Prosecutors are the most powerful people in the American criminal justice system. "Open and Shut," a new podcast from Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio, shines a light on how prosecutors do their jobs — and the danger of allowing that power to go unchecked. Hosted by reporter Phoebe Petrovic, "Open and Shut" is the culmination of nearly three years of investigative reporting. The seven-part series follows two district attorneys in Wisconsin's Fox Valley and their impact on victims, the accused and the justice system.
Latest episodes
Showing 8 · updated from the feed
Deals Vince Biskupic made as a prosecutor and judge raise questions of fairness in Wisconsin’s justice system
The Scandal
May 18 2022
Wisconsin prosecutor campaigned on his record — but some high-profile cases had hidden flaws
The List
May 11 2022
Two decades after high-profile murder trial, questions remain in the prosecution of Ken Hudson
The Circus
May 4 2022
A horrific murder. Police helped a key witness. The prosecutor kept it secret.
The Witness
Apr 27 2022
Two prosecutors accused a man of plotting to murder one of them. Years later, a different story emerged.
The Hit Plot
Apr 20 2022
The rise and fall of Winnebago County District Attorney Joe Paulus reveals the immense power of prosecutors – and how it can be abused
The Golden Boy
Apr 20 2022
Prosecution included questionable witnesses, racial stereotype, in 2000 arson trial of Dale Chu
The Fire
Apr 20 2022
A New Podcast From Wisconsin Watch and WPR
Open and Shut: Coming April 20
Apr 1 2022
Chart positions
Where Open and Shut ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 10, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Phoebe is a force of nature- this podcast is really extraordinary. It’s gripping, so well-researched and highlights the human stakes behind it all. So incredible- you have to listen.
Malsimhalm · Dec 2022
The reporting, production, and narration were excellent! But the stories are so old. Would have liked to see more contemporary examples to support the through line that cautions us about prosecutorial power.
AllEarsAmy · May 2022
This podcast addresses the important and interesting topic of prosecutorial misconduct. It makes for compelling listening. My only criticism is that the episodes should have been released together. There are too many names and details to remember between weekly episode drops, and the momentum of listening was lost. Otherwise, great work!
Suzanna Blackmoore · May 2022
Open and Shut is so well done! The writing and delivery are excellent- very clear and direct, intriguing and even-handed. The stories move along at a crisp but very manageable pace. (This podcast also avoids the annoying, cloying, overly dramatic and repetitive aspects of many other podcasts as well as their mumbly and odd delivery.)
The legal concepts are explained in an interesting and understandable way. The stories have some real “characters” who are unscripted and fun to listen to! Their stories illustrate how prosecutorial power is essentially unlimited and show the devastating consequences that can have for the community. I was shocked to learn that the US is the only western country that gives prosecutors this amount of power. It seems clear that reform and oversight are needed.
Mary in Madison · May 2022
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Open and Shut, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
