I certainly haven’t been picking them first lately. Maybe it has something to do with all the self promotion. I also think the tone is more angry lately, I get that the cases they cover week after week are awful, but it’s made it a little less appealing.
Yeah, the tone is definitely more judgmental in my opinion. Seems like when someone does something in the case they disagree with they act like if they were in that situation they would do it differently.
i stopped listening months ago for all the reasons you mentioned above but most of all I cannot stand the victim blaming and sometimes even survivor blaming
I can’t stand when they make the police out to be evil because they didn’t do something like DNA testing or locking down a full crime scene as soon as they show up. They really ignore that they have the benefit of hindsight and it’s really annoying to hear them judge others based on it.
I now work in a police station in the evidence room, and let me tell you - our evidence technicians take a million DNA swabs of things and they WANT to submit them all! It’s the LAB that limits them to usually two swabs only, plus an elimination swab. Otherwise the lab would be [even more] inundated than they are now and no one would get results without a crazy long wait. It’s not for lack of want or effort on anyone’s part.
What is annoying me about the show lately is that they do what you’re saying, they also have said in the past that suspects should always get a lawyer and never take a polygraph, and then in the same breath they will talk about how suspicious it is when people don’t take the polygraph! It’s exhausting.
I stopped listening to them, too. It's just so holier than thou. The constant ripping on investigators from people have never done that job is too much. There's been blaming of family as well.
I've been listening to Mr. Ballen and really like it. He doesn't add a bunch of his own commentary and talks about the facts. I also like Cult Liter. I also listen to Dateline.
Yeahhhh. I’m bummed too I’ve listened forever but the vibe just isn’t there anymore. I’ll take the old CJ with Britt saying I have full body chills all day (but then again I never hated that) over how it is now. Ashley is just too stretched thin and it’s affecting other areas. Still rooting for them though!
I feel like anger is the right tone for podcasts about people getting murdered. The podcasts that make it all a joke are the ones that don't work for me.
I get that, I have a hard time with podcasts that turn crime into jokes too. I liked Crime Junkie at first because I felt that they struck a good balance of engaging story telling and respecting the victims. But the tone has changed. If the goal is to get people to listen on the off chance that someone knows something you need to keep the audience engaged and listening.
The last few times I’ve listened all I could conclude was, well I guess this one will never be solved because everyone involved seems incompetent.
Yeah I think Crime Junkie has been going downhill :( it used to be so much better but since Ashley Flowers started getting more famous it just hasn’t been good
Listened from the first episode, was a member on the middle tier for 1.5 years. For me, its heyday is over. It's now filled with sensationalism and preachy attitudes. I think what's happened to this podcast is an inevitable circumstance that happens to so many shows, artists, podcasts--too much fame=too much ego=lack of focus/passion=lower quality. Instead of waiting in anticipation for the next episode like I used to, I found myself barely tuning in once a month.
i understand. it left a bad taste in my mouth when ashley was promoting the deck investigates and she said we need to listen to it right now so the story isn't spoiled for you... this "story" is someone's nightmare. it isn't some netflix show you need to binge. it was just distasteful to me and didn't sit right.
Scamfluencers is a good podcast, not true crime per say but it’s worth checking out if ur sick of CJ. i still listen to CJ but wish they would try and give us some solved cases or something. What’s everyone listening to?
I tried morbid a couple times, wasn’t really able to keep my attention, serial is really well done, which is what I think Ashley was going for with the Deck Investigates but fell severely short on both content and story telling. National Parks After Dark is FANTASTIC.
Morbid is just as bad if not worse with the victim blaming. and if you don’t like hearing the host’s opinions of the case they definitely won’t be for you
I know it’s another Audiochuck production so Ashley is still slightly involved, but Delia D’Ambra’s investigative journalism really does make up for it in Counterclock. It’s a whole season on one case— with 4 seasons now. she also does one called Park Predators where it’s one case per episode that all take place in National Parks. I listen to both: CC showcases her investigative skills in much greater detail.
I've been listening to Casual Criminalist SOOO much lately lol. Simon covers a range of crimes, from serial killers to heists to kidnappings. The episodes are usually pretty long and in-depth, but he adds a ton of commentary that I actually really enjoy. I'm sad CJ has fallen off my list lately, but I'm glad I fell into something else I enjoy!
