The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told

In part two of two, we dive further into the tales of Cassie Chadwick. She ended up pulling one of the most elaborate cons in American history, securing her legacy alongside the upper-class she so coveted. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for an interview with author of 'The Impostor Heiress: Cassie Chadwick, The Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age', Annie Reed!

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

Check out Annie Reed's book, 'The Impostor Heiress: Cassie Chadwick, The Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age' at Diversion Books for a deeper look at Cassie Chadwick.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of two, we take a look at the story of a woman who wanted into east coast high society… and got there. Cassie Chadwick went by many names to cover her tracks, but ended up pulling one of the greatest cons in American history, securing her legacy alongside the upper-class she so coveted.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

Check out Annie Reed's book, 'The Impostor Heiress: Cassie Chadwick, The Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age' at Diversion Books for a deeper look at Cassie Chadwick.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we take a look at Letitzia Batagliga, an acclaimed photojournalist from Palermo, whose stories and art helped legislators end the Cosa Nostra as we know it. 

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we examine the lesser told story of Agatha Christie: that of her sudden disappearance. The beloved crime fiction writer, whose works are still being adapted, starred in her own real-live mystery, a true story of love, loss, and betrayal. 

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order Lucy Worsley's biography 'Agatha Christie, An Elusive Woman' at Pegasus Books

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part two of a two-part series on Sarah Jane Moore, the unlikely woman who wanted to kill the president, and the bizarre life she led…which the headlines never got quite right. Stay until the end for an interview with Geri Spieler, author of 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President'.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President' by Geri Spieler at Diversion Books

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part one of a two-part series on Sarah Jane Moore, the unlikely woman who wanted to kill the president, and the bizarre life she led…which the headlines never got quite right. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order 'Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill The President' by Geri Spieler at Diversion Books

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Ann Rule, an icon who’s published more than thirty true crime novels, and redefined the genre for an entire generation of Americans. She wrote multiple bestsellers, broke barriers for female crime writers, and unwittingly befriended one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order Ann Rule's 'The Stranger Beside Me' here for a deeper look into this case

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Linda Taylor, a woman who seized every opportunity to commit fraud and a whole host of other crimes… and no, that’s not her real name.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order John Levin's 'The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth' here, and listen to his four-part podcast on Linda Taylor here 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Pablo Escobar's struggle against extradition to the United States and two of the many journalists he kidnapped to leverage the Colombian government, Maruja Pachón and Beatriz Villamizar.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order Gabriel Garcia Márquez's book 'News on a Kidnapping' here

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Andrea Yates and the debilitating effects of postpartum depression in the digital age. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Order Suzy Spencer's book 'Breaking Point' here for a deeper dive into Andrea Yates 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told S2 is an anthology of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories of female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast series tells stories at the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche, siphoning wisdom and understanding from these truly great stories. New episodes for Season 2 releases on February 11th.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exclusive bonus episode, producer Emma DeMuth sits down with Keith Wallman, Editor-in-Chief of Diversion Books, to discuss the "why" behind the true crime genre. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Penny Farmer—who lost her brother at sea in the late 1970s, and never stopped looking for him. Not for 40 years… 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Directed by Jacob Bronstein
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special Thanks:

Penny Farmer, Dead in the Water, My Forty-Year Search for My Brother’s Killer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is about the murder of Steve Beard…and Steve’s wife’s lover, who shot him.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special Thanks:

The Fortune Hunter by Suzy Spencer

Lange, M. (2023, February 16). The case for chilling. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/style/sheila-liming-hanging-out-interview.html

NBCUniversal News Group. (2018, March 29). How to make friends as an adult. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-make-friends-adult-ncna860971 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second episode of a two-episode mini series about the Archer House. It was supposed to be a place where older folks could find comfort, community, and somewhere to call home.

Instead, it was a murder factory. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, Directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special Thanks:
Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer by M William Phelps

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first episode of a two-episode mini series about the Archer House. It was supposed to be a place where older folks could find comfort, community, and somewhere to call home.

Instead, it was a murder factory. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, Directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special Thanks:
Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer by M William Phelps

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Holly Dunn, the only known survivor of the brutal, bloody crimes of the so-called “railroad killer.” But Holly’s story is also about what she did when she survived: how she found strength, power, and how she showed up for the showdown. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Nora Batelle
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth and Jacob Bronstein
Produced directed and Edited by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special Thanks to:
Holly Dunn, Sole Survivor

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sole-survivor-of-railroad-killer-angel-maturino-resendiz-speaks-out-holly-dunn/

http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/resendiz1028.htm

https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is the finale of our three-part miniseries on “The First American Female Serial Killer", Jane Toppan. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special thanks to:

• Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster
• Harold Schechter, Fatal
• Harold Schechter, Murderabilia
• And in case you’re interested in it, here’s a photo of what Hunyadi Mineral water looks like

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re continuing our 3-part miniseries on “The First American Female Serial Killer.” It’s a nineteenth century American tale about how an orphan turned indentured servant bootstrapped herself into a mad scientist murderer. In fact, one of the most prolific murderers in history. 

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special thanks to:

• Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster
• Harold Schechter, Fatal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first of a three-part miniseries about a precocious little orphan. One who was abused and ignored for so long that her acting-out behaviors eventually escalated to scandalous, multiple murders. Of people who betrayed her. Of people who loved her. And of strangers.

The Greatest True Crime Stories is a production of Diversion Audio.

• Follow Diversion Audio on Instagram 
• Explore more: diversionaudio.com 

This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer
Editorial Direction by Nora Batelle
Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein
Produced, edited, and directed by Mark Francis
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman, Mark Francis, and Jacob Bronstein

Special thanks to:

• Mary Kay McBrayer, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster
• Harold Schechter, Fatal
• Dariaan Berryman obituary, Lexington, KY, 9 March 2012.
• “Gunman Gets 20 Years in Georgia School Seizure” by Alan Blinder, New York Times, 16 September 2014

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.