Best True-Crime Podcasts of 2019 - UK True Crime Podcast (Q&A)

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts and an iTunes Top 25 podcast. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Ah. You're back? Seeing out some more exciting true-crime podcasts to get your fangs into? Well search no longer, as like a veritable Burke & Hare seeking out corpses for rich doctors to dissect, I've done the hunting, so you don't have to, as this week I interview the fabulous Adam from the amazing UK True Crime Podcast.

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Adam, host of UK True Crime Podcast

Their Details:

• Podcast: UK True Crime Weekly Podcast
• Genre: UK True Crime
  
• Duration: Weekly, 20-30 mins ave
• Tag-line: UK True Crime Podcast is a weekly independent podcast of 25/30 minutes focused on lesser known UK crimes with misplaced & ill-judged humour
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Useful links to UK True Crime Podcast: 

• Podcast
  
• Twitter
  
• Website
  

Michael's thoughts: UK True Crime Podcast is a fantastic treat for anyone interested in UK true crime, as each week Adam lures you into the world of lesser known and long forgotten crimes set in the UK, all of which have been intensively painstakingly researched (by someone who is truly passionate about the subject) and with each episode presented with the right mix of passion, love and humour, treating the victim's lives and misfortunes with the respect they deserve, but also making each episode a wonderfully dark and highly entertaining treat. I strongly recommend you check out UK True Crime Podcast.

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Q & A with Adam from UK True Crime Podcast

• How did you get into true-crime podcasting?
  

I couldn’t find what I wanted to listen to when my company kept sending me away on planes and I was often too tried to read or work any longer. On one trip home my colleague was listening to a podcast at the departure lounge, and a few minutes later I was listening to my first episode of the excellent, ‘They Walk Among Us’, followed by the (to me) not so excellent ‘Sword & Scale’.

But although I loved one and not the other, those two shows demonstrated just how differently you can approach similar material. So I thought I could do this too, adding my personal slant. How hard could it be? I still recall the moment I sat in front of the microphone for the first time wondering who on earth was going to be interested in listening to this stuff.I still get butterflies every time I sit down to record.

• What podcast (true-crime or not) first inspired you?
  

The Square Ball – Leeds United fan podcast. When I first listened I felt a very different relationship with the hosts and was hooked on the podcast from that moment on. At the risk of perpetuating a cliché, this relationship with the hosts is unique to our genre and I think explains the genuine bond between (most) hosts and the listeners. Am I the only true crime host have never listened to an episode of Serial? One podcast that has inspired me recently is Disgraceland. It is the show I wish I had the time and ability to produce.

• What was your first episode and why was it an important story to tell?
  

I covered the story of teenager Katy Wynter who was stabbed to death by her boyfriend as she baby-sat for her sisters young children. She was found by her sister the following morning. The 19 year old murderer fabricated a number of Facebook characters to convince Katy that he was a decent guy. When I first read about the story I was horrified that someone so nice and trusting with everything to live for had everything taken away by this person who used social media to manipulate reality. It is a terrible, shocking story. Of course, we are now much more aware how social channels can be dangerous and used to distort reality in all sorts of ways. Equally, we still have no idea how to mitigate that risk and as an aside, in my view trying to do so is futile.

But please if you do listen to my back catalogue (I am up to 145 as I write this) please start at about episode five. My show isn’t amazing today, but compared to episode one, today's shows are at the level of ‘Dr Death’.

• What’s been the best episode you’ve produced so far?
  

Hmmm, tricky question as I put so much into all the episodes. I think it was a recent episode covering the murder of 17 year old Laura Bailey in Liverpool. I spoke to her a brother a number of times and he shared heart-breaking information about her life and the impact of her death which really touched me. I felt a real responsibility to talk about the real Laura – not the person portrayed in mainstream media – and to ensure I got across that Laura died an absolute hero.
 
A re-occuring theme on my podcast is suicide – I am fascinated by how close we all potentially are to taking our own lives - and I recently covered a very disturbing case about a suicide pact at Beachy Head when one man jumped to his death when the other chose not to at the last moment. He was subsequently sent to prison for his role in the death of the other person. The episode is called ‘Catching the bus’ (slang for suicide on forums dedicated to this subject).

• What’s the most obscure true-crime fact you know?
  

Saddam Hussein used to love drinking Rose. In restaurants over the years me and friends used to find it amusing to order a glass of Saddam’s finest tipple, to the bemusement of the waiters. After one dodgy night in Barcelona drinking way too much rose which ended at the famous Baghdad Club – where else – I was so ill I wasn’t able to make the flight home over 24 hours later and I still haven’t been able to face rose since.

• Which piece of research are you most pleased with?
  

Like most other UK podcasters, I have a demanding job with a wife and family as well as podcasting. I am delighted that every week that I have been able to make the time to research the cases I record but I am no pro. I do admire those who do some amazing research well beyond my capacity, like you and also some of the authors in my Facebook Group. For example, Chris Clark, an ex policeman, produces the most astonishing research when he helps me write episodes.
 