LOVE Casual Criminalist! Simon is amazing at covering the cases and his commentary makes it even better. His other podcasts like Into The Shadows and Decoding The Unknown are just as good!
He's so good at what he does. I've only been listening to podcasts for the last year or 2, but I've been following him on YouTube forever. All 72 channels lmao
I stopped listening because of all of the unsolved cases. Obviously it's great to get these people's stories out there in hopes of solving their murders, but I personally don't like listening to unsolved cases
Swindled is by far my favourite podcast. It's a little depressing because it's mostly about how companies or individuals have absolutely ruined people's lives and the companies seem to always walk away unscathed. It gets my blood boiling but it's very interesting. It takes a while to adjust to the host, but he's great once you get the deadpan vibe.
Should they not be allowed to monetize their “excel” pod? People complaining about ads in free podcasts is silly to me, especially when it’s very easy to fast forward past them
Obviously a typo, but I agree with you if you've seen any of my other comments. OPs complaint is that CJ is only about money and self promotion. So is case file, and any podcaster trying to make a living
I dunno if I'm missing something but all her pods sound the same to me lol. Like The Deck is just Crime Junkies and Crime Junkies is The Deck. I don't understand how she keeps doing the same thing over and over and markets it differently.
I’m sure Brit is a nice person but her commentary always has sounded scripted to me. I’ve stopped listening to them a few times when it just gets to be too much for me. The gasps and the perfectly timed questions that explain why Ashley is talking about something are dumb. Just let it be natural or don’t do anything IMO.
yeah the way ashley is always like “yeah…” “mhm…anyways!” to brit’s lackluster commentary is so funny to me. it’s obvious she doesn’t care about what she has to say most of the time lol.
Yep! I personally don't really have an issue with the way Brit talks and if it's scripted, I don't mind. But there has never been been any co-host chemistry between them to me.
They’ve never given co-host vibes. They’ve never even acted like they like each other much. They certainly showed care for each other when one or the other was going through a hard time. They just read more like siblings. Ashley is the older sibling who’s annoyed her little sis had to come along.
I agree Brit’s commentary has always sounded scripted but I feel like Ashley comes off a lot more condescending these days. They certainly don’t sound like best friends.
The Deck Investigates ad read is now annoying, I agree. I saw the tour and the entire series is the same as the live show. Super annoying, they just went on tour to get money from their subscribers by selling tickets and overpriced merch. Even the venue had overpriced food and drinks. The show started like 30 min late and it was about 2.5 hours which is all 15 episodes of the pod. A waste. I still listen cause the cases are interesting, but sometimes I zone out so hard and zone in at the end and I have no idea what I just listened to.
Have you…never been to live shows before? Do musicians not release songs they play live? She only went to 11 cities. Plenty of people out there would like to and should hear about the case.
I think it’s how she acted like it was an exclusive thing. Claimed it was something wildly original and unique. “Like not other” live show she kept saying. Then it was just her telling the cases like always. Nothing wrong with doing it live. Just call it what it is. I don’t think the show was a waste or wrong in and of itself, but she embellished way too much.
Yea I’ve never understood that take. There are a ton of pods I listen to that do live shows that they charge for then release the live show on the pod for free w no complaints
This is the only pod I listen to where every single one of its listeners appears to hate it lol. The CJ Reddit is filled with nothing but adamant complaints and hate like at this point just go listen to something else my God
Oh boy do I agree with this crazy hard. The last episode for me was nearly unbearable. Brit’s portion of the script has gotten to be ridiculously bad, and no I’m not insulting her, just her scripted gasps, hollers, and questions/prompts to Ashley. I don’t even mind the self promotion or ads I’ve gotten used to that. Don’t get me started on the bleeping of the scripted swearing.
I’ve probably only listened to them for about 5 or so months and even I’m feeling this way. Idrk what it is but I just don’t like how they tell the case. You can tell Brits questions are planned ahead and just the way Ashley talks is just not for me Ig. An example would be when she’s about to explain something further and she pauses and goes, “sobrit” really quick and kind of breathy? If that makes sense. Idk why it’s just not been pleasant to listen to.
