332 episodes

Once Upon A Crime is a weekly true crime podcast that tells “the story behind the story” of real life crime. Told in a storytelling style, host Esther Ludlow digs into the details of each case to bring listeners the facts and information they won’t hear anywhere else.

Esther calls on her background in criminal psychology and includes biographical details of both victims and perpetrators to fully explore the circumstances and motivations behind the most heinous crimes.

Once Upon a Crime Esther Ludlow

    • True Crime
    • 4.6 • 4.7K Ratings

Once Upon A Crime is a weekly true crime podcast that tells “the story behind the story” of real life crime. Told in a storytelling style, host Esther Ludlow digs into the details of each case to bring listeners the facts and information they won’t hear anywhere else.

Esther calls on her background in criminal psychology and includes biographical details of both victims and perpetrators to fully explore the circumstances and motivations behind the most heinous crimes.

    Tarnished Hollywood: Grant and Amanda Hayes and the Murder of Laura Ackerson

    Tarnished Hollywood: Grant and Amanda Hayes and the Murder of Laura Ackerson

    Amanda Hayes, an actress known for roles on The Sopranos and The Stepford Wives, was convicted of conspiring with her husband, Grant Hayes, to murder Laura Ackerson, his ex-wife and mother of his two children.  The murder  and its cover-up would be one of the most grisly crimes investigators had ever encountered. 

    Sources: 
    Bitter Remains, author Diane Fanning, Berkley Books, 2016. 

    See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now? 
    ID’s See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now? (sportskeeda.com)

    Amanda Hayes: Deadly Women - 
    https://deadlywomen.fandom.com/wiki/Amanda_Hayes 

    Sponsors: 
    Arrow Sand - Go to www.arrowsand.com to find out about their fee-free travel service. Join the email list to score deals from 50% - 60% off travel! 

    • 45 min
    Tarnished Hollywood: Danny Masterson

    Tarnished Hollywood: Danny Masterson

    Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role in That 70’s Show. In 2020, he was charged with raping three women in 2001 and 2003. Masterson and his victims were all members of the Church of Scientology. The church’s policies and threats toward the victims caused a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice.

    Sources: 
    A Timeline of Danny Masterson’s Controversies, Skyler Caruso for People.com, Sept 7, 2023 https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-charged-rape-timeline-of-allegations/ 
    Danny Masterson’s Long History with the Church of Scientology, Christina Dugan Ramirez for People.com, March 3, 2017. 
    https://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-history-church-of-scientology/ 
    Danny Masterson Used Drugging, Scientology to get Away with Rape, Prosecutor Says, Andrew Dalton, AP News, May 16, 2023 
    https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-rape-retrial-ecf0ee15fb71ef603dc4ad30ba74f3dd
    Danny Masterson was Convicted of Rape. What Happens to Scientology?, Tony Ortega for RollingStone, June 5, 2023. 
    https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/danny-masterson-rape-conviction-scientology-accountability-1234764377/ 
    Two Hollywood stars are accused of rape, but Scientology is also on trial, Diana Dasrath and Corky Siemaszko for NBC News, Sept 7, 2023.
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-hollywood-stars-are-accused-rape-scientology-also-trial-rcna54196
    Danny Masterson is Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison for Two Rapes, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Livia Albeck-Ripka, and Michael Levenson for The New York Times, Sept 7, 2023. 
    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/arts/television/danny-masterson-rape-trial-sentencing.html#:~:text=Danny%20Masterson%2C%20the%20actor%20best,Judge%20Charlaine%20F.
    Danny Masterson Branded a ‘Suppressive Person’ After Being Expelled from the Church of Scientology, Favour Adegoke for TheBlast.com, October 24, 2023. 
    https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-branded-suppressive-person-180002162.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20report%2C%20the,growth%20of%20those%20around%20them.
    Former members reveal hell of life inside Church of Scientology, 60 Minutes Australia, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Na0EfFTp50
    The Untold Story of Danny Masterson, WatchMojo.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGe120Mlh4
    The Most Shocking Revelations from Danny Masterson’s First Trial, Natalie Finn for E News, Sept 7, 2023. 
    https://www.eonline.com/news/1350935/the-most-shocking-revelations-from-danny-mastersons-rape-trial

    Sponsors: 
    Lume - www.lumedeodorant.com 

    Links: 
    CrimeCon 24 -https://www.crimecon.com/CC24 - Use offer code ONCE for 10% off your registration.

    Listen to Marooned - https://visitmarooned.com/ 

    • 44 min
    S8: Mysteries on the True Crime Express

    S8: Mysteries on the True Crime Express

    ...1 historic steam train...
    ...9 exceptional true crime podcasts...
    ...9 tales woven with the spirit of Women's Day...
    ...Will YOU unravel the mysteries aboard?

