True crime stories have a strange way of pulling us in. They sit at the intersection of psychology, mystery, and human darkness, giving us a glimpse into why people commit acts we struggle to comprehend.
From unsolved murders to cult leaders and elaborate scams, these narratives don’t just entertain, they teach us something about the mind and about ourselves.
If you’re searching for the best true crime podcast to binge in the new year, this guide will walk you through the shows that stand out in 2025.
Dr. John Mayer, a clinical psychologist, often reminds us that people listen to crime stories not only for shock value but to process fear and gain insight into the psychology of both victims and offenders.
That psychological layer is what makes the most popular true crime podcasts more than background noise. They become windows into the human condition.
Why True Crime Podcasts Remain So Popular
Before diving into our list, it helps to understand the draw. According to Dr. Mayer, our brains are wired to find stories of danger compelling.
Listening to top true crime podcasts provides a safe thrill of fear without the risk. They also allow us to rehearse survival strategies subconsciously. It is like mental preparation wrapped in gripping storytelling.
Another factor is empathy. Podcasts about cult leaders and serial killers highlight manipulation, control, and trauma, which sparks compassion for survivors. This mix of fear and empathy explains why fans of true crime remain so loyal.
Top True Crime Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Crime Junkie Podcast
If there is a Mount Rushmore of top true crime podcasts, the Crime Junkie podcast would be carved on it.
Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, this show delivers weekly episodes covering everything from missing persons to infamous murders. It balances conversational tone with detailed research, making even complex cases easy to follow.
Dr. Mayer points out that shows like Crime Junkie thrive because they humanize victims rather than glorify criminals. This storytelling choice gives listeners a sense of justice, even if the cases remain unsolved.
Casefile True Crime
For those who prefer a more serious tone, casefile true crime is a must. Narrated anonymously, this Australian podcast avoids theatrics and instead focuses on thorough research and chilling detail. Some episodes stretch for hours, pulling you into every twist and turn of the investigation.
Listeners who prefer structured and evidence-based narration will find this one rewarding. In fact, many forensic psychology students recommend Casefile because it avoids speculation and sticks to facts.
PodCandy True Crime Podcast
Among the rising stars of 2025 is the PodCandy true crime podcast, hosted by Dr. John Mayer.
This show stands out because it blends gripping stories with expert psychological analysis. Rather than just recounting crimes, Dr. Mayer explores the minds behind them.
PodCandy: Cults, Crime, and Killer episodes often cover secretive societies, serial killers, and even modern scams.
Fans especially love the Podcandy podcast review episodes, where Dr. Mayer breaks down popular cases featured on other platforms and shares insights that are rarely heard elsewhere.
If you are fascinated by the psychology of true crime, this podcast deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Morbid True Crime Podcast
If humor mixed with horror sounds appealing, the morbid true crime podcast might be for you. Hosted by Alaina and Ash, two relatives with a natural comedic chemistry, the show explores infamous cases while maintaining an approachable atmosphere.
This is one of the most popular true crime podcasts among younger audiences because it feels like listening to friends discuss a mystery late at night. Dr. Mayer often notes that humor is a coping mechanism, and Morbid proves that one can handle dark subjects without succumbing to despair.
Serial True Crime Podcast
The serial true crime podcast changed the game back in 2014 when it debuted its groundbreaking first season about Adnan Syed. It introduced millions to serialized investigative storytelling and arguably launched the true crime podcast boom.
Even in 2025, Serial continues to innovate, focusing on deep-dive cases that play out over multiple episodes. Its journalistic approach makes it one of the top true crime podcasts on Spotify, perfect for listeners who crave both narrative and accountability.
My Favorite Murder
If community is what you are after, My Favorite Murder has built one of the most loyal fanbases in the genre. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark deliver weekly conversations that blend personal stories with true crime cases.
Their listeners call themselves Murderinos, and the podcast has spawned live shows, books, and endless discussions online. This illustrates how true crime podcast recommendations often spread not through ads but word of mouth among passionate fans.
48 Hours
The CBS television program also has a podcast version, and 48 Hours offers polished storytelling straight from investigative journalists. With decades of archives, it covers everything from headline-grabbing murders to obscure cases you may have never heard of before.
This show represents the journalistic backbone of true crime, which Dr. Mayer says balances entertainment with responsibility. In other words, it keeps storytelling rooted in facts.
Bear Brook
Few shows blend science and storytelling as well as Bear Brook. This podcast gained recognition for its coverage of a decades-old case solved through genetic genealogy. Its investigative approach highlights how technology is reshaping modern detective work.
Bear Brook is not just one of the top true crime podcasts but also an educational one, perfect for those curious about forensics. It proves that solving crime is as much about persistence as it is about science.
Exploring Unsolved Mysteries Podcasts
For listeners who cannot resist an unsolved puzzle, unsolved mysteries podcasts are abundant. These shows explore cases that remain open, ranging from cold cases in small towns to international mysteries.
The appeal lies in the possibility that one listener could notice something overlooked. Dr. Mayer suggests that our minds crave closure, which is why unresolved stories stick with us long after the episode ends.
Cult Podcasts 2025
Cults continue to fascinate, and the growing number of cult podcasts 2025 proves it. From Jonestown to modern wellness movements that hide controlling leaders, these shows dissect how ordinary people become entangled in dangerous belief systems.
The connection to psychology is clear. As Dr. Mayer explains how cults use fear, love-bombing, and isolation to control members.
Podcasts in this niche help listeners recognize manipulation tactics so they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
How to Choose the Best Show for You
With so many choices, how do you pick the best true crime podcasts 2025 has to offer? It depends on your interest.
- If you want narrative storytelling with a journalistic core, go with Serial or 48 Hours.
- For humor mixed with horror, Morbid true crime podcast and My Favorite Murder deliver.
- If you prefer detailed, fact-heavy content, Casefile true crime is unmatched.
- To understand the psychology behind it all, make PodCandy true crime podcast your go-to.
No matter what you choose, remember that the best podcasts make you think as much as they thrill.
Final Thoughts
True crime podcasts are more than entertainment. They are stories about power, fear, and resilience. They help us process danger and build empathy, all while keeping us hooked with suspense.
Dr. John Mayer says that when we listen to the best true crime podcast, we are really studying human nature.
From the Crime Junkie podcast to the PodCandy podcast review, from cult podcasts 2025 to unsolved mysteries podcasts, every story has something to teach us.
They will not only keep you entertained but may also change the way you see justice, psychology, and the darker corners of human behavior.