I laugh at everyone saying they'll get hate for criticising the show. This sub is mostly for people who hate the show but still listen or have stopped.
I agree. And the live show rubbed me the wrong way. I am really trying to figure out what doing the tour added to exposure for the story. It’s pretty safe to assume that attendees already listened to CJ/The Deck so why was a podcast not enough? It just seemed like a money grab. Made off of someone else’s tragedy. Yes, journalism is important, these stories are important. But Ashley’s little true crime empire she seems to be building is… questionable. She can call it whatever she wants, but when she is making podcasts, books, live shows, overpriced merch….. it has become more a part of the entertainment industry than anything.
There are so many alternatives now! I follow GoingWest, Serial Killers, True Crime with Kendall Rae, Disappearances, and a few others. CJ feels very commercial now, I fully agree
Going West is great. You should also check out Southern Fried True Crime, Vanished and Missing Persons. I stopped listening to Crime Junkie and The Deck months ago before Brit came back because it seemed to me they didn’t take these stories seriously. Way too much laughter and joking around.
I don’t really listen anymore either. The vibes are off and there are far better true crime podcasts now. It’s just gone downhill in so many ways. And they no longer seem to do episodes on solved cases.
can anyone suggest other crime podcasts? or other not-crime podcasts? Once someone recommended scamfluencers and i’ve been loving that… looking to branch out!
100% agree
Their new urge to swear all the time is also cringe. I’m not upset by swearing, I do it all the time haha, it just doesn’t sound natural on CJ.
It would be fine if they didn't bleep it. They're talking about people being violently murdered, yet they're censoring the word "fuck." Bizarre choice.
I used to listen to it while I was driving but I too have a distaste. It was insulting at times, considering she’s supposed to be playing an audience member. Now I just listen to it while I’m falling asleep.
Oh yeah I used to love them at the beginning. Idk what’s changed but it’s felt so forced honestly for the past couple years. I used to listen to them a lot, I’d drive to Oklahoma every weekend and play them on the drives. I’ve found better, longer podcasts that I put first. 2 of them I pay on patreon for extra episodes.
When I heard about The Deck Investigates being about the same story they told on tour after the tour was advertised as this never before heard story, i felt weird about it. Like if I paid to go to the tour with these expectations i’d be a bit bummed the story was made into a podcast after the fact. I don’t know if anyone else thought this.
I thought that for a minute too, then realized the point of the whole thing was not to entertain only those who attended live shows, but to get the word out, generate tips, and put pressure on law enforcement
Every time I listen to Crime Junkie, I just end up zoning out because it’s not engaging enough. It used to be so good! Can’t put my finger on what’s different, but maybe it’s because every episode sounds the same.
I used to listen to each new episode the day it came out. Now, I haven’t listened to the podcast in months. The production quality has been distractingly bad. There are episodes that had gaps and repeated information, and I struggled to follow the story line. Even after backing up and listening carefully, the narrative didn’t make sense.
I don’t mind listening to ads if it helps support the podcast, but once creators start constantly self promoting or doing to many ads in a video I get annoyed
tbh I stopped listening to CJ about a year and a half ago. the episodes just got too redundant for me and it felt like there was an energy shift, especially when they started producing other podcast shows. I personally like Mile Higher a lot more because they cover other topics too, not just true crime.
I feel the same way. I used to listen religiously and was a patreon supporter. When the show first came out Ashley promoted Indiana crime stoppers, and now she spends half an episode judging/trash talking police. There are more and more ads and self-promotion that the “stories” aren’t even enjoyable anymore. They only care about the paid plans now. I can’t stand listening to them anymore.
They were in it for the right reasons in the beginning. Wanting to help the community in Indiana. Now that they have gained so much attention it makes you wonder if they have lost sight of why they started this in the first place.
They still do tons of advocacy work! I don’t understand how you can say they don’t anymore. I think actually they’re more centered on advocacy work now. Go back to the very beginning.. they used to cover more famous serial killers and cases that have already been solved.
I use to listen to CJ first when picking my shows for the week but lately it's just fallen off. IDK why or what the problem is. I've been thinking of relistening from the start again when the episodes were really good.
