“Crime stories often say more about us than the actual crimes themselves.”
“Criminal” is indeed a true crime podcast created by Phoebe Judge, Lauren Spohrer, and Eric Mennel. The podcast is known for its unique storytelling style and its focus on a wide range of criminal stories from different time periods and locations. Each episode of the podcast dives into a specific crime, criminal, or criminal-related topic, offering a compelling narrative and often exploring lesser-known cases.
Phoebe Judge serves as the host of the podcast and is known for her engaging and empathetic storytelling style. Lauren Spohrer and Eric Mennel are part of the production team responsible for researching, producing, and editing the episodes.
“Criminal” has garnered a dedicated following for its well-crafted episodes, intriguing subject matter, and the way it delves into the complex and human aspects of criminal behavior. The podcast covers a wide range of criminal topics, from historical mysteries to contemporary cases, making it a popular choice for true crime enthusiasts.
Section I
The Genesis of “Criminal”
“Criminal” is a popular true crime podcast hosted by Phoebe Judge. The podcast explores various criminal cases, often focusing on lesser-known or unusual stories from the world of crime.
The podcast typically features standalone episodes, each delving into a different criminal case or topic. These cases can range from historical crimes to more contemporary events. Phoebe Judge’s narrative style is known for its storytelling prowess, combining interviews, archival recordings, and research to create compelling and thought-provoking episodes.
The podcast covers a wide range of criminal topics, from heists and unsolved mysteries to legal oddities and personal accounts of people who have been involved in unusual or intriguing criminal situations. The show aims to shed light on various aspects of human behavior, the criminal justice system, and the complex stories that surround criminal events.
The beginning of “Criminal” by Phoebe Judge in podcasting can be traced back to January 2014 when the podcast was officially launched. The Podcast was created by Phoebe Judge, along with her co-founders and co-creators, Lauren Spohrer and Eric Mennel.
Here’s a more detailed look at how “Criminal” began:
- Conception of the Podcast: Phoebe Judge, who had a background in radio journalism and storytelling, teamed up with Lauren Spohrer and Eric Mennel to create a podcast that would explore a wide range of criminal stories. Their vision was to go beyond the typical true crime narratives and delve into the human aspects of crime.
- The Inaugural Episode: The first episode of the podcast was released in January 2014, marking the official start of the podcast. From the beginning, the show aimed to present crime stories from unique perspectives and to emphasize the humanity of those involved.
- Narrative Style and Storytelling: Phoebe Judge’s distinctive voice and empathetic storytelling style became a hallmark of the podcast. The podcast was characterized by its immersive narratives, rich soundscapes, and the way it humanized both criminals and victims, providing a deeper understanding of the stories it covered.
- Diverse Range of Topics: Right from its inception, the podcast featured a diverse range of criminal stories. This inclusivity allowed the podcast to appeal to a wide audience, as it covered everything from notorious crimes to lesser-known cases, historical mysteries to contemporary events, and even quirky criminal occurrences.
- Growth and Influence: As “Criminal” continued to produce episodes and gain a following, it received critical acclaim for its quality storytelling and unique approach to the true crime genre. It not only attracted a dedicated fan base but also influenced the broader landscape of true crime podcasting.
In summary, the podcast by Phoebe Judge began as a creative endeavor in January 2014, driven by a desire to explore crime stories from a different angle. The podcast’s commitment to storytelling, its focus on the human aspects of criminal behavior, and its diverse range of topics have contributed to its enduring success and influence within the true crime podcasting community. It all started with a vision to tell compelling stories that engage listeners and provide a deeper understanding of the complex world of crime.
The Host and Co-Creators
The host and co-creator of the podcast are Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer, Eric Mennel respectively.
Phoebe Judge
Phoebe Judge is a radio journalist and podcast host known for her work in the world of audio storytelling.
Phoebe Judge is widely recognized as the host and co-creator of the popular true crime podcast “Criminal.” She is known for her distinctive and soothing voice, which has become a hallmark of her podcasting career. Judge’s storytelling abilities have earned her acclaim for her empathetic and engaging narration style.
Key points about Phoebe Judge:
- Background in Radio: Phoebe Judge has a background in radio journalism and has worked as a radio host and reporter for a significant part of her career. Her experience in radio broadcasting laid the foundation for her success in the world of podcasting.
- Co-Creator of “Criminal”: Judge, along with her co-creators Lauren Spohrer and Eric Mennel, launched the “Criminal” podcast in January 2014. The podcast explores a wide range of criminal stories, often emphasizing the human aspects of crime and providing unique perspectives on true crime narratives.
