Canadian True Crime

Episode: Production delay: new episodes coming soon

Host: Kristi Lee
Release Date: April 27, 2026

Episode Overview

In this brief update episode, Kristi Lee addresses her listeners with an honest explanation for the continued delay in releasing new episodes of Canadian True Crime. With characteristic transparency and care, Kristi outlines the challenges she has faced over the past year, describes her commitment to the quality and integrity of the podcast, and appeals for patience from her audience. This short communication focuses on maintaining trust and connection with listeners while reaffirming the values underpinning her true crime work.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Status Update and Apology

• Kristi opens with a sincere apology and confirms that she needs additional time before new episodes can be released.
• Reference to a previous ("March") update about ongoing delays and the challenging circumstances she is navigating.
  • "Despite my best efforts to return with new episodes by the end of April, I need a bit more time due to factors beyond my control." (00:03)

2. Context: Demanding Production Year

• Explains that last year involved numerous extra commitments:
  • Advocacy work
  • Professional opportunities outside the podcast
  • Balancing these with episode production was "intense"
• Notes she was unable to take a true publishing break until February, which caused a cascade of further delays.
  • "Last year I had a number of extra commitments, advocacy, work, and opportunities to make a difference alongside producing podcast episodes. It was an intense year balancing it all, and I wasn't able to take a publishing break until February." (00:22)

3. Current Challenges

• During her break, Kristi made "considerable progress" on preparing the new season.
• Unexpected complications have arisen, notably including illness.
  • "Some new challenges have come up that I've also had to navigate. Sickness is one of those challenges." (00:48)

4. Dedication to Craft and Integrity

• Strong emphasis on the passion and care invested in Canadian True Crime as an independent production.
• Kristi remains the primary—often sole—writer, which means each episode involves substantial effort, from selecting cases to the manner and purpose of presentation.
• She resists the temptation to produce episodes quickly for the sake of "simple content" and underlines the importance of accuracy, depth, and context—especially due to high stakes and potential legal ramifications.
  • Memorable quote:

    "I put a huge amount of care, attention and energy into every episode, from the choice of case to the way it's presented and the intention behind it... The stakes are too high and there are actual legal ramifications. Rushing the work would compromise the very thing that makes it meaningful." (01:00)

5. Listener Reactions and Burnout

• Acknowledges receiving both understanding and disappointment from her audience, referencing emails and backlash other podcasters face when taking breaks.
• Highlights the wider issue of burnout in the true crime podcasting community.
  • "There is a lot of burnout and fatigue out there." (01:40)

6. Message to Listeners

• For those feeling frustrated by the delays, Kristi makes a personal appeal:
  • "If this podcast matters enough to you that you feel anger when new episodes don't arrive fast or often enough, I gently remind you that I'm doing the very best that I can, and I ask that you trust the process that makes the podcast worth listening to." (01:48)
• Assures listeners that several episodes are currently in production and expresses excitement about sharing them soon.
• Requests patience and understanding, promising that the eventual return will be "worth the wait."

7. Closing Assurance

• No new return date provided yet, but Kristi commits to transparency and expresses deep gratitude for the continued support.
  • "Your patience and understanding means more than you know. Thank you so much and I'll see you soon." (02:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On her approach to the podcast:

  "I love making Canadian True Crime. It's still my passion project and I'm still the primary writer—in most cases the only writer. I put a huge amount of care, attention and energy into every episode..." (01:00)

• On facing pressure and expectations:

  "I do wish I could be more cavalier about the whole thing and get a simple episode out for quick content, but that's just not my thing. It's important to me to present these cases with accuracy, depth and context." (01:10)

• On listener frustration:

  "If this podcast matters enough to you that you feel anger when new episodes don't arrive fast or often enough, I gently remind you that I'm doing the very best that I can, and I ask that you trust the process that makes the podcast worth listening to." (01:48)

• Final reassurance:

  "It won't be too long and I promise it will be worth the wait. Your patience and understanding means more than you know." (02:29)

Key Timestamps

• 00:03 — Apology and update on episode delay
• 00:22 — Explanation of last year’s challenging workload and late publishing break
• 00:48 — Current challenges, including illness
• 01:00–01:29 — Dedication to research, writing, and quality
• 01:40 — Recognition of audience burnout and support
• 01:48–02:29 — Personal appeal for patience, assurance of work in progress
• 02:36 — Gratitude and sign-off

Summary

This update episode offers a transparent look into the production challenges behind Canadian True Crime, emphasizing Kristi Lee’s ongoing commitment to quality storytelling and trauma-informed journalism. Listeners are reassured that new content is on its way, and their patience is acknowledged as invaluable support for the independent spirit of the show. Kristi’s communication reaffirms the podcast’s purpose and the integrity with which each case is handled, setting clear expectations and maintaining the audience’s trust during a period of necessary delay.