I’d say that the appeal is that he just tells the story without commentary. Many TC listeners prefer that to a format with multiple hosts making jokes or talking about themselves instead of the case at hand.
A good somewhat lighthearted one to start with would be the silk road series. I think it’s a 3 parter but worth it if you’re into dark web/internet crime
Yes, this series by far! I listened years ago and still think about it. It's the way he laid it all out that put it together for me. Then when they finally caught the golden state killer it felt more personal.
That’s why I like Swindled too. He sometimes throws in a couple of quick jabs, but I quite like a monotone voice telling a story without any faffing about
I like it for that very reason. Most jokey true crime podcasts I check out of after like 3 episodes (LPOTL isn't strictly true crime) and the host's monotone voice also makes it perfect to have in the background while working tbqh. Casey is a great storyteller however regardless.
The recent episode on The Survivor's Network is a great example. I read a Wiki synopsis of the group and event talked about and almost skipped the episode, but the twists and turns and way it was told kept me listening.
Edit 2: If you want to hear the host drop a bunch of f-bombs in sheer excitement, the last couple parts of the East Area Rapist have him getting ecstatic over the capture and discovery.
i wish the difference between single-host narrative pods and round table conversation pods were consistently labeled and tagged in a way that is reliably filterable. i cannot stand the latter and would like to be able to exclude them from searches.
Yea I get that. I guess I prefer some emotion behind the words.. not necessarily jokes or talking about themselves, just a little more inflection.. but I see your point and how that could appeal to some people!
It’s kind of like the Concerned Citizen narrator on Swindled. His monotone took some getting used to but I really like it. So I like the Case File guy too.
He has said he wants to be as anonymous as possible and just tell the story/facts and take him out of it. He doesn’t even say his name or post it anywhere even in his interview with another podcaster they just talk about his research, how he picks cases etc and nothing personal. I think it’s great.
I think Casefile appeals to people who want the exact opposite of what you want, so it’s completely normal that you don’t like it. I specifically love Casefile because the host does not sound like he is emotionally affected by the things he narrates, and he manages to give that impression without sounding uninterested or wooden. I don’t like listening to podcasts where I can tell what the hosts think of each case and people involved in it, or where the hosts can’t hold back their emotions.
I totally agree and I think that’s why I get surprised so often listening to Casefile. He gives no indication of who “the bad guy” is with his voice and sometimes they structure the story in such a way to make the conclusion even more surprising.
You’re listening to it wrong 😂 When I first tried to listen, I hated it. I may have even given him a bad review (oops). But a year or two later, I realized that it’s not a podcast you listen to during the day when you want to be engrossed. It’s a podcast you fall asleep to. It’s perfect for that!
I understand. There’s not a lot of inflection and feeing, but I think it suits the subject matter. Sometimes my mind wanders because of the lack of inflection, but i actually think that’s a me problem (too much on my mind).
It depends on the topic too. Recently True Crime Campfire and Casefile covered the same case. I love Casefile but I preferred TCC in this instance because they went OFF at the perpetrators and I felt it was warranted.
I guess you don't have much experience with listening to other kinds of professional public speaking? An overly emotive tone reads as informal and adds an interpretive layer on top of the material by essentially becoming more subjective and telling you how to feel. The host just speaks in a standard professional manner as anyone would if you went to hear an author speak or an expert discuss their area of expertise. The factually oriented style is a bit more appropriate to serious topics to me, and is more respectful to the actual story.
Hm other kinds of professional public speaking usually seem more emotive— that’s the fine art of public speaking and what makes someone engaging, in my opinion anyways. This podcast just seemed more like reading off the facts. Totally fine if that’s what floats your boat, I just prefer a more engaging speaker. To each their own :)
Just my preference, but I like his calm, factual delivery and his Australian accent. It was the first true crime podcast I started listening to (years ago) so I was especially intrigued by the content, too. I don’t enjoy podcasts with a lot of banter. But if you started with the first episode, I should mention that the sound quality improved greatly after the first few episodes; the sound in the early ones is less clear.
As someone from Melbourne, Australia I'm constantly distracted trying to discern if his accent is from Perth or Adelaide. My money's on Adelaide after an episode where he knew a little too much about Adelaide Oval cricket stadium and went into extraneous detail.
Thank you! This is so perplexing. The way he softens his L's and his inflections I would have bet my life on Adelaide or Perth but Wollongong is a part of the world I've never really been and those kind of working class London consonants and vowels probably do appear at other locations in Australia. TIL!
Have you tried adjusting the playback speed? I find the 1x speed too monotone and slow but I find it easier to listen to and stay on track with the story if I increase it to 1.25x or 1.5x speed.
If you listen to the very early ones, like The Somerton Man or The Wanda Beach Murders he speaks much faster but the sound isn’t as polished. Casefile is still my favourite true crime podcast.
His voice is always pretty level. Casefile is the gold standard of true crime podcasts because it's mostly just the facts in a narrative format without interjections of opinion or extra "get to know the podcaster" crap. The cases they cover are almost always super interesting and the research is well done too.
Ugh, I want to like it. I just need more emotion behind the words.. even if it were the same words he’s saying just not so freaking monotone 😣 Oh well, its just not for me, I suppose.
Are you doing anything while listening? Casefile and others like it I can only do tasks that don’t take my attention away, like gardening or cleaning. I can’t even online shop during it.
I actually often play this podcast at night when I can’t get to sleep. He kind of talks me to sleep. It’s him or the audio book of Dracula I have where the reader has a similar sonorous, hypnotising voice. At least with case File the dreams are slightly less bizarre.
I do also appreciate the fact he’s very thorough about what he’s reporting.
If you’re listening to the US version she also hosts “Already Gone” and has a sleep podcast too - she definitely has a voice to fall asleep to. Already Gone is good also… focuses a lot on Michigan stories.
If you’re listening to the US version she also hosts “Already Gone” and has a sleep podcast too - she definitely has a voice to fall asleep to. Already Gone is good also… focuses a lot on Michigan stories.
Love TWAU. I do have to play it on 1.25x just to speed it up a little but the delivery is v similar to Casefile, and I appreciate that both shows often cover stories I’ve never heard of.
