Looking for the best Criminal podcast episodes? You’ve come to the right place.
For over a decade now, Criminal has set itself apart from the true crime podcast crowd with consistent, creative topics and a steadfast commitment to humanity.
Even episodes containing grisly murders are still about the real people affected by them, the sociological consequences of the crime at hand.
All delivered by the eternally soothing voice of host Phoebe Judge.
What started as a small indie podcast has grown into one of the most respected shows in the genre, with over 300 episodes exploring everything from Venus Flytrap poaching to identity theft to body farms.
Man, a lot has changed since I first wrote about Criminal back in 2019.
The show’s catalog has more than doubled, Phoebe Judge has become a household name (at least in podcast-loving households), and I’ve burned through countless hours listening to her distinctive voice tell stories that stick with me for days.
It’s definitely time for an expanded and updated list of the best Criminal episodes.
Whether you’re a longtime listener who’s been there since episode one or you just discovered this gem last week, these 25 episodes showcase why Criminal remains the gold standard for thoughtful, humane true crime storytelling.
From classic episodes that hooked early fans to recent releases that prove the show hasn’t lost its touch, here are the best Criminal podcast episodes that deserve a spot in your listening queue.
What Makes Criminal Special
Look, I’ll be honest – I’m a true crime junkie.
My podcast queue is embarrassingly full of shows about murders, heists, and con artists. But Criminal? It hits different.
First off, there’s Phoebe Judge. That voice. IYKYK.
Somehow she manages to talk about a gruesome murder without sounding either bored or excited. That would be off putting. She’s just… present. Real.
I remember driving home from San Diego one night listening to her interview a former poacher, and I actually missed my exit because I was so caught up in the story.
Criminal doesn’t waste time with the usual true crime formula. They’re not interested in spending 45 minutes describing exactly how bloody a crime scene was.
Instead, they’ll tell you about the guy who faked his own death by “drowning” in a canoe, or the bizarre theft of a prize-winning poodle that had the 1950s socialite scene in an uproar.
What keeps me coming back is how the show treats everyone involved. Victims aren’t just body counts. Criminals aren’t just monsters. They’re people who made choices – sometimes terrible ones – in specific circumstances.
I’ve had friends tell me they can’t handle true crime podcasts because they feel gross afterward. These are friends who slow down at a car crash on the other side of the freeway. So as if they have room to feel gross.
But Criminal never leaves that bad taste. The best criminal podcast episodes, even after their darkest outings, make me feel like I’ve learned something about human nature. Yeah, I gawked at someone’s tragedy. But educationally.
That’s pretty rare in a genre that often feels like it’s just exploiting real suffering for entertainment.
The Top 25 Criminal Podcast Episodes
Classic Must Listen Episodes
Money Tree (Episode 51)
This episode still haunts me years after first hearing it.
Axton Betz-Hamilton discovers at age 19 that her identity was stolen when she was just a child.
Her credit score is in shambles before she’s even had a chance to build credit.
What follows is her years-long quest to find the culprit, becoming an expert in identity theft along the way.
The twist at the end knocked me sideways the first time I heard it.
If you want to get someone hooked on Criminal, start them here.
Bump in the Night (Episode 71)
I made the mistake of listening to this one alone in my apartment at night.
Bad move.
This is Criminal at its most terrifying – a young woman notices strange noises in her attic.
The slow build of dread as you realize what’s happening before she does creates an almost unbearable tension.
I won’t wreck it. I will remind you this is a true story. How’s that make you feel? Did I ruin it? Nah.
Dropping Like Flies (Episode 5)
Who knew Venus flytraps only grow naturally in a tiny patch of North Carolina?
Or that there’s a black market for poached carnivorous plants?
This early episode showcases what makes Criminal special – finding crime stories in unexpected places.
It plays out like a bizarre heist movie with park rangers trying to protect these rare plants from an army of poachers.
I’ve brought this episode up at parties more times than I can count.
The Mail (Episode 112)
Fair warning: this one’s tough to listen to.
