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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: Unveiling Richter's Office Findings Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

Unveil the veiled as we venture into Dr. Richter's office to uncover dark secrets tied to Sister Cathy's chilling case. Foul Play's 78th episode in season two presents Liz's brave revelations as a former medical assistant, sharing significant discoveries from her time with Dr. Christian Richter. Her account adds a harrowing dimension to Sister Cathy's already complex mystery. Before becoming entangled in tragic events, Sister Cathy was an inspiring figure, cherished for her dedication to teaching and mentorship at Keough High. Her shocking death in 1969 sent ripples of fear and silence through the community, a community that once thrived under her keen guidance and encouragement. These revelations matter greatly. Dr. Richter's office may hold the answers to many unexplained facets of Sister Cathy's untimely death, pointing to systemic flaws that facilitated possible health and moral transgressions overlooked by the institutions trusted to protect. Liz's detailed account of her experience provides fresh impetus to the ongoing inquiry, suggesting significant misalignments in known timelines and motives. This account dives into unexplored territory where Dr. Richter's potential involvement could hold the key to resolving contradictions in Sister Cathy's case. Framed by the historic setting of 1970s Baltimore, the societal backdrop reveals overlooked injustices overshadowed by the broader social changes. It mirrors a period of disillusionment where authority figures rarely faced accountability. listeners can anticipate Liz's riveting testimony that calls into question past narratives and offers a chance to reconsider overshadowed truths. Join as we dissect the disturbing truths hidden within these records, pushing for justice long denied. --- 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: The Pamela Conyers Case Insights Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

Unearth the chilling connections in the Pamela Conyers case, entwined with Sister Cathy's unresolved enigma. This episode examines into another heart-wrenching mystery that potentially intersects the unsolved cases of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Joyce Malecki. Season 2, Episode 77 of our series investigates the harrowing narrative of Pamela Conyers, weaving a story told by her niece Ingrid, offering new insights into her tragic fate. Before becoming another name in the chronicles of unresolved crime, Pamela Conyers was a young woman with aspirations and dreams. Beloved by family, her life represents hope dashed by an untimely end, leaving a shadow on those she left behind. Her story highlights the vulnerability of young women in an era fraught with unreported crimes and systemic neglect. Analyzing Pamela's case matters as it may examine threads intricately linked to larger patterns of abuse and neglect, highlighting irregularities in law enforcement practices of the time. These cases are important reminders of the deeply ingrained societal issues demanding redress. we revisit Pamela's disappearance and death, scrutinizing possible ties to Sister Cathy and Joyce Malecki's murders. Using Ingrid's testimony, Gemma and Shane stitch together narrative fragments, seeking unexplored links and motives. They address recurring themes of obscured evidence and potential suspects overlooked by historical investigations. Set in the context of late 1960s Baltimore, societal distractions often eclipsed individual tragedies, as rising crime rates met historical turbulence. Yet, it is this forgotten undercurrent that reveals much about systemic failings. Listen in as this episode unpacks layered stories, using interviews and personal insights to drive home the urgency for renewed endeavors seeking justice for Pamela and others lost to 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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Baltimore: Sister Cathy Live Q&A Continues May 26, 2021

Show notes

Immerse deeper as Sister Cathy's live Q&A session progresses, revealing profound insights into an ongoing investigation. In the second part of our live inquiry into Sister Cathy's case, Shane and Gemma continue to peel back layers of intrigue that have held public interest for decades. Season 2 returns with an episode that offers even more intimate access and deeper dives into the enduring mystery. Sister Cathy, a dedicated educator, embodied resilience and warmth. Her untimely disappearance and murder in 1969 remain a cold case that haunts Baltimore's history. Advocated by many for her unwavering dedication, her murder highlights the silence in systems that failed to protect her. Her story is emblematic of the broader societal issues from the era, issues still calling for reconciliation. The impact of Sister Cathy's case on legal and religious institutions cannot be understated. Its story is one that demands accountability and transparency from the past, urging listeners to consider how these lessons apply today. Continuing from part one, Gemma and Shane break down new evidence and address emerging questions, with public inquiries bringing new data and perspectives to light. This session promises to provoke thought and call listeners to action in advocating for the voiceless. Set against a backdrop of historical injustice and contemporary accountability, this episode reveals untapped depths of the story in a collaborative dialogue with those who refuse to forget. You'll continue to hear riveting anecdotes from audiences worldwide as their inquiries spotlight the urgency for truth and justice. Listen to these exchanges and learn more about the secrets buried within Sister Cathy's story. --- 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: Sister Cathy Live Q&A Begins May 19, 2021

