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Artwork for The Burden

The Burden

Orbit Media
Bank Robbery
David Thorne
Yvonne Layne
True Crime
Calvin Buari
Louis Scarcella
Death Flights
Miriam Lewin
Gun Trace Task Force
Argentina
Murder
Crime
Derrick Hamilton
Bronx
Justice System
Joe Loya
Murder Investigation
Joe Wilkes
Ohio
FBI

The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them.

Season 7 - The Burden: Bad Cops

Baltimore, Maryland likes to call itself Charm City. But you have to wonder: Is the nickname ironic? Consider o... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes105Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Burden

Latest Episodes

The journalist and the best friend go at it.

Pulitzer Prize winner and host of Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie Freleng set out to investigate what she believed to be the wrongful conviction of David Thorne for murder. The investigation took a... more

Wayne Jenkins, now serving 25 years in prison, tells his side of the story. What do the crimes of the Gun Trace Task Force reveal about the city of Baltimore?

A podcast from Orbit Media reported and produced by the BBC and hosted by Jessica Lussenh... more

A shocking tragedy occurs. Conspiracy theories spread. The trial of the Task Force officers begins, but who will speak out?

A podcast from Orbit Media reported and produced by the BBC and hosted by Jessica Lussenhop.

See omnystudio.com/listener fo... more

Hello, The Burden: Bad Cops Listeners! We want to share a new show you might enjoy, it’s DISGRACELAND!!!

About the Show: You know the myths. You’ve seen the biopics. But if you’re the kind of music fan who craves the rest of the story—the stuff the... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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

Josh McComb
Friend of David Thorne, involved in the case discussions
Friend of David Thorne
Episode: Death & Deceit in Alliance - Bonus Episode | Face Off
Wayne Jenkins
Former sergeant, Gun Trace Task Force
Baltimore Police Department / Gun Trace Task Force
Episode: Bad Cops | 7. The Golden Boy
Erika Jensen
FBI Special Agent investigating the Gun Trace Task Force
FBI
Episode: Bad Cops | 5. The Takedown
Donnie Stepp
55-year-old former associate of Wayne Jenkins involved in drug dealing and conspiracies
Unspecified (Baltimore criminal networks)
Episode: Bad Cops | 4. The Man Behind the Curtain
Donnie Steff
Guest providing insider perspective and context
Not specified
Episode: Bad Cops | 3. The Warning Signs
Erica Jensen
FBI Special Agent, public corruption squad
FBI
Episode: Bad Cops | 2. The Wiretap
Kenneth Baumgartner
Baltimore resident who was a robbery victim and eyewitness
Baltimore, Maryland resident
Episode: Bad Cops | 1. The Tracker
Detective David McDougall
Harford County Sheriff's Office detective involved in the heroin investigation
Harford County Sheriff's Office
Episode: Bad Cops | 1. The Tracker
Sergeant Wayne Jenkins
Sergeant, Gun Trace Task Force, Baltimore Police Department
Baltimore Police Department
Episode: Bad Cops | 1. The Tracker

Hosts

Steve Fishman
Host of the series, overseeing true-crime storytelling with a focus on insider perspectives and investigations.
Jessica Lussenhopp
Journalist and host, known for in-depth interviews and narrative reporting on policing and corruption.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 696 ratings
  • Awesome

    This was so good, like a crime novel with a great twist at the end!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    #❤️podcastsEmily
    United Statesa month ago
  • All I needed to hear was Baltimore.

    😑

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    tobekem
    United States2 months ago
  • Season 3

    This is an amazing season. Having studied abroad in Buenos Aires and visited ESMA and other places of memory, this story was haunting. Listening to this in 2025/2026 it scares me to think this could happen in the US fifty years later. I didn’t realize how much work and dedication was put into this season until listening to the bonus episode. Amazing work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nicnovaaa
    United States2 months ago
  • Loved Season 4

    I really enjoyed the thoughtful well rounded story.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RosieisLife
    United States4 months ago
  • Good content, there just isn’t much of it

    There are so so so many commercials! There is little content in each episode because there are so many breaks…then include an intro and review of previous info and a spoiler for next week and there isn’t much left! If that problem was fixed, I’d give this podcast a 4.3

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Mattia77
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners praise the deep-dive investigations and humanized storytelling.
Pattern of strong guest voices and investigative rigor is noted as a strength.
Ads are excessive and break up storytelling, which detracts from immersion.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#155
South Korea/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bad Cops | 7. The Golden Boy
Q: When did you first cross the line?
Jenkins describes the onset of corruption as a gradual process starting with being taught to “get the guy by all means,” taking small bribes, and being pressured by veterans to participate in money-and-drug schemes, eventually normalizing theft and falsehoods.
Lives of Crime | 5. Bad Business Kid
Q: How did you start projecting yourself as a business leader at such a young age?
Ian explains that he built a personal brand around being the 'teenage businessman,' using a desk setup, a suit, and live-for-the-moment ventures to attract attention and investors.
Introducing - The Jordan Harbinger Show: Joe Loya | Confessions of a Bank Robber Part Two
Q: How did trying to essentially kill your dad, how did that change your life?
It was one of the worst experiences of my life, but it helped me realize I'm wired differently, seeing how others reacted compared to me.
Death & Deceit in Alliance | 13. The Circling
Q: What were some of those?
They wanted to know about the real David and whether he would be forthcoming about his violent past.
Death & Deceit in Alliance | 9. The Others
Q: Did Yvonne ever confide in you about feeling afraid of someone?
Jeremy notes that Yvonne was never afraid of anyone, though he mentions noticing a change in her demeanor leading up to her death.

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 The Burden

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

The series current arc centers on Baltimore's Gun Trace Task Force and the broader questions of police accountability, ethics, and public trust. Through in-depth interviews and narrative storytelling, episodes trace how a once-elite unit allegedly turned to theft, planted evidence, and deception, culminating in investigations, trials, and broad scrutiny of policing culture. The show frequently centers on insider perspectives, victim testimonies, and the difficult process of uncovering truth within a system that can obscure misconduct, while also highlighting the human costs borne by communities and families affected by corruption. A standout feature is the long-form, first-person style that blends investigative reporting with personal narra... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Burden?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Burden:

1. The Binge Crimes: What Happened to the Harrisons?
2. The Binge Cases: What She Buried
3. Burden of Guilt
4. Deep Cover
5. Crime Scene

How many episodes of The Burden are there?

The Burden launched 2 years ago and published 105 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 Burden?

Recent guests on The Burden include:

1. Josh McComb
2. Wayne Jenkins
3. Erika Jensen
4. Donnie Stepp
5. Donnie Steff
6. Erica Jensen
7. Kenneth Baumgartner
8. Detective David McDougall

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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