Hostage artwork

Hostage

123 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratings

Some terrorists use weapons. Some use information. The scariest use hostages. Every Thursday, Hostage tells electrifying crime stories culminating in intense, life-or-death negotiations. Within the stories, we examine tactics used by the FBI’s crisis negotiation unit, world governments, and even hostage’s parents, highlighting the techniques that saved lives, and the moments where everything went tragically wrong. Hostage is a Spotify Original from Parcast.

True Crime History
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Introducing: Impostors

May 03, 2021 07:01 - 11 minutes

Wayne Simmons had a dramatic 27-year career with the CIA taking down cartels and busting arms smugglers — or did he? The ex-CIA military analyst and cable news star stands accused of being a fraud. Hosted by the reporter who broke the story, Impostors follows the investigation into who Wayne Simmons really is… Hero, or conman? Impostors is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Produced by Topic Studios and Transmitter Media. Hosted by Alex French.

A Bram Stoker Classic from Haunted Places: Ghost Stories

February 25, 2021 08:01 - 31 minutes

Dracula wasn’t the only frightful fiction conjured by Irish author Bram Stoker… In this retelling of “The Judge’s House,” a Cambridge student is overcome with curiosity — then dread — as he faces an evil man’s terrifying legacy. Listen to Part 1 right here, then search “Haunted Places: Ghost Stories” to hear Part 2, when the Judge himself comes calling…  Haunted Places: Ghost Stories is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Every Thursday, find a new tale of terror from some of history’s greatest ...

New Limited Series: Criminal Couples

February 01, 2021 08:01 - 1 minute

This season, “L” stands for love… and lawless… and lethal. Beginning February 1st, uncover history’s most infamous couples in this collection of episodes from across Parcast Network. Follow the misdeeds of married mafiosos. Enter the transgressions of casanova cult leaders. And demystify the lives of coupled kingpins, pirates, and spies… Because in this limited series, romance takes a sharp turn into the radical.  Get a preview of Criminal Couples right here, then search “Criminal Couples” t...

Hostage Now Exclusively on Spotify!

May 07, 2020 07:01 - 1 minute

You can find all past and future episodes of Hostage exclusively on Spotify! And best of all, they’re free! Just download the Spotify app and simply type “Hostage” in the search bar to start listening. No payment is required! Follow Hostage only on Spotify to get new episodes as soon as they come out every Thursday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hostage Bites: First Murders

May 01, 2020 07:01 - 18 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing serial killers’ first murders. What did the murders look like and how does a killer’s modus operandi change after their first slaying? We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and dive deeper into their minds and methods. Clips featured: Clips featured:...

Tommy Caldwell Pt. 2

April 30, 2020 07:01 - 45 minutes

In the year 2000, Tommy Caldwell and his friends found themselves in the crossfire between their militant captors and the Kyrgyzstan’s army. To escape, Tommy would have to do the unthinkable.

Sneak Peek: DAILY QUOTE, A Parcast Original Series!

April 26, 2020 07:01 - 3 minutes

Whether you’re jumpstarting the morning, searching for that midday pick-me-up, or trying to finish the evening off strong… Daily Quote offers some of history’s most inspirational quotes whenever you need them—365 days a year. In this 2-3 minute podcast, you’ll be given a quote that will motivate, uplift, and renew your outlook on life. You’ll also dive deeper into the context surrounding the quote—learning more about its origin and the meaning behind it. Enjoy this sneak peek of Daily Quote ...

Hostage Bites: Clues Left Behind

April 24, 2020 07:01 - 20 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the clues that criminals left behind and the ways in which the police used them to hunt down their suspect. These clues could be biological, such as DNA or fingerprints; or physical, such as a piece of clothing fiber left at the scene. Some were merely overlooked by the cr...

NEW: Tommy Caldwell Pt. 1

April 23, 2020 07:01 - 47 minutes

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Hostage today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. In 2000, professional rock climber Tommy Caldwell and his friends went on a photography trip to Kyrgyzstan. But their adventure was cut short when they were kidnapped by rebels from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

Hostage Bites: Murder M.O.s

April 17, 2020 07:01 - 20 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're discussing "M.O.s", or the "modus operandi" of murderers. We'll talk about the tactics killers use on their victims, and what those methods say about their psyches. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Marie Sukloff Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders/Kingpins: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Pt. 1, ...

