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.

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.

• 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

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hello! You're probably here as you're eager to seek out a new true-crime podcast to get your blood-soaked teeth into, well gnash your choppers no longer, as on this week's Murder Mile blog, I interview Beth from the missing persons and unsolved mysteries podcast - Case Remains.

Michael's thoughts: Case Remains is an absolute must for those of you who (like myself) are always looking for a true-crime /missing persons podcast which treats its subjects with the sensitivity, respect and humanity they deserve, and that's what Beth delivers with Case Remains. Each episode is well written and well-researched, but what Beth expertly does is to introduce each victim to us as a real human being; a three-dimensional person with hopes, dreams, flaws and failures so that we understand the details of their life before we learn about their death or the mystery of their disappearance - a skill that many true-crime podcasts fail to. If you love hearing new cases for the very first time, I strongly recommend you check out Case Remains.

A big thank you to Beth for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out her podcast. To explore this fine missing persons podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hello! Well, fans of true-crime podcasts, you are in for a treat. As you know, each week I upload a new and fascinating Q&A interview with a true-crime podcaster, to introduce you to their show and give you an insight into who they are as a person. This week I have the pleasure of interviewing Paul from awesome The True Crime Enthusiast Podcast.

Michael's thoughts: One word "excellent", Paul's True-Crime Enthusiast Podcast really does what it says on the tin, he's super passionate about telling untold and long forgotten true-crime stories in a heartfelt, honest and compelling way and that truly comes across in every episode, as his attention to detail, commitment to telling the truth and his level of research is incomparable. It puts the vast majority of true-crime podcasts to shame. If you absolutely love true-crime podcasts and you're desperate for something rich, emotive and engaging, I heartily recommend you listen to the True Crime Enthusiast Podcast.

A big thank you to Paul for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out his podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hey eagle-eyed true-crime podcast fans! If you're drooling like a (nice) rabid-dog, desperate to devour the latest true-crime podcast, then drool no more, as each week I upload a Q&A with a true-crime podcaster so you can learn about their show and the hosts themselves. This week it's the turn of the awesome Aaron from the Devil We Know Podcast.

Their Details:

• Podcast: Devil We Know Podcast
  
• Genre: American True-crime
  
• Duration: Weekly, 30 mins ave
  
• Tag-line: An American true crime podcast. My team and I work to bring you the truth in real-life horror. We tell the true crime tales of criminals who live two lives, of the dangerous strangers that have lived two doors down. After all, you never truly know what a person's inner self looks like.
  

Useful links to Devil We Know Podcast via Website, Facebook or Twitter.

Michael's thoughts: Devil We Know Podcast is a fabulous true-crime podcast which is well-written, well researched and well presented, and with no chit-chat or waffle, it gets straight to the truth about some truly disturbing cases such as Israel Keyes, Chris Watts, The DC Sniper and the Virginia Tech shooting, to name but a few. But what I love about DWKP is that Aaron doesn't glamourise, sentationalise or glorify the perpetrator (as many true-crime podcasts do), this podcast focuses on the reason behind the perpetrator's heinous actions, asking what is going on inside their mind, treating them as disturbed human-beings instead of simply maniacs. I really enjoyed the Israel Keyes multi-parter, so check it out.

A big thank you to Aaron for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out his podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

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", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 5o deaths, over just a one mile walk

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hello! Fans of True-Crime Podcasts (especially Swedish ones). We've got a real treat for you this week, as this week our True-Crime Podcasters Q&A is hosted by Dan Hörning of the fabulous Seriemördarpodden, a true-crime podcast dedicated to serial-killers.

Michael's thoughts: Obviously I don't speak Swedish, to be honest sometimes I barely speak English, but having spoken to some of my Swedish listeners, they always rave about both of Dan's podcasts, praising them as expertly written, intricately researched, professionally presented and highly addictive. So don't expect a brief overview of a bad-boy, Dan's podcasts go in deep in to the world, the history of the psyche of each serial killer. Take a look, there's more than 100 episodes to choose from, and this includes Fred & Rose West, BTK, Stephen Port and Pee Wee Gaskins, as well as a three part series on Edmund Kemper, a seven part series on Robert Pickton and the Green River Killer, a ten part series on the East Area Rapist and an eleven part series on The Zodiac. I know! Wow! It makes you want to learn Swedish, am I right? I strongly recommend you give it a listen. Mx

A big thank you to Dan for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out his podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hey eager true-crime podcast fans! If you're openly frothing at the mouth and dribbling with anticipation, waiting to see which exciting true-crime podcast will feature in this week's Q&A, then wait no longer. This week I have the pleasure to pose some fascinating questions to Caprice, the fabulous host from The Unseen podcast.