Show notes

Step into the unsolved as Sister Cathy's live Q&A initiates, turning once-quiet speculations into fervent public discourse. The first of our live, interactive sessions brings the mystery of Sister Cathy to life in a way never before experienced. In Season 2, Episode 75, Foul Play examines new threads in the ongoing investigation, giving audience members a rare opportunity to engage with the enigmatic story first featured on 'The Keepers'. Before her tragic end, Sister Cathy Cesnik was a beloved teacher, known for her empathy and commitment to her students at Keough High School. Her vibrant life was cut short in 1969, but her legacy endures through those who still seek justice. Her case shines a light on the cultural ethos of the time when societal structures often muffled voices of dissent. The investigation into her murder has taken on massive importance due to its links to potential institutional corruption and abuse within the church. Decades later, it continues to galvanize those who demand change. Episode 75 highlights how modern tools can aid in reexamining past tragedies. With live questions and real-time interaction, Shane and Gemma create new dialogues, exploring theories, and facts that have emerged since 'The Keepers' aired. Join us as they respond to questions from viewers across the globe, dissecting the enigma that is Sister Cathy's untimely demise. Broadcast live in 2023, this episode captures a vibrant moment of active engagement with true crime enthusiasts and those personally touched by Sister Cathy's story. During this episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts and fresh revelations as the public's inquiries fuel new lines of questioning, blending historical and contemporary perspectives to shine light on enduring mysteries. --- 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: Discovering Sister Russell May 12, 2021

Show notes

Explore Baltimore's secrets as we uncover the enigmatic Sister Russell, a key figure shrouded by time and secrets. Sister Russell Phillips was more than just a friend to Sister Cathy Cesnik. In the second season of our gripping series, we dive deep into the past, joined by Gemma Hoskins and Beth, who provide personal insights into this cloistered world. Before the shadows of doubt descended upon Sister Russell Phillips, she was a spirited and devoted nun whose life inspired many at her Lori school. Known for her compassion and leadership, Sister Russell was a guiding light in her community. Her story is intricately woven into the fabric of Sister Cathy's tragic narrative, giving voice to the silent echoes of a life dedicated to faith and education. The tremors of Sister Cathy's murder continue to resonate through history. This case remains significant for shining a light on systemic issues within religious institutions and the societal forces that allowed her death to become a cold case. Uncovering Sister Russell's involvement adds another layer to our understanding of these pervasive issues. The investigation provides new insights about Sister Russell's key role in her school's community, where Sister Cathy also taught. Through interviews with those who knew her, Gemma and Shane reveal unknown aspects of her life and connections, both with the church and outside it, that could hold the key to examining the mystery surrounding Sister Cathy's death. Set against the backdrop of late 1960s Baltimore, this episode takes you to a time when the city was grappling with tensions alongside a cultural shift that emboldened individuals to challenge authority. This context is important for understanding the societal pressures that could have influenced the events leading to the mysterious deaths. expect candid discussions with Beth as she shares anecdotes and personal connections with Sister Russell, revealing moments that capture the essence of her character and relationship with Sister Cathy. Tune in and join us as history meets 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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Baltimore: Sister Cathy, Erin's Light May 05, 2021

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy, Erin's Light" shows how experiences illuminate paths from despair to hope... Encapsulated within Season 2's broad narrative spectrum, Foul Play examines raw storytelling from Erin, a survivor deriving light out of Cathy's compelling narrative of hope and shadows lingering in today's irrevocable discourse. Erin casts a transformative lens, her journey akin to Cathy's echoes through battling systemic darkness with resilience navigated globally, imparted to the present listeners challenged by recognizable hardships. Cathy's story gives power to Erin sharing paths not defined solely by historical somberness but unmovable triumphs reshaping recovery arcs trendy then, now. Frontline examinations with Shane and Gemma highlight Erin's sincere insights, fortifying empathetic rows resonating through timelines tirelessly inciting progress chained within institution narratives disowning seekers. Erin's presence catalyzes inspiration vitalizing modern rebellion, speaking to not envisage past but towards unhindered turning points eliciting frequencies surpassing momentary rescues. Engage in enlightening dialogues still rippling through shadows; embrace Erin's journey disrupting present cultures historically ignoring patience fostering among keeper-centric societies turning diverse tides in shattered narratives redeemed by collective resilience bound by truth. --- 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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Southern States: Redhead Murders Downplaying Evidence May 02, 2021

Show notes

As evidence is downplayed, Shane examines into the earliest Redhead Murders, revealing forgotten truths and regions marked... Traverse the Southern states with Shane as key discussions unfold about a spree marred by oversight and loss. The Redhead Murders left ineffaceable marks on Southern states and reinvigorated debates over investigative practices. This episode sees Shane examine Wetzel County, West Virginia, and the first assumed victim of this string of murders. Despite clear patterns, important evidence and connections between cases were often overlooked. Behind each redhead lies a story untold. Perhaps she laughed the loudest at family gatherings or cherished her steadfast friendships. Vital clues obliterated by time and negligence deprived these women of justice and closure, defining elements of their life stories being erased. This discussion is imperative as it reveals how early missteps in crime scene analysis impacted subsequent investigations. Historical failures to collect and analyze pieces of evidence unraveled the potential to solve these horrific crimes in timely manners. Efforts to connect disparate murders under one moniker were initially hampered by the intricacies of state jurisdictions and bureaucratic inertia. The approach to these early investigations in the Southern states serves as a cautionary tale of institutional oversight. The episode offers a glimpse into the Southern landscape, which was simultaneously dealing with burgeoning industrialization and cultural shifts. It was amidst this backdrop that the lives and deaths of these victims quietly fell into obscurity. Listeners will hear detailed accounts of investigative decisions and public responses to these crimes, enriching their understanding of the varied layers of these unsolved cases and the regional impact they imparted. 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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Southern States: Redhead Murders' Media Exposure May 01, 2021

