MORBID: A TRUE CRIME PODCAST
This week I will be reviewing the Morbid: A True Crime Podcast. I discovered the Morbid podcast only about a month ago, so it’s a newer true crime podcast for me. The podcast is hosted by Ash and Alaina, two life-long best friends who share a morbid fascination for true crime stories and serial killers. Alaina is an autopsy technician and aspiring writer and Ash is a hair stylist. Together, they decided to start the podcast in May 2018. They discuss both solved and unsolved true crime stories that are narrowed to murderers and serial killers. They don’t delve into any other topics (such as conspiracy theories) like the Mile Higher Podcast.
Ash and Alaina provide in-depth information on all the cases they cover. They often make two episodes of one case to ensure that they provide all the details of their case. In the first part, they speak on perpetrators’ birth, childhood, and the start of their crimes. In the second part, they speak on how the perpetrators continued offending, if/ how they got caught, and where they are today. They put a lot of time and effort into researching each case, often reading and citing important details from letters, court documents, interviews, and testimonies. This makes the information shared on the podcast very reliable. The podcast does not have a visual component, so they take the time to describe crime scenes, events, and people involved, which I don’t think does the case justice, but they do their best given the restrictions of auditory media. However, they rarely play auditory clips (such as 911 calls or interviews) which could provide more first-hand information of the case and connect the audience to the case better.
The Morbid podcast is less serious than the Mile Higher Podcast. Ash and Alaina tell the stories to each other rather than the audience; it’s as if you are sitting in on a conversation between two friends who are discussing true crime and you just happen to be there. Though their episodes are packed with detailed information, every case has a conversational, humorous tone–regardless of how gruesome the case is. They often crack really dark jokes and commonly use profanity. The jokes can be a bit off-putting at times given the seriousness of the cases, but it does provide comic relief. Alaina’s profession also allows her to give some insight on the decay of bodies and the forensic aspect of the cases, which is very fascinating. Something specific to the podcast is that they end every episode with their signature: “Keep it weird, friends” which honestly makes me feel less weirded out by the extent of my morbid curiosity.
The Morbid podcast is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, Podbean, Podcast Addict, PlayerFM, Podtail, but not YouTube or any other video platform. The podcast’s main flaw is its lack of visuals. In the Mile Higher podcast (which was discussed in the first blog post), their podcasts had a professional set, quality podcast equipment, and included images, letters, videos, interviews, and any other evidence or visual that would help the audience visualize the true crime story. The lack of a visual component reduces audience outreach since some may want to watch a podcast rather than only listen.
The most scarring Morbid podcast episodes I have listened to so far are Episode 20 &21: David Parker Ray: “Toy Box Killer” Part 1 and Part 2. I listen to true crime podcasts almost every day when I go on walks with my dog and I never really get spooked walking alone while listening to gruesome stories. But this story…it has scarred me. I have listened to the episodes only once, but I can vividly recall the details of the torture that David Parker Ray put his victims through. I want to give a HUGE trigger warning for anyone wanting to listen to this particular true crime story (especially women): this is by far, the most heinous crime story I have heard. Honestly, some things are best left unheard.
But, if you are a crime junkie and a fellow weirdo, give the Morbid podcast a try on your next walk in the park–just keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
I feel like I would like this podcast due to its humor aspect that you mentioned. Obviously, dark humor regarding murderers and morbid crimes are not the most comfortable jokes to hear or handle, however I appreciate that this podcast isn’t trying to be hauntingly serious. The more serious a podcast or video is the scarier it is or I guess the more “real” it feels. Nonetheless, sounds like an interesting podcast. I might have to check them out.
Before even reading this post, I was super excited for it and just knew I had to give this podcast a try! You helped me to understand exactly how their podcast is different from Mile Higher podcast and it got me thinking to which one is better in your opinion. I definitely wish that Morbid was on YouTube and didn’t lack so much in visuals. Although, I’m really intrigued with the humor and comedic spin they put on for their podcast. I am definitely someone who tries to make light of situations when I’m either scared or the content is serious. It can be such a bad trait, but it helps me cope. I definitely have to give this a listen now!
As someone that is fascinated with serial killers and crime itself, I really enjoyed reading all about Morbid. I have never been one for podcasts as it can be difficult for me to listen and do something else at the same time, but the I love the idea of crime, I mean learning and studying about it, not committing it. With wanting to go into a law enforcement field and being the one responsible to catch some of these heinous criminals, I find it incredible how criminal behavior works and how their minds are also different from the average human. I love the idea of the podcast reviews, so I can learn more about different criminals.