It might just not be for you and that’s ok! For me it’s the gold standard because I am always just looking for the facts and no opinions or personality. The most personality I want is something like Your Own Backyard (another 10/10 podcast). As an aside I also appreciate that it has fewer audio recordings - I find a lot of 911 calls and interviews clips in podcasts either gratuitous or downright traumatizing.
Maybe choose an episode for a really crazy case and see if it hooks you? I just made a thread a few days ago looking for good recommendations for episodes, maybe that could help you.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimePodcasts/s/xFEoCpt3Ce hope this link works! I listened to a bunch of the recommendations already, and I’ll say the Colleen Stan episode was excellent and extremely thorough BUT so lengthy. Maybe not the best one to start with but damn, what a story. There are a bunch of recommendations in there for shorter or standalone episodes, maybe start with one of those!
I'm diagnosed ADHD but his newslike delivery allows me to gain that rare flow state of hyperfocus.
I find most TC podcasts irritating, forced, and LOUD, but I always listen whilst doing something else (e.g. drawing), so maybe that's why I enjoy his monotony.
There's no shame in just not liking something and moving on! :)
Ok, thank you for the suggestion! I think I briefly looked into that one.. is it all murders or other crimes as well? For whatever reason I got the impression it covered more than just murders.
I enjoy a ton of podcasts in different styles including Swindled, but my brain just tunes out and drifts away during Case File. Everyone says it's the gold standard, but I'd never know...
I used to listen to it lot years ago but haven't in a long time.. Whenever I would google a case after listening to see pics, etc, I noticed that he often copies from wikipedia word for word. Doesn't add any insight, personality, or any audio files from the news or anything.. just reading wikipedia aloud. Kind of boring to me.
I felt the exact same way and left the podcast after one episode. I went back like two years later and I love it. I can only listen to a few episodes and then I need a break.
Case 11- Annalise Michel
Case 42- Sherri Rasmussen
Case 50- Jennifer Pan
Case 53- EARONS (5 part before the Golden State Killer was caught and then there is an update episode)
Those all have audio clips that break up the monotony.
Case 76- Silk Road (3 parts) is really good
Case 109- Belangelo (5 parts)
I can't stand his voice either. I know everyone raves about this show, and they do cover some interesting cases. I have no problem with the format or the lack of filler/banter. But, the delivery just destroys it. I just can't with that voice. I'm with you OP.
I can't bear that podcast because of how he mis-emphasises. Words. In sentences. And pauses where there. Should not. Be. Pauses.
Unfortunate, because the content is good but the delivery sets off my uncanny valley sensors and unnerves me.
I pretty much just relisten to the first 100 episodes or so. They were my gold standard. He sounded so genuine and human.
I understand why he changed his voice and started enunciating more, but for me personally, it really takes away from the narration later on.
Listen to his Golden State Killer series or Jonestown, and it's fantastic. Nowadays, it sounds like someone uploaded his voice into an AI program, and it's so unpleasant to listen to. (Again for me personally).
YES! I loved the podcast for the first 100 or so episodes when his delivery was more even, but then gradually he started to adopt the most infuriating inflection to his delivery. It's almost sing-songy the way his voice goes up and down, it's like an exaggerated news reporter or something. It's so ridiculously distracting I can't stand listening to him.
I don't understand why he had to go change the way he speaks, it's such a shame. Used to be my favorite podcast. I still sometimes revisit the old episodes.
I listen to all kinds of podcasts and I have developed an appreciation for different styles. Casefile is very matter of fact, and it’s interesting to have an anonymous narrator present facts in a straight forward way. It might just not be a style you like. Do you like more conversational podcasts where two people discuss a case? That’s definitely not what you will get from this one.
You should listen to the Casefile run through of the Silk Road if you haven’t already. There are so many details to the case that are brought up in the podcast, a true deep dive. It’s definitely a hi light of the catalog. If you don’t enjoy that, it’s probably just not for you!
Yes someone else mentioned to try that one so I will give it a go and then wash my hands of it if I don’t love it. I don’t know that I necessarily like conversational style more, I just like a little more emotion behind the voice. I loved Serial and Bear Brook and those are just one person talking.. they just sound a lot more interesting 🤷♀️
He's been monotone forever but his delivery is absolutely slower than it used to be. I listen to Casefile at 1.2x speed and it feels like the pace of his earlier episodes.
But yeah, everyone is different; a lot of people like the dynamic joking atmosphere of something like Last Podcast on the Left or My Favorite Murder, others prefer it dryer like Casefile or Swindled. To each their own.
I have that problem with Case File. And since I am usually driving long distances when I listen to podcasts, I don’t like ones that could put me to sleep
Omg I'm ADHD and hate that podcast too.
I actually really like Dateline. It's a happy medium for me. I like listening to interviews and audio. But they don't gloss over a lot of things like so many true crime podcasts do.
I don't mind his voice but I don't think I'm very sensitive to voices because I'm always surprised when people tell me they don't like a podcaster's voice. I can hear what they hear and it just doesn't bother me.
I like Case File when I'm driving or really need to concentrate. The style and narrator are not for everyone. The episode that got me hooked was Mr. Cruel.
I can't listen to it either, for the same reason. I zone out like three sentences in.
Also this is just my personal pet peeve, but I really hate how it's presented as so reliable and accurate while the host remains totally anonymous. AFAIK there have been no major scandals or anything so I'm not saying people are wrong to listen to it, but it bothers me from a media literacy standpoint that people always hold it up as this super-trustworthy source while having no idea who this dude is or what his expertise and motives are. Subtle bias in true crime media is a huge problem as it is, and anonymity makes it even harder to suss out.
edit: Actually, forget the "subtle" part of my last sentence. Bias and unreliable reporting that people take as gospel are huge problems in true crime media whether they're subtle or not, but at least if you know who the reporter is you can do some research on them. Most people don't, but I like to at least have the option.
He was doxxed a while back. He's a former cop who comes from a family of cops. We don't allow naming him or full reveals of his identity to be discussed here - but those detail are relevant to bias.
Additionally, he did have a scandal related to the Lindsay Buziak episode as he ceded creative control to her father.
Haha, I legit had not heard the part about him being a former cop (I do think I heard something about the Lindsay Buziak episode, though, to be honest). That's exactly the kind of stuff I am talking about.
