Footnotes on Crime

Colin Mathieson & Katie McGrath
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A true crime podcast...with a difference...Engaging interviews with authoritative voices on true crime.Footnotes On Crime focuses on individuals whose lives have been directly touched by crime: survivors, witnesses, investigators, and others, particularly those who have gone on to document their experiences in writing; through documentary making; or other creative endeavours. While many of the stories we discuss involve serious wrongdoing or difficult subject matter, Footnotes on Crime is not about sensationalism or asking guests to relive trauma for its own sake. Our focus is on the act of creation and meaning-making — how people take complex experiences and shape them into work that is thoughtful, ethical, and meaningful, and how that work connects with their audience.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Tom Wood - Author of The World's End Murders: The Inside Story and Ruxton: The First Modern Murder

    In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Tom Wood, a bestselling true crime author, podcaster, columnist, and retired Detective with nearly four decades of experience in policing. From leading major investigations to writing some of the most compelling accounts of Scottish crime, Tom brings a rare combination of operational insight and storytelling expertise to the world of true crime. About the Episode In this fascinating and deeply informed conversation, Tom Wood reflects on his career in policing, including his role as Officer in Overall Command of the investigation into the notorious Worlds End Murders. He also discusses his transition into writing, including his bestselling books The World's End Murders: The Inside Story, and Ruxton: The First Modern Murder. Drawing on decades of experience, Tom offers a unique perspective on how investigations unfold over time and how those stories are later shaped for readers. What We Cover The story behind The World's End Murders: The Inside StoryRevisiting historic cases and long term investigationsThe making of Ruxton: The First Modern MurderWriting true crime from a detective’s perspectiveThe evolution of forensic science and investigative techniquesThe role of storytelling in preserving criminal history Why This Episode Matters This is more than a conversation about crime. It is an exploration of how investigations, history, and storytelling come together to shape our understanding of justice. Tom offers a unique and authoritative perspective on true crime, bridging the gap between investigator and author, and highlighting the importance of accuracy, persistence, and reflection in telling these stories. Purchase the books (Amazon Links) The World's End Murders: The Inside Story Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4ekKhsb Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4dg372z   Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4ukFEmI Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4mWuMsA Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4ded3d0   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

    1h 11m

  2. APR 23

    Jane Hamilton - Award Winning Crime Journalist & Author of Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows

    In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jane Hamilton, award winning crime journalist and author of Hunting Shadows: Peter Tobin - The Truth About the Serial Killer Who Hid in Plain Sight. With years of experience reporting on some of the most disturbing criminal cases, Jane brings a sharp, informed perspective on true crime, media, and the responsibility that comes with telling these stories. About the Episode In this compelling and wide ranging conversation, Jane Hamilton reflects on her career in crime journalism and the process of writing Hunting Shadows, which examines the life and crimes of serial killer Peter Tobin, but with a firm focus on the stories of his victims.   Why This Episode Matters This is more than a discussion about crime. It is an exploration of how media, audience, and storytelling intersect in shaping public understanding of criminal cases. One not to be missed!   Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. Hunting Shadows: Peter Tobin Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48dFEMN Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4cnxMuw Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4vEt7fn   Tell Me A Story Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4dYVbnh Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3OQ7xUv Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4tQNynw Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4u2vDdU   My Mother’s Murder Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4mFeCUx Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4sIUMsQ Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/3OMpYtg   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

    1h 9m

  3. APR 16

    N. Jamiyla Chisholm - Journalist & Author of The Community: A Memoir

    In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by N. Jamiyla Chisholm, journalist and author of The Community: A Memoir, a powerful and deeply personal account exploring identity, memory, family, and the hidden complexities within community life. Through her work as a writer and reporter, Jamiyla brings a fearless and compassionate voice to stories that sit at the intersection of lived experience, social history, and personal truth. About the Episode How do we tell the truth about the places and people who shape us? Drawing on both investigative rigour and emotional honesty, Jamiyla reflects on writing about her own past, confronting difficult truths, and navigating the responsibility of telling stories rooted in real lives and intimate histories. Memory, Identity, and Narrative In this episode, Jamiyla Chisholm shares insight into the process of transforming her own and her mother's lived experience into narrative, and how this can become a powerful tool for reckoning, healing, and social reflection. Our conversation is candid, searching, and deeply moving, challenging how we think about truth not only in writing, but in how we understand ourselves and the communities we come from. One not to be missed. What We Cover The story behind The Community: A MemoirWriting memoir through interviews with her motherMemory, identity, and contested truthsEthical responsibility when telling personal and communal storiesThe intersection of reporting and lived experienceHow storytelling shapes understanding of place and selfIdentifying cult behaviour  Why This Episode Matters This is more than a conversation about memoir. It is an exploration of how stories help us confront hidden histories, reclaim voice, and examine the narratives that define us. N. Jamiyla Chisholm offers a profound perspective on truth telling, identity, and the courage it takes to write honestly about the worlds we inhabit.   Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4bVhx7W Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4e1ytL9 Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4tmCzCa   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

    55 min

  4. APR 10

    Mike Finkel - Author & Former New York Times & National Geographic Journalist

    In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Mike Finkel, a former New York Times and National Geographic journalist and the author of acclaimed books including True Story, The Stranger in the Woods, and The Art Thief.  With a career shaped by extraordinary real life encounters, Mike brings a unique perspective on storytelling, truth, and the blurred lines between fact and narrative. About the Episode What is truth when it comes to telling real stories? In this compelling and thought provoking conversation, Mike Finkel reflects on his journey through journalism and authorship, including the real events behind True Story, which was later adapted into a film starring Jonah Hill as Mike himself. Drawing on his experiences, Mike explores the complexities of writing about real people and real events, and the responsibility that comes with shaping those stories for an audience. Storytelling, Truth, and Perspective Mike’s work often sits at the intersection of fact and interpretation. In this episode, he shares insight into how stories are constructed, what gets included or left out, and how perspective can influence what we understand as truth. What We Cover The realities of narrative journalismThe story behind True Story and its adaptation to filmWriting about real people and ethical responsibilityThe psychology of storytelling and perceptionHow truth can shift depending on perspectiveLessons from a career shaped by extraordinary cases Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. The Art Thief Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4tp5SUv Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4toKIpv Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/3PQ67JW   True Story Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4c9lnZK Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4c8S75k Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4skjAad   The Stranger in the Woods Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3QkmwX4 Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4sVyFjT Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/3QkO1zO   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA *Commission paid by Amazon

    1h 3m

  5. APR 5

    Jana Monroe - Author of 'Hearts of Darkness' & Former FBI Agent

    In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jana Monroe, a former FBI profiler, author, and expert in violent crime and behavioural analysis. With a career spanning some of the most complex homicide and serial offender investigations, Jana offers a rare and deeply informed perspective on the realities of criminal profiling and the psychology behind violent crime. About the Episode What does it take to understand the mind of a violent offender? In this compelling conversation, Jana Monroe takes us inside her work with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, where she played a key role in high-profile investigations and helped shape modern approaches to profiling. Drawing on decades of experience, she breaks down the methods, instincts, and psychological frameworks used to analyse some of the most dangerous individuals. Jana also reflects on the emotional and ethical dimensions of the work, exploring the balance between professional detachment and the human impact of the cases she encountered. From Real Life to Cultural Icon Jana Monroe’s influence extends beyond real investigations. She is widely recognised as one of the inspirations behind Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, and served as a consultant on the film itself. In this episode, she shares her perspective on how criminal profiling is portrayed in popular culture, what gets misunderstood, and why the reality is often far more complex and nuanced. What We Cover The fundamentals of FBI profiling and behavioural analysisWorking on homicide and serial offender investigationsThe psychology behind violent crimeHow profiling has evolved over timeThe role of intuition versus evidenceMedia portrayals of crime and their real-world impact Why This Episode Matters This is more than a discussion about crime. It is an exploration of human behaviour at its most extreme, and the systems built to understand it. Jana’s insights offer listeners a deeper appreciation of the complexities behind investigations, while also highlighting the importance of accuracy, responsibility, and empathy in how these stories are told. Listen Now 🎧 Tune in to hear Jana Monroe’s extraordinary story and expert insights on Footnotes on Crime. For more information on Jana or the podcast, please visit our website at www.footnotesoncrime.com. Jana's book, Hearts of Darkness, Serial Killers, the Behavioral Science Unit, and My Life as a Woman in the FBI is available to purchase here (Links to Waterstones website*) - https://tidd.ly/4dNCfIf *Footnotes on Crime are paid a small commission through purchases at Waterstones through the AWIN affiliate programme. Purchasing through these links supports the podcast and allows us to continue to bring amazing guests to you. Thank you!

