REAL

Naomi Channell

Real is an independent true crime podcast made by award winning TV Producer Naomi Channell.Each episode is an audio documentary, telling a true crime story that is almost unbelievable. But these stories, are Real. If you would like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

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256 episodes
Updated July 28
Explicit

Episodes256

Newest first

January 28 · 44 min
Grave Concerns: Episode 3 'Broken Hearted Parents'
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode centres around the experiences of grieving parents and baby-loss. In the summer of 2025, the BBC published a news story that broke the hearts of parents around the country. Two families had discovered the bodies of their babies, in the home of a funeral director. These parents have now bravely spoken out to try to help change regulations in the UK and question why anyone, without education or training, can open a funeral home. We also look back at a case that broke in 2012, which impacted hundreds of parents, who learnt the truth about where their babies ashes were and what was done to ensure this couldn't happen again in Scotland. This is Grave Concerns. If you'd like to support the show, please see the link to my Patreon here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast If you need support, please see the organisations below who can help you: England and Wales - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Scotland - https://victimsupport.scot/ Ireland - https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/ Northern Ireland - https://www.victimsupportni.com/ Australia - https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/ New Zealand - https://www.victimsupport.org.nz/ America - https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/office-federal-ombudsperson-victims-crime/services-services.html Baby Loss Support UK - www.heldinourhearts.org.uk (Nicola's Charity) UK - https://www.sands.org.uk/ Canada - https://www.babysbreathcanada.ca Ireland - https://feileacain.ie/ Australia - https://www.sands.org.au/ USA - https://starlegacyfoundation.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 28 · 44 min
Grave Concerns: Episode 2 'We've Got the Wrong Body'
Shadow funeral services are the parts of the funeral industry that are often out of the public's view. In this episode, we hear about cases that have been uncovered by journalists and families who discovered that their deceased loved one, wasn't where they thought they were. We also hear from Andrew Judd, the CEO of the National Association of Funeral Directors, who offers comfort and reassurance - these are isolated incidents and shares more information about the NAFD and how families can ensure they choose the right funeral director. This is Grave Concerns. The NAFD's website is here, where you can search for a funeral home that has an active membership with them: https://www.funeral-directory.co.uk/ If you'd like to support the show, please see the link to my Patreon here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast If you need support, please see the organisations below who can help you: England and Wales - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Scotland - https://victimsupport.scot/ Ireland - https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/ Northern Ireland - https://www.victimsupportni.com/ Australia - https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/ New Zealand - https://www.victimsupport.org.nz/ America - https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/office-federal-ombudsperson-victims-crime/services-services.html Baby Loss Support - https://www.sands.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 28 · 27 min
Grave Concerns: Episode 1 'What's Happened in Hull?'
Over the last two decades, the UK has seen a number of criminal scandals in funeral homes bought to light and they have traumatised thousands of families who believed their deceased loved one had been treated with care and dignity. Instead, they've been told that they had been neglected, lost or abused. But what's just as shocking for many, is the realisation that the UK funeral industry is currently unregulated. But soon, that will change. In this series, we'll examine the cases that have spurred on the regulation for this industry and hear from the incredible funeral services professionals who are trying to create meaningful change. Because one day, we'll all be in their hands. This is Grave Concerns. If you'd like to support the show, please see the link to my Patreon here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast If you need support, please see the organisations below who can help you: England and Wales - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Scotland - https://victimsupport.scot/ Ireland - https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/ Northern Ireland - https://www.victimsupportni.com/ Australia - https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/ New Zealand - https://www.victimsupport.org.nz/ America - https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/office-federal-ombudsperson-victims-crime/services-services.html Baby Loss Support - https://www.sands.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 21 · 24 min
The Crimes of Amy Pugh
On the 22nd of March 2022, a woman calls 999 and says her husband has tried to take his own life. When the emergency services arrive, they enter a scene of devastation and chaos and 28-year-old Kyle Pugh dies. But when the post-mortem comes back, all is not what it seems. This is REAL. Information on Kyle's Law: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyldx313g9o If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 14 · 25 min
Who Killed David, Julie and Nicole?
In October 2020, West Mercia police launched a nation wide manhunt. There was a serial killer on the loose and they needed to catch him before he killed again. The name of this killer isn't widely known outside of the area local to where these horrific murders took place. Today, we're going to explore the facts in the case against Anthony Russell and remember David Williams, Julie Williams and Nicole McGregor. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, you can join Patreon here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK) https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 7 · 25 min
