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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:

California: The Maps and Vanished Voices Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

As they vanished, only maps and echoes remained, leading us to the chilling legacy of the Speed Freak Killers. Shane and Wendy turn their investigative attention to the names and faces behind the gruesome headlines of the Speed Freak Killers, unearthing the grief and confusion that continue to haunt families and communities across California. This second episode of Season 3 peels back layers of uncertainty to focus on those who were lost, whose stories remain enveloped in silence. The victims, once vibrant members of their communities, had dreams, ambitions, and lives abruptly interrupted by the killers' spree. Their names, now synonymous with loss, point to a broader narrative of systemic failure and unyielding resilience in the face of devastating loss. For California, this crime wave symbolized an era marred by emerging patterns of criminal predation and societal struggles with justice and resolution. examining into police records, family recollections, and haunting reconstructions, this episode will reconstruct the era and its impact, giving voice to the fading whispers of the past. Listeners will hear poignant tales from survivors and experts as they share insights on the ripple effects of violence, persistence of memory, and the ongoing quest for closure in a world where maps hold secrets even amid reminders of untold stories. --- 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 Shadow of Speed Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

California's notorious Speed Freak Killers spark terror in tales of... pure malevolence and lawlessness that grip communities in fear. The chilling saga of Wesley Shermantine and Loren Herzog examines in the harrowing first episode of Season 3, diving into their destructive swath. Foul Play's gripping third season scrutinizes the darkest corners of crime scenes and their reverberating impacts. Episode 1 begins with the exploration of the terrifying duo whose brutal rampage echoes long after their capture. Before their descent into infamy, Shermantine and Herzog were merely known as young men capable of friendship and camaraderie. However, their latent dark inclinations gradually unfolded, cementing their legacy as predators of the unsuspecting. The Speed Freak Killers' tale is more than horror; it reflects the vulnerabilities within rural law enforcement and community trust. By exposing human malevolence, the story amplifies the need for vigilance and preparedness against deviance in unsuspected forms. Key story elements trace Shermantine and Herzog's calculated trajectory, driven by an insatiable lust for control and violence. The episode recounts their brutal acts, the eventual examining of their secrets, and the cat-and-mouse game that ensued with authorities determined to end their killing spree. Set against the backdrop of late 20th-century rural California, where small towns grappled with limited resources, the era amplified the killers' initial success in evading capture. This historical context underpins the challenges faced by local agencies, amplifying the sinister impact of their crimes. Listeners will examine into chilling retellings of cruelty and manipulation, exploring how these perpetrators orchestrated fear and chaos in their secluded community. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding the societal and institutional inaction that allowed their devastation. 