    This International Women's Day, join Shane Waters and Wendy Cee on an unprecedented journey through the heart of England to Crimecon UK in London. Mysteries on the True Crime Express is not just a podcast episode; it's an immersive voyage into the depths of true crime, history, and the indomitable spirit of women.
    Aboard this old-world locomotive, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 distinguished true crime podcasts, including Esther Sanchez Ludlow of Once Upon A Crime. Each host presents a captivating story that not only chills the spine but also illuminates the historical essence of Women's Day. From the comfort of Shane and Wendy's compartment to the lively ambiance of the dining car, each tale unfolds in a unique setting on the train, adding layers of intrigue and ambiance to this auditory experience.

    So, secure your ticket and settle into your seat...
    ...but be forewarned...
    ...the journey ahead is filled with twists and turns.

    Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:
    1. Deep Dark Secrets (https://www.deepdarksecretspodcast.com/)
    2. The Trail Went Cold (https://www.trailwentcold.com/)
    3. The Cult Vault (https://www.cultvaultpodcast.com/)
    4. Extinguished (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extinguished/id1711608332)
    5. Once Upon a Crime (https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/)
    6. True Crime and Wine with Sherrilyn Dale
    (https://open.spotify.com/show/6zDVtsctjbO1OWeeL3iXXN)
    7. Defense Diaries (https://defensediaries.com/)
    8. Dip in and Out with Lucy (podcasts)
    9. Foul Play: Crime Series (https://www.itsfoulplay.com/)

    Join all the shows you heard in this episode at Crimecon UK in London! Go to
    Crimecon.co.uk and use code ONCEUPON

    Listen to Shane’s other holiday collaborations here: https://www.itsfoulplay.com/collaborations

    • 1 hr 29 min
    The Palace with guest Gareth Russell

    The Palace with guest Gareth Russell

    In this special episode, I speak with author Gareth Russell.  His new book, The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court, gives us a look at the storied history of what is called the most beautiful palace in England.  But, behind the walls of Hampton Court, true tales of intrigue, sex scandals, assassination plots, and murder played out among the royals and court members.  

    Links:

    https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Gareth-Russell/500660891 

    https://www.amazon.com/Palace-Windsors-British-History-Hampton/dp/1797169165

    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-palace-mr-gareth-russell/1143030248

    • 46 min
    S8: “Murder in Boston” - An Interview with Adrian Walker

    S8: “Murder in Boston” - An Interview with Adrian Walker

    “Murder in Boston” - An Interview with Adrian Walker (Bonus Episode)

    On October 23, 1989, 29-year-old Charles Stuart placed a 911 call to report that he and his wife, Carol, had been carjacked, driven to a secluded section of the city, robbed, and shot.  

    A city-wide manhunt for the assailant began.  But, from the start, police were suspicious about Charles Stuart’s story.  Stuart was gravely wounded, but his wife, seven months pregnant with their first child, died, as did their unborn baby.

    The series of events that unfolded afterward would captivate the city of Boston and the nation.  A new podcast produced by the Boston Globe and presented in association with HBO MAX titled “Murder in Boston” revisits this true crime case and provides never-before-heard details of the crime, the perpetrator, and the havoc it wreaked on the city of Boston.

    Adrian Walker was a new reporter working for the Boston Globe at the time Charles Stuart’s 911 call shook the city.  It’s a story that has resonated with him personally as a journalist and a citizen of Boston.  He hosts the new podcast “Murder in Boston” and, along with a team of Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporters, unveils explosive new findings that change the narrative of a story long cemented in the city’s lore. 

    I’m pleased to share my conversation with Adrian Walker about this fascinating case in this bonus episode. 


    Links:

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO79iP69FaZNQ5FmDBsrVbvuM5qV-wwUs

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-in-boston-podcast/id1718579735

    CrimeCon - www.crimecon.com - Use discount code ONCE for 10% off your registration. 

    • 22 min
    Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Mad King Eric

    Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Mad King Eric

    In history, there have been several monarchs known as “Mad Kings” - monarchs who were plagued by erratic and even violent behavior often attributed to mental illness. King Eric the XIV of Sweden is one such ruler. While intellectually brilliant, King Eric suffered from extreme paranoia, which led to erratic, violent, and even murderous behavior.

    Sources: 


    Disturbed Facts About Eric XIV Of Sweden, The Butcher King - Factinate
    Eric XIV, King of Sweden, Britannica.com 
    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erik-XIV

    Karin Mansdotter, wikipedia.com 
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karin_Månsdotter

    Sponsor: 

    Factor - Go to www.FACTORMEALS.com/once50 and use code ONCE50 for 50% off

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
4.7K Ratings

4.7K Ratings

Lizzie hizzie ,

Top true crime podcast

I just added this podcast to the handful of true crime ones I follow. The host has a fantastic voice and I love her storytelling format. Her background in Psychology adds some much needed educated analysis (vs baseless speculation and tangents) to the true crime canon. We often hear the “WHAT” but are left wondering “WHY?” There’s never an excuse but contributing factors are important for education and hopefully, prevention of crime.

Melish Tex ,

I miss what we had lol

This is one of my Fav shows, but can we pretty please get back to the normal format of you telling us true crime stories.
I’m bored of these interviews and guests.

danger_ryan ,

Great Show

I love you story telling. Great facts. I appreciate the work you do to bring us these stories.
Also, the opening music just draws you in.

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