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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: Analyze Sister Cathy's Deceit Jan 03, 2021

Show notes

"Baltimore: Analyze Sister Cathy's Deceit" delivers more insights into the charades masking grim realities... Foul Play revisits its behavioral analysis thread in Season 2, amplifying efforts to decode the lies once rife in Sister Cathy's case. Cathy's journey of hope clashed tragically with deceits bred from betrayals shrouded in falsehoods owned by the trusted within her sphere. Dissecting deceit has become not only historical reflection but a necessary culture in working through today's criminal minefields. Hosts Shane and Gemma continue with Mike, reinjecting techniques into the study of deceit, the wiring inheritance left to investigators. Their exploration transcends practical applications into cultural diagnostics explaining how truth artifices have settled into investigation norms against legacy contaminants. This season highlights a stringent society favoring accountability over hushed scandals, testing historic rhetoric in view of progressive justice. Tune into an analytical return designed to use illuminating truths wrought from fields of deception, empowering transparency's rise over narratives borne of fear. Further behavioral character dissections will unveil possibly the unknowns that have long lingered over Sister Cathy's shadowed life. Awareness is a decisive spearheading tool in facing trials suppressive eras once deified. --- 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's Inner Circle Exposed Jan 02, 2021

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"Baltimore: Sister Cathy's Inner Circle Exposed" unveils conversations long hidden away... As part of the journey through Season 2, Foul Play hosts a unique roundtable on Sister Cathy's case, pushing boundaries to bring insights into those entangling her fate. Sister Cathy, before her murder, stood for more than what her legacy was sculpted into, offering strength against oppressive administration; a call captured following her demise. This episode ties into the broader cultural need to expose hidden figures and their creeping influence, haloing around the innocent. Shane and Gemma facilitate dynamic exchanges between 'The Keepers' docuseries' leads and key witnesses revealing the enigmatic Maskell's inner workings. Their insights deconstruct tangled memories directly tying to the narrative of Catholic institution encroachments. Engaging modern sentiments for transparency and insight into manipulations families faced historically, these dialogues become important. Join this deep exploration as discussion-rich revelations form enhanced understanding and invite healing reflection into conscious dialogues needing continuity long after airing. The roundtable is a catalyst for continued pursuit, unwavering against denials of wrongs by influential entities. --- 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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US: The Unresolved and Remembered Dec 30, 2020

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US: The Unresolved and Remembered revisits victims of the Speed Freak Killers. Shane and Wendy tackle…
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US: Hobson Family's Justice Battle Dec 16, 2020

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US: Hobson Family's Justice Battle exposes a gripping legal battle from 2014. Shelley and her daughters…
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US: The Wellsite Witness Tale Dec 02, 2020

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US: The Wellsite Witness Tale examines a contentious chapter in the Speed Freak Killers case. Leonard Padilla…
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US: Mapping the Quest to Find Others Nov 18, 2020

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US: Mapping the Quest to Find Others, the dramatic episode where Shane and Wendy chase leads from Wesley Shermantine…
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California: Trail of Terror Beyond Linden Nov 04, 2020

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The trail of terror weaves through the shadows of California, reaching beyond the confines of Linden. Uncover the chilling truths left by Wesley Shermantine and Loren Herzog as Shane and Wendy chart the disturbing path these killers carved. This episode is a continuation of the harrowing journey through Season 3's 'The Maps,' focusing on the broader implications of a brutal legacy left by the Speed Freak Killers. A deep dive into the human cost associated with unchecked malevolence. Lost among the stories of horror are the lives interrupted. Each victim once walked confidently in their world, imbued with dreams and relationships that beg remembrance. They were not mere numbers; their realities are what compel us to seek answers. Exploring the terror that reached beyond Linden is important for understanding the ramifications of unchecked brutality in any society. Cultivating awareness and learning from past transgressions is imperative for communal healing. We dissect the heinous actions of Shermantine and Herzog, examining the clues left behind. With a focus on forensic evidence and long-overdue revelations, we challenge the established narrative, urging listeners to contemplate deeply woven lies of safety. The late 20th century was marked by rapid innovation juxtaposed with concealed violence in communities like Linden. It was a time when societal facades crumbled, revealing darker undercurrents, an era demanding increased vigilance and awareness. Listeners will traverse this dark path alongside Shane and Wendy, where every twist and turn reveals not just the depravity of the killers, but the resilience and relentless pursuit for truth by those they left behind. 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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California: Voices Beneath the Badge Oct 21, 2020

