The Best New News Podcast Right Now – October 2025

Dive into the gripping world of true crime with our latest podcast series! This collection explores chilling cases, from the psychological impact of true crime consumption to the meticulous investigations that bring killers to justice. We’ll journey through the decades-long pursuit of justice for Leslie Priar, unravel the complex web of deceit in the murder of art collector Cliff Lambert, and examine the controversial trials surrounding John Togahara and Robert Robertson. Plus, get updates on high-profile cases and learn about the groundbreaking use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases. Tune in to uncover the truth behind these compelling stories and gain a deeper understanding of the justice system.
The 10 Best News episodes
A Deadly Obsession with True Crime in Korea

True crime’s dark allure fuels obsession and real-world tragedy, amplified by social media’s unchecked speculation.
This podcast delves into the disturbing intersection of true crime consumption and real-life violence, exemplified by the case of Chung Yoo Jung, a young South Korean woman whose obsession with true crime led her to commit a brutal murder. The episode explores the societal factors contributing to her isolation and fixation, including high youth unemployment and the pervasive influence of media. It also examines the phenomenon of “social media sleuths” and their detrimental impact, as illustrated by Craig Wainwright’s experience of being wrongly accused online after his wife’s death. The podcast questions the ethical boundaries of true crime as entertainment, highlighting the potential for exploitation and the lasting trauma inflicted on victims and their families, ultimately advocating for truth over sensationalism.
A Perfect Spring Morning
A decades-long investigation into Leslie Priar’s murder is finally solved using advanced DNA genealogy, leading to the arrest of her daughter’s ex-boyfriend.
This podcast chronicles the complex and lengthy investigation into the murder of Leslie Priar, a Chevy Chase resident found dead on May 2, 2001. Initially, suspicion fell on her husband, Sandy Priar, and her boss, Brett Reedy, due to inconsistencies and suspicious behavior. However, after years of stalled progress, advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy provided the breakthrough needed. By analyzing unknown DNA found at the crime scene, investigators identified Eugene Gligor, the ex-boyfriend of Leslie’s daughter, Lauren. Gligor, who had a history of break-ins and assault, was eventually linked to the murder. The investigation revealed a possible escape route and a plan to obtain his DNA. After 23 years, Gligor was arrested, confessed to second-degree murder, and received a 22-year sentence, bringing a measure of closure to Leslie Priar’s family.
The Prince, The Whiz Kid & The Millionaire
A complex Dateline investigation unravels the murder of wealthy art collector Cliff Lambert, exposing a web of deceit, con artists, and a shocking conspiracy.
This Dateline episode chronicles the intricate investigation into the disappearance and murder of Cliff Lambert, a wealthy art collector from Palm Springs. The case began with his friend Eddie Mulligan reporting him missing, revealing signs of disturbance at his home. As detectives delved deeper, they uncovered a complex conspiracy involving multiple suspects, including Danny Garcia, Cliff’s online date, and Cachal Narula, a con artist posing as a prince. The investigation was fraught with challenges, including a lack of forensic evidence and the defendants’ attempts to manipulate the legal system. Crucial evidence emerged from text messages on Danny Garcia’s iPhone, detailing “Operation CL,” a plan to defraud and murder Cliff. Despite initial convictions being overturned due to illegal recordings, the discovery of Cliff’s remains eventually led to the conviction of Danny Garcia, Miguel Bustamante, and David Replogel for first-degree murder. The case also revealed that Cliff Lambert himself had engaged in deception, potentially contributing to his downfall. The narrative highlights the perseverance of law enforcement and the enduring impact of true crime on justice.
The Bucket Hat Mystery
Dateline investigates the murder of John Togahara, leading to the arrest and trials of Eric Thompson, marked by questionable evidence and mistrials, ultimately resulting in a guilty verdict.
This Dateline episode chronicles the murder of John Togahara, a Hawaiian acupuncturist, and the subsequent investigation and trials of Eric Thompson. The investigation initially focused on a white pickup truck and a bucket hat found near the crime scene. DNA evidence from the hat, though later questioned due to crime lab deficiencies, led to Thompson’s arrest. Two trials resulted in mistrials due to hung juries, with the defense arguing flawed police work and unreliable DNA evidence. In the third trial, Eric Thompson was found guilty of second-degree murder. The episode also touches upon Ondec’s small business line of credit and promotes Dateline’s podcast.
An amusement park murder. An aspiring beauty queen’s murder. Plus, a detective’s documentary.