- Narrative Style: Phoebe Judge is known for her exceptional storytelling abilities. Her narration is characterized by its immersive quality, attention to detail, and the way it delves into the emotions and motivations of those involved in the stories she tells.
- Influence on Podcasting: the podcast hosted by Phoebe Judge, has been influential in the true crime podcasting genre. Its unique approach to crime storytelling, which emphasizes the human elements of criminal behavior, has inspired other creators and contributed to the growth of narrative-driven true crime podcasts.
Lauren Spohrer
Lauren Spohrer is a co-creator and producer known for her work on the true crime podcast.
Lauren Spohrer, along with Phoebe Judge and Eric Mennel, co-founded and co-created the the podcast podcast. While Phoebe Judge serves as the host and narrator of the show, Lauren Spohrer plays a crucial role behind the scenes. Her responsibilities include:
- Research: Lauren Spohrer is responsible for researching the content of each episode. This involves delving into the details of the criminal stories featured on the podcast, gathering information, and ensuring accuracy and depth in the storytelling.
- Content Development: Spohrer is involved in the development of episode concepts and content. She works to identify compelling and lesser-known criminal stories that align with the podcast’s mission of providing unique and thought-provoking narratives.
- Production: As a producer, Spohrer is involved in the production process of each episode. This includes coordinating interviews, recording sessions, and overseeing the technical aspects of bringing the podcast to life.
- Editing and Storytelling: Lauren Spohrer, along with her colleagues, contributes to the editing and storytelling aspects o fthe podcast. She helps craft each episode’s narrative, ensuring that the stories are presented in a compelling and engaging manner.
Lauren Spohrer’s dedication to researching and crafting the content of the podcast has been instrumental in the podcast’s success. Her work behind the scenes helps bring the diverse range of criminal stories to life in a way that captivates and resonates with the podcast’s audience.
Eric Mennel
Eric Mennel is a journalist and audio producer known for his work in podcasting.
Eric Mennel, along with Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer, played a significant role in the creation and production of “Criminal.” While Phoebe Judge served as the host and narrator of the podcast, and Lauren Spohrer was involved in research and content development, Eric Mennel contributed to various aspects of the show’s production, including:
- Production and Editing: Eric Mennel was involved in the production of episodes, which includes tasks such as recording interviews, editing audio, and ensuring the technical quality of the podcast.
- Content Development: He likely participated in the process of selecting and developing episode topics, as well as shaping the overall direction of the podcast.
- Collaborative Storytelling: Mennel, like his colleagues, played a role in crafting the narratives for each episode. This involved storytelling techniques and the presentation of true crime stories in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
It’s important to note that roles and responsibilities within creative teams, especially in the world of podcasting, can evolve over time. Since my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021, I recommend checking more recent sources to learn about any developments or new projects Eric Mennel may have been involved in since then.
Narrative Style and Unique Approach of “Criminal”
“Criminal” by Phoebe Judge is celebrated for its distinctive narrative style and unique approach to true crime storytelling. Here’s a closer look at what sets the podcast apart:
- Narrative Excellence: Phoebe Judge’s narrative style is a defining feature of the podcast. She possesses a soothing and captivating voice that draws listeners in, making them feel like they are a part of the story. Her storytelling is both artful and immersive, engaging the audience from the very beginning of each episode.
- Human-Centric Approach: Unlike many true crime podcasts that focus solely on the facts and details of a crime, the podcast takes a deeply human-centric approach. Phoebe Judge and her team delve into the lives, emotions, and motivations of the people involved in each case, whether they are criminals, victims, or witnesses. This approach humanizes the individuals at the center of these stories, providing a nuanced and empathetic perspective.
- Diverse Range of Stories: the podcast prides itself on covering a wide spectrum of criminal stories. It doesn’t limit itself to high-profile cases or gruesome murders. Instead, it explores a diverse range of topics, from historical mysteries to quirky criminal occurrences. This diversity keeps the content fresh and appeals to a broad audience.
- Varied Perspectives: The podcast often presents stories from unique and unexpected angles. It may feature interviews with individuals directly involved in the cases, including criminals themselves, offering listeners a firsthand account of the events. This varied perspective adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
- No Sensationalism: the podcast avoids sensationalism and gratuitous details. While it explores the darker aspects of crime, it does so with respect for the individuals and events it covers. The podcast emphasizes the human side of criminal behavior and strives to understand the complex factors that lead people into criminal situations.
- Attention to Detail: The podcast pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each episode is well-researched and factually accurate. This commitment to accuracy and depth is reflected in the comprehensive and informative storytelling.
- Intriguing Variety: Each episode of the podcast presents a self-contained story, making it easy for listeners to jump into any episode without needing extensive background information. This format allows for an intriguing variety of topics and keeps listeners engaged episode after episode.
