Growing up, I was always interested in the topic of true crime. Yes, not the best for a child, but it is what it is. Based on this, I have three podcast recommendations that are so bone-chilling you should not listen to them in public. The cases told and described will make you jump, and strangers will definitely think you're a bit weird.
1. "My Favorite Murder"
This true crime and comedy podcast will leave you wanting more and more after each episode. Every week, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark "tell each other their favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans," based on the Spotify description of the show. These women are able to respectfully combine comedic relief after hearing these horrific cases. In every episode, they like to talk about other things, too, to get their minds off of the scary stuff. For example, the best thing that happened to them that week, how their day was, the thing that annoyed them the most - just regular conversation.
Sometimes, I find myself chiming in with my own commentary.
2. "Serial Killers"
Spotify's description of this podcast is pretty bone-chilling itself, saying, "'Serial Killers' take a psychological and entertaining approach to provide a rare glimpse into the mind, methods, and madness of the most notorious serial killers with the hopes of better understanding their psychological profile. With the help of in-depth research, we delve deep into their lives and stories." This podcast is more serious than the first suggestion. There are even clips of voice actors reenacting a scene that the show hosts described to give the listeners a better understanding. This show gets straight to the point and does not get personal.
Warning, the first episode is disturbing. I genuinely do not recommend listening to this in public.
3. "Small Town Dicks"
The title grabs you immediately, making you do your research to find out what it is. Based on the Spotify description, 'Small Town Dicks' explains the "big-time crime" that occurs in Small Town, USA. In every episode, there is a special guest - the detective that solved the case. They play audio evidence like 9-1-1 calls, interviews, and more. This show is serious and straight to the point, as well. Although, Yeardley Smith's (host) questions allow the curious listener to feel like they are not the only ones confused.