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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:

Elizabeth City: Nell Cropsey's Hidden Secrets Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Elizabeth City held its breath as Nell Cropsey disappeared, leaving a trail of... The secrets hidden in Elizabeth City during the early 1900s became intricately tied to the mysterious case of Nell Cropsey. In Season 14 of Foul Play, we examine into the harrowing disappearance of Nell Cropsey, a 19-year-old young woman whose life was cut short in what remains one of North Carolina's most perplexing mysteries. Known for her vivacity, Nell was the beating heart of her family, a lively spirit in a community that adored her. Her disappearance in November 1901 left a profound scar on Elizabeth City, turning a lively young woman into the face of one of the region's darkest chapters. The historical significance of Nell Cropsey's case lies in its enduring mystery and its reflection of early 20th-century investigative practices. It showcases the societal challenges and perceptions of the era, including gender roles and the prevalence of media sensationalism. As the investigation unfolded, Jim Wilcox, Nell's suitor, quickly found himself under intense scrutiny. His was the last known face she saw, which painted him with a hue of suspicion. However, the complexities of their relationship, along with conflicting testimonies, made the hunt for truth a convoluted ordeal. The discovery of Nell's body a month later intensified an already fervid public outcry for justice. The turn of the century in Elizabeth City was a period marked by shifting social norms and burgeoning media influence. It was an era where public opinion often swayed legal processes, and the press took on a role as both informer and influencer. of Foul Play, listeners will hear the examining story of Nell Cropsey through detailed narratives, interviews, and historical accounts, shining a light on secrets long buried in the sands of time. --- 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
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Elizabeth City: Disappearance of Nell Cropsey Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

In Elizabeth City, Nell Cropsey's disappearance still haunts this coastal town. Her story unveils... The enigma of 'Disappearance of Nell Cropsey' revisits an early 1900s case, raising questions left unanswered while exploring the tragic loss in Elizabeth City's history. In Elizabeth City, Nell Cropsey's disappearance still haunts this coastal town. Her story unveils mysteries that have lingered since the early 20th century, casting a shadow over what should have been a promising future. In this tale of intrigue, season 14 embarks on a chilling exploration of how one young woman's fate remains entangled with local lore. The 'Secrets of Nell Cropsey' series reawakens the ambience of the era, illustrating the stark contrast between the idyllic veneer of a riverfront community and the undercurrents of unease that can quietly infiltrate. Nell Cropsey, vibrant and full of life, was much beloved by those who knew her. Her disappearance left a community in turmoil, transforming her from a lively participant in daily lives to a poignant symbol of innocence lost. As an emblematic figure in Elizabeth City's history, her story illuminates societal perceptions of women, crime, and justice. The significance of this historical line lies in its enduring questions about gender roles, legal systems, and cultural narratives that still resonate today. The haunting quality of Cropsey's case continues to speak to unresolved societal issues, including community vigilantism and the persistent grip of legend over truth. The investigation unfolds with fascinating complexities: from the initial search to the final judicial proceedings, each step reveals society's inexperience with such dramatic events. The frailties of justice, exacerbated by public hysteria, highlight both investigation difficulties and communal shifts at play. Set in the early 1900s, this case exemplified the cusp of change in American society, where tradition confronted modernization. Elizabeth City, cradled on the brink of change, reflects the tensions of a century that saw the foundations of old values challenged by new realities. Listeners will find themselves immersed in a period drama filled with mystery and foreboding, revealing still-echoing truths about human nature and societal frameworks. This episode promises to untangle historical anecdotes and compelling mysteries surrounding Nell Cropsey. --- 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

Baltimore: The Truth in the Polygraph Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

The truth behind polygraphs unfolds as we examine into their role in Sister Cathy's case. Join us as expert... William Ortiz, a retired FBI Special Agent, discusses the intricacies of polygraph use in investigation processes, uncovering potential impacts on Cathy Cesnik's unresolved murder case. Throughout Season 2, we explore Baltimore's struggle between truth and deception, where Cathy's life serves as a beacon for transparency. Known for her compassion and strength, Cathy's unsolved murder questions where truth lies amidst institutional misconduct and intrigue. This episode reveals polygraph tests' historical role in criminal investigations, their reliability, and implications. Dive deep into expert analysis, uncover misconceptions, and ponder the balance between science and justice. Through focused conversations and case comparisons, discover how technological advancements interact with the human element in the justice system. Unearth new perspectives on Cathy's case in our uncovering of the truth behind the machine. --- 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

The Nightmare Before Halloween, Part 2 Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

…1 campfire…
…1 dark forest…
…31 bone-chilling stories…
…Will YOU survive the night?
This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts, including Foul Play. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It's an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem?
So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for 'A Nightmare Before Halloween'
…but be warned…
…bad things happen in these woods….
Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
In this Part 2 Episode:
- True Crime Island [https://tinyurl.com/y6kk2npj]
- Based on a True Story [https://tinyurl.com/37axzn5z]
- The Asian Madness Podcast [https://tinyurl.com/yckkxbjn]
- Sistas Who Kill [https://linktr.ee/Sistas.Who.Kill.Podcast]
- Hometown History [https://link.chtbl.com/hometownhistory]
- Coffee and Cases [https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases]
- Military Murder [https://tinyurl.com/yc5fxjyh]
- Dystopian Simulation Radio [https://tinyurl.com/khpw786w]
- Cults, Crimes & Cabernet [https://linktr.ee/cultscrimesandcabernet]
- Morbidology [https://tinyurl.com/mshyvxyt]
- Dark Pountine [https://tinyurl.com/ycydanm9]
- Hillbilly Horror Stories [https://tinyurl.com/567vxrkz]
- True Consequences [https://tinyurl.com/39fpfv3h]
- Gone Cold [https://tinyurl.com/ytzxudt8]
- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online [https://tinyurl.com/3dxp47wf]
- True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories [https://tinyurl.com/ykzwmnxr]
In the last Part 1 Episode:
- Foul Play: Crime Series [https://link.chtbl.com/foulplay]
- Murder She Told [https://tinyurl.com/55473exk]
- Crime Salad [https://tinyurl.com/4pbtdtpc]
- Crimelines [https://linktr.ee/crimelines]
- Frightful [https://link.chtbl.com/frightful]
- Reverie True Crime [https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore]
- Rotten to the Core [https://link.chtbl.com/Rotten]
- The Trail Went Cold [https://tinyurl.com/2zydj3y]
- Once Upon A Crime [https://www.truecrimepodcast.com]
- Criminology [https://tinyurl.com/yvuu9u8d]
- The Peripheral & Generation Why [https://link.chtbl.com/ThePeripheral]
- Live, Laugh, Larceny [https://linktr.ee/Live.Laugh.Larceny.Podcast]
- The Hidden Staircase [https://link.chtbl.com/TheHiddenStaircase]
- True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now? [https://linktr.ee/LanieHobbs]
- Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster [https://link.chtbl.com/obscura]
Find us online.
Support the show by joining our Black Label by becoming a Patron on Patreon.
Black Label can also be subscribed to on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.
Hosted by Shane Waters. You can find his history podcast Hometown History here.
Find Foul Play: Crime Series on all podcasting outlets here.
Are you obsessed with true crime and rotten people? If you have a favorite murder and you're a crime junkie with a slight morbid since of curiosity you're in the right place. If you can't get enough Dateline or 20/20 and you don't quite trust going out alone in your own back yard because people are shady - yeah me too! And if you also enjoy listening to Generation Why, True Crime Garage, The Vanished, My Favorite Murder or basically any podcast about unsolved cases and mysteries - well you'll probably enjoy this one!
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Nightmare Before Halloween, Part 1 Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

