Criminal - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I’d like to start by saying that if we made a list of the “hot button issues” and myself and the creators/hosts of this show chose a side for each issue- I don’t feel we’d have many, if any in common.

Usually this would be a reason for me to seek a different voice- I’m not going to have my views bashed while I sit by and listen for entertainment. That’s usually the way with any such podcast and so in the end you get an echo chamber of sorts.

But this - this is anything but that. It’s almost an art form the way the host(s) approach stories and show the human side of so many different things . You realize by the choices for stories and maybe a comment here or there what their “stance” is on certain things… but they don’t make the thing the center of attention. They frame everything so beautifully that you can’t help but see that the humans behind the issues are beautiful gifts (even if you don’t agree with everything they do or stand for). It’s done in such a perfect non confrontational way . This is how we are supposed to be- able to listen to other people and see humanity through the issues. Our world makes that so difficult these days but “Criminal” and “This is Love” have mastered the technique. My beliefs are firm but Criminal has reminded me I can have hard beliefs without a hard heart.

I listened to every episode in a matter of a month and some twice. I recommend it regularly. Looking forward to more content.

I am already a huge fan of your shows, but the episode about your mother was one of the most beautiful stories I have listened to. It helped me realize that losing a parent, or anyone you love, doesn’t have to be a dark, scary thing. You created such a beautiful last chapter for her and you tell it with grace, dignity, and humor. The story about stuffing your sister’s ashes in the “craft store” urn and super-gluing in closed was the perfect tension breaker. You are a wonderful story teller and I always learn something in each episode. Thank you. Sincerely.

I recommend this show to everyone, even people who aren’t normally fans of true crime! This show is incredible in so many different ways. The stories are original, unique, and well-written, and cover subjects that aren’t usually talked about in true crime podcasts. The editing of the podcast is also air-tight, with the music, interviews, and Phoebe’s delightfully soothing voice all combine to make a wonderful listening experience.

This podcast is always top 5 for me. I LOVE phoebe’s podcast voice, her pace, flow, style, and cadence. She’s the perfect host for this podcast. V soothing listening to her. Every episode is original w a diverse rolodex of subjects. So thoughtful and well made. Keeps listeners’ interest from beginning to end w arresting peak quality content that draws your full attention. Also, the sound design and engineering is in perfect concert w her narrative style. Production value is tops; you can tell a lot of people work to make this podcast what it is and the best it can be. So thanks to everyone involved in the production of Criminal. I almost never miss an episode. This is a premiere podcast! No criticism here except I wish there were more art, art history, and wildlife/environment, ecology and conservation episodes. Big shout out to all the Criminal staff and the host, Phoebe, who has the best podcast voice and narration style for this genre.

I have been listening to this podcast from the very beginning, and was so happy to have discovered it. The content was unique, engaging, and insightful. Over the years, it has evolved into a podcast about very obscure and historical material, that has lost my interest. One must listen to nearly the entire episode before any criminal element is even introduced. The earlier episodes seemed truer to the genre, but lately, this feels like listening to an esoteric history lesson.

I love this podcast but ever since Vox acquired it, the ads seemed to have exponentially increased. I listened to other podcasts that are 3 hours with half the amount of ads. 5 stars for the content but the ads knock it down by 2 stars, it may seem excessive but so do the ads. Knocking down one more star because Vox seems to have made Criminal be more political than in the past.