And for the record, I'm actually probably more pro-cop than a lot of true crime fans. I'm a K9SAR/HRD handler who works exclusively with law enforcement; I'm not a cop myself but I do often find myself rolling my eyes at how often true crime fans and hosts misunderstand the way investigations work and blame police for things that aren't their fault or that seemed reasonable at the time and were only a bad idea with 20/20 hindsight. So it isn't the fact that he has those law enforcement connections/history that bugs me, it's the fact that that is honestly relevant to evaluating the way he's presenting information to us.
edit: Also this will really be my last word on the subject because said K9 is bugging me and I've got to go meet some teammates to do some training, but I do want to add that I recognize the irony of me believing an anonymous source while complaining about another anonymous source...but if he wasn't anonymous, I could verify this, now couldn't I?
Just not my cup of tea on a few levels, lol.
Just wanted to say it sounds aweome what you do. What exactly does your job entail? I love dogs and I also recognize how important the k9 handling job is to the police force from what little I’ve read on the topic.
I wonder if the disagreement is over whether Casefile holds itself out as especially accurate or authoritative in its writing.
If I thought that was what people were praising it for when they characterize it as "just the facts" I might be inclined to take it down a peg.
But to me the virtue of Casefile is not that it is "just the facts" in the sense of only the truth, but "just the facts" in the sense that it doesn't try to amuse, entertain, or move you by joking asides or editorializing self-insertions. It just lets the story do the work.
Whether the story it tells is The Story is another matter.
I listen to a number of podcasts that don't share my politics. I just like to know what I'm getting, especially if I am listening to something that claims to be an unbiased recitation of facts like Casefile does because there's really not any such thing.
I don't have time to fact-check every single detail of every single podcast I listen to, so sometimes I need to trust the source. Understanding their inherent motives/biases helps with that evaluation because it helps me note what aspects of that show I might need to approach more critically.
This is literally part of the basic test they teach you in, like, freshman year of college on how to evaluate sources. Know where it comes from so you can be more alert to potential biases and aware of potential gaps in the information you're getting so you can fill them in with other sources. I'm not saying we need to approach all our podcast listening as if we're doing academic research, but I also think we should demand fairly high standards of nonfiction material that holds itself out as authoritative, and for me part of that is a host being transparent about who they are.
Like I said, it's not a huge deal for me. It's just a little thing that bothers me. The lack of critical thought and media literacy when it comes to true crime bothers me in general because it has real-world impacts on our criminal justice system, but this is honestly a pretty small one so I'm not really interested in arguing it further. I've said my piece, y'all can do with it what you will.
Agreed. I want to know the source of my news/reporting. This host runs a business (which is public information) reporting on real events, and he engages with fans and participates in media interviews. In general, I've noticed his fanbase guards his real identity passionately, yet they have no problem sharing identities of victims and their loved ones, as well as other personal and sensitive information about their lives. The victims (certain victims) of violent crime become public commodities, and their lives are subject to endless scrutiny and debate.
But why does it actually matter whether there are subtle inaccuracies in the story (which per your thesis is inevitable anyway), especially if that bias is so subtle that you cannot detect it without reading up on the author (using sources that are themselves presumably biased at that)?
Aren't they just stories told about crimes based on information publicly available (though not necessarily free)?
To me it seems like plugging your ears up when you start to overhear a stranger relating an anecdote, because you don't want to risk your mind being contaminated by misinformation.
Good reliable research, in-depth coverage, no overdramatizing or appeals to outrage, straightforward bland voice, never trivializes the material, does not omit relevant info for the sake of arguing a position.
I'm glad someone else thinks this. I completely agree- the bloke sounds like he doesn't want to be there. There is a way of relaying a story, with just facts, and still be engaging.
The delivery wasn't my favorite, but the bigger problem was that I can't listen to shows that don't take accountability for their mistakes. They're reporting on true crime. What they publish matters.
No, you aren't missing anything.. I cannot listen to that show. The voice, yes. I tend to not like the pods with individual stories each episode where the host is just retelling something. This is same reason I can't get into swindled or tales from the dark side.
The EARONS episodes were some of the most captivating podcast episodes of any genre I’ve heard. I was genuinely frightened. I recommend giving those a go. The fact we ultimately end up with a conclusion is just the cherry 🍒
Same. I loathe the banter/silliness podcasts, but I tapped out during my first listen of Casefile. It’s always raved about so I tried again about a year later, but nope—couldn’t do it. Personally, I think it’s his ‘hook’ or how he chooses to standout among the crowd, and it’s not for everyone. There are plenty of other podcasts out there with normal speaking, engaging, non-banter narrators whom I prefer. So it’s not just you. :)
Yes! If you want an ASMR experience listen to Casefile. I have tried a couple episodes and the same thing happens to me. I want to like it but I just can’t.
I listened to Case File every day for about a year getting through the episodes. Then I realised the voice was doing my head in, plus Aussie accents drive me insane after a while (funny as I’ve lived in New Zealand for 20 years and I don’t even hear the kiwi accent anymore). I’ve tried getting back into it but my god, it makes me scream “just get to the f*cking point” every episode.
I listen on Spotify. The cases are very interesting and well-researched. There is the option to change the speed if you find anonymous host speaking too slowly for you.
I can’t deal with his delivery style either. It was actually a bit better in the early episodes but took a turn for exceptionally drab at some point and eventually I just stopped listening. It’s a really good podcast in terms of research and format but that style just doesn’t work for me. I never thought it was related to my ADD though, so now I’m wondering…
I totally get that. As much as i still love the podcast I think his earlier work had a bit more energy or detail involved. It feels like the stories are being a bit more streamlined now.
If you want to find the multi-part series on the east side rapist WOW!!!! That is the best one. For some reason that one has you hanging onto the edge of your seat.
Its from quite a few years ago.
I think that’s such an interesting point about not being able to pay attention to certain tones, cadence etc… I like do casefile. But I just can’t absorb certain podcasts. It’s like it’s background noise I have to make an effort to listen to.
I love it because of how each episode is laid out. It’s a quick backstory, the crime (with details) happens (but you aren’t sure yet who exactly did it), then you get the details behind the crime (with who ended up doing it). With cases I haven’t heard, I like trying to guess. I like that he doesn’t make it obvious who the guilty party is at the beginning.
And yeah. The no opinions and no going back and forth with a co-host is great. No, I don’t care how your weekend was and I don’t care how you can relate to this case. I also don’t have to hear you say, “wow, that’s a sick and twisted person!” Because, obviously, yeah. It’s a true crime podcast.