Research a real skill and one I see as key going forward to help podcast hosts differentiate their shows. Of course, it appears that some shows have placed less reliance on original research, but best not go there….

• Which case has been the biggest joy or headache to cover and why?
  

I cover a number of stories from Northern Ireland during the so called troubles, which is a period which holds a real fascination for me. Whenever I do so, however, I get some really unpleasant abuse from all sides of the political divide accusing me of bias. I understand that after all that happened, and is still happening, emotions still run really high and I appreciate my understanding of the political situation is basic. But I will continue to cover these amazing stories and, as always, I’m only interested in the politics to set context for the human stories I believe need to be heard more widely.

• What have you learned about yourself whilst making your podcast?
  

I feel I should say something profound here, but the number one point is that unless I drink lots of still water before recording I can make the most unpleasant mouth noises. Who knew? I listen out for this on other shows all the time.

• Has any case proved so tragic/sad you’ve had to take a break from the research?
  

No. I have felt terribly upset to the point of tears on a number of occasions. But whenever I think of pausing, I remember the reason that I produce the podcast which is to tell the story of victims of crime to a wider audience. Especially as covering lesser known cases, most of my stories are unfamiliar to my 100,000 or so weekly listeners.

• If you had a time-machine, which murder would you love to witness simply so you could say “oh, that’s what happened?”
  

The one I find myself reading most about is the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence. I speak to a number of people who are certain about what happened to her, but I am not convinced by any theory I have heard so far. And I have heard a lot. Whilst in the time machine, before I returned it, would head to Malaysia to just be sure about the most bizarre case in my lifetime which is the missing Mayalsian Airlines 370 plane. How are we expected to believe all the official nonsense we are told about this case?

• Are there any solved cases you feel are misunderstood, badly reported or miscarriages of justice?
  

Not a specific case, but I struggle with sexual assault cases. The amount of women – and it is mainly women – who don’t come forward as they don’t think they will be believed or are worried about how they will be treated is an absolute outrage. A real scandal. But I also feel sorry for men who are named and their lives ruined when clearly not guilty. This whole area is desperate for fundamental reform. As is the prison system. I still can’t understand why we keep sending so many people to prison, when most could be dealt with much more effectively in the community. And then prisons, could actually have the time and space to start concentrating on rehabilitation & education.

• What’s your thoughts/theory on Jack the Ripper?
  

I have zero interest and genuinely couldn’t care less. I wish someone would uncover the answer and then they could all stop going on about it. I would genuinely rather amputate one of my legs than watch a 30 minute programme on this most dull of cases.

• What’s the weirdest question/comment a listener has ever asked?
  

My listeners are great, just the very best. I even like those who slate my show as when I respond to them to say that is fine, it isn’t personal, they tend to be ok too. And I know they are still secretly listening.

I don’t read reviews much – hey, it is free content I will produce just what I want, ok – but I do love those who tell me my voice is pants and I should be replaced by another ‘narrator’ – Iike I work at the BBC or something. My very best review said they would rather listen to two cats fighting in an alley way than my podcast. BOOM - loved that one!

• Have you ever been contacted by the victim/killer’s family and why?
  

Yes, by both on numerous occasions as their friends listen and suggest they do too. I’m delighted I have never had a negative response, that would be genuinely devastating, especially from the families of the victims. I think in many ways – with some notable exceptions – the family of the killers are very much the forgotten victims in true crime.

• Why is true-crime so popular?
  

Follically challenged hosts like you and me with our boyish good looks have played a big part in this I think. (Editor's note: I totally agree, we're like the Jason Statham's of True-Crime Podcasts).

True crime has always interested people – look at the popularity of public trials and hangings since the year dot. Nowadays, social media shows us that others share the same interests as us, so it is ok for us to like it, and they want to talk about it too. This is why the popularity has grown.
 
True Crime is the acting out of the essence of human life, high emotions and the behaviour under stress of the flawed characters we all are. If conflict is the key to successful drama it is normally the perfect story too – introduction, major event, investigation followed by (hopefully) justice. I’m astonished when people aren’t interested in true crime, surely they are the strange ones?

• Is it right to fancy, admire or worship a serial-killer/murderer?
  

Absolutely, no. Just wrong on every single level and as podcasters we have a real responsibility to make it clear just why they should never be looked on in this way. The Bundy admirers grate on me the most – he was such a self-obsessed, dull narcissist, who made Piers Morgan look modest and interested in others. And if people had actually been there and seen just what he did to his poor victims they could never look at him with anything other than disgust and contempt.

• Which case do you feel is over-exposed / under-exposed and why?
  

With the exception of Jack the Ripper – where any exposure at all is just wrong – then none. When I hear people complain that Madeleine McCann is only constantly in the news as she was a ‘perfect victim – a white, pretty girl’ I disagree. If people lost interest in the case they wouldn’t still be reading/writing/watching tv programmes about it. Incidentally, I think the way her parents have been treated is an absolute scandal.

