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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:

Baltimore: Justice and Faith Crossroads - Part 2 Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

In Baltimore's tangled history, justice and faith face off in the Sister Cathy case's unresolved legacy. Part 2 explores... further the intersections of courts, church, and police work in seeking justice for Cathy Cesnik. With Jean and Teresa, who are integral voices in "The Keepers," listeners gain an unfiltered view of the complexities at this critical juncture. Cathy Cesnik, remembered for her dedication and kindness, tragically became the symbol of a deeply hidden struggle within the community. Her unresolved case highlights the potential pitfalls of organized religion and law enforcement, pressing for accountability and reform. This segment of Season 2 examines into the ongoing ramifications of the investigation, reflecting on systemic issues and the human stories behind them. Anticipate powerful testimonies, thematic continuations from Part 1, and insightful discussions. Our pursuit of justice crosses paths with faith again; join us in examining these enduring enigmas in Sister Cathy's case. --- 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: Justice and Faith Crossroads - Part 1 Sep 23, 2022

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Justice and faith converge at a crossroads where Sister Cathy's unresolved case reveals stark truths. In... this Part 1 episode of Season 2, we dive into the complex encounters between the legal system, church, and law enforcement surrounding Sister Cathy Cesnik's murder. Jean and Teresa, known figures from "The Keepers," enrich these discussions with their firsthand experiences and insights. Sister Cathy was not merely a victim, but an impactful member of her community whose life and death catalyzed essential dialogue about justice and faith. The case encourages persistent examination of power dynamics within and beyond religious entities, stressing historical importance. We dissect the 4-year Maryland Attorney General investigation, linking it to current judicial and ecclesiastical practices. Prepare for enlightening conversations, revelations about systemic failings, and an unyielding quest for transparency. Part 1 sets the stage for an examination of Cathy's case where justice and faith intersect in Baltimore's turbulent history. --- 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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New York: Final Thoughts on Hazel Drew Sep 21, 2022

Show notes

As we wrap our thoughts on the unsolved murder of Hazel Drew, final reflections paint New York's grim legacy... examining once more into the mysterious death of Hazel Drew, we conclude our exploration with deeper insights into the shadowy figures and forgotten whispers surrounding this haunting New York tale. Hazel's murder is a story of young dreams crushed by the unknown, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions that continue to echo through time. Hazel Drew was more than a victim; she was a young woman with aspirations and a zest for life. Living in an era filled with new opportunities and challenges for women, Hazel's life represented both the hope and vulnerability of her gender. Understanding her story is important, as it highlights the historical intersection of gender, class, and security that still holds relevance today. Her case challenges us to reflect on the societal dynamics and legal insufficiencies that failed her. With the investigation mired in rumor and half-truths, this episode pieces together the few known facts. From potential witnesses to the cryptic persona of Hazel herself, each revelation casts light on the shadowy corners of her untimely demise. This era of New York was a landscape of progress juxtaposed with deep-seated conservatism. Women like Hazel sought freedom amid confining norms, proof of their forward-thinking spirit. We examine the intricacies of Hazel Drew's life and death. This episode promises a compelling exploration of the final threads of a tragic tale left unresolved in the history of crime. --- 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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New York: Hazel Drew Murder Mysteries Sep 14, 2022

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In the summer of 1908, the unsolved murder of Hazel Drew became New York's darkest mystery as her body was... It was a scorching summer in 1908 when the picturesque town of Sand Lake was jolted by the chilling discovery of 20-year-old Hazel Drew's body floating in Teal's Pond. Known for her beauty and vibrant spirit, Hazel was beloved by her family and friends. She lived modestly, working as a domestic servant while nurturing dreams of something greater. Her untimely death sent ripples through the community and captivated the nation, becoming one of New York's infamous unsolved mysteries. Hazel Drew's murder case holds historical significance as it exposed the era's socio-political tensions and the limitations of early 20th-century investigative techniques. The young woman's death highlighted the power dynamics and the precarious position of women seeking independence during that time. The investigation into Hazel's murder revealed a tangled web of speculation and intrigue. Initial reports suggested blunt force trauma as the cause of death. Despite numerous leads and suspects, the case soon went cold due to insufficient forensic tools and societal biases. The early 1900s was a time of change, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of a world on the brink of modernity. People in Sand Lake were dealing with societal shifts, where tradition clashed with burgeoning modern values. Listeners of this episode will journey back to 1908 and feel the weight of Hazel Drew's case. Through intimate descriptions and historical insights, the mystery of what happened to Hazel unfolds. How did a vibrant young woman meet such a tragic end, and why has this mystery endured for over a century? --- 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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New York: Probing Hazel Drew's Death Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