Michael's thoughts: What sets The Unseen podcast apart from other true-crime podcasts is that rather than abusing a someone's misfortune for entertainment (which many true-crime podcasts do), Caprice focuses on the "human story", introducing us to those involved as real people and telling their story with bags of heart, love and compassion, each person is treated with the respect they deserve and so you feel she truly has an affinity with the subject and an emotional connection to those involved. If you prefer "crass jokes by dudes about death over a few brewskis, bro", look elsewhere. If you are a truly decent person who cares about the well-being of a fellow human, then this is the podcast for you. I strongly recommend you give it a listen. Mx

How did you get into true-crime podcasting?
I got into the true crime genre through being an avid listener to true crime podcasts. I became fascinated with the way that podcasts were helping people and were giving a voice to those who would not have been able to tell their stories otherwise. I had always dabbled with writing and decided to put those two things together. This is how I came up with the podcast which I wanted to dedicate to those stories that have been forgotten or have never been heard before. I started writing my first episode and learning how to produce a podcast as I went and I haven’t looked back since!

What podcast (true-crime or not) first inspired you?
This is a tough question as there were a few podcasts that really had an impact on me before I started the podcast. Like a lot of people, I have to say that Serial was the first podcast that I actually really paid attention to. My husband introduced me to it as he had listened to podcasts for much longer than me and I actually didn’t know that much about them. After listening to Serial, I was hooked on true crime podcasts. Serial led me to the Truth and Justice podcast with Bob Ruff which I still listen to and it shows how everyday people can make a difference.

Another podcast that really inspired me was The Vanished podcast. Marisa tells the stories of missing people through interviewing family members and she focuses on helping families who have struggled to gain media attention for their loved ones. I feel that Marisa does a fantastic job of helping these families and this inspired me massively. I think that her dedication to telling stories that don’t get much media attention was an inspiration for me to look at stories that are less heard of. I also then discovered all the amazing British Podcasts that are out there and I was definitely hooked!

What was your first episode and why was it an important story to tell?
My first episode was about the disappearance of Lord Lucan. This is one that many people have been told about or read about but I realised that nobody seemed to have done an episode about it on a podcast. His disappearance has always fascinated me and I wanted to cover it as while it is known to people, I discovered that the public didn’t really know many of the details. Like other unsolved crimes, there is a victim that needs justice for what happened and that is why I thought it was important to tell the story. It really is one of the biggest British mysteries and it is still one of my most popular episodes.

What’s been the best episode you’ve produced so far?
I think I am probably most proud of my episodes that focus on unidentified people. I have done a number of episodes looking at unidentified people found around the UK and I think is so important to remember these people even when no one else does. There are currently 561 unidentified people in the UK alone and I think this is a fact unknown to many people. Their cases are often the hardest ones to research as there is never enough information about them but I hope that one day my episodes may jog someone’s memory and we can get them identified.

Which piece of research are you most pleased with?
It is probably my research into my 3-part series about the murder of Jill Dando. I decided to cover that case because it resonated with so many people and her death was a national tragedy. It was also a case that was suggested to me by lots of listeners. As it is so close to many people’s hearts it also meant that I had such a huge job of researching and making sure everything was completely accurate and fact-checked.

What have you learned about yourself whilst making your podcast?
Making a podcast is such a rewarding thing to do and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys writing and producing content. It is also a difficult thing to do and is extremely time consuming however I think I have finally learnt that I am a writer. For many years, I did a bit of writing here and there and it was a hobby of mine. I never felt like I was good enough to show my writing to anyone. Making the podcast has finally shown me that I can write and I have the confidence to produce something every week. It’s also shown me how much work I can actually fit into a week if I really put the effort in!

Which upcoming episode of yours are you most excited about researching/writing?
I am probably most looking forward to an upcoming collaboration with Paul from The True Crime Enthusiast Podcast. I am not going to say what the subject is going to be yet though so you will have to listen and find out!

Do you have a message for your loyal listeners?
I just want to say thank you to anyone and everyone that has ever given the podcast a try. I honestly never thought I would have got this far and that anyone would want to listen for as long as they have. I just want to say how grateful I am for that.