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 and Organized Abuse Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy and Organized Abuse" examines the coded operations behind systemic abuses... Season 2's aim to dismantle the institutional forces enabling Sister Cathy's murder and corresponding abuses leads to this global discourse. Cathy, a light against institutional darkness, serves as a catalyst for shining harsh truths we mustn't forget. The scope of her story translates into a broader agenda pushing fearmongering abuses into public scrutiny, where they belong. Foul Play collaborates with Associate Professor Michael Salter, an expert deeply rooted in worldwide abuse patterns to bring forth narratives hidden behind institutional boundaries. Insights shared guide listeners to the global context of systemic abuses, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging vested powers blocking accountability. Decades of retellings surrounding such abuses evolve into cautionary points in understanding society's modern truths. This discussion isn't merely historical, but an advocacy for vigilant guardianship against complacency around silence perpetuating horrors. Hear the collaboration aiming at the unwinding of sinister patterns enveloped in bureaucracy, urging cohesion in eroding barriers of dismissal empowering abusers. Responsibility isn't just hearing; it's reshaping futures free from similar stains. --- 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 and Lies Unraveled Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy and Lies Unraveled" continues to pick apart the hidden deceptions... Dieser rich season of Foul Play examines psychological truths with entrenched behavioral analysis continuing with Mike, an expert from Season 2. The chronicle of Cathy and her death demanded peeling away layers crafted to hide the perpetrators' painted picture. Sister Cathy's mission before her murder championed enlightenment, and her story challenges perpetual institutional deceits shrouding truth seekers. Historically, lies have prolonged injustice, necessitating scrutiny into behaviors that mask sinister intentions, providing this episode's central theme. Mike returns, grounding analysis into practical application, unmasking tendencies relevant in ongoing investigations. His insights create a guide for listeners learning to see beyond polished narratives confronting criminal denials. The prevailing cultural shift reframes authority confrontations as necessary to prevent repeating historical treasons of dishonesty to justice. Join this continuation of an expert-led dissection, nurturing awareness around concealing actions and complicity implanted through manipulative narratives. Behavioral puzzle pieces laid out reinforce knowledge as a powerful catalyst towards unearthing truths. In the modern fight, exposure transfers power back to the people. --- 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 and the Language of Lies Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy and the Language of Lies" invites listeners to understand deception through expert eyes... Foul Play's series continues with a focus on behavioral analysis as vital to revealing truths hidden in Season 2's journey into Sister Cathy's case. Cathy's murder and its echoes demanded an examination not just of faces but the lies driving silence. Before the trauma, she inspired hope and defiance against repression, a legacy overshadowed by deceit. The case reflects deeper societal issues, showing how deception protects those misusing authority, making analysis critical in breaking falsehoods. Joined by Mike, an expert in lie detection, Shane and Gemma examine into the science and psychology framing behavioral analytics, an essential tool for modern investigator toolkits. This episode educates on techniques that crack facades protecting historic injustices, offering an applied understanding of systemic deception. The evolving societal framework now stresses precise analysis, shifting towards less tolerance for silence woven into abuses. Listen in as insights become tools in working through the investigations, bringing listeners to the heart of behavioral explorations important in snapping decade-long silences. Isolation of lies, once institutional, now finds reversal as awareness meets expertise. --- 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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US: Hidden Predator Act 2020 - Part 2 Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

