I listen to this show only if there is a subject I’m interested in. For the latest show about Zodiac, the time comes in at a measly 13 minutes. I would dare say that at least 1/3-1/2 of those 13 minutes are commercials. That being the case, how much actual information is being given? Not much.

Zodiac has been done and way better than this podcast just stick to each episode for a new killer

I mean the content is okay, but the male narrator, Shane, frankly does not have a good voice for this. He sounds similar to a muppet, and hard to take seriously when he talks about such serious topics. He might be better doing the research and writing behind the scenes? I’m sure he’s talented in other areas of podcast creation. And the female British narrator has audio issues when talking into her mic. Every time she says a “P” sound it pops in my ears in irritating fashion.

I wish you had mentioned in the first episode that Brent did not believe the person with whom he was communicating was under age.

A deep dive in 18-25 minutes plus commercials? What a joke!

The only reason I keep listening to this podcast is because Shane Water’s voice is awesome and because of what the show used to be like. Season 1 is literally one of the most brilliant podcast seasons of any podcast, ever. I was a subscriber after that. But I ultimately had to cancel my subscription. The episodes are way way too short. It’s just not defendable. I’d give 5 stars if it weren’t for that. The writing is great; the subjects are excellent. Please: make your episodes at least 30 minutes long. Please.

Was looking forward to hearing this, it came highly recommended. Was super disappointed in the first five seconds as TWO solid minutes of prerecorded commercials played. I dumped the cable box over a decade ago because of commercials. The only casts I’ll subscribe to are the ones that have host-presented ads for sponsorship, that are mellow in tone. Example; Nell Cropsy, Episode 3, NINE minutes long, THREE long commercial breaks repeating the SAME ads. Ugh! Dropped my rating to TWO stars. Sister Cathy, S2. Audio is so bad. Choppy — I hope the entire 68 (!) episodes is not like this. I know it’s not streaming service because the episodes are downloaded. After episode 2 showed poor audio I quit season 2. No way I can spend two years listening to bad telephone conversations. As my current podcast list has 247 shows on it I couldn’t even afford to pay $1 a month per show. I’m actively listening to 23 shows and even then, managing paying subscriptions for the active rotation would be impossible.

i love hearing different view points on interesting cases. Shanes narrative grabs you in and makes you interested in whats going to happen. i love all the stories, the epsiodes about Sister Cathy were amazing. keep up the great work. Savannah

...the hosts/narrators sound like robots. No inflection in their voices. Really weird.

Pros: Interesting cases, educated podcasters with knowledge about forensic science, good background research. Cons: It’s unclear, but likely, most if not all non-podcaster inserts are being performed by actors who read from a script, it feels extremely over done in a non natural way, unnecessary sound effects that make any realistic portrayal by a voice actor immediately fake, they never tell the listener when they’re using the voice actors, it’s clear that the main podcaster is just too monotone and reading scripts without the emotional connection that he obviously has. What could improve this: Dialogue between the two podcasters, tell the audience when voice actors or recreations are being used, no more sound effects, and use the actual voices of subjects whenever possible to create a more dynamic and engaging conversation.

I love listening to your historical true crime stories. Your voice is extremely enjoyable to listen to. I never realized how much the voice of the host made a difference in my listening enjoyment until I started trying others. I guess I got lucky.

Please learn how to pronounce the words you include in your scripts (e.g. “absentia”).

Wow, incredible podcast! You must listen amazing, just amazing.

I like your storytelling voice and the stories.

Why are you bothering me with a 23 minute episode, including ads!!??

This guy is… not very intelligent. Just tried to listen to S24 Ep1. Had to stop less than 5 minutes in. In those few minutes, he managed to make the following mispronunciations: “Grippling” instead of gripping “Ignamatic” instead of enigmatic “Bro-ding” instead of brooding “Psych” instead of psyche “Interwining” instead of intertwining Find a new job, man. This is unbearable.

Really blown away and excited for all the content, thank u

What a story! Never heard of this fascinating mystery. However, as really no one else had a motive, probably just another case of the rich getting off Scot free! Beautiful telling of a sad tale, as usual presented by Shane.

I like the coverage but hard to follow who is who when going from scene to scene and person to person

I love the podcast and am intrigued by your new case. I was wondering if you did “Wako” on purpose or if that was a spelling error. Looking forward to listening either way! Thank you for covering all that you do.

I could listen all day!

I love this podcast, the stories are unique and keep my attention throughout!

Great job with my aunt and the hit man.

My heart goes out to Wendy and her family.

Yikes! Monotone. Slow. Robotic. Flat. Awkward. Emotionless. Tone and cadence are seriously painful. He is clearly simply reading off a piece of paper.

