The Mastercast

This week we look at The Missionary. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Contact: themastercastpodlist@gmail.comLinks and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-missionary/id1494353780https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuadudley/2020/04/30/the-missionary-asks-difficult-questions-about-what-it-means-to-help-children-overseas/Transcript: This is another heartbreaker and trigger warning for crimes against children. It’s an eight-part scripted miniseries about missionary Renee Bach who started a malnutrition program in rural Uganda. Initially, she was recognized at home and in Uganda for doing the Lord’s work but now about a decade later, there are accusations of pretending to be a doctor and the murder of hundreds of children in the unlicensed clinic. It’s made by iheartRadio and has its polish with the voices and audio being professional and engaging. Apple Podcasts has an average star of 4, 834 ratings and 165 written reviews. Each episode is about 22 minutes long with the last one airing in June of 2020. I don’t understand the problem a lot of people had with the host or the podcast in general. The hosts’ (Rajiv Golla, Halima Gikandi, and Malcolm Burnley) voices were fine and the research did its best to show both sides of the story. The pod ends by saying the truth of exactly what happened was hard to find. It addresses the important concept of the white savior complex and is worth the listen.Similar Pods: Atlanta Monster, Murder in Oregon, Broken Harts, Wind of Change.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Sweet Bobby.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Contact: themastercastpodlist@gmail.comLinks and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-bobby/id1703971425https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimePodcasts/comments/1do4fva/sweet_bobby_isnt_sweet_like_at_all/Transcript:Sweet Bobby- No Spoilers! If after all these true crime podcasts, you still think you’re invincible to being tricked by love… this show is for you. It doesn’t hide what the story is about. In the first couple of minutes host Alexi Mostrous introduces what is catfishing on steroids. The 2021 six part series from Tortoise Media starts with Kirat Assi, a bright career-minded radio DJ whose decade long hell is the subject of this story. After a distant friend contacts her through social media, she’s slowly caught up in a deception that is unmatched. It starts slow, makes you think you know this same old story, hits you with a brick wall of truth, and leaves you with the same question as everyone else… why? You haven’t been this turned around since Hollywood Con Queen. I am being a bit vaguer than I usually am but the less you know the greater the twists will be when you listen. I will say the story isn’t just from Kirat who does a lot of the reporting herself but by family members, friends, and experts in psychology and crime. It has 4.7 average stars and 1,600 ratings. Each episode is around 40 minutes long, and there’s a bonus episode which the hosts use as a chance to respond to listener questions. Music is fitting. Content warnings for catfishing, loss, and emotional abuse. Trust me and the millions of global listeners the show has, download it.  Similar pods: Queen of the Con, Sympathy Pains, and Betrayal.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Murder Under the Midnight Sun.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Contact: themastercastpodlist@gmail.comLinks and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-under-the-midnight-sun/id1375283451https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/murder-under-the-midnight-sun-665029Transcript:Murder Under the Midnight Sun: This Age of Radio true crime podcast concentrates on missing person/unsolved cases from Alaska. Hosted by Arielle Young it covers so many cases that I haven’t heard in other podcasts and that are specific to Alaska. You can tell how well the cases are researched and Young does a great job of explaining the details of each case without sensationalizing them. Young is the show’s only host which means there’s no banter. Because the podcast is single hosted it is scripted but in a very conversational way that makes the cases interesting. Like with most pods, the beginning episodes leave a little to be desired in terms of audio quality, but Young very quickly learns the ropes and later episodes are much better. Apple Podcast has it at 3.7 out of 5 stars with 187 ratings. The podcast seems to have ended in 2021 at 61 episodes that were on average about 39 minutes long. Its most popular episode according to OwlTail was 43 – Who Killed Bonnie? Similar Pods: Weird On The Rocks, Under The Midnight Sun, True Crime All The Time Unsolved. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at The Lonely Palette.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Contact: themastercastpodlist@gmail.comLinks and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttp://www.thelonelypalette.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lonely-palette/id1110780638Transcript:The Lonely Palette - No Spoilers!Before I found this podcast I only knew of art as something you learn to do. I didn’t know that there was a way of thinking about it that didn’t involve learning how to do it. Now I’m obsessed. This podcast is truly about appreciation of art and its history. Every episode starts with a piece of art and then goes into everything else about it including how it makes some feel, what you see, what it means (both when it was made and now), who the artist was, the type of art it is, social implications, and so much more. Do yourself a favor, look up the artwork for the episode. Take a good minute to look at it and think of what you see. You’re going to learn way more listening than you have in any art history course. A member of the Hub & Spoke collective, it’s hosted by Tamar Avishai, an art historian and adjunct lecturer at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston with production assistance from Debbie Blicher, an independent radio producer and essayist. One of my favorite things about the show is how it is so accessible. It’s bringing a perspective of art some may never have heard, and it’s letting you get to know pieces you may never be able to visit. For even more to enjoy, check out their website. There you’ll find images referenced, links, artist interview transcripts, super cute merch, a virtual tour sign-up, and a newsletter sign-up. On Apple Podcasts the show has 4.9 out of 5 stars and 680 Ratings. That speaks for itself. Episodes are still coming out albeit slowly. The latest release was November 1, 2024. So far there are 68 episodes that are on average about an hour long. While most episodes are about examining an artwork, there are others that interview artists, and introduce other shows in the network. If you enjoy art and can’t seem to get enough, let this be the self-care time you deserve. Similar pods: Art Talk, The Art History Babes, and ArtCurious Podcast.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Ripple.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.ripplepodcast.org/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ripple/id1721209965Transcript: Ripple - No Spoilers!This investigative podcasts starts out with a question - how well do you remember the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill that devastated the American Gulf Coast in 2010? It was all over the news, and then..it wasn’t. The lies and denial that plagued the disaster and still haunt the region to this day are the subjects of this stunningly well done podcast. From APM and Western Sound, this series goes all the way back to the initial events and the decisions that would have decades long consequences to ask if the enormous clean up efforts and restorations we saw plastered on our televisions was the tidy conclusion we all thought it was and how can it be possible to put a price on justice when health and the environment are priceless? Made up of thoughtful and encompassing reporting, this gut wrenching reexamination of the events is hosted by Dan Leone and told with help from those who lived through the disaster. It was published as eight episodes that were all about an hour long. The show itself seems to be set up to have more seasons on other topics but for now just has the first season on Deepwater Horizon. The show has 4.9 stars from 362 reviews and was compared to likes of Serial by many. Transcripts are available if needed on the pod’s website. Trigger warnings for grave health conditions, injuries, and death. Similar pods: Reclaimed, American Scandal, and Reveal ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Science FridayIf you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.sciencefriday.com/science-friday-podcasts/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-friday/id73329284Transcript: First airing in 1991, this podcast doesn’t need an introduction (or review from me for that matter). Science Friday or SciFri as it is affectionally called by those who love it, is an award-winning producer for science news and stories. For more than three decades this WNYC Studio show has brought world renowned scientists into our cars and headphones and taught us something about our world. The pod prides itself on independent, fact-based journalism. It’s the perfect break when you want to hear news but not be depressed. And when I saw award winning, I don’t mean one or two. Public Media Journalists Association 2024 Narrative/Produced, National Association of Black Journalists 2023 Salute to Excellence Award, Jackson Hole Science Media Awards 2016 Audible Science Award Finalist, 2018 Shorty Award Winner. Even the website has awards - Webby Winner: Best Science Website People’s Choice, W3 Award: Best Radio Website, Pixel Prize: Nominated for Best Responsive Design – the list goes on and on. Speaking of the website -it’s exceptional. There are videos, learning activities, a newsletter, transcripts, and my favorite feature is that you can sort episodes by topic. It’s also the only place besides the radio where you can catch the full show in one piece. Due to listener suggestions to make episodes more bitesize, the show decided to piecemeal out episodes little by little throughout the week on podcast platforms and of course now listeners want the full show back. I’m one of them. While some think it was done for more ad space, it does make it easier to skip parts of the episode you aren’t interested in. That’s not the only thing that’s changed over the pod’s 30 years. Beloved host Ira Flatow is noticeable absence from recent episodes with some speculating that 75 year old Flatow is slowly retiring. While he is missed, I don’t think any of the guest hosts lack that sense of genuine enthusiasm he originally brought to the show. 4.3 out of 5 stars. 5,300 ratings. 2,218 episodes. Similar pods: Science Weekly, Short wave, and Mindscape  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Crime Junkie. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram, Twitter, or the website.Music this week: Artist: COS & EffectSong: Insidehttps://soundcloud.com/cosandeffekt\https://www.instagram.com/cosandeffekthttps://www.facebook.com/cosandeffektLinks and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://crimejunkiepodcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crime-junkie/id1322200189https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/crime-junkie-podcast-ashley-flowers-plagiarism-1203302072/Transcript: A 50/50 review Crime Junkie - No Spoilers! It’s time! I’ve put off doing this review for a long time because of the complicated nature of this podcast’s impact on the podcasting world. I still have reservations about coming out and recommending it so I’m going to start what I’ve been calling 50/50 reviews for podcasts I’m on the fence about. What’s to be on the fence about? We’ll get into it in this episode of The Mastercast. Crime Junkie is a