Crime Writers On...True Crime Review
539 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★ - 3.1K ratingsThe original true crime review podcast that looks at other podcasts, TV, and pop culture. True crime authors and real-life couple Rebecca Lavoie and Kevin Flynn hold a pop-culture round table with noir novelist Toby Ball and journalist-turned-investigator Lara Bricker. The panel chats about other podcasts (including 'Serial') as well as journalism, storytelling, TV shows and films, and the special segment, 'Crime of the Week.' Show website: crimewriterson.com. Follow the show on X @crimewriterson. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/crimewritersonpodcast. Email the show at [email protected].
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Episodes
Reply All Does True Crime & Shines Bright Like King Diamond
June 11, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBWho thought we'd see Serial reborn in a podcast about the internet? Reply All's Sruthi Pinnamaneni brings us a four-part story about an inmate, his blog, the shifty characters associated with his crime, a flimsy evidence and nutty trial, and then - woah! - that final jailhouse interview! It's the podcast that has everyone asking, "Who the eff is King Diamond?" In this episode, we'll hear from Sruthi about what went into creating the world's latest must-listen-to podcast. Then the panel will...
Two And A Half Crime Writers (AKA The One Where We Chat With Jon Cryer!)
May 28, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBWhy the heck would mega TV and movie star Jon Cryer agree to be on our little podcast? Because he's a fan, dammit! It also turns out that he's a HUGE fan of true crime, including many of the podcasts we've talked about, like Serial and Undisclosed. But does the artist formerly known as Duckie qualify as a crime writer? YES! (Sort of.) He's got a hilarious memoir, So That Happened, in which he explains his crime scene-rich formative years, including the shooting of his hooker-loving, soup-ma...
Bowraville - The Podcast From A Land Down Under
May 21, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBThis week, the panel talks about Bowraville, the true crime podcast created by The Australian newspaper. (Scroll down to listen!) Rebecca also connects with Dan Box, the Brit-turned-Aussie who reported the story, and asks, why is your newspaper being called the "unlikely hero" of this never-solved serial murder case? (A hint...it has a little something to do with Rupert Murdoch!) Also, we tackle some listener queries, and play a voice memo simply because one of you asked us to. As for the c...
Bowe Bergdahl's Court Win & The SWAT Team Controversy
May 14, 2016 04:01 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBWhen news broke last week that Bowe Bergdahl's legal team had scored a victory in his case, we weren't sure we understood exactly what happened. So, Kevin reached out to our trusty military legal eagle James Weirick for a quick run-down. As a bonus, we get confirmation that Weirick is, in fact, the manliest man to ever man-up. Also, the PBS documentary Peace Officer hooked us in but also left us with some questions. As we tackle those, we also wonder, WTF is our local PD doing with a tank? (...
Breakdown's Breakdown and British Crime's Dark Side
May 07, 2016 04:07 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBJust when we were getting ready to see how Justin Ross Harris's trial in the baby-in-the-hot-car homicide would play out, a twist no one saw coming. This means an unexpected hiatus for the "Breakdown" podcast and questions about media influence on the justice system. We get to know Dr. Elizabeth Yardley, a criminologist at Birmingham City University in England. She's studied how Serial fans used Reddit to interact with Hae's and Adnan's families, as well as look at the digital fingerprints ...
These Are Their Stories: A Very Special Law & Order Special
April 30, 2016 10:36 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBKevin and Rebecca are joined by two very special guests to discuss Law & Order: "Original Recipe," AKA, the first series in the juggernaut franchise that's been on the air for nearly three decades. The panel talks about what makes Law & Order so compelling, their favorite characters, the weird writing tropes of the Law & Order universe, and a lightning round that pits Jerry Orbach against Dennis Farina, and Jill Hennessy against Angie Harmon. Episode links at CrimeWritersOn.com: Meet our ...