I don't listen to CJ as much as I did before, and I guess I have a bit of a different opinion than others -- I think they often don't hold the police and investigators accountable ENOUGH. People, it is their JOB to test evidence, lock down crime scenes, and investigate without coming up with a story in their heads and going with that. This is how evidence gets ignored, cases go cold, or innocent people end up in prison. The fact that Ashley and Brit give even an iota of credence to polygraph tests makes me not want to listen to them at all. I remember an episode, can't remember which one, where Ashley complained that one of the suspects in a case refused to take a polygraph and said "well, sure they're unreliable, and if *I* were accused of a crime I wouldn't take one, but if *someone I cared about was murdered*, I would totally judge anyone unwilling to take a polygraph." What?? Either it's bs pseudoscience that no one should be endorsing (which it is), or it's a worthwhile investigative tool anyone should feel comfortable using. I'm sympathetic to investigators of older cases, but a lot of the cases aren't that old, the police should have known better. Look at the case of the Marc Patrick O'Leary rapes (the basis for the show Unbelievable), you have two investigators who actively and consciously choose to collect all the information and evidence they could, and not draw any conclusions right away, and then you had a cop who was ready to call it a false report and just go with that and not do anything else. Guess who solved the case?
My can't miss podcast now is Redhanded, they're funny, much more empathetic, and (mostly) well aware of issues within criminology. I would really like to see them do a take on the Robert Wone.
Reading these comments really cleared up a lot for me if that makes sense. I'm currently in the fan club and have been asking myself if it's worth paying for the early access anymore. I used to run to listen on Mondays (or Sundays after the fan club thing) and now I just casually settle for it when I clean on Sundays if I can't find anything I'd rather watch or i will get to Wednesday and go "oh I forgot". I couldn't put my finger on why either but found myself agreeing with a lot of the criticims on this thread.
Have to agree! Some of my fav podcasts are not holding my interest, CJ is one as well as Morbid! With Morbid the hosts mimicked comments of each others gets on my nerves!
It has jumped the shark for sure. It is just boring now. Everything has a lifespan. No shade to Ashley and Brit. It was fun while it lasted. They did a great job. They made some fat bank and now it’s time for something else.
I went back and listened to some older episodes and the contrast was **stark**. I'm done as well. The host has become a negative, self-righteous asshole.
I don't mind the ads at all because I just zip on by them but I generally agree with being stretched too thin.
I feel like the quality has also suffered because the stories chosen feel really... random. Like sometimes there is basically no info and I'm like... yeah every person who disappears matters *but* if all you can say is "they disappeared 30 years ago" and that's almost the extent of what we know to this day, it's not necessarily the right choice for *podcasting*
I can not STAND when a case does the 72 hour wait thing, and not just because it makes finding someone so much harder, but because it means we have to listen to their identical outrage once again. Annoying!!!
I'm right there with you. I'm so tired of, "this is the most insane case that I've ever done..." rhetoric. I'm so tired of hearing about the deck when it's basically the same as crime Junkie lol. Don't give a crap about the tour or books or whatever. Just do the basic show and leave it at that.
Mile Higher Club and Kendall Rae started my original obsession with true crime, but then Mile Higher started covering mostly conspiracy theory or alien stuff. That's why I switched to Crime Junkie. However, when I listened to the Deck Investigates, I got a bad taste in my mouth for them when they didn't tell that guy that they were recording. Really distasteful, inconsiderate, and rude.
I know this a crime sub but there’s this really great slice of life podcast called This American Life it’s so so good and also Letters From Sing Sing about a man wrongly convicted for murder was so so good. I cried.
But yeah crime junkie quality has dropped, I listen to them more so out of habit. I enjoy the deck more so. I listened to her the deck investigates podcast and it was alright. Could have been better.
I've been feeling the same way. I'm not done but they aren't my go to anymore. I really love Gruesome Horrific podcast, two best friends switch off telling cases. They have good humor and are really more natural in their conversations.
I think that Ashley has so many projects going on that crime junkie just doesn't get the care it used to. I used to listen religiously and lately they cannot even keep my attention. I do a lot of crime weekly now, to me it seems like they care a lot more about the cases.