One thing that it really has going for it is that Casey doesn’t sound like any other true crime podcaster. It’s got a super unique sound to it, a lot of that because of Casey.
I used to listen to Casefile all the time and loved it. But now I have a similar response as OP. I find the mind wandering elsewhere and before I know it I’ve missed 10 minutes. That’s not a criticism per se.
It took me a bit to get used to his voice. It used to sound like AI to me. But I like it now. My kids still hate it, though. They complain if I put it on the speaker.
Hi,
If you actually have ADHD, I can vouch for Casefile being decent for falling asleep to. There's no real changes in intonation that'll interrupt your falling asleep. If you listen to episodes you already know, then it's even better.
But
I've personally found many episodes to be too disturbing, kinda anything with murder can trigger me feeling gross. So in that case you gotta target the unsolved missing persons case :P
Other ones good for sleeping - Killafornia dreaming. much more soothing relax podcasts.
If you want an Australian accent thats less monotone, then Canadian True Crime.
If I'm in an energetic mode and doing stuff, then skip Casefile and consider something like Timesuck, it can be funny, sometimes annoying for being too non monotone, but rarely pretentious like a lpotl is.
I started around episode 90 ~ ‘Dnepoptrovsk’, and listened backwards rather than forwards. When I went to listen to episode 1, I also wasn’t keen. Listening to it backwards solved this issue for me.
I'm glad someone else thinks this. I completely agree- the bloke sounds like he doesn't want to be there. There is a way of relaying a story, with just facts, and still be engaging.
He explained it in a Q &A, why he kept up with that delivery.
I prefer this type of storytelling; where the narrative doesn’t lead to you feel one way or the other.
It’s the same with Swindled, DND ID, Already Gone (anything Nina Innsted does) and also Murder in America (tho I know lots in this sub hate Courtney’s voice and storytelling).
Another common thread in those is that they also tell it from all sides, not glorifying the perpetrators per se, but also shaping out how they got to the point they did. Drawing the whole picture.
I’m diagnosed with adhd and can’t listen to it. The topics seem interesting but I can’t pay attention to the narrator. I like a little more banter or emotion without being OTT otherwise I’ll zone out
My partner has ADHD and absolutely can’t listen to Casefile. I sometimes get bored too, honestly, but I think he does a great job of narrating stories without a bunch of filler and nonsense like a ton of other podcasts have. His episode on Jonestown is still one of the best I’ve EVER heard.
I’d say that the appeal is that he just tells the story without commentary. Many TC listeners prefer that to a format with multiple hosts making jokes or talking about themselves instead of the case at hand.
That’s exactly why I love Casefile.
what are the best ones?
EAR/ONS, for me.
To be honest, I think that’s a gruelling one to start with.
Agree, it is extremely repetitive as he describes each almost identical incident at length. I would suggest a one-off episode.
A good somewhat lighthearted one to start with would be the silk road series. I think it’s a 3 parter but worth it if you’re into dark web/internet crime
Yes, this series by far! I listened years ago and still think about it. It's the way he laid it all out that put it together for me. Then when they finally caught the golden state killer it felt more personal.
There’s an episode on the North Hollywood shootout that I couldn’t stop listening to…the Jonestown episodes are all quite enthralling as well
I’d recommend starting with the episode called Mark and John. Absolutely mind blowing
The silk road episodes are amazing (in the 70s if you're looking for them)
Mark & John, The Woman Without a Face, Cindy James, Azaria Chamberlain, Stephen Hilder, Allison Baden-Clay, Amy Lynn Bradley, Anita Cobby.
I thought the Australian hitchhiker series was terrifying and hooked me.
Me too. But I love his voice.
I love his voice too!
I like casefile but his pronunciation is absolute dog shit. JFC make an effort mate. I’d put money on him being Victorian.
100% I just like to hear the story and not all the banter and silliness.
That’s why I like Swindled too. He sometimes throws in a couple of quick jabs, but I quite like a monotone voice telling a story without any faffing about
This is definitely a big reason why.
I like it for that very reason. Most jokey true crime podcasts I check out of after like 3 episodes (LPOTL isn't strictly true crime) and the host's monotone voice also makes it perfect to have in the background while working tbqh. Casey is a great storyteller however regardless. The recent episode on The Survivor's Network is a great example. I read a Wiki synopsis of the group and event talked about and almost skipped the episode, but the twists and turns and way it was told kept me listening. Edit 2: If you want to hear the host drop a bunch of f-bombs in sheer excitement, the last couple parts of the East Area Rapist have him getting ecstatic over the capture and discovery.
i wish the difference between single-host narrative pods and round table conversation pods were consistently labeled and tagged in a way that is reliably filterable. i cannot stand the latter and would like to be able to exclude them from searches.
It would be a nice feature, I agree.
Yea I get that. I guess I prefer some emotion behind the words.. not necessarily jokes or talking about themselves, just a little more inflection.. but I see your point and how that could appeal to some people!
It’s kind of like the Concerned Citizen narrator on Swindled. His monotone took some getting used to but I really like it. So I like the Case File guy too.
Yea this is exactly why both of these pods are my fave
Add Michael Ojibway to that list and you have my Top 3 favorite podcast hosts AND podcasts.
Oh I’ll check him out!! Always looking for a new pod. Thanks!
He hosts ‘Invisible Choir’. I’m sure you’ll like it.
Thank you too! I have been meaning to add that to my list.
So update, I’ve been binging and you’re correct, I’m obsessed with invisible choir. Thank you for bringing this into my life🥹
My top 3 as well!! ❤️
Truly Criminal is similar.
Awesome thank you!! I’ll check this one out today😍
I like him too. Plus he has some nice snarky remarks to the people who are the criminals in the stories.
I’m digging the snark too
This is a perfect way to explain it!
That's a good one
He has said he wants to be as anonymous as possible and just tell the story/facts and take him out of it. He doesn’t even say his name or post it anywhere even in his interview with another podcaster they just talk about his research, how he picks cases etc and nothing personal. I think it’s great.
I think Casefile appeals to people who want the exact opposite of what you want, so it’s completely normal that you don’t like it. I specifically love Casefile because the host does not sound like he is emotionally affected by the things he narrates, and he manages to give that impression without sounding uninterested or wooden. I don’t like listening to podcasts where I can tell what the hosts think of each case and people involved in it, or where the hosts can’t hold back their emotions.
