The best true crime podcasts

I love true crime podcasts. I'm the weirdo who can't go to sleep without listening to the calming voice of Dateline's Keith Morrison as he tells us the story we are about to listen to has more twists and turns than the world's largest maze or listen to the hosts of Crime Junkie as they take us on a rollercoaster ride into the world of true crime. My only gripe? I binge listen the newest podcast quicker than someone else can drop a new that one grabs my attention.

Anyway, here's my faves (I'm probably forgetting a few but here goes).

My top two

Dateline

Should I be embarrassed to admit I've probably listened to every episode three times. This show is extremely well researched and delivers the stories in the seamless way that only a big-budget show can. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dateline-nbc/id1464919521

My favourite episode? They're all good but one that stands out is Fallen.

48 Hours

Just like Dateline, I have probably listened to all episodes two or three times each. But my all time favourite - one that even my fiance who has no interest in true crime thought was great - is The Bugs Bunny Defense. If you have not listened to this episode and you love true crime, do so the minute you finish reading this. It is truly the best truth is stranger than fiction or craziest defence tactic ever story I have heard.

A newbie for me

Hollywood Crime Scene

I've recently stumbled across Hollywood Crime Scene and the most impressive thing about this one is the two hosts manage to toe the fine line between adding humour to true crime and coming across as insensitive. They are hilarious. Of course I've binged-listened to all episodes but my favourite is the three-part series on Joan Crawford. You won't believe some of her antics!

Aussie faves

Casefile

Full disclosure - I'm an Aussie so I may be a bit biased but this podcast is a no-nonsense, no unnecessary details that aren't needed podcast that I can't go past. The episode about Azaria Chamberlain will be of interest to people who have heard the infamous Meryl Streep quote: "A dingo's got my baby."

Australian True Crime

This is another one you will find yourself bingeing on - even if you're not an Aussie. But I also have another reason I love this one - full disclosure again. They featured my book on it. So if you want to check out that episode it's as good a place as any to start (and I'd be sincerely grateful).

True Crime All The Time

These guys have great chemistry - and again they featured my book (last mention of that I promise). All the episodes are worth a listen and if you like their style, they also have a companion podcast True Crime All the Time Unsolved.

Phoebe's Fall

This is truly tragic and extremely hard to believe. Get ready to set aside time to binge listen to every episode.

Generation Why

An oldie, but a goodie.

Crime Junkie

Shortish episodes make this a great podcast to listen to when you're short on time.

Serial podcasts

If you're like me, sometimes you're looking to listen to a series, right? Well I've listened to dozens, but here are some of my faves.

Counter Clock

Serial

The Lady Vanishes

Casefile presents The Vanishing

Something a bit different

Chamelon: Hollywood Con Queen

If this was the plot of a Hollywood movie, it would be so unbelievable it would be laughable. But it's not.

Chasing Charlie

Another series about a conman that is worth a listen.

The Shrink Next Door

Strictly Stalking

I've recently found this one and listened to every episode in two nights. You won't believe the lengths some of these stalkers go to. The best episode so far? Too Close to Home

And finally, podcasts I can take or leave. Apologies to the creators - just my opinion.

Morbid

The Last Podcast on the Left

This one is very popular but just has a bit too much talking for me.

And one that has stretched on for too long, in my opinion is True Crime Bullshit. I really like this guy and I enjoyed it for a long while. But, in my opinion, he needs to find another case.

So there you go, there's a few of my favourite true crime podcasts. This list is by no means exhaustive - that would take all day. But if you're looking to deep dive into a rabbit hole and want to incorporate a true crime event into your dreams tonight, here you go. Enjoy!