The Best Morbid Podcast Episodes : A Game Plan for Scary Growth

I’m not proud of how many hours I’ve spent listening to two women describe autopsies in graphic detail.

But here we are.

I’ve been checking in on Morbid since 2018, back when it was just Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley recording in what sounded like a home office with questionable acoustics.

Fast forward to 2025, and they’re sitting at #4 on Apple Podcasts’ True Crime charts with a multi-year exclusive deal with SiriusXM.

They’re not an indie podcast anymore.

And that’s actually the whole point.

The best Morbid podcast episodes highlight the journey from scrappy true crime show to chart-topping multimedia brand isn’t just a success story.

It’s a masterclass in how to build something that lasts.

Over seven years and 730+ episodes, Alaina and Ash have done something remarkable: they’ve gotten more intimate as they’ve gotten bigger.

Their Reddit community pulls 17,000+ weekly visitors who debate episodes like they’re discussing family drama (Reddit r/MorbidPodcast).

The podcast industry is worth $40 billion in 2025 (Teleprompter), and Morbid claimed their piece by doing the opposite of what most shows do.

They didn’t broadcast to the masses.

They built a community called “Weirdos” who feel like insiders, not consumers.

So let’s look at the best episodes from each era of Morbid’s evolution.

Not just because they’re great true crime storytelling.

But because they reveal exactly how to turn a passion project into something that scales without losing its soul.

The Early Days: When Morbid Was Just Two Weirdos with Microphones (2018-2019)

Let me be honest about early Morbid.

The production was rough.

The pacing was uneven.

You could hear them figuring out their rhythm in real time.

But that’s exactly what made it work.

When Morbid launched in 2018, the true crime podcast space was already crowded.

Serial had changed the game.

My Favorite Murder had the comedy-meets-crime angle locked down.

Crime Junkie was dominating the charts.

So what did two women from Massachusetts bring to the table?

Alaina’s background as an autopsy technician and Ash’s genuine curiosity about the macabre.

Plus an aunt-niece dynamic that felt like eavesdropping on a family conversation.

The early episodes were shorter, more straightforward case coverage.

They hadn’t yet figured out their “lighthearted nightmare” tone.

But they were already showing ambition.

Episode 91: The Science of Fear (Solo Morbid)

This early solo episode is easy to overlook.

But it shows something crucial about Morbid’s DNA.

Alaina tackles the psychology and physiology of fear without Ash there to bounce off.

It’s educational content that goes beyond “here’s a murder case.”

Why it’s great: Alaina’s confidence to go solo this early shows she wasn’t just riding Ash’s energy.

She had expertise to share and wasn’t afraid to experiment with format.

What it shows about early Morbid: They were already testing boundaries beyond pure case coverage.

The seeds of their later paranormal episodes and listener tales were planted here.

Creator takeaway: Don’t wait until you’re “established” to try new formats.

Your audience will follow if you’re genuinely interested in the topic.

Episodes 122-123: The West Memphis Three (March 2020)

This two-part series on one of true crime’s most controversial cases showed early ambition.

The West Memphis Three case is legally complex, emotionally charged, and has been covered to death.

Most new podcasts would avoid it.

Alaina and Ash dove in.

Why it’s great: They spent multiple episodes on one story, showing they trusted their audience to stick with them through complexity.

The forensic details and legal nuances required that depth.

What it shows: Willingness to tackle controversial cases with nuance instead of hot takes.

They weren’t afraid of the “well, actually” crowd.

Creator takeaway: Complex topics aren’t too risky for early episodes.

Your passion and thoroughness matter more than playing it safe.

Best Morbid Podcast Episodes | Sleep Paralysis Episode

This early paranormal episode showed Morbid wasn’t going to stay in the serial killer lane forever.

Sleep paralysis sits at the intersection of science, psychology, and the supernatural.

Perfect territory for a show that would eventually expand into hauntings and alien abductions.

Why it’s great: It gave listeners who might be burned out on murder cases a different kind of creepy content.

What it shows: Format flexibility from the beginning.

They were building a show about “all things spooky,” not just true crime.

Creator takeaway: Test adjacent topics early to see what resonates.

