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Artwork for The God Hook

Carol Costello Presents: The God Hook

Evergreen Podcasts
Richard Beasley
Human Trafficking
Craigslist Killings
Ohio
Ohio Craigslist Killings
Criminal Justice System
Scott Davis
Craigslist
Murder Investigation
Gerard John Schaefer Jr.
Prostitution
Ralph Geiger
Prosecutors
Death Penalty
Akron
The Ohio Innocence Project
Tim Kern
Victims' Families
Phyllis Cottle
Samuel Herring

In Season Two of her true crime series, The God Hook, journalist Carol Costello investigates the complex case of the Ohio Craigslist Killings—and in doing so, unearths the untold story of the crimes that preceded the murders—and the victims who’ve never received justice. Richard Beasley was convicted of murdering three men and attempting to kill a fourth in the fall of 2011, but before that heinou... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes46Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

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Artwork for The God Hook

Latest Episodes

Carol introduces a segment produced by her former student, Luke, titled "The Cost of Innocence." The episode explores the death penalty from a perspective that challenges its justification, featuring a story about a man whose brother was on death row... more

Carol and Emily examine the complexities of America's death penalty system, exploring legal, moral, and practical challenges, and discuss whether convicted killer Richard Beasley will ever be put to death.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg... more

Criminologist Dr. Volkan Topalli joins Carol and Emily to analyze Richard Beasley’s jailhouse phone calls to his mother, revealing the disturbing psychological dynamics that underscore a manipulative relationship.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host - Carol Coste... more

The Knife: A True Crime Podcast is a weekly true crime podcast from journalist/producers Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton (formerly of The Opportunist). The Knife is a show about people who’ve been dropped into a story they didn't start, but are left to ... more

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Recent Guests

Hannah Smith
Co-host of The Knife
The Knife
Episode: INSIDER SESSION | Ripple Effect: When Crime Becomes Your Story with Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton
Patia Eaton
Co-host of The Knife
The Knife
Episode: INSIDER SESSION | Ripple Effect: When Crime Becomes Your Story with Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton
Ellyn Marsh
Podcast host of 'I Think Not'
Episode: INSIDER SESSION | Reframing Trafficking: Ellyn Marsh on the Language of Exploitation
Deborah Bruce
Sister of David Pauley, seeking justice for her missing twin brother.
Episode: 7 | A Grave in the Woods
Paul Scarsella
A criminal defense attorney and co-counsel in the Beasley case
Episode: 6 | The Craigslist Ad
Jennifer Rausch
An attorney representing victims of sexual trauma in Ohio.
Episode: 2 | The Ravenous Wolf
Doug Oplinger
Former managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, providing insights on the community context.
Episode: 2 | The Ravenous Wolf
Volkan Topalli
A criminologist who discusses the psychological aspects of predators like Beasley.
Episode: 2 | The Ravenous Wolf
Rhonda Kotnik
An Akron public defender who represented Beasley at one point.
Episode: 2 | The Ravenous Wolf

Host

Carol Costello
Host and journalist reviewing the complexities of legal cases and victim narratives. Leveraging her extensive background as a seasoned storyteller, she brings a compassionate perspective to discussions around crime and justice.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 302 ratings
  • Oh, the moral superi

    The host is the absolute worst. Has her entire life been so privileged? She doesn’t get it, any of the trauma. but she’ll benefit from it! Her experts are mostly laughable. It’s awful. Don’t do it

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    it was recommended
    United States2 months ago
  • Great pod!

    I was turned to this podcast from a recommendation from another pod, I

    Think Not and per usual… it did not disappoint. Super smart women here!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Krhan
    United States3 months ago
  • Almost impossible to listen to

    Why use all the horrible recordings? Why add ear splitting sound effects? What is the point of this?

    Each episode is stupid short. Could have been 3 or 4 hour long and be done. Maybe the second season is better.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    it was recommended
    United States3 months ago
  • S2 is even Better

    I liked season one, but the second series is even better! Carol Costello is such a professional, and I like the way she explores larger themes like religion and the psychology of the case rather than just retelling the story.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PodcastLover11
    United States3 months ago
  • Stopped after 1 minute

    It was immediately all about the hostess, which is a bad sign. Then there was a comment about it being a “man’s world” so I moved in.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Matt_B_W
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The emotional and psychological aspects of crime resonate strongly with the audience.
Listeners appreciate the professional storytelling and depth of research presented.
Some critiques focus on the pacing of episodes and ad placements, but overall quality is praised.
The series effectively prompts discussions about justice and the failings of systems meant to protect victims.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Epilogue | Loose Ends
Q: Why did you decide to become a defense attorney?
Politics; it's not about the cases anymore, it's about winning and not being in the news.
Epilogue | Loose Ends
Q: How do you protect your mental health after dealing with these cases?
I'm not sure you do.
Epilogue | Loose Ends
Q: What would you say to Richard Beasley if you could talk to him?
I forgive him because I believe in my faith and that I must forgive to be forgiven.
9 | Dumb Like a Fox
Q: What was it about him that made him particularly evil in your mind?
He preyed on vulnerability, using hope under the guise of being a religious man.
9 | Dumb Like a Fox
Q: Can you tell me anything about what he said about those charges to you?
He denied everything, claiming he wouldn't do something like that as a religious man.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About The God Hook

What is The God Hook about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Centered around the investigations into the Ohio Craigslist Killings, the series offers a gripping exploration of the true crime stories of Richard Beasley, a perpetrator of multiple murders and human trafficking. The episodes provide listeners with insights into the complex backgrounds of the victims and the psychological manipulations employed by Beasley. Notable for its in-depth narrative and interviews with those directly involved in the legal proceedings, the series delves into larger themes of justice, redemption, and the emotional toll on both the victims and those seeking justice for them. The storytelling is characterized by a sensitive yet thorough examination of human suffering, resilience, and the societal structures that often ... more

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1. What Happened to Holly Bobo?
2. What Happened to Talina Zar
3. SEQUESTERED Podcast
4. Deep Cover
5. Bone Valley

How many episodes of The God Hook are there?

The God Hook launched 3 years ago and published 46 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The God Hook?

Recent guests on The God Hook include:

1. Hannah Smith
2. Patia Eaton
3. Ellyn Marsh
4. Deborah Bruce
5. Paul Scarsella
6. Jennifer Rausch
7. Doug Oplinger
8. Volkan Topalli

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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