The Case of Hollie Kerrell
On the 22nd of April 2018, 28-year-old mother of three Hollie Kerrell, went missing from her home in Wales. Her husband told the police that she had left the family home and three people came forward to say they'd seen her after she had disappeared. But then the police discovered the last text message Hollie had sent from her phone.... their hope of finding Hollie alive started to dwindle. This is REAL. If you'd like to join me on Patreon, you'd be so welcome: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2025 · 33 min
REAL: Case Updates from 2025
As we come to the end of 2025, there have been some significant updates in some of the cases featured on 'REAL', including one case, where someone who listened to the podcast, has come forward with information that could be life-changing for a grieving son. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show for £2 a month and get additional content, giveaways and more, please join our community here: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast In order of mention: Luke Mitchell Campaign information: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-lukemitchell-home/ Lampard Inquiry: https://lampardinquiry.org.uk/ Justice for Brett Dryden Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/637410278943938/ Brett Dryden Fundraiser for legal fees: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-brett-dryden GoFundMe for Michael Frison & facebook group: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-find-michael https://www.facebook.com/groups/michaelfrisonmissing/ Justice for Jean Hanlon: https://www.facebook.com/groups/255774531131043/?locale=en_GB Kirsty Maxwell: https://kirstymaxwell.com/ https://kirstymaxwellcharity.co.uk/kirsty-maxwell Brian and Susan Appeal List: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122094334305114335&set=a.122094334389114335&locale=en_GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 10, 2025 · 31 min
The Murder of Jade Ward
In 2021, Jade Ward finally broke up with the father of her 4 children, after years of enduring his controlling behaviour. He'd even booked them a secret wedding, in an attempt to 'keep her'. But Russell decided that if he couldn't have her, nobody else could either. Jade was murdered and her children were devestated at the loss of their caring and devoted mother, but from his prison cell, Russell was still controlling the children, because HE had parental rights. Until Jade's family decided enough was enough... and changed the law. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast For more information on Edwin's work and Jade's law, see here: https://www.edwinduggan.co.uk/ And to buy his book 'Breaking the Chain' please see here: https://amzn.eu/d/6jZA6Pw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 3, 2025 · 40 min
What Happened to Gary Shearer?
On the 16th of March 2023, 53-year-old Gary Shearer flew to Lanzarote to celebrate St Patrick's Day. But after just a few hours on the resort, Gary went missing. Today, Gary's niece Darcie lays out the facts and explains why she thinks there has been foul play in her uncles case. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast To support Gary's family via their GoFundMe, see here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-find-gary/cl/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_GB To Join the Find Gary Shearer Facebook Group, see here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091607556766&locale=en_GB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 26, 2025 · 36 min
The Story Behind Willow's Law
In October 2024, Mother-of-one Courtney Lee's found the body of her teenager child. They had taken their own life after being bullied. Statistics state that around 200 teenagers die by suicide each year in the UK, with bullying being a common factor that leads them to this heartbreaking decision. Now Courtney is advocating for victims of bullying by trying to get the government to take action. In this episode, Courtney shares her story and her fight for Willow's Law. This is REAL. To sign the petition please click here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732221 UK - https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/ https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/contact.html Ireland - https://www.antibullyingcampaign.ie/ Australia - https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/ New Zealand - https://bullyingfree.nz/ America - https://www.meganmeierfoundation.org/ To support the show, you can join Patreon here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2025 · 29 min
The Many Confessions of Darren Osment
On the 6th of June 2012, 32-year-old mother of four Claire Holland went missing in Bristol are a night out. She'd met her ex-partner for a drink and whilst witnesses saw her leave the pub that night, she seemed to vanish into thin air. But then an undercover police officer did something incredible - over 18 months he befriended the main suspect... to try to get him to confess. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, I'd love to welcome you to my Patreon community. Please find the details here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia Addiction services: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/find-a-local-service - UK https://www.asam.org/ - USA https://www.turningpoint.org.au/ - Australia https://info.health.nz/mental-health/alcohol-and-drug-services - New Zealand https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/ - Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 12, 2025 · 24 min
The Murders of Chloe and Josh Bashford
In 2023, four children were picked up by a man that they considered to be a grandfather figure. He took them to a coffee shop and then out for dinner. But this wasn't a kind gesture... he was keeping the children away from something that would break their hearts and change their lives forever. And he was responsible. This is REAL. To join me on Patreon, please see here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast To find REAL LIVES - see the links here: https://linktr.ee/realtruecrimepodcast For the Gofundme for the Bashford children, see here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-for-chloe-and-joshs-4-children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 5, 2025 · 39 min
Part 3: Who Killed Brian & Susan?