• Which murderer (if any) do you feel is misunderstood?
  

None. We are all fully responsible for our actions.

• What has been the greatest innovation in solving crimes?
  

My friend Paul, The True Crime Enthusiast (a great podcast) would probably say Crimewatch here. But for me, it is hard to look beyond the advances in dna. Some of the terrible cases I have covered that were solved many years later purely due to this are an absolute triumph for the scientists involved.

• How can you spot a true-crime fan?
  

Walking a dog actively scanning nearby bushes. It always seems to be the dog walkers who finds the body doesn’t it?

• Which murderer/serial-killer (if any) could you sympathise with or relate to?
  

A tricky question and my first answer is none, especially serial killers.

But in my show I look a lot at crimes that take place outside pubs/clubs late at night where one punch can have devastating consequences on many lives, and although I don’t have sympathy with the perpetrator due to the use of violence, I do understand how they can see it as unfair when all the others who behave in a similar manner get on with their lives when their victims aren’t affected by the punch. Simple answer: don’t punch anyone.

• Given their often tragic backgrounds, should we see murderers as victims too?
  

Never. It is all about personal responsibility for our actions in our short time on this earth. For everyone with a terrible background who murders someone, I can show you at least five others who turned their lives around and contributed to society. No excuses, we are all accountable.

• Why do some people kill and others don’t?
  

Circumstances. That is why if I am asked if I could ever kill I can never give you an answer as I don’t know how I would react in the most extreme circumstances. But if I ever did, I would not ask for sympathy as I would be very aware that I took that decision to kill someone.

• What’s the nearest you’ve ever been to a real murder case/crime?
  

I was in London when the 7/7 murders took place. Terrifying, and the very essence of my personal interest in true crime which is normal people just going about their everyday lives caught up in a situation they could not even dream about. Like all of us, I have put myself in some dangerous situations in my life, especially in my younger days when I drank way too much and enjoyed taking risks. I woke up in some real dives, with very little idea how I got there, and it would have been easy for me to have been attacked.

• If you were to be murdered (God forbid), how would you prefer to go and how would you want the podcaster who covers it to describe you?
  

I think abducted by a super-model and taken back to the modelling agency where they all subjected me to days of abuse before over-dosing me on Viagra. Incidentally, as a keen sailor/surfer I have had some scary experiences on the water. But my real fear of how to die is in a car accident.

• How would you cope as a homicide detective?
  

Badly. I would end up down all the rabbit holes and I also tend to believe people way too readily and give them the benefit of the doubt. I’m usually tucked up in bed by 10, don’t smoke or drink whisky so might struggle with the lifestyle too. Or maybe just struggle believing stereotypes.

• Which details about crime do people always get wrong and why does it infuriate you?
  

Every time a paper quotes someone saying that a suspected criminal isn’t capable of doing such a thing – we all are. Or the quotes from a local saying that things like this don’t happen around here – yes it does, it happens everywhere.

• Where do you see your podcast going over the next few years?
  

Based on the reviews, sliding further down the Itunes charts I imagine… I actually think about this a lot, as I am very aware of the limitations of my podcast and the increasing demands on my time of not just my family but my primary job and other business interests. On average I spend at least 20 hours of my week commuting (it’s complicated when you live in Cornwall) and spending the time researching and producing a weekly podcast can be testing sometimes.
 
For now, I am enjoying it, but where it goes from here I am not so sure but the huge number of new shows means there must be some consolidation. Maybe some of us UK True Crime shows will combine, I wonder?

• Which upcoming episode of yours are you most excited about researching/writing?
  

My show is recorded on a Monday evening for release just after midnight on Tuesday – with that lead time Wondery it aint…

I don’t tend to think too much until my next episode until the Thursday/Friday beforehand, so whilst I admire these podcasters who have planned all their shows in advance, it is fair to say that my choice of cases is a little more…errrrr, fluid.

• Why should new listeners give your podcast a try?
  

I think consistency is key for a podcast: it certainly is important for those I listen to regularly. If you listen to my podcast you know you will get 25/30 minutes of UK True Crime every Tuesday and the majority of cases you won’t have heard of before.
 
I’m not big on giving my opinion of the serious stuff, but I like to bring my whole self to the podcast, so will talk about The Mighty Leeds United, my dislike for the Kings of Leon and some other music, will add some snarky asides and consistently laugh at my own jokes. And if you aren’t keen, that is just fine too – I strongly believe that none of our shows are for everyone, we aren’t looking for the widespread blandness of The One Show. I hope people will enjoy the show, but if not, they can just check out one of the other 635 true crime podcasts out there instead.

• Do you have a message for your loyal listeners?
  

Two key messages:
1, Be wary of saunas in Rochdale;
2. Stay Classy.
I am keen on in-jokes with my listeners and the 3200 people on my Facebook Group.

A big thank you to Adam for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out his podcast. To explore this excellent UK True Crime Podcast, click on the links.

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

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Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tor of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime  podcasts at the British podcast Awards 2018", hailed as The Telegragh's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk