If I have earphones in, I’m probably (most definitely) listening to some sort of true crime or paranormal podcast. As a self-proclaimed “true crime addict,” I spend way too much time on the internet listening, watching and researching conspiracies, mysteries and cases. Most often these cases feature sensitive and gruesome details, so I highly recommend reading the episode’s description and paying attention to any trigger warnings mentioned!
Crime Junkie
If you’re obsessed with all things crime-related, this is the podcast for you. It’s hosted by Ashley Flowers, who tells the story of murders, missing persons and serial killer cases, and by Brit Prawat, who chimes in with relatable reactions and different perspectives. I especially love how they bring light to smaller cases in hopes of getting it recognized again, hopefully leading to new developments in the case. Every episode tackles a new mystery and they tell you all the details while engaging in some friendly banter, which will lead to you putting the pieces together in your head.
They’ve also introduced me to the world of Parcast and Audiochuck, which are production companies that produce other spooky content. My top picks for Parcast are Supernatural with Ashley Flowers, Halloween and Haunted Places: Ghost Stories. For Audiochuck, I highly recommend Anatomy of Murder, Full Body Chills and Counterclock. As one Crime Junkie to another soon-to-be one, listen when I say these words to live by from the true crime pod: “Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive.”
My Favorite Murder
This true crime comedy podcast is hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
While it’s super interesting and funny, it has a chattier dynamic and that’s where the mixed reviews come in but I enjoy it. This is a longer podcast, with the episodes being around the 2-hour mark, but their off-topic banter is kind of like hanging out with your friends. Plus, they have shorter “minisodes” that are approximately 30 minutes, which feature listener stories in a range of topics from things found in a wall to weird family stories. Also check out other Exactly Right Podcast Network productions like The Fall Line and Jenson and Holes: The Murder Squad. If you’re going to become Murderino in the My Favorite Murder Fan Cult, you’ve got to know a couple of their signature phrases like “f*ck politeness” and “stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”
Let’s Get Haunted
When I say that I love this podcast, I mean I LOVE THIS PODCAST. It’s like hanging out with your BFFs that are just as captivated by all things creepy and paranormal. It’s been a long journey to figure out how to describe the podcast but they’ve settled on describing themselves as “the only investigative journalism podcast about sh*t that may or may not have happened in the first place,” and that’s pretty much spot on. You’ll fall in love with the dynamic duo, Aly and Nat. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of their hilarious and relatable personalities. I love how they talk about anything: mysteries, conspiracies and the paranormal.
My favourite episodes include Episode 41 (about Randonautica and a deep analysis that changed my entire understanding of random chance) and Episode 13 (about how super-duper haunted Ohio State University is – trust me, you’ll never complain about Laurier dorms after this). Don’t be alarmed by the occasional “nut” you hear in the background. It’s their signature.
Some more spooky podcasts to give you shivers down the back:
The NoSleep Podcast
If you’re looking for scary stories, this podcast doesn’t disappoint. Talented voice actors narrate horror stories written by Reddit users in the r/nosleep forum using an immersion of sound effects and atmospheric music to set the spooky mood.
Let’s Not Meet
Another Reddit based podcast features true horror stories from the r/letsnotmeet forum. It’s filled with creepiness and suspense, and the first-person narration almost makes it more terrifying. The stories are so realistically scary that you’re going to hope you don’t end up in the same situations.
Mile Higher Podcast
You might know Kendall Rae from her YouTube videos that feature similar topics. Along with her husband, Josh, they engage in conversations about all things true crime, conspiracies and even the unexplained.
Canadian True Crime
I don’t often see too many Canadian mysteries covered in popular shows, videos or podcasts so this independent, true crime pod is my go-to for creepy Canadian content. If you’re into great storytelling, mysterious Canadian stories and an Australian accent, give it a listen!
Try out these podcasts if you’re looking to get yourself in the mood for Halloween, for something new to listen to or are into true crime and the paranormal! Did I miss one of your favourites or do you have a recommendation? Feel free to reach out and chat all things spooky!