Diana Safieh co-hosts a true crime podcast with her sister Randa. Check out the Switchblade Sisters Social Club, a podcast where two sisters exploit their worst fears, for your entertainment. In this guest article, Diana talks us through the most impactful true crime podcasts from the last 12 months.
Blue Murder Club
The Blue Murder Club podcast, with the fabulous hosts Lauren and Carol, has gained attention, impact and a cult following in 2023 because of their content, analysis and humour. Listening to this podcast feels like having a chat with your best mates. Some favourite episodes this year were The London Nail Bomber, The Marquis de Sade, and of course, their episode where they interview us, the Switchblade Sisters Social Club!
True Crime Garage
True Crime Garage, hosted by Nic and The Captain, continued to be impactful in 2023 due to its coverage of well-known and obscure true crime cases. Their respectful approach to sensitive topics is endearing and their chemistry is unique. If you are looking for a place to start, check out the recent episode on the most fascinating unsolved case of JonBenet Ramsey, as well as the episodes on The Barbie Doll Killer, The Little Rock Slasher and their passion case, The Delphi Murders.
Love, Jessica
Love, Janessa, a BBC World Service podcast, gained traction in 2023 due to its exploration into online deception, romance scams, and criminal psychology. Think Nev Shulman’s Catfish, but in podcast form.
Infamous
The Infamous podcast, hosted by Vanessa Grigoriadis and Gabriel Sherman, looks at some of the weirdest cults and other juicy scandals. Check out their episode on the NXIVM sex cult, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its activities and its high-ranking members. When I say ‘high-ranking', I mean Allie Mack from Smallville. The term is subjective and she is an awful person.
Code Name: Siren
Code Name: Siren is hosted by Nina Holson, a former UK detective who now runs an international investigation firm. The podcast offers insights into her cases, featuring contributions from psychological experts, informants, and undercover operatives. The topics covered this year included police corruption, gun laws, the art of surveillance and stalking, as well as individual cases such as the Menendez Brothers.
Partygate: The Inside Story
Partygate: The Inside Story won Bronze in the Factual category and the Spotlight Award at the British Podcast Awards 2023. And well-deserved! The podcast shed new light on the events and decisions that led to the controversial piss-up inside the UK government. Its success was also driven by the timely and relevant nature of the subject matter, which resonated with listeners interested in politics, power, and public accountability. It didn’t even look that great a party.
Invisible Hate
Invisible Hate, hosted by Saadia Khan and Asad Butt, made its mark in 2023 due to its focus on exposing hate crimes and related issues often overlooked in mainstream media. The hosts' unique perspectives and commitment to raising awareness contributed to important conversations about justice, equality, and social change. Take a gander at their episodes on hate crimes since 9/11, Kendrick Johnson and the Chapel Hill Murders.
A Very British Cult
A Very British Cult won Bronze in the Documentary category at the British Podcast Awards 2023 due to its coverage of the Lighthouse cult in the UK. We have heard of a lot of bananas cult stories coming out of the USA, so it’s different to hear a story closer to home.
British Scandal
British Scandal became popular in 2023 for its investigation into some of the most sensational and controversial scandals in British history. This year has seen them cover Wags at War, Howard Marks, and Liz Truss (remember her?!).
RedHanded
The RedHanded podcast has won the Listeners Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards for the last two years on the trot. Hosts Suruthi and Hannah cover the most heinous of murders and the weirdest mysteries from around the globe. Dip your toe in the RedHanded water with episodes on killer nurse Lucy Letby, various exorcisms, and Princess Anastasia.
