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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:

My Aunt and the Hitman: Extradition Drama Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

A dramatic turn as the hitman's extradition unfolds. Across continents, the pursuit of justice lunges forward... The saga deepens with 'Hitman Extradition Drama' as law enforcement engages in a high-stakes international chase, drawing global attention to this coercive pursuit. A dramatic turn as the hitman's extradition unfolds. Across continents, the pursuit of justice lunges forward, bringing us to Episode 7's captivating developments in 'Greenville: My Aunt and the Hitman.' The arrest of Paul Cryne amidst international intrigue and legal maneuvers adds layers of complexity to an already convoluted case. This season of 'Greenville' examines not just domestic entanglements, but also how crime can extend beyond borders, implicating international judicial cooperation and scrutiny. Paul Cryne, notorious yet elusive, represented the confluence of crime and evasion. Before law enforcement's determined pursuit, he thrived on obscurity and evaded boundaries with alarming ease, reflecting the challenges faced by authorities in tracking cross-border felons. Off the shores of Thailand and across global corridors, Cryne's extradition symbolizes the relentless march of justice, underscoring the lengths to which authorities will go to rectify past injustices. His clear-eyed cunning now faces an equally methodical legal pursuit, one that will cross seas and engage myriad legal systems. This drama is set against a backdrop of increasingly globalized mechanisms of justice in the late 20th-century world, where international collaboration is both a formidable challenge and an indispensable necessity in capturing criminals who exploit jurisdictional uncertainties. Listeners will witness the high-stakes international chase as we bring you firsthand accounts of negotiations, police strategies, and the inside story of how global law enforcement converges in pursuit of a single individual. --- 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: The Funeral Jan 04, 2023

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At Sharon's funeral, secrets threaten to unravel. As George stands by, suspicion swirls around him... During the emotionally charged episode 'Funeral of Secrets,' we witness funeral politics entwined with homicide as George navigates a minefield of hidden accusations and lies. At Sharon's funeral, secrets threaten to unravel. As George stands by, suspicion swirls around him like a storm threatening to engulf his carefully maintained facade. In Episode 6 of our gripping series 'Greenville: My Aunt and the Hitman,' we dive into the intricate web of lies and truths that come to light during this heart-wrenching event. This season delves deeply into the intersection of personal relationships and violent secrets. As members of the community gather to pay respects, the air is thick with unspoken suspicions, each glance concealing wary probes into supposed allegiances and betrayals. Sharon was a cherished member of her community, known for her warmth and dedication to local causes. Her loss leaves a vacuum, not just among her family, but within Greenville's communal fabric — a testament to her life, tragically cut short. The significance of her funeral extends beyond mourning; it is a pivot around which suspicions turn and align. What follows might determine the direction of the investigation as alliances are tested under the relentless scrutiny of justice. George's uneasy presence at this somber occasion draws attention and whispers alike. His connections with shady dealings and questionable choices add tension to an already charged environment. Scrutiny from law enforcement hovers menacingly, echoing the worry in each terse exchange and scrutinized detail. Set in a Southern community steeped in tradition, the episode captures how underlying tensions can surface amid grief, ripping the facade of respectability with revelations both minor and monumental. Here, societal rites are underscored by whispered accusations and the palpable threat of revelation. Join us as we step into this fraught atmosphere, where mourners grapple with the dictums of grief, loyalty, and truth. How do hidden alliances manifest under the gaze of authority, and what secrets will ultimately surface? --- 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: The Hitman Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

In Greenville, the hitman's web unfolds as chilling details emerge. Paul Cryne, a name forever etched... As the story of Paul Cryne comes into focus, we unravel the dark world of hitmen and the intricacies behind their operations. This episode delves into the murky realm where cold cash meets cold-blooded murder. In Greenville, the hitman's web unfolds as chilling details emerge. Paul Cryne, a name forever etched into the annals of criminal infamy, was not just a hitman but a spider weaving a complex tapestry of deceit and murder. In this intriguing installment of season 15, we explore how Cryne's actions impacted not just his immediate victims, but also resonated throughout the community. The series, 'Greenville: My Aunt and the Hitman,' investigates a shocking family saga interwoven with crime. We follow the personal and criminal trajectories that collided with fatal consequences. In Episode 5, we uncover the life of Paul Cryne before donning the infamous mantle of a contract killer. Behind every notorious figure lies a tangled personal history, and Cryne's is one marred by crime and a chilling detachment from human life. Understanding Cryne's journey into the criminal underworld is crucial. It reflects the socio-economic fabrics that sometimes mold individuals into criminals. His role within the Greenville crime scene epitomizes how organized crime can exist quietly in the shadows, affecting lives and communities in unforeseen ways. The investigation details reveal a twisted path of evidence that the authorities had to navigate, each clue enhancing the perplexity of Cryne's criminal web. From dubious phone records to witness testimonies fraught with fear, we piece together how Cryne managed to enfold his reality with cold, calculated moves until justice made its mark. During Cryne's reign, Greenville was emblematic of smaller American towns struggling with concealed societal issues. Economic strains and a lack of communal vigilance allowed figures like Cryne to flourish in the outskirts of morality. These conditions rendered vulnerable citizens who were caught in the crossfire of his lethal assignments. Listeners will embark on an auditory journey that uncovers Cryne's motivations, explores testimonies from those haunted by his presence, and outlines the police's relentless pursuit of justice. This episode promises revelations, from shadowy dealings to explosive encounters that mark the pinnacle of this chilling tale. --- 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: A New Twist Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