…1 campfire…
…1 dark forest…
…31 bone-chilling stories…
…Will YOU survive the night?
This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It's an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem?
So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for 'A Nightmare Before Halloween'
…but be warned…
…bad things happen in these woods….
Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
In this Part 1 Episode:
- Foul Play: Crime Series [https://link.chtbl.com/foulplay]
- Murder She Told [https://tinyurl.com/55473exk]
- Crime Salad [https://tinyurl.com/4pbtdtpc]
- Crimelines [https://linktr.ee/crimelines]
- Frightful [https://link.chtbl.com/frightful]
- Reverie True Crime [https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore]
- Rotten to the Core [https://link.chtbl.com/Rotten]
- The Trail Went Cold [https://tinyurl.com/2zydj3y]
- Once Upon A Crime [https://www.truecrimepodcast.com]
- Criminology [https://tinyurl.com/yvuu9u8d]
- The Peripheral & Generation Why [https://link.chtbl.com/ThePeripheral]
- Live, Laugh, Larceny [https://linktr.ee/Live.Laugh.Larceny.Podcast]
- The Hidden Staircase [https://link.chtbl.com/TheHiddenStaircase]
- True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now? [https://linktr.ee/LanieHobbs]
- Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster [https://link.chtbl.com/obscura]
In the next Part 2 Episode:
- True Crime Island [https://tinyurl.com/y6kk2npj]
- Based on a True Story [https://tinyurl.com/37axzn5z]
- The Asian Madness Podcast [https://tinyurl.com/yckkxbjn]
- Sistas Who Kill [https://linktr.ee/Sistas.Who.Kill.Podcast]
- Hometown History [https://link.chtbl.com/hometownhistory]
- Coffee and Cases [https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases]
- Military Murder [https://tinyurl.com/yc5fxjyh]
- Dystopian Simulation Radio [https://tinyurl.com/khpw786w]
- Cults, Crimes & Cabernet [https://linktr.ee/cultscrimesandcabernet]
- Morbidology [https://tinyurl.com/mshyvxyt]
- Dark Pountine [https://tinyurl.com/ycydanm9]
- Hillbilly Horror Stories [https://tinyurl.com/567vxrkz]
- True Consequences [https://tinyurl.com/39fpfv3h]
- Gone Cold [https://tinyurl.com/ytzxudt8]
- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online [https://tinyurl.com/3dxp47wf]
- True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories [https://tinyurl.com/ykzwmnxr]
Find us online.
Support the show by joining our Black Label by becoming a Patron on Patreon.
Black Label can also be subscribed to on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.
Hosted by Shane Waters. You can find his history podcast Hometown History here.
Find Foul Play: Crime Series on all podcasting outlets here.
Are you obsessed with true crime and rotten people? If you have a favorite murder and you're a crime junkie with a slight morbid since of curiosity you're in the right place. If you can't get enough Dateline or 20/20 and you don't quite trust going out alone in your own back yard because people are shady - yeah me too! And if you also enjoy listening to Generation Why, True Crime Garage, The Vanished, My Favorite Murder or basically any podcast about unsolved cases and mysteries - well you'll probably enjoy this one!
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fall River: Aftermath of Borden Verdict Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

As the dust settled after Lizzie Borden's verdict, Fall River... Examine the societal ripples in the aftermath of Fall River: Aftermath of Borden Verdict. Season 13 of Foul Play continues by exploring the cultural and community impact of the trial that shocked the world. Before Lizzie Borden became infamous, she was a beloved daughter and church leader. Post-trial, her acquittal sparked debates about justice, class, and gender roles in 19th-century America. This episode reveals how the verdict left both a town and a nation grappling with their prejudices and fears. With no alternative perpetrator in sight, public suspicion lingered, impacting the Borden family and constructing a narrative of doubt and infamy. Forensic oversights and the media frenzy symbolized a society struggling with modernization and evolving social mores. Each part of the justice system was scrutinized in an era where progress met resistance. The culmination of the trial not only altered perceptions of criminality but also displayed broader societal tensions. This episode invites listeners to examine into the ramifications that shaped both historical perspective and personal narratives. Join us in examining the enduring tension in a tale of guilt, innocence, and societal reflection. --- 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

Fall River: Borden Trial Resolution Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

