lighter sentence might look like.Then the panel digs into the new hit podcast from the LA Times, Dirty John.TO SKIP PAST THE SPOILERS AND JUST HEAR OUR REVIEW, GO TO TIME CODE: 1:03:25This six-part true crime profile looks at grifter John Meehan and the trouble he wreaked on Debra Newell and her family. Judging by your Twitter and Facebook questions, you seemed just as amazed by Debra's willingness to forgive the gold digger as you are in Dirty John's evil designs.In Crime of the Week, how many Facebook likes would you need before your turned yourself into the police? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers review the totally not Law & Order take on a famous case: Law & Order: The Menendez murders. Plus, a big setback for Stephen Avery has the panel revisiting our opinions on the Making a Murderer protagonist's guilt. Also in question...the guilt of Scott Peterson. Yeah, we know.In the Crime of the Week, things go wrong when a school administrator tries to pull a silly prank For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did Brendan Dassey's dubious confession on "Making a Murderer" make your skin crawl? The Chief Circuit Judge in his ongoing appeal said it did. But the other two federal judges may be leaning the other way.In podcast news: "Accused" will roll out a new season next month. Also, the teams behind HowStuffWorks and Up & Vanished are getting together to re-investigate a series of child murders in Atlanta that were solved in 1981.This week's podcast focuses on two very different series from Netflix. "The Confession Tapes" shows a series of cases in which the police used questionable techniques to get suspects to confess. Were they falsely given? Were they merely aggressive or provocative ways to get a killer to admit to their crimes?Next, the unexpectedly savvy satire of everything we love about true crime. "American Vandal" may start as a lowbrow take-off on "Serial" or "Making a Murder," but the comedy is surprisingly meta, embracing all tropes of the podcasts and documentaries which have become ubiquitous. In the end, we still want to know, "Who drew the dicks?"In the Crime of the Week - the FBI really shouldn't tell the Internet to ask them anything. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers change the way we do business because someone told us to. We dive into a bunch of updates on cases surrounding the S-Town podcast and the super-creepy stabbing at the center of the HBO documentary "Beware the Slenderman," plus Kevin holds Rebecca hostage and forces her to watch the rest of that ridiculous Unabomber show.Speaking of being held hostage, will the team force Kevin to listen to even more Someone Knows Something? (Yeah, we hope get to do that!)We then dig in to The Deuce, the latest in prestige TV from HBO and David Simon, the creator of the show that white people LOVE to talk about loving: The Wire.In our crime of the week, a jogger takes a big ol' poop on someone's lawn. No, that really is a thing. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Weekly episodes have returned (no more goldbricking for Bricker - no more laying about for Lavoie)! The Crime Writers revisit some of the content they've recently discussed and give final verdicts on Homecoming, The Murder of Laci Peterson, and updates in the Slenderman case. Toby offers a preview of next week's topic: HBO's The Deuce. And the blowback about the Payne Lyndsey - Up and Vanished controversy is deafening...not.The panel dives into the new podcast from the Mercury News, "Hanging: The mysterious case of the boy in the barn."In Crime of the Week, how much Liquid Plumber can we get to London? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Red-eyed and jet-lagged, Rebecca and Kevin are back from Podcast Movement in Anaheim with stories of their exploits with your (and their) favorite podcasters. They'll spill some tea over what caused some controversy a big name - "NOT a podcaster" Payne Lindsey from Up & Vanished - made an audacious, self-congratulatory presentation...and how some even bigger names in the room reacted.Plus, a true crime podcast update! A hungover R&K met up with old friend Lt Col James Weirick for an update on Bowe Bergdahl's court martial and the defense's move that could bode well for the disgraced former POW. (Audio of the full discussion can be found on our website - and beware, it's unedited and was literally recorded in a hotel hallway.)Back in the confines of Square Egg Studio, Lara & Toby chime in on A&E's new limited series, "The Murder of Laci Peterson." So far, the show seems to be playing the story down the middle, not sensationalizing its retrospective of the crime, and is of surprisingly high quality for a basic cable show.Then in Crime of the Week: our house is a very very very moldy house. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're ready for our close ups! Our listeners asked and answered the hypothetical question, "If there were a movie about the Crime Writers, who would be cast to play them?" The results are in from #crimewriterscasting. Let's say three out of the four of us are satisfied with the picks.We grapple with "Black Hands" (see the play on words there?) - a true crime podcast about New Zealand's Bain family murders. Rather than a re-investigation or reexamination of the case, the ten-part series is a deep, DEEP dive into David Bain's second trial with narrator Martin van Beynen's ultimate argument that the jury got it wrong.Then we stream our way through Netflix's new series, "Ozark." With its comparisons to "Breaking Bad," how does this normal-guy-caught-in-a-web-of-criminal-enterprise TV show stand on its own? Have we seen this before? Or is it a fresh take on the emerging genre?In the Crime of the Week: the suggestion box is stuffed with requests to do something about the dead people piling up in the break room. