This week, Rachel Monroe (@rachmonroe) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to break down the lack of truth in true crime. Using Rachel’s book, Savage Appetites, Rachel and Ana explore stories of women totally consumed by true crime to draw larger conclusions about the cultural phenomenon. They also delve into the genre’s rise in times of uncertainty, and what its popularity reflects about the current political and social climate. Then, they touch on the dicey racial dynamics within true crime communities, which often prioritize white, female victims, even though most crimes in America don’t fit that narrative. Rounding out the discussion, they detail more harmful and toxic aspects of crime fandom, including the dangers of online vigilante detectives and obsessive online fan pages. Let’s all agree we want to see Despair: The Musical!

CW: Mild descriptions of violent crime that may be disturbing to some listeners.

Not by Rachel, but a marvelous companion essay about Ted Bundy by the incomparable Sarah Marshall, The End of Evil: https://believermag.com/the-end-of-evil/

Rachel’s review of Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered: https://www.bookforum.com/print/2602/how-true-crime-became-self-help-21996

Thanks to our sponsors! 

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. They even have men’s and kid’s boxes, too! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! 

ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won’t slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. 

Cats are natural born predators – that’s why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout.