Criminal is a true crime podcast (debuted in 2014) hosted by Phoebe Judge. The show explores stories of people who have been involved in crimes in one way or another. Unlike many true crime podcasts, Criminal focuses not just on the criminal act itself. It focuses on the individuals involved, their motivations, and the impact of the crime on the community.
Each episode of Criminal tells a different story. It is ranging from murder and fraud to lesser-known crimes like art forgery and mail theft. The show has gained a large following for its unique approach to storytelling and attention to detail.
The production quality of Criminal is exceptional, with professional sound design and editing that help bring the stories to life. The show has been critically acclaimed and has won numerous awards, including a Peabody Award in 2018.
Why it is so popular?
Criminal podcast is popular for a few reasons.
- First and foremost, it tells fascinating true crime stories that captivate listeners. Each episode explores a different crime or criminal, providing a deep dive into the details and context of the case. Additionally, the podcast is expertly produced and hosted by Phoebe Judge. His storytelling skills and soothing voice draw listeners in and keep them engaged.
- Another reason for its popularity is its ability to explore the human side of crime. Rather than focusing solely on the crime itself, Criminal delves into the motivations and backgrounds of the people involved, including victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement. This approach provides a unique perspective on crime that isn’t always found in traditional true crime media.
- Finally, Criminal has been around for several years and has built up a loyal following of listeners. The podcast consistently delivers high-quality content, and its fans eagerly anticipate each new episode. All of these factors have contributed to Criminal’s popularity in the true crime podcast genre.
Listen Criminal Podcast Online
The most popular episodes
- “Episode 1: Animal Instincts”. In this debut episode, the host Phoebe Judge explores the story of a man who trained a flock of homing pigeons to smuggle drugs into the United States.
- “Episode 51: Money Tree”. This episode tells the story of a man named Wayne Simmons. He posed as a CIA operative and was hired as a military analyst by Fox News. It was later revealed that Simmons had fabricated his entire background.
- “Episode 76: The Procedure”. In this episode, Phoebe Judge tells the story of a woman named Sheri Chafin, who underwent a controversial surgical procedure to treat her severe depression.
- “Episode 89: Four Women and a Funeral”. This episode explores the mysterious deaths of four women in a small town in South Carolina and the investigation that followed.
- “Episode 113: Triassic Park”. In this episode, Criminal takes a departure from its usual format to explore the world of paleontology and the illicit trade in dinosaur bones.
These episodes are just a few examples of the wide range of topics that Criminal covers. You can find many more: from true crime stories to offbeat tales of the criminal underworld.
The criticism
There have been no major scandals or controversies surrounding the Criminal podcast. Some listeners have criticized the show for occasionally glorifying or sympathizing with criminals, rather than focusing solely on the crimes they have committed. Additionally, listeners criticized some episodes for lacking a clear narrative structure. Another for focusing too heavily on the personal lives of those involved in the crimes, rather than on the crimes themselves. Despite these criticisms, the Criminal podcast remains a highly popular and respected true crime podcast.
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