The Sacramento Hostage Crisis Pt. 2

April 16, 2020 07:01 - 51 minutes

The Nguyen brothers and Cuong Tran grew increasingly volatile as the authorities refused to give into their grandiose demands. As the 40 hostages feared for their lives, Sacramento’s Special Enforcement Detail plans a secret rescue mission.

Hostage Bites: Indoctrination

April 10, 2020 07:01 - 21 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re exploring cases of indoctrination. We’ll discuss how cult leaders, secret societies, and kidnappers gain control of their victims and what makes individuals vulnerable to malicious manipulation. Clips featured: Cults: Alamo Christian Foundation Pt. 2, Secret Societies: The Triads Pt...

The Sacramento Hostage Crisis Pt. 1

April 09, 2020 07:01 - 39 minutes

In 1991, 40 employees and customers were taken hostage at the Good Guys Electronics store in Sacramento, California. Their captors were three Vietnamese immigrant brothers along with a friend—all of whom were angry about the lack of opportunity in America.

Introducing SUPERNATURAL WITH ASHLEY FLOWERS, A Parcast Original Series!

April 08, 2020 07:01 - 15 minutes

Join Parcast and Crime Junkie’s Ashley Flowers as they dive deep into the strange and surreal to explain some of the world’s most bizarre true crime occurrences in the new series, Supernatural with Ashley Flowers. Every Wednesday, Ashley digs into a different mystifying crime—where the most fitting theory isn’t always the most conventional. Was there a special committee formed under President Truman to recover and investigate alien spacecraft? Sort through the details with Ashley and decide ...

Hostage Bites: Craziest Trials

April 03, 2020 07:01 - 26 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today, we're looking at some of the most fascinating criminal trials in history. We'll see how certain tactics used by attorneys influenced juries, changed outcomes, and provided some of the most unexpected legal twists and turns in recent memory. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbi...

The Montana Freemen

April 02, 2020 07:01 - 48 minutes

In the early 1990s, the Montana Freemen, an anti-government paramilitary group, used and abused legal loopholes to financially terrorize Montanans to fund their seperatist organization. But when the FBI finally arrested one of its leaders in March 1996, an 81-day standoff followed. 

Hostage Bites: Abduction

March 27, 2020 07:01 - 23 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of abduction, and examining some of the most infamous kidnappings throughout true crime history. We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and look at the different reasons why a criminal would carry out such a heinous act. Clips featured: Serial K...

Parcast Classic: Shawn Hornbeck Pt. 1

March 26, 2020 07:01 - 41 minutes

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! In 2007, Shawn Hornbeck should have been back to his family’s home in Missouri by dinnertime. But as 5pm came and went, his family realized something was horribly wrong.

Hostage Bites: Cannibals & Vampires

March 20, 2020 07:01 - 25 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cannibals and vampires. We’ll examine strange cases of predators who drink blood and feast on flesh, and delve into their unique psychology. Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Atlas Vampire, Female Criminals: Tracey Wigginton, Serial Killers: Albert Fish Pt. 2

Cheung Tze-keung Pt. 2

March 19, 2020 07:01 - 41 minutes

While Li Ka-shing desperately tries to meet Cheung Tze-Keung’s ransom demands for his son, Cheung works up the courage to kidnap his second victim, Walter Kwok. Meanwhile, the police are closing in on the notorious gangster.

Hostage Bites: Wealthy Victims

March 13, 2020 07:01 - 26 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're looking into the crimes that affect wealthy victims. While we may assume the wealthy are most often the victims of crimes like robbery, in reality, the wealthy are less likely to be victimized than the poor. Why is this the case, and why do we find it so fascinating when the wealthy ...

Cheung Tze-keung Pt. 1

March 12, 2020 07:01 - 38 minutes

In 1996, one of Hong Kong’s most ruthless crime bosses, Cheung Tze-keung, set out to kidnap the 10 wealthiest men in Hong Kong. His first victim was Victor Li, son of the business mogul Li Ka-shing.

Hostage Bites: Notorious Assassins

March 06, 2020 08:01 - 23 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. What motivates someone to assassinate a President, or their musical hero? Today we’re highlighting three notorious assassinations and the perpetrators behind them. Using clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we’ll see what motivated them to kill some of the most prominent figures in histo...

