The Best New News Podcast Right Now – November 2025
Dive into the gripping world of true crime with our latest podcast series! This blog brings you in-depth explorations of baffling disappearances, meticulously planned murders, and complex legal battles. From the unsolved mysteries of Bardstown, Kentucky, to the shocking revelations in the Dr. Stephen Schwartz case, and the intricate details of the Ashley Schwamm investigation, we cover it all. Join us as we unravel the stories behind cases like Crystal Rogers, Amber Spradlin, and the "Running Man" murder, featuring insights from Dateline and true crime experts. Don't miss out on these compelling narratives – tune in to discover the truth and gain a deeper understanding of justice.
The 10 Best News episodes
The Trouble in Bardstown
The podcast details the complex and tragic disappearance of Crystal Rogers, the subsequent murder of her father, and the interconnected unsolved cases in Bardstown, Kentucky, culminating in arrests and convictions.
This podcast chronicles the baffling disappearance of Crystal Rogers in 2015 from Bardstown, Kentucky, a town plagued by a series of unsolved murders. The investigation into Crystal's vanishing, marked by the discovery of her abandoned car and inconsistencies in her boyfriend Brooks Hauke's account, spanned years. Her father, Tommy Ballard, relentlessly pursued his own investigation, only to be tragically murdered himself. The FBI's "Operation Justice Rising" connected Crystal's disappearance to the murders of Tommy Ballard and Officer Jason Ellis, suspecting a wider conspiracy. Key developments included forensic evidence from Crystal's car, phone data placing Brooks's employee Steve Lawson at the scene, and eventual confessions. The trial focused on circumstantial evidence, leading to the conviction of Brooks Hauke for murder and lesser charges for Steve and Joey Lawson. The episode highlights the deep-seated issues and patterns of violence in Bardstown, leaving some cases, like Jason Ellis's murder, still unresolved.
Running Man
A Dateline investigation into Ashley Schwamm's death reveals a meticulously planned murder by her husband, James, who staged a fatal car crash to cover his tracks.
This Dateline episode chronicles the investigation into the death of Ashley Schwamm, initially reported as a fatal car accident. As detectives delved deeper, inconsistencies at the crash scene and autopsy results pointed towards homicide. The investigation focused on Ashley's husband, James Schwamm, a firefighter, who initially appeared cooperative but exhibited suspicious behavior and provided a questionable alibi. Evidence, including witness accounts, security footage of a "Running Man" near the crash site, and eventually a Zippo lighter with James's initials found in Ashley's burned SUV, built a case against him. The narrative explores James's potential motives, including financial gain and a desire for a new relationship, and details how he allegedly murdered Ashley, staged the crash, and attempted to cover his tracks. The episode concludes with James's arrest, his plea to second-degree murder, and the profound impact on Ashley's family.
Kentucky prosecutor wants trial of dentist's son delayed. Cal Harris sues cops. Plus, rental scams.
Dateline True Crime Weekly covers a Kentucky dentist's son accused of murder, Cal Harris's civil suit after acquittal, and updates on other cases, plus social media rental scams.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly features several compelling cases. It begins with the murder of Amber Spradlin in Kentucky, where the son of a dentist, MK, is accused of the crime, and his father faces charges for alleged evidence tampering. The investigation into the events leading to Spradlin's death and the subsequent cover-up attempts are detailed. The program also revisits the case of Cal Harris, who was acquitted of his wife's murder after multiple trials and subsequently sued investigators for malicious prosecution. Further updates are provided on the murders of Cata Scott and Angie Solomon, as well as Dan Serafini's bid for a new trial due to alleged juror misconduct. Finally, the episode includes a warning about the rise of sophisticated rental scams on social media platforms.
DNA at heart of Arizona trial. Aspiring model's killer fights to clear his name. Plus, Relisha Rudd.
This podcast covers NFL football, true crime cases like Allison Feldman and Karen Hernslover, and the disappearance of Relisha Rudd, with updates on Brian Coburger and Sandra Birchmore.
This podcast delves into various topics, starting with Thumbtack's service for home projects and the NFL's presence on the Today Show. It then transitions to true crime, discussing Dateline's weekly docket, the Allison Feldman murder trial involving familial DNA testing, and the Karen Hernslover case with the Illinois Innocence Project's involvement. Updates are provided on the Brian Coburger and Sandra Birchmore cases, as well as the disappearance of Relisha Rudd, highlighting the work of the Black and Missing Foundation.
Talking Dateline: The Trouble in Bardstown
This Dateline episode investigates the unsolved murders in Bardstown, KY, focusing on the Crystal Rogers case and the lingering questions surrounding other deaths.