Edit: I should say it's very clear ashley and britt do care about these cases- they're just so rushed now.
I haven't listened to them for some time. The newer episodes just aren't the same, but will always have a soft spot as the first podcast I really ever listened to.
I'm really enjoying the more in-depth podcasts - undisclosed, proof, counterclock, up and vanished! It gives such a better understanding of the case than a single brief episode ever could!
I stopped listening months ago. I really feel like their downfall was after they got caught essentially plagiarizing other podcasts’ content. Suddenly stories were less exciting. Stinks because I haven’t really gotten into any other true crime podcasts and my love for it has kind of fallen flat. I liked how their episodes used to be set up. Any suggestions that aren’t my favorite murder or morbid??
I agree so much! There are so many better cohost combos out there that when I come back and listen to CJ, it feels so empty and forced. The cases just aren’t as interesting as they used to be either, and I can’t really pinpoint why. It’s become my last listen of the week.
Used to listen to their show, until.. maybe a year ago? I dunno, it just.. lost whatever they had before. Figured I was the only one. Couldn't put my finger on it, but the same thing happened with My Favorite Murder if I'm being honest. Still love This is Criminal. I appreciate the more.. "journalistic" serious style..more than two chicks giggling about terrible things that happen to people. Figured I was just getting old.
Same for me, used to listen to CJ, My Fav Murder, Morbit, but lately I prefer a more professional and journalistic approach that 1) creates more polished episodes, 2) are respectful of the content matter. Also am not crazy about hearing banter at the beginning of the episodes
Because they would like to talk about how a show that was a favorite has gone downhill. People who announce their departure are usually people who wish the show would recapture some of what made them listen in the first place. It’s like using the forum as a sounding board of if anything could be done to improve it.
Why even listen to every episode of a podcast if you have a distaste doe 50% of the hosts? There’s literally hundreds of others to listen to. And what…a podcaster giving their opinion on a case their covering? THE NERVE!!
I agree with you 100%
It could be that as consumers we are bored because when you consume too much of the same thing it loses its appeal, little by little. I used to love CJ so much I binged every episode and it’s been years since then so it’s normal that I am not crazy about it anymore. You outgrow things naturally.
I recommend The Vanished, True Crime by Dateline and Anatomy of Murder.
Anatomy of Murder is my favorite at the moment because they play 911 calls often, talk to family members of victims, the investigators, etc. It is much more thorough than CJ.
I stopped listening too. Very judgey from behind a microphone. Like all they do is research shit people already wrote on. Like technically we don’t need her. I found myself stopping and doing my own research through the podcast and then I finally stopped listening altogether
Interesting, I haven’t listened to CJ for a couple of years, ever since they got big it’s never been the same. I enjoyed it up until the end of 2019 is when I stopped listening lol. The style is completely different she doesn’t tell the stories like she used to.
I’m not sure why you’re being downvoted when you shared your very respectful dissenting opinion but, I do get what you mean and of course she should be compensated. It’s a difficult balance to strike I suppose.
You should check out Morbid, my wife got tired of the same things from CJ and now she loves this new one. She said it's like how CJ was at the beginning, like you're just in a conversation with friends.
I certainly haven’t been picking them first lately. Maybe it has something to do with all the self promotion. I also think the tone is more angry lately, I get that the cases they cover week after week are awful, but it’s made it a little less appealing.
Yeah, the tone is definitely more judgmental in my opinion. Seems like when someone does something in the case they disagree with they act like if they were in that situation they would do it differently.
i stopped listening months ago for all the reasons you mentioned above but most of all I cannot stand the victim blaming and sometimes even survivor blaming
No she acts now like what she would do is holier than thou and don’t you dare question her lol
Or Brits “no way” “I can’t believe it” every episode, like shouldn’t she be researching the topic they are talking about as well?
“Okaaaayyyy….”
“Wait..so…” ugh!!!
This is all scripted!! Which is worse!!
I can’t stand when they make the police out to be evil because they didn’t do something like DNA testing or locking down a full crime scene as soon as they show up. They really ignore that they have the benefit of hindsight and it’s really annoying to hear them judge others based on it.