Your core audience might surprise you with what they’re interested in.

Looking back at these early episodes, you can hear them finding their footing.

The banter wasn’t as smooth.

The forensic deep-dives weren’t as detailed.

But the foundation was there: two people genuinely fascinated by dark topics, willing to do the research, and comfortable being themselves on mic.

That authenticity is what carried them into the next phase.

The Maturation: Finding Their Voice and Deepening the Forensics (2020-2022)

This is where Morbid became Morbid.

The production quality jumped significantly.

Better microphones, tighter editing, more confident pacing.

Episodes got longer and more detailed because they had the storytelling chops to sustain them.

But the biggest shift was Alaina fully leveraging her autopsy technician background.

Early episodes mentioned it.

These episodes used it.

Forensic deep-dives became the signature element that separated Morbid from every other true crime podcast.

The hosts also got comfortable being themselves.

The aunt-niece dynamic evolved from polite to genuinely playful.

They started branching beyond serial killers into celebrity cases, amusement park disasters, and paranormal territory.

This era also saw the Wondery deal, which gave them resources without changing their core identity.

Episode 290: The Tragic Murder of Phil Hartman (January 2022)

Celebrity deaths hit different when you grew up watching the person on TV.

Phil Hartman’s murder-suicide is one of those cases that feels both shocking and preventable.

Alaina and Ash handled it with forensic precision and emotional intelligence.

Why it’s great: They balanced pop culture nostalgia with serious crime analysis.

You get the SNL clips and Simpsons references alongside autopsy details and domestic violence patterns.

What it shows: Ability to tackle high-profile cases without sensationalizing them.

The forensic expertise elevates it beyond tabloid coverage.

Creator takeaway: Your unique background is your competitive advantage.

Alaina’s autopsy tech experience is what makes this episode different from every other Phil Hartman coverage.

What’s your equivalent?

Episode 331: The Tragic Case of Savannah LaFontaine-Greywind

This episode covers the heartbreaking 2017 case of Savannah LaFontaine-Greywind, a 22-year-old pregnant Indigenous woman from Fargo, North Dakota, who was murdered by her upstairs neighbors.

Why it’s great: Ash handles this sensitive case with care while highlighting the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

The episode goes beyond true crime storytelling to address systemic failures in investigating cases involving Indigenous victims.

Ash ends with actionable resources—links to MMIW organizations, donation information, and details about Savannah’s Act (legislation passed in 2020).

What it shows: Morbid’s commitment to using their platform for advocacy, not just entertainment.

The episode also reveals vulnerability—Ash recorded remotely while recovering from COVID, and Elena’s daughter had just experienced a medical emergency.

That raw humanity makes the advocacy even more powerful.

Creator takeaway: True crime can be a vehicle for social change when paired with concrete actions listeners can take.

Episodes 343+: Jack the Ripper (4-part arc)

Jack the Ripper is the most covered unsolved case in true crime history.

Every podcast, documentary, and book has taken a swing at it.

So why would Morbid dedicate four episodes to it?

Because they had a fresh perspective: Alaina’s forensic analysis of the autopsy reports.

Why it’s great: They didn’t avoid a popular topic—they found their unique angle.

The multi-part format let them go deeper than surface-level “mystery” coverage.

What it shows: Storytelling confidence and willingness to tackle exhaustively-covered topics.

They knew their forensic approach would differentiate them.

Creator takeaway: Don’t avoid popular topics because they’ve been “done.”

Find your unique lens and go deep.

Episode 366: JonBenét Ramsey

Another case that’s been covered to death.

Another case where Morbid’s approach made it worth revisiting.

The JonBenét Ramsey case is a minefield of conspiracy theories, media sensationalism, and genuine tragedy.

Why it’s great: They approached it with forensic detail and compassion for a murdered child.

No conspiracy mongering, just careful analysis of evidence.

What it shows: Maturity in handling sensitive, well-known cases.

They respected the subject matter while maintaining their voice.

Creator takeaway: You can cover difficult topics without being exploitative.

Tone matters as much as content.

Episode 396: Terrifying Amusement Parks

Wait, amusement parks?

This episode shows Morbid’s willingness to follow audience interest into adjacent topics.

