Podcast
Criminal is a celebrated true crime podcast that dives into fascinating and complex stories from within the justice system. Each episode features original journalism and in-depth interviews that uncover narratives about people who have committed crimes, been victims of crime, or found themselves in morally ambiguous situations. The podcast looks beyond the headlines to explore the human elements and circumstances behind each story.
Criminal is hosted by Phoebe Judge and created in collaboration with Lauren Spohrer. The podcast launched in January 2014 and has since become one of the most respected voices in podcasting. The show's thoughtful approach to storytelling and thorough research have earned it widespread acclaim and a devoted audience. New episodes are released every Friday.
Criminal stands out in the crowded true crime landscape with its focus on nuanced, character-driven narratives rather than sensationalism. The podcast explores the gray areas of crime and justice, presenting stories that challenge listeners to think critically about the justice system and human nature.
About the podcast
HostPhoebe Judge
NetworkCriminal Productions
NameCriminal
GenreTrue Crime, journalism
HostPhoebe Judge
ProducerLauren Spohrer
First broadcastJanuary 2014
Release frequencyWeekly, every Friday
Country of originUSA
Episodes
11
Road Rage (Please Continue)
Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer discuss tense driving encounters, a chilling moment on the road, and small pumpkins in this unlocked Please Continue episode.
October 30, 2026
She Says Her Husband Cheated. The Law Won't Let Her Divorce Him for a
Criminal follows labor and delivery nurse Jen Hamilton as she tries to change the divorce law keeping her legally married.
October 27, 2026
Haywire
The episode "Haywire" from Criminal covers the unsolved 1975 bombing at LaGuardia Airport that killed 11 and injured 75.
October 23, 2026
Bulldozer
The episode "Bulldozer" from Criminal covers Marvin Heemeyer, who bought a 45-ton bulldozer and parked it in Granby, Colorado.
October 16, 2026
He Talked About Killing Tupac for Years. Why Did It Take Three
Criminal interviews journalist Joel Anderson about why it took 30 years to bring Duane 'Keffe D' Davis to trial for Tupac Shakur's murder.
October 13, 2026
Donor 106
Criminal episode 384 follows Eve Wiley, who at 16 found a secret in her mother's emails that had been hidden her whole life.
October 9, 2026
The Midnight Slider
An empty boat called the Midnight Slider was found floating off Isle Madame, Nova Scotia, in 2013, raising questions in a close-knit community unused to violence.
October 2, 2026
Not Criminally Responsible
Episode 382 of Criminal covers a 1992 case in which a young man confessed to killing his parents, drawing on Mikita Brottman's book Couple Found Slain.
September 25, 2026
The Boyfriend Who Never Existed: Inside The "Bed Trick" Trial
Criminal interviews author Izabella Scott about a trial in England involving Miss X, her friend Gayle, and claims of a fabricated boyfriend.
September 22, 2026
Family Secrets, Part 2
Episode 381 of Criminal: True Crime Podcast follows the 1985 Greensboro, NC police chase led by Fritz Klenner and his cousin Susie Lynch.
September 18, 2026
Criminal: Al Capone, Eliot Ness, and Cleveland's Torso Murderer
This episode of the podcast Criminal examines the Cleveland Torso Murderer, an unsolved case from 1930s Ohio. It follows Eliot Ness, fresh from his campaign against Al Capone in Chicago, as he faced a brutal serial killer.
May 31, 2026
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