A big thank you to Caprice for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out her podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hey avid true-crime podcast listeners! Wow. I can tell you're eager to get your "lug-holes" into some seriously good, interesting and different true-crime podcasts. Well lucky you. On this blog, every week, I will be posting a Q&A by some of the best true-crime podcasters. This week, it's the turn of the awesome Katie Enos, creator of Weird on the Rocks.

Michael's thoughts: The great thing is that Weird on the Rocks does "exactly what it says on the tin" (as they saying goes). Each fortnight, Katie dives into the fascinating world of the strange, the unusual and the unexplained, whether involving the paranormal, conspiracy theories, true-crime  tales or missing persons cases. I've just finished the latest episode on the tragic death of Princess Diana and it was excellent. As always, each episode is well-written, neatly researched and is told by Katie with care, compassion and heart. If you love diving into the world of the strange, check out Weird on the Rocks. Mx

How did you get into true crime podcasting?
I found myself listening to true crime podcasts ALL THE TIME. It’s truly an obsession for me, and I had the epiphany one day that I could create one too and make it exactly what I wanted. So after a few months of talking myself out of it, I took a leap of faith and started my own, and I’m so glad I did!

What podcast (true crime or not) first inspired you?
I think like many of us, Serial was the first podcast that really pulled me in and captivated me. It was like a whole new world opened up for me, and I was hooked. I started listening to My Favorite Murder religiously, which really resonated with me because it mixed in humor. But I think the podcast that really inspired me to start my own was True Crime Garage. As much as I love MFM and similar podcasts, I appreciate how TCG just gets straight to the point and takes their research seriously. That was the type of podcast I wanted to create.

What’s been the best episode you’ve produced so far?
I did a 3 part Zodiac series that I’m really proud of. The Zodiac has been my favorite case for a long time, and before I even got into the production of my podcast I knew I had to cover Zodiac. The case is very detailed and I put it at least 30 hours of research, and I am really happy with how the series turned out.

Which case has been the biggest joy or headache to cover?
I definitely think that the story of Jayme Closs has been the biggest joy to cover. Jayme is a 13 year old girl who’s parents were murdered in front of her, and she was abducted by their killer for almost 90 days. She was strong and brave enough to escape her captor, and he was recently sentenced to life in prison. I enjoyed covering this case because all though Jayme witnessed her parents being murdered, she was courageous enough to not become a victim herself, and the man who murdered her family has been brought to justice.

If you had a time machine, which murder would you love to witness simply so you could say “oh, that’s what happened.”
The first case that came to my mind was that of Steven Avery from the Netflix show Making a Murderer. This case captivated the whole country it seemed like and had everyone talking. I know many people who have very strong feelings regarding this case, and I myself go back and forth on whether or not I believe Steven Avery is guilty or innocent. I think it would be so cool to know the truth. I would also love to know the truth behind the Zodiac murders. I want to know who the Zodiac was, what was their motive, and if they are still alive today.

Why should new listeners give your podcast a try?
I think that my show is somewhat unique, because I cover true crime but I also mix in other weird content, such as reading creepy stories sent in from locals, and discussing unexplained phenomena. I believe that no matter what interests you, you can find one of my episodes you will like. I also spend a lot of time researching and writing my episodes. I take it very seriously, and have curated my show to be very straight forward and information packed, without the extra commentary and side conversations. So if you’re looking for a podcast that gets straight to the point and covers a variety of cases and topics while still being entertaining, I think you will enjoy my show.

A big thank you to Katie for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out her podcast and website. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

True-crime fans. If you're knee is constantly twitching as you struggle to find a new and exciting true-crime podcast, then jiggle no longer. On this blog, every week, I will be posting a Q&A by some of the best true-crime podcasters out-there. This week, it's the turn of the brilliant Andy Parish, creator of The No Remorse Podcast.

Their Details:

• Podcast: The No Remorse Podcast
• Genre: British true-crime
• Duration: Fortnightly, 30 mins ave
• Tag-line: The No Remorse Podcast is described by its creator as "gritty, pulls no punches, educational, well researched, disturbing and entertaining in equal measures".

Useful links to The No Remorse Podcast:

• No Remorse - Website
  
• No Remorse - Podcast
  
• No Remorse - Twitter
  

Michael's thoughts: Andy is a massive true-crime fan who devours hours of true-crime podcasts, all the latest murder books and true-crime documentaries and it shows in his podcast - No Remorse "focusing on the most disturbing and heinous crimes from the United Kingdom" - as being well-read, insightful and thoughtful, all of this passion comes across in his work. Andy's episodes focus on the truly nastiest, most vile human being imaginable, and as he rightfully say he "pulls no punches". If you love true-crime, and you want to hear real stories from a true-crime obsessive, I heartily recommend you check out The No Remorse Podcast. Mx

How did you get into true-crime podcasting?
I’ve been a listener for a while and felt that I could tell a good story so I asked around to make sure people would give it a go and off I went. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to guest write a couple of episodes for established true crime podcasts so I knew that I could research and write a script.