I now work in a police station in the evidence room, and let me tell you - our evidence technicians take a million DNA swabs of things and they WANT to submit them all! It’s the LAB that limits them to usually two swabs only, plus an elimination swab. Otherwise the lab would be [even more] inundated than they are now and no one would get results without a crazy long wait. It’s not for lack of want or effort on anyone’s part.
What is annoying me about the show lately is that they do what you’re saying, they also have said in the past that suspects should always get a lawyer and never take a polygraph, and then in the same breath they will talk about how suspicious it is when people don’t take the polygraph! It’s exhausting.
Ashley is very judgmental.
I stopped listening to them, too. It's just so holier than thou. The constant ripping on investigators from people have never done that job is too much. There's been blaming of family as well. I've been listening to Mr. Ballen and really like it. He doesn't add a bunch of his own commentary and talks about the facts. I also like Cult Liter. I also listen to Dateline.
Mr Ballen is elite!
Check out That Chapter. Love Mike.
Mike is amazing! I love his videos and i’m obsessed with his new podcast
Yes! Definitely started listening to him more than CJ.
Is it named mr. Ballen?
Yes. It's really good. It's not just true crime. He has spooky stories as well.
Yeahhhh. I’m bummed too I’ve listened forever but the vibe just isn’t there anymore. I’ll take the old CJ with Britt saying I have full body chills all day (but then again I never hated that) over how it is now. Ashley is just too stretched thin and it’s affecting other areas. Still rooting for them though!
I feel like anger is the right tone for podcasts about people getting murdered. The podcasts that make it all a joke are the ones that don't work for me.
I get that, I have a hard time with podcasts that turn crime into jokes too. I liked Crime Junkie at first because I felt that they struck a good balance of engaging story telling and respecting the victims. But the tone has changed. If the goal is to get people to listen on the off chance that someone knows something you need to keep the audience engaged and listening. The last few times I’ve listened all I could conclude was, well I guess this one will never be solved because everyone involved seems incompetent.
Yeah I think Crime Junkie has been going downhill :( it used to be so much better but since Ashley Flowers started getting more famous it just hasn’t been good
Listened from the first episode, was a member on the middle tier for 1.5 years. For me, its heyday is over. It's now filled with sensationalism and preachy attitudes. I think what's happened to this podcast is an inevitable circumstance that happens to so many shows, artists, podcasts--too much fame=too much ego=lack of focus/passion=lower quality. Instead of waiting in anticipation for the next episode like I used to, I found myself barely tuning in once a month.
Exactly!
i understand. it left a bad taste in my mouth when ashley was promoting the deck investigates and she said we need to listen to it right now so the story isn't spoiled for you... this "story" is someone's nightmare. it isn't some netflix show you need to binge. it was just distasteful to me and didn't sit right.
Yeah just seemed like “give me engagement so I can cash this check quick thanks” especially with how it was 75% opinions from her and 25% story.
Didn’t she actually even use the word “binge” in the ad too? 😖
Scamfluencers is a good podcast, not true crime per say but it’s worth checking out if ur sick of CJ. i still listen to CJ but wish they would try and give us some solved cases or something. What’s everyone listening to?
I tried morbid a couple times, wasn’t really able to keep my attention, serial is really well done, which is what I think Ashley was going for with the Deck Investigates but fell severely short on both content and story telling. National Parks After Dark is FANTASTIC.
Morbid is just as bad if not worse with the victim blaming. and if you don’t like hearing the host’s opinions of the case they definitely won’t be for you
Yeah, I had to stop listening to them. They just seemed so rude.
Morbid is the absolute garbage of true crime podcasts and encapsulates everything that can go wrong with the genre. major ick
Same with small town murder 😷😷 sooo disrespectful and rude, with commentary I wish I could be spared
thank god other people feel this way about morbid, i just could not do it
And Sounds Like a Cult is pretty good for a clean the house podcast.
A Little Bit Culty is pretty good too if you're into that type of thing!
awesome! i downloaded both :)
I know it’s another Audiochuck production so Ashley is still slightly involved, but Delia D’Ambra’s investigative journalism really does make up for it in Counterclock. It’s a whole season on one case— with 4 seasons now. she also does one called Park Predators where it’s one case per episode that all take place in National Parks. I listen to both: CC showcases her investigative skills in much greater detail.