Sarah Garone starts receiving disturbing pornographic packages in the mail.
The police can’t help. Naturally, the harassment continues for years.
It’s an insane story. But wait, then there’s a twist on top of the horrific premise.
What makes this episode stand out is how it captures the helplessness of being stalked. These stories are frustrating. This crap shouldn’t happen. Probably still worth listening to people when they say they’re in trouble, right?
Err on the side of caution here. That’s your job Mr. Policeman.
Lavender Scare (Episode 93)
This historical episode hit me hard. And I’m a CIS white guy.
It documents the systematic persecution of LGBTQ members of the US military. A dark chapter in American history that doesn’t get enough attention. Remember when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was a big win? When that was understanding?
This episode is told through first hand accounts which makes it hit like a hammer. It’s a powerful reminder of how recently government-sanctioned discrimination was the norm. All the more troubling in 2025. Prophetic.
The personal stories here are both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The Big Lick (Episode 76)
I had to pull over while driving during this episode.
It explores the cruel practice of “soring” – deliberately injuring Tennessee Walking Horses to achieve a distinctive gait called “The Big Lick.”
What’s most disturbing isn’t just the animal abuse, but the lengths people will go to defend it in the name of tradition.
Feel angry? You should. I know I did.
Masterpiece (Episode 84)
In 1952, a champion poodle named Masterpiece was kidnapped, launching a 13-state search.
This episode is pure delight – a window into the bizarre world of high-society dog shows and the surprising seriousness with which dog theft was treated.
I found myself completely invested in the fate of this pampered pooch.
Criminal excels at these offbeat historical stories that reveal forgotten corners of American culture.
Bully (Episode 66)
The small town of Skidmore, Missouri had a problem named Ken McElroy.
For decades, he terrorized the community while evading justice.
Then one day, McElroy was shot dead in broad daylight in front of dozens of witnesses.
Mysteriously, no one saw a thing.
This episode explores what happens when a community decides to take justice into its own hands.
The town’s collective silence remains unbroken to this day.
All the Time in the World (Episode 68)
I made the mistake of eating lunch during this episode.
Don’t do that.
Phoebe Judge visits a “body farm” where donated cadavers are left to decompose in various conditions to help forensic scientists study human decay.
The field audio of Judge processing what she’s seeing is unforgettable.
Morbid but fascinating, this episode changed how I think about death and the science that helps solve crimes.
Don’t Let Me See You in the Whirl (Episode 56)
The Evening Whirl is a St. Louis newspaper unlike any other.
It breaks every rule of journalism – using alliterative headlines, making up nicknames for criminals, and abandoning any pretense of objectivity.
This episode is a joy from start to finish, exploring the paper’s 81-year history and its unique approach to crime reporting.
It’s a reminder that Criminal can be darkly funny while still being thoughtful.
Fan Favorites
I’ve gone down so many Reddit rabbit holes looking for the Criminal episodes that people can’t shut up about.
These are the stories that make you sit in your parked car long after you’ve reached your destination.
The ones where you text your friends “OMG you have to listen to this” at 1 AM.
Eight Years (Episode 48)
Imagine you’re a regular dude who lost eight years of his life. Rotting in prison. And the real rub? It’s for something you didn’t do.
Eight. Freaking. Years.
What blew me away wasn’t just the messed-up justice system.
It was how this guy didn’t turn bitter or broken.
I still think about his voice sometimes when I’m having a bad day and need perspective.
Palace of Justice (Episode 97)
Ever seen a courthouse with actual trees growing inside it? Not like, decorative plants – actual trees breaking through the floors.
This episode takes us to Brussels where the justice system is literally crumbling.
It’s like a dark comedy except it’s 100% real.
I laughed, then felt bad for laughing, then laughed again.
Deep Dive (Episode 33)
Not all crimes involve bad guys with guns. Some are running crypto scams.
This episode dives into the world of competitive freediving after a mysterious drowning.
It’s eerie and fascinating and nothing like what you’d expect from a crime podcast.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the pressure of the deep ocean for days after listening.
