Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast — Personal Journals
Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast

Foggy gaslit streets. A quiet courtroom. And crimes that history tried to bury.

Foul Play is a historical true crime podcast that investigates the most chilling murder cases from the 1800s and early 1900s across the United States and the United Kingdom. Hosted by investigative crime journalists Shane Waters — who pioneered crime podcasting in 2008 — and Wendy Cee, each season unravels one complete criminal case through original research, court records, and primary source material.

This isn't sensationalized true crime. Every season of Foul Play puts victims first — their names, their stories, their humanity — before examining how murder investigations unfolded in an era before modern forensics, when justice was far from guaranteed.

From Victorian poisoners in London to Gilded Age killers in America, Foul Play brings historical true crime to life with cinematic storytelling and relentless accuracy. Every fact is verified. Every claim is sourced. Every story is told with the gravity it deserves.

New seasons of this historical true crime podcast release throughout the year, with episodes dropping weekly on Tuesdays.

Hello, friend. Welcome to Foul Play.

Copyright: © Copyright Black Label Podcasting

Latest Episodes:

Hollywood: Thelma Todd's Tragic Death Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

The shimmering glamour of 1930s Hollywood could not eclipse the shadow cast by the tragic death of Thelma Todd, a beloved actress found lifeless in her car. Season 23 of Foul Play opens with "Thelma Todd's Tragic Death," a deep dive into the demise of the actress known as both the Queen of the Lot and Hot Toddy. A true Hollywood enigma wrapped in tragedy, her death stirred the silver screens into scandal. Thelma Todd was more than a starlet; she was a talented comedic actress who made audiences laugh during the Great Depression, becoming a cherished icon in an industry often unforgiving to women. She exuded charm and ambition, balancing roles alongside legends like Marx Brothers. Her death is significant as it reflects the darker side of Hollywood's golden age, where fame mingled dangerously with the era's underworld. Todd's mysterious end serves as a poignant reminder of those who were consumed by their pursuit of success in an industry where dreams and despair often collide. Thelma was discovered dead in her car on December 16, 1935, parked in the garage of her business partner, Roland West. Despite initial reports of carbon monoxide poisoning, rumors and suspicions suggested foul play, entwining mob connections, ex-lovers, and Hollywood elite in a web of intrigue. The official cause of death remained disputed, surrounded by countless conspiracy theories. The backdrop of Todd's story is 1930s Hollywood, glittering yet riddled with corruption. The era was marked by the rise of talkies and the involvement of organized crime in movie studios, influencing both production and the lives of stars. listeners are led through the highs and lows of Thelma's sparkling career and her tangled personal life, exploring her relationships and the broader societal pressures she faced. Join us to examine the enigma that still captivates true crime enthusiasts today. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New Jersey: Hall-Mills Murders Unveiled Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

New Jersey's Hall-Mills murders unveiled shocking details of scandal, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder. This episode of Foul Play brings listeners deeper into the examining story of Edward Wheeler Hall and Eleanor Mills. Season 22 meticulously explores the events leading up to their deaths and the subsequent investigation that shook New Jersey's core. Before their untimely demise, Edward Hall was a revered leader, passionate about his community, while Eleanor Mills was not just the church soprano but also a woman with dreams and desires beyond her societal station. This case is significant because it reflects a historical moment where social reputation and the church's influence held powerful sway over justice, and personal vendettas blurred the lines of morality and integrity. Key elements of this infamous case include unexplained evidence, sensationalist media coverage, and societal pressures, all contributing to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the murder. Despite a wealth of testimonies and a scandalous trial, the truth remained elusive, leaving a legacy of doubt and unanswered questions. Set against the 1920s, a period of economic change and cultural shifts, this story is a lens on the complexities of love and societal expectations during a vibrant yet volatile era. In this gripping continuation, we dissect the accusations, the courtroom drama, and how public perception influenced the course of justice, drawing listeners into a story still echoing nearly a century later. We further dissect the passionate and tragic lives forever entangled in New Jersey's hall of mystery and legend. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New Jersey: Secrets of Hall-Mills Murders Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

