Nine true crime podcasts to listen to on a road trip

Okay, so maybe there are happier, less morbid, things to do on your next car ride but there’s no denying the popularity of true crime podcasts. A road trip is a perfect opportunity to binge-listen to the latest shows and episodes, so if you’re thinking of hitting the road this upcoming weekend, get your ears around some of these intriguing listens! All shows can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Imagine going on The Bachelorette/Bachelor in 2021 and finding out the person you choose is actually a serial killer. The 70s are a wild time to look back on at the best of times, but in 1978, this actually happened. Rodney Alcala appeared on the popular TV show The Dating Game and actually won a date. Yet no one knew he was actually a serial killer on the run, changing his identity regularly to avoid getting caught. This podcast explores how he appeared on a national TV show in plain view of everyone mid-killing spree.

This one will have you hooked from the moment you start and binge-listening all six episodes on your road trip. Picture it. New York City, 1980s. An artist dubs himself Mr Apology and sets up a phone line anyone can call and apologise for anything they want. Even murder. This true-life tale, told by Mr Apology’s wife, delves into the story of the line and one specific caller, claiming to be an active killer, and how their lives became intertwined. This podcast will keep you guessing right up until the end.

Who isn’t fascinated by the Manson Family murders? Thanks to Quentin Tarantino’s

Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood this horrific crime was back in the spotlight, although with slightly happier ending. But what about the man behind the crimes? This podcast is a deep dive into Charles Manson and how his turbulent upbringing created the monster the world came to know. This isn’t just a straight-facts podcast either, with some voice acting thrown in to really get you in the scene.

One of my all-time favourite listens when I’m on a road trip. Let’s Get Haunted focuses on true crimes, both some well-known and not so much, as well as conspiracy theories. It’s like sitting back and having a drink with your girlfriends and talking about some of the most haunted scenarios in history. There’s a good mix between true crime and the far-out conspiracy theories too so you never know which one will pop up next while you’re on the highway!

If we have learnt anything about cults from the many podcasts about them, it’s that they’re usually formed by a leader seeing an opportunity to influence followers into their extreme ways of life. The Opportunist explores stories of how regular people turn sinister simply by being opportunistic. The first season of this podcast looks at Sherry Shriner, a Midwestern mum and life-long churchgoer turned internet cult leader. Classic cult story, right? There’s only eight episodes as well, which means you’ll be able to join host Hannah Smith the whole way during your drive, as she shares Sherry’s story on how she gained thousands of followers online by promoting her own religion, and how things turn sinister with the death of her followers.

There’s a dark side to Rock ‘N Roll and this is exactly what DISGRACELAND explores. For lovers of music and true crime, the stories about some of your favourite artists – and the world’s biggest musical stars - will blow your mind. There’s something for everyone. Did you know Jerry Lee Lewis’ fifth wife died and he was suspect? There’s the history of Sid and Nancy’s toxic relationship and their untimely deaths, along with stories on The Beatles, Tupac, and Cardi B.  

I admit, I downloaded this podcast thinking it was more a political account of the Kennedys and the legacy they left. I was wrong. Never heard of the Kennedy Curse? You’re about to. This podcast has it all and more when it comes to American’s first family. From the family’s involvement in some of the Hollywood’s biggest deaths (think Marilyn Monroe) to conspiracy theories on who REALLY shot JFK in Texas, and the unfortunate fate the family have endured since. This podcast is a rabbit hole. Once you’re in you can’t get out and you’re obsessed with listening to the next episode, making it the perfect podcast to binge-listen to while on the road!

Another Manson Family podcast, however, this one focuses on the overall real-life crimes and murders they committed. You Must Remember Manson will take you through it all – from how Charlie convinced the girls to join the Family, to his insane reasoning behind the killing spree, which killed pregnant Hollywood starlet Sharon Tate and her close friends. These crimes continue to captivate everyone, and this podcast gives you all the background you need.

Most true crime podcasts focus on the terrible crimes and murders that have taken place. But what if you always had a sneaking suspicion your own dad was a serial killer? That’s what The Clearing offers. A podcast about April Balascio, daughter of American serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, who began to suspect her father of the 1980 murder of Tim Hack and Kelly Drew back in 2009. The podcast follows April’s report to the police, which ultimately lead to her father’s arrested and him confessing to several other murders. It’s a wild journey you won’t be able to stop listening to.

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