The show that proves that the worst monsters are real. Without doubt, Sword and Scale is one of the best true crime podcasts out there. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different story, leaning towards the bizarre and heinous. The stories are brought together with 911 calls, police and court tapes, and witness and expert interviews. The episodes are incredibly well-edited and scripted in such a way which makes it far easier to listen to than a lot of the more amateurly produced true crime podcasts.
At the time of writing there are 110 episodes, and I’ve listened to every single one of them! Thanks to this podcast, my house has never been so clean – I’ve actually enjoyed cleaning, because I’ve been able to spend hundreds of hours soaking up the brilliant story-telling by Mike Boudet. If, unlike me, you don’t have the time or inclination to listen to every single episode (even though I suggest you find the time to do so – they’re so good), here is a list of 10 which really sent a chill down my spine.
Episode 7 – This episode is focuses on an extremely candid interview with a former ‘White House Boy’ which has stuck with me since I first started listening to Sword and Scale. Now a grown man, the victim recounts his experiences at the Florida School for Boys, a reform school which is widely known for the abusive treatment of those who went there.
Episode 11 / Episode 12 – This two-parter tells the truly bizarre and sad story of Morgan Ingram, who was the victim of a stalker. Without giving too much away, all is not what it seems and the actions of those closest to her are what is most shocking about this case.
Episode 19 – The shooting committed by Elliot Rodgers was widely reported at the time and you’ll likely remember recorded video clips of his smug face as he talked about what he was about to do. This episode covers his recordings in detail, which are both chilling and downright pathetic.
Episode 20 – Not for the faint hearted, this episode provides an horrific insight into an internet paedophile ring. Online chat logs between the perpetrators are recreated using computer voice technology, making them seem even more disturbing and real. You’ll need a strong stomach to listen to this one.
Episode 23 – Filicide is the despicable and perverse act of a mother murdering her child. This episode covers the shocking details of numerous filicide cases, including a mother who microwaved her 28 day old infant. This is another one to skip if you have a weak disposition.
Episode 33 / Episode 34 – This is the sinister story of Luka Magnotta, who would do anything – and I mean anything – for fame. His crimes, including the abuse of animals, were committed in the name of pure narcissism.
Episode 38 – This episode tackles the controversial question, ‘are all men paedophiles?’ with interviews from experts with differing opinions. Listen to this one with someone who enjoys crime podcasts just as much as you and it’s sure to lay ground for some debate.
Episode 49 – Police are called when foreboding posts appeared on Facebook, and they find a mother murdered and her disabled daughter, Gypsy, gone. This story documents a web of extraordinary lies and deceit. Your jaw might just drop off.
Episode 70 – This episode is split in half to cover two very different cases. The first tells of the bombing of Harvey’s Wagon Wheel. The latter is the sickening story of Junko Furuta, a Japanese girl who was subject to 44 days of the most horrendous abuse and torture imaginable. This case is enough to make anyone question humanity.
Episode 93 / Episode 94 – These two episodes delve into the strange life of Randy Stair and how his infatuation with an animated ghost cartoon was linked to the murder of three of his colleagues.
All images sourced from Sword and Scale with permission from Mike Boudet.
Creepy Critic 