True Crime Obsessed: "True Crime Conversations" Mashup

Guests: Gillian Pensavalle (True Crime Obsessed), Alvin Williams (Affirmative Murder), Lanie Hobbs (True Crime Cases with Lanie)
Date: December 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This special crossover installment of "True Crime Obsessed" brings together three influential voices from different corners of the true crime podcasting world: Gillian Pensavalle, Alvin Williams, and Lanie Hobbs. Facilitated by Josh Hallmark’s annual "True Crime Conversations," the group unfolds their respective podcasting journeys, discusses the evolution and challenges of the true crime genre, reflects on listener interactions, and delves deep into the ethics, mental toll, and dynamics of content creation in the true crime space—all with signature humor, warmth, and candor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcasting Origin Stories (03:05 – 11:28)

• Paths Into Podcasting:

  • Gillian began in 2016 with "The Hamilcast" focused on the musical Hamilton, later co-creating "True Crime Obsessed" after forming a friendship with Patrick Hines over Broadway and true crime documentaries.
  • Alvin’s entry to podcasting was sparked by the lack of representation—particularly of Black men—in the true crime space. His standup background helped shape the comedic conversational style of "Affirmative Murder."
  • Lanie, initially finding fulfillment in corporate work, started her podcast to seek a creative outlet and deeper satisfaction. A love for stories and detail, coupled with a stint as a deep-diving true crime listener, led her to create "True Crime Cases with Lanie."
  • Quote:

    "I had a tough conversation with my boss... She was like, baby, you need a hobby... So I started listening to Snap Judgment on NPR and realized I could do this myself."
    — Lanie (06:41)

• DIY Podcast Advice:

  • The hosts agree: just start with whatever equipment you have and let your show evolve. Polished beginnings are unnecessary and might even hinder authentic growth.
  • Quote:

    "All good podcasts, you got to have braces and acne. You need those first awkward 20 episodes."
    — Alvin (10:40)

2. The Importance of Perspective in True Crime (11:28 – 17:55)

• Why Alternate Voices Matter:

  • Each host describes feeling a lack of their perspective—be it deep-dive detail, social context, or racial identity—being reflected in the space.
  • Quote:

    "There would be podcasts... talking about inner city cases, and I'm like, I know why that is! Just tag me in..."
    — Alvin (13:28)

• Ethics, Advocacy, and Changing Approaches:

  • Early true crime podcasts often lacked nuance or sensitivity. Over time, both audience expectations and hosts’ approaches have shifted to prioritize ethics and respectful advocacy.
  • Quote:

    "I want my podcast to be something I would want to listen to... and as long as I’m happy with it, that’s what matters."
    — Lanie (17:05)

3. Listener Feedback, Criticism & Navigating the Parasocial (18:56 – 45:05)

• Handling Criticism:

  • The group unpacks the challenge of balancing listener feedback with staying true to their creative vision.
  • Quote:

    "If you become a victim of criticism, you end up making something you don’t recognize... just for Steve2727 on Instagram."
    — Alvin (17:55)

• Media Literacy and Nuance:

  • There’s a collective frustration with "whataboutism" and a lack of subtlety in some listener critiques.
  • Quote:

    "There’s a lot of... moral superiority and the ethics Olympics that people want to win."
    — Gillian (19:09)

• Positive Connections & Boundaries:

  • They share stories about the rewards and awkwardness of meeting fans who see them as confidants or surrogates in discussing taboo or traumatic topics.
  • Quote:

    "When listeners feel seen and heard by us, I think it’s different... we’re a safe space for things they can’t talk about at the dinner table."
    — Gillian (42:51)

• Trolls & Fan Theories:

  • While most interactions are positive, the hosts admit to occasionally "feeding the trolls" when they find the debates especially ridiculous.
  • Quote:

    "I love feeding a troll. Like, it's probably one of my... Oh my God, it's so fun."
    — Lanie (40:10)

4. Recording & Process: Scripting, Cohosting, and Mental Health (28:36 – 37:20)

• Scripted vs. Conversational Approaches:

  • Lanie prefers scripting and research (supported by a team), while Gillian and Alvin describe a more riff-based, unscripted dynamic with their cohosts.
  • Both value the "workout" of being on mic—whether to find clarity or catharsis.