The Hall-Mills murders shocked New Jersey and left the public in disbelief with its twisted love affair. This case unveils the hidden truths behind the lives of Edward Wheeler Hall and Eleanor Mills, a passionate affair that led to a gruesome end. Season 22 of Foul Play examines into this notorious double homicide that captivated the nation. Edward Hall, an Episcopal priest, and Eleanor Mills, an aspiring singer and wife to a church sexton, dared to defy societal norms in 1922, becoming embroiled in a scandal that echoed through their quiet community. But who were Hall and Mills before the tragedy consumed their legacies? Edward was respected and admired in his parish, while Eleanor found joy in her music, their lives interconnected by more than just religious duties. The Hall-Mills case matters because it reflects the era's societal struggles with morality, class, and gender roles, revealing the lengths people go to maintain facades of propriety. This case is a chilling testament to how jealousy, greed, and rivalry can culminate in violence. Through the tangled web of accusations, we explore the investigation that identified multiple suspects, from the church community to family members, each with their own motive and opportunity. Intriguingly, the primary suspects were never convicted, leaving the case unresolved to this day. Set in the early 20th century, this story unfolds against a backdrop of social upheaval, with changing views on love and fidelity during the Roaring Twenties. It was a time when scandals of this nature gripped the headlines, reflecting larger societal tensions. listeners will hear detailed accounts of the investigation, witness testimonies, and the relentless pursuit of justice, offering insights into one of New Jersey's most infamous unresolved cases. Experience the dramatic examining of secrets in a story that continues to haunt the Garden State's historical landscape. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New Jersey: The Hall-Mills Murders Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

On a moonless September night in 1922, a chilling crime rocked New Jersey: the Hall-Mills Murders. This notorious case enthralled the nation with its blend of scandal and tragedy. Season 22 of Foul Play begins with "The Hall-Mills Murders," exploring one of the most convoluted and captivating cases of the roaring 1920s. A decade marked by flappers and Prohibition also housed this heinous act of violence. Edward Hall, a beloved pastor known for his eloquence and devotion, was found alongside Eleanor Mills, a soprano in his church choir and rumored lover. Both were fatally shot, and their bodies discovered posed grotesquely beneath a crabapple tree. The Hall-Mills case mattered as it exposed small-town scandals and societal hypocrisies, highlighting the tensions between upper-class restraint and illicit dalliance. A media circus fueled the public's insatiable appetite for drama, captivating readers from coast to coast. The investigation revealed a tangled web of betrayal, jealousy, and deceit. Among the suspects were Hall's wife, Frances Noel Stevens Hall, and her brothers, whose trial became a spectacle fraught with notoriety and contention. Despite damning testimonies, the guilt of those implicated remained unresolved, leaving many questions unanswered. The 1920s were a period of dramatic cultural shift, with moral ambiguity reflecting broader societal change. Against this tapestry, the Hall-Mills case became emblematic of a nation in transition, where old values clashed with the allure of rebellion and celebrity. Episode highlights include a rich exploration of the forensic challenges of the era, character profiles, and the sensational trial that ensued. We journey into this era of speakeasies and social upheavals, where murder mysteries captivated the American public as never before. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Los Angeles: The McMartin Trials Unfold Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

