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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:

Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 2 May 10, 2023

Show notes

[Part 2] This Mother's Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother's Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we'll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.
It's an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother's Day event.
Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 1 May 09, 2023

Show notes

This Mother's Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother's Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we'll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.
It's an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother's Day event.
Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New York: Jesse Strang's Fate Revealed Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

As Jesse Strang faced the gallows, his confession to a chilling crime in New York unraveled a tale of deadly ambition... Jesse Strang's fate was sealed by his own words in the heart of New York. A confessed killer courted by drama and desire, Strang's story unfolded in Season 19, Episode 3 of Foul Play. In the early 19th century, Strang, driven by passion, detailed his lethal alliance with Elsie Whipple, unveiling layer upon layer of betrayal. Before his descent into infamous schemes, Jesse Strang was an unassuming man overlooked by history. His humble beginnings painted him as an ordinary figure, a stark contrast to the notoriety he later achieved. Wholly dedicated to a risky romance, Strang's transformation from a quiet existence to a headline-grabbing conspirator highlights the volatile nature of human ambition. Why does Jesse Strang's story still matter? In an era when crime narratives rarely ventured beyond whispers, his trial set a precedent that no crime, however concealed, would go unnoticed. Strang's confession highlighted societal views on morality and justice and left a mark on the legal landscape of 19th-century America. Strang, under the alias Joseph Orton, conspired with Elsie to murder her husband. The partnership seemed unlikely, the deed almost surreal. Once discovered, Strang confessed in a detailed account of mutual intrigue and the ultimate act of betrayal. The authorities acted decisively, detailing the methodical investigation that unfurled from whispers to damning evidence. The 1820s New York backdrop was bustling with change. Post-Revolutionary America was a place of unforgiving new norms and progressive ideas clashing with traditional values. The case of Jesse Strang punctuated a shifting sociopolitical atmosphere, illustrating that beneath the veneer of civility lay turbulent desires. listeners will journey through Jesse Strang's psychological motives and dramatic courtrooms filled with public zeal. Understand the complexities of a crime that was more than just about love but a pursuit for liberation. Hear first-hand accounts, courtroom excerpts, and the justice that surged forward despite a scandalous backstory. --- 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 York: Jesse Strang's Story Continues Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

New York: Jesse Strang's Story Continues with tantalizing twists. The continuation examines deepening intrigues before Jesse Strang's path is forged in...
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New York: Jesse Strang's Regretful Confession Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

New York: Jesse Strang's Regretful Confession is a haunting examining of a man's ill-fated desires. The first episode of our tight-knit series dives into...
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deceptions & Resurrections, Part 2 Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. examine into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you'll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.

It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron.

Find us on all platforms.

Visit us online.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deceptions & Resurrections, Part 1 Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. examine into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you'll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.
It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.
Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.
Support the podcast by becoming a patron.
Find us on all platforms.
Visit us online.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Denton: Justice for Emily Lambert? Apr 01, 2023

Show notes

Robert Earley's jail admission complicated Denton's quest for justice in Emily Lambert's case... The path to justice was turbulent in Season 18, Episode 3 of Foul Play, where Emily Lambert's case met revelations and retractions. New confessions shifted perspectives and convoluted the pursuit of truth, reflecting upon the frailty of evidence and testimony. Emily Lambert's legacy is more than her untimely death; she was an embodiment of love within her circle, deeply impacting friends and family. Her story transcends time and location, challenging our assumptions about interaction at every turn. The quest for justice expanded community awareness about relationship dynamics and vulnerability, pressing public consciousness towards deeper examination of hidden perils. It emphasized collective responsibility in recognizing and addressing anomalies in familiar spaces. Upon further questioning, Robert declared he'd distorted truth previously, adding complexity to the investigation, which already teetered on uncertainty. Authorities faced challenges, balancing renewed revelations with previous testimonies in their pursuit of closure. Denton was epitomized by community and family spirit in the 2010s, but it contended with unforeseen intricacies beneath its progressive veneer. This served as the knock that unfolded into Emily's larger narrative of trust and betrayal amid evolving societal dynamics. Listeners will learn about investigative deadlocks, retracted confessions, and the broader implications these had on Emily Lambert's case. This episode explores enduring questions and insights into how justice is perceived, impacting community and personal boundaries. --- 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

Denton: Emily Lambert's Case Deepens Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

As Denton's inquiries intensified, each layer peeled back revealed more about Emily Lambert's demise... Denton detectives discovered critical leads in Season 18, Episode 2 of Foul Play. The depths of Emily Lambert's case were plunged further into uncertainty and suspicion. Her story isn't just another headline; it illustrates the vulnerabilities in our closest bonds. Before tragedy struck, Emily Lambert lived animatedly, passionately devoted to nurturing her family and dreams. She personified resilience and optimism, luminous in her impactful roles as a mother and friend. Her disappearance cast shadows over her vibrant narrative, becoming a cautionary tale for the ties we trust. Emily's case continues to demand attention, emphasizing flawed assumptions and dangers veiled in routine. It challenges perceptions of normalcy and safety, demanding a reevaluation of trust and scrutiny in personal realms. Detectives turned their focus to Robert Earley, requesting his cooperation for clarity on contradictions festering in the investigation. His initial ease belied the tension of examining truths and unexpectedly incriminating developments. 2014's local context marked a period of transformation. Denton was a community on the cusp of significant change, modernized yet guarded against emerging complexities. Against this backdrop, Emily's case probed the discrepancies between visible progress and underlying uncertainties. We examine into interrogation tapes and forensic revelations. Understand witness testimonies and the police's strategic maneuvers aimed at reconstructing Emily Lambert's final days. Experience the suspense and examine the concealed narratives that shaped this chilling saga. --- 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

Denton: The Mysterious Death of Emily Lambert Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

In Denton, the mysterious disappearance and subsequent death of Emily Lambert question trust and certainty... The case of Emily Lambert's sudden disappearance from Denton gripped the community. examining in Season 18, Episode 1 of Foul Play, Emily's story depicted a haunting intersection of unfulfilled dreams, tragic reality, and the unexpected. In 2014, amidst the stark deserts of New Mexico, Emily's life abruptly veered into mystery. Emily was much more than a familiar name or a fleeting headline. A loving mother with aspirations reflective of many, she juggled responsibilities and ambitions with grace. Her disappearance reminded many of the unpredictable and elusive nature of safety and community. The significance of Emily Lambert's case lies in the stark demonstration of hidden dangers within personal circles. It raised questions about how well we truly know those closest to us and the shadows that can linger. Her story called to attention the necessity of vigilance and empathy in everyday interactions. In early March 2014, Emily vanished without a trace. Desperate, her loved ones turned to social media, bridging gaps with fervor strides. Investigations revealed a narrative unfurling in unexpected directions, casting suspicion and leading to distressing revelations. Carlsbad in the 2010s was a place of rapid development; economic shifts brought visible changes but also shadowy corners. The town's juxtaposition of growth and undercurrents provided a backdrop of tension where Emily's case unfolded, challenging the facade of serene small-town life. Listeners will hear interviews reconstructed from archives, understand investigative milestones, and witness the emotional resonance that echoed long after details faded from headlines. Follow the clues and hear the voices that demanded justice for Emily Lambert. --- 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

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