In this episode, we look at another double murder that happened within Brian and Susan's friendship group - could the same person have killed 4 people? And we hear from Dean's brother, whose got some incredible information... Could this lead Ray a step closer to figuring out who killed Brian and Susan? This is REAL. To Contact Ray directly: Priceys797@hotmail.com To join the Facebook Group and see the full list of people on the appeal, please see here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122094334305114335&set=a.122094334389114335 If you'd like to join my Patreon to get exclusive benefits and extra content, you can do so here for just £2 per month, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 5, 2025 · 48 min
Part 2: Who Killed Brian and Susan?
With a bombshell dropped for Ray, he is adamant he won't let it deter him from getting justice for the man he believed was his Dad. In this episode, we go further into Ray's investigation and discover that not everything is as it seems.... This is REAL. To support the show, you can join Patreon for £2 per month, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 5, 2025 · 26 min
Part 1: Who Killed Brian & Susan?
Brian Price and Susan Tetrault were murdered in their beds at Susan's flat in London in 1986. The case has been cold for almost 40 years... until now... Ray Price, Brian's son has started his own investigation - and we've been invited along. And what he has started to uncover is shocking... This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, please see here, thank you: https://patreon.com/REALtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 29, 2025 · 47 min
The Case of Danny Rex Harris
In 2007, the body of 55-year-old Danny Rex Harris was discovered in his bedroom in his apartment in Memphis, Tennessee. He had lay undiscovered for over two months. Two arrests and convictions were made, but now one woman, an everyday citizen who works in finance, came across the case and noticed something was very very wrong. In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Tinsley, a first time investigator who is gathering evidence that she believes, means that the wrong person is in jail for Danny's murder. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, you can do do by joining my Patreon here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast To find out more about this case, you can listen to Stephanie's investigative podcast by searching 'Everything They Missed' wherever you get your podcasts, or by visiting the website here: https://www.everythingtheymissed.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 21, 2025 · 30 min
Lost in Paradise: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sarm Heslop
British woman Sarm Heslop went missing from her boyfriends yacht in March 2021. They yacht was moored in Franks Bay, in the Virgin Islands, 200ft from the shore. The details surrounding Sarm's case are laid out in this episode by two of her friends who are part of a group of people who loved Sarm, and won't rest until they have answers. This is REAL. If you'd like to join REAL's Patreon, you can do so here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast To find out more about the #findsarm campaign, please see here: https://findsarm.com/ To follow them on social media, see here: https://www.instagram.com/findsarm/ https://www.facebook.com/MissingSarmHeslop https://www.tiktok.com/@findsarm_ To donate to their GoFundMe to help for the search for Sarm, see here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/findsarm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 14, 2025 · 30 min
What Happened to Scarlett Vickers?
In April 2024, a family of three were preparing to have dinner, when the unthinkable happened. The only child in the house, 14-year-old Scarlett Vickers, collapsed, she had been stabbed in the heart. Her father Simon caused her injury but he said it was an accident. Scarlett died from her injuries. In this episode, we go through the evidence and hear what the jury decided. This is REAL. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast If you'd like to listen to my new series 'REAL LIVES', you can find the links here: https://linktr.ee/realtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 7, 2025 · 26 min
The Case Against Shaye Groves
In July 2022, 27-year-old Shaye Groves fatally stabbed her boyfriend, 25-year-old Frankie Fitzgerald, in a violent and ruthless act of betrayal. What began as a relationship turned into a twisted collision of obsession, manipulation, and deceit. As the police investigation progressed, they discovered that Groves’s had a fascination with true crime and serial killers and they were left asking if her true crime obsession led to Frankie's murder. This is REAL. https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia Addiction services: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/find-a-local-service - UK https://www.asam.org/ - USA https://www.turningpoint.org.au/ - Australia https://info.health.nz/mental-health/alcohol-and-drug-services - New Zealand https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/ - Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 7, 2025 · 55 sec
Introducing... REAL LIVES
My new podcast 'REAL LIVES' is out now. From Naomi Channell, TV producer, journalist, and host of the hit true crime podcast REAL, comes a brand-new series that proves the most extraordinary stories aren’t always about crime… they’re about life. In REAL LIVES, Naomi sits down with people whose experiences are stranger, wilder, and more moving than fiction. From a victim of a bigamist to a Dunblane survivor, the UK’s first commercial surrogate to a woman jilted at the altar, and even a death doula who helps people face the end — these are stories of resilience, heartbreak, survival, and reinvention. Twisting, gripping, and deeply human, REAL LIVES invites you into the moments that changed everything. These aren’t just stories. They’re real lives. Links: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZtFpIJJYtHgPbXQzl93JP?si=65d47856b957419f Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/real-lives/id1841973610 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/019a9ad0-6af9-424d-b060-1cd8cae1d9d9/real-lives To support the show, you can do so here, thank you: https://www.patreon.com/c/REALtruecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.