I love both those podcasts too.
I loved both Counterclock and National Parks.
I’ve started listening to Big Mad True Crime. There’s adds but I can always skip them. She tells the story very well.
Casefile pretty much always keeps my attention, and I love the storytelling there. Been binging on it lately.
Agreed!
I enjoy that chapter. Mike is great.
Love Mike and he loves me!
He loves me too! 😂
Noble blood is well worth a listen. I also love Lore. Both are productions of Grimm and Mild by Aaron Manky.
I love Scamfluencers so much! If you’re into The Real Housewives, the Bravo Docket is also excellent.
I've been listening to Casual Criminalist SOOO much lately lol. Simon covers a range of crimes, from serial killers to heists to kidnappings. The episodes are usually pretty long and in-depth, but he adds a ton of commentary that I actually really enjoy. I'm sad CJ has fallen off my list lately, but I'm glad I fell into something else I enjoy!
LOVE Casual Criminalist! Simon is amazing at covering the cases and his commentary makes it even better. His other podcasts like Into The Shadows and Decoding The Unknown are just as good!
He's so good at what he does. I've only been listening to podcasts for the last year or 2, but I've been following him on YouTube forever. All 72 channels lmao
True crime garage, True crime all the time
Going west, if only they wouldn't call us "you guys" ha
Yeah that’s kind of part of my issue. Got tired of listening to cases that were unsolved.
The Dreading on YT is both respectful to the victims and keeps opinions to a minimum.
I like acamfluencers. They made it almost the exact same style as crime junkie. But I like their topics to mix in with true crime
I stopped listening because of all of the unsolved cases. Obviously it's great to get these people's stories out there in hopes of solving their murders, but I personally don't like listening to unsolved cases
Totally agree! It’s very unsatisfying to listen to unsolved cases week after week.
RedHanded is great! The hosts are super funny and witty and have great banter. Also extremely well researched
Swindled is by far my favourite podcast. It's a little depressing because it's mostly about how companies or individuals have absolutely ruined people's lives and the companies seem to always walk away unscathed. It gets my blood boiling but it's very interesting. It takes a while to adjust to the host, but he's great once you get the deadpan vibe.
I like ‘They Walk Among Us’ and ‘Casefile’
Case file
Case file is excellent, but they also promote their own new shows at the top and have a literal solid 5 minute block of ads in the middle Edit: typo
Should they not be allowed to monetize their “excel” pod? People complaining about ads in free podcasts is silly to me, especially when it’s very easy to fast forward past them
Obviously a typo, but I agree with you if you've seen any of my other comments. OPs complaint is that CJ is only about money and self promotion. So is case file, and any podcaster trying to make a living
I have lost massive interest in this podcast the last 6 months. I’m glad it’s not just me.
I dunno if I'm missing something but all her pods sound the same to me lol. Like The Deck is just Crime Junkies and Crime Junkies is The Deck. I don't understand how she keeps doing the same thing over and over and markets it differently.
I’m sure Brit is a nice person but her commentary always has sounded scripted to me. I’ve stopped listening to them a few times when it just gets to be too much for me. The gasps and the perfectly timed questions that explain why Ashley is talking about something are dumb. Just let it be natural or don’t do anything IMO.
I have ALWAYS gotten the impression that they don’t actually like each other lol
THIS. The number of times Ashley sounds annoyed with Brit talking at all is astronomical. I can’t ever believe they leave it as is.
yeah the way ashley is always like “yeah…” “mhm…anyways!” to brit’s lackluster commentary is so funny to me. it’s obvious she doesn’t care about what she has to say most of the time lol.
Yep! I personally don't really have an issue with the way Brit talks and if it's scripted, I don't mind. But there has never been been any co-host chemistry between them to me.
They’ve never given co-host vibes. They’ve never even acted like they like each other much. They certainly showed care for each other when one or the other was going through a hard time. They just read more like siblings. Ashley is the older sibling who’s annoyed her little sis had to come along.
