The Best New News Podcast Right Now – September 2025
Dive into compelling true crime narratives and societal issues with Dateline's latest podcast episodes. From a mother's 32-year search for her abducted son, to the unsolved murder of a conservationist, and the complex legal battles surrounding high-profile cases like the Donna Adelson trial and the Gilgo Beach murders, these stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. We also explore the challenges facing higher education and the intricate details of domestic abuse cases. Tune in to uncover the truth and gain deeper insights into these captivating stories.
The 10 Best News episodes
The Hidden Victims of China's One-Child Policy
A mother's 32-year search for her abducted son highlights China's child trafficking crisis, exacerbated by the One Child policy, leading to reunions and ongoing challenges.
This episode chronicles Li Jingzhe's 32-year search for her son, Jia Jia, abducted in Xi'an in 1988. The narrative is interwoven with the broader context of child trafficking in China, significantly influenced by the One Child policy and a cultural preference for boys. The policy's impact on gender imbalance and the resulting demand for male children fueled abduction and trafficking. The episode also explores the foreign adoption industry, where many abducted children found their way into orphanages before being adopted internationally, often for profit. Nikfi's story as a foreign adoptee illustrates the complexities of identity and reunion. Technological advancements like facial recognition and DNA databases, coupled with policy changes, have facilitated reunions, including Jia Jia's with his mother in 2020. Despite these successes, child trafficking persists, with parents continuing their searches and traffickers adapting their methods.
Under a Full Moon
Dateline investigates the murder of Shawna TFA, a Vegas cocktail waitress, leading to the conviction of her husband, George TFA, and the confession of Noel Stevens.
This Dateline episode details the murder of Shawna TFA, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, and the subsequent investigation. Shawna was found murdered in her home by her husband, firefighter George TFA. Initial investigations considered George as a suspect, alongside the theory of a sexual predator due to a previous burglary at the home. A tip led police to Noel Stevens, a homeless handyman known as "Greyhound," who confessed to the murder and implicated George. Shawna's sister raised doubts about George's character. During the trial, detectives provoked George, leading to a car crash, and Noel Stevens testified. George TFA was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder. Later, George confessed to his role, attributing his actions to prescription drug hallucinations.
Kenya’s Wildlife Murder Mystery
Esmond Bradley Martin, a conservationist fighting illegal wildlife trade, was murdered in Nairobi; his unsolved case questions initial burglary theories.
This podcast explores the life and unsolved murder of Esmond Bradley Martin, a dedicated conservationist who spent his life combating the illegal ivory and rhino horn trade. Martin, an eccentric but meticulous geographer, meticulously researched and infiltrated global wildlife markets, providing crucial data that influenced policy changes, including China's 1993 rhino horn ban. Despite his significant contributions, he was found murdered in his Nairobi home in 2018. The initial theory of a burglary gone wrong was quickly dismissed due to lack of evidence, leading to investigations into various possibilities, including his work, property disputes, or personal conflicts. His murder remains a mystery, leaving his legacy in conservation overshadowed by unanswered questions.
Arson and alleged fratricide in New Jersey. New 911 calls in Microsoft employee murder. And sentencing murderers.
This podcast covers true crime cases, NFL insights, and celebrity interviews, including the Canaro murders and the Jared Bridegan case.
This podcast features a variety of segments, including Jenna Bush Hager's interview with Zach Brown on her podcast "Open Book," an inside look at the NFL on the Today Show, and Dateline's True Crime Weekly. The true crime focus includes the complex Canaro family murders and arson case, exploring motives and trial delays, as well as updates on the Jared Bridegan murder, the Brian Walsh case, the Crystal Rogers murder trial, and Chad Daybell's statements. The podcast also touches on sentencing complexities and legal defenses.
The Betrayal of Sandra Birchmore
Dateline investigates the suspicious death of Sandra Birchmore, revealing a police detective's alleged abuse and murder.
This Dateline episode details the suspicious death of Sandra Birchmore, initially ruled a suicide. Her family's suspicions led to an investigation into her boyfriend, police detective Matthew Farwell. Evidence uncovered by the FBI and internal affairs revealed a pattern of grooming, statutory rape, and abuse by Farwell, culminating in his indictment for Sandra's murder. The case highlights systemic failures and the family's fight for justice.
The family matriarch’s defense. A landmark decision in the Gilgo Beach murders case. And a mom hits the road seeking justice.
Dateline covers true crime updates, including the Donna Adelson trial, Gilgo Beach DNA evidence, and the Burning Man homicide.