very popular true crime podcast produced by Ashely Flowers and Brit Prawat that covers a variety of well known and not so well known missing, murdered, and mysterious death cases. Some are solved, some or not, and I like listening to the episode not knowing which it’ll be. There is the very rare conspiracy episode but these cover crime related conspiracies not like big foot or anything. They’re more like cover ups and things of that nature. With over a billion downloads and placing consistently in the top five of various podcast charts since their debut in 2017, very popular might be an understatement. It’s as widely known as Serial, the podcast that let’s face it - got us all into true crime podcasts. There are over 412 free episodes and  new ones come out weekly on Mondays. The show has 4.7 stars and over 350,000 ratings on Apple Podcasts. That’s almost triple the amount of reviews Chartable and Rephonic report for globally beloved podcast This American Life. In addition to the public available episodes, there’s over 150 bonus episodes. To prepare for writing this review thoroughly I actually signed up for the monthly subscription that give access to them all, thinking that I would get through them in a few weeks. It’s been two months and I’ve only gotten through back to 2021. Not only are the founders good at storytelling but they’re very smart business women. Everything they do is perfectly executed to generate a profit. This includes a well organized and supplied website. Their subscription plan and separate app locks down bonus episodes. Their merch store only opens for highly anticipated limited releases. Subscriptions are tiered to allow accumulative access to bonus episodes, videos, fan meet ups, and early access to merch releases. The show also expanded to become a network with some other really good shows like Anatomy of Murder and Counterclock. Wrestling with the ethicacy of review those shows is a big reason I choose to review this one. That being said, there are plenty of great free resources on the websites! There’s the famous “If I go missing folder” template, newsletter, and craft patterns. Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the plagiarism scandal which stopped me from listening to the show for a long time. The challenge didn’t necessarily come from liking the show (although I do admit that bias) but from lack of citation standardization in the podcast community. I won’t go into much detail of the scandal’s whole story, for that I recommend the Let’s Taco ‘bout True Crime episode titled Let's Taco ‘Bout the Crime Junkie Plagiarism scandal where multiple hosts that had their work plagiarized spoke about it. But for a very short summary in 2019 the podcast was found to have clearly and knowingly plagiarized former Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter, Cathy Frye’s work. After this accusation came out, others came to the surface as well. It’s important to note that the work Crime Junkie plagiarized was not the result of one website copying another copying another, but came from boots on the ground, never heard before investigations. Frye and other spent time and money over decades. investigating these cases and Crime Junkie presented their conclusions like they were a result of their own work. While many were understandably upset by the plagiarism itself, there was the insult of no apology which was what stopped me from listening. I expected them to apologize for the action but it wasn’t until someone pointed out to me, that they probably didn’t at the advice of a lawyer, that I started to wonder if maybe they didn’t realize the gravity of what they had done. Before this is was extremely rare for a podcast to cite it’s sources, in the show notes or in the audio. It was and still is a new medium and like where art doesn’t cite its inspirations, I wasn’t sure if there was an established custom for citing sources in a podcast. Also, Crime Junkie did start doing its own work, hiring a team of reporters that investigates for the show. That being said, what Crime Junkie did was knowingly wrong, period. There are other common complaints about the show including scripted commentary from Prawatt. As Flowers tells the story, she’s there to interject with questions that that audience might be asking. It does come across as scripted and pointless at times but is meant to break up Flowers telling an hour long story. But that’s the complicated nature of Crime Junkie. I’ve been listening since the show started. It’s captivating and has remained on the top of the charts through all of this. They do a ton of advocacy work but the scandal when paired with their business sense makes me wonder if they’re are an option that doesn’t feed into the exploitative nature of true crime of if they are just really good at doing it. Similar pods: Court Junkie, This is Actually Happening, and Morbid.As an aside the podcasts I found that were plagiarized by Crime Junkie include: Without Warning, The Murder Sheet, Trace Evidence, and Southern Fried True Crime. You should definitely check them out. All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from COS and effect and the song is Inside. Please check out the show notes for how to find them and their music!  Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at The Agent.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agent/id1587714169Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out with this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onThe Agent - No spoilers ! It’s been a minute and to welcome us back is a really good one. The Agent is a 2022 Webby Award honoree and so good that I had to borrow his book “Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America” from the library. The 15 episode series tells the true story of Jack Barsky’s life as a KGB spy during the cold war when he spent 10 years undercover leading two very different secret lives. It’s this amazing narrative told by Barsky himself that weaves together Jack Barsky the person and Jasck Barsky the spy until something happens that leads him to have to choose between the two. The story is so immersive and wraps you up in his life. I didn’t want it to be over even though in total the podcast is over 3 days’ worth of audio content. It really does look at his whole life and not just what he did for work. That might be too much backstory for some, but I love glimpses into the lives of others, especially one this fascinating. It’s a production of Imperative Entertainment and Windjoy and was the brainchild of Jason Hoch. Barsky, of course, plays a huge role in how the story is told. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars with 1,100 ratings but still had some common themes in the reviews. First, I think the show was once paywalled but isn’t anymore. I was able to listen to all of the episodes on PocketCasts. Then there’s some reviews about the Jack Barsky as a person but honestly we’re not there to like Jack. Like most people his not a villain or a hero, he’s just a person and this is his story. I don’t think people get very far or learn anything from someone they just write off as one or the others and I encourage you to listen to the story holistically. I really appreciated his authenticity and humility. He’s honest and acknowledges bad choices he’s made and how that effected others. Some have labeled this as ego but putting asisde the fact that he was a spy and I’m sure that’s a job requirement, I did not feel the same. Similar pods: Agent of Betrayal, To Die For, and The Miami Chronicles.All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Seasoned Souls and their brilliant song is called Haze. Please check out the show notes for how to find them and their music!  Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening.This week's artist: Seasoned SoulsSong: Hazehttps://www.instagram.com/seasonedsoulsofficial/?hl=enhttps://soundcloud.com/seasonedsoulsmusic/haze-1?in=seasonedsoulsmusic/sets/cryptic-defects-ep ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Have Murder Will Travel.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://havemurderwilltravel.buzzsprout.com/https://www.instagram.com/havemurderwilltravel/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/have-murder-will-travel/id1634439656Have Murder Will Travel - No spoilers! This week we’re looking at an American crime show that travels internationally to tell stories from every part of the globe. Like many of its fans, I found this podcast by recommendation from the Morbid podcast, who like me, is a big fan. The true treasure of this pod is its host Valeira Drake who is also a St.Louis based actor and dancer! She is so funny and charming and I love her voice. Some don’t care for her tangents but I think they are hilarious and make the show. She’s just saying what we’re all thinking. I even named my monstera plant after her. So there hasn’t been an episode in a while since May of 2023 actually but Valeria has mentioned on the show before about depression. Let’s just be hopeful and supportive and maybe another episode will bless our feeds soon. There are episodes to burn through though! 43 in fact and I binged all of them in a couple of days. Most are about crimes. There are few disappearances, the rare spooky episodes, and even rarer still a survival story. My favorites are Episode 33: Deadly Cruise Ships: The Disappearance of Tammy Grogan, and Episode 12: Guatemala: Rodrigo Rosenberg although there are too many to name. Usually each episode has a great instagram post with it. When the show was really active they came out once a week. Apple Podcasts has a 4.7/5 with 94 ratings. There is swearing and of course the normal trigger warnings for true crime. Similar pods: Location Unknown, Lost in the Woods, Twisted Travel and True Crime.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at The Frankston Murders. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-frankston-murders/id1678816681Transcript:The Frankston Murders - No Spoilers ! From Casefile Presents this gripping podcast looks at the serial murders of three women that took place over seven weeks in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, a case unfamiliar to most in the US. Its creator and host Vikki Petratis reported on the crime as it was happening and later wrote the best-selling book The Frankston Murders. In this podcast, she speaks with an array of people including family members, police officers, and prison guards to uncover unheard material and new victims stalked before the murders. It is a longer podcast made up of 11 episodes. I honestly usually avoid single-crime podcasts of this length because they tend to use a lot of filler but the pace and layout of this pod was incredible. Informed complete reporting with no repetitive information. It is one of the best-produced podcasts I’ve heard all year and with a rating on Apple Podcasts of 4.7 it’s safe to say I’m not the only one who thinks so. There have been updates in the case as recent as this year which leaves Petretis asking for the listener's help. I do need to give a trigger warning for animal abuse. Similar pods: The Detective’s Dilemma, West Cork, and Bowraville ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Bad Seeds.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-seeds/id1680791653Transcript:If you’re a true crime fan who loves plants, this might be your new favorite podcast. From iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans, Bad Seeds looks at what happens when living things become trendy. Every year millions of plants are poached to feed the black market that makes it possible to get whatever variety you’d like with a short trip to the store. Hosted by plant lover, author, and youtuber Summer Rayne Oakes, this podcast looks at the whole purchase process from smugglers to everyday buyers to shed light on the biological, ecological, and cultural exploitation that most who take part in the industry are unaware of. Personally, I had no idea plants were smuggled like animals but as this show explains even cartels are cashing in on the lucrative trade. It’s an intersection of passionate hobbyists and harmful crime that I’m not sure I’ve seen in a lot of other instances. While this information is common knowledge to professionals in the field, this podcast makes it easy to understand the gravity of what is happening to everyone else. For its efforts, it’s been well received with 4.8/5 stars and 149 ratings. The series has 8 parts that are about 32 minutes long and must be listened to in order. Similar pods: In Defense of Plants, Big Sugar, Field Trip ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Food, We Need To Talk.