This Dateline episode delves into the series of unsolved murders in Bardstown, Kentucky, primarily focusing on the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers. The investigation highlights the conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Brooks Hauke, while acknowledging that Crystal's body has never been found. The discussion expands to include the murders of Crystal's father, Tommy Ballard, and police officer Jason Ellis, with the FBI suspecting a connection between these cases. The episode explores the challenges faced by law enforcement in a close-knit town, the complexities of family dynamics, and the emotional toll on the victims' families, particularly Crystal's mother, Sherry Ballard. It also touches upon the legal strategies, the role of evidence, and the public's distrust of media, while expressing hope for future resolutions and justice for all victims.
Talking Dateline: The Death of Dr. Schwartz
Dateline investigates Dr. Schwartz's murder, revealing his hidden past, Rebecca's alleged involvement, Leo's confession, and legal complexities.
This Dateline episode delves into the murder of Dr. Stephen Schwartz, initially appearing as a burglary but revealing a complex web of financial motives, betrayal, and hidden pasts. The investigation highlights the suspected involvement of his wife, Rebecca, and Leo's confession, where he claimed manipulation. The narrative explores Dr. Schwartz's own past as a convicted murderer, raising questions about redemption. Legal aspects, including the difference between civil and criminal charges and a substantial civil judgment against Rebecca, are discussed. The episode also touches on the challenges of investigative journalism, memory, and the pursuit of justice, concluding with listener engagement and a brief mention of another case.
An accused killer pleads guilty, but not to murder. The next chapter in the Dulos case. Plus, a NXIVM story.
This podcast covers true crime cases including Brian Walsh's plea, Michelle Traconis' appeal, and Alison Mack's Nexium involvement, alongside manufacturing and brain health topics.
This podcast delves into several true crime cases, beginning with the Brian Walsh case, where he pleaded guilty to lesser charges related to his wife Anna Walsh's disappearance and murder. The narrative explores potential motives, investigative evidence like suspicious Google searches and GPS data, and the dramatic turn of events including Walsh being stabbed in jail. Updates are provided on the Michelle Traconis appeal concerning the Jennifer Farber-Doulos murder, focusing on arguments about evidence admissibility and police interviews. The podcast also touches on the Karen Reed lawsuit, alleging she was framed for John O'Keefe's death, and the murder of "Last Chance U" coach John Beam. A significant portion is dedicated to actress Alison Mack's reflections on her involvement in the Nexium sex cult, detailing its structure and her role in recruiting women. Criminology students' success in solving a cold case is also highlighted. The episode opens with a brief mention of Granger's role in manufacturing maintenance and a public health message about prioritizing brain health and dementia risk factors.
Talking Dateline: Running Man
Dateline investigates the murder of Ashley Schwalmore, a case involving her firefighter husband's elaborate deception, domestic violence, and the community's shock.
This Dateline episode, "Running Man," delves into the murder of Ashley Schwalmore, initially appearing as an accident but revealed to be a meticulously planned crime by her firefighter husband, James. The investigation uncovers James's affair, his narcissistic tendencies, and his use of fire knowledge to stage the scene, making critical errors like leaving his lighter. The episode highlights the devastating impact on their children and features the "Sunflower Fund," established in Ashley's honor to support domestic violence victims. Andrea Canning shares personal reflections on reporting in her hometown and the street named after her father. The narrative also includes social media Q&A with producer Lynn Keller, discussing filming challenges and case details, and addresses evidence like track marks and a missing backpack. The teacher's welfare check call proved crucial, and updates confirm the children are thriving.
Raising the Dead
A decades-long investigation into a brutal farmhouse murder uses DNA and genetic genealogy to identify a suspect, but a controversial trial ends in acquittal, leaving families without justice.
This Dateline episode chronicles the investigation into the 1992 murders of Tana Togstad and Tim Mumbrew. Initially, suspects included Tana's ex-boyfriend, Tim's ex-wife, and Jeff Teal. Decades later, advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy led investigators to Tony Hayes, Jeff Teal's nephew. Hayes was arrested after a DNA match and a failed polygraph, but his trial was marked by defense claims of a flawed investigation and coerced confession. Despite incriminating evidence, including DNA and fragmented memories, Hayes was acquitted by a jury. The case remains officially unsolved, with the victims' families seeking closure through a civil lawsuit.
The Death of Dr. Schwartz
A physician's murder investigation uncovers his hidden past and leads to a civil trial against his wife for his death.
This podcast episode details the murder of Dr. Steven Schwartz, initially reported as a burglary. The investigation reveals Dr. Schwartz's hidden past as a convicted murderer. While handyman Leo Straugai is arrested and confesses, suspicion falls on Dr. Schwartz's wife, Rebecca, for financial motives. A civil lawsuit is filed against Rebecca, who has a history of embezzlement. Despite a lack of direct criminal evidence against her, the jury finds Rebecca liable for her husband's death, awarding his family nearly $200 million. The criminal case is closed, but questions about Rebecca's guilt linger.
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