Digest

This podcast features Ashley Flowers, creator of the popular true crime podcast Crime Junkie. She details her journey from biomedical research to podcasting and authorship, including the collaborative process behind Crime Junkie with Brit Prawat and her novel, "The Missing Half." The discussion covers the challenges of social media algorithms, the emotional toll of working with true crime, and the importance of responsible consumption. Ashley shares insights into her writing process, emphasizing meticulous plotting and a mission-focused approach to mitigate the negative impact of the subject matter. She also discusses the public's fascination with true crime, the complexities of unsolved mysteries (including her experience interviewing John Ramsey), and the importance of empathy and avoiding assumptions about victims. Finally, she addresses balancing her career with motherhood and her hopes for the future of Crime Junkie and Audiochuck, her podcast network.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Instagram Teen Safety, & Crime Junkie's Beginnings

The episode introduces Instagram's teen account safety features and then dives into the creation of Crime Junkie, highlighting Ashley Flowers' collaboration with Brit Prawat and their unique podcast format.

00:01:36

Ashley Flowers' Writing Process & Career Transition

Ashley discusses her unconventional career path, transitioning from biomedical research to podcasting and authorship. She details her collaborative writing process for "The Missing Half," including her meticulous plotting method.

00:09:09

Crime Junkie Tour, Social Media, & Content Creation

Ashley discusses the challenges of promoting the Crime Junkie tour using social media algorithms and the importance of creating resonant content.

00:18:36

Writing "The Missing Half," Mental Health, & Responsible True Crime

Ashley discusses the writing of "The Missing Half," managing the emotional toll of true crime work, and the importance of responsible consumption of true crime media, emphasizing empathy for victims.

00:35:28

Public Perception, Balancing Work & Motherhood, & Memorable Cases

Ashley shares her experiences balancing her career with motherhood and discusses how she handles public perception and the pressure of being in the spotlight. She also reflects on memorable cases and the lasting impact they've had on her.

00:47:02

Research Process, Future Plans, & Key Takeaways from "The Missing Half"

Ashley describes her research process for Crime Junkie and discusses her future plans, including potential future books and the growth of Audiochuck. She also highlights key takeaways from "The Missing Half," emphasizing empathy and avoiding assumptions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What inspired you to write "The Missing Half"?

  The book stemmed from a core idea, similar to her first book. Her writing process centers around a single initial concept, which she then builds upon with a co-writer, meticulously plotting the entire story before writing.

• How do you balance the emotional weight of true crime with your personal life?

  Ashley maintains a mission-focused approach to her work, aiming to create positive change through awareness and advocacy. This helps mitigate the potential negative impact on her mental health. She also discusses it openly with her husband.

• What advice would you give to aspiring podcasters or authors?

  Identify your target audience precisely. Understand who you're trying to reach and tailor your content and marketing efforts accordingly. Be prepared for hard work and persistence.

• What makes "The Missing Half" unique?

  It's a true crime fiction novel written for readers who enjoy guessing twists and turns. It's grounded in reality, drawing on Ashley's extensive experience in true crime, while still offering surprising plot developments.

• What are your hopes for the future of Crime Junkie and Audiochuck?

  Ashley hopes to continue producing high-quality, original reporting and expand Audiochuck's reach, while maintaining a focus on responsible true crime content creation. She also hopes to see her books adapted for film or television.

Show Notes