Podcas

Tag: true crime

  • Shadows and Suspects Episode 1: The Kim Wall Murder

    Shadows and Suspects Episode 1: The Kim Wall Murder

    A Promising Journalist’s Final Story

    On August 10, 2017, Swedish journalist Kim Wall boarded the UC3 Nautilus, a homemade submarine built by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. She was there to interview him for a feature story.

    It should have been a routine assignment. However, it turned into one of the most horrifying and widely publicized murder cases in Scandinavian history.

    The Kim Wall Disappearance

    Kim Wall, an award-winning freelance journalist, was last seen alive as the submarine set sail from Copenhagen’s harbor. Her boyfriend reported her missing later that night when she failed to return home. The next morning, Madsen was rescued from the water after the Nautilus mysteriously sank. When questioned, he initially claimed he had dropped Wall off safely on land.

    The Shocking Discovery

    As authorities investigated, Madsen changed his story multiple times, initially stating that Wall had died from a hatch accident before admitting to dismembering her body. Her torso was found floating near the coast of Copenhagen, followed by additional body parts discovered in weighted bags on the sea floor.

    Madsen’s Motive and Trial

    The forensic evidence and Madsen’s shifting stories painted a gruesome picture. Prosecutors argued that he had planned the murder, using the submarine as a crime scene. In April 2018, Peter Madsen was convicted of premeditated murder, sexual assault, and desecration of a corpse, receiving a life sentence in Denmark, which is rarely given.

    The Legacy of Kim Wall

    Kim Wall’s parents, Ingrid and Joachim Wall, turned their grief into action, founding The Kim Wall Memorial Fund to support young female journalists. Additionally, Her work, which spanned multiple continents and covered human rights, science, and culture, continues to inspire journalists worldwide.

    True Crime’s Fascination with the Case

    The Kim Wall murder case has been the subject of documentaries, books, and investigative pieces, cementing its place in true crime history. Now, Podcas presents ‘Shadows & Suspects’, a new AI-powered true crime podcast, diving into chilling cases like this one.

    For more true crime stories, visit Podcas.io.

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  • Top 5 True Crime Podcasts You Need to Listen To

    Top 5 True Crime Podcasts You Need to Listen To

    True crime podcasts have captivated audiences worldwide, offering chilling, real-life stories that unravel mysteries, expose criminals, and dive into the psychology of crime. If you’re a fan of gripping narratives and in-depth investigations, here are five of the best true crime podcasts to add to your playlist.

    1. Dateline NBC

    For those who love classic investigative journalism, Dateline NBC is a must-listen. As one of the most well-established crime series, both on television and in podcast form, Dateline NBC presents compelling mystery documentaries and crime reports dating back to 1992.

    Why Listen?

    • Hosted by NBC journalists Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison, and Andrea Canning.
    • Features ongoing and high-profile investigations.
    • Detailed, well-researched cases with expert analysis.

    Latest Episode Highlight:

    • An exclusive update on the case of Susan Smith, the woman convicted of murdering her two sons in 1994, and her recent attempt to be released from prison.

    2. Rotten Mango

    If you’re looking for a fresh and raw take on true crime, Rotten Mango delivers gripping and often unsettling stories with a mix of humor and deep research. Hosted by Stephanie Soo and her co-host Ramble, this podcast fearlessly explores dark crime stories, including some of the most disturbing murder cases.

    Why Listen?

    • A mix of eerie storytelling and engaging delivery.
    • Unfiltered details on infamous cases.
    • A top-rated podcast on Spotify’s True Crime category.

    Latest Episode Highlight:

    • The shocking case of Kat Torres, a Brazilian influencer with over 1 million followers, accused of human trafficking and slavery charges—with eerie claims of mind control and threats made to BBC reporters.

    3. Morbid

    For a mix of forensic insight, psychological analysis, and dark humor, Morbid stands out. Hosted by Alaina Urquhart, an autopsy technician with deep knowledge of criminal psychology, and her sister Ash Kelley, this podcast blends storytelling with scientific expertise.

    Why Listen?

    • Engaging hosts with deep knowledge of crime and forensics.
    • Covers famous and lesser-known murder cases with expert insights.
    • Mixes dark humor with compelling storytelling.

    Latest Episode Highlight:

    • A detailed dive into the infamous Black Dahlia murder, uncovering the brutal details of Elizabeth Short’s tragic death and the media frenzy that followed.

    4. Murder in America

    Murder in America takes a unique approach, focusing on a different state each episode and highlighting some of the most shocking homicides in American history. Hosted by Courtney Shannon and Colin Browen, this podcast combines deep research with engaging storytelling.

    Why Listen?

    • A state-by-state approach gives listeners fresh and varied cases.
    • Features both well-known and obscure murder cases.
    • A new episode drops every week, keeping the content fresh.

    Latest Episode Highlight:

    • The tragic case of Vanessa Guillén, a soldier who went missing from the Ft. Hood military base, revealing a pattern of institutional negligence and leading to national outrage.

    5. Park Predators

    For true crime stories set in the wilderness, Park Predators is the perfect fit. Hosted by Delia D’Ambra, this podcast tells harrowing stories of disappearances, murders, and unsolved cases that take place in some of the world’s most breathtaking national parks.

    Why Listen?

    • Focuses on crimes that occur in national parks and forests.
    • Expertly narrated by an investigative journalist.
    • Features both solved and unsolved cases with rich storytelling.

    Latest Episode Highlight:

    • The mystery of an Appalachian Trail hiker who set out on a lifelong dream, only to disappear under unexplained circumstances.

    Final Thoughts

    Whether you enjoy investigative journalism, psychological analysis, or spine-chilling storytelling, these top five true crime podcasts offer something for every crime enthusiast. From unsolved mysteries to infamous murder cases, these podcasts will keep you hooked and leave you craving the next episode.

    If you have a favorite true crime topic you want to dive into, you don’t have to wait for your favorite podcasters to do it! Make you own podcast today on podcas.io

  • Most Popular Podcast Genres in 2024

    Most Popular Podcast Genres in 2024

    Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, offering content for every interest. Today, podcasts have a total audience size of 546 million listeners worldwide. In 2024, these five podcast genres stand out as the most popular. 

    1. Comedy

    Laughter truly is the best medicine, and comedy podcasts remain a fan favorite. According to Vodafone, 30% of U.K. podcast listeners prefer this genre, while Spotify data confirms it captures 30% of listening hours worldwide.

    Comedy’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a lighthearted escape from daily stress, making it the go-to choice for many.

    2. Society and Culture

    Podcasts about society and culture dive into topics that matter most to listeners. This genre ranks second on Spotify with 18% of listening hours.

    Millennials and Gen Z audiences, who dominate podcast consumption, gravitate toward these themes. According to Edison Research, 59% of U.S. consumers aged 12-34 listened to a podcast last month, reflecting society and culture’s broad appeal.

    3. True Crime

    True crime podcasts keep listeners on the edge of their seats. With gripping storytelling and investigative insights, this genre accounts for 19% of preferences in the U.K. and 10% of listening hours on Spotify.

    Shows like Serial and Crime Junkie draw millions of fans eager to unravel mysteries and learn about real-world cases. According to Cumulus Media, true crime podcasts are especially popular among women, who make up a significant portion of the genre’s audience.

    4. Health and Fitness

    Health and fitness podcasts empower listeners to lead healthier lives. This genre attracts 16% of U.K. podcast listeners and 15% of Spotify listening hours. Shows like The Daily Stoic and Huberman Lab share tips on exercise, nutrition, mental well-being, and personal growth.

    With 70% of U.S. podcast listeners tuning in on their smartphones, health and fitness podcasts offer convenient, on-the-go inspiration for achieving wellness goals.

    5. Educational

    Educational podcasts help listeners learn something new every day. This genre captures 7% of listening hours on Spotify and appeals to those hungry for knowledge.

    Popular shows like Stuff You Should Know and How I Built This cover diverse topics from science and history to entrepreneurship. Edison Research reveals that podcasts attract a wide range of listeners, with 55% of U.S. consumers aged 35-54 tuning in monthly, reflecting the genre’s intergenerational reach.

    Other Noteworthy Genres

    While the top five genres dominate, others are gaining traction. News podcasts, favored by 18% of U.K. listeners, deliver timely updates on global events. Pop culture podcasts (14%) explore music, movies, and celebrity gossip, catering to entertainment enthusiasts. Drama podcasts (12%) captivate audiences with immersive storytelling, offering an audio escape into fictional worlds.

    Personal development podcasts, attracting 14% of U.K. listeners, focus on self-improvement, productivity, and career growth. These genres demonstrate the diversity of podcast content, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

    Trends in Podcast Listening

    Podcasts are more accessible than ever, with smartphones being the preferred device for 70% of listeners. According to Cumulus Media, 36% of consumers choose audio-only formats, while 33% enjoy video podcasts. Interestingly, 31% prefer to listen while video plays in the background or minimized. This flexibility caters to a variety of preferences, making podcasts a versatile medium.

    Demographic data shows Millennials and Gen Z make up 61.6% of U.S. podcast listeners, while 27% of Americans over 55 tune in monthly. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 51% male and 48% female listeners, highlighting the broad appeal of podcasts across demographics.

    Conclusion

    From comedy to educational content, podcasts in 2024 cater to every taste and interest. Whether you’re looking for laughs, cultural insights, or practical advice, there’s something for everyone. With smartphones making access easier, it’s no wonder podcasting continues to thrive. Which of these are your favorite podcast genres? Let us know in the comments below and share your top picks!