The Borden trial's final moments unraveled with tension, leaving... Discover the climactic resolution of a case that polarized a nation in Fall River: Borden Trial Resolution. Season 13 of Foul Play continues to dissect the aftermath of Lizzie Borden's trial, a key event that saw her acquitted for the notorious 1892 axe murders. Lizzie, once an unassuming Sunday school teacher seeking to carve her path, became America's most notorious defendant. The trial was not just a legal battle but a societal spectacle, reflecting the era's gender and class dynamics. Those weeks in court were not only about determining guilt; they became a commentary on justice. The prosecution's struggle to prove motive faced a defense fortified by character testimonies and a lack of forensic evidence. The country watched as the jury's decision exonerated Lizzie, highlighting the fragility and biases within the judicial system. Examining the trial details, listeners will experience the contrasting narratives and media influence that left a legacy far beyond Fall River. This episode examines into the Borden saga's resolution and its enduring cultural impact. Join us to explore how this historic trial reshaped beliefs and questioned justice in a time of societal transformation. --- 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

Fall River: Lizzie Borden's Acquittal Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Lizzie Borden walked free, acquitted of murder... Leaving a stunned nation divided on the courtroom steps. In this key episode of Fall River: Lizzie Borden's Acquittal, we examine into the gripping courtroom drama that captured America's attention. Season 13 continues to examine the complex case surrounding Lizzie Borden, famously tried for the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother on that fateful day in 1892. Before the events that altered their lives forever, Andrew Borden was a prosperous property developer, and Step-mother Abby was known for her benevolent demeanor despite her stepdaughter's animosity. This trial symbolizes the immense public fascination with crime and justice in the late 19th century. With no other suspects, Lizzie's high-profile trial scrutinized gender roles and class in America, making history by influencing public perception of women's capacities for violence. The prosecution presented a case of opportunity and motive; the defense countered with her lack of blood evidence and compelling alibis. Social pressures and media scrutiny highlighted the era's shifting norms, yet Lizzie's acquittal left unresolved tension in a society eager for answers. As listeners tune in, explore testimonies, dramatic defenses, and a verdict still debated today. Join us to experience the full story of Fall River, Massachusetts, where justice and doubt intertwined in 1892. --- 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

Fall River: Aftermath of Lizzie Borden's Trial Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

The grisly aftermath of Lizzie Borden's trial left Fall River... As Season 13 continues, Foul Play examines the societal ripples following Lizzie Borden's sensational trial. Her acquittal for the axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River left unanswered questions and echoes of intrigue. Beyond the infamous trial, Lizzie sought to work through life under the heavy cloak of public suspicion, a stark contrast to her life before, marked by community involvement and benevolence. Lizzie's case provided a critical juncture in legal and social history, spotlighting the disparities in how women interacted with and were perceived by the legal system. After the acquittal, Lizzie's presence loomed large over Fall River, as whispers of speculation and intrigues did not dissolve with the jury's verdict. Her efforts to reclaim normalcy only fanned the flames of public inquisition, leading to estrangements and isolations that defined her post-trial existence. The era's cultural transformations shaped the discourse around Lizzie, reflecting the clash between rigid societal norms and evolving modern attitudes toward justice and female agency. Through historical records and first-person narratives, this episode explores the life Lizzie rebuilt and the ghost of her trial that haunted her till her passing. --- 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

Fall River: The Lizzie Borden Acquittal Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

Fall River echoed with disbelief after Lizzie Borden's acquittal... Season 13 of Foul Play brings us to Fall River, Massachusetts, heart of the infamous Lizzie Borden trial. Tried for the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother in August 1892, Lizzie's eventual acquittal sent shockwaves through the nation. Who was Lizzie before acquiring her notorious fame? A dutiful daughter and Sunday school teacher, she was a respected figure in her community, challenging the vicious image painted during the trial. The case stands as a landmark in legal history, inviting debate about the impacts of gender and class on judicial outcomes. Lizzie's trial questioned societal biases and the perception of women in the criminal justice system. The trial was a spectacle, drawing public fascination and media circus, with vital evidence debated fervently, like Lizzie's changing alibis and missing murder weapon. Despite compelling circumstantial evidence, the jury found her not guilty, leaving a nation enthralled and divided. The case unfolded at a time of rampant social contrasts, where Victorian values faced the dawn of modern America. Such dynamics often influenced how justice was perceived and delivered, painting a complex portrait of guilt and innocence. Through courtroom accounts and journalistic recordings, this episode works through the trial's enduring mysteries, questioning what justice truly meant during Lizzie Borden's day. --- 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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