The Best New News Podcast Right Now – August 2025
Dive into the gripping world of true crime with our latest podcast series! This blog brings you in-depth explorations of compelling cases, from the intricate investigation of Lonnie Cocontas's wife's murder to the chilling disappearance of entrepreneur Chris Smith. We'll unravel the complexities of Greg Owens's home invasion case, the shocking Pitcairn Island abuse scandal, and the latest updates on high-profile trials like Brian Walsh and Donna Adelson. Join us as we dissect the evidence, hear from investigators, and understand the pursuit of justice. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these captivating true crime stories and the critical lessons they hold.
The 10 Best News episodes
Open Water
Lonnie Cocontas was convicted of first-degree murder for his wife Mickey Kanasaki's death after a complex investigation involving a secret marriage, a polygraph test, and a jailhouse informant's testimony about a hitman plot.
This podcast details the investigation and trial of Lonnie Cocontas for the murder of his wife, Mickey Kanasaki. Mickey was found dead after falling overboard from a cruise ship. Initial suspicions fell on Lonnie due to inconsistencies in his story and his behavior following the incident. An autopsy revealed Mickey was murdered before entering the water, showing signs of strangulation and possible sexual assault. Investigators, friends of Lonnie, faced obstacles including obtaining the ship's manifest and navigating international jurisdiction. A polygraph test raised further doubts about Lonnie's innocence. The investigation uncovered Lonnie's secret marriage to Amy Nguyen, who eventually confessed to Lonnie's murder plan, though she initially lied to protect him. The case also involved a jailhouse informant who claimed Lonnie tried to hire a hitman to kill Amy. The trial, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, featured key testimony from Amy and the autopsy report. Despite Lonnie's defense claiming he was framed, the jury delivered a guilty verdict of first-degree murder for financial gain, resulting in a life sentence. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the verdict, the relief of Mickey's family, and Lonnie's ongoing appeal.
In a Lonely Place
The disappearance of Chris Smith, a successful entrepreneur, is revealed to be a murder orchestrated by his business partner, Ed Shin, driven by greed and culminating in Shin's arrest and confession.
This podcast details the investigation into the disappearance and subsequent murder of Chris Smith, a successful entrepreneur. Initially reported as a missing person case, inconsistencies in emails purportedly from Chris led his family to suspect foul play. The investigation, involving both authorities and a private investigator, uncovered evidence pointing to Chris's business partner, Ed Shin. The discovery of blood in Chris's old office shifted the focus to a homicide investigation. The podcast explores the contrasting personalities of Chris and Ed, Chris's troubled personal life revealed through his emails, and Ed's history of embezzlement. The investigation ultimately led to Ed Shin's arrest and confession, though he refused to reveal the location of Chris's body. The trial, prosecution's case highlighting premeditation, and the guilty verdict are detailed, concluding with the Smith family's ongoing grief and a paddle-out ceremony in Chris's memory.
The Intruder
A Maine home invasion leaves Rachel Owens shot, leading investigators to uncover Greg Owens's manipulative behavior, affair, and ultimately, his guilty verdict based on circumstantial evidence including his DNA at the scene and tampered computer data.
This podcast details the investigation and trial of Greg Owens, who shot his wife, Rachel, during a home invasion in Maine. The initial investigation treated the incident as a possible robbery, but inconsistencies in Greg's alibi and suspicious behavior raised red flags. A crucial turning point came with a phone call to Betsy Wandke, Greg's mistress in Wisconsin. Betsy revealed Greg's lies about his separation from Rachel and his controlling nature, providing a motive and crucial testimony. Further investigation, including the discovery of Greg's DNA at the scene and tampered computer timestamps, solidified him as the prime suspect. Despite relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, the prosecution successfully built a case against Greg, leading to his arrest and eventual conviction. The case highlights the complexities of investigating domestic violence and the importance of seemingly insignificant details in solving crimes.
The Michael Proctor files. Parents of murdered daughter want answers. And behind the scenes with a CSI.
This Dateline episode covers the Brian Walsh murder trial, the Mercedes Vega murder case, updates on the Karen Reed, Brooks Hauke, and Sean Combs cases, and an expert's perspective on crime scene investigation.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly episode features several compelling cases. The episode begins with a preview of the Brian Walsh murder trial, focusing on evidence like incriminating Google searches and bloodstained items found in trash bags. The prosecution's case hinges on these findings and potential motives like infidelity and financial gain, while the defense counters with alternative explanations. Next, the tragic murder of Mercedes Vega is examined, highlighting the two-year fight for justice by her parents and the eventual charges against Kujo Young and two accomplices. The episode then provides updates on several other cases: the Karen Reed case, including ongoing civil suits; jailhouse calls from Brooks Hauke, revealing his emotional state and denial; and the legal proceedings against Sean Combs. Finally, a former crime lab director discusses the crucial role of crime scene investigators, emphasizing meticulous evidence collection and the challenges faced in court.
A grandmother's trial is set to start. An international fugitive faces a jury. And digital go bags.
