Podcasts are the new popular and beloved entertainment form of the 21st century. It is nearly impossible to bump into someone who doesn’t regularly listen to podcasts, and even harder to encounter someone who has never listened to any. Podcasts have become so popular, in fact, that there is an to celebrate and highlight the power of podcasts worldwide, which took place on Sept. 30.
To highlight this fun day, let’s dive into a world-renowned podcast that was declared one of the Best Podcasts of 老司机传媒 2023 by , “.”
If you’re even moderately interested in true crime, you’ve probably heard of “Criminal.” The podcast was launched in 2014 and celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. While “Criminal” might hide behind the vague description of simply “a podcast about crime,” it is so much more than that.
The podcast “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” “Criminal” makes a point to avoid focusing solely on violent or notorious cases, and instead presents a wide range of stories that explore crime in all its complexity. From bizarre historical cases to personal accounts of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances, “Criminal” challenges what constitutes a “crime story.”
The podcast frequently features interviews with people directly affected by crimes—sometimes both perpetrators and victims—which offers a human and personal element often overlooked in the true crime genre. The stories aren’t told just for shock value; they explore the motivations, emotions, and circumstances surrounding each crime, bringing out deeper questions about morality, justice, and the human condition.
It is also remarkable to witness the thorough research that goes into every episode. The stories provide historical context and background information without overwhelming listeners with unnecessary detail. This balance ensures that listeners walk away not only entertained but also well-informed. Episodes are often between 20 and 30 minutes long, making them easily digestible but packed with detail.
While all of this definitely makes the podcast alluring and insightful, the greatest strength of “Criminal” is Phoebe Judge, the podcast’s host and co-creator. Her narration strikes a perfect balance between investigative journalism and personal storytelling, guiding listeners through the intricacies of each case with care. Her calm and measured voice is a cornerstone of the podcast; she has been the “owner of the most amazing vocal cords in podcasting.” There’s no doubt that the calmness of her voice brings a tone of serenity to the podcast, making listening not only enjoyable when it comes to the stories but also when it comes to the voice narrating it all.
For true crime enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of history, sociology, and psychology mixed in with their stories, “Criminal” hits all the right notes. If this has piqued your interest, here are some episode recommendations to get you started with “Criminal”:
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“Six people were arrested for a murder in Nebraska. Some said they couldn’t remember details of the crime, or being there at all – but then they began to have dreams about it.”
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“Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but people there love to read about crime. Even the Prime Minister of Iceland has written a crime novel. We stopped by her office to ask why.”
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“Georgia Tann of Memphis, Tennessee bragged that she had a rigorous selection process that matched the perfect child with the perfect home.”
Happy listening!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.