"US: Hidden Predator Act 2020 - Part 2" examines deeper into the dynamics of advocacy, shining a spotlight... Foul Play continues its dive into legislative intricacies in this second part, tracing how the Hidden Predator Act links to Season 2, confronting past and present injustices. Following legislative negotiators and advocates, listeners learn the momentum behind such key laws. The motivation is clear in the faces of survivors and supporters pushing these laws, whose stories inspire a larger pursuit of justice. Historically, efforts to strengthen predator laws have often met obstacles. Critical gains here explain a society waking up to the urgency of legislation promoting genuine protection. Through the complex world of lawmaking, Shane and Gemma examine the narrative of the compelling work undertaken within these legislative corridors. This second look tackles contextual influences surrounding legal decisions, exploring the heart of modern advocacy and change. In today's climate demanding stricter enforcement and transparency, this episode situates the efforts as part of a broader sweep seeking complete transformation. Engage with Part 2 as we follow the realization of laws into practice and the societal shift they intend to impart, illustrating a clear path forward amid historical roadblocks. Each conversation echoes a louder demand for accountability woven throughout society. --- 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:
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US: Hidden Predator Act 2020 - Part 1 Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

"US: Hidden Predator Act 2020 - Part 1" reveals Maryland's legislative struggle against predators... Departing from its typical format, Foul Play's episode is a raw insight into the legislative efforts decoding the Hidden Predator Act's journey through Season 2. These episodes draw from multiple murky accounts tied to systemic failures like the case of Sister Cathy. Before these situations take root, there are often individuals working fervently to change unjust systems. These individuals' lives highlight the need for progressive legislation like the Hidden Predator Act. Historically, laws addressing predator behaviors have either lacked teeth or failed, putting the vulnerable at risk. Maryland's legislative efforts come alive, offering an immersive understanding of political maneuvers driving such critical reforms. It shows how new laws can simultaneously validate past victims' struggles and prevent future abuses. We listen to earnest debates, step into legislative chambers, and unpack legal terminologies affecting countless lives. The evolving social landscape embarks on ensuring legislation closes the gaps where predators hide. This installment not only addresses past wrongdoings, but carves paths toward justice battling systemic silence. Uncover the legislative framework that is more than just a historical footnote; it's a movement rebuilding trust in systems once deemed impartial. --- 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 Listener Q&A Finale Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy Listener Q&A Finale" draws the listener-guided series to a powerful close as Shane and Gemma... With a sense of closure in this final listener engagement episode, Season 2 of Foul Play offers a complete look at Sister Cathy's case through fan insights. The series commits wholeheartedly to exploring unsolved mysteries that connect to Sister Cathy's tragic story. Cathy Cesnik was a beacon of hope for many, representing the power one individual can wield against injustice. Her legacy poses critical questions about power structures and the lengths taken to conceal crimes. By valuing listener perspectives, Foul Play expands the historical context of the case, engaging a wider audience in the search for justice. Gemma and Shane synthesize the listener contributions, weaving them into potential new leads and strategies for pushing the investigation forward. As we listen, the spirit of the times emphasizes that every voice might hold the key to untangling years of silence. Cultural changes toward a more open dialogue and public involvement in justice are mirrored in this captivating series end. Embrace the climax of a listener-driven journey, reminding us all that though voices are many, the goal is singular: truth and retribution. --- 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 Listener Q&A Continues Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy Listener Q&A Continues" provides a thorough listener experience that brings... In the second part of their listener-focused series, Foul Play continues to be a conduit for community engagement and inquiry. As part of Season 2's exploration into Sister Cathy's mysterious demise, listener submissions enrich the narrative with varied perspectives and timely questions. Sister Cathy had an undeniable impact on her students, remembered as a force for good against oppressive authority figures. Her life serves as a haunting reminder of the fight against systemic brutality that this podcast series stresses. This episode highlights the broader historical footprint of Cathy's case, inspiring an ongoing cultural dialogue about accountability and justice. Shane and Gemma continue fielding enlightening questions, connecting threads linking audience insights to potential new leads. It is proof of why transparency stands as a cornerstone of modern investigative strategy. This era's climate, craving truth and community involvement, reinforces how important these discussions are. As voice amplification now drives change, this Q&A series highlights shared responsibility and collaboration necessary for actual breakthroughs. Join part two of this audience-involved examination, where each question begs for clarity. The podcast is keeping the quest alive, marching towards resolution one inquiry at a 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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Baltimore: Sister Cathy Listener Q&A Begins Jan 22, 2020

Show notes

"Baltimore: Sister Cathy Listener Q&A Begins" provides listeners with an engaging platform to address... Foul Play opens the floor to its devoted true crime community in this interactive episode, a venue where passion for justice fuels discussion. Season 2 has intricately woven the mysteries surrounding Sister Cathy's death with profound audience involvement. Sister Cathy's legacy as an educator dedicated to her students highlights the human tragedy that ignited this pursuit of justice. The unsolved nature of her murder insists on a historical exploration of both the evidence and conspiracies that leave questions unanswered. This episode is significant for its inclusion of listener perspectives, shining a light on diverse angles and experiences that might help solve the case. Shane and Gemma field burning questions, providing thorough discussions that illuminate overlooked facets of the investigation. This collective effort echoes the power of community in challenging silence and championing truth. In a society ever more attuned to voices of victims, this episode exemplifies a cultural evolution from whispered secrets to outspoken demands for answers. Listen to part one of this compelling session as Shane and Gemma diligently explore these pressing inquiries from their captivated audience, alongside the dedication to uncovering Sister Cathy's truth. As questions abound, one thing is clear: the journey for justice continues. --- 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
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