This podcast covers celebrity memoirs, NFL news, and various true crime cases, including murder investigations and cold case resolutions.
This podcast features an introduction to Jenna Bush Hager’s “Open Book” podcast with actor Jay Ellis, a promotional segment for “The Today Show” focusing on NFL content, and “Dateline True Crime Weekly.” The true crime segments highlight a Philadelphia case involving the death of Cata Scott, the investigation into Doris Whirl’s murder in Coffey County, and updates on the Dan Sarafini, Paul Zumat, and Nicholas Rossi cases. Additionally, the podcast discusses the use of investigative genetic genealogy and documentaries to solve cold cases, including the Grand River baby case in Ontario.
Mark Sievers fights death sentence. Miami model accused of murder. Plus, John Wayne Gacy mini-series.

Dateline covers Mark Severs’ appeal, Courtney Clooney’s murder case, Donna Adelson’s sentencing, Ellen Greenberg’s suicide ruling, and the John Wayne Gacy victim-focused series.
This Dateline episode delves into several true crime cases. It begins with the appeal of Mark Severs, convicted of murdering his wife Teresa, where his defense argues ineffective counsel due to the lawyer’s lack of death certification and Wayne’s alleged infatuation with Mark. The podcast then shifts to the case of Courtney Clooney, accused of murdering her boyfriend, with a pre-trial hearing addressing evidence and bond. Updates are provided on Donna Adelson’s life sentence for plotting murder, the controversial reclassification of Ellen Greenberg’s death as suicide, and Corey Richards’ legal battle over estate finances. Finally, the episode previews the new drama series “Devil in Disguise,” which focuses on the victims of John Wayne Gacy, featuring interviews with the creators and actors.
Sarah Hartsfield’s trial begins. A mistrial in Mississippi. Plus, how to avoid spam texts and calls.

Dateline covers Sarah Hartsfield’s murder trial, the Mississippi Spence family murder case, and updates on Adelson, Rossi, and Combs, plus scam alerts.
This Dateline episode covers two major trials: Sarah Hartsfield’s murder trial in Texas, where she’s accused of poisoning her husband with insulin, and the Mississippi case involving the Spence family and the murder of Kirby Carpenter. The podcast details the testimonies and evidence presented in both cases, including Caitlyn Spence’s plea deal and testimony against her father, Jeff Spence, whose trial resulted in a mistrial. Additionally, the episode provides updates on the Donna Adelson and Sean Combs cases, and features a consumer alert segment on imposter scams and spam calls, with practical advice on how to avoid them.
The Last Appeal – Ep. 4: The Reckoning

This podcast explores personal health choices, teen driving safety, and the controversial case of Robert Robertson, focusing on shaken baby syndrome and legal appeals.
The podcast begins with a discussion on personalized medical treatments using Vivgard-Hitrulo and then shifts to teen driving safety with Greenlight Infinity. A significant portion is dedicated to the case of Robert Robertson, who was hours away from execution. The narrative details legal efforts to secure his testimony, the testimony of witnesses including John Grisham and juror Terry Compton, and the controversy surrounding shaken baby syndrome as the basis for his conviction. The segment highlights juror regret, the prosecutor’s stance, and the legal battles concerning blunt force trauma versus shaken baby syndrome. It draws parallels with other exonerations related to the discrediting of shaken baby syndrome, such as the cases of Josh Burns and Andrew Rourke. New evidence emerges regarding the judge’s potential pre-judgment in Robert Robertson’s case. Ultimately, Robert Robertson’s execution is halted by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which orders a review based on the outdated science of shaken baby syndrome, as seen in the Andrew Rourke case. The fight for a new trial continues amidst relief and sadness.
Talking Dateline: The Prince, The Whiz Kid, & The Millionaire