What podcast (true-crime or not) first inspired you?
The True Crime Enthusiast, the UK True Crime Podcast and They Walk Among Us. Oh and Murder Mile of course.(Editor's note: all great choices)

What was your first episode and why was it an important story to tell?  
I went for Daniel Gonzales because not only did it tell a horrifically violent story of spree killing but also touched on the story of man who feel through the cracks of the mental health service. The story is one that isn’t that well known and makes the listener think about the type of people who commit the most violent crimes and what maybe going on in their minds at the time before, during and after the event.

What’s been the best episode you’ve produced so far?
Mark Martin a serial killer from Nottingham who killed members of the homeless community.

What’s the biggest mistake you find that murderers make?
Arrogance and narcissism - thinking they won’t get caught.

Which piece of research are you most pleased with?
Levi Bellfield and Steve Wright took months to research but I was so pleased with what I got.

Which case has been the biggest joy or headache to cover and why?
Levi Bellfield was a royal pain as there is just so much to him. But I was proud of the outcome

Has any case proved so tragic/sad you’ve had to take a break from the research?
A couple spring to mind one was Arthur Simpson-Kent who killed his wife and kids. As part of the research I read so much about family annihilators and what makes them tick. Any case that involves kids being killed or assaulted hits a bit harder than other cases.

What’s your thoughts/theory on Jack the Ripper?
Yawn. (Editor's note: I totally agree, Jack the Ripper, also known as "how to make easy cash by bastardising and rehashing old 'evidence' for something which can never be proven"... and don't even get me started on the 'DNA evidence'. Urgh).

Why is true-crime so popular?
I think most of us are predisposed to want to solve mysteries and are naturally problem solvers at heart. I also think that listening to true crime podcasts and/or watching true crime documentaries is a good way of understanding evil but from behind a safe space much like watching a horror movie we experience emotions of disgust and fear but also a sense of intrigue.

Is it right to fancy, admire or worship a serial-killer/murderer?
Absolutely not, it's beyond moronic.

Which murderer (if any) do you feel is misunderstood?
Most of them really as most of them did what they did for a reason which made perfect sense to them at the time they carried It out. To most of us its impossible to understand and it certainly does not justify what they did but the very vast majority of killers felt like they had a reason to kill.

Which murderer/serial-killer (if any) could you sympathise with or relate to?
Sometimes I hear about people who have killed but were suffering from a mental illness at the time. A few cases like this have stuck out as it seemed like the killer needed help but has been failed by some which could of prevented the killing(s)

What’s the nearest you’ve ever been to a real murder case/crime?
I've visited crime scenes in the past, attended murder cases in Crown court, visited  victim support centres and its really the best way to understand crime, its affects and how the criminal justice system works.

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 would want to go out as a hero probably saving someone from a killer who goes kills me whilst I rescue this other person.

How would you cope as a homicide detective?
Alcohol

Which details about crime do people always get wrong and why does it infuriate you?
So.so many but I don’t let it bother me most of the time.

Where do you see your podcast going over the next few years? I would like to produce episodes on a much more regular basis like once a week perhaps but finding in the time is really tricky.

Which upcoming episode of yours are you most excited about researching/writing?
I have two which will be Peter Tobin and Anthony Hardy which are big well known cases that I really want to make sure I get the details bang on

Why should new listeners give your podcast a try?
I fully accept that my podcast isn’t for everyone as its pretty full on without any of the fancy Hollywood style stuff that the best podcasts have. I like to keep it ultra-real and tell it how it is or was. I don’t sugar-coat anything, I don’t hold back but if listeners like the darkest of dark and the worst of the worst of UK murderers then check it out.

Do you have a message for your loyal listeners?  
The fact that anyone listens to me is incredible. Its been a journey over the last 9-10 months and I have learned loads which I would not have done if nobody listened, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me, giving feedback and support I love you all.

A big thank you to Andy for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out his podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hey avid true-crime podcast listeners! If you're dribbling and drooling insatiably for the very latest true-crime podcast to get your chops into, you're in luck. On this blog, every week, I will be posting a Q&A by some of the best true-crime podcasters out-there. This week, it's the turn of the fabulous Eve Lazarus, reporter, best-selling author and independent podcaster of the amazing Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance.

