Canadian True Crime
Host: Kristi Lee
Episode: Personal Message from Kristi Ahead of Episode 200
Release Date: January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This special message from Kristi Lee celebrates the impending release of Canadian True Crime’s milestone 200th episode. Kristi reflects on the podcast’s humble beginnings, expresses deep gratitude to listeners, and offers insight into how the podcast and her perspective have evolved over nearly a decade. She also previews a four-part series revisiting the infamous Robert Pickton case with new research, context, and compassion for the victims and their families.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Journey of Canadian True Crime

• Kristi started the podcast in 2017 as a "late night creative project," with no prior expectations or plans for its longevity.

  “I wanted to teach myself how to make a podcast episode and research and write a crime story with care, nuance and accuracy.” (00:24)

• Nine years and nearly 200 episodes later, the podcast has achieved over 75 million downloads, something Kristi describes as "still feels surreal." (00:48)
• She credits the community for shaping the show's direction:

  “You've offered insights that have genuinely shaped the trajectory of this podcast.” (01:19)

Challenges and Philosophy

• Kristi underscores the challenges of working in the crowded True Crime genre, especially the pressures to produce content quickly or "cut corners."

  “There’s a pressure to keep up with a consistent flow of new episodes and also a temptation to save time by cutting corners. But for me, this is still my independent passion project and I’m proud of that.” (01:46)

• She shares her focus on research depth and explains the toll such dedication can have on sustainability and personal well-being:

  “Last year in particular was challenging for me for many reasons, and it pushed me to think more intentionally about balance and boundaries and how to keep this thing going for the long haul.” (02:07)

Preview of Episode 200: Robert Pickton - The Final Chapter

• To mark episode 200, Kristi announces a new four-part series about the Robert Pickton case:

  “Starting January 19, Canadian True Crime starts releasing a special new series to mark episode 200.” (02:36)

• The series revisits early cases that shaped the podcast, focusing especially on the Pickton case which has seen recent developments, including Pickton’s 2024 parole eligibility and subsequent death in prison.
• Kristi challenges the well-known narrative about Pickton, exploring unresolved questions of accomplices, justice system failures, and the ongoing impact on families of the victims:

  “It suggests that the version of this story most people think they know might not actually be the whole story.” (04:08)

• The podcast will "move past the familiar caricature of a lone monster and center the women who disappeared, restoring their humanity through the personal stories of those who loved them." (04:21)
• Kristi emphasises her fresh research and a trauma-informed approach:

  “I’ve gone back to the beginning re-researching and rewriting the entire thing with fresh context, clearer priorities, a sharper focus on what really matters, and the most up to date information available. It’s called Robert the Final Chapter because his final chapter might have ended but the story did not.” (04:34)

• Proceeds from the series will be donated to the Wish Drop-In Centre, supporting sex workers on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (05:07).

Community Engagement and Call to Action

• Kristi encourages listeners to sign a petition for the Johnson Bentley family related to the Welles Grey Park murders, noting it is closing soon (05:21).
• She also shares a personal update: her upcoming appearance on CTV’s "The Social" on January 23rd, which will later be available on YouTube. She light-heartedly expresses her nerves:

  “I do not consider myself fit for TV, so it’s going to be very interesting.” (05:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Starting the Podcast:

  “I had no idea whether I’d make it past episode one. I didn’t even know if anyone would listen. But you did.” (00:38)

• On Listener Impact:

  “Canadian True Crime exists because you keep listening, and I don’t take that lightly.” (01:25)

• On the Podcast’s Evolution:

  “I started this as an amateur, but over time it’s kind of reshaped my understanding of crime, justice, and Canadian history.” (03:13)

• On Responsibility:

  “It can open minds, challenge harmful narratives, and deepen our understanding of justice and the systems around it.” (03:27)

• On the New Series:

  “It’s called Robert the Final Chapter because his final chapter might have ended but the story did not.” (04:45)

• On Gratitude:

  “I’m humbled to reach this milestone. Thank you for being here for it.” (05:16)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 — Reflection on beginning the podcast, expressing gratitude to listeners
• 01:46 — Challenges of producing independent true crime in a crowded space
• 02:36 — Announcement of the special four-part Pickton series
• 03:13 — How the podcast has evolved Kristi’s understanding of crime, justice, and responsibility
• 04:08 — Discussion of unresolved questions in the Pickton case
• 04:34 — Details on the series’ research, new approach, and title
• 05:07 — Donation of proceeds to the Wish Drop-In Centre
• 05:21 — Petition for the Johnson Bentley family and upcoming TV appearance

Summary

Kristi Lee's heartfelt message ahead of Canadian True Crime’s 200th episode blends gratitude, candid reflection, and a powerful preview of what’s to come. She honors the listeners who made the journey possible and signals a renewed commitment to responsible, victim-centered storytelling, with a focus on revisiting and reshaping the narrative around one of Canada’s most infamous cases. This episode sets the tone for a milestone series rooted in humility, research rigor, and respect for those impacted by crime.