Show notes

Retracing the Bible Belt Strangler's steps, Shane explores the media's role in narrating the Redhead Murders... Join Shane on a dark journey across the Southern states, uncovering how stories were told and retold. The Redhead Murders remain a chilling tale of crime across the Southern states. Shane revisits the route taken by the Bible Belt Strangler after he picked up one of the victims at King's Truck Stop in Barbourville, Kentucky. This journey through Kentucky's landscapes unveils not only the physical path of a killer but also an eerie reminder of how these crimes were portrayed in the media. A young woman's life was staggering in its potential. Hailing from a state where dreams grew alongside bluegrass, she became a part of a network of stories that challenged perceptions of safety and community in the 1980s Southern states. Understanding the historical portrayal of such crimes is essential. Media exposure can alter the course of investigations and public perception, turning private tragedies into regional nightmares. Curiously, it was the press that first coined "Redhead Murders", sparking both fascination and fear. In analyzing media narratives, Shane unveils the thin line between journalistic integrity and sensationalism, important in the investigation's trajectory. The exposure brought unprecedented attention to the series of linked murders, highlighting the power and pitfalls of media coverage in crime storytelling. The Southern states during the '80s were places of complex social dynamics, where whispers of an elusive killer spread faster than the authorities could act. The region's socio-economic challenges further complicated the efforts to stop the murderer. Expect to examine dark media stories, followed by the legacy they left on both journalism and justice. The episode offers a rare reflection on how media coverage shaped public opinion and investigative approaches towards the Redhead Murders. 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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Southern States: The Redhead Murders Press Conference Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

In a gripping press conference, the Redhead Murders come under the lens as Shane and a high school sociology class... This isn't just about the violence that plagued the Southern states, it's about the relentless pursuit of truth behind the Bible Belt Strangler. Shane travels to Elizabethton, Tennessee, for a significant event involving the Redhead Murders, a series that haunted the Southern states. This episode chronicles the efforts of a local high school class, beginning on an ambitious project to revealed these cold cases, in concert with Shane's own investigative journey. The press conference gathered attention, not only for its audacious goal of solving the crime but also for humanizing the victims. The Redhead Murders left many young women brutally lost and forgotten across Southern states like Tennessee and Kentucky. These women, characterized often by their striking red hair, had names, stories, and dreams that were stolen too soon. They were daughters and sisters, whose sudden disappearances sent ripples through their communities, inciting fear and sorrow. The press conference is key not only for its communal aspect but also for drawing a stark comparison to modern true crime cases. It highlights how grassroots activism can propel interest and potentially solve decades-old mysteries that law enforcement alone struggled to resolve. The term "Bible Belt Strangler" still echoes in the corridors of unsolved crime discussions, representing a gruesome chapter in crime history. This press conference sought to renew interest, urging for a reevaluation of the scant evidence and witness testimonies after years of media neglect. Held in an era overshadowed by a lack of technological resources, the Redhead Murders represented a chilling failure of conventional investigative methods. In the world of 1980s true crime, societal attitudes towards transient lifestyles often led to the marginalization of such victims, deeply affecting investigative priorities. In this compelling installment of Foul Play, expect to dive deep with exclusive access to interviews and firsthand accounts from those who stood at the forefront of this renewed investigative push. Listeners will gain insights into how the case affected communities, influenced investigative journalism, and pushed the boundaries of citizen-led inquiries. 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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Barbourville: Bible Belt Strangler's Kentucky Strike Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

In Barbourville, Kentucky, a shadow looms: the Bible Belt Strangler claims another... Episode 5 of Season 6 roots down into Barbourville's landscape scarred by this elusive killer. The women, beacons of hope and resilience, fell into premeditated vagaries. Their stolen lives reflect society's indifference to marginalized groups' safety. Barbourville's unsettling connection to these historical events means examining learned stereotypes about crime perceptions. Episode 5 unveils the haunting truths of the Strangler's modus operandi, his methods, victims' profiles, geographical choices, mapping connections typically dismissed as coincidence. The socio-political undercurrents of rural Americana in the late 20th century highlight dichotomies of trust and fear, local response, and the broader American narrative. Tune in for insightful analyses of the case's progression and intimate accounts detailing the pursuit of a murderer unbound by borders. --- 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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