Criminal Records Podcast is a history show exploring the weird history of crime and punishment, from the earliest recorded murder case to the origins of laws that are in effect today. Join hosts Isaac Meyer and Demetria Spinrad on a wild journey through criminal justice systems all over the world.
You can listen to our episodes in any order, but we recommend starting with our most recent cases and working your way back through our catalogue. We’ve learned a lot about audio editing and structuring hour-long episodes since we first started in 2018!
Where to Listen
Want to hear new episodes as soon as they come out?
Not sure where to start? Listen to some of our fans' favorite episodes
Con artists and impostors Check out some of our best episodes about scams and lies throughout history
Queer history Learn about the history of sodomy laws, trans rights, and more
Magic, mysticism, and religion Witchcraft, spirit channelling, divine intervention, and other legal strategies
Episodes Listen in your web browser
Recent Episodes Find out more about these historic figures in our show notes
Mickey Cohen, part 2
Mickey Cohen had friends in high places, from celebrities to televangelists to the LAPD. So what happened when one of…
Mickey Cohen, part 1
It’s an illegal gambling, Nazi-punching, tax-paying good time with Mickey Cohen, a gangster who rose through the ranks during one…
Sovereign Citizens, part 2
As the internet creates new unmoderated spaces for ideas to spread, the sovereign citizen movement moves on to new audiences…
Sovereign Citizens, part 1
Don’t feel like paying your taxes? Want to start your own posse? Still mad about the gold standard? Looking for…
The Principality of Hutt River
When you’re unhappy about the price of wheat, there’s only one solution: Send a telegraph to the Australian government declaring…
Who We Are
Isaac Meyer is a historian, high school teacher, and podcaster. He started The History of Japan Podcast in 2013. Isaac believes that history should be accessible for everyone, both because it is important for us to know our common past and because really, who doesn’t love a good story?
Demetria Spinrad is an author and digital marketing professional. As a storyteller and a true crime fanatic, Demetria likes to use criminal records to help show you the humanity behind the history.