This Dateline episode covers a range of true crime cases and updates. It begins with an announcement for Dateline Live in Nashville. The team discusses breaking news, including a defendant's court appearance, a mother's confession to aiding her husband in murders, and a judge's ruling in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case. Andrea Canning hosts a weekly docket featuring updates on the Rex Heurman case, a homicide at Burning Man, Barry Morphew's court appearance, and a mother's cross-country advocacy for her daughter's cold case. The Donna Adelson murder trial is detailed, focusing on the defense's opening statements, witness testimonies about her character, and her decision not to testify. The prosecution's evidence, including wiretapped calls and an alleged jail confession, is presented. The defense argues that one-way tickets to Vietnam were to avoid media attention. The episode also covers the Gilgo Beach murders, with a judge ruling to allow whole genome sequencing DNA evidence linking Rex Heurman to the crimes. The defense files a motion to dismiss evidence based on lab licensing, and a trial date is set. Updates are provided on the Barry Morphew case, the University of Idaho murders, and a mother's advocacy for her daughter's cold case. A homicide investigation at the Burning Man festival is highlighted, noting the challenges posed by the event's unique environment. Barry Morphew's bond hearing and the University of Idaho murders crime scene photos hearing are discussed. The episode concludes with a preview of an upcoming Dateline episode and a reminder about the Dateline Live event.
What's next for the Adelsons? A family murder plot in Utah. Plus, should defendants testify?
Dateline covers murder plots, family conspiracies, and faked deaths, with updates on Burning Man and Wisconsin cases, plus legal insights.
This Dateline episode covers multiple true crime cases, including the murder-for-hire plot by Florida's Donna Adelson, who was convicted along with her family. It also details a Utah family murder conspiracy involving Catherine Rustelli and her relatives, and updates on the Burning Man homicide and a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death. Legal discussions include victim impact statements, limited immunity, and the decision for defendants to testify. The episode also promotes Dateline's live event and upcoming podcast series.
Talking Dateline: The Night of the Audition
This podcast discusses a Dateline episode about actress Shannon Madill's murder, her mother's grief, and Keith Morrison's insights into human nature.
This podcast delves into a Dateline episode titled "The Night of the Audition," recounting the 2014 disappearance and murder of 25-year-old actress Shannon Madill in Calgary. It highlights Shannon's vibrant personality and the initial misdirection by her husband, Josh Burgess. The narrative explores the eerie circumstances of her death on the same day as her audition and the challenges faced by police, including Burgess's unrecorded confession. The episode also touches on coping mechanisms for grief, such as boxing and physical activity, as exemplified by Shannon's mother and her trainer, Jeff Starling. They discuss shared trauma and finding strength through support and constructive outlets. The podcast reflects on the chilling nature of hidden guilt and the lasting impact of loss. Finally, it addresses listener questions, promotes "Dateline Live in Nashville," and provides information on how to engage with Dateline NBC through social media and voicemail, with Keith Morrison sharing his reflections on human behavior and reporting.
Casualties of Trump’s War on Higher Ed
US higher education faces challenges from federal funding cuts, visa issues, and declining enrollment, impacting research and international students.
The podcast discusses the challenges facing US higher education, including criticisms of critical race theory and gender ideology on campuses, and the impact of tightened international student visa regulations. It highlights the value international students place on US degrees despite these hurdles, noting anticipated enrollment declines and their economic consequences. The discussion extends to federal research grant cancellations, particularly affecting critical areas like pediatric heart pump research, and the financial strain on universities, leading some to make deals with the administration to restore funding. Finally, it touches on the declining public perception of higher education and future enrollment challenges due to demographic shifts.
Talking Dateline: Under a Full Moon
Dateline's "Under a Full Moon" episode details Shawna's murder, George's manipulation, and Greyhound's role, while also discussing wrongful convictions and upcoming live events.
This Dateline episode, "Under a Full Moon," investigates the murder of Shawna, a cocktail waitress on the Las Vegas Strip. Initially, investigators considered robbery or a sexual encounter as motives, also noting a prior burglary of her home. Shawna's husband, George, a firefighter, had an alibi but was later revealed to be controlling and involved in the crime. The episode explores marital control and domestic abuse, with insights from George's sister, Maria, who initially defended him. George used Greyhound, a vulnerable homeless man, as a scapegoat. Despite Greyhound's history of lying and addiction, the jury believed his testimony over George's. George later confessed, attributing his actions to mental illness, which led his sister to withdraw her support. The podcast also touches on wrongful convictions, the dedication of investigators, and promotes an upcoming Dateline Live event in Nashville. Listener questions about other episodes and personal fears are also addressed.
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