The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told

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Latest Episodes:

The Most Nefarious Welfare Queen Feb 25, 2025

This is the story of Linda Taylor, a woman who seized every opportunity to commit fraud and a whole host of other crimes… and no, that’s not her real name.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition.

Order John Levin's 'The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth' here, and listen to his four-part podcast on Linda Taylor here

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pablo Escobar's Hostages Feb 18, 2025

This is the story of Pablo Escobar's struggle against extradition to the United States and two of the many journalists he kidnapped to leverage the Colombian government, Maruja Pachón and Beatriz Villamizar.

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition.

Order Gabriel Garcia Márquez's book 'News on a Kidnapping' here

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postpartum Psychosis Horror Story Feb 11, 2025

This is the story of Andrea Yates and the debilitating effects of postpartum depression in the digital age.

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth
Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition.

Order Suzy Spencer's book 'Breaking Point' here for a deeper dive into Andrea Yates

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: 'The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told' Season 2 Feb 04, 2025

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told S2 is an anthology of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories of female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast series tells stories at the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche, siphoning wisdom and understanding from these truly great stories. New episodes for Season 2 releases on February 11th.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus Episode: True Crime as an Entertainment Genre w/ Keith Wallman Mar 19, 2024

In this exclusive bonus episode, producer Emma DeMuth sits down with Keith Wallman, Editor-in-Chief of Diversion Books, to discuss the "why" behind the true crime genre.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding My Brother's Killer Feb 20, 2024

This is the story of Penny Farmer—who lost her brother at sea in the late 1970s, and never stopped looking for him. Not for 40 years…
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Directed by Jacob Bronstein
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks:

Penny Farmer, Dead in the Water, My Forty-Year Search for My Brother’s Killer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People Don't Sleep in Bras Feb 13, 2024

This episode is about the murder of Steve Beard…and Steve’s wife’s lover, who shot him.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks:

The Fortune Hunter by Suzy Spencer

Lange, M. (2023, February 16). The case for chilling. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/style/sheila-liming-hanging-out-interview.html

NBCUniversal News Group. (2018, March 29). How to make friends as an adult. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-make-friends-adult-ncna860971

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Murder Factory (Pt 2) Feb 06, 2024

This is the second episode of a two-episode mini series about the Archer House. It was supposed to be a place where older folks could find comfort, community, and somewhere to call home.

Instead, it was a murder factory.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, Directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks:
Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer by M William Phelps

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Murder Factory (Pt 1) Jan 30, 2024

This is the first episode of a two-episode mini series about the Archer House. It was supposed to be a place where older folks could find comfort, community, and somewhere to call home.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I Survived a Serial Killer Jan 23, 2024

This is the story of Holly Dunn, the only known survivor of the brutal, bloody crimes of the so-called “railroad killer.” But Holly’s story is also about what she did when she survived: how she found strength, power, and how she showed up for the showdown.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks to:
Holly Dunn, Sole Survivor

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sole-survivor-of-railroad-killer-angel-maturino-resendiz-speaks-out-holly-dunn/

http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/resendiz1028.htm

https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 3) Jan 16, 2024

Today’s episode is the finale of our three-part miniseries on “The First American Female Serial Killer", Jane Toppan.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special thanks to:

Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster
Harold Schechter, Fatal
Harold Schechter, Murderabilia
And in case you’re interested in it, here’s a photo of what Hunyadi Mineral water looks like

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 2) Jan 09, 2024

We’re continuing our 3-part miniseries on “The First American Female Serial Killer.” It’s a nineteenth century American tale about how an orphan turned indentured servant bootstrapped herself into a mad scientist murderer. In fact, one of the most prolific murderers in history.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special thanks to:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 1) Jan 02, 2024

This is the first of a three-part miniseries about a precocious little orphan. One who was abused and ignored for so long that her acting-out behaviors eventually escalated to scandalous, multiple murders. Of people who betrayed her. Of people who loved her. And of strangers.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special thanks to:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like a Hot Knife Through Butter Dec 26, 2023

This is the story of a murderous stripper and Vegas showgirl, Marjorie Orbin.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Edited and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special thanks to:

Hogan, Shana. Dancing with Death: The True Story of a Glamorous Showgirl, Her Wealthy Husband, and a Horrifying Murder

This is Monsters” Podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex Workers' Tip Line Dec 19, 2023

This is the story of the one of the first female African-American lawyers, Eunice Hunton Carter, who took down America's most powerful mobster.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Edited and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Catfish Killer (Pt 2) Dec 12, 2023

PART 2/2 An online feud escalates offline, resulting in a double murder. This is the story of the “The Facebook Murders” of Mountain City, Tennessee.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks to:
Dennis Brooks, Too Pretty To Live: The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee

Special Thanks to:
Dennis Brooks, Too Pretty To Live: The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee

20/20 Episode

https://abcnews.go.com/US/social-media-feud-led-murder-young-tennessee-couple/story?id=34346840

https://www.themidwestcrimefiles.com/post/deadly-facebook-friend-the-murder-of-billy-payne-billie-jean-hayworth

https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/janelle_leigh_potter_cca_majority_opinion.pdf

https://lawandcrime.com/crime/matriarch-of-tennessee-family-convicted-of-infamous-facebook-murders-pleads-guilty-after-being-granted-new-trial/

https://www.thetomahawk.com/news/local/plea-deal-brings-facebook-murders-trial-to-a-close/article_b2364104-e490-5703-a91c-97e3870f4da2.html#:~:text=A%20fourth%20person%20charged%2C%20Jamie,received%20a%2025%2Dyear%20sentence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Catfish Killer (Pt 1) Dec 05, 2023

An online feud escalates offline, resulting in a double murder. This is the story of the “The Facebook Murders” of Mountain City, Tennessee.
The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.
• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com
This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.
This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein
Special Thanks to:
Dennis Brooks, Too Pretty To Live: The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee

20/20 Episode

https://abcnews.go.com/US/social-media-feud-led-murder-young-tennessee-couple/story?id=34346840

https://www.themidwestcrimefiles.com/post/deadly-facebook-friend-the-murder-of-billy-payne-billie-jean-hayworth

https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/janelle_leigh_potter_cca_majority_opinion.pdf

https://lawandcrime.com/crime/matriarch-of-tennessee-family-convicted-of-infamous-facebook-murders-pleads-guilty-after-being-granted-new-trial/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told Nov 28, 2023

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told is an anthology podcast series of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories about female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast tells the stories in which women aren’t narrowly defined as victims, but instead are the protagonists.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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