Murderville

When a brutal murder rocks a small Southern town, residents and police are shocked. Could the new guy in town be the one who who did it? Yes, the cops say, he is. Case solved. But then another murder happens. And another. In the end: four bodies, two convictions, and one man in jail for a crime he likely did not commit. Welcome to Murderville, Georgia. Investigative reporters Liliana Segura and Jordan Smith uncover what happens when law enforcement locks up their first suspect, leaving another man free to kill. From The Intercept and Topic Studios.

Rank #1: 3: The Patels.
Shaliesh Patel was visiting Adel when he was brutally murdered in the spring of 2000. Years later, his family still doesn’t know anything about who killed him. Their interactions with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations left them with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: Patel’s murder was part of an emerging pattern of crime.

Rank #2: 4: Murder in Broad Daylight.
William Carroll Bennett and Rebecca Browning were beloved in Adel. There was no reason anybody would want to hurt them. Then they were savagely beaten in broad daylight at a popular lunch spot. Thanks to the actions of a couple of customers, their assailant was quickly apprehended: 20-year-old Hercules Brown. But the question quickly arose, was this the only murder Hercules was responsible for?

Case Closed

Case Closed is a true crime podcast about the times the bad guy didn’t get away with it. Season 2 follows the murder of Atlanta businessman, Rusty Sneiderman. On November 18, 2010, Rusty was shot dead in broad daylight in the parking lot of his son’s preschool. This crime explores much more than just murder. Who really pulls the trigger? Season 1 followed the murder of Erin Corwin, who was just 19 years old when she kissed her husband Jon goodbye at the Marine base in Twentynine Palms, California, and headed to Joshua Tree National Park. It was the last time anyone would ever see her alive.

Rank #1: The Wife.
On the last day of her life, Erin Corwin awoke around dawn. She was going to Joshua Tree National Park, where she said she was scouting trails for an upcoming visit with her mother. She took her cell phone, kissed her husband goodbye, and headed off for the day. But Erin would not come back from her trip alive.Who was Erin Corwin? How did she go from being a sheltered teen from a small town to a Marine wife with so many secrets? And how did she meet such an untimely end?You can preorder Shanna Hogan's Secrets of a Marine's Wife now.You can listen to the second season of Case Closed early on Stitcher Premium with the code CLOSED.

Rank #2: The Four Shots.
Four gun shots ring out in a pre-school parking lot. Rusty Sneiderman is dead. Who killed him and why?--Can't wait to hear the rest of the season? Listen to all the episodes ahead of time on Stitcher Premium. Go to StitcherPremium.com/caseclosed and use the code CLOSED for a free trial.For more on this case, check out Crazy for You by Michael Fleeman here: bit.ly/crazyforyoubook

Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia

When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story. In this eight-part documentary series, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great grand daughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where do they all go from here? Root of Evil is the companion podcast to TNTs limited series I Am the Night. Inspired by the true story of the Hodel family, the series stars Chris Pine and comes from acclaimed Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

Rank #1: Saved By The Ghetto.
Fauna Hodel, a biracial girl living in Sparks, Nevada, finds out the truth about who she really is, where she came from, and her terrifying family history.

Rank #2: A Skilled Surgeon.
Former LAPD Homicide Detective, Steve Hodel, explains the identity of the Black Dahlia, the circumstances of her murder in 1947 Los Angeles, and how the LAPD's profile of her killer fit Steve's own father, George Hodel.

Over My Dead Body

We all have limits. And some people who are pushed beyond those limits will do unspeakable things. In “Tally,” season One of OVER MY DEAD BODY, Dan and Wendi are two good-looking attorneys whose wedding is featured in the New York Times. But when this “perfect” couple falls apart, it leads to a bad breakup, a worse divorce, and a murder case involving a menagerie of high-priced lawyers and unexpected co-conspirators. Reported by Matthew Shaer and Eric Benson, and hosted by Matthew Shaer.Season Two, "Joe Exotic," is the story of a man who has devoted his life to raising and breeding lions, tigers, and other exotic animals at his Oklahoma zoo. He croons ballads, shoots guns, and puts it all on YouTube. But throughout his career, he’s made a lot of enemies. And the biggest of all is the owner of a big cat sanctuary in Florida named Carole Baskin. The feud between Joe Exotic and Carole gets messy, vicious, and outrageous -- until both of them are pushed far beyond their limits. Reported and hosted by Rob Moor.