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers tackle a pair of hot media properties this week with a look at the Discovery Channel's latest foray into crime with Manhunt: The Unabomber. This leads to a heated debate about how FBI profilers are portrayed in crime drama...and Rebecca joins #TeamToby for the first time!Then, a review of the second season of Homecoming, the dramatized podcast with a stellar cast from Gimlet Media. Is the show in a second season slump? Will Rebecca ever stop calling David Schwimmer "Ross from Friends?" We'll answer those questions and a whole lot more.Finally, our Crime of the Week gives the panel a chance to relish Toby's response. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So that happened...OJ Simpson got early release for his 2007 Las Vegas robbery conviction. After watching the "Parole Hearing of the Century," what do the Crime Writers think? Should the parole board have considered his past arrest in that infamous double murder case when making their decision?Since every other podcast is talking about Game of Thrones this week, we ask Toby to give his take on HBO's swords-and-sex mega-hit. Only problem is...he hasn't watched the first six seasons, so his WTF perspective is completely fresh.Let's travel below The Gnat Line with the new season of "Breakdown." Bill Rankin is back with a new tale of systemic breakdowns in the GA legal system. Episode one laid out the case of Devonia Inman. Are we intrigued enough to keep listening?Next we take a deep dive in the four-part podcast from the Australian Broadcast Company, "Trace." It's "Accused" meets "The Keepers." A woman was killed in her bookstore in 1980. The parish priests, one of whom molested her disabled son, were publicly hostile toward her. The panel weighs in on whether his cold case miniseries has enough "there" there to hold our interest.In the Crime of the Week - manscaping could have prevented this tragedy. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As David Lee Roth said, "I heard you missed us. We're back."A one-week break gives us plenty of time to listen to stuff. And catch up on the latest news from the world of true crime.We circle back for a listen to the sophomore installment of "Ear Hustle." Thank you again to Lt. Sam Robinson for approving this story.Lara reports on the whirling dervish that is the Brendan Dassey appeal. He wins. He loses. He loses again. The "Making a Murderer" supporting player isn't going anywhere soon. Will the state give him is court-ordered re-trial or just appeal to higher and higher courts? (Sound familiar, Adnan?)Next we look at Gimlet's new podcast, "Mogul." It tells the story of hip-hop executive Chris Lighty - the most important musical figure you've never heard of. The podcast is part biography/part hip-hop history lesson. Is Lighty's life story strong enough to carry this series and can the podcast appeal to listeners unfamiliar with his music?In Crime of the Week: A Florida man sits on a gun and then exactly what you'd guess happens. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Love mail galore as listeners weigh in on Ear Hustle, Toby's dog-like voice, and listening to our show during the most important moments of their lives (really!). Then, our take on the not-so surprising (but still upsetting) verdicts in the trials of Bill Cosby and Jeronimo Yanez, the cop that killed Philando Castille.In the back half, we look at a documentary that even Lara Bricker's fire chief husband enjoyed, Sour Grapes on Netflix. This tale of a high-end wine con man had us asking - do we give a crap when a smart guy bilks a Koch brother out of millions of dollars?And in our Crime of the Week, a Maine woman is more badass than we could ever hope to be. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What should Toby's standard karaoke song be? THE WORLD IS WEIGHING IN.Rebecca heard something in this week's Undisclosed episode on Adnan Syed's cross appeal proceeding that she REALLY wants you to hear. The judges really seem to get it...we think?S-Town is making SO much news as the trial of Tyler Goodson will now incorporate his part in the podcast as evidence. Should Brian Reed have used tape that put Tyler in legal peril? The panel is split. (Note: This episode was recorded before news of Tyler's arrest for animal cruelty.)Ear Hustle is finally here, and - spoiler alert - it's AWESOME. But we review it anyway. In our crime of the week, Florida Man is back! And he REALLY loves Hooters. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The State of Maryland got its bite at the apple, asking a three judge panel to reinstate Adnan Syed's conviction. The hour-long hearing dove more into Asia McClain and not-so-much into fax cover sheets. What's next for the "Serial" season one subject?We also talk about the latest epic filing in the Steven Avery case. Will "brain fingerprinting" save the day for the man at the middle of Making a Murderer? And what's up with Brendan Dassey's case?Did we forget to mention the CRAZIEST thing that came out of "The Keepers"? Like a particular body part wrapped in newspaper and thrown on the table during the interrogation of a priest? We're backing the train up so we can unwrap (sorry) that one.The Crime Writers spend more than 74 seconds discussing the podcast "74 Seconds" from Minnesota Public Radio. This look at the fatal shooting of a motorist by a cop (live-streamed on Facebook) tackles the familiar themes of race, violence, and law enforcement training. With some episodes exploring the back story of the players in the shooting - and other episodes providing real-time updates from the court house - 74 Seconds feels like two separate podcasts. What's working? What's not? We'll give our reviewIn Crime of the Week: Some wanted men just can't stop the music. How karaoke landed a fugitive in jail. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start with a pat on the back for Kevin, as our spin-off podcast "...These Are Their Stories" has been nominated for Best TV/Film Podcast by the Academy of Podcasting. No one know how or why the show was picked, but they needed 10 to fill out the category, so...Thanks to the many listeners who helped fill in some of the narrative holes left by "Mommy Dead and Dearest." Among the questions answered from last week include facts about feeding tubes, Dede's medical knowledge, and reasons why she was able to fool physicians into thinking Gypsy was chronically ill.Rebecca comments on the media coverage of the DUI arrest of Tiger Woods. Is it the typical case of a hero plummeting to Earth, or is race playing a role in the negative coverage?Then...the show you've been waiting for...Netflix's "The Keepers." The documentary seemed to have everything: murder, sex trafficking, cover-ups. Despite the great source material, did the filmmakers really make the most of the story that was there? In Crime of the Week, two teachers come to blows fighting over a man. The students can't even... For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The crime writers take on the super weird and (sort of) satisfying HBO film Mommy Dead and Dearest. Plus, we explain why we talk about some podcasts and not others, Rebecca asks our listeners for a HUGE favor, and a listener schools the panel on how to pronounce a certain city in Maine.Then, in the crime of the week, we make a BIG decision about doody. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First: More listener-driven shenanigansNext: The panel makes recommendations for podcasts you should be downloading. Further: Undisclosed just dropped a special pre-appeal episode about 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? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We open up the mail bag and let you weigh in on our discussions about "13 Reasons Why" and the former-profiler-turned-podcaster who's caused a bit of a dust-up among our fans.Richard Simmons may have lost touch with many people, but his lawyers aren't among them. The now-reclusive fitness guru is suing the National Enquirer for a story saying he's had a sex change operation. He also says he's being blackmailed by (say it ain't so!) former companion Mauro. If the stories are false, we think it should be easy to demonstrate so ("Your honor, we submit exhibit D.").Then we explore the most original entrant in the JonBenet Ramsey look-back-a-thon. Netflix's non-investigation "Casting JonBenet" features average Coloradoans who think they're auditioning for a movie on the case. In reality, the auditions are an excuse to get them to candidly share their thoughts and observations about the crime. And we get to see kids smash watermelons with flashlights for good measure.In the Crime of the Week, what did the drunk driver know and when did she know it? For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We needed that week off. Seems like everyone's got a podcast side gig now. Toby's hosting Radio Free Dystopia, Kevin's making an appearance on Jed Bartlet is My President, and Rebecca is a new permanent panelist on Slate's Mom and Dad Are Fighting.Rebecca didn't get verified on Twitter and she's PISSED!In a true crime podcast update podcast update, we'll give our take on how the experts from Real Crime Profile used their profiling skills on John B. McLemore from S-town. For a character who's so beloved, the enumeration of his less-than-desirable traits has stirred lots of feelings.At the intersection of entertainment and suicide lies Netflix's "13 Reasons Why," the most controversial series of the year. Great acting, interesting plot, but is possible to tackle teen suicide in a way that doesn't make the problem worse? Despite earnest intentions to make the show a conversation-starter, there remain legit concerns that the series irreparably sends the wrong message. In essence, everything that makes 13 Reason great are what also what makes it dangerous.In the crime of the week: beware the sniper cat. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.) For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The crime writers review chapters 5, 6, and 7 of S-Town, the new podcast series from Serial and This American Life. This discussion gets a little deep, covering some of the criticism S-Town has faced in recent days. Want to hear our recaps of episodes 1-4? Go back in your feed a little bit. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers jump into chapters two through four of "S-town," the new podcast series from Serial and This American Life. Watch your feed for recap shows reviewing episode 1 and episodes 5-7. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Crime Writers review episode one of S-Town - the new podcast series from the folks behind Serial and This American Life. Watch your feed for recap shows reviewing episodes 2-4 and 5-7. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After recommending people watch the documentary "Tickled," the response from our listeners was an overwhelming, "What the F did I just watch"? Then a shocker: David D'amato, a key figure in the investigation, "died suddenly" this week according to the New York Times. "Breakdown" from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution returned with a brand new, er, sound. Season three is hosted by investigative reporter Johnny Edwards and focuses on a doctor who continued to practice medicine despite a series of sexual abuse investigations. Can the podcast thrive without the home-spun voice of legal analyst Bill Rankin?With the conclusion of the runaway "Missing Richard Simmons" podcast, the crime writers look back on the six-part series. What did we ultimately learn about Simmons, host Dan Taberski, and about the feelings we project on celebrities? We'll give our review.In Crime of the Week, being assaulted - literally - by a tweet. (Yes, the actually tweet.) For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you do in the middle of blizzard? Record a podcast, of course. First, the trailer for the new Serial spin-off "S-town" dropped! What will the seven episode series be about? We don't know, but Sarah Koenig's crew gave us an interesting taste and OF COURSE we had to talk about it.Plus, despite taking an Alford plea last month, the Michael Peterson case is not quite over. The subject of the exceptional miniseries "The Staircase" is looking into the theory that his wife was actually killed in the stairwell during an owl attack. The claim had been downplayed by Peterson's defense team, and was the focus of episode 1 of the podcast "Criminal," but now they want experts to examine the feathers found with Kathleen's body. At this point does Peterson have anything to lose...or anything to win?Then it's probably the most unusual documentary ever discussed on the podcast. "Tickled," a journalist's look into videos of the sport of "competitive endurance tickling," is NOT the lighthearted romp the title might imply. Instead, the doc takes dark and unexpected turns as the reporter tries to uncover who is behind this secretive video empire and the attempt to ruin all foes in their way. In the Crime of the Week: Moms + school dropoff lane + maybe too much "Big Little Lies" = gun play. Time to send the parents to time out. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The panel is at full strength now that Lara managed to talk her way out of an arrest by the railroad police (yes, there is such a thing). We begin with some voice messages from listeners wondering what the "Up and Vanished" serendipitous conclusion means for the realm of true crime podcasting.We return again to the white hot podcast "Missing Richard Simmons." Are the crime writers still committed to seeing (hearing) this journey through?Then we turn our attention to Spike TV's six-part doc "Time: The Kalief Browder Story." It's a heavy look at the true story of a black teen who spent 800 days in solitary confinement on Rikers Island while awaiting trial of a flimsy robbery charge. Is it perhaps too heavy to enjoy...or too important to ignore?The Crime of Week deals with a politician whose resume is all sizzle and no steak. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's another paper dump in the ongoing appeals around Adnan Syed from Serial season one. Kevin takes a look at yet another news-making turn in the case, and Rebecca gives it a big old eye roll (cute the hate mail!).And, episode 3 of Missing Richard Simmons was CRAY. From witchcraft to bitchcraft, we learned Richard's closest confidants f'ing HATE each other. How can we not revisit a podcast that brings up black magic? Yeah...we're SO gonna do that.Then, the Crime Writers examine HBO's newest murder mystery mini-series, "Big Little Lies." Does an A-list cast + domestic noir = another hit? And should the producers stay keep the same killer/victim as the book, or make it fresh for the whole audience? Plus, what we learned in this Crime of the Week: if you live to be 100 you might get a lap dance from your nurse. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can you feel the love tonight? The Crime Writers can. Plus, the gang dives in to the breaking news about an arrest in the Tara Grinstead case - that's the one featured in the "Up and Vanished" podcast. At the time of our recording, it was unclear what role the podcast played in Ryan Duke's arrest, but did Payne Linsey's grandmother actually know more than the cops did?Next, Rebecca interviews Missing Richard Simmons creator Dan Taberski about why he was drawn to the vanishing of everyone's favorite flamboyant exercise guru.Then the Crime Writers review the podcast: Is it ethical to chronicle someone's withdrawal from public life? What makes Simmons's story so uniquely compelling? Why did someone who gave support to so many individuals seemingly turn his back on them? Also, Kevin recalls his own professional interactions with Richard Simmons.In the Crime of the Week: a squirrel plays guard dog by going spider monkey on a cat burglar. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.