Michael's thoughts: If you're a true-crime fan and a history nut, I highly recommend Blood, Sweat & Fear: The Story of Inspector Vance, written and presented by reporter and best-selling author writer of Murder by Milkshake, Eve Lazarus. Not only is it insightful, well-conceived and beautifully produced, but if you love story-telling and true-crime history, then this is a must. Anyone who knows me knows I'm slightly obsessed with Sir Bernard Spilsbury, the father of forensic science, but this opened my eyes to a new world as this is the true story of Inspector Vance, a pioneer of forensic science in Canada. Eve's podcast is written, researched and presented with a lot of love and care, so I strongly recommend you give it a listen. Mx

How did you get into true-crime podcasting?.
It seemed like a natural extension of my true crime/history book Blood, Sweat, and Fear: The story of Inspector Vance, Vancouver’s first forensic investigator It was a way to keep the story going and to reach a different audience. Now I’m totally obsessed with creating and listening to podcasts.

What podcasts  (true-crime or not) inspire you?
I love long-form true crime podcasts like Dirty John and Teacher’s Pet that do great reporting while telling a compelling story. My latest book Murder by Milkshake: an astonishing true story of adultery, arsenic and a charismatic killer, has been optioned for movie/television and documentary, and I’d eventually like to turn it into a long form podcast.

What was your first episode and why was it an important story to tell?
My first episode was The Mysterious Disappearance of Clara Millard: and takes place in 1914. Jack Kong was a 16-year-old Chinese house boy who worked for the Millards’ in Vancouver’s West End. One morning, Jack got up, made porridge for Clara Millard, killed her, hacked up her body, and burned it in the furnace. It was the first time my Inspector Vance worked for police when he was brought in to examine the blood found at the crime scene. And, while the story was incredible, it was fascinating for me to research because it put racism into a historical context and takes us through early Chinatown, a “third degree” police inquisition, and the eventual trial.

What’s the most obscure true-crime fact you know?
That the BC Coroner’s office currently has 181 cases of unidentified remains dating back to 1947.

Which piece of research are you most pleased with?
The hero of Blood, Sweat, and Fear is Inspector Vance, one of the first forensic scientists in North America, certainly the first to be attached to a police department. He retired in 1949 and died in 1965, and there was little information available about him. I tracked down his grandchildren, begged them to look for anything they may have kept of his, and eventually turned up seven cardboard boxes full of case notes, crime scene photographs, autopsy results, trial transcripts, his diary, and even forensic samples—hair and gravel that was found at a crime scene. These boxes hadn’t been opened for over half-a-century. It was an incredible find and really added to the richness of the stories.

Which case has been the biggest joy or headache to cover and why?
The murder of Jennie Eldon Conroy in 1944. Jennie was a war worker who was beaten to death and dumped outside a cemetery. After her death, the police leaked to the media that she was an unwed mother and the press brutalized her, basically blaming her for her own murder. She was an amazing woman, and it was wonderful to set the record straight. During the course of my research, I found Jennie’s niece in Vancouver and her daughter in New Zealand, who was then 71. Mary and Debbie helped me write the story, and show the impact of a murder on the family even after several decades. Now the story is about Jennie, and not just her murder.

If you had a time-machine, which murder would you love to witness simply so you could say “oh, that’s what happened?”
The murder of the two brothers whose skeletons were found in Stanley Park in 1953. It has always been thought that their mother was responsible. I’d like to find out if that was true, but more importantly, I’d like to give them back their names. They are just known as “The Babes in the Woods,” they have never been identified.

Why should new listeners give your podcast a try?
I’m a reporter, and I take a deep dive into the story behind every podcast, and wherever possible, double source everything. As well as newspaper morgues and archives, I get the inquests, vital statistics, and talk to everyone involved in the case. That could be police detectives, lawyers, forensic psychologists, coroner, doctors and toxicologists, but more importantly I talk to the families, friends and former colleagues of the victims. My focus is always on the victim, and as much as possible, I try to give them back their voice.

What’s next?
Blood, Sweat, and Fear is a 12-episode podcast. I’m now in the planning stages of creating a podcast based on my book Cold Case Vancouver: The City’s most baffling unsolved murders .

A big thank you to Eve for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out her podcast and website. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x

Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018 and iTunes Top 50. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platform.

