From True Crime Fans to Full-Time Podcasters: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

From Passion to Podcasting

A couple turned their shared fascination with true crime into a thriving podcast, but their journey wasn't all smooth sailing. They poured four years into the Delphi murders, creating numerous episodes, breaking news, and even writing a book about the case.

• Dedication: Endured harsh conditions during a month-long trial, skipping meals and sleep to secure a spot in the courtroom.
• Financial Ups and Downs: Built a loyal audience and plan to expand their reach.

The Beginning

Their story began with a cold case that brought them together.

• Kevin: An attorney, noticed Áine, a reporter, saving articles about a mystery he was investigating.
• Áine: A reporter, bonded over their love for true crime, eventually falling in love and moving in together.
• Podcast Launch: Launched their podcast, The Murder Sheet, hoping to attract a small audience.

The First Year

• Earnings: Made only $300 in their first year.
• Focus: Ethical storytelling rather than financial gain.

Standing Out

Podcasting is a crowded market, with millions of shows vying for listeners' attention.

• Unique Approach: Emphasizing facts over sensationalism.
• Full-Time Job: Made the podcast their full-time job in their third year, despite occasional financial stress.
• Cost Control: Keep costs low by handling all aspects of production themselves.

Working Together

• Strengthened Marriage: But it's not for everyone.
• Similar Personalities: Share a quirky sense of humor, which helps them navigate challenges.
• Boundaries: Learned to set boundaries and guard their free time.

The Delphi Murders

The case involved two young girls, Abby Williams and Libby German, who were murdered in 2017.

• National Attention: Libby's recording of her killer brought national attention to the case.
• Immersion: Moved to Indiana, immersing themselves in the community and breaking news on the case.
• Book: Decided to write a book, finding an agent who shared their passion for crime nonfiction.

The Trial

• Grueling Experience: Camped out in the cold, skipping meals and sleep to secure a spot in the courtroom.
• Podcast Episodes: Recorded multi-hour podcast episodes every night, based on their detailed trial notes.
• Breakthrough: Coverage helped their podcast break into the Top 100 on Apple Podcasts for the first time.

Writing the Book

• Race Against Time: Had to scrap parts of their draft and add new details from the trial.
• Long Hours: Worked long hours, often feeling more like coworkers than spouses.
• Pride: Proud of their work and the impact it has had.
• Charity: Donated a portion of their book advance to a charity memorializing the victims.

Emotional Challenges

• Dark Side of Humanity: Seen the dark side of humanity but also the dedication of those seeking justice.
• Future Plans: Continue their work, covering cases with empathy and meticulous research.
• Goal: Fill their bookshelf with their own works, telling the stories behind the headlines.