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.foodweneedtotalk.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-we-need-to-talk/id1490621476Transcript:Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out with this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onFood We Need To Talk - No Spoilers! This is a health podcast unlike any other. It really sucks to be despite to find facts and have to sift through clutter, hype, and misinformation. I’ve tried so many and it seems like everyone has a doctor from a prestigious school saying the opposite of what the last one said. I still don’t know who to trust but over time I’ve come to believe common tips from trustworthy sources. This is one of the sources I’ve come to trust. Since saying it’s science-based doesn’t mean much, I’ll just say I really think you should give this one a try. It was started in 2019 by Juna Gjata, a Harvard graduate in Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology and a minor in Music, and Dr. Eddie Phillips who has a long list of credentials. In every episode, they pick a topic such as genetics, stress, and exercise and speak to each other and experts on it. I love shows that take information and make them into beautiful tiny documentaries about everything you need to know and this show does it very well. Another thing that makes the show so relatable is how Juna sprinkles little bits of her experience throughout the episode and shares thoughts and questions I’ve heard everyone I know have. Produced by PRX, the show has a rating on Apple Podcasts of 4.7/5 with 1,800 ratings. Episodes used to come out biweekly but now come out once a week on Mondays. They’re on average about 40 minutes long which makes it easier to capture all the information without being overloaded. I still really enjoy listening to the episodes twice, once to hear and think about what’s said and another to better remember it. Also super helpful are the transcripts for every episode that can be found on their website. It really helps to look up the information mentioned. You can tell the pod is a little scripted but it’s barely noticeable. My favorite episodes so far have been “Doomed If You Diet, Doomed If You Don’t” and “This Is Your Brain On Cheesecake.” There have been accusations of harmful diet rhetoric but not only do I not feel this way, I think it’s bluntly false. This show makes you feel like it’s okay to mess up but with the correct information, you can make healthier choices for YOU. It tells you all the things you need to hear that are hard for you to believe but are true. Similar pods: Huberman Lab, Life Kit: Health, Making Sense with Sam Harris All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Hillside: The Investigation and Trial of the Hillside Strangler.If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hillside-the-investigation-and-trial/id1623494682http://www.hillsidepodcast.com/https://rephonic.com/podcasts/hillsidehttp://www.josephrodota.com/Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out with this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onHillside: The Investigation and Trial of the Hillside StranglerBetween October 1977 and February 1978 Los Angeles, California witnessed a group of serial killings that would leave 10 women assaulted and murdered in just a year. Due to many of the bodies being discovered among the city’s surrounding hills, the linked murders were named by the media as the “Hillside Stranglings.” Since the crime and its record-long trial which lasted two years and two days, countless documentaries, books, films, and podcasts have been made about it. This 2022 show from Last 5 Percent Media uses narrative as well as interviews with family members of the victims, lawyers, prosecutors, jurors, and investigators to give a fascinating but respectful look at the case. I really appreciated that host and author Joseph Rodota gives a warning about the outdated language used in older recordings as well as graphic content warnings. The podcast has 4.9 stars on Apple Podcasts with 64 ratings. There are 10 episodes in the series, all about 39 minutes on average. My only critique would be there is music playing in the show when there shouldn’t be. It just plays quietly in the background for most of the time. Similar pods: The Clown and The Candyman, Mind of a Monster: Aileen Wuornos, and Atlanta Monster All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Lore. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.lorepodcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lore/id978052928https://www.youtube.com/@lorepodcasthttps://www.unit5.