Probing the dark waters surrounding Hazel Drew, investigators faced... Episode two of New York: Probing Hazel Drew's Death takes listeners deeper into the enigma of Sand Lake's renowned mystery, as Season 12 continues unveiling the intricacies of a tale cemented in both local folklore and modern curiosity. Hazel Drew was more than a tragic figure; her life was replete with the ambitions and joys of a young woman working through societal expectations at the turn of the century. Her death sparked intrigue and fear, a reflection of the hidden and often grim realities of early 1900s America, when new freedoms occasionally clashed with old mores. Scrutinizing the investigation's efforts, listeners will grasp the challenges faced by detectives stifled by limited investigative resources and prevalent societal prejudices. The absence of substantial leads and forensic technology meant Hazel's case became a horizon for conjecture and speculation. Uncovering community secrets and hearsay, the investigation presents a breadth of theories, from rumored affairs to clandestine dealings, each as compelling as the next. We examine into the mysteries atmosphere surrounding Hazel's untimely demise, where old-world secrets met new age crimes, examining truths that remain elusive to this 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
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New York: Haunted Case of Hazel Drew Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

In the silent woods of New York, Hazel Drew's lifeless body emerged... Enter the haunting affair of New York: Haunted Case of Hazel Drew, where mystery permeates every detail. Season 12 uncovers the enigmatic murder of Hazel Drew, a vivacious young woman whose life ended in the waters of Teal's Pond, leaving unanswered questions hauntingly resonant over a century later. Hazel, remembered for her bright spirit and ambition, aspired for an independent life in a rapidly changing society, which adds layers to her unsolved murder. Her case captures broad interest not just for its grisly nature but as a reflection of early 20th-century America's undercurrents of secrecy and social shift. Details emerged: Hazel was discovered bludgeoned, prompting a fervent investigation by authorities stymied by societal constraints and minimal forensic capabilities. Her unsolved death reflected broader societal ills, a cautionary tale of discretion in a world teetering on modernity. This episode constructs the chilling scene in Sand Lake, amplifying the intrigue of missives found in personal belongings and community whispers of love affairs and deception. Listeners will be guided through speculation, leads, and theories that continue to invite conjecture. We begin on an excursion through history's shadows, examining a tale yet spoken to its final end. --- 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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Boston: Conclusion of Deceit Unveiling Aug 17, 2022

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In the hushed tension of the interrogation room, Marshall confesses to the gruesome... Season 11 of Foul Play examines into the unsettling world of deceit in early 20th-century Boston, examining webs woven by those who lived in shadows. we reach the chilling conclusion of the 'Deceit Unveiling.' Anna May Dietrich, central to this saga, was more than a victim; she was a vibrant soul working through the complexity of city life. Her tragic tale highlights the gender dynamics and socio-political struggles of her time. This episode exposes the complex deceit that masked a heinous crime, the investigation's labyrinthine path, and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. Anna May Dietrich, known for her joie de vivre, was beloved by her community and admired for her resilience. Her warmth and charisma drew people close, yet she became entangled in the dark alleys of deceit. Her story is key in understanding the hidden desperation many women faced, fueling a societal conversation on safety and equality. The brooding shadows of early 1900s Boston set the stage. It was a time teetering on the edge of change - when progress fought against the backdrop of entrenched traditionalism. Anna May's case forces us to confront societal failures, particularly in the treatment and protection of women. The case unfolds with an unexpected admission: Marshall claimed no fault in Anna May's murder yet confessed to dismembering her. Such admissions suggest a deeper, more sinister plot. Investigators painstakingly work through a twisted narrative where trust, betrayal, and complicity are blurred, challenging every known fact and fueling public fear. Listeners will walk through cobblestone streets where shadows and whispers tell tales of deceit and betrayal. Exploring cultural mores and legal limitations of the time, you'll hear firsthand accounts that highlight the relentless chase for justice. We dissect one of Boston's most notorious crimes, grappling with uncomfortable truths while honoring Anna May Dietrich'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
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Boston: Revealing the Truth Beneath Lies Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