S2 Ep 13: Endings are Important! Plus, Our Podcast & Media Picks
April 23, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBThe crime writers respond to a listener's very British rant about the critical nature of endings in a good story, talk about what TV shows totally failed at the end, and settle a long-term marital dispute that's been tearing Kevin and Rebecca apart. Plus, the Crime of the Week delves in to Australia's long national nightmare and reveals that there's a killer living with one of the panel! Watch out, Toby!!! For a list of media picks links, visit our episode page at crimewriterson.com Click...
S2 Ep 12: Does Someone Know Something? Damned if We Know.
April 16, 2016 04:11 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBThe Crime Writers talk about another true crime podcast, Someone Knows Something, the Canadian-crafted cold case show that's holding firm on the charts. Rebecca also checks in with the show's creator and host, David Ridgen. Also, we talk about the kerfluffle over Asia McClain's book announcement, find out what celebrity Toby most resembles and ask him, "Why oh why did you leave your sister hanging?" Then, the gang answers a few listener questions before going on to the Crime of the Week w...
S2 Ep 11.5: The People Vs. Serial Season 2 - Was OJ The Better-Told Story?
April 09, 2016 17:22 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBThe Crime Writers welcome very special guest Lt. Col (R) James Weirick on board to talk about the art of storytelling, and whether Serial delivered on the big promises it made in season 2. We also take apart the storycraft behind The People Vs. OJ Simpson, and how the cast, the plot frame, and even the casting of Ross as Robert Kardashian affected that show's arc. Plus, we listen to some pithy listener voice memos and tackle a juvenile crime of the week. A special thanks to classy-voiced ...
S2 Ep 11: Reporting For The End (of Serial Season 2)
April 02, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBAfter eleven episodes, Sarah and team tapped out of season two. In "Present for Duty," the Serial squad does some solid enterprise reporting into whether anyone was actually killed or wounded in efforts to recover Bowe. While saving judgement on the season as a whole until next week, the panel breaks down the series finale. Did Ken Wolf's declaration make a difference in the minds of those who want the maximum punishment for Bowe Bergdahl? Do the fates of Jimmy Hatch and Matt Allen make it ...
S2 Ep 10.5: JAGged Little Pill, Your Questions, & A People Vs. OJ Breakdown
March 26, 2016 12:30 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBIt's yet another a super long episode! (Sorry about that.) But hey, at least there are t-shirts you guys can buy. Here's the link to those. For civilians, is there something about Serial Season 2 that neither we nor Sarah fundamentally get? Rebecca and Kevin have a talk with JAG Lt Col James Weirick (ret), one of the hosts of the Task and Purpose Radio podcast. Weirick shares his take on Bowe, how the legal case against him is playing out, and what military listeners are saying about Seri...
S2 Ep 10: We Never Promised You A Rose Garden - Serial Season 2
March 19, 2016 04:01 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBThe Crime Writers dissect almost every aspect of Serial, Season 2, Episode 10, "Thorny Politics." It gets so deep that Rebecca feels the need to include extra out-takes for comic relief. Plus, Kevin explains what a "news fixer" is and makes a better-than-last-week transition into our ads, Rebecca asks whether or not public radio reporters are SO committed to journalistic neutrality that they only talk to Republicans, we hear what a traffic report in New Hampshire would have sounded like a d...
S2 Ep 9.5: Ruff Week, Trumping Bowe, OJ on the Side, & Downton's Downturn
March 12, 2016 05:35 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBThe Crime Writers talk about why it's not a good idea to say you think someone committed a murder in public and also cover some new developments around Bowe Bergdahl media projects and his lawyer's request to interview Donald Trump. Plus, there are some silly ads, and after those, a discussion about The People Versus O.J. Simpson and that Downton Abbey finale, which Toby has a whole lot of opinions about. Also, the Crime of the Week gives Kevin a case of the 'Green Apple Splatters.' Cli...
