The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
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.
S2 E8 · Tue, April 01, 2025
The Sicilian Photographer Who Shot the Mafia
In this episode we take a look at Letitzia Batagliga, an acclaimed photojournalist from Palermo, whose stories and art helped legislators end the Cosa Nostra as we know it. • 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 Lucy Worsley's biography 'Agatha Christie, An Elusive Woman' at Pegasus Books 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.
S2 E7 · Tue, March 25, 2025
Agatha Christie: The Original Gone Girl
In this episode we examine the lesser told story of Agatha Christie: that of her sudden disappearance. The beloved crime fiction writer, whose works are still being adapted, starred in her own real-live mystery, a true story of love, loss, and betrayal. • 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 Lucy Worsley's biography 'Agatha Christie, An Elusive Woman' at Pegasus Books 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.
S2 E6 · Thu, March 20, 2025
The Housewife Who Tried To Kill The President (Pt 2)
This is part two of a two-part series on Sarah Jane Moore, the unlikely woman who wanted to kill the president, and the bizarre life she led…which the headlines never got quite right. Stay until the end for an interview with Geri Spieler, author of 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President'. 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 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President' by Geri Spieler at Diversion Books 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.
S2 E5 · Tue, March 11, 2025
The Housewife Who Tried to Kill the President (Pt 1)
This is part one of a two-part series on Sarah Jane Moore, the unlikely woman who wanted to kill the president, and the bizarre life she led…which the headlines never got quite right. 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 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President' by Geri Spieler at Diversion Books 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.
S2 E4 · Tue, March 04, 2025
True Crime Writing's Gold Standard, Ann Rule... and Her Friend Ted Bundy
This is the story of Ann Rule, an icon who’s published more than thirty true crime novels, and redefined the genre for an entire generation of Americans. She wrote multiple bestsellers, broke barriers for female crime writers, and unwittingly befriended one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. 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 Ann Rule's 'The Stranger Beside Me' here for a deeper look into this case 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.
S2 E3 · Tue, February 25, 2025
The Most Nefarious Welfare Queen
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.
S2 E2 · Tue, February 18, 2025
Pablo Escobar's Hostages
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. 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 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.
S2 E1 · Tue, February 11, 2025
Postpartum Psychosis Horror Story
This is the story of Andrea Yates and the debilitating effects of postpartum depression in the digital age. 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 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.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Introducing: 'The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told' Season 2
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 · Tue, March 19, 2024
Bonus Episode: True Crime as an Entertainment Genre w/ Keith Wallman
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.
S1 E12 · Tue, February 20, 2024
Finding My Brother's Killer
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.
S1 E11 · Tue, February 13, 2024
People Don't Sleep in Bras
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.
S1 E10 · Tue, February 06, 2024
The Murder Factory (Pt 2)
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.
S1 E9 · Tue, January 30, 2024
The Murder Factory (Pt 1)
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. 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.
S1 E8 · Tue, January 23, 2024
I Survived a Serial Killer
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.
S1 E7 · Tue, January 16, 2024
The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 3)
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.
S2 E6 · Tue, January 09, 2024
The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 2)
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: Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster Harold Schechter, Fatal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 E5 · Tue, January 02, 2024
The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 1)
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: Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster Harold Schechter, Fatal Dariaan Berryman obituary, Lexington, KY, 9 March 2012. “Gunman Gets 20 Years in Georgia School Seizure” by Alan Blinder, New York Times, 16 September 2014 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 E4 · Tue, December 26, 2023
Like a Hot Knife Through Butter
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.
S1 E3 · Tue, December 19, 2023
Sex Workers' Tip Line
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.
S1 E2 · Tue, December 12, 2023
The Catfish Killer (Pt 2)
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 <a href="https://lawandcrime.com/crime/matriarch-of-tennes
S1 E1 · Tue, December 05, 2023
The Catfish Killer (Pt 1)
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 <a href="https://lawandcrime.com/crime/matriarch-of-tennessee-family-convicted-of-infamous-facebook-murders-pleads-guilty-after-being-granted-new-trial/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lawandcrime.com/crime/matriarch-of-tennessee-family-convicted-of-infam
Trailer · Tue, November 28, 2023
Introducing: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
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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