Diana Safieh co-hosts a true crime podcast with her sister Randa. Check out the Switchblade Sisters Social Club, a podcast where two sisters exploit their worst fears, for your entertainment.
With summer officially over (yup, I am sitting in a big woolly jumper today, so I am calling it), it’s time to stock up on stationery and pick your electives for the next academic year. So in between Fresher’s Week activities, reacquainting yourself with the Student Union and perhaps a little bit of work, here are some true crime podcast recommendations based on your chosen field of study.
Law - Wrongful Conviction
Wrongful Conviction offers listeners an insight into the US legal system's imperfections, focusing on real-life instances where justice has been completely derailed, including some proper courtroom equivalents of slipping on a banana peel.
Psychology - In the Dark (Season 2)
In its second season, In the Dark goes deep into the case of Curtis Flowers, the man who was on trial for murder so often he probably started collecting courtroom loyalty points. It’s a fascinating study on human behaviour, decision-making, and memory – essential topics for psychology students.
History - Lore
Although not exclusively a true crime podcast, Lore often focuses on the historical crimes and dark folklore that have shaped modern culture. There is a huge back catalogue of episodes as well, so you have enough to binge on to get you through a degree, as well as probably a master’s and PhD.
Political Science - Slow Burn (Season 1: Watergate)
Slow Burn explores the trials and tribulations of President Richard Nixon’s major balls-up, when he tried to bug the Democrats but ended up bugging himself right out of the White House. It's politics, it's scandal, and it's a crash course in what not to do in governance.
Medicine - Dr. Death
Dr. Death is both a horrifying and educational podcast about a neurosurgeon who committed gross malpractice. Perfect for those who appreciate some jaw-dropping tales while brushing up on their ‘do's and definite don'ts’ of medical ethics.
Women's Studies - Believed
Why was Olympic doctor Larry Nassar allowed to get away with abusing hundreds of women and girls for two decades? Why did no one listen? Why did no one believe? Believed follows the survivors of the abuse, providing a powerful narrative on belief, gender dynamics, and societal attitudes towards women.
Computer Science - Darknet Diaries
From digital heists that make Ocean's Eleven look like child's play, to the cyber equivalent of ‘Whoops, I spilled my coffee’, Darknet Diaries offers a rollercoaster tour of the web's dark alleys. Ideal for those who love a good ‘to hack or not to hack’ dilemma over their morning brew.
Business Studies - Swindled
Ready to learn how not to run a company? Swindled focuses on white-collar crime and corporate greed. It may provide useful perspectives on unethical business practices and the effects they can have on economies and societies. Perfect for when you are deciding on whether to spend company funds on a personal moat or Jeep for your mistress.
Environmental Science - Drilled
Drilled is like Scooby-Doo meets Al Gore, uncovering environmental crimes and serving them with a side of sustainable sass. It shines a spotlight on the hidden shadows of environmental wrongdoings, climate change denial, and some people’s inexplicable refusal to recycle.
Arts - ArtCurious Podcast
While not focused solely on crime, the ArtCurious Podcast explores the unexpected, mysterious, and sometimes sordid stories of the art world. From art heists to forgeries, jump behind the scenes to hear tales of the darker sides of famous artists' lives.
Economics - Ponzi Supernova
Centred on Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, Ponzi Supernova examines one of the largest financial frauds in history. This is a story of riches, rags, and really bad choices. It's like The Wolf of Wall Street minus the Hollywood glam and with more facepalms.
Education - Nice White Parents
Why is an equal education not guaranteed for all? Why are schools still failing non-white children? Though not a true crime podcast in the traditional sense, Nice White Parents (from Serial Productions and The New York Times) looks at the role of white parents in shaping public education in New York City, and the resulting social inequalities within the education system.