This Dateline podcast covers the Donna Adelson murder-for-hire trial, Nicholas Rossi's fugitive status, updates on other cases, and crucial digital safety tips.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast episode features several key true crime updates. The main focus is the upcoming trial of Donna Adelson, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Dan Markell. The episode details the Adelson family dynamics, the evidence against Donna (including intercepted phone calls and attempts to flee), and the complexities of the case. Further updates are provided on the trial of Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive accused of rape and fraud, highlighting his elaborate efforts to conceal his identity. The podcast also summarizes the outcomes of other cases: the acquittal of Toni Hayes in a 30-year-old double murder case, a plea deal in the Ryan Cooper case, and the ongoing appeal of Alec Murdoch. Finally, the episode concludes with valuable advice on creating a digital go-bag for emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of backing up essential documents and securing personal information.
A Tiny Island's Big Secret
Pitcairn Island's history of sexual abuse, investigated through Operation Unique, reveals systemic issues, legal challenges, and lenient sentences, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice and child protection.
This podcast details the extensive sexual abuse scandal on Pitcairn Island, a remote British territory. The investigation, dubbed Operation Unique, began in 1996 with a single rape allegation but uncovered a decades-long pattern of abuse involving numerous perpetrators and victims. Challenges included the island's isolation, limited legal infrastructure, and the use of a "cultural defense" by the accused. The trial, fraught with jurisdictional complexities, resulted in convictions but sparked controversy due to the relatively lenient sentences, partly attributed to the island's small population. The podcast explores the aftermath, including ongoing efforts to improve child protection, the lingering impact on the community, and the continuing debate surrounding the adequacy of justice served.
A TikTok teen charged with murder. A defense team requests evidence testing. Plus, interrogation tactics.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast covers the Sarah Grace Patrick case, updates on the Faith Hedgepeth murder, and other high-profile cases, while also discussing police interrogation techniques.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast episode delves into several compelling true crime cases. It begins with the shocking arrest of Sarah Grace Patrick for the murder of her mother and stepfather, highlighting conflicting family testimonies and the ongoing investigation. The episode then provides an update on the Faith Hedgepeth murder case, thirteen years after the event, focusing on new questions surrounding untested crime scene evidence and the defense's request for further testing, potentially implicating others. The podcast also offers updates on three high-profile cases: the trial of Donna Adelson (murder-for-hire), the stalled sentencing of Dan Sarafini (juror misconduct), and the appeal of Michelle Triconis (conspiracy to murder Jennifer Dulos). Finally, a former U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations expert discusses effective police interrogation strategies, emphasizing rapport building and strategic evidence presentation.
Talking Dateline: The Intruder
The Dateline episode "The Intruder" details a seemingly random home invasion that was actually a calculated murder orchestrated by the victim's husband, Greg Owens, revealing a complex love triangle and highlighting the resilience of the victim and her connection to another Dateline case.
This podcast dissects the Dateline episode "The Intruder," focusing on the attempted murder of Rachel Owens, seemingly a random home invasion but revealed to be a calculated act by her husband, Greg Owens. The investigation uncovered a complex love triangle involving Greg, Rachel, and Betsy Wankie, who were both unaware of each other's existence. Greg, described as a narcissist and manipulator, deceitfully maintained relationships with both women. The podcast explores Betsy's background, including her work at the Warrior Princess Academy and her surprising connection to another Dateline case, "The Safari Story," involving the murder of Bianca in Zambia. Rachel's remarkable recovery and resilience are highlighted, along with the challenges she faced due to memory loss. The podcast discusses the aftermath, including updates on Rachel and Betsy's lives, and Greg Owens' imprisonment. Social media reactions and a final update on the case are also included. The irony of Betsy's self-defense expertise in light of her involvement is discussed, along with clips from interviews.
Talking Dateline: Open Water
The Dateline podcast discusses the "Open Water" case, focusing on Mickey Kanasaki's disappearance during a cruise, the investigation's twists, and the crucial role of Lonnie's friends, concluding with a Nashville Dateline Live event promotion.
This Dateline podcast episode centers on the "Open Water" case, detailing the mysterious disappearance of Mickey Kanasaki during a Mediterranean cruise with her husband, Lonnie. Initial suspicion fell on Lonnie, but the investigation, significantly aided by his friends Bill and Susan, uncovered crucial evidence revealing his guilt. The podcast delves into the complexities of the case, highlighting the cruise ship setting and the open water as significant elements. Listener questions and social media comments are addressed, covering topics such as cruise ship safety, the use of AI in investigations, and the unique roles played by Bill and Susan. The episode concludes with a promotion of an upcoming Dateline Live event in Nashville.
Talking Dateline: In a Lonely Place
This Dateline podcast investigates the murder of Chris Smith, highlighting the killer's digital deception, the crucial role of a private investigator's accidental discovery, and the importance of persistent family involvement in solving cold cases.
This podcast delves into the Dateline episode "In a Lonely Place," focusing on the murder of Chris Smith. The investigation highlights the deceptive use of technology by the killer, Ed Sheen, who used emails to create a false narrative and delay the discovery of the crime. A key turning point came when private investigator Joe Deleu accidentally discovered crucial blood evidence in Smith's abandoned office. The podcast also emphasizes the vital role of the victim's family in pushing for a thorough investigation and the increasing challenges posed by technology in concealing criminal activity. The hosts discuss the complexities of the case, the killer's motivations, and answer social media questions about investigative techniques and the killer's behavior.
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