S2 Ep 9: Trade...Ahem...Secrets - Serial Season 2
March 05, 2016 18:49 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThe Crime Writers zoom all around a huge episode of Serial in which Sarah unpacks the attempts at diplomacy that led (and didn't lead) to Bowe Bergdahl's release. Also, we talk about that mysterious throat clearing incident, beg our listeners to start watching The Grinder, and frame a whole episode around what you thought we should talk about. Plus, THAT KNIFE FOUND AT OJ SIMPSON'S HOUSE!!! #serial #serialseason2 #OJSimpson Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more excl...
S2 Ep 8.5: Bowe's Brain, Loose Story Threads, & Listener Questions - Serial Season 2
February 27, 2016 18:27 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBThe Crime Writers pick at some loose threads from Serial's recent episodes, and talk with an actual expert on about how Bowe's personality disorder may have led to his walking away but also helped him cope with five years in captivity. Plus, Toby's away! But we have an able-bodied PT Stud sitting in his place, reporter and Outside/In podcast host Sam Evans-Brown. Also, the Crime of the Week puts the Crime Writers on the spot when it comes to internet sleuthing. Click here to get the Crime W...
S2 Ep7/8: Hindsight, in Two Episodes - Serial Season 2
February 20, 2016 21:34 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBThe Crime Writers dissect the most interesting aspects of this week's 2-part Serial Season 2 release, 'Hindsight.' Highlights include Rebecca's unprecedented disagreement with Sarah Koenig, Toby's astute analysis of "slippery slope," the over-use of the word "hippie," and the beginning of a feline face-off. Plus, the Crime of the Week - and a special surprise we've all been waiting for right in the middle of the episode. #Serial Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more e...
S2 Ep 6.5 Megasode: Making a Murderer's 'Silver Fox', Adnan Syed's PCR Wrap, Bowe's Brain, & The People Vs. O.J. Simpson
February 13, 2016 19:51 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBRebecca's dream comes true as she gets the chance to chat with Making a Murderer's breakout press-pool guy Aaron Keller. Well, it would have been her dream come true if Kevin hadn't tagged along. Anyway, the Crime Writers also talk about how Adnan Syed's PCR hearing wrapped up, dive into reactions about their Bowe Bergdahl Autism speculations, talk about their initial impressions of 'The People v. OJ Simpson' on FX, and tackle yet another compelling Crime of the Week. Plus, a listener clear...
S2 Ep6: Adnan's Hearing & Bowe's 5 O'Clock Shadow - Serial Season 2 (and 1!)
February 06, 2016 20:22 - 1 hour - 67.7 MBThe Crime Writers take on Sarah Koenig's phoned-in updates on Adnan Syed's PCR hearing and try to solve the mystery of why she's staying in a hotel that provides animal-print bathrobes. Plus, we dissect Serial Season 2 Episode 6: 5 O'Clock Shadow, tell our best NH Primary stories, and dig in to the Crime of the Week. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign u...
S2 Ep 5.5 Mega Show: Kratz's Book, Your Questions, & The Black Tapes - Tanis Guys
January 30, 2016 05:46 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBThe Crime Writers discuss Ken Kratz's book and Making a Murderer fatigue. answer listener questions and give their own podcast and TV recommendations. Also, Rebecca talks to the guys who make Tanis and The Black Tapes Podcast! It's pretty epic. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com
S2 Ep5: We Zoomed! To Tampa! - Serial Season 2
January 23, 2016 18:05 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBWe talk all about Serial's episode 'Meanwhile, In Tampa.' We also get the lowdown on how Lara would commit murder, hear more on why Rebecca's convinced Obama might show up on Serial, and find out why Toby can relate to a Super Soldier. Plus, Kevin gives an inappropriate response to the Crime of the Week. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. ...
S2 Ep4.5: Sarah Pauses, Colin Ponders, & Nancy Interrupts
January 16, 2016 18:24 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBWe talk about Sarah Koenig's big announcement about Serial going biweekly and return to our dissection of the Netflix series "Making a Murderer." Colin Miller makes an appearance, and Toby watches Nancy Grace for the first time - it's pretty traumatic. Plus, we answer some listener questions and talk about the Crime of the Week! Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and mo...
