The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told Bonus Episode: True Crime as an Entertainment Genre with Keith Wallman Release Date: March 19, 2024 Host: Mary Kay McBrayer Guest: Keith Wallman, Editor-in-Chief of Diversion Books

Introduction to the Episode

In this special bonus episode of The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, host Mary Kay McBrayer is joined by Keith Wallman, the Editor-in-Chief of Diversion Books. The episode delves into the enduring fascination with true crime as an entertainment genre, exploring why audiences are captivated by these narratives and what it reveals about society.

Favorite Stories from Season One

Mary Kay McBrayer initiates the conversation by inquiring about Keith Wallman's favorite story from the season, to which he responds:

“I've got to go with the episode titled Knife Through Hot Butter.” (03:45)

This story, based on the Diversion Books title Dancing With Death, centers around Marjorie Orban, a multifaceted character transitioning from a Vegas showgirl to a suburban housewife, ultimately leading to the murder of her seventh husband. Both Wallman and McBrayer praise the episode for its intricate portrayal of Marjorie's dual personalities and the tension that arises from her complex environments.

Female Perspectives in True Crime

Emma DeMuth, a producer from Diversion Audio, highlights a recurring theme in the podcast:

“A lot of true crime is about stories with men killing women, unfortunately. And with our show, our focus was to tell stories in which women were not just the victim.” (05:18)

Keith Wallman and Mary Kay McBrayer discuss the rarity and significance of female protagonists in true crime narratives. They emphasize how this perspective shifts the traditional dynamic, allowing for a deeper exploration of human complexities rather than conforming to the typical victim-offender dichotomy.

Elements of Engaging True Crime Narratives

The conversation shifts to what makes true crime stories compelling. Keith Wallman compares authors to chefs, crafting narratives with various "ingredients" such as setting, character development, and suspense:

“Sometimes it's spicy, sometimes you're a little nauseous, but it gets the emotions going.” (08:27)

Mary Kay McBrayer adds that effective true crime storytelling involves creating an escape for the audience, immersing them in different times, places, and cultures. She cites Knife Through Hot Butter as an example that transports listeners to Las Vegas in the early 2000s, enhancing the story's allure through its vivid setting.

The Appeal of True Crime: Statistics and Insights

Emma DeMuth shares intriguing statistics from a recent YouGov study:

“More than 50% of Americans enjoy true crime content. 35% of Americans consume true crime content at least once a week.” (09:05)

These numbers underscore the widespread popularity of the genre. Keith Wallman attributes this fascination to the puzzle-like nature of true crime, where audiences engage in solving the mystery alongside the protagonist:

“There's the puzzle aspect to the whole thing.” (09:43)

Mary Kay McBrayer adds that true crime also taps into empathy and fear, allowing listeners to connect emotionally while experiencing a controlled adrenaline rush:

“And those little boosts of fear are really great.” (10:36)

Ethical Considerations in True Crime Storytelling

The discussion takes a thoughtful turn as Emma raises concerns about respecting victims and their families:

“How can we tell these stories in a way that is respectful and tasteful?” (12:22)

Keith Wallman and Mary Kay McBrayer emphasize the importance of sensitivity, ensuring that storytelling does not exploit tragedy for shock value. They advocate for humanizing victims and avoiding gratuitous details, striving to maintain a balance between engaging narratives and respectful representation.

Historical Crimes: Environment vs. Human Nature

Exploring historical true crime, the conversation examines the influence of environment versus inherent human traits. Mary Kay McBrayer poses a thought-provoking question:

“If George Remus lived in the early 2000s, do you think he still would have murdered someone?” (20:28)

Keith Wallman explains that while environmental factors like Prohibition significantly influenced Remus's actions, inherent personal traits also play a crucial role. This interplay between circumstance and individual disposition shapes the motivations behind criminal behavior, adding depth to historical narratives.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Emma DeMuth and Mary Kay McBrayer express their appreciation for Keith Wallman's insights. The discussion reinforces the idea that true crime is a multifaceted genre that captivates audiences through its intricate storytelling, emotional resonance, and the timeless allure of unraveling mysteries.

“This was a lot of fun discussing true crime as a whole and media, so I really appreciate your time.” (21:29)

Mary Kay McBrayer closes the episode by inviting listeners to explore more content through Diversion Audio and Diversion Books, promising continued exploration of enthralling true crime stories.

Key Takeaways

• Female Protagonists: Highlighting women not just as victims but as central figures enriches true crime narratives.
• Engaging Elements: Effective storytelling in true crime combines suspense, detailed settings, and emotional depth.
• Widespread Appeal: True crime resonates due to its puzzle-like nature, emotional engagement, and the thrill of uncovering hidden truths.
• Ethical Storytelling: Respect and sensitivity towards victims and their families are paramount in true crime narratives.
• Environment vs. Nature: Both situational factors and individual traits influence criminal behavior, offering a nuanced understanding of historical crimes.

Notable Quotes:

• “I've got to go with the episode titled Knife Through Hot Butter.” – Keith Wallman (03:45)
• “A lot of true crime is about stories with men killing women, unfortunately. And with our show, our focus was to tell stories in which women were not just the victim.” – Emma DeMuth (05:18)
• “Sometimes it's spicy, sometimes you're a little nauseous, but it gets the emotions going.” – Keith Wallman (08:27)
• “There's the puzzle aspect to the whole thing.” – Keith Wallman (09:43)
• “How can we tell these stories in a way that is respectful and tasteful?” – Emma DeMuth (12:22)
• “If George Remus lived in the early 2000s, do you think he still would have murdered someone?” – Mary Kay McBrayer (20:28)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the bonus episode, presenting the key discussions and insights shared by Mary Kay McBrayer and Keith Wallman. It provides a clear understanding of the episode's content, making it accessible and engaging for those who haven't listened.