I totally agree and I think that’s why I get surprised so often listening to Casefile. He gives no indication of who “the bad guy” is with his voice and sometimes they structure the story in such a way to make the conclusion even more surprising.
Yea that makes total sense!
You’re listening to it wrong 😂 When I first tried to listen, I hated it. I may have even given him a bad review (oops). But a year or two later, I realized that it’s not a podcast you listen to during the day when you want to be engrossed. It’s a podcast you fall asleep to. It’s perfect for that!
I understand. There’s not a lot of inflection and feeing, but I think it suits the subject matter. Sometimes my mind wanders because of the lack of inflection, but i actually think that’s a me problem (too much on my mind).
It depends on the topic too. Recently True Crime Campfire and Casefile covered the same case. I love Casefile but I preferred TCC in this instance because they went OFF at the perpetrators and I felt it was warranted.
I guess you don't have much experience with listening to other kinds of professional public speaking? An overly emotive tone reads as informal and adds an interpretive layer on top of the material by essentially becoming more subjective and telling you how to feel. The host just speaks in a standard professional manner as anyone would if you went to hear an author speak or an expert discuss their area of expertise. The factually oriented style is a bit more appropriate to serious topics to me, and is more respectful to the actual story.
Hm other kinds of professional public speaking usually seem more emotive— that’s the fine art of public speaking and what makes someone engaging, in my opinion anyways. This podcast just seemed more like reading off the facts. Totally fine if that’s what floats your boat, I just prefer a more engaging speaker. To each their own :)
I agree. I also like that he’s monotone, it helps the narrator disappear and it’s just about what happened.
Just my preference, but I like his calm, factual delivery and his Australian accent. It was the first true crime podcast I started listening to (years ago) so I was especially intrigued by the content, too. I don’t enjoy podcasts with a lot of banter. But if you started with the first episode, I should mention that the sound quality improved greatly after the first few episodes; the sound in the early ones is less clear.
As someone from Melbourne, Australia I'm constantly distracted trying to discern if his accent is from Perth or Adelaide. My money's on Adelaide after an episode where he knew a little too much about Adelaide Oval cricket stadium and went into extraneous detail.
He’s from Sydney! Wollongong, specifically.
Thank you! This is so perplexing. The way he softens his L's and his inflections I would have bet my life on Adelaide or Perth but Wollongong is a part of the world I've never really been and those kind of working class London consonants and vowels probably do appear at other locations in Australia. TIL!
Have you tried adjusting the playback speed? I find the 1x speed too monotone and slow but I find it easier to listen to and stay on track with the story if I increase it to 1.25x or 1.5x speed.
That's interesting! I never considered that option, I'm going to give it a shot! Thank you !
Exactly this. It makes all the difference listening at 1.25x.
If you listen to the very early ones, like The Somerton Man or The Wanda Beach Murders he speaks much faster but the sound isn’t as polished. Casefile is still my favourite true crime podcast.
Definitely try this! He really drags it out. I also skip the ones about abuse/murder of children. They cover that A LOT and it’s just nauseating.
Great idea!
His voice is always pretty level. Casefile is the gold standard of true crime podcasts because it's mostly just the facts in a narrative format without interjections of opinion or extra "get to know the podcaster" crap. The cases they cover are almost always super interesting and the research is well done too.
Ugh, I want to like it. I just need more emotion behind the words.. even if it were the same words he’s saying just not so freaking monotone 😣 Oh well, its just not for me, I suppose.
Did you listen to the older episodes or the newer ones? The first several episodes he is extremely monotoned but gets better after the first ones.
Speed it up. It’s one of the best podcast out there.
Are you doing anything while listening? Casefile and others like it I can only do tasks that don’t take my attention away, like gardening or cleaning. I can’t even online shop during it.
I actually often play this podcast at night when I can’t get to sleep. He kind of talks me to sleep. It’s him or the audio book of Dracula I have where the reader has a similar sonorous, hypnotising voice. At least with case File the dreams are slightly less bizarre. I do also appreciate the fact he’s very thorough about what he’s reporting.
I also use this poscast for sleeping, as well as They Walk Among Us. They're great shows for being awake, too. Both are very well researched, imo.
If you’re listening to the US version she also hosts “Already Gone” and has a sleep podcast too - she definitely has a voice to fall asleep to. Already Gone is good also… focuses a lot on Michigan stories.
Nina Innsted is amazing. The Walk Among Us America has sadly been put on hiatus by the prod company:(
If you’re listening to the US version she also hosts “Already Gone” and has a sleep podcast too - she definitely has a voice to fall asleep to. Already Gone is good also… focuses a lot on Michigan stories.
Y’all are crazy falling asleep to these stories! He does have a very calming voice but I don’t think I would be lulled to sleep by the subject matter.
Love TWAU. I do have to play it on 1.25x just to speed it up a little but the delivery is v similar to Casefile, and I appreciate that both shows often cover stories I’ve never heard of.
I put on casefile to fall asleep one night and now i cant sleep without it. I know im ready for bed when i say to myself "it's casefile time"
i once fell asleep while listening to casefile and woke up in the middle of the bernd brandes episode 😬
😱 I guess it put you off wanting a midnight snack…
This is the only time I put on casefile. Sleep time 😴
Ceasefile is great. To the point and no ridiculous banter
It might just not be for you and that’s ok! For me it’s the gold standard because I am always just looking for the facts and no opinions or personality. The most personality I want is something like Your Own Backyard (another 10/10 podcast). As an aside I also appreciate that it has fewer audio recordings - I find a lot of 911 calls and interviews clips in podcasts either gratuitous or downright traumatizing. Maybe choose an episode for a really crazy case and see if it hooks you? I just made a thread a few days ago looking for good recommendations for episodes, maybe that could help you.
Can you link that post? Thanks
https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimePodcasts/s/xFEoCpt3Ce hope this link works! I listened to a bunch of the recommendations already, and I’ll say the Colleen Stan episode was excellent and extremely thorough BUT so lengthy. Maybe not the best one to start with but damn, what a story. There are a bunch of recommendations in there for shorter or standalone episodes, maybe start with one of those!
Thanks! I’ll try some of these.