S2 Ep4: Making a Murderer is Still Our Captor...So is Serial Season 2
January 09, 2016 22:30 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBThe gang talks some more about the Netflix hit documentary series "Making a Murderer," and then chats about Serial's "Captors." Also, Rebecca makes the case for "Poorfluenza," Jon Cryer humiliates Kevin, someone barely tolerates Toby, and Lara learns about the supernatural powers of asparagus. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign up for...
S2 Ep3.5: Bonus - We Talk About 'Making a Murderer' from Netflix
January 02, 2016 19:15 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBThe Crime Writers talk about the 10-part true crime series "Making a Murderer" from Netflix. Lara loses her mind over the ethics of Dassey's defense, Toby is skeptical but sympathetic, Rebecca goes out on a limb, and Kevin gives his wife a terrible anniversary card. Plus, the Crime of the Week! Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign up fo...
S2 Ep3: The Escaping Clause - Serial Season 2
December 27, 2015 20:54 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBThe Crime Writers discuss every aspect of Episode 3 of Serial, including Bowe Bergdahl's twin escape attempts, those propaganda videos, and Bowe's cool affect when recounting his captivity. Also, Lara has a big theory, Toby talks about Mad Dog 20/20, and Kevin makes a confession. Plus, the Crime of the Week! Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreo...
S2 Ep2: Why Did the Golden Chicken Cross the Road? - Serial Season 2
December 20, 2015 01:30 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBThe Crime Writers dissect every aspect of Serial Season 2 Episode 2, "The Golden Chicken," and it gets pretty heated. Also, Rebecca is afraid of being accidentally racist, Toby and Kevin disagree on a bunch of stuff, and Lara didn't bring cheesecake. But harmony is restored by our Crime of the Week. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign ...
S2 Ep1: DUSTWUN in the Wind - Serial Season 2
December 12, 2015 21:40 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBThe Crime Writers dissect every aspect of Serial Season 2's first episode and bring back Rebecca's favorite part of the show, the Crime of the Week. Also, Kevin forgets something pretty important! Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com
Season 2 Teaser - Serial's Back...And We Are, Too!
December 10, 2015 18:21 - 50 seconds - 828 KBRebecca reveals the details behind the premiere of Crime Writers On... Season 2. Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon. Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com
Serial Season 2, Limetown, Dishing Maura Murray
October 04, 2015 22:11 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBRebecca, Kevin, Toby and Laura talk about the possibility of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's story as the focus of season two of Serial. Rebecca also interviews the guys behind Missing Maura Murray, a podcast that has the rest of the panel up in arms. Plus, the Crime Writers dish on the surprise hit Limetown and dissect the latest 'Crime of the Week.' Click here to get the Crime Writers On After Show, plus more exclusive content, on Patreon.: https://patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia For exclusive pod...
WTF, True Detective? Plus, We Answer Your Questions!
August 05, 2015 04:39 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBWe get the world (and TV series) we deserve. In this episode, we ask if "Undisclosed" has anything left to disclose and whether the new season of "True Detective" has lived up to the hype (spoiler alert: it hasn't). Is Sarah Koenig taking notes on how disappointing a second season can be? We also take your email, Facebook and Twitter questions - and Kevin explains the difference between "a nice deal" and just "a deal." We also make some awesome TV recommendations, and Toby's has the rest of ...
Lividity, Brian Williams, and Book Picks
June 19, 2015 23:29 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBRebecca and the panel talk about the possibilities for Serial seasons two and three. Will Sarah K. and company have the same success without a murder mystery to solve? Next, with Rebecca lending technical assistance to the "Undisclosed" podcast, Kevin takes over and quizzes Lara and Toby about developments on that show. Forget "tap, tap, tap"...isn't the livdity evidence the biggest reveal? The crime writers give their summer reading picks in the areas of true crime, mystery, and seasonal ...
Podcastception! Full Disclosure On 'Undisclosed.'