Rank #1: Tally: The Husband | 1.
What makes a good marriage? Dan is smitten when he meets Wendi. But after a lavish wedding and a move to Tallahassee for Dan’s job, cracks in their relationship start to appear. Dan is blindsided when he comes home from a work trip and Wendi is gone. Maybe he should have read her novel.“Where the Enemy Sleeps” is performed by Scott Mackay featuring Lucette.Support us by supporting our sponsors!Simplisafe - Protect your home and family today and get get shipping on your order at simplisafe.com/overmyBoll & Branch - Get $50 off your first set of sheets at bollandbranch.com using promo code OVERMYRobinhood - Get a free stock when you sign up today at overmy.robinhood.com

Rank #2: Tally: The Former Wife | 2.
Divorces between lawyers tend to be uglier than average, and Dan and Wendi’s divorce is especially vicious. She fights to leave Tallahassee. He fights just as hard to keep her there. And when both fail to get what they want, one of them ends up dead.“Where the Enemy Sleeps” is performed by Scott Mackay featuring Lucette.Support us by supporting our sponsors!Simplisafe - Protect your home and family today and get get shipping on your order at simplisafe.com/overmyBoll & Branch - Get $50 off your first set of sheets at bollandbranch.com using promo code OVERMYRobinhood - Get a free stock when you sign up today at overmy.robinhood.com

Broken Harts

Markis, Hannah, Devonte, Abigail, Jeremiah, and Sierra Hart—six beautiful black children, ranging in age from 12 to 19—were all adopted by Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both white. On Jen’s Facebook page, it looked as if they were the perfect blended family, even earning the nickname “Hart Tribe” from friends. Then, on March 26, 2018, the family’s GMC Yukon was found belly-up on the rocks below California’s Highway 1. The news of the murder-suicide shocked their friends and made national headlines, leaving many wondering what possibly led to the fatal crash. Could these lives have been saved? Broken Harts, a new podcast from Glamour and HowStuffWorks, investigates this question with more than 30 never-before-heard interviews. Cohosts and Glamour editors Justine Harman and Elisabeth Egan and reporter Lauren Smiley follow the family’s journey from South Dakota through Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, and finally to that 100-foot cliff in California.

Rank #1: "Beautiful Black Boys".
The Hart kids are "crack babies."  Developmentally-delayed. The victims of racist attacks. There are so many family stories, but each one has the same theme: Jen and Sarah are saviors.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Rank #2: "Owies".
The trouble starts when a teacher notices a bruise on Hannah Hart's arm. It follows Jen and Sarah Hart across three states, to the blue house in Woodland, Washington, where they're supposed to get a fresh start. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Bear Brook

Two barrels, four bodies, and an enigmatic killer. The cold case that changed the way murders will be investigated forever.

Rank #1: EP 4: Eunsoon Jun.
An ominous New Year’s party introduction. An estranged cousin goes missing. Police question a man with multiple identities. A search leads authorities to his basement. Want to make sure that NHPR continues creating projects like Bear Brook? Click here to donate $20. Thanks for your support.  

Rank #2: EP 3: A Smaller Haystack.
After 30 years of torpor, investigators finally inch the Bear Brook case forward. A geologist uncovers the history buried in human teeth and hair. The faces of the victims are reconstructed. Want to make sure that NHPR continues creating projects like Bear Brook? Click here to donate $20. Thanks for your support.  

To Live and Die in LA

In Feb 2018, an aspiring actress vanished from her Hollywood apartment. Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss was asked to help the family get answers. Together, they found them...sometimes at great personal risk. For the first time in a serial podcast, go inside a gripping multi-state investigation as it unfolds from the moment of the disappearance to each twist and turn in the case. Stay not only more informed than the news, but listen as the official story is dismantled with in-the-moment first-hand reporting with the leading figures in the investigation. The new #1 podcast from the team behind Up & Vanished and Atlanta Monster.

Rank #1: The Long Way Home [11].
In this special hour-long episode, Neil and Jayden follow the trail of evidence all the way to the burial site...and a new suspect emerges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rank #2: The Way of the Warrior [6].
A new witness emerges...with a shocking accusation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad

Retired Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes and Investigative Journalist Billy Jensen dig deep into unsolved murders, unidentified remains and missing persons cases. Each week listeners ride shotgun as Holes and Jensen attempt to solve the crime using a variety of methods, from old-fashioned detective work to advanced technologies including familial DNA searches, social media geotargeting, and maybe most important—the skills of their listeners who send in tips and theories, becoming active members of The Murder Squad. 

