Compelling True Crime and Historical Podcasts Dominate This Week’s Picks
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A surge in captivating true crime and historical narratives is defining the podcast landscape this week, offering listeners a diverse range of compelling stories from fraudulent schemes to wartime recollections. From unraveling elaborate cons to revisiting pivotal historical moments,these podcasts deliver immersive experiences and thought-provoking insights.
Unmasking Deception: “Unicorn Girl” and “Hands Tied”
Listeners captivated by the twists and turns of “Scamanda” will find a similar allure in Charlie Webster’s latest podcast, “Unicorn Girl.” The series delves into the case of Candace Rivera, a woman who constructed a seemingly perfect online persona as a divorced single mother, nurse, and CEO of multiple multimillion-dollar companies. Webster meticulously investigates whether any of this carefully crafted image was based in reality, ultimately revealing the events that led to Rivera’s sentencing to a minimum of three years in prison.
Another gripping true crime offering, “Hands Tied,” is a collaboration between BBC Studios and iHeart. This podcast recounts the harrowing true story of Sandy Melgar, a woman wrongfully convicted in connection with the murder of her husband, Jim, in Texas. What sets this series apart, according to one reviewer, is its nuanced portrayal of the grieving family, especially the meaningful presence of the couple’s daughter, Lizz, who elevates the narrative beyond typical genre conventions.
From Psychic Mayors to Hurricane Katrina‘s Legacy
The podcast world is currently navigating a period of uncertainty as Wondery’s true crime content faces potential absorption into Amazon. However, the network continues to deliver engaging content, such as “The Mystic and the Mayor,” a uniquely captivating story about a French town were the mayor unexpectedly ceded power to a local psychic. Hosted by Anna Richardson and Leo Schick, the podcast promises a “ripped-from-the-headlines hoot,” as described by one critic.
Looking back at a defining moment in American history, The Atlantic’s “Floodlines” returns for a special 20th anniversary episode focusing on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The podcast presents a poignant portrait of one family, following Le-Ann Williams’s pursuit of a better life for her daughter, Destiny. Host Vann R Newkirk II observes a compelling paradox: “maybe she’s got it backwards … maybe they’ve got what other people are searching for.”
Remembering VJ Day: “The History Podcast: The Second Map”
“The History Podcast: The Second Map,” hosted by Kavita Puri, commemorates the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. the three-part series sheds light on Britain’s often-overlooked colonial history and the experiences of Indian and Asian soldiers who fought for the Allied forces during World War II. The podcast aims to provide a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
