Please don’t think I’m a serial killer..
I was in high school when I had to read a book in AP Psychology all about the most infamous murders that defined the late sixties and early seventies. Helter Skelter, a book all about Charles Manson and the Manson Family murders. You know, the one where he instructed his “family” (i.e. cult) to carry out the murder of Hollywood actress Sharon Tate and her friends (including the heiress to the Folgers coffee fortune). Although that book gave me nightmares, it was a very interesting read that was written by the man who served as the prosecutor during the trial.
In AP English I had to read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. It’s probably one of the only books I actually read during high school and didn’t look up the SparkNotes version of each chapter (whoops ;p). It’s about the murders of 4 members of a family in a small farm town. The best thing about this book is that Capote actually interviewed the two murderers who committed the crime so he was able to incorporate their life stories into the book as well. Seriously, such a good read!
Anywho, Helter Skelter, the Charles Manson murder/trial, and In Cold Blood really sparked my curiosity when it came to murder and crime.
It’s just so interesting to me. How can one person be so sane and live out their whole life never murdering anyone, while someone else starts a murdering cult and somehow gets people to savagely kill and maim others that have not harmed anyone. Like, what…
So, yeah, a part of me is fascinated, yet obviously horrified and terrified, by murderers. The Black Dahlia, the Menendez brothers (did you know both of them are married? Who the hell would marry these guys?), and of course the murder of Nicole Brown (OJ totally did it) are just a few famous murder cases that I’ve spent countless hours researching.
7 Podcasts to Get You in the Mood for Halloween
My Favorite Murder
This podcast features two girl friends– Karen Kilgariff, a comedian and writer, and Georgia Hardstark, a TV show host for the Cooking Channel– who sit down and simply talk about murder cases. I’ve only just started this podcast, but it’s very entertaining minus the fact that they’re talking about murder, ya know? Their quirky banter reminds me of Sophia Amoruso and Liz Carey on Girlboss radio. It’s basically Girlboss meets murder. If you get easily offended by people being really nonchalant about murder then I don’t think this podcast is for you.
I like this podcast a lot because it’s literally like you’re sitting down with your two best girl friends and just talking about different true crime cases. This is actually something my friend and I would do during college. She’d come over to my apartment, we’d chit chat and then many times we would end up researching different cases, trying to find out what really happened. Our sleuth-y selves never solved a case, obvi, but we would end up having a sleepover because both of us are scaredy cats and get spooked easily. Anyway, I digress. If you like quirk, funny banter, and murder then definitely listen to this podcast! They always ask their readers to call in and tell them about a murder that happened in their town. So if you have a story for me, definitely share it!
Generation Why
This podcast is all about unsolved murders, controversies, mysteries, and true crime. It’s hosted by two friends, Aaron and Justin. So, again, it’s like sitting down with two friends and really just chatting about a variety of different topics. I love everything about controversies and conspiracy theories so this one satisfies those needs.
Thinking sideways
Another podcast where they talk and “investigate things we simply don’t have the answers to.” It’s hosted by Steve, Devin, and Joe. I like this podcast because again, it’s just like you’re sitting down with some friends and chatting. They’re not experienced investigators or researchers so it’s simply regular people sitting down and talking about different topics that we don’t have the answers to. Murder, disappearances, Tupac and Biggie. What’s not to love?
The Girls in the Back Row/ We’ll See You in Hell
If you like horror movies, but want some commentary to go along with it, this is a good podcast to listen to. Two girls, Kate and Tab, review and discuss different horror movies during each episode. I like this one because it’s hosted by two girls. We’ll See You in Hell is a podcast hosted by two guys that watch and discuss horror movies. I like it, but sometimes their commentary is just too immature boy for me, which is why I enjoy The Girls in the Back Row more.
Sword and Scale
If you like story telling, give this podcast a listen. Each episode focuses on a different true crime story that is narrated. So, instead of sitting down and listening to people discuss different events/ crimes, you’re told a story all about it. It includes stuff like 911 calls, court testimonies, and even interviews with victims so you’re given a well rounded story with lots of information and facts.
Serial
Of course I had to include the podcast that really got me interested in podcasts. Season 1 of Serial is my favorite and it’s investigating the 1999 murder and trial of Hae Min Lee in Baltimore, Maryland. Her ex boyfriend, Adnan Syed, has been serving out a life sentence since he was convicted of her murder, but things don’t add up. This podcast is really amazing. It’s so interesting because the host, Sarah Koenig, is a journalist so she’s very good at telling a story and investigating.
The crazy part about this season in particular is because it just leaves you guessing. Sometimes you’ll think Adnan did it, other times you’re sure he just couldn’t have. So many parts of what happened just seem shady, and that’s what keeps you wanting to know more. The best part is that you get to hear Sarah Koenig talk to Adnan in prison. You really get to hear his side of the story and get his input on the different things that happened before and after Hae’s death.
What are your favorite podcasts to listen to? Let me know in the comments below!
Follow me: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
♥ ♥ ♥