Our Collective Obsession with True Crime

The podcast episode explores the cultural obsession with true crime, questioning whether it honors victims or exploits them, and examines the ethics of turning real-life tragedies into mass entertainment. The hosts interview Patrick Radden Keefe, a staff writer at The New Yorker, about his true crime writing, including "Empire of Pain" and "Say Nothing." Keefe discusses the appeal of true crime, suggesting it allows a safe observation of disaster, and shares his interest in understanding why people do bad things, referencing his story on mass shooter Amy Bishop. The conversation further explores Keefe's piece, "The Oligarch's Son," and the challenges of engaging with victims' families and unsavory characters. The hosts and Keefe also analyze the entertainment industry's approach to true crime stories, balancing narrative seduction with sensitivity towards victims and their families.