    1h 2m

  6. APR 4

    Skye Borgman - Netflix True Crime Director & Cinematographer (inc. Abducted in Plain Sight)

    Skye Borgman is an American documentary filmmaker and producer known for directing true-crime films and series for major streaming platforms.  Her work includes Abducted in Plain Sight, Girl in the Picture, Dead Asleep, and Unknown Caller, each exploring complex real-life criminal cases through interviews, archival material, and investigative storytelling.  Borgman’s documentaries focus on the human stories behind crimes, examining psychology, media coverage, and the long-term effects on victims and families.  In this conversation, Skye discusses her journey in true crime storytelling, emphasizing the importance of victim narratives and ethical considerations in filmmaking.  She shares insights on building trust with participants, the editing process, and the impact of body camera footage. Skye reflects on her personal growth through her work and the resilience of individuals she has encountered, ultimately highlighting the balance between hope and awareness in the world.  Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

    58 min

  7. APR 3

    Mary Turner Thomson - International Bestselling Author of The Bigamist and The Psychopath

    Mary Turner Thomson is a British author and speaker best known for her memoir The Bigamist, which recounts her experience of deception and betrayal by a Psychopath. Her second book The Psychopath relates her experience post-revelation and how she rebuilt her life in the wake of this life-changing experience. The story attracted international media attention and inspired documentaries and television adaptations. She later wrote a follow-up book exploring the aftermath of the deception and her journey rebuilding her life.  Mary now speaks and writes about fraud, coercive control, resilience, and the psychological impact of relationship-based crime.  In this episode, Mary shares her harrowing experience of being deceived by a bigamist and psychopath, exploring the complexities of online dating, the impact of ADHD on relationships, and the healing power of writing.    Through her journey, she emphasizes the importance of community support, the evolution of language around trauma, and the need for survivors to move forward and celebrate their resilience. Mary also discusses the publishing landscape, offering insights into self-publishing and the importance of sharing stories to help others.  Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information, or to sign up to our newsletter. Mary's Books are available to purchase on Amazon and Waterstones, using the links below . Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. The Bigamist Paperback - https://amzn.to/4kUryVL Audiobook - https://amzn.to/4cOxnSq Kindle edition - https://amzn.to/4aXa6ex The Psychopath Paperback - https://amzn.to/4aTMrvo Hardcover - https://amzn.to/4rOxDW4 Audiobook - https://amzn.to/4tS9jUZ Kindle Edition - https://amzn.to/4aDXJ8r Audio CD - https://amzn.to/4aUrHDY Purchase on Waterstones (Please note - Footnotes on Crime are affiliates and earn commission on purchases) The Bigamist - https://tidd.ly/4d5JVFe The Psychopath - https://tidd.ly/4lNFj90 Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

    1h 30m

  8. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Footnotes on Crime Podcast - Coming Soon - Guest Introductions

    We are a true crime podcast with a difference. We focus on authors, journalists, producers, directors and other content creators who produce works in the true crime genre with meaning. Our focus is on telling non-sensationalised stories that focus on the survivors of crime and the tenacity of the human spirit. Join us for episode 1 on Friday the 3rd of April 2026 - Mary Turner Thomson. Mary Turner Thomson shares her harrowing experience of being deceived by a bigamist and psychopath, exploring the complexities of online dating, the impact of ADHD on relationships, and the healing power of writing. Through her journey, she emphasizes the importance of community support, the evolution of language around trauma, and the need for survivors to move forward and celebrate their resilience. Mary also discusses the publishing landscape, offering insights into self-publishing and the importance of sharing stories to help others. Mary's Books are available to purchase on Amazon, using the links below - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. Purchase The Bigamist by Mary Turner Thomson on Amazon Paperback - https://amzn.to/4kUryVL Audiobook - https://amzn.to/4cOxnSq Kindle edition - https://amzn.to/4aXa6ex Purchase The Psychopath by Mary Turner Thomson on Amazon Paperback - https://amzn.to/4aTMrvo Hardcover - https://amzn.to/4rOxDW4 Audiobook - https://amzn.to/4tS9jUZ Kindle Edition - https://amzn.to/4aDXJ8r Audio CD - https://amzn.to/4aUrHDY

    7 min

Trailer

About

A true crime podcast...with a difference...Engaging interviews with authoritative voices on true crime.Footnotes On Crime focuses on individuals whose lives have been directly touched by crime: survivors, witnesses, investigators, and others, particularly those who have gone on to document their experiences in writing; through documentary making; or other creative endeavours. While many of the stories we discuss involve serious wrongdoing or difficult subject matter, Footnotes on Crime is not about sensationalism or asking guests to relive trauma for its own sake. Our focus is on the act of creation and meaning-making — how people take complex experiences and shape them into work that is thoughtful, ethical, and meaningful, and how that work connects with their audience.

Information

  • Creator
    Colin Mathieson & Katie McGrath
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Colin Mathieson & Katie McGrath