• Preparing for Heavy Content:

  • Addressing mental health is crucial; breaks and support systems are essential, especially after covering particularly traumatic cases.
  • Quote:

    "There were times... covering something like stalking Samantha... I was in the recording having flashbacks of things that have happened to me."
    — Gillian (31:26)

• Teamwork & Chemistries:

  • Improvisation, acting classes, and rituals help cohosts find their flow and keep the show lively.

5. Ethics in True Crime Podcasting (24:22 – 27:42)

• Levels of Ethical Standards:
  • Universal minimums (e.g., don’t exploit victim photos) exist, but there’s room for different creators to uphold their own, sometimes higher, standards. The group avoids policing others’ methods unless there’s clear harm.
  • Quote:

    "There’s a floor for ethics and integrity in this space... you just know it when you see it."
    — Alvin (26:00)

6. Advice for Aspiring Podcasters (52:32 – 57:31)

• Is There Room for New Shows?

  • Encouragement to start, but with real talk: doing it for money or trendiness is a mistake; passion and resilience are vital.
  • Quote:

    "If you just want to tell stories, go for it. If you’re here to make money, you’re starting off in the wrong place."
    — Alvin (52:42)

• Let Yourself Change:

  • Major lesson: try, but be open to pivoting if you don’t enjoy it. There’s no shame in moving on or shifting your goals.
  • Quote:

    "If two weeks in you hate it, stop doing it and run towards the thing you do want."
    — Gillian (53:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I like the engagement, not necessarily the attention... if you meet me in person and say, ‘I love your show,’ I’m like, disgusting, don’t ever tell me that." — Lanie (48:57)
• "We’re just here to tell this horrible story with all these terrible details, but nobody wants to hear about [politics]—until you realize everything’s political." — Alvin (14:11)
• "You need the braces and acne—first 20 awkward episodes, that’s where you find your footing." — Alvin (10:40)
• "I didn't know what a podcast was... my brother sent me all this equipment, and I ended up buying a $21 mic from Amazon because I needed to be at my level." — Lanie (08:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introductions, How They Got Started: 00:38 – 11:28
• Unique Perspectives in True Crime, Early Podcast Evolution: 11:28 – 17:55
• Listener Feedback, Handling Criticism and Parasocial Dynamics: 17:55 – 45:05
• Recording Processes, Workflow, and Emotional Labor: 28:36 – 37:20
• Ethics & Gatekeeping in True Crime: 24:22 – 27:42
• Advice for Beginners, Industry Saturation: 52:32 – 57:31
• Dream Podcast Guests & Fun Finale: 59:16 – 63:39

Standout Guest Dream Collaborators

• Gillian: Robin Roberts ("a masterclass in storytelling and advocacy"), Keith Morrison
• Alvin: A specialist in trauma (e.g., Dr. Nowsaradan from "My 600 Pound Life"), Paul McCartney
• Lanie: A Real Housewife (e.g., Jen Shaw, even for fact-checking fun)

Tone and Style

Throughout the episode, the rapport is lively, genuine, and self-deprecating, with a blend of comedic banter and deep reflections. The hosts shift between vulnerability and irreverence, honoring the emotional heft of true crime while keeping the dialogue accessible and entertaining.

Closing Thoughts

This crossover not only demystifies the podcasting grind but also surfaces the complexities and responsibilities inherent to true crime content creation. Listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie, hope, and encouragement—whether as aspiring podcasters, devoted listeners, or passionate true crime fans.

For links to all guest shows and social media, see episode notes.