Not every episode needs to be a murder case.

Why it’s great: Format experimentation that shows range beyond traditional true crime.

It’s still dark and creepy, but it’s a different flavor.

What it shows: They were listening to what their audience enjoyed and expanding accordingly.

Creator takeaway: Let your format evolve based on what you and your audience genuinely enjoy.

Rigid formats get stale.

By the end of this era, Morbid had found their voice.

The forensic expertise was fully integrated.

The storytelling was confident.

The production was professional.

And they’d built a community that called themselves “Weirdos” and meant it affectionately.

The Wondery deal gave them resources, but it didn’t change who they were.

That authenticity is what carried them into the next phase.

The Community Era: Niching Down While Growing Up (2023-2025)

Here’s the paradox that most podcasters don’t understand.

Morbid got bigger by getting more specific.

They’re currently #4 on Apple Podcasts’ True Crime charts .

They have a multi-year exclusive deal with SiriusXM worth serious money.

And yet the show feels more intimate than it did in 2021.

How?

They stopped broadcasting to the masses and started talking to Weirdos.

The shift is subtle but significant.

More survival stories instead of just serial killers.

More listener tales that make the audience feel like participants.

More international cases and historical deep-dives.

More paranormal content for people who want creepy without the murder.

The Reddit community debates “old Morbid vs. new Morbid” with the passion of people arguing about their favorite band’s direction.

That’s great. Morbid remains top of mind. In the discussion. An evolving discussion.

That’s what you want in an attention economy.

It means people care enough to have opinions.

The SiriusXM deal in 2024 gave them better production resources.

But it didn’t change the core dynamic.

Alaina and Ash still sound like they’re talking to friends, not performing for an audience.

That’s the intimacy-at-scale paradox.

And these episodes prove it works.

Episode 465: The Devil Made Me Do It

Paranormal meets true crime in this episode about the Arne Cheyenne Johnson case.

The first murder trial in U.S. history where demonic possession was used as a defense.

Why it’s great: It shows Morbid’s confidence to expand into paranormal territory while maintaining their true crime roots.

The forensic analysis sits alongside discussions of exorcism.

What it shows: Format expansion into adjacent genres without losing core identity.

They’re not abandoning true crime—they’re enriching it.

Creator takeaway: Your audience will follow you into new territory if you stay authentic.

Don’t be afraid to evolve.

Episode 479: The World’s End Murders

An Edinburgh case that most American podcasts wouldn’t touch.

But Morbid’s audience is global, and they’re willing to do the research.

Why it’s great: International cases show they’re not limiting themselves geographically.

Good stories are everywhere.

What it shows: Willingness to go beyond American true crime.

Research commitment to cases that require extra context for U.S. audiences.

Creator takeaway: Don’t limit yourself to what’s familiar.

Your curiosity will lead you to better content.

Episode 500: Eastern Airlines Flight 401

Milestone episodes are opportunities.

Most shows do clip shows or retrospectives.

Morbid did a survival story about a 1972 plane crash in the Everglades.

Why it’s great: They used a milestone to showcase their evolution.

This isn’t a murder case… it’s human survival and tragedy.

What it shows: Confidence to pivot format for significant episodes.

They’ve earned the trust to take their audience somewhere unexpected.

Creator takeaway: Milestone episodes should showcase your growth, not just celebrate your past.

Episode 571: Lost Children of the Alleghenies

A historical case from 1856 about two children who disappeared in the Pennsylvania wilderness.

This is deep research territory.

Why it’s great: Historical deep-dive showing commitment to storytelling over trending topics.

The research required for 19th-century cases is significant.

What it shows: Storytelling maturity and willingness to tackle cases that require historical context.

Creator takeaway: Historical cases can be as compelling as contemporary ones.

Don’t chase trends—follow your curiosity.

Episode 638: The Crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 572

This episode sparked passionate Reddit debate.

Some listeners loved the survival story pivot.

Others wanted more traditional true crime.

That’s exactly what makes it important.

The 1972 Andes plane crash and subsequent survival story is harrowing.

The cannibalism aspect makes it dark enough for Morbid’s audience.

But it’s not a crime story.