A shocking DNA twist rocks Sharon Birchwood's case... As we come to the fourth episode of season 15, unexpected forensic developments challenge established narratives. With the stakes raised, paths once considered lead to untrodden territories of inquiry. Sharon's vibrant legacy of kindness contrasts her death's grim circumstances. In this intensely poignant revelation, listeners glimpse the cutting-edge forensic advancements shaping modern criminal justice. Sharon's story serves not just as a tale of sadness but as a marker of investigative progress. Listeners will experience the emotional charge of groundbreaking forensic revelations and witness how such twists begin redirecting justice's compass. How does new science open old wounds and lead to new trails? Join us in exploring latent clues’ awakenings, painting a vivid perspective on justice’s relentless journey. 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: The Motive Dec 14, 2022

Show notes

Interwoven secrets unravel as Sharon Birchwood's marriage reveals shocking truths... Episode 3 of season 15 uncovers startling realities about Sharon’s life, touching on dark undercurrents in her marriage to George. This analysis of motives connects intricate personal relationships and calculated intent. Sharon was a beacon of warmth amidst life's struggles, but her concealed marital woes add a layer of tragedy to her story. In discovering deeper connections in Sharon's murder, we explore the psychologically taxing environment navigated by her. This analysis sheds light on the broader implications of marital estrangements and their societal reflections in the early 2000s. What caused the unraveling of seemingly sound ties and drove someone to murder? Tune in as we untangle who benefited and untangle why certain truths were better left unspoken. Each revelation brings us closer to comprehending a motive entwined with desperation and betrayal. 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: My Aunt Sharon Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

As chilling revelations surface about Sharon Birchwood's hidden life... In season 15, episode 2, we continue our journey into my Aunt Sharon's opaque history. The investigation shifts beneath piles of clutter, unmasking misconceptions about her demise on December 7, 2007. Sharon was more than what met the eye, fighting battles hidden from public view. Behind closed doors, her story of resilience amid chaos unfolds. This episode highlights the pervasive reach of crime into personal lives and the desperate steps taken in its grip. Driven by persistent detective work, we encounter sealed pasts revealing unanticipated motives. Sharon's murder landscape, characterized by greed and vulnerability, serves as a stark reminder of crime's intimate horrors during an era ripe with anxiety. Immerse yourself in a narrative that pulls back the veils on secrets, unraveling Sharon's increasingly complex life and the truths behind her untimely death, viewed through the lens of desperation and unwarranted trust. 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

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My Aunt and the Hitman: Beyond the Grave Dec 04, 2022

Show notes

Greenville's tangled web of intrigue begins with a note left by Sharon Birchwood... In season 15, episode 1, we unravel the complex and emotionally charged mystery surrounding my Aunt, Sharon Birchwood. Her cryptic notes hinting at betrayal paint a vivid picture of the turmoil she faced in life. Sharon was more than a victim; she was a vibrant, independent woman, entangled in family secrets and mafia connections that drew her to a perilous fate. This episode delves into the historical intrigue of a suburban life interlaced with organized crime's shadow. Investigating her murder brings disquiet to a seemingly ordinary town. Through police interrogation recordings and family testimonies, listeners gain insight into Sharon's constricting world. Who orchestrated such a calculated act? Set against the backdrop of 1980s America, where crime families ruled and fear loomed large, we explore societal attitudes towards women like Sharon, defiant yet vulnerable. Join us as we uncover the layers of Sharon's life, piecing together evidence and discovering hidden truths that many hoped would remain buried. 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

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Baltimore: Transparency Fight Dec 02, 2022

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In the struggle for transparency, survivors fight a historic battle. Join us in Baltimore's critical moment... As Gemma and Donna unite in demanding accountability from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Episode 86 portrays a poignant tale of resistance against concealment. This season of Foul Play cracks open Baltimore's secrets, shining a light on Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder, a byword for the perils of unchecked power. Cathy, a beacon of hope, faced an end shrouded by shadows of clerical secrets and neglect. The case's relevance persists, emblematic of ongoing demands for transparency in religious entities and justice for victims. Our in-depth episode profiles contemporary battles for transparency, reflecting on past mishandlings and persistent cover-ups. Expect compelling interviews, survivor stories, and an insight into a community's conviction for truth. Join us as past and present meet, examining layers of secrecy in this fight for justice. --- 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
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Baltimore: Accountability at the Archdiocese Nov 30, 2022

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Baltimore's Archdiocese accountability questioned amidst deep-rooted scandals. This episode of Foul Play dives into... --- 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
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Elizabeth City: Nell Cropsey's Mysterious Case Nov 16, 2022

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Elizabeth City buzzed with anticipation as Jim Wilcox faced a retrial in... The courtroom drama of Nell Cropsey's murder in Elizabeth City became a focal point of intrigue as suspicions and secrets were exposed. Continuing in Season 14, Foul Play investigates the retrial of Jim Wilcox, whose life entangled with Nell's led him from love to a courtroom crucible. Before becoming ensnared in her tragic story, Nell was a beloved daughter and a cherished member of a thriving family, her warmth and charm admired by many. The events surrounding Nell's case highlight the historical context of media influence and its impact on justice. Elizabeth City's population was gripped by sensational headlines, reflecting societal tendencies to prioritize drama over factual reporting. Jim Wilcox's fate hung in the balance as the inconsistencies of the initial trial led to a retrial, opening old wounds and reigniting public debate. His return to court renewed the spotlight on unexplored leads and conflicting testimonies, casting a long shadow over a quest for closure. The era's social fabric threads through this case, highlighting the dichotomy between public spectacle and private grief. The early 1900s saw the dawning of modern media and its exploitative potential, serving as both informer and distorter of public perception. Join us as we piece together the court's proceedings, hidden alliances, and the narratives that shaped modern perceptions of justice and morality. --- 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
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