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Beneath the badge lies a tale of quiet complicity and muffled voices that beg for public scrutiny. Join Shane and Wendy as they work through the troubling area of law enforcement implications in California's haunting narrative of the Speed Freak Killers. Continuing our deep dive into 'The Maps' series, Season 3 focuses on the intertwined stories of bureaucratic silence and communal suffering emanating from California's dark past. This episode reveals the actions, and inactions, of those tasked with public safety. Before the grim shadow fell upon California, vibrant communities thrived under its sunny veneer. Innocent lives once brimmed with hope, their stories now echoing as quiet laments across a land once prosperous and free. Each affected soul added to the fabric of this historic tale. The discussion of law enforcement's integral role in either upholding or hindering justice reveals significant truths about how crime is perceived and responded to in a changing nation. It's important to understand these dynamics to prevent history from repeating itself. We examine into the breadth of investigative shortcomings and newfound efforts emerging in California's beleaguered justice system. This episode peels back layers, revealing systemic patterns that reverberate far beyond the confines of the case. During the era of the Speed Freak Killers, California was grappling with transformations in legal and societal domains, a juxtaposition of growth amidst rampant crime. The cultural milieu was on the cusp of significant change, reflecting wider American shifts. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts that highlight the struggles between duty and accountability, where personal narratives intersect with institutional responsibilities, crafting a broader understanding of justice in crisis. 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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California: Unearthing the Fate of Cyndi and Chevy Oct 07, 2020

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In the California landscape, Cyndi and Chevy vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving a community searching for answers. As hosts Shane and Wendy piece together the clues in this key case, we invite you to join their journey of discovery, a heart-wrenching investigation that unfolds the grim reality of lost lives. In Season 3 of Foul Play, we examine into 'The Maps,' a series dedicated to examining the sinister mysteries behind cases linked to the notorious Speed Freak Killers. This episode puts the spotlight on Cyndi Vanderheiden and Chevy Wheeler, two missing individuals whose stories have haunted California. Cyndi Vanderheiden, a young woman with dreams as vibrant as her spirit, was beloved in her community. Known for her warmth and determination, Cyndi dreamed of a future filled with endless possibilities. Chevy Wheeler, another bright soul, touched lives with her kindness and zest for life. Her boundless energy and hope were contagious, making her disappearance all the more tragic. These disappearances symbolize an era when the California dream turned nightmarish. The chilling events remind us of the importance of bringing to light the stories of those swept away by history. By revisiting their lives, we aim to honor their memories and highlight the need for justice. The investigation into Cyndi and Chevy's fate is fraught with chilling discoveries and shocking revelations. With the uncovering of key evidence, the fabric of local law enforcement's handling of the cases comes under scrutiny, raising questions about justice served and justice delayed. The 1990s California backdrop was a paradox of peace and hidden horror. While the state was seen as a land of dreams, sinister stories were unfolding in its shadow. Societal norms were being challenged, and these cases are a reminder of the era's vulnerabilities. This episode will take listeners on a journey through the emotional turmoil of those left behind. As Shane and Wendy detail each revelation, they're not just sharing a story, they're ensuring Cyndi and Chevy's voices echo across time, demanding the justice they've long been 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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California: The Maps and Inked Revelations Sep 23, 2020

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A chilling revelation in ink brings new light to the infamous Speed Freak Killers, exposing details hidden... In 'California: The Maps and Inked Revelations,' key discoveries emerge from an unexpected source, the inked confessions and correspondences of Wesley Shermantine, shedding new insights into a case already fraught with horror. Before his crimes, Shermantine was a man seemingly camouflaging within society's boundaries, embodying the twin sides of charm and viciousness. These revelations matter because they offer closure to some while reigniting questions for others in a justice system constantly battling with incomplete puzzles. The new evidence paints a broader picture of the duo's mechanics, the intertwining psyche of killers who walked among their prey gnawing at societal fabric. Against the turbulent and paranoid backdrop of California's crime milieu, this episode examines these layers, providing a cathartic yet chilling experience for listeners interested in the intersections of justice and truth. Engage with us as we explore direct narratives from these documents and analyze their implications for closure, discomfort, and renewed investigations. --- 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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