Why it’s great: It shows Morbid’s confidence to expand beyond true crime into human survival stories.

The storytelling is as gripping as any murder case.

What it shows: They’re not afraid to evolve their format even if it sparks debate.

The Reddit discussion proves people are engaged, not just consuming.

Creator takeaway: Don’t be afraid to evolve your format.

Your core audience wants to grow with you, even if some resist change.

Listener Tales 104: Grandparents Might Be Criminals

Listener tales are the ultimate community integration.

The audience becomes content creators.

This specific episode shows how Morbid has built intimacy at scale.

Why it’s great: Giving listeners a voice makes them feel like participants, not just consumers.

The stories are often as wild as researched cases.

What it shows: The intimacy-at-scale paradox in action.

Thousands of listeners, but it feels like a small community sharing stories.

Creator takeaway: Give your audience a voice and they become your best content creators.

Community participation builds loyalty.

Recent Evolution: Episodes 678, 703, and 714

The Mad Bomber of New York (Episode 678, June 2025) shows continued commitment to historical true crime with modern analysis.

The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst (Episode 703, September 2025) demonstrates sustained storytelling ambition with multi-part historical cases.

The Manhattan Alien Abduction (Episode 714, October 2025) proves ongoing format experimentation into paranormal territory.

These recent episodes show Morbid isn’t resting on their success.

They’re still evolving, still experimenting, still following their curiosity.

That’s what keeps a show fresh after 730+ episodes.

What Morbid’s Evolution Teaches Podcast Creators

I’m not saying I could do what Alaina and Ash did.

But I’ve spent seven years watching them do it.

And the lessons are clear.

Lesson 1: Start Before You’re Ready

Episode 91 sounds nothing like Episode 638.

The production quality, pacing, and confidence are completely different.

But they started anyway.

They didn’t wait for perfect equipment or a fully-formed concept.

They had expertise (Alaina’s autopsy background), curiosity (Ash’s genuine interest), and microphones.

That was enough.

The takeaway: Your first episodes will be rough.

Do it anyway.

Production quality improves with practice, not planning.

Lesson 2: Your Unique Expertise Is Your Moat

The true crime podcast space is absurdly crowded.

What made Morbid different?

Alaina’s autopsy technician background (CrimeReads).

That forensic expertise became their competitive advantage.

It’s why the Phil Hartman episode stands out from other coverage.

It’s why they can tackle Jack the Ripper and make it fresh.

The takeaway: What do you bring that no one else can?

That’s your moat.

Lean into it hard.

Lesson 3: Let Your Format Evolve Organically

Morbid started as a serial killer podcast.

Now they cover survival stories, paranormal cases, listener tales, and historical mysteries.

That evolution wasn’t planned—it was organic.

They followed their interests and their audience followed them.

The takeaway: Don’t lock yourself into a rigid format.

Follow your curiosity and see where it leads.

Your audience wants to grow with you.

Lesson 4: Community Over Audience

“Weirdos” isn’t just a cute nickname.

It’s an identity.

The Reddit community has 17,000+ weekly visitors debating episodes, sharing theories, and defending their favorite eras.

That’s not an audience—that’s a community.

The difference?

Audiences consume.

Communities participate.

The takeaway: Build a community, not an audience.

Give them a voice, an identity, and a reason to engage beyond just listening.

Lesson 5: Corporate Deals Don’t Have to Kill Your Soul

Morbid went from indie to Wondery to SiriusXM.

Each deal brought more resources and better production.

But the core dynamic—two women talking about dark stuff like they’re chatting over coffee—never changed.

The takeaway: Build something real first, then scale with partners.

Corporate deals kill shows that don’t have a strong identity.

Morbid’s identity has proven unshakeable. Thus far. We’ll keep an eye on it.

Lesson 6: Intimacy Scales

This is the paradox most creators don’t understand.

Morbid got more specific (forensic details, niche cases, listener tales) and their reach grew.

Getting more intimate actually expanded their audience.

Why?

Because specificity creates connection.

Generic content appeals to everyone and connects with no one.

The takeaway: Don’t water down your content to appeal to more people.

Double down on what makes you specific and watch your community grow.