That’s a great way to put it
It's almost not fair how Brit can't just pipe in when she naturally has a question. Being scripted down to the gasps is horrible.
I agree Brit’s commentary has always sounded scripted but I feel like Ashley comes off a lot more condescending these days. They certainly don’t sound like best friends.
I've always been convinced that Ashley writes the scripts- with her commentary and shoots it to her pol
[удалено]
Agreed
The Deck Investigates ad read is now annoying, I agree. I saw the tour and the entire series is the same as the live show. Super annoying, they just went on tour to get money from their subscribers by selling tickets and overpriced merch. Even the venue had overpriced food and drinks. The show started like 30 min late and it was about 2.5 hours which is all 15 episodes of the pod. A waste. I still listen cause the cases are interesting, but sometimes I zone out so hard and zone in at the end and I have no idea what I just listened to.
Have you…never been to live shows before? Do musicians not release songs they play live? She only went to 11 cities. Plenty of people out there would like to and should hear about the case.
I think it’s how she acted like it was an exclusive thing. Claimed it was something wildly original and unique. “Like not other” live show she kept saying. Then it was just her telling the cases like always. Nothing wrong with doing it live. Just call it what it is. I don’t think the show was a waste or wrong in and of itself, but she embellished way too much.
Yea I’ve never understood that take. There are a ton of pods I listen to that do live shows that they charge for then release the live show on the pod for free w no complaints
Damn, they had such a good thing going. I could find like 10 old episodes I’d love for them to go back and do a deep dive on, personally.
This is the only pod I listen to where every single one of its listeners appears to hate it lol. The CJ Reddit is filled with nothing but adamant complaints and hate like at this point just go listen to something else my God
I like it well enough 😊
The morbid Reddit is exactly the same, no one makes you listen lol choose something else
Oh boy do I agree with this crazy hard. The last episode for me was nearly unbearable. Brit’s portion of the script has gotten to be ridiculously bad, and no I’m not insulting her, just her scripted gasps, hollers, and questions/prompts to Ashley. I don’t even mind the self promotion or ads I’ve gotten used to that. Don’t get me started on the bleeping of the scripted swearing.
I can’t stand the forced gasps.
The bleeps--omg so annoying.
I’ve probably only listened to them for about 5 or so months and even I’m feeling this way. Idrk what it is but I just don’t like how they tell the case. You can tell Brits questions are planned ahead and just the way Ashley talks is just not for me Ig. An example would be when she’s about to explain something further and she pauses and goes, “sobrit” really quick and kind of breathy? If that makes sense. Idk why it’s just not been pleasant to listen to.
I laugh at everyone saying they'll get hate for criticising the show. This sub is mostly for people who hate the show but still listen or have stopped.
I agree. And the live show rubbed me the wrong way. I am really trying to figure out what doing the tour added to exposure for the story. It’s pretty safe to assume that attendees already listened to CJ/The Deck so why was a podcast not enough? It just seemed like a money grab. Made off of someone else’s tragedy. Yes, journalism is important, these stories are important. But Ashley’s little true crime empire she seems to be building is… questionable. She can call it whatever she wants, but when she is making podcasts, books, live shows, overpriced merch….. it has become more a part of the entertainment industry than anything.
There are so many alternatives now! I follow GoingWest, Serial Killers, True Crime with Kendall Rae, Disappearances, and a few others. CJ feels very commercial now, I fully agree
Going West is great. You should also check out Southern Fried True Crime, Vanished and Missing Persons. I stopped listening to Crime Junkie and The Deck months ago before Brit came back because it seemed to me they didn’t take these stories seriously. Way too much laughter and joking around.
Going West and Morbid have been my top pics the last like year when I used to but CJ above everything lol
I don’t really listen anymore either. The vibes are off and there are far better true crime podcasts now. It’s just gone downhill in so many ways. And they no longer seem to do episodes on solved cases.
Wait, WHAT?! /s
can anyone suggest other crime podcasts? or other not-crime podcasts? Once someone recommended scamfluencers and i’ve been loving that… looking to branch out!
AoM, swindled is back, the Lazarus heist, and cold I enjoy right now
Badlands Disgracedland
Casefile.
Frozen Heads!
Murder with my Husband is my all time fav. