Documentary · Sony Music Entertainment

Fatal Fantasy

by Sony Music Entertainment

Renowned DNA scientist Dr. Robert Schwartz is found brutally murdered inside his secluded Virginia home in the weeks before Christmas 2001. As investigators dig in, a dark, paganistic theme hovers over the crime. As suspects emerge, a Live Action Role- Playing game, scripted by the least likely person imaginable, reveals a frightening subculture of young adults dabbling in the occult. Greed, control, manipulation and hatred unravel in an outrageous and unbelievable homicidal plot. Join investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author M. William Phelps as he sorts out the deadly measures some will go to get what they want. Binge all episodes of Fatal Fantasy, ad-free by subscribing to The Binge. Search and follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases feeds on Apple Podcasts and hit Subscribe, or visit ⁠⁠GetTheBinge.com.⁠ From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. New episodes drop on the first of every month. Join our free newsletter for behind-the-scenes details at ⁠Patreon.com/TheBinge.⁠ The Binge – Feed your true crime obsession. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest episodes

Showing 2 · updated from the feed

2. Mud

Investigators catch a break when a neighbor reports a car stuck in the mud in Dr. Schwartz’s driveway two nights before his body was found. A tow truck driver, caught in

Apr 24
35 min

1. Overkill

Renowned DNA scientist and father of three, Dr. Robert Schwartz, is found stabbed to death more than 30 times by a sword inside his Virginia home. A Satanic pentagram and

Apr 24
39 min

Chart trend

Position in the Documentary chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#100#199JulAugSepOct

#40

all-time peak

days in the top 50 since May 2026

Chart positions

Where Fatal Fantasy ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 15, 2026).

#126 ▼ 1 Documentary US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

There are so many inaccuracies about the TTRPG and LARP communities…stupid sensationalized rumors and urban legends instead of real research and genuine curiosity. A missed opportunity to explore an interesting culture that often appeals to troubled young people. Satanic panic “rock music caused violence” level nonsense. If you like actually learning anything from a podcast instead of pointing and gawking at caricatures, skip this one.

Lacey121212 · Aug 2026

Phelps wasn’t the best speaker so it made this very interesting story, a chore to listen to. Phelps spoke as if each world hurt to get out. He also spoke with an amount of theatrics that just made it sound cheesy at a lot of points. Phelps also included too much of his own personal opinion which in turn made me dislike his narrow understanding of mental illnesses, especially considering the fact that mental illness was the driving by factor of this murder. Great story, just didn’t enjoy how it was narrated.

Monie421 · Jul 2026

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.