Dateline investigates the elaborate grift and murder of art collector Cliff Lambert, highlighting the con artists, legal battles, and the pursuit of justice.
This Dateline episode, “The Prince, the Wiz Kid, and the Millionaire,” details the 2008 disappearance and murder of art collector Cliff Lambert. The investigation, led by producer Josh Manco, spanned over two years, facing challenges like COVID-19 and multiple trials. Lambert, vulnerable due to loneliness, was targeted by con artists, including the charismatic “Prince” Kashal Nerula, who orchestrated a scheme to steal his assets. The crime unraveled when a real estate agent noticed suspicious activity, and Cliff’s friend Eddie’s persistence alerted the police. Investigators initially considered various scenarios before uncovering the murder plot. Craig McCarthy, a defendant, testified against others in exchange for a reduced sentence. Despite initial convictions, legal complexities, including a judge’s remarks, led to overturned verdicts and prolonged legal battles. Prosecutor Lisa D’Amico relentlessly pursued justice. The episode also touches upon other victims of the con artists and missed opportunities. It’s revealed Lambert’s claims of wealth and art collection were largely fabricated. Viewer questions address crime scene forensics, interviewing a sociopath, and the motive for murder.
Talking Dateline: A Perfect Spring Morning

A daughter’s 20-year quest for justice for her mother’s murder is solved using DNA and genealogy, revealing the killer was a high school boyfriend.
This Dateline podcast episode details the 2001 murder of Leslie Preer and her daughter Lauren’s 20-year fight for justice. Initially, suspicion fell on Leslie’s husband, Sandy, due to his actions and a polygraph test, causing significant family turmoil. However, advancements in DNA technology and genealogical research, coupled with the persistence of Lauren and two dedicated detectives, eventually identified Eugene Gleagore, Lauren’s high school boyfriend, as the killer. Gleagore, who had frequented the family home, confessed to the crime, motivated by a drug habit and an intent to rob. He received a life sentence without parole. The podcast also explores the lasting trauma for the family and the complex nature of achieving closure, while addressing audience questions about the investigation’s initial focus and investigative processes.
What is this podcast about, and what category does it fall under?
This podcast falls under the “News” category and primarily focuses on true crime stories. It delves into various murder investigations, the complexities of the justice system, and the impact of these events on victims and their families.
How did advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy help solve the murder of Leslie Priar?
After years of stalled progress in Leslie Priar’s 2001 murder case, DNA technology and forensic genealogy identified Eugene Gligor, her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, as the killer. This breakthrough led to his arrest and confession after 23 years.
What challenges did investigators face in the Cliff Lambert murder case, and how was the conspiracy uncovered?
Investigators faced a lack of forensic evidence and attempts by defendants to manipulate the legal system. The conspiracy involving Danny Garcia and Cachal Narula was uncovered through text messages on Garcia’s iPhone detailing “Operation CL.”
What led to Eric Thompson’s conviction in the murder of John Togahara, and what issues arose during the investigation?
Eric Thompson was convicted of second-degree murder after three trials. Issues included questioned DNA evidence due to crime lab deficiencies and mistrials caused by hung juries, with the defense arguing flawed police work.
What are some of the other true crime cases and topics discussed in these podcast episodes?
Episodes cover cases like Cata Scott’s death, Doris Whirl’s murder, updates on Dan Sarafini, Paul Zumat, and Nicholas Rossi, the use of investigative genetic genealogy, and the reclassification of Ellen Greenberg’s death.
What legal battles and controversies are highlighted in the podcast regarding potential wrongful convictions?
The podcast discusses Mark Severs’ appeal based on ineffective counsel, the controversy surrounding shaken baby syndrome in Robert Robertson’s case, and the legal battles over estate finances in Corey Richards’ case.

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Table of contents:
- A Deadly Obsession with True Crime in Korea
- A Perfect Spring Morning
- The Prince, The Whiz Kid & The Millionaire
- The Bucket Hat Mystery
- An amusement park murder. An aspiring beauty queen’s murder. Plus, a detective’s documentary.
- Mark Sievers fights death sentence. Miami model accused of murder. Plus, John Wayne Gacy mini-series.
- Sarah Hartsfield’s trial begins. A mistrial in Mississippi. Plus, how to avoid spam texts and calls.
- The Last Appeal – Ep. 4: The Reckoning
- Talking Dateline: The Prince, The Whiz Kid, & The Millionaire
- Talking Dateline: A Perfect Spring Morning
- What is this podcast about, and what category does it fall under?
- How did advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy help solve the murder of Leslie Priar?
- What challenges did investigators face in the Cliff Lambert murder case, and how was the conspiracy uncovered?
- What led to Eric Thompson’s conviction in the murder of John Togahara, and what issues arose during the investigation?
- What are some of the other true crime cases and topics discussed in these podcast episodes?
- What legal battles and controversies are highlighted in the podcast regarding potential wrongful convictions?
