Strangely

Always True Crime

Explore the overlooked oddities that deserve a deep dive and the downright bizarre gems buried in the notebooks of journalists and friends Poppy Damon and Luke Jones. From each side of the Atlantic, Poppy in New York and Luke in London, they uncover the world’s strangest stories, from true crime to conspiracy theories and all the wonderfully weird in between. Every Tuesday, they take strange seriously.

For more true crime podcasts, from weekly releases to series to binge, go to AlwaysTrueCrime.com.

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31 episodes
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Avg 29 min
English

Episodes 31

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S2 · E32
Tuesday · 35 min
The Albanian Ponzi Scheme
Luke tells the story of Albania’s Ponzi scheme crisis of the 1990s, when two thirds of the population invested in schemes that promised eye-watering returns, eventually triggering nationwide chaos. Plus Poppy shares the story of a New York Times executive allegedly murdered by his in-laws. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E31
October 13 · 31 min
The American Idol Killer
Poppy shares the story of pastor, and one time American Idol contestant, Caleb Flynn. In 2013 he went on national US television to boast of his pretty wife and devotion to the Lord, 11 years later he was on trial for her murder. Plus Luke shares a piece of lost Oscar awards history that may have been rediscovered. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E30
October 6 · 30 min
The Putney Pusher
Luke tells the still unsolved story of the Putney Pusher, a shocking attack on Putney Bridge that was caught on CCTV and captivated the public… Plus, Poppy investigates the curious case of McDonald’s Monopoly. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E29
September 29 · 22 min
Operation Varsity Blues
Poppy tells the story of the college admissions scandal that exposed a hidden world of bribery, fake sporting careers and rigged exam results… Plus, Luke shares a court case he’s currently reporting on. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E28
September 22 · 27 min
We Will Shock You
Luke tells the story of a wealthy Scottish businessman whose life takes him from a West End theatre to a remote Scottish island and, eventually, Australia. It all starts at a performance of We Will Rock You… Plus, Poppy goes down a rabbit hole after discovering an unusual fact on a dating app, and ends up investigating the remarkable world of bonobos. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E27
September 15 · 29 min
The Cecil Hotel
Content warning: this episode discusses suicide, murder and sexual violence. Poppy tells the dark and mysterious story of the Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, a place with a decades-long history of suicides, murders and serial killers. From Elisa Lam’s disappearance and the viral elevator footage to the hotel’s connections to Richard Ramirez and Jack Unterweger, could the Cecil really be cursed? Plus, Luke tells a story about some of the world’s wealthiest drivers and their rather unconventional approach to parking tickets. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E26
September 8 · 31 min
The Man Who Investigated UFOs
Luke tells the story of the British government’s UFO investigator, Nick Pope, who spent years looking into reports of unexplained objects in the sky. From a mysterious incident witnessed by police and military personnel to Britain’s own “Roswell”, some cases left even the sceptics struggling for answers. Plus, a stolen pair of vintage mandolins are mysteriously returned to a New Jersey music shop with one very strange apology in Poppy's amuse bouche. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E25
September 1 · 22 min
The Family That Adopted a Lie
Poppy and Luke investigate the strange case of a young girl who arrives at a Brazilian church claiming she has escaped an abusive home, and is taken in by a family who spend more than a year caring for her. But when the police finally come knocking, almost everything they thought they knew about her begins to unravel. Plus, builders in Belgium discover a hidden fortune in gold buried inside a wall… but who put it there, and why? Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E24
August 25 · 26 min
The Satanic Panic
Luke tells the story of nine children removed from their homes on Orkney amid allegations of satanic ritual abuse. Plus, Polly tells the case of a Shake Shack employee, who allegedly robs his own workplace, locks his colleagues in a walk-in cooler… and turns up for his next shift. Warning: This episode discusses the murder of young children, suicide, postpartum psychosis, mental illness and graphic details of violence. Listener discretion is advised. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E23
August 18 · 33 min
The Clancy Trial
Warning: This episode discusses the murder of young children, suicide, postpartum psychosis, mental illness and graphic details of violence. Listener discretion is advised. Poppy tells the story of the Clancy trial, a deeply tragic case that has captivated America and sparked intense discussion online. Lindsay Clancy was accused of killing her three young children before attempting to take her own life, with her defence arguing that she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis. As the trial unfolds, questions have emerged online about what happened that day and the events surrounding it. Plus, Luke tells the story of a North Carolina couple accused of attracting a huge flock of vultures to their neighbourhood… Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E22
