Whether you’re looking for something that’ll leave you locking the doors or something that’ll give you the warm fuzzies, this list has got you covered.
To some, there’s no way these two podcast genres should be featured together. Though I see your point, hear me out.
So, you listen to a true-crime podcast that, while intriguing, leaves you absolutely terrified (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped around to make sure an unwanted passenger wasn’t in my backseat while I listened to a murder mystery behind the wheel). Maybe one serial killer podcast session is enough, but if you’re anything like me, you inevitably fall down the rabbit hole of listening to five in a row and can’t sleep at night.
Luckily, the mushy relationship podcasts swoop in to save the day after a restless night. What better remedy to thinking about getting kidnapped than to imagine falling in love with your kindergarten crush at a bar twenty years later, right?
To put it simply, these two podcast genres are basically the sweet and salty combination of the radio world. So, if you’re looking to try out the duo, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites that won’t disappoint.
True Crime
“Crime Junkie”
Winning a spot on Apple Podcasts’ “Best Listens of 2019” list, my personal favorite podcast, “Crime Junkie,” is one I adore. Not only do they cover every kind of case you can think of, from infamous serial killers to small unsolved kidnappings you’ve likely never heard of, but the crimes they discuss could’ve happened yesterday or in 1942 (you’re always in for a bundle of surprises). On top of that, the relationship between the podcast hosts, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, couldn’t be more fun. The two have been best friends since childhood, and their quick-witted banter will make you feel like you’re part of the friend group.
What really draws me into “Crime Junkie” is what Ashley and Brit’s first priority is when analyzing cases: teaching people, especially young girls, that there’s no such thing as “overly cautious.” The show’s motto is “Be Weird. Be Rude. Stay Alive.,” and every time the BFF duo dives into a new crime, they never hesitate to remind viewers to trust their gut, and never feel guilty saying no to someone asking to walk you to your car or help bring in your groceries.
“Criminal”
Named “the NPR of crime podcasts” by the San Francisco Chronicle, “Criminal” is a podcast that analyzes true crime from perspectives that are often not explored by its other crime and mystery counterparts. Instead of focusing on well-known cases in the true crime community or the ones most likely to earn listens from passersby, they dive deep into criminal archives to bring light to unspoken injustices. I’m not just talking about crimes that serial killers and abductors have committed. “Criminal” uncovers the injustice that’s deeply rooted within the criminal justice system.
On a mission to tell “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle,” the show’s host, Phoebe Judge, along with the entire “Criminal” team raises the voices of victims who never got justice, the innocent who have been falsely accused and so many more stories that have been forgotten or buried. “Criminal” covers intriguing mysteries while forcing you to grapple with the history of our criminal justice system.
Love & Relationships
“Modern Love”
Based on a successful New York Times column that’s been running for 16 years now, Modern Love takes shape in the form of a TV show, three books and now a podcast. The podcast revolves around reader-submitted stories that explore all the intricacies and wonders of love that leave us on cloud 9 or like our heart is actually breaking (sometimes all in one day). Each episode delivers a brand new love story, and you can scroll through the vast archive of episodes until you find the perfect one for your mood.
Whether you’re falling in love for the first time, are experiencing heartbreak or have been married for twenty years, “Modern Love” has something for you. By sharing stories of adventure, growth and connection, we’re reminded that no matter how different our love stories are, the feelings and emotions we experience in relationships often universally unite us.
“Our Love Song”
Last, but certainly not least, this new Spotify Original that just premiered three weeks ago connects relationships and music in a way I’ve truly never seen before. “Our Love Song” invites couples to tell their entire love story (from the awkward beginnings to tear-jerking ends). It invites us to hear the good, the bad and the ugly of real-life relationships in such a vulnerable, adorable way.
As if this wasn’t enough, the couples tailor in key songs that defined important moments in their relationship. Hearing couples recount memories while simultaneously listening to songs that define their relationship is definitely one of the cutest things I’ve ever heard. After one episode of “Our Love Song,” you’ll be ready to head back to the world of murder mysteries with no problem.
So, need something to do this weekend? Snuggle up with your favorite snacks and sweats and see if this dichotomy between true crime and true love is one you’ll enjoy as much as I do; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.