May 14, 2015 00:24 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBRebecca and the panel talk about the podcast 'Undisclosed,' which features Rabia Chaudry, Colin Miller, and Susan Simpson talking about the evidence and developments in Adnan's case. After that, Rebecca asks Lara to intervene in a spousal writing spat, Toby gets WAY personal, and Kevin defends his hero. There's also a question from an awesomely fanatic listener (scroll down to see it!) Rebecca also forces the panel to continue her ridiculous "Crime of the Week" segment. Related links: ...
House of Rabia and Scientology
April 03, 2015 21:17 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBRebecca talks with Rabia Chaudry, the person who started this whole thing by bringing Adnan's case to Sarah Koenig. After that, Rebecca and Kevin, along with fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball, talk about the interview and about the HBO Scientology documentary Going Clear. Rebecca also forces the panel to continue her ridiculous "Crime of the Week" segment. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, send us an email, or leave a comment on this post. You can subscrib...
JINXED! We talk about The Jinx & The Staircase
March 17, 2015 01:40 - 48 minutes - 44 MBRebecca and Kevin invite fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk a little bit about Serial, and a WHOLE LOT about The Jinx and The Staircase. If you haven't watched them and you hate spoilers, you will hate this episode! Rebecca also forces the panel to continue her ridiculous "Crime of the Week" segment. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, send us an email, or leave a comment on this post. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do, ple...
No One Puts Asia in a Corner!!! Urick, that affidavit & Natasha's drama
January 23, 2015 19:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBRebecca and Kevin invite fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about Serial prosecutor Kevin Urick's Intercept interview, the drama surrounding Natasha Vargas-Cooper's Intercept pieces, and that new affidavit from Asia McClain. We also respond to questions and comments from you and debut our new "Crime of the week" segment. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, send us an email, or leave a comment on this post. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right ...
O...M...Jay!!! We talk about that interview.
January 05, 2015 02:07 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBRebecca and Kevin invite special guests and fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about Jay's interview with The Intercept and the discussion/debate that's followed. We also talk about the intellectual guilt of true crime lovers, and Lara's theory that this story is more steeped in drugs than we've been led to believe. Also, Toby plays devil's advocate, and a reddit user gets a big shout out for this thread. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do...
Bonus Episode: Season One's Best Moments
December 24, 2014 00:02 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBRebecca and Kevin invite special guests and fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about their favorite moments from Serial: Season One. It's a little bit listicle, and just a little bit like those "very special" clips show they used to make on 80's sitcoms. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do, please leave a review! And if you want to add your two cents about the best bits from Season 1 of Serial, leave a comment below. Want to support this in...
Episode 12 Discussion: "What We Know"
December 19, 2014 18:52 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBRebecca and Kevin invite special guests and fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about the finale episode of Serial: What We Know. It gets pretty meaty, guys. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do, please leave a review! By the way, at the end of the episode, Rebecca references this interview with Sarah Koenig on NPR. Want to make a donation to help support the continued production of this podcast? Click the donate button on our home page! Wh...
Episode 10 Discussion: "The Best Defense is a Good Defense"
December 13, 2014 15:29 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBRebecca and Kevin invite special guests and fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about Episode 10 of Serial: The Best Defense is a Good Defense. Also, the panel catches up on the series, and reveals where they stand on the "did he or didn't he" question. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do, please leave a review! Want to make a donation to keep this podcast coming your way? Click the donate button on our home page! Who's Who in 'Crime Writer...
Episode 11 Discussion: "Rumors"
December 13, 2014 14:37 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBRebecca and Kevin invite special guests and fellow crime writers Lara Bricker and Toby Ball to talk about Episode 11 of Serial: Rumors. Not everyone loved it. But Rebecca did. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here. If you do, please leave a review! Want to make a donation to keep this podcast coming? Go to our home page, and click the Donate button! Who's Who in 'Crime Writers on Serial': Rebecca Lavoie is a public radio digital director and radio producer and the co-auth...