This podcast used to be its own podcast. Now 22 hours has become the first season in a new podcast: “WTOP’s American Nightmare Series” (pronounced W T O P. I really don’t know why) which covers true crime stories in the Washington D.C. region. The first season, “22 Hours: An American Nightmare,” hosted by Megan Cloherty and Jack Moore won second place in Podcast of the Year awards from The Associated Press and topped Apple Podcasts charts for a number of weeks. It covers the horrific 2015 crimes against the Savopoulos family and their housekeeper. Vera Figueroa. The second season, “Murder in a Safe Place,” looks into the sexual assault and homicide of 50-year-old nurse Sherry Crandell inside her office in a DC hospital. I am disappointed season one was lumped in with season two. I really think they could and would have been better off as separate shows. Although joining them makes me suspect we can expect a third season. The first season is truly a true crime classic and the reason I am recommending the show. I used to only listen to episodic true crime podcasts and this was my gateway to series binges. The story is so unforgettable because it looks at an attack on a family in their home where they should be safe. The pod recounts everything from crime itself to the investigation and eventual court theatrics. I was very impressed with how the timeline was revealed and well researched. It’s told from the point of investigators but also includes what the public knows at each point. Season two had a crazy amount of commercials (that’s coming from someone who’s understanding of why podcasts have commercials) and could have easily fit into two or three episodes. For those who listen and need more information the website has a ton of bonus content such as maps, court documents, photos, and a way to contact the creators of the pod. True Crime Garage also has two parter on the case. The voices of the hosts are classic reporter which some people don’t like but I didn’t find to be sensationalizing. Trigger warnings for crimes against children, torture, and murder. Similar Pods: Your Own Backyard, Missing Pieces, and Island Crime: Gone BoysFor more reviews check out @themastercast on instagram and @mastercastpods on twitter

May 1st, 2020