As the McMartin Trials unfold, Foul Play's Season 21 continues to expose the deeply unsettling layers of this infamous case. This episode examines into the progression of the McMartin preschool saga, casting light on the testimonies and courtroom battles that defined this legal odyssey. Prior to the allegations, the McMartin preschool was considered a cornerstone of early childhood education in Los Angeles, highly regarded in its community. This case stands out because it presents a critical turning point in legal discussions on child testimony and media influence on public opinion, reshaping the landscape of American jurisprudence. The McMartin case involved intense scrutiny of investigative practices, as accusations of indoctrination and suggestion in child interviews called the trial's integrity into question. Charges of Satanic Ritual Abuse clouded proceedings, reflecting broader societal fears and raising questions about the line between professional diligence and moral panic. Occurring in the 1980s, a time when sensationalism often fed public fears, this trial highlights how media narratives and social anxieties can skew perceptions of justice. In this continuation, listeners will hear the extensive defenses, public reactions, and the painstaking quest for truth amidst chaos. We bring you the inside story of the trial that challenged systemic norms, shaping policy and perception on child protection and judicial fairness. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Los Angeles: The McMartin Family Trials Begin Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

In Los Angeles, the McMartin Family Trials erupted into one of the most infamous legal battles of the 1980s, forever altering public perception of child abuse cases. As the first episode of Season 21, Foul Play examines the origins and early developments of this groundbreaking case. The McMartin preschool trial began in 1983 when disturbing allegations of child molestation surfaced, igniting a media frenzy. Before the allegations, the McMartin preschool was a respected establishment that fostered early childhood education, trusted by families who sought its guidance and care for their children. The case matters as it marks a shift in how child abuse accusations were addressed and the resultant impact on legal standards, investigative procedures, and public policy concerning child welfare. In the McMartin case, numerous children accused teachers of heinous acts, leading to one of the longest and most costly trials in American history. The investigation's controversies included questions about interview techniques and the reliability of childhood testimony. This trial occurred in the context of the 1980s' heightened fears about Satanic Ritual Abuse, a cultural wave that spurred numerous unfounded allegations nationwide. Episodes trace the labyrinthine journey from accusation to trial, dissecting legal strategies, expert opinions, and media narratives that fueled public hysteria. Listeners will examine into courtroom confrontations, the impact on the accused and their families, and broader implications for the justice system. Start this deeply engaging investigation where fear and fact collided, altering lives and legal practices irreversibly. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Waco: The Lake Waco Case Closed? Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

Waco: The Lake Waco Case Closed? As nearby communities struggled to comprehend, this final episode scrutinizes whether justice was truly served after...
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Waco: Lake Waco Murder Revelations May 31, 2023

Show notes

Waco: Lake Waco Murder Revelations revealed unexpected alliances. Gayle Kelley hated policemen, but as new details unfolded about Kenneth Franks, Jill...
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Waco: Uncovering Lake Waco's Dark Secret May 24, 2023

Show notes

Waco: Uncovering Lake Waco's Dark Secret began with a chilling scene. Sgt. Truman Simons stood, silent beneath the oppressive Texas sun, over a...
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Waco: The Lake Waco Murder Mystery May 17, 2023

Show notes

The Lake Waco murders remain one of Texas's chilling unresolved mysteries, tainted with wrongful convictions and enduring questions. In this inaugural episode of Season 20, Foul Play investigates the brutal slayings that shocked Waco in the summer of 1982. The victims, young adults who sought leisure by the lake, had their lives abruptly ended in violence, casting a shadow of fear over the community. Before their tragic deaths, these individuals were dynamically connected by friendships and aspirations that were cruelly snuffed out. This case matters deeply as it challenges the integrity of the criminal justice system, highlighting issues of coerced confessions, unreliable eyewitnesses, and prosecutorial misconduct. Details about the case reveal a mishandled investigation and manipulation of evidence that led to convictions later questioned by advocacy groups and legal experts. The trial, based largely on circumstantial evidence, became a commentary on the flaws in justice, revealing systemic failures and societal prejudices of the 1980s, a decade fraught with racial and socio-economic tensions. This historical moment is key in understanding the evolution of criminal justice reform. In this gripping episode, listeners will work through through interviews, legal flawed processes, and a community's outcry for justice, a haunting tale of lives taken too soon and the enduring quest for truth in Lake Waco's legacy. Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Related Podcasts