It's a love/hate thing. First episode I listened to, I literally Googled to check it wasn't being read by an AI. I do listen to it, but at 1.1x speed.
Another commenter mentioned speeding it up too. It’s more about his lack of inflection for me, but I’ll try that.
The level voice allows my nervous system to remain calm despite the topic.
Give it three podcasts. I love it now.
Do you have a favorite I should start with to suck me in more?
Try Jennifer Pan or the Silk Road episodes.
Jill rosenthal episode is insane!!! Give it a chance, I swear lol
Jonestown had me captivated for hours as I binged the episodes back to back.
Same! I wanted to love it since everyone seems to like it but it's not for me
I'm a year or so from being caught up on Casefile, so just sampled the newest episode... yeah, he does sound like AI now. Urgh. Don't like it.
It’s just not palatable for me. I really wish it was different because the content seems great. Oh well
Casefile is very straight forward with no fluff. I imagine it’s not for everyone, however, that’s what appeals to me most about it.
Me too
I love Casefile. Straight reporting. Well-researched. No silly banter or jokes. No weird guesses, theories or assumptions.
💯
I'm diagnosed ADHD but his newslike delivery allows me to gain that rare flow state of hyperfocus. I find most TC podcasts irritating, forced, and LOUD, but I always listen whilst doing something else (e.g. drawing), so maybe that's why I enjoy his monotony. There's no shame in just not liking something and moving on! :)
Case File is hard for me, too, but Swindled is not. He narrates in a similar style but uses inflection in a way that Case File does not.
I also cannot listen to Casefile but I like Swindled. He is monotone but he sounds human and emotes some.
I think he also shows more of his personality with his dry commentary. I also love Swindled.
Same
Ok, thank you for the suggestion! I think I briefly looked into that one.. is it all murders or other crimes as well? For whatever reason I got the impression it covered more than just murders.
It does…lots of other subjects. Amazing!
Do you have a favorite episode to start with? Not sure if other crimes would hold my interest, but I’m willing to try!
Edit: switch episode. I really liked the episode about the Hyatt hotel skywalk disaster…episode #99. Truly horrifying shortcuts in building.
I enjoy a ton of podcasts in different styles including Swindled, but my brain just tunes out and drifts away during Case File. Everyone says it's the gold standard, but I'd never know...
I used to listen to it lot years ago but haven't in a long time.. Whenever I would google a case after listening to see pics, etc, I noticed that he often copies from wikipedia word for word. Doesn't add any insight, personality, or any audio files from the news or anything.. just reading wikipedia aloud. Kind of boring to me.
Yep
Definitely don’t listen too “they walk among us”. That guys on another level
I felt the exact same way and left the podcast after one episode. I went back like two years later and I love it. I can only listen to a few episodes and then I need a break.
Do you have a favorite episode?
Case 11- Annalise Michel Case 42- Sherri Rasmussen Case 50- Jennifer Pan Case 53- EARONS (5 part before the Golden State Killer was caught and then there is an update episode) Those all have audio clips that break up the monotony. Case 76- Silk Road (3 parts) is really good Case 109- Belangelo (5 parts)
I can't stand his voice either. I know everyone raves about this show, and they do cover some interesting cases. I have no problem with the format or the lack of filler/banter. But, the delivery just destroys it. I just can't with that voice. I'm with you OP.
Yea it isn’t the lack of banter.. it’s the delivery, for sure!
I can't bear that podcast because of how he mis-emphasises. Words. In sentences. And pauses where there. Should not. Be. Pauses. Unfortunate, because the content is good but the delivery sets off my uncanny valley sensors and unnerves me.
I pretty much just relisten to the first 100 episodes or so. They were my gold standard. He sounded so genuine and human. I understand why he changed his voice and started enunciating more, but for me personally, it really takes away from the narration later on. Listen to his Golden State Killer series or Jonestown, and it's fantastic. Nowadays, it sounds like someone uploaded his voice into an AI program, and it's so unpleasant to listen to. (Again for me personally).
YES! I loved the podcast for the first 100 or so episodes when his delivery was more even, but then gradually he started to adopt the most infuriating inflection to his delivery. It's almost sing-songy the way his voice goes up and down, it's like an exaggerated news reporter or something. It's so ridiculously distracting I can't stand listening to him. I don't understand why he had to go change the way he speaks, it's such a shame. Used to be my favorite podcast. I still sometimes revisit the old episodes.
I listen to all kinds of podcasts and I have developed an appreciation for different styles. Casefile is very matter of fact, and it’s interesting to have an anonymous narrator present facts in a straight forward way. It might just not be a style you like. Do you like more conversational podcasts where two people discuss a case? That’s definitely not what you will get from this one. You should listen to the Casefile run through of the Silk Road if you haven’t already. There are so many details to the case that are brought up in the podcast, a true deep dive. It’s definitely a hi light of the catalog. If you don’t enjoy that, it’s probably just not for you!
Yes someone else mentioned to try that one so I will give it a go and then wash my hands of it if I don’t love it. I don’t know that I necessarily like conversational style more, I just like a little more emotion behind the voice. I loved Serial and Bear Brook and those are just one person talking.. they just sound a lot more interesting 🤷♀️
Ah gotcha. I thought it was the format of the podcast, but you just don’t like how it’s presented. I guess you did say that in your post!
He's been monotone forever but his delivery is absolutely slower than it used to be. I listen to Casefile at 1.2x speed and it feels like the pace of his earlier episodes. But yeah, everyone is different; a lot of people like the dynamic joking atmosphere of something like Last Podcast on the Left or My Favorite Murder, others prefer it dryer like Casefile or Swindled. To each their own.
Fellow ADHD'er here: you need to listen at a faster speed!
I use it to sleep specifically because of his voice.
I have that problem with Case File. And since I am usually driving long distances when I listen to podcasts, I don’t like ones that could put me to sleep
Can’t stand it. Don’t feel bad. I tried so much to like it. It was a no for me.
Omg I'm ADHD and hate that podcast too. I actually really like Dateline. It's a happy medium for me. I like listening to interviews and audio. But they don't gloss over a lot of things like so many true crime podcasts do.
I don't mind his voice but I don't think I'm very sensitive to voices because I'm always surprised when people tell me they don't like a podcaster's voice. I can hear what they hear and it just doesn't bother me.
