I, like many true crime people, started my journey with Serial. I came across this podcast one day about 2 1/2 years ago, and I was instantly hooked. I since have joined the fan club two years in a row at the lowest level (which is still $60), and I now regret that I did so.
I have listened to every episode, including all of the fan club ones that are available at my tier. The earlier episodes used to be compelling and easy to follow- they really felt victim centered. I feel like now, it’s much more about their brand than the reason they actually started. Now that I have listened to other podcasts, some which tell some of the same stories, I have realized that Crime Junkie either over-simplify cases or tells them in a convoluted way that make them hard to follow. Although all episodes aren’t like this, I’ve realized that many of the recent ones follow this trend.
Many reviews state that they are too political… this is NOT true. Sometimes they bring up facts, like people in the minority often don’t get the same treatment as their White, middle+ class counterparts… this isn’t political, this is just the truth.
I will still support this podcast until I can’t, but no longer will I support financially unless something changes. I even got VIP tickets coming up to their live show, so I really hope that’s worth it.
Also, for the first year that I was in the fan club, I listened to basically all of the bonus content for my level. Now in my second year, I have no more bonus content to listen to, so the only real “perk” is the episode on Fridays instead of Mondays and monthly bonus content (which hasn’t even seemed to come consistently). Not worth $60.
I can say, however, that this podcast has taught me so many life lessons. I wouldn’t say that I live my life in fear, but I definitely have been more vigilant and take preventative measures to protect myself.
I really hope that they can get this show back on its original track. It really hasn’t changed for the better.