Rank #1: Jeffrey Willis.
Billy Jensen and Paul Holes explore the case of killer Jeffrey Willis and ask the Murder Squad to help find possible other victims.For more information, please visit TheMurderSquad.com

Rank #2: The Golden State Killer.
Billy Jensen and Paul Holes discuss the case that brought them together--the Golden State Killer. After diving into the investigation, they ask you to help bring possible other cases into the light.For more information, please go to TheMurderSquad.com

Cold

Susan Powell vanished on Dec. 7, 2009. Her body has never been found. From the beginning, West Valley City, Utah police suspected Susan's husband, Josh Powell, had murdered her. They never arrested him. COLD dives deep into the case files, uncovering never-before-heard details. You'll learn why Susan stayed with an abusive husband, why Josh did what he did and how the justice system failed Susan and her two boys.

Rank #1: Ep. 1: To All the Girls I've Loved Before.
Josh Powell believed in his own greatness from at least age 5. So why wouldn't any girls date him? Why did his only other serious girlfriend before Susan Cox run away in fear? Perhaps because he inherited some of his father Steven Powell's bizarre beliefs about relationships and marriage. This episode tells the story of the one who got away from Josh Powell, a full decade before the disappearance of Susan Powell made him the focus of a multi-state murder investigation.For the past three years, investigative reporter Dave Cawley has been studying thousands of police documents, journals, videos, and diary entries. He has tracked down new sources, followed new leads, and traced Josh Powell's trail from West Valley City, Utah, through Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and on to Washington State, where he killed himself and his two sons. Cold is the most complete retelling of the Susan Powell story ever. Join Dave Cawley in his search for truth. Share your thoughts: #ColdPodcast #FindSusan Twitter Instagram Facebook

Rank #2: Ep. 13: 4theKidzz.
Josh Powell went to court in Washington in a bid to get his sons, Charlie and Braden, returned to him. West Valley City police warned the social workers they'd found incestuous cartoon pornography on Josh's computer. After reviewing those images, forensic psychologist James Manley suggested Josh undergo a psychosexual evaluation. Meantime, detectives puzzled over why Josh's brother, Michael Powell, sold his 1997 Ford Taurus to Lindell Auto in Pendleton, Ore. just weeks after Susan Powell's disappearance.For the past three years, investigative reporter Dave Cawley has been studying thousands of police documents, journals, videos and diary entries. He has tracked down new sources, followed new leads and traced Josh Powell's trail from West Valley City, Utah, through Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and on to Washington State, where Powell killed himself and his two sons. Cold is the most complete retelling of the Susan Powell story ever. Join Dave Cawley in his search for truth. Share your thoughts: #ColdPodcast #FindSusan Twitter Instagram Facebook

Conviction

Manuel Gomez is a detective straight out of a detective novel. He carries a pen that’s really a knife, wears a watch that’s really a camera, adores Sherlock Holmes and Miami Vice. But the cases Gomez takes on are all too real: cases of young men in New York City who say they’ve been arrested for crimes they didn’t commit. In the first season of Conviction, reporter Saki Knafo follows Gomez as he tackles the biggest case of his career—and along the way, Saki explores big questions about criminal justice in America. This story is the first in Gimlet Media’s Conviction series, which will feature a new piece of investigative reporting each season. This show includes strong language and descriptions of violence, and may not be appropriate for sensitive listeners.

Rank #1: Part 5: The Wrong Guy.
Manny’s quest to free Pedro isn’t just about justice. It’s payback. 

Rank #2: Part 7: No Angels.
Pedro’s trial date finally arrives, and Manny sets out on another quest. Will he finally push the envelope too far? 

The Dropout

Money. Romance. Tragedy. Deception. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is an unbelievable tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. How did the world's youngest self-made female billionaire lose it all in the blink of an eye? How did the woman once heralded as "the next Steve Jobs" find herself facing criminal charges -- to which she pleaded not guilty -- and up to 20 years in jail? How did her technology, meant to revolutionize healthcare, potentially put millions of patients at risk? And how did so many smart people get it so wrong along the way? ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis, along with producers Taylor Dunn and Victoria Thompson, take listeners on a journey that includes a three-year-long investigation. You'll hear exclusive interviews with former employees, investors, and patients, and for the first-time, the never-before-aired deposition testimony of Elizabeth Holmes, and those at the center of this story.

Rank #1: Myth-Making.
On the premiere episode of The Dropout, you'll meet a young Elizabeth Holmes. Convinced of her own destiny even as a young child, she would come to drop out of Stanford in her late teens, intending to mold herself after the great tech icons of our time. Her obsession with Steve Jobs -- down to his signature black turtlenecks -- would become particularly pronounced as she launched her company Theranos. Support this podcast with a review: http://bit.ly/2REHEs9 ==================== Recommended listening: -- No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis: Rebecca speaks to bold and influential women about their paths to success, their choices and tradeoffs along the way, and their pitfalls and lessons learned. Conversations focus on practical advice and never-before-shared wisdom from across industries. Plus, Rebecca always asks her signature question "What's the worst advice you've ever received?" Apple Podcasts: http://abcn.ws/nolimits | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2Uc8Dbo -- Start Here: The daily 20-minute news podcast from ABC News. Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2pvq8Ws | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2JZSK70 -- Nightline: Listen to full episodes of ABC News' award-winning late-night news program. Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Dq57Ew | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2HEg7mb ==================== The Dropout is produced by Rebecca Jarvis, Victoria Thompson, and Taylor Dunn and is a product of ABC News Nightline & ABC Radio. More info: http://www.abcnewspodcasts.com

Rank #2: The Downfall.
Elizabeth Holmes, once the darling of Silicon Valley, is under a different kind of spotlight. Now under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, she is forced to answer tough questions under oath. The claims that Elizabeth had been repeating over and over again to the public, investors, doctors and her board are under fire; the woman who once had all the answers, suddenly seems to have none. And for the first time, the lawyer for former Theranos COO, Sunny Balwani, speaks out, providing a glimpse into his defense. Support this podcast with a review: http://bit.ly/2REHEs9 ==================== Recommended listening: -- No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis: Rebecca speaks to bold and influential women about their paths to success, their choices and tradeoffs along the way, and their pitfalls and lessons learned. Conversations focus on practical advice and never-before-shared wisdom from across industries. Plus, Rebecca always asks her signature question "What's the worst advice you've ever received?" Apple Podcasts: http://abcn.ws/nolimits | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2Uc8Dbo -- Start Here: The daily 20-minute news podcast from ABC News. Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2pvq8Ws | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2JZSK70 -- Nightline: Listen to full episodes of ABC News' award-winning late-night news program. Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Dq57Ew | Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2HEg7mb ==================== The Dropout is produced by Rebecca Jarvis, Victoria Thompson, and Taylor Dunn and is a product of ABC News Nightline & ABC Radio. More info: http://www.abcnewspodcasts.com

Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.

Football star Aaron Hernandez went from the bright lights of the Super Bowl to a convicted murderer in a few years. The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, best known for its investigation of the sexual abuse scandal inside the Catholic Church, takes a hard look at the crisis facing football through the lens of Aaron Hernandez’s life and terrible crimes.From Wondery, the podcast team that brought you Dr. Death, Spotlight asks: Did a brain badly damaged by football contribute to Hernandez’s violent behavior? Did he keep secrets about his sexuality that collided with a hyper-masculine football culture? Did elite coaches and teams look the other way as Hernandez was spiraling out of control?Spotlight uncovered new documents, audio, and interviews to go deep into the story of what happened to Aaron Hernandez, and what it means for those of us who cheer on a violent game. 

Rank #1: Bristol | 2.
Aaron Hernandez was an exceptional athlete from an early age, a star in his hometown of Bristol, Connecticut. His father was a charismatic ex-athlete still known by his high school nickname, “The King.” He ruled the Hernandez home through fear, and a strong opinion of how he believed his two sons were supposed to act. The long shadow of Aaron’s upbringing -- and his childhood secrets -- would hover over him his entire life.For more information on issues raised by this series, including suicide prevention, mental health, LGBTQ+ support, and concussion and sports safety, here is a list of support groups and educational organizations.Support us by supporting our sponsors!Zip Recruiter - Get a free trial and learn how to hire smarter when you visit them at ziprecruiter.com/gladiatorHims- Get a trial month for just $5 when you visit them atforhims.com/gladiator

Rank #2: Hail Mary | 1.
When Aaron Hernandez was found hanging from a bedsheet in a maximum security prison cell in Massachusetts, he joined a growing number of former football players who’d taken their own lives. But he was the only one who left a trail of bodies in his wake. Spotlight investigates how Hernandez’s personal life spiralled out of control even as he rocketed to NFL stardom. His teammates on the Patriots were never sure whether he was a goofball who took a special kind of thrill in unnerving them, or whether he was truly dangerous.For more information on issues raised by this series, including suicide prevention, mental health, LGBTQ+ support, and concussion and sports safety, here is a list of support groups and educational organizations.Support us by supporting our sponsors!Zip Recruiter - Get a free trial and learn how to hire smarter when you visit them at ziprecruiter.com/gladiatorStamps.com - Use code GLADIATOR for a 4 week trial including postage and a meter stamps.comAudible - Get a 30-day free trial and a free audio book when visit them at audible.com/gladiator

Crimes of Passion

Every Wednesday, we tell a love story that turns into a crime story. Our subjects might start as lovers, friends, or family, but by the end, there's a criminal and a victim. Along the way, we analyze the relationship dynamics and psychology that lead to betrayal, theft, and even murder. Crimes of Passion is part of the Parcast Network, and a production of Cutler Media.

