Topic Guide
What Is True crime?
True crime is a subject covered in depth across 3 podcast episodes in our database. Below you'll find key concepts, expert insights, and the top episodes to listen to — all distilled from hours of conversation by leading experts.
Key Concepts in True crime
The stupider side of true crime
This concept defines the unique niche of the 'Crimeless' podcast, shifting focus from traditional dark true crime narratives to explore incidents that are more baffling, absurd, or comically inept. It highlights crimes often driven by incompetence or bizarre circumstances rather than malice, aiming to leave observers asking, 'Wait, what?'
Dumbest criminals
Central to 'Crimeless,' this concept focuses on individuals whose criminal acts are marked by incredible ineptitude or bizarre methods, leading to humorous or head-scratching outcomes. The podcast aims to 'celebrate the amazing creativity' in these blunders, providing an unconventional lens on criminal behavior.
Credit card skimmer
A device designed to fit over existing credit card readers (e.g., at gas pumps, ATMs) to secretly capture magnetic stripe data when a card is swiped. Nathan and his crew used these to collect fresh credit card information directly from victims.
Credit card dumps
Stolen credit card data, typically including track one and track two information (account number, expiration date, cardholder name, service code). Nathan initially bought dumps but found them unreliable; he later generated his own from skimmed cards, realizing "fresh" dumps were more effective.
Engaging in criminal activity (texas legal enhancement)
A legal enhancement in Texas that escalates felony charges when an individual is caught committing a crime with two or more other people, effectively treating it as a conspiracy. This enhancement significantly increased Nathan's second prison sentence from a state jail felony (max two years) to a first-degree felony.
Why done it (narrative structure)
This refers to a narrative approach in mystery stories where the identity of the perpetrator and the act committed are revealed early on, shifting the focus from 'who done it' to 'why done it.' In 'The Sinner,' this structure allows the story to delve deeply into the psychological motivations and underlying circumstances that led to the crime, exploring human behavior rather than just solving a puzzle.
What Experts Say About True crime
- 1.Comedian and actor Rory Scoville and investigative journalist Josh Dean co-host the new podcast "Crimeless."
- 2."Crimeless" focuses on exploring "the stupider side of the true crime world," highlighting the peculiar actions of "the world's dumbest criminals."
- 3.The show will delve into bizarre scenarios, such as the legality of cutting a cat's hair without permission and the practicalities of snorting human remains.
- 4.Listeners can expect stories of elaborate, yet often inept, schemes like catfishing an entire city and the "dumbest way to steal $4 million."
- 5.The podcast features unconventional topics, including "promiscuous primates" and using tarot cards to seek "advice from the great beyond."
- 6."Crimeless" also covers cases of individuals faking their own death while remaining in their hometown and the challenges of differentiating human ashes from cocaine.