the best true crime podcast episodes
A hand-picked, playable selection of the best podcast episodes for this topic — each with the reason it earned its spot. Press play on any pick, or build your own playlist free.
Why these picks
8 episodes curated for "the best true crime podcast episodes"
The curated episodes
8 episodes — each chosen for a reason you can read below.
Why this pick: A recent 2026 update on Katelin Akens' 2015 disappearance, detailing her ex-stepfather's arrest and ongoing hope for answers in this true crime cold case. Produced by And Then They Were Gone, it includes direct calls for tips and comprehensive source review. Its recency, investigative depth, and focus on family impact make it one of the strongest matches for true-crime podcast fans.
Why this pick: This Astray episode on the 2012 disappearance of journalist Jonathan Spollen in Rishikesh, India, is a high-quality true crime investigation featuring interviews with journalists, spiritual leaders, police, and psychologists. It explores unresolved questions around his vanishing with no body found, making it a compelling cold case. The well-produced narrative with expert insights delivers deep value for true-crime fans seeking mysterious international disappearances.
Why this pick: This And Then They Were Gone episode investigates Sarm Heslop's 2021 vanishing from a catamaran in the US Virgin Islands, where her boyfriend Ryan Bane was the last to see her. It scrutinizes his refusal to cooperate and family suspicions, with practical tip resources. Recent, well-narrated true crime with international elements and sponsor-free focus provides high engagement and investigative value.
Why this pick: The Khadijah Britton episode from And Then They Were Gone examines her 2018 abduction after escaping domestic violence, with a suspect who evaded charges repeatedly despite community knowledge. It highlights systemic failures and includes active reward details plus family resources. Strong true crime production with calls to action and detailed timeline offers both narrative power and real-world utility.
Why this pick: Astray's episode details Russell's 2018 quest for spirituality in Rishikesh that ended in his death, using official databases and investigative reporting for a factual true crime angle. It examines how spiritual seeking in India can turn dangerous, providing unique context on traveler risks. High production values and concise storytelling make it essential for listeners interested in real vanishings tied to self-discovery.
Why this pick: This episode from the Astray series covers Charlie Marinelli's 2019 spiritual journey in India that nearly cost him his life, involving his parents' desperate rescue efforts. It blends true crime urgency with psychological and spiritual elements through expert interviews. The detailed, empathetic narrative offers fresh perspectives on how 'seeking' can intersect with danger, ideal for true crime enthusiasts.
Why this pick: This Crime and Coffee Couple episode details the horrific abduction and murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand by a delivery driver in broad daylight, including his confession and sentencing details. It provides chilling true crime facts with YouTube visuals and thorough evidence breakdown. Adds variety through child victim focus and legal outcomes, maintaining high production and listener engagement standards.
Why this pick: Crime and Coffee Couple's episode on the murder of baby Emmanuel Scott during Hurricane Katrina chaos explores medical neglect, family pressures, and institutional failures in a true crime context. While slightly tangential to pure disappearance cases, its focus on unresolved responsibility and courtroom debate adds diverse perspective. Well-researched with reference links, it suits listeners seeking complex ethical true crime stories.