The Editor (Episode 49)
Imagine your job is editing a book written by a serial killer.
Would you do it? Should you do it?
This episode gets into the head of someone who actually did.
It made me question where I draw my own moral lines.
Plus, it’s way more interesting than those serial killer docs everyone binges on Netflix.
Vanish (Episode 61)
Ever had one of those days where you fantasize about ditching your life and starting over?
This episode is about a guy who helps people actually do it.
Some are running from abusers. Others from debt collectors.
Some just want a clean slate.
The whole time I listened, I kept wondering: would I ever have the guts to completely disappear?
And more importantly – would anyone even notice if I did?
Recent Fan Favorites (2024 – 2025)
I’ll be honest – I dropped the ball on keeping up with Criminal.
For a while, I was coasting on those classic episodes and completely sleeping on the new heat Phoebe’s been dropping.
Big mistake. Huge.
These recent episodes prove Criminal isn’t just maintaining its quality – it’s getting even better with age.
I humbly apologize and do solemnly swear to stay on top of this show from now on.
Probably worth bookmarking this page if you’re a Criminal devotee.
Don’t make my mistake of missing these gems:
The Murder of Robert Poynter: Toxic Love
This one’s a masterclass in how greed can poison everything it touches.
A respected fire captain found dead in his car.
A wife with suspicious behavior.
A lover caught in the middle.
The way this story unravels feels like watching a car crash in slow motion – you see the disaster coming but can’t look away.
What makes this episode stick with you is how ordinary these people seemed on the surface.
The Mystery of George Smith’s Disappearance
Ever been on a cruise? This might make you think twice. And not just because of norovirus.
A honeymoon, a luxury cruise ship, and then – poof – someone vanishes without a trace.
I’ve done quite a bit of sailing in my time. I can’t imagine trying to solve a crime at sea. It’s like being locked in an aquatic game of Clue.
I found myself playing detective, questioning every detail along with the family who refused to give up.
The ocean keeps its secrets well, but this episode digs deep to find answers.
Case of Michael Dunahee
Some cases haunt entire countries.
This is Canada’s equivalent of JonBenét Ramsey – a case everyone knows about.
A little boy disappears from a playground. In broad freakin’ daylight.
People still remember exactly where they were when they heard the news. Decades later. Scarring stuff.
The fresh perspectives in this episode gave me chills, especially when they covered the recent developments.
Roadside Killer: The Terror of Aileen Wuornos
Forget what you saw in the movies about Aileen Wuornos.
This episode gets into the real psychology behind one of America’s most notorious female serial killers.
The story is darker and more complex than Hollywood could ever capture.
I’ll be honest. Vulnerable. I had to take breaks.
No shame in that.
What stayed with me wasn’t the violence. It was watching a slow motion train wreck. A life doomed from the womb. It felt so inevitable.
Reading The Road made me feel like that. It’s just unstoppable. Immutable. Inevitable.
Heirs of Blood: The Menendez Murders
Just when you think you know everything about the Menendez brothers, Criminal finds a new angle.
This isn’t your typical rehash of a famous case.
The episode digs into questions that still divide people today.
Were they victims or calculated killers?
I found myself changing my mind multiple times throughout the episode.
I added this one in since, as of this writing in mid-2025, this story is topically relevant once again. Crazy stuff resurrected from my childhood.
Ontario, 7 Minutes
Seven minutes doesn’t sound like much time.
But this episode shows how it can be enough to destroy a life.
The storytelling here is next-level – tight, focused, and devastating.
I literally sat in my driveway for an extra 20 minutes to finish this one.
What makes it special is how it gives equal weight to the victim’s story and the ripple effects that continue years later.
The James Dale Ritchie Case
Some killers hide in plain sight.
This guy seemed completely normal to everyone who knew him.
The investigation unfolds like a thriller, with each new discovery more shocking than the last.
I got actual goosebumps when they revealed how they finally caught him.
This episode is a reminder that you never really know what’s going on behind someone’s eyes.
