Rephonic
Artwork for Criminal
Ken Etto
FBI
Bank Robbery
Alton Sterling
Bolita
Chicago Outfit
Crime
911 Emergency Services
Nellie Bly
Organized Crime
Texas
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
Baton Rouge Police Department
Vincent Solano
Japanese Internment Camps
J. Campisi
Johnny Gattuso
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Police Response
Emergency Dispatch

Criminal is the first of its kind. A show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes437Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Criminal

Latest Episodes

In the early 2000s, the hip hop group Silibil N’ Brains seemed like they were on the brink of becoming very famous. They had a record deal with Sony, had been on MTV, and were talking about making a TV show. But they weren’t who they said they were. more

This episode is unlocked and available for everyone to listen to!

Phoebe tells a story about an uncooperative plane passenger. Plus, Lauren and Phoebe discuss what embarrasses Phoebe the most, the intentional vagueness of Criminal episode descriptio... more

When Mike Williams went missing while duck hunting on Lake Seminole, investigators wondered if he had been eaten by alligators. But Mike’s mother was sure something else had happened.

Mikita Brottman’s book is Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder ... more

In 1963, Jeanne and Alan Abel traveled to Washington, DC to picket in front of the White House. They said they were part of a campaign that wanted to put clothes on animals — including the first lady’s horse.

Say hello on Facebook, Instagram and Tik... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Makita Brotman
Author and expert on the case
Episode: The Test
David Grann
Author of The Wager and Killers of the Flower Moon
Author
Episode: Amok
Jacek Robleski
Detective who investigated the case
Episode: Amok
Sister Helen Prejean
Sister of St. Joseph, a Catholic nun and advocate for death row inmates.
Episode: Sister Helen
Scott Darlington
A former sub-postmaster who faced wrongful charges due to discrepancies in the Horizon IT system.
Episode: The Post Office
Nick Wallace
Journalist who reported on the Post Office scandal.
BBC
Episode: The Post Office
Ken Silverstein
Author and journalist, known for interviewing David Hahn for his book, The Radioactive Boy Scout
Episode: The Boy Scout
Audrey Ryan
Child of a fisherman who discovered hash while fishing.
Episode: The Tusker
Lee Strimple
Former operations manager for the Coronado Company involved in drug smuggling.
Episode: The Tusker

Host

Phoebe Judge
Host of the series, recognized for creating compelling narratives around crime and social justice, blending empathy with investigative storytelling.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 57.5k ratings
  • Please less contrived

    The content is good, but please Phoebe, just less contrived presentation. Your speech pattern is a distractor from your story, not an asset.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    MaZ11021971
    United States8 days ago
  • My favourite podcast

    I don’t get why everyone is complaining about ads when you can just skip through them! There is no one I would like to hear read out a crime story than Phoebe. Love the show ☺️.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sebastian4324
    Ireland9 days ago
  • Recent episode

    Well known Florida case - Phoebe brings it to life - well done.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ellaz
    United States10 days ago
  • Obsessed

    The best of the best!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Guillermorss
    Mexico10 days ago
  • Dot Calm

    Great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JTBonardi
    United States18 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, the production quality and investigative rigor are commended, with many expressing deep appreciation for the host's skills.
The storytelling is engaging and invokes empathy, making complex issues accessible and thought-provoking.
However, some audience members express concern over perceived political slants, feeling it detracts from the core storytelling.
Listeners appreciate the balance of humor with serious subjects, adding depth to the narratives presented.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sister Helen
Q: What can you say to make someone feel better?
You simply tell them, 'I am here for you.' It's about presence.
Sister Helen
Q: Is it any easier for you to mourn someone or accept death now that you've seen it and seen it in such a public way, but also in a private way with your own family?
It's a huge mystery that we all die, and while I've witnessed death, it remains almost impossible to truly take it in.
The Custom of the Sea
Q: How does the public react to the case?
The initial reaction is enormous sympathy for the men, with crowds cheering for them and supporters organizing fundraisers.
Zak and Michelle
Q: Do you think he'll ever not be known as a terrorist?
I hope so. I certainly hope so. But it's hard, you know, one Google search and your name comes up, so it's going to be difficult.
Zak and Michelle
Q: What was the press coverage like at the time? Was this all over, all day, every day?
It was huge. I mean, I'm trying to think if we had a bigger case here in Toronto. And I don't think we have in the time that I've been reporting.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal

What is Criminal about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A captivating exploration of true crime narratives, this series focuses on individuals who have committed offenses, experienced injustices, or found themselves caught in bewildering situations. Each episode presents intricate stories ranging from humorous encounters with wildlife to tragic outcomes of societal failures. The compelling storytelling style captures not only the darker aspects of human nature but also shines a light on resilience, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of legality and justice. Listeners can expect a blend of empathy, historical context, and rich detail in the accounts provided, making this series not only informative but also profoundly moving.

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How many listeners does Criminal get?

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How many subscribers and views does Criminal have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Criminal?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Criminal:

1. This is Love
2. This American Life
3. Heavyweight
4. This Is Actually Happening
5. Ear Hustle

How many episodes of Criminal are there?

Criminal launched 12 years ago and published 437 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Criminal?

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What guests have appeared on Criminal?

Recent guests on Criminal include:

1. Makita Brotman
2. David Grann
3. Jacek Robleski
4. Sister Helen Prejean
5. Scott Darlington
6. Nick Wallace
7. Ken Silverstein
8. Audrey Ryan

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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