True crime podcasts are everywhere, but few stand out like Morbid, one of the many amazing Wondery podcasts out there.
Hosts Alaina and Ash have nailed the balance between unpacking even the most harrowing cases and doing so with the right amount of tasteful humor.
But if you’re wondering where to start, these ten episodes deliver some of the most intense, shocking, and memorable moments the podcast has to offer.
The Best Morbid Podcast Episodes Ever
1) Episode 499: The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill
In the fall of 1961, Betty and Barney Hill embarked on a trip to Niagara Falls. On their return journey to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, they reported an encounter with a UFO, culminating in their alleged abduction by non-human entities. This episode goes right into the couple’s detailed accounts, the subsequent investigation, and the broader implications of their experience, which became one of the most famous alien abduction cases in history.
2. Episode 631: The Lady of the Dunes
The ‘Lady of the Dunes’ is one of New England’s most enduring mysteries. In 1974, the body of an unidentified woman was found in Provincetown, Massachusetts, sparking decades of speculation and dead ends. In this revisit, Alaina and Ash explore new theories and recent developments that could finally lead to answers, considering everything from forensic advancements to bizarre pop culture connections (yes, including that wild Jaws theory).
3. Episode 548: The Lipstick Killer (Part 1)
This episode dives into the chilling crimes attributed to the “Lipstick Killer,” a nickname given to William Heirens, who was accused of a series of brutal murders in 1940s Chicago. Alaina and Ash explore the details of the crimes, the investigation that led to Heirens’ arrest, and the controversial aspects of his confession and conviction.
4. Episode 114: Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus
The story of these three women, who were kidnapped by Ariel Castro and held captive for over a decade, is almost too horrifying, but it's a must-listen. This episode walks you through the timeline of their abductions, and how they endured unimaginable conditions in Castro’s home (both mentally and physically.) Alaina and Ash will discuss all the events leading to their dramatic escape in 2013, exploring how they managed to survive physically and emotionally during their captivity.
5. Episode 27: Mary Vincent, Patron Saint of Badassery
Mary Vincent’s story is one of the most harrowing survival tales covered on Morbid. In 1978, she was hitchhiking when she was attacked by Lawrence Singleton, who brutally assaulted her and left her for dead. But, amazingly, Mary not only survived, she became a key witness in bringing Singleton to justice.
This episode captures the raw details of her escape, the aftermath of her injuries, and how she turned a horrific experience into a fight for justice. Alaina and Ash don’t hold back on the gruesome realities of the case, but they also highlight the strength and determination that make Mary Vincent a figure of incredible resilience. By the time you finish, you’ll feel like you know her personally.
6. Episode 200: The Weepy Voiced Killer
If you’ve never heard the eerie recordings of Paul Michael Stephani’s remorseful phone calls to the police, you're in for something truly special. This episode dives into how he committed a string of violent crimes in the 1980s, only to call 911 afterward in a high-pitched, sobbing voice. A bizarre combination of guilt and compulsion, but Alaina and Ash take apart everything, from Stephani’s background, his psychology, and the trail of evidence that eventually led to his arrest. They also examine how the recordings were used during his trial, making this case a textbook example of how criminals sometimes incriminate themselves, either purposefully, or without even knowing.
7. Episode 122: The West Memphis Three Series
The West Memphis Three—Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley—were teenagers accused of brutally murdering three young boys in 1993. What followed was a media circus and a controversial trial fueled by moral panic over supposed satanic rituals. And in this episode, Alaina and Ash break down the case, from the flawed police investigation to the questionable evidence presented in court. They explore the role of public perception and media sensationalism, showing how these factors can derail justice.
8. Episode 214: The Tragic Case of Molly Bish
Molly Bish was just 16 when she vanished from her lifeguard job in 2000. But, her remains were discovered three years later, although her case remains unsolved. This episode looks at Molly’s life, the day of her disappearance, and the subsequent investigation that left more questions than answers. The hosts take you through every tough detail, like the heartbreak her family endured, and the ongoing fight for closure. It's a harsh unsolved case, but that's why it's such a memorable entry at Morbid.
9. Episode 266: Holly K. Dunn’s Survival Story
Holly Dunn is the only known survivor of Ángel Maturino Reséndiz, better known as the Railroad Killer. This episode recounts the terrifying details of her attack and how she managed to escape. But it also explores how Holly became an advocate for other survivors and used her experience to help solve additional cases.
10. Episode 630: The Survival Tale of Juliane Koepcke
After Juliane Koepcke’s plane was struck by lightning over the Amazon rainforest, she plummeted thousands of feet to the ground—and survived. This episode recounts her journey as she navigated the treacherous jungle for days, battling injuries and wildlife, to eventually make it to civilization.
Something the hosts highlight really well here is Juliane’s sheer determination but also the strange twists of fate that shaped her survival. Being alone in the heart of a thick, unexplored forest is just harrowing, but the journey of her making it out is super inspiring, making it a standout episode for listeners who love tales of triumph against impossible odds.