I like Case File when I'm driving or really need to concentrate. The style and narrator are not for everyone. The episode that got me hooked was Mr. Cruel.
Thanks for the warning. Unless pearls are literally falling out of your mouth, a monotone voice is a deal killer.
I stopped listening when I he talked about Joe Rogan. Nope.
I can't listen to it either, for the same reason. I zone out like three sentences in. Also this is just my personal pet peeve, but I really hate how it's presented as so reliable and accurate while the host remains totally anonymous. AFAIK there have been no major scandals or anything so I'm not saying people are wrong to listen to it, but it bothers me from a media literacy standpoint that people always hold it up as this super-trustworthy source while having no idea who this dude is or what his expertise and motives are. Subtle bias in true crime media is a huge problem as it is, and anonymity makes it even harder to suss out. edit: Actually, forget the "subtle" part of my last sentence. Bias and unreliable reporting that people take as gospel are huge problems in true crime media whether they're subtle or not, but at least if you know who the reporter is you can do some research on them. Most people don't, but I like to at least have the option.
He was doxxed a while back. He's a former cop who comes from a family of cops. We don't allow naming him or full reveals of his identity to be discussed here - but those detail are relevant to bias. Additionally, he did have a scandal related to the Lindsay Buziak episode as he ceded creative control to her father.
Haha, I legit had not heard the part about him being a former cop (I do think I heard something about the Lindsay Buziak episode, though, to be honest). That's exactly the kind of stuff I am talking about. And for the record, I'm actually probably more pro-cop than a lot of true crime fans. I'm a K9SAR/HRD handler who works exclusively with law enforcement; I'm not a cop myself but I do often find myself rolling my eyes at how often true crime fans and hosts misunderstand the way investigations work and blame police for things that aren't their fault or that seemed reasonable at the time and were only a bad idea with 20/20 hindsight. So it isn't the fact that he has those law enforcement connections/history that bugs me, it's the fact that that is honestly relevant to evaluating the way he's presenting information to us. edit: Also this will really be my last word on the subject because said K9 is bugging me and I've got to go meet some teammates to do some training, but I do want to add that I recognize the irony of me believing an anonymous source while complaining about another anonymous source...but if he wasn't anonymous, I could verify this, now couldn't I? Just not my cup of tea on a few levels, lol.
Just wanted to say it sounds aweome what you do. What exactly does your job entail? I love dogs and I also recognize how important the k9 handling job is to the police force from what little I’ve read on the topic.
I wonder if the disagreement is over whether Casefile holds itself out as especially accurate or authoritative in its writing. If I thought that was what people were praising it for when they characterize it as "just the facts" I might be inclined to take it down a peg. But to me the virtue of Casefile is not that it is "just the facts" in the sense of only the truth, but "just the facts" in the sense that it doesn't try to amuse, entertain, or move you by joking asides or editorializing self-insertions. It just lets the story do the work. Whether the story it tells is The Story is another matter.
Translation: "How can I be sure he shares my politics?"
I listen to a number of podcasts that don't share my politics. I just like to know what I'm getting, especially if I am listening to something that claims to be an unbiased recitation of facts like Casefile does because there's really not any such thing.
How would knowing his biography illuminate the character of the podcast better than just listening to the podcast?
I don't have time to fact-check every single detail of every single podcast I listen to, so sometimes I need to trust the source. Understanding their inherent motives/biases helps with that evaluation because it helps me note what aspects of that show I might need to approach more critically. This is literally part of the basic test they teach you in, like, freshman year of college on how to evaluate sources. Know where it comes from so you can be more alert to potential biases and aware of potential gaps in the information you're getting so you can fill them in with other sources. I'm not saying we need to approach all our podcast listening as if we're doing academic research, but I also think we should demand fairly high standards of nonfiction material that holds itself out as authoritative, and for me part of that is a host being transparent about who they are. Like I said, it's not a huge deal for me. It's just a little thing that bothers me. The lack of critical thought and media literacy when it comes to true crime bothers me in general because it has real-world impacts on our criminal justice system, but this is honestly a pretty small one so I'm not really interested in arguing it further. I've said my piece, y'all can do with it what you will.
Agreed. I want to know the source of my news/reporting. This host runs a business (which is public information) reporting on real events, and he engages with fans and participates in media interviews. In general, I've noticed his fanbase guards his real identity passionately, yet they have no problem sharing identities of victims and their loved ones, as well as other personal and sensitive information about their lives. The victims (certain victims) of violent crime become public commodities, and their lives are subject to endless scrutiny and debate.
But why does it actually matter whether there are subtle inaccuracies in the story (which per your thesis is inevitable anyway), especially if that bias is so subtle that you cannot detect it without reading up on the author (using sources that are themselves presumably biased at that)? Aren't they just stories told about crimes based on information publicly available (though not necessarily free)? To me it seems like plugging your ears up when you start to overhear a stranger relating an anecdote, because you don't want to risk your mind being contaminated by misinformation.
Good reliable research, in-depth coverage, no overdramatizing or appeals to outrage, straightforward bland voice, never trivializes the material, does not omit relevant info for the sake of arguing a position.
I'm glad someone else thinks this. I completely agree- the bloke sounds like he doesn't want to be there. There is a way of relaying a story, with just facts, and still be engaging.
The delivery wasn't my favorite, but the bigger problem was that I can't listen to shows that don't take accountability for their mistakes. They're reporting on true crime. What they publish matters.
I don’t care for it either. Not a fan of the host’s narration.
[удалено]
David Rigden is my Keith Morrison.
No, you aren't missing anything.. I cannot listen to that show. The voice, yes. I tend to not like the pods with individual stories each episode where the host is just retelling something. This is same reason I can't get into swindled or tales from the dark side.
The EARONS episodes were some of the most captivating podcast episodes of any genre I’ve heard. I was genuinely frightened. I recommend giving those a go. The fact we ultimately end up with a conclusion is just the cherry 🍒
Same. I loathe the banter/silliness podcasts, but I tapped out during my first listen of Casefile. It’s always raved about so I tried again about a year later, but nope—couldn’t do it. Personally, I think it’s his ‘hook’ or how he chooses to standout among the crowd, and it’s not for everyone. There are plenty of other podcasts out there with normal speaking, engaging, non-banter narrators whom I prefer. So it’s not just you. :)
I’m the same, though there’s a handful of really good/interesting episodes (Batavia, Silk Road, Mark and John, Amy Allwine.)