Rank #1: Jodi Arias Pt. 1.
To turn his life around, Travis Alexander moved in with his grandparents and took up the LDS faith. In search of a wife, he began dating Jodi Arias in 2007. The couple's relationship was often long-distance and quickly started to become problematic. She would be the last person to see Alexander alive. Parcasters - If you enjoyed this podcast are looking to change gears with a story about service and perseverance, check out our our new episode on John McCain on HOSTAGE, wherever you get your shows. Listen now at parcast.com/hostage

Rank #2: Harold Nokes Pt. 2.
In the summer of 1974, a war was brewing between Kay Hoyt Hein and her married lover, Harold Nokes. After she called off their affair, Harold lashed out. He poisoned her lawn. Poured sugar in her gas tank. He even wrote lewd graffiti messages about her sexual activity with other men. Later that year, police would discover Kay parents’ bodies in a lake and dismembered in several parts.  

Monstruo

The heart of a man is darkness...No person, place or culture is immune to extreme violence. The worst of the worst cases have occurred all over the world.  Be prepared to take a journey, a tour of the world, where the most horrible atrocities have occurred.  Murder, rape, incest, dismemberment, & cannibalism... no terrifying detail will be unexplored.Based on actual events, this immersive audio experience will shock you, terrify you, and possibly make you ill. From the creators of Sword and Scale, Dark Topic & The Westside Fairytales comes MONSTRUO, the most terrifying podcast you will ever hear.

Rank #1: The Butcher | Part 2.
The heart of a man is delicious...In the electric blue light of a computer screen, a modern-day hunter trawls the Internet for suitable prey. In the darkest corners of the web, a man can scratch every sort of horrific itch. Gore. Pedophilia. Snuff.This tale concerns a man searching for nothing less than the living flesh of a willing victim, the meat of a boy giving willingly and without question. And, in the most fetid reaches of the Internet, he’s found a willing victim.

Rank #2: The Ripper | Part 1.
The heart of a man is insatiable...

The Shrink Next Door

Veteran journalist Joe Nocera’s neighbor in the Hamptons was a therapist named Ike. Ike counted celebrities and Manhattan elites as his patients. He’d host star-studded parties at his eccentric vacation house. But one summer, Joe discovered that Ike was gone and everything he’d thought he’d known about his neighbor -- and the house next door -- was wrong. From Wondery, the company behind Dirty John and Dr. Death, and Bloomberg, “The Shrink Next Door” is a story about power, control and turning to the wrong person for help for three decades. Written and hosted by Joe Nocera, a columnist for Bloomberg , “The Shrink Next Door” premieres on May 21st.

Rank #1: Sibling Rivalry | 2.
A new psychiatrist. A fight between brother and sister. And bank robbery. It’s 1981, and Marty finds relief in the advice of a new psychiatrist, which shapes every part of his life.    The Shrink Next Door is presented by BrooklinenGet 10% of your first order plus free shipping when you use promo code THESHRINK at brooklinen.comOther sponsors include:Smile Direct Club - Get a $25 credit on your at home kit or book a free assessment at one of their locations, plus save $150 on your aligners when you visit smiledirectclub.com/podcast and use code SHRINK150 at checkoutBetter Help - Get 10% off your first month when you visit them at betterhelp.com/theshrinkShip Station - Get a 60-day free trial when you visit shipstation.com click the microphone at the top of the page, and enter code THESHRINK

Rank #2: Welcome To The Neighborhood | 1.
A summer party. A stormy night. And a shocking revelation about Joe’s neighbor next door. The Shrink Next Door is presented by BrooklinenGet 10% of your first order plus free shipping when you use promo code THESHRINK at brooklinen.comOther sponsors include:Smile Direct Club - Get a $25 credit on your at home kit or book a free assessment at one of their locations, plus save $150 on your aligners when you visit smiledirectclub.com/podcast and use code SHRINK150 at checkoutBetter Help - Get 10% off your first month when you visit them at betterhelp.com/theshrinkShip Station - Get a 60-day free trial when you visit shipstation.com click the microphone at the top of the page, and enter code THESHRINK