Forensically Deconstructing
Science nerds, this one’s for you.
This episode breaks down how modern forensic techniques are cracking cases that seemed unsolvable.
It’s like CSI but without the Hollywood nonsense.
The real methods are even more fascinating than the fictional ones.
I found myself googling forensic careers after listening – it’s that compelling.
Betrayal in the Classroom
Schools should be safe places. Don’t get me started on shooter drills.
This episode shows what happens when that trust is shattered.
An entire community left reeling from one person’s actions.
The interviews with those affected hit me right in the chest.
It’s a tough listen, but an important one about how institutions can fail the people they’re meant to protect.
The Terrifying Story of a Killer Couple
Most crime shows focus on lone wolves.
This episode explores the disturbing dynamic of two people who bring out the worst in each other.
The psychological breakdown of how they enabled and escalated each other’s behavior is fascinating.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.
It raises uncomfortable questions about love, influence, and how far someone might go for the wrong person.
How We Chose These Episodes
Picking the “best” Criminal episodes is like trying to choose your favorite child – impossible and likely to start arguments.
I didn’t take this task lightly.
First, I went back and listened to way too many episodes.
I canceled plans three weekends in a row.
Worth it. Cancelling plans is almost always worth it. Little bit of free life advice there.
I dug through countless Reddit threads where fans debate their favorites with religious fervor.
The r/criminalpodcast and r/TrueCrimePodcasts communities were goldmines of passionate opinions.
I tracked mentions on Ranker and other podcast review sites to spot patterns in what episodes kept coming up.
The episodes that made people say “this one changed how I think about true crime” got special attention.
I also weighed download numbers and the episodes that Criminal’s own team highlights.
But stats only tell part of the story.
Some episodes might not have massive download numbers but created intense listener reactions.
Those hidden gems deserved spots too.
For the newer episodes, I focused on ones that maintained the show’s signature style while breaking new ground.
The final list balances the classics that built Criminal’s reputation with the fresh episodes proving it’s still at the top of its game.
I aimed for diversity in topics too – not just murders and heists, but the full spectrum of human behavior that makes Criminal special.
Some great episodes didn’t make the cut, and I’m still losing sleep over it.
If your favorite isn’t here, I probably agonized over excluding it.
Drop it in the comments (or **shudders** Twitter @Discover_Pods) so we can argue about it like proper podcast nerds.
First 3 months of 2025 done… what’s the best so far?
byu/astrocat95 inTrueCrimePodcasts
The Best Episodes of Criminal That Just Missed the Cut
Making this list hurt my soul a little.
Some incredible episodes had to be left out, and I’m still not over it.
695BGK
This episode won the Third Coast International Audio Festival award for Best Documentary, and for good reason.
It explores the mysterious case of a woman who received bizarre, threatening phone calls for seven years.
The sound design alone deserves an award.
I almost bumped another episode to include this one, but that would have started a whole new crisis.
The Midnight Slider
A 2023 Webby Award Honoree that deserves all the praise it got.
This one follows the story of a serial burglar with a signature move – sliding through windows without leaving a trace.
The cat-and-mouse game between this elusive criminal and the detectives trying to catch him is pure storytelling gold.
What makes it special is how it builds tension from something as simple as an unlocked window.
Ex Libris
This episode about rare book theft had me completely fascinated.
The world of high-end book collecting is stranger than fiction.
I’ve never looked at a library the same way since.
The passionate bibliophiles interviewed make you understand why someone would risk everything for a first edition.
Walnut Grove
The story of a prison that became so corrupt it had to be shut down.
This episode shows how power and isolation create the perfect storm for abuse.
It’s a gut-punch of an episode that examines the failures of our justice system.
I still think about the inmates’ testimonies months after listening.
The Procedure
This episode about illegal abortions in the pre-Roe v. Wade era feels more relevant than ever.
The interviews with women who lived through that time are unforgettable.
It’s Criminal at its best – using history to illuminate current issues without being preachy.