What lies beneath Boston's façade reveals truths drenched in despair and deceit... Concluding the spellbinding Dance of Lies series, we return to Boston for the ultimate revelation. In this unforgettable episode, the veil of secrecy lifts, transforming whispers into stark reality. Anna May Dietrich's story is marked by resilience and hope. A symbol of warmth and determination, her memory bears the weight of sorrow yet evokes remembrance and justice to the lives intertwined with hers. Uncovering her killer is more than solving a crime; it reaffirms the enduring quest for truth amidst lies, challenging faith and relationships within Boston's close-knit circles. The investigation reaches its crescendo, untangling the final skein of deceit. The arduous search for Anna's truth transcends procedural drama, touching the raw edges of human vulnerability. At the heart of betrayal, poignant revelations drive the resonant narrative toward justice. As Boston thrived on both hope and hidden transgressions, Anna's tragic saga lays bare an intersection of prosperity and peril prevalent in the 1920s. Her unresolved journey serves as an eternal caution of indiscriminate trust. We conclude the Dance of Lies with relentless pursuit, unwavering in the face of shadows that loomed too large. This episode promises a gripping end to an unforgettable journey through Boston's haunting corridors. --- 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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Boston: Lies Untangled in Murder Plot Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

As Boston examines its lies, a murder plot threads through betrayal, uncovering... In the heart of Boston's historical landscape, the grisly murder of Anna May Dietrich takes center stage in this second episode of season 11. This continuation reveals the shadows cast by treachery and deceit. Anna May Dietrich, whose life brimmed with both rapture and hardship, was more than a statistic in the crime annals of her time. A beloved daughter and friend, her murder left a gaping void in her community. Her case stands as a reminder of the vulnerabilities women faced, surrounded by murky allegiances and false promises in early 20th-century America. As events unfold, the investigation into Anna's demise reveals a lies and intrigue. With each turn, detectives grapple with exposing hidden motives that seem to elude capture. False testimonies and buried truths emerge from the depths of obligation and fear. This gripping era in American history saw Boston at the crux of transformation, wrestling with the prolific crime associated with the Prohibition. Anna's murder, a blemish on this vibrant city, speaks to its dual nature of sophistication and vice. Join us in this exploration of Boston's darker nights as we lay bare the conspiracies and betrayals that marked Anna's case. Listeners will journey through a narrative as winding as Boston's crooked streets. --- 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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Boston: Web of Deceit Unfurled Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

In Boston's tangled web of deceit, a murder plot slowly unfurls, revealing betrayal... In season 11's captivating start, we journey to Boston, a city steeped in history and intrigue. Known as the birthplace of American independence, Boston is now the stage for a dramatic tale of deception and murder. Anna May Dietrich, the victim at the heart of this tale, was a woman of quiet grace and resilience. Her life, though marked by personal struggles, was centered around her family and her aspirations for a brighter future. The significance of Anna's murder lies in its chilling reflection of societal secrets, revealing the darker undercurrents of 1920s Boston. Her case reminds us of the hidden tensions and the fragility of human trust. The investigation into Anna's murder is fraught with twists and turns. From misleading clues to shifting alibis, law enforcement faced a labyrinthine path to justice. The tangled web of deceit obscured truth from fiction, challenging even the most seasoned detectives. The 1920s in Boston were an era of contrast: booming industries and cultural renaissance shadowed by Prohibition-era crime waves. This backdrop frames Anna's tragic narrative, echoing the societal complexities of her time. listeners will encounter a heart-stopping chronicle of intrigue, deception, and a murder that tore the fabric of a close-knit community. We dissect every twist of this historical mystery. --- 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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