Aldo Moro Pt. 2

March 05, 2020 08:01 - 44 minutes

As Aldo Moro adjusted to his new life in captivity, his captor Mario Moretti interrogated him. Meanwhile, the Italian government is at a standstill, as Aldo becomes increasingly frustrated with the people he thought were his friends.

Hostage Bites: Suspicious Celebrity Deaths

February 28, 2020 08:01 - 24 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Stars—they’re just like us. So why are we so intrigued by celebrity death, and why is the intrigue amplified when the death is unexpected? Today we’re discussing those high-profile cases. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, including Conspiracy Theories, Unsolved Murders...

Aldo Moro Pt. 1

February 27, 2020 08:01 - 38 minutes

On March 16th, 1978, Italy’s former Prime Minister Aldo Moro was kidnapped in Rome by communist revolutionaries known as the Red Brigades.

Hostage Rewind: The Dos Palmas Kidnappings Pt. 1

February 23, 2020 08:01 - 51 minutes

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Hostage that you might have missed!  On May 27, 2001 members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group took over a luxurious resort on a private island in the Philippines and took missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham hostage.

Hostage Bites: Unhealthy Relationships

February 21, 2020 08:01 - 28 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring cases of unhealthy relationships and examining some of true crime's most notorious couples. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and look at how the twisted—often abusive—dynamic between two criminals shapes the crimes they commit. Clips featured: C...

Alabama Bunker Hostage Crisis Pt. 2

February 20, 2020 08:01 - 35 minutes

From the moment Jim Dykes got on Chuck Poland's bus, his planned hostage situation went sideways. With law enforcement gathered around his underground bunker, Jim had to decide how far he was willing to go to make his voice heard.

Hostage Bites: Childhoods From Hell

February 14, 2020 08:01 - 21 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a look at what some of the most infamous criminals in history have in common: a brutal childhood. As we dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we'll explore how their early years of abuse, neglect, and trauma all shaped these individuals into notorious offender...

Alabama Bunker Hostage Crisis Pt. 1

February 13, 2020 08:01 - 36 minutes

On the morning of January 29, 2013, school bus driver Chuck Poland dropped off some jam for his new friend, Jim Dykes. It was a simple, unremarkable exchange between two small-town neighbors. A few hours later, Jim was pointing a gun at Chuck’s face, demanding he hand over two of his students.

Hostage Bites: Elderly Criminals

February 07, 2020 08:01 - 23 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the unique and shocking cases when elders we expect to respect defy society and commit crimes in their old age. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the reasons a senior citizen may defy the norm and break the law. Clips featured: Con Art...

Discovery Communications Headquarters

February 06, 2020 08:01 - 44 minutes

James Jay Lee was an environmental activist determined to make Discovery Communications change their television programming. On September 1st, 2010, Lee stormed the company’s headquarters and took several employees hostage at gunpoint.

Listen First! KILLER KNOWLEDGE, A Parcast Original Series!

February 04, 2020 08:01 - 13 minutes

Sure, you’re a fan of true crime—but are you ready to put your skills to the test and be crowned an undisputed expert? Then try your hand at our new trivia podcast, Killer Knowledge. Every Tuesday, two competitors go head-to-head to correctly answer multiple-choice true crime questions. Whoever gains the most points after 20 questions, wins! It’s all the murder, mystery, and suspense you’ve come to expect from Parcast, now in a fast-paced, interactive format. Play along in this exclusive cli...

Hostage Bites: Victims Who Escaped

January 31, 2020 08:01 - 32 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring those rare and hopeful instances where victims managed to break out of their captors' clutches and flee to freedom. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the ways in which a victim might escape and the psychological effects their traum...

Father Lawrence Martin Jenco Pt. 2

January 30, 2020 08:01 - 51 minutes

On January 8th, 1985, Father Lawrence Martin Jenco was kidnapped by Islamic extremists in Beirut. Six weeks later, the priest was imprisoned high in the hills overlooking Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, hoping an important letter he had written to his sister Mae Mihelich would arrive soon.

Hostage Rewind: Maersk Alabama Pt. 1

January 26, 2020 08:01 - 52 minutes

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Hostage that you might have missed!  The “Maersk Alabama” was an American cargo ship whose crew was taken hostage by Somali pirates on April 8, 2009. What the pirates didn’t count on, was the determination of Captain Richard Phillips and his crew to escape.