The quiet dignity of the storytelling makes its impact even stronger.
If you’ve got a few extra hours, these episodes deserve your attention too.
They’re proof that even Criminal’s “B-sides” outshine most podcasts’ greatest hits.
How to Listen to The Best Criminal Podcast Episodes
FAQ
What is the best episode of Criminal podcast for new listeners?
“Money Tree” (Episode 51) is perfect for first-timers.
It showcases everything that makes Criminal special – unexpected twists, complex characters, and Phoebe Judge’s masterful interviewing.
The story of identity theft within a family hits that sweet spot of being shocking without being gruesome.
If you’re not hooked after this one, Criminal might not be your thing.
Which Criminal podcast episodes are recommended on Reddit?
The overlords at Reddit consistently praise “Bump in the Night” (Episode 71) as a standout.
The r/criminalpodcast community also frequently recommends “Eight Years” (Episode 48) and “Palace of Justice” (Episode 97).
One Reddit thread with over 200 comments highlighted “The Editor” (Episode 49) as “the episode that got me completely obsessed with the show.”1
“Deep Dive” (Episode 33) also gets mentioned in nearly every “best of” discussion on the platform.
Are there any scary Criminal podcast episodes?
Yes, several episodes might keep you up at night.
“Bump in the Night” (Episode 71) tops the list – it’s about home invasions and has made countless listeners double-check their locks.
“The Midnight Slider” (Episode 182) about a serial burglar who entered homes while people slept is genuinely unsettling.
“Ontario, 7 Minutes” from 2024 is disturbing for how quickly a normal day turned tragic.
Criminal doesn’t rely on gore or shock value, which somehow makes these stories even more frightening.
How many episodes of Criminal podcast are there?
As of July 2025, Criminal has released over 230 episodes.
The show began in January 2014 and typically releases 24-26 episodes per year.
That’s over a decade of consistent quality content.
Who hosts the Criminal podcast?
Phoebe Judge hosts Criminal.
Before launching the podcast, she worked as a reporter for public radio stations WUNC, ALASKA PUBLIC RADIO, and KUOW.
Her distinctive voice and thoughtful interviewing style have become the show’s signature.
She co-created Criminal with Lauren Spohrer, who works as the show’s producer.
How often are new Criminal podcast episodes released?
Criminal releases new episodes twice monthly, typically on Fridays.
Occasionally they’ll drop special episodes or bonus content outside this schedule.
The consistent bi-weekly release has been their pattern since 2019.
Where can I find the newest Criminal podcast episodes?
New episodes are available on:
The official Criminal website (thisiscriminal.com)
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
Any major podcast app
We do like Pocket Casts.
They also post updates about new episodes on their Instagram (@criminalpodcas) and Twitter accounts.
For exclusive content and early releases, they offer a membership program through their website.
Conclusion
After 6 years and hundreds of episodes, Criminal hasn’t lost its edge.
Phoebe Judge and her team keep highlighting stories that no one else is telling. It’s a crowded space for sure. That’s impressive.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the cases themselves, but the humanity behind them.
Criminal never loses the human aspect. These are real people and real stories. They respect that.
The show respects both its subjects and its listeners enough to avoid sensationalism.
The thoughtful storytelling makes you see the world differently. You’d expect some cheap thrills for ratings, but not here.
In 2025, when so many podcasts are churning out content just to feed the algorithm, Criminal’s careful approach feels more valuable than ever. We like podcasts bucking the algorithm.
Each episode is crafted, not manufactured.
I’ve recommended Criminal to friends who “don’t like true crime” and watched them become devoted listeners.
Because ultimately, it’s not about crime – it’s about people and the complicated situations they find themselves in.
So which episode hit you hardest? Did I miss your favorite?
Drop your picks in the comments below.
I’m always looking for the best criminal podcast episodes I might have overlooked or ones worth revisiting.
And if you’re new to Criminal, welcome to the club.
You’ve got over a decade of incredible storytelling ahead of you.
I’m jealous you get to experience some of these episodes for the first time.