Hey avid true-crime podcast listeners! If you're always slathering at the chops for the newest, freshest and best true-crime podcasts, you're in luck. On this blog, every week, I will be posting a fabulous Q&A by some of the best true-crime podcasters. This week, shamefully, it's my turn, as I discuss my very own British Podcast Award-winning Murder Mile True-Crime Podcast.

Michael's thoughts: I highly recommend Murder Mile True-Crime Podcast. Well, I would, as it's mine, but if you've never heard it before, I try to make it as different and original as possible, it's researched using the original declassified police investigation files, first hand accounts and as many authentic sources as possible, it's told from the victim's perspective and is presented like an audio drama, the idea being that "you'll feel like you're actually there". It's written, researched and presented with a lot of care and love, so if this sounds right up your street, give it a go. Mx

Q - How did you get into true-crime podcasting?
A - By accident, I had created Murder Mile Walks (featuring 12 murderers across 15 locations in 1 square mile) and realised there was so many more fascinating true-crime stories to tell and only able to give five to ten minutes per story on the tour, I realised by turning these other new stories into a podcast, I could give each victim enough time to tell their story properly.

Q - What was your first episode and why was it an important story to tell?
A - The Denmark Place Fire was one of Britain's worst mass-murders and yet is it almost entirely unknown, as having occurred during the the final year of the Yorkshire Ripper's killing spree, the press weren't interested, and as the inferno contained many people (who it was incorrectly claimed were illegally in the country) the press weren't interested. It took me almost a year to research the Denmark Place Fire by talking to locals who were there, knew the victims or the club.

Q - What’s the biggest mistake you find that murderers make?
A - Arrogance. Believing that they are above the law and that they are smarter than the Police. A prime example being The Blackout Ripper (who slaughtered four women and attempted to kill two others in four day) and yet, knowing he was about to be arrested, instead of running, he lay on his bunk bed smoking a cigarette. Check out the first of the eight part Blackout Ripper series here.

Q - What’s the most obscure true-crime fact you know?
A - John Reginald Halliday Christie was well-hung and wasn't circumcised.

Q - Which piece of research are you most pleased with?
A - I work hard on every episode I write, researching using as many official sources as possible, as newspapers are often inaccurate, biased and misleading, but I'm most proud of my in-depth investigation into the suicide (not murder) of boxer/actor Freddie Mills. His family have always stated he was murdered, tabloid myths have always suggested he was secretly a sadistic maniac called Jack the Stripper (utter tabloid tosh) but by carefully interrogating the facts using the original police files, I was able to prove his death was an "accidental suicide". You can listen to this two-part special here.

Q - What have you learned about yourself whilst making your podcast?
A - I've learned that I'm quite an emotional person, I never thought I was, but by delving so deeply into victim's personal lives, I've become quite close to them, I've learned to see their world from their eyes, and in some cases, like with lovable prostitute Ginger Rae I learned to love them.

Q - If you had a time-machine, which murder would you love to witness simply so you could say “oh, that’s what happened?”
A - It would have to be Jack the Ripper. Not so I could find out who Jack the Ripper was, but so I could prove to all of these "Ripperologists" that there is nothing unique about these murders and that they were committed by different people, and not a single maniac called Jack the Ripper.

Q - Have you ever been contacted by the victim/killer’s family and why?
A - Often. Almost all of the time, they get in touch to thank me for the sensitive way I have portrayed their loved-one, their life and death, as in most books the victim is simply relegated to being just a "name, an age and a collection of injuries". Sometime they're fascinated to learn the truth about a relative's hidden past (I did a private tour for the family of Ginger Rae and they loved it) but sometimes families do get in touch upset that I've dragged up details they would rather have forgotten (or - more often - didn't know the truth about, as families rarely do), and that's why I write it in a very clear, truthful and sensitive way, out of respect for the living and the dead.

Q - Given their often tragic backgrounds, should we see murderers as victims too?
A - I feel they should. No baby is born bad, just as no adult makes the conscious decision to become a killer, there's always an incident or series of events which turn a good child into a bad adult, so it's important not to use this as a way to excuse their actions, but to understand why they do what they do.

Q - Do you have a message for your loyal listeners?
A - Yes, it's a simple one, and it's "thank you". Without my listeners my podcast would be nothing, it would have died a long time ago, but by having such amazing listeners, they've help me through the difficult times and shaped the podcast for the better. So thank you. Mx

A big thank you to me for taking part in this True-Crime Podcaster Q & A. Don't forget to check out my podcast. To explore this fine true-crime podcast further, click on the links. .

Stay safe my friends
Michael.x