Hostage Bites: Mothers Misbehaving

January 24, 2020 08:01 - 25 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a closer look at women who subverted their maternal expectations to lead a life of crime. We'll analyze these instances with clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss the different ways these mothers misbehaved. Clips featured: The Dark Side Of: Stage Mother, C...

Father Lawrence Martin Jenco Pt. 1

January 23, 2020 08:01 - 48 minutes

In 1985, Father Lawrence Martin Jenco was on his way to work in Beirut when armed insurgents hijacked his car. They kidnapped the Catholic priest, imprisoning him in the mountains of Lebanon as ransom for the terrorist group, Hezbollah.

Hostage Bites: Psychological Manipulation

January 17, 2020 08:01 - 30 minutes

In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the idea of Psychological Manipulation—the tactics criminals use to deceive, coerce, and exert control over their victims. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss how these methods work, and most importantly, their dangerous consequences.

Aimee Semple McPherson Pt. 2

January 16, 2020 08:01 - 46 minutes

After returning home to Los Angeles in the summer of 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson and her mother testified in a grand jury hearing about catching her kidnappers. But when the hearing devolved into an investigation of Aimee, the evangelist went on the offensive—with her supporters committing perjury, blackmail, and even attempted homicide.

Listen First! SECRET SOCIETIES, A Parcast Original Series!

January 13, 2020 08:01 - 14 minutes

They’ve been around for thousands of years…orchestrating some of history’s most controversial events. And if not for their radical actions, you may never have even known they existed. Every Thursday, take a journey through hidden passageways and become a member of Parcast’s diabolical series, SECRET SOCIETIES. Each society is explored in 2 episodes—exposing the people and context responsible for its founding, and analyzing the psychology behind their beliefs. Enjoy this exclusive clip from t...

Aimee Semple McPherson Pt. 1

January 09, 2020 08:01 - 49 minutes

Founder of the Foursquare Church, Aimee Semple McPherson amassed hundreds of thousands of followers in less than a decade with her unique sermon style and revolutionary use of the media. But her fame may have also led her to tragedy when she disappeared one spring morning from the California coast.

Best of 2019: John Wojtowicz Pt. 3

January 02, 2020 08:05 - 45 minutes

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: As the 1972 crisis dragged on, thousands of people crowded the streets to watch a modern-day Robin Hood take on “The Man.”

Best of 2019: John Wojtowicz Pt. 2

January 02, 2020 08:01 - 45 minutes

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: The 1972 hostage stand-off between John Wojtowicz and the police attracts major attention.

Best of 2019: John Wojtowicz Pt. 1

December 26, 2019 08:01 - 45 minutes

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In the summer of ‘72, inexperienced criminal John Wojtowicz stepped into a Manhattan bank hell bent on carrying out a bold plan—rob the joint and smuggle his partner to Denmark for gender reassignment surgery.

Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 3

December 23, 2019 08:10 - 50 minutes

Parcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL While on probation after an early release from prison in March of 1990, Jeffrey Dahmer continued his wave of sadistic violence. A chance event would finally lead to his arrest, and a media spectacle would bring Dahmer to the masses.

Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 2

December 23, 2019 08:05 - 41 minutes

Parcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL It was a murderous rampage that could have possibly been stopped. Although Jeffrey Dahmer failed numerous times to turn his life around, his multi-year killing spree also went ignored by his family, neighbors, sentencing judges, and court-appointed therapists.

Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 1

December 23, 2019 08:01 - 38 minutes

Parcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL You know the name, but do you know the whole story? Jeffrey Dahmer—one of history’s most notorious serial killers, and our most requested episode, is now the subject of an exclusive 3-part special event. You can now listen to all 3 episodes within SERIAL KILLERS, and all of Parcast’s true-crime related feeds. He was one of the most infamous serial killers of the 20th century, murdering 17 young men between 1978 and 1991 through a va...

Beslan School Crisis Pt. 2

December 19, 2019 08:01 - 43 minutes

After 24 hours, Russia’s hostage situation inside the Beslan School seemed hopeless. With time running out, the two sides needed to come to an agreement—fast.

Guests

Ashley Flowers
1 Episode