

Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2024 • 48min
Los Hipopótamos
Jorge Caraballo discusses Pablo Escobar smuggling hippos into Colombia in the 1980s, leading to a hippo population boom. The podcast covers Escobar's criminal empire, life amidst drug violence in Colombia, and the challenges of sterilizing hippos in the region.

Jul 12, 2024 • 48min
The Disappearance of Leslie Arnold
Leslie Arnold, a 24-year-old who escaped from prison in 1967, discusses his experiences in prison, the daring escape with a fellow inmate, and the FBI's relentless pursuit to locate him. The podcast also delves into forensic genetic genealogy, the search for missing persons, and the son's discovery of his father's mysterious past.

Jul 5, 2024 • 35min
Ten Thousand Feet in the Air
The podcast discusses the daring plane hijacking attempt by Martin McNally in 1972, his dramatic escape with money tied to his leg, and the intense aftermath of his criminal act, including his arrest by the FBI. The episode also explores the history of plane hijackings in the 1960s, with stories of hijackings to Cuba and unique solutions proposed to tackle such incidents.

Jun 28, 2024 • 37min
State of North Carolina v. Joan Little
Karen Bethea-Shields, lawyer for Joan Little's self-defense case, discusses the challenges faced by Black women in the justice system. Topics include societal bias, legal strategies, and the emotional trial climax leading to Joan's acquittal.

Jun 21, 2024 • 28min
The Demon Spread
Explore the controversial history of margarine production in the United States, including the influence of the dairy lobby. Learn about the battle to legalize colored margarine in Wisconsin and the current debate over labeling plant-based milks. Discover the innovative French chemist who introduced oleomargarine as a butter substitute.

Jun 14, 2024 • 41min
One Troy
Funeral director, Lawrence H. Woodward, shares the emotional toll of handling violent crime victim funerals. Exploring the challenges of reconstructing bodies, providing closure, and dispelling misconceptions about the funeral industry. Reflects on the significance of black-owned funeral homes in preserving African American heritage.

Jun 7, 2024 • 44min
11 to 1
JonRe Taylor, the juror who voted 'not guilty' on every charge in a 2007 trial, reflects on the lack of evidence and dynamics during deliberation. The impact of jury selection on trial outcomes and the racial injustice in the system are explored. Historical context of black jurors and non-unanimous verdicts in Louisiana is discussed, along with the challenges faced by those incarcerated based on these verdicts.

May 24, 2024 • 41min
The Six
A murder case with six arrests in Nebraska takes a shocking turn when DNA results exclude all convicted individuals. The focus shifts to Bruce Allen Smith as the true perpetrator, leading to revelations about wrongful convictions and the search for justice. The story follows the exoneration of Joseph White and the legal battles faced by the wrongfully accused, highlighting the impact of flawed forensic analysis and the pursuit of truth amid tragedy.

May 17, 2024 • 36min
Type B
Six people arrested for a murder in Nebraska had dreams about the crime. The investigation uncovers conflicting testimonies and a wrongful conviction is revealed after nearly two decades.

9 snips
May 10, 2024 • 33min
The Confession, Part 3
A man's journey from confessing a crime at 18 to awaiting clemency, facing a nerve-wracking parole hearing, and experiencing an unexpected early release. Reflections on new beginnings, family reunions, and the desire to create lasting memories post-incarceration.