First off, sheesh, people are MEAN!! I am a true crime podcast junkie and came across this one. It began playing while I painted my bathroom and although his voice isn’t something I’m familiar with, I loved it. I didn’t pay any attention to the length of the podcast and just simply enjoyed listening to them all. Keep up the great work and story telling. And from one stutterer to another, I see you. I’m almost 32 and still struggle at times.

Brent story leaves me angry and heartbroken for him and the music/film world. I would give anything to have the power to right this wrong. Brent, always know that your are a gifted composer. You are the person your friends see in you.

Listening to episode 84 when the female host began to question their guest and asks him what he likes to be called. He tells her he prefers Willy to which she tells him she will just call him William. She gets snarky when he tells her his qualifications then asks this FBI expert if he could tell if Depp or Heard was lying. Really? What is this, TMZ? Did not finish the episode and unfollowed the show. Show your guests respect.

This podcast has something going for it that a lot of others lack, and that is the utter sincerity and earnestness of its host— it lends A dignity and authenticity it is much appreciated. (I have a great idea! The show should gather up all of the irritating super short episodes and re-release them grouped together in New Omnibus episodes. **see the British podcast called Murder Mile to get an idea of how to do this in a fantastic way.) Best of luck to you, you are doing the work of the Almighty on earth.

The 2 partHalloween special is one of the greatest ideas, what a collaboration!!! This is definitely something special you have put together. Some of my favorite shows, and discovered some great new ones. Thank you, keep up the great show

I started following “Foul Play” when you posted interviews about the murder of Sister Cathy. I love that your assertions are based on fact, and you let the listeners decide if theories are plausible. I would like longer episodes, but totally understand if your speech difficulties make that too time consuming. Love your podcast!

The podcast is well produced and good stories. Too short episodes and too many ads but my biggest comment is the guy sounds just like Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs it is so creepy

Hey Shane, love the podcast

The episodes are good but too short. I wish he would string them together into one long episode instead of several micro episodes. By the time the next episode is released, I don’t remember what the story is about.

Pam was my friend in Glen Bernie from 1968 to 1969. Our mothers were best friends. Pam was so beautiful, sweet and loving. Even though she was older than me, she took time to play with me and let me play with her beautiful clothes. She would do my hair and talk about her day at school and her dreams of going to college. When dad said we were moving to Florida I was heartbroken. I was the kid everyone made fun of, I was bullied unmercifully in school, but Pam was there to dry my tears. I want her murder solved. I never forgotten her and I want everyone to know her name and solve her case. Please help! Someone knows something. I love you Pam. I’ve never forgotten you and pray justice is served soon. Don’t leave her on the self “unsolved”.

I am so glad I found this podcast. I enjoy hearing about cases that are new to me. Most of all, I appreciate how compassionate Shane is and how respectful he is. He truly cares about these victims and treats them with dignity.

I listen to a LOT of podcasts. Sadly, I hadn’t found this one ‘til hearing a trailer on another show. Suffice it to say - I cancelled that one & just listened to my first season. This is a must listen.

Excellent podcast

I heard about your podcast on an episode of another podcast. I believe it was a Mind of Madness. I rushed to find your podcast, today I listened to the first episode and the trailer for your newest season. Love it! I can’t wait to binge on all the episodes! The newest season cannot release episodes fast enough! As a survivor of s.a. , c.m. and other abuse, I am revolted, intrigued and impatiently awaiting the episodes to come. Thank you!

Have someone listen to these podcasts befor you post. Like fingernails on a blackboard— poor pronouciations. Drives me crazy “preface” is pronounced preface not PRE face! Bothers me and I lose attention while I scream!

We need more Shane’s in the world!!

I love Shane’s storytelling style and have been so impressed & inspired by the difference he is making by sharing his knowledge with students. That high school student podcast was amazing! Continue spreading your inspiration!

Thank you for being a thoughtful, relentless voice for the victims of crime. The level of research and detail draws the listener in. You are an outstanding human being.

Just started listening, I heard Shane on Generation Why and I’m hooked. Binging all the episodes until I’m caught up.

This podcast is fantastic! But there’s an even better reason to support this man. He’s quite literally a hero in his own right. Look up the Redheaded Murders. It’s nice to feel good knowing I’m supporting a great podcast run by people I’m happy to know exist on this planet! We need more people like Shane!

I love how engaging these stories are. I can’t wait to see where each one takes me.

A must listen.

Great job! Love these podcasts:)

This pod is top notch!

Something disturbing with the erratic pace of speech. Sentences are oddly inflected and sometimes cut off. Feel rushed, unnatural, stilted. Sorry am so critical but I found it hard to relax and listen .