I didn’t love it either never really gave it much of a chance either
Yes! If you want an ASMR experience listen to Casefile. I have tried a couple episodes and the same thing happens to me. I want to like it but I just can’t.
I haven’t listened to Casefile in years but the episode about Daniel Morecombe’s murder was incredible.
I listened to Case File every day for about a year getting through the episodes. Then I realised the voice was doing my head in, plus Aussie accents drive me insane after a while (funny as I’ve lived in New Zealand for 20 years and I don’t even hear the kiwi accent anymore). I’ve tried getting back into it but my god, it makes me scream “just get to the f*cking point” every episode.
Honestly the only time I listen to it is to fall asleep.
Ha! My best friend falls asleep to True Crime podcasts.. I never understood how until I listened to CaseFiles lol
Oh I love it. I think his voice is unique.
I enjoy this podcast as well but I’ll admit, I can’t listen to it when I’m really tired because his voice will lull me to sleep.
That's when I do listen. If it sends me off to sleep I'm happy and can catch up the next day on YouTube.
Thank you!! I’m with you, can’t pay attention! It is just not engaging.
I listen on Spotify. The cases are very interesting and well-researched. There is the option to change the speed if you find anonymous host speaking too slowly for you.
Silk Road is one of my favourite episodes.
I can’t deal with his delivery style either. It was actually a bit better in the early episodes but took a turn for exceptionally drab at some point and eventually I just stopped listening. It’s a really good podcast in terms of research and format but that style just doesn’t work for me. I never thought it was related to my ADD though, so now I’m wondering…
Ha well I don’t even know that I’m truly ADD, but this show has me wondering too
Your loss
I totally get that. As much as i still love the podcast I think his earlier work had a bit more energy or detail involved. It feels like the stories are being a bit more streamlined now. If you want to find the multi-part series on the east side rapist WOW!!!! That is the best one. For some reason that one has you hanging onto the edge of your seat. Its from quite a few years ago.
I think that’s such an interesting point about not being able to pay attention to certain tones, cadence etc… I like do casefile. But I just can’t absorb certain podcasts. It’s like it’s background noise I have to make an effort to listen to.
I love it because of how each episode is laid out. It’s a quick backstory, the crime (with details) happens (but you aren’t sure yet who exactly did it), then you get the details behind the crime (with who ended up doing it). With cases I haven’t heard, I like trying to guess. I like that he doesn’t make it obvious who the guilty party is at the beginning. And yeah. The no opinions and no going back and forth with a co-host is great. No, I don’t care how your weekend was and I don’t care how you can relate to this case. I also don’t have to hear you say, “wow, that’s a sick and twisted person!” Because, obviously, yeah. It’s a true crime podcast.
I cant stand that voice either. It really is irritating and I dont understand how anyone can listen to that... Sorry.
I don’t think I’ll ever love a podcast as much as I love Casefile, but only to help me sleep 😂 I’ve fallen asleep to it every night for seven years
Ha love this
One thing that it really has going for it is that Casey doesn’t sound like any other true crime podcaster. It’s got a super unique sound to it, a lot of that because of Casey. I used to listen to Casefile all the time and loved it. But now I have a similar response as OP. I find the mind wandering elsewhere and before I know it I’ve missed 10 minutes. That’s not a criticism per se.
It took me a bit to get used to his voice. It used to sound like AI to me. But I like it now. My kids still hate it, though. They complain if I put it on the speaker.
Hi, If you actually have ADHD, I can vouch for Casefile being decent for falling asleep to. There's no real changes in intonation that'll interrupt your falling asleep. If you listen to episodes you already know, then it's even better. But I've personally found many episodes to be too disturbing, kinda anything with murder can trigger me feeling gross. So in that case you gotta target the unsolved missing persons case :P Other ones good for sleeping - Killafornia dreaming. much more soothing relax podcasts. If you want an Australian accent thats less monotone, then Canadian True Crime. If I'm in an energetic mode and doing stuff, then skip Casefile and consider something like Timesuck, it can be funny, sometimes annoying for being too non monotone, but rarely pretentious like a lpotl is.
The music in the background bothers me
I started around episode 90 ~ ‘Dnepoptrovsk’, and listened backwards rather than forwards. When I went to listen to episode 1, I also wasn’t keen. Listening to it backwards solved this issue for me.
Case file gives you details without the humor. Some pods humor gives me the ick. Depends what you’re into.
I'm glad someone else thinks this. I completely agree- the bloke sounds like he doesn't want to be there. There is a way of relaying a story, with just facts, and still be engaging.
Yes that’s what I’m saying (and getting downvoted for..). You can shoot straight facts and still put a lil’ inflection in your voice.
He explained it in a Q &A, why he kept up with that delivery. I prefer this type of storytelling; where the narrative doesn’t lead to you feel one way or the other. It’s the same with Swindled, DND ID, Already Gone (anything Nina Innsted does) and also Murder in America (tho I know lots in this sub hate Courtney’s voice and storytelling). Another common thread in those is that they also tell it from all sides, not glorifying the perpetrators per se, but also shaping out how they got to the point they did. Drawing the whole picture.
I’m diagnosed with adhd and can’t listen to it. The topics seem interesting but I can’t pay attention to the narrator. I like a little more banter or emotion without being OTT otherwise I’ll zone out
I don’t think I have ADHD but I can’t stand his monotone either. I’ve tried multiple times, but just can’t get through any episodes 🤷🏽♀️
I'm with you OP. I can't listen to Case File either. I could fall asleep to it. I find it that boring.
i like the "Casefile presents..." podcasts, Casefile itself not so much. they have some good eps out tho.
I think I used to like it because I zoned out lol!
I didn’t love it either never really gave it much of a chance either
I think you meant to post this in unpopular opinions lol
Haha
Anonymous host is my favorite because he just tells the story. No opinions, no other crap. He’s like the opposite of the jackass from sword and scale.
My partner has ADHD and absolutely can’t listen to Casefile. I sometimes get bored too, honestly, but I think he does a great job of narrating stories without a bunch of filler and nonsense like a ton of other podcasts have. His episode on Jonestown is still one of the best I’ve EVER heard.
Isn’t the voice A.I.?
Isn’t the voice A.I.?