In the past year, I have discovered a new love that I have for podcasts. I love documentaries and crime shows, and now I have found a way to enjoy both of them without having to search through Netflix. I can listen to them while I drive, or when I am relaxing at home.

The first podcast that was highly recommended to me was Serial. The first season told the story of a man (Adnan Syed) accused of a crime that he swears he did not commit. Your host, Sarah Koenig, takes you through the case as she herself is investigating it. She interviews witnesses and even gets to speak to the man who has been in jail for over ten years for a crime he was accused of. I loved every minute of it. The popularity of the podcast even allowed for a review of the case two years after the original podcast aired. The second season tells the story of a man in the military (Bowe Bergdahl), who disappeared from a base in Afghanistan and is then kidnapped by the Taliban. She, again, investigates what happens and invites listeners to help her make sense of this controversial event in recent US history.

Here is the link for Serial if you are interested or are curious about what all the hype is about!

When I finished both seasons, I was at a loss for what to do. I had no more episodes left of interesting crimes to keep me on the edge of my seat. With nothing promising on the horizon, I drifted to the podcasts that fueled my love for random knowledge. Until... I found a new podcast to replace my beloved Serial.

It is called Stranglers (lovely, I know) and it is told in a very similar format to serial. It is hosted by Portland Helmich and it covers week by week the story of the Boston Strangler. This murder spree happened in 1963 through 1964, but there is still mystery surrounding who the killer is. Thirteen women of varying ages were killed in the 19 month period, until one day the Strangler stopped. It changed the way the people in Boston lived their lives. Before, people left their doors unlocked at night. The Strangler made women afraid to leave their houses, and nowadays I am sure you will rarely find a door unlocked in the city. I am only two episodes in (I'm behind... thanks school), but it has replaced the hole in my life Serial left behind.

If you were/are a fan of the Serial podcast, I would highly recommend Stranglers!

Here is the link to the Stranglers podcast!