I am obsessed with podcasts and over the past year have been listening every single day. I have my daily shows that I listen to, but what I LOVE are the mystery, scandal and true crime series that are astounding, disturbing and often seem too crazy to be true – but they are. I was chatting with friends about them an I thought it would be best to pop all my faves all in a list and share here. Please comment or message when you listen and let me know what you think! I live for chatting about these crazy stories.
When do I listen?
As often as I can! Definitely when I’m out for my walk or jog, and if I’m really into my podcast it’s good for my exercise cause I’ll just keep on walking. I listen when I’m cleaning or cooking, on the train or on ferry. Basically anywhere I can focus and really listen, and I love that when I listen to podcasts I can multitask too.
How do I listen?
I listen to all my shows through the Apple podcast app on my phone. You can also listen directly through channels like Wondery and apps like Spotify and iTunes.
You can find everything on Apple podcasts – the only difference is that if you listen directly through an app – like Wonder for example – you will get the whole podcast when it is first released. And if you’re not a paid subscriber you usually are drip fed one episode a week. But if you wait a little it’s generally all available on Apple shortly after all episodes are released.
All these podcasts can be listened to in full on Apple Podcasts.
Okay my 10 favourite shows – these are going to be the more shocking true crime and mystery pods. That’s really what I love.
10 podcasts to listen to in 2021
Who the Hell is Hamish?
The short answer is a life-shattering con man without a care for who he destroys. This podcast is so beautifully presented, contrasting with the story of this vile, spineless creep who is now in jail for stealing millions and millions of dollars from people all over the world. I’ve listened at least five times. Presented by journalist Greg Bearup.
Doctor Death
Just as the title says, this podcast traces the story of former neurosurgeon, Christopher Duntsch, who maimed and killed multiple patients, including his best friend. Completely disturbing and a fascinating look at the failure of medical facilities, the impacts of hospitals prioritising money over health and the devastation Duntsch left in his wake, seemingly without a care. This is a Wondery podcast.
The missing Crypto Queen
Ruja Ignatova is the self professed global Crypto Queen selling a bitcoin-esque currency con that continues to this day! It’s a look into the dodginess of MLM and how quickly people give up their money in the hope it will return often outrageous amounts, and in this instance it was often people in poverty who “invested” everything they had in the hope for a new life. Podcast by BBC Sounds.
The thing about Pam
When Russ Faria came home and found his wife Betsy dead in the living room, he called the police. They arrested him and his wife’s “best friend” Pam had a lot to say about Russ and Betsy’s relationship. That plus the bumbling police and prosecution had him charged with murder. And it didn’t stop there. Creepy and scary when your life is in someone else hands and they’re idiots. By Dateline’s Keith Morrison.
The Teachers Pet
Currently unavailable in Australia, this podcast investigates the disappearance of Sydney mum Lyn Dawson in 1982 and the actions of her husband Chris including moving a 16 year-old student (and girlfriend) of his into the home. It discovered new evidence, unearthed teacher sexual assault at the school, revealed the police ‘boys club’ of the time, and resulted in murder charges against Chris. Investigation by journalist Headley Thomas and published by The Australian.
Guru: The dark side of enlightenment
Another insane story that you wouldn’t believe was real – except it is. It follows this self help ‘guru’ lauded by Oprah who made a fortune selling courses and exploiting his followers, murdering some in a ridiculous smoking tent ‘test’ gone wrong at his five-day $10,000 per person Spiritual Warrior retreat in Texas. Gripping and tragic, and a warning for all. Published by Wondery.
Dirty John
Even if youve watched the Netflix series, you’ll obsess over the podcast, with its interviews with Debra Newell, her daughters and family. John is a conman who while homeless pretends to be an anaesthetist and slips his way into Debras life, destroying her relationships and when her children try to end the relationship it gets out of control. Another amazing Wondrey podcast.
The Drop Out
I was always completely fascinated by Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. It just didn’t make sense that at such a young age she could invent a ground breaking blood test when pharmaceutical companies had failed for so long. Turns out, she couldn’t. Lauded by industry, government and her peers, she became rich, feted and influential as her fake test was rolled out – putting lives and risk and losing millions of dollars. Modelling herself on Steve Jobs and talking in a fake deep voice, the strangeness of this story of corporate greed and deception makes it a great listen. By ABC News America correspondent Rebecca Jarvis.
Unravel Snowball
Ollie Wards’ parents lost their home after his brother married a Californian con-woman who left a trail of forged documents and broken promises as she stole her way around the world. Ollie investigates her story and tracks her down, and his parents, bless them, always look on thebrightside and find a sliver lining in their financial ruin.
Chasing Charlie
This time it’s Private Investigator Julia Robson sharing her seven-year hunt for Charlie, a conman who has been swindling women all over the world out of money and dignity for years. Honestly these scammers are so revolting and sounds like the bottom of the barrel.