Just, you know, be careful when it comes to parasocial relationships.

Lesson 7: Consistency Compounds

730+ episodes over seven years.

That’s roughly two episodes per week for seven years straight.

No extended breaks.

No “we’ll be back when we feel like it.”

Consistency builds trust.

Trust builds loyalty.

Loyalty builds a business.

Think of each episode as a mini-asset in your portfolio. Enjoyment is subjective, so each piece of content you create won’t land. That’s okay. That’s perfectly normal.

The takeaway: Show up consistently.

Milestone episodes like #500 only matter because you did the work to get there.

Conclusion

Morbid’s journey from indie podcast to SiriusXM exclusive isn’t just a business success story.

It’s a masterclass in building something that lasts.

The episodes we covered aren’t just “the best.”

They’re mile markers in a seven-year evolution from scrappy home recordings to chart-topping professional production.

For listeners: go back and listen chronologically.

Start with Episode 91 (The Science of Fear) to hear early Alaina finding her solo voice.

Then jump to Episode 638 (Uruguayan plane crash) to hear how far they’ve come.

The difference is remarkable.

For podcast creators: the lessons are clear.

Start before you’re ready.

Leverage your unique expertise.

Build community, not audience.

Let your format evolve.

Stay consistent.

And remember that getting more specific actually grows your reach.

Morbid proves that authenticity and consistency win.

They didn’t chase trends or try to be everything to everyone.

They were two women fascinated by dark topics, willing to do the research, and comfortable being themselves.

That was enough to build a multi-million dollar podcast empire.

Whether you’re a longtime Weirdo or a podcast creator looking for inspiration, Morbid’s evolution shows what’s possible when you build something real.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have 730+ episodes to re-listen to.

For research purposes, obviously.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Morbid have?

As of December 2025, Morbid has released over 730 episodes (Wikipedia).

They’ve been consistently releasing new episodes since May 2018, making them one of the most prolific true crime podcasts out there.

That’s roughly two episodes per week for seven years straight.

If you’re just starting, don’t feel like you need to binge them all.

Pick an era that interests you and dive in.

How often does Morbid release new episodes?

Morbid releases new episodes every Tuesday and Friday (Wondery).

They’ve maintained this schedule pretty consistently since their SiriusXM deal.

Occasionally they’ll drop bonus episodes or listener tales on off days.

The consistency is part of what built their loyal following.

Where can I listen to Morbid?

Morbid is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Since their SiriusXM deal, they’re also available through SiriusXM’s podcast network.

The show is free to listen with ads on most platforms. Apple. Spotify. Your podcatcher of choice.

If you want ad-free listening, you can subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ directly through your podcast app (SiriusXM).

Is Morbid free to listen to?

Yes, Morbid is free to listen to with ads on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you want ad-free episodes, you can subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ for a monthly fee.

Some Spotify Premium users have reported getting fewer ads, but that varies.

The free version is perfectly fine if you don’t mind occasional ad breaks.

What makes Morbid different from other true crime podcasts?

Alaina’s background as an autopsy technician sets Morbid apart.

The forensic details and medical expertise you get in episodes like Phil Hartman or Jack the Ripper aren’t available in most true crime podcasts.

Plus the aunt-niece dynamic creates a unique chemistry.

It feels like eavesdropping on a family conversation about murder, which is somehow both weird and comforting.

Should I start from Episode 1 or jump to recent episodes?

You can do either.

If you want to hear the evolution of the show, start from the beginning.

The early episodes are rougher production-wise but show their growth.

If you want polished storytelling right away, start with episodes from 2022 onward.

Or just pick a case that interests you and dive in.

Each episode is pretty self-contained.

What are the best Morbid episodes for beginners?

If you’re new to Morbid, try these:

Episode 290 (Phil Hartman) for celebrity true crime with forensic depth.

Episode 366 (JonBenét Ramsey) for a well-known case with fresh analysis.

Episode 500 (Eastern Airlines Flight 401) for a survival story that shows their range.

Episode 638 (Uruguayan plane crash) for recent storytelling at its best.

Any Listener Tales episode if you want lighter, community-driven content.

Start with whatever topic interests you most!