In summary, “Criminal” by Phoebe Judge is distinguished by its narrative excellence, its emphasis on the human aspects of crime, its diverse range of stories, and its commitment to presenting true crime narratives from unique perspectives. It’s a podcast that offers not just crime stories but a deeper understanding of the people and circumstances behind those stories, making it a compelling and enduring presence in the world of podcasting.
Diverse Range of Topics
“Criminal” by Phoebe Judge is known for its diverse range of topics within the true crime genre. The podcast’s commitment to exploring a wide spectrum of criminal stories sets it apart and ensures that there’s something for every true crime enthusiast. Here are some examples of the diverse range of topics covered by the podcast:
Notorious Crimes: the podcast has featured episodes on some of the most infamous criminal cases in history, including episodes about serial killers, high-profile murder trials, and well-known criminal figures.
Historical Mysteries: The podcast often delves into historical mysteries, uncovering forgotten or lesser-known stories from the past. These episodes transport listeners to different eras and provide a glimpse into the mysteries that have intrigued generations.
Legal and Justice System: Some episodes explore legal and criminal justice system topics, shedding light on issues such as wrongful convictions, legal loopholes, and challenges within the justice system.
Art Heists and Thefts: The podcast has covered intriguing cases related to art heists and thefts. These episodes take listeners into the world of stolen artwork, the criminals who take part in these heists, and the efforts to recover stolen masterpieces.
Quirky and Unusual Crimes: The podcast also has a penchant for uncovering quirky and unusual criminal occurrences. These stories range from bizarre thefts to unconventional criminal methods, offering a unique perspective on crime.
Cold Cases and Unsolved Mysteries: The podcast has dedicated episodes to cold cases and unsolved mysteries, exploring the lingering questions and mysteries surrounding these cases.
Historical Figures and Their Crimes: Some episodes focus on historical figures who were involved in criminal activities or scandals. These stories provide a deeper look at well-known individuals’ less-publicized aspects.
Criminal Justice Reforms: In addition to exploring specific cases, the podcast has touched on broader issues related to criminal justice reforms and the complexities of the legal system.
Folklore and Legends: Occasionally, the podcast delves into criminal stories rooted in folklore and local legends, showcasing the cultural aspects of crime.
Personal Stories: the podcast has also featured episodes that delve into personal stories of individuals who have been impacted by crime in various ways, providing a human perspective on the consequences of criminal actions.
This diverse range of topics allows “Criminal” to appeal to a broad audience, from those interested in true crime’s darkest aspects to those intrigued by the historical and cultural dimensions of criminal behavior. Each episode is meticulously researched and presented with Phoebe Judge’s signature storytelling style, making a podcast that continues to engage and captivate listeners with its wide array of fascinating stories.
Standout Episodes
“Criminal” by Phoebe Judge has produced numerous compelling episodes over the years, covering a wide range of intriguing criminal stories. Here are five recommended episodes from the podcast, each offering a unique and captivating narrative:
Episode Title: “A Bump in the Night”
- Synopsis: In this episode, the podcast explores the bizarre case of the “Axeman of New Orleans,” a serial killer who terrorized the city in the early 20th century. What sets this episode apart is its connection to music and jazz culture, as the Axeman’s reign of terror involved a chilling demand related to jazz music. The episode delves into the mystery and the eerie letters sent by the killer.
Episode Title: “He’s Neutral”
- Synopsis: This episode explores the intriguing story of a Swiss man named Carl Lutz, a diplomat during World War II who used his position to save tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. the podcast presents a lesser-known but highly impactful story of heroism and moral responsibility during a dark period in history.
Episode Title: “Bloodlines”
- Synopsis: “Bloodlines” is a powerful and emotional episode that delves into a family’s history of crime. Phoebe Judge tells the story of a woman who discovers a dark family secret, leading her to confront her own past and the legacy of criminal behavior within her family.
Episode Title: “In Plain Sight”
- Synopsis: This episode takes listeners into the world of art theft and recovery. It recounts the daring heist of a priceless painting and the incredible journey of how the stolen artwork was eventually recovered. It’s a captivating tale of crime, intrigue, and the persistence of law enforcement and art investigators.
These recommended episodes showcase the diversity of topics and storytelling styles that “Criminal” is known for. Whether you’re interested in historical mysteries, quirky crimes, heroic acts, or personal narratives, there’s an episode inthe podcast that is sure to captivate your interest and provide a unique perspective on the world of crime.
Impact and Influence of “Criminal”
“Criminal” by Phoebe Judge has had a notable impact and influence in the world of podcasting, particularly within the true crime genre. Its success and unique approach to storytelling have contributed to the broader podcasting landscape in several ways:
- Narrative Excellence: The podcast is celebrated for its exceptional storytelling. Phoebe Judge’s immersive and empathetic narration style has set a high standard for audio storytelling within the true crime genre. The podcast’s success has underscored the importance of narrative quality in podcasting and has inspired other creators to prioritize engaging storytelling.
- Human-Centric Approach: The podcast has popularized a human-centric approach to true crime storytelling. By delving into the lives, emotions, and motivations of the people involved in criminal cases, the podcast has emphasized the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive criminal behavior. This approach has been emulated by other podcasts seeking to provide a more nuanced perspective on crime.
- Diverse Range of Topics: The podcast’s commitment to covering a diverse range of criminal stories has expanded the scope of true crime podcasting. “Criminal” has demonstrated that the genre can go beyond well-known cases and explore lesser-known, quirky, and historical stories. This diversity has encouraged other podcasts to seek out unique narratives.
- Inspiration for Creators: “Criminal” has served as a source of inspiration for podcast creators. Its success has motivated others to explore the true crime genre with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. The podcast has shown that there is room for creativity and diversity of voices in the true crime podcasting space.
- Respect for Subjects: “Criminal” maintains a respectful and empathetic approach to its subjects, whether they are criminals, victims, or witnesses. This approach has influenced the way other podcasts handle sensitive and challenging topics. It has highlighted the importance of treating the individuals at the center of these stories with dignity and care.
- Live Shows and Tours: The popularity of “Criminal” has led to live shows and tours, allowing fans to experience the podcast in a theatrical setting. This engagement with the audience has created a sense of community around the podcast and expanded its reach.
- Genre Evolution: “Criminal” has contributed to the evolution of the true crime genre. It has shown that true crime podcasts can be more than just recounting gruesome details and can serve as a platform for exploring the complexities of human behavior and the justice system.
In summary, “Criminal” by Phoebe Judge has had a significant impact on podcasting by setting high standards for storytelling quality, promoting a human-centric approach to crime narratives, diversifying the range of topics explored, and inspiring creators to innovate within the true crime genre. Its influence extends beyond its dedicated fan base, shaping the broader landscape of podcasting and redefining what true crime storytelling can be.
Mind – blowing Insights
In the ever-expanding realm of podcasting, where true crime stories abound, “Criminal” by Phoebe Judge stands as a testament to the power of narrative storytelling and the enduring allure of the human element in crime. Since its inception in January 2014, this podcast has captivated audiences worldwide with its exceptional storytelling, diverse range of topics, and commitment to exploring the intricate web of human behavior that surrounds crime.
Phoebe Judge’s voice, both soothing and magnetic, has become synonymous with the art of storytelling. With each episode, she invites listeners on a journey into the unknown, unraveling the mysteries, eccentricities, and tragedies of the criminal world. Her empathetic approach to true crime storytelling sets “Criminal” apart, reminding us that behind every criminal act, there are human lives, motives, and emotions to consider.
What makes “Criminal” truly remarkable is its ability to traverse the breadth of the criminal landscape. From notorious historical cases to quirky thefts, from deep explorations of legal intricacies to the retelling of chilling serial killer tales, “Criminal” keeps its listeners on the edge of their seats. The podcast’s commitment to unearthing lesser-known stories and presenting familiar cases from fresh angles keeps the content both unpredictable and endlessly fascinating.
“Criminal” isn’t just a podcast; it’s a driving force behind the evolution of the true crime genre. Its narrative excellence and empathetic storytelling have set a high bar for podcast creators, inspiring them to prioritize engaging narratives that dig deeper into the complexities of crime and justice. The podcast has showcased the power of storytelling to humanize even the darkest aspects of our world.
Phoebe Judge and her team have also demonstrated that respect for the subjects of crime stories is paramount. By treating victims, criminals, and witnesses with dignity and care, “Criminal” has emphasized the importance of ethical storytelling, a lesson that resonates throughout the podcasting community.
Moreover, the podcast’s influence goes beyond the digital realm. Live shows and tours have allowed fans to experience the magic of “Criminal” in a theatrical setting, fostering a sense of community among its dedicated listeners.
In conclusion, “Criminal” by Phoebe Judge is a masterclass in storytelling, a testament to the enduring appeal of true crime tales, and a catalyst for the evolution of the podcasting landscape. As long as there are intriguing stories to be told about the human condition’s darker side, “Criminal” will continue to captivate and inspire us, reminding us that, in the end, it’s the stories that bind us all together, even in the face of crime and mystery.