August 11 · 31 min
The eBay Hate Mail
Luke tells the story of Ina and David Steiner, who ran an e-commerce newsletter and became the targets of a campaign of harassment and intimidation carried out by employees of eBay. Plus, Poppy tells the story of an 82 year old woman who was trapped in her bathtub for nine days… Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E21
August 4 · 29 min
The Woman Who Faked Her Own Death
Poppy tells the story of Jack "Ziz" LaSota, the woman who disappeared at sea, resurfaced months later, and became the alleged leader of a cult linked to multiple murders across America. Plus, Luke explores the true stories of passengers and pilots who were partially sucked out of aircraft at 30,000 feet... and somehow survived. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E20
July 28 · 31 min
The Glamour Scam
Luke tells the story of serial scammer Ariana Rose, who spent years conning brides, posing as a luxury makeup artist Plus, Poppy brings the tale of Ed the Zebra, whose eight-day escape across Tennessee turned him into an internet sensation Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E19
July 21 · 20 min
The Three-Legged King: The story of Francesco “Frank” Lentini
Poppy tells the story of Francesco “Frank” Lentini, a man born in 1889 Sicily with a rare condition that left him with three legs and four feet. Rejected by his family and labelled a “monster”, he would transform his difference into a career… Plus, Luke brings the story of Tokyo the Labrador, who needed rescuing from Ben Nevis after an unexpected encounter with cannabis left her unable to walk. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E18
July 14 · 29 min
The Missing Pilot
Luke tells the story of an RAF pilot shot down over northern France during the Second World War. His family believed they knew where he lay to rest, but decades later, an extraordinary discovery would call everything into question… Plus, Poppy brings the case of 16 children discovered living in horrific conditions inside an Ohio home. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday. Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E17
July 7 · 23 min
The Unsinkable Violet Jessop
After surviving the sinking of the Titanic, the collision of its sister ship Olympic, and the sinking of Britannic during the First World War, Violet Jessup became known as "Miss Unsinkable". In this episode, Poppy tells the true story of the woman who cheated death at sea time and time again. Plus, Luke brings the tale of a deadly rivalry between French pétanque players, and shares the latest on his investigative series, The Surgeon of St Helena. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E16
June 30 · 26 min
The Stolen World Cup
With the World Cup dominating headlines, Luke tells the true story of the theft of the Jules Rimet Trophy ahead of the 1966 World Cup, involving bungled security, ransom demands and a dog called Pickles. Plus, Poppy brings the tale of the footballer who discovered he had died after his team held a minute's silence in his honour. Also, Luke shares more about his new investigative series, The Surgeon of St Helena, exploring allegations of medical malpractice, corruption and injustice on one of Britain's most remote overseas territories. It's available to listen to now. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E15
June 23 · 29 min
The University of Cosmic Intelligence
Poppy tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of six followers of the University of Cosmic Intelligence, an online cult led by a self-proclaimed prophet whose teachings blended cosmic spirituality, conspiracy theories and complete separation from the outside world. Meanwhile, Luke explores a bizarre mouse plague sweeping Western Australia… Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E14
June 16 · 38 min
The Escape from Tristan da Cunha
Luke tells the story of Tristan da Cunha and the 1961 volcanic eruption that forced its entire population to evacuate to the UK, and what happened when they tried to adjust to a completely unfamiliar modern world. Meanwhile, Poppy explores a murder case in Northern Ireland where a carefully constructed online presence was used as an alibi. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E13
June 9 · 30 min
The Man Who Crowned Himself King
Luke tells the story of a young Swiss man who decided owning land wasn't enough, and set out to become the King of Switzerland. Meanwhile, Poppy explores one of the most daring prison escapes ever attempted, involving a notorious criminal, a high security prison and a plan years in the making. Get in touch at strangely@alwaystruecrime.com New episodes every Tuesday Got 5 mins? Fill in the Always True Crime survey for a chance to win a £100 restaurant voucher https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/MMk0718T Closes 31st Oct 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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