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=22832&ViewID=5C8B25C6-C8F8-4BD5-923B-8A7C70A93DDA&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=31141&PageID=14927&Comments=trueTranscript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onLore - No Spoilers! From Grim & Mild Entertainment and host Aaron Mahnke, this week’s review is on the award-winning podcast Lore. It is proof that history isn’t just events and dates. Myths, legends, folk tales, and creatures are woven throughout our collective history no matter where you are from. In each episode, Mahnke picks one and dives into it, making a snapshot of its culture and psychology. Mahnke isn’t just the host but is also the creator, writer, producer, and founder of its network Grim & Mild Entertainment. For those unfamiliar Mahnke has a distinct, divisive, but much-loved diction. If you find it bothers you, try to listen to only a couple of episodes at a time. I will say that so many people love the show it was adapted for television by Amazon, has a Youtube channel, and Penguin Random House has published it as a three-book set. It won Best of 2015 for iTunes, Best History Podcast for the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards as well as a handful of others. Some schools have even incorporated it into their curriculum. On Apple Podcast the show has 4.6 out of 5 stars with 43K ratings. So far there are 227 episodes available for free everywhere with paid episodes sprinkled in on Apple Podcasts. On average they are about 30-35 minutes long and release about once a week. A note on the factual nature of the show… It's a great starting place. It’s well-researched and it can be hard to get everything into a 30-minute episode. The subjects it covers are also pretty subjective. That being said there have been many times where people have pointed out missed or falsely interpreted parts. I think it’s a great introduction but definitely not the bible. The show’s episode sources page on its website is huge and could be a great place to dig deeper if you’d like. Also, be aware a common complaint of the show is the jarring volume of the ads so sleepy listeners beware. My favorite episodes have been Episode 170: Into the Wild, and Episode 42: In the Bag. While there is no swearing the spooky nature of the show might require discretion for younger listeners. Similar Pods: Myths and Legends, Destination Terror, and Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at Bomber from Vault Studios. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.bomberpodcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bomber/id1455252144Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onBomber - No Spoilers! In March of 2018, the city of Austin, Texas was rocked by a serial bomber who for 19 days used homemade explosive devices to kill and injure in the city’s neighborhoods. Hosted by Jason Puckett and KVUE News Director Tim Ryan the 2019 series is produced by Vault Studios who is known for making popular true crime podcasts such as Bardstown and The Officer’s Wife. Even for those who might have been living in Austin at the time, it’s possible you only recall what needed to be communicated at the time. In each of the six gripping episodes of this podcast, you’ll hear from eyewitnesses, victims, and investigators as they give an inside look at what it took to find and capture the perpetrator. Apple Podcasts has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 with only 459 ratings, a surprisingly small number of ratings for a network known for well-received podcasts. There was some discussion about how suddenly the series ended without much insight into who the bomber was. Many felt this was anticlimactic but I think the pod was just focused on not glorifying him in any way. By not mentioning the details of his life they were saying he didn’t matter which I think was the proper way to handle such a sensitive topic. My only issue with the show was the music seemed a tad too dramatic although not intolerable. Similar Pods: Darkness: Austin Bomber, The Tylenol Murders, and Timothy McVeigh vs. The USAAll right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we look at investigative journalism piece Sold a Story from APM Reports. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sold-a-story/id1649580473Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onSold a Story This mind-blowing, action inspiring podcast from APM Reports focuses on the alarming lack of literacy in the United States, a substantial issue for everyone to be concerned about. Hosted by Emily Hanford it investigates how methods sold by a handful of companies set the reading skills of millions of children irrevocably back years, wasted taxpayer money, and engrained false research into the American education system despite it being disproven decades prior by cognitive science. With 4.9 average stars from 4.6K ratings, the reaction to the show has been strong and positive. Reviews are filled with students, parents, and teachers realizing why so many around them seemed to have a hard time with reading comprehension. Instead of learning phonics many children were sight memorizing and fooling mentors until they were years behind where they should be. In this podcast you hear from parents and teachers who explain how unbelievably easy it was to miss this oversight. The original release of the show included six, one hour long episodes and later 6 more bonus episodes were published. Be sure to check out the show’s website which includes supporting articles, a reading list, and a discussion guide for teachers and parents. This quality reporting is absent of any political agenda and is highly recommended for those with school aged children. It also begs the question..what about basic math? Similar Pods: Science of Reading: The Podcast, Educate, and MindShift PodcastAll right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we look at Out Alive by Backpacker. If you'd rather read the reviews, check the show out on Instagram or Twitter. Links and sources:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-alive-from-backpacker/id1462484363https://rephonic.com/podcasts/out-alive-from-backpackerhttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/out-alive-from-backpacker-849518Transcript:Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onOut Alive - No Spoilers! Animal attacks, getting lost, avalanches, forest fires. When you head out into the outdoors the possibility of an emergency could only be a split second away. Would you be prepared? Every episode of this podcast is a survival story from someone who was. With help from their rescuers, fellow adventurers, and the occasional assist from the narrator, these cautionary tales are some of the most brutal and inspiring you’ll ever hear. Hosts Louisa Albanese and later Zoe Gates not only keep it from getting too dark but also steer the episodes into lessons you can use to not get yourself into similar situations. I would love to say that’s my favorite part of this genre but savage appetites crave peril. I will say it is a bonus to identify the various different mistakes the experienced, inexperienced, and thoughtless make that lead them past the point of self recovery. Often it seems that people are too cautious in saying why they love these morbid and passive chances to experience danger without any risk. It is only appropriate to say you find it fascinating or love learning from it instead of just saying you enjoy it. Either way I’m glad this podcast is so well received. Sitting in the number 8 spot on the Apple Podcasts charts for Places & Travel, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 with 908 ratings. So far there are 44 episodes and on average they’re about 40 minutes in length. Episodes that have stood out to me include “Their Plane Went Down in the Sea” and “Buried In An Avalanche.” One episode to avoid might be “Miracle on Mt. Hood” parts one and two. The episode received a ton of negative reviews for celebrating the irresponsible actions of its subject which put rescuers and others in harm’s way unnecessarily. I’m inclined to agree. Like with so many precarious scenarios it is easy and common to have the “it’ll never happen to me” mindset. I love pods that reset that. With compelling stories, great interviews, tips, and solid sound design, what’s not to love. Similar pods: Not Today, I Survived, and What Was That Like All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we look at The Ringer's 60 songs that explain the 90s. Socials:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themastercasthttps://www.instagram.com/themastercast/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/mastercastpodsTranscripts: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is on60 songs that explain the 90sThis gem from The Ringer and hosted by music critic Rob Harvilla is a laugh-out-loud and witty look at songs that defined the 1990s. In every episode, a song is chosen and then covered in its entirety including things such as artist details, the state of society, and even some anecdotes from Harvilla himself about personal experiences he had with the songs and their artists when the songs came out. It also looks at the evolution of music overall, the bigger picture. Another big segment of the show is the last portion where a guest brings a new perspective. Some past guests have included singer-songwriter Amanda Shires and The New York Times’ Caryn Ganz, to name a few. Harvilla is a cultural expert crossing topics and making analogies that you wouldn’t have thought but everyone gets. His casual rhythm and brutal honesty about his biases are a huge reason the podcast is likely to make my list of top ten for 2023. Another is that it is both for those who fondly recall this decade as a time they live through and those who are only discovering the impact of its films, music, and other culture. Even if you grew up with this music, all the history and context gives you so much more to appreciate. There are some unusual characteristics the show has. For one there’s no clean or clear intro with music or a statement about what show you’re listening to. I think it adds to the casual conversation feel the pod has. There are also brief plays of the songs discussed in short clips which seem to line up with a misconception that music played in short bursts legally under the fair use laws. It seems like a pretty glaring error for The Ringer to make so maybe they have a special licensing that allows them to play short clips? I won’t rule it out but most podcasts you hear do it are just willing to risk a Cease and Desist notice. Either way, I love that the music is included and often a single episode takes me two hours to listen to because I stop to listen to every song mentioned. So far the show has an average star of 4.6 with 206 Ratings. Generally, episodes come out weekly but one hasn’t been released since FEB 22, 2023. Lucky for us the show has surpassed the number of episodes its title suggests. Currently, it sits at 91 but is rumored to be continuing to 120 after the show’s massive success. Each are about an hour and twenty minutes long on average. My favorites have been “Firestarter”—The Prodigy, “Killing In The Name''—Rage Against The Machine, and Outkast—“Rosa Parks”. Obviously, the show has an incredible range of genres covered but when doing any sort of music history-style project I don’t think it's possible to satisfy everyone. I’m sure anyone who listens will be begging to know why so-and-so wasn’t covered. There isn’t a pod where the episodes have to be listened to in order. You can skip episodes you don’t find interesting although I challenge you to give them a try. Maybe you’ll find an appreciation for the song you didn’t know you had. I’m going to include some links temporarily in the show notes that you should check out including the show’s website which has programming notes and transcript excerpts for each episode. There’s also a companion playlist of all the songs mentioned on Spotify. It also seems a private party has made one on Youtube Music. I think it’s pretty clear how cool I think this show is by the page-long review but please check it out. Let’s collectively keep our fingers crossed for a “90 songs that explain the aughts.” Similar pods include: Questlove Supreme, History of the 90s, and Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums. All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources, or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listeningSources and important links: Check out this interview-based article on idea stream that goes into the detailed process of how the songs are chosen. A decision that if left up to me would leave me with all of my fingernails gnawed off. https://www.ideastream.org/arts-culture/2022-07-28/medina-native-rob-harvillas-podcast-takes-listeners-through-the-music-of-the-90shttps://www.theringer.com/60-songs-that-explain-the-90shttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s/id1635211340https://rephonic.com/podcasts/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we look at true crime puzzle Intent: The Tex McIver Case. Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onIntent: The Tex McIver Case  - No Spoilers! The question of who shot and killed Diane McIver in her vehicle in 2018 isn’t a mystery. Everyone knows it was her husband 78-year-old Claud "Tex" McIver. He’s admitted to as much. The real puzzle was his intent, hence the name of this podcast. Was it a malicious plot as the authorities of Fulton county Georgia believe or terrible decision-making as claimed by Tex? From Valut Studios and hosted by reporter Kaitlyn Ross, this show features experts and friends of the family weighing in on what they think happened as the case and its eventual trial are simultaneously covered. Every one of the 8 episodes is filled with information. This isn’t a case that could be summed up in one or two 60 minutes episodes. Race, contentious divorces, privilege, guns, favoritism, and so so much money are all elements in this case. The pod’s rating comes with a pretty notable asterisk because it was released as what seems like a second season to a different, very popular show The Officer’s Wife. The case could be made that both involve domestic violence and questionable murder of spouses. However, many reviewers are quick to point out the obvious benefit using the same feed would mean for the performance of this newest segment of the feed. Some parts of the show do have a slightly sensational tone which isn’t my favorite but isn’t overwhelming either. Similar pods: Stolen Hearts, Death of an Artist, and The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley. All right, guys, that’s all for this week but remember if you want to see the cover art, sources or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions.  Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening. Sources: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intent-the-tex-mciver-case/id1493193473https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/intent-the-tex-mciver-case-985675 ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcript: Hey Pod lovers. I’m your host Marie and  If you’re joining us for the first time: Welcome! The Mastercast is a podcast recommendation show that brings you a brand new non-spoiler binge-worthy review every week of the best podcasts in a short and sweet 2-3 minute summary on everything you could want to know, from the number of hosts to on average how long you can expect each episode to be. New episodes come out every Monday. You can find the week’s other reviews on the show’s social on Instagram @themastercast and Twitter @mastercastpods. If you like what you hear and want to help out this independent show you can find me on Buy me a coffee by searching The Mastercast. I’d really appreciate it. This week’s review is onThe Kill List - No spoilers! On December 22nd 2020 Karima Baloch was found drowned near her home in Toronto but her mysterious death isn’t like most. Baloch was a well-known dissident of Pakistan notable for speaking out against the oppressive government. Her death comes at the end of years of threats from the state. Coupled with the unexplained deaths and kidnappings of other activists and a leaked alleged kill list of those the Pakistani government wants to target, many think Baloch’s death was actually a homicide. In this shocking six part series host Mary Lynk investigates how dangerous speaking out against the Pakistani government is, the country’s horrifying intelligence agency, and whether or not its leaders are capable of killings of individuals of foreign soil. Under the cover of anonymity Lynk speaks with a variety of people who risk their lives to tell this story. It’s an inspiring yet terrifying story that without the evidence presented would be hard to believe. I couldn’t have imagined something so bold as the idea that a country would be willing to assassinate its opposing activists once they had fled to countries like Canada or Britain. I cluelessly thought once someone in danger like this made it to a Western country that they were safe as long as they didn’t return to their homeland. This podcast reveals how silly of a thought that might be. The CBC show has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Apple Podcasts with 114 ratings total. On average the episodes are about 47 minutes long and the entire pod has been published. A lot of places say this is a pay to listen podcast but I was able to listen to the full series on Pocket Casts. It’s a piece of excellent journalism that tells of the inspiration Karima gave to her people in her life and even after her death. Trigger warnings for human rights violations, kidnapping, violence, and suicide. Similar pod: American Scandal, Who Killed Daphne? And Someone Knows Something (the latest season “The Abortion War”.)All right, guys, that’s all for this week but  remember if you want to see the cover art, sources or the written transcript for this episode be sure to check out the show notes. You can also send us an email at themastercastpodlist@gmail.com. There you can tell us if you have music you would like played on the show or submit a podcast to be recommended. This week’s music came from Universal Music Productions because I forgot to find an artist for this week. Remember to share the show with the pod lovers in your life and tune in next Monday. Thanks for listening.Sources: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kill-list/id1631029367https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1065-the-kill-listhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/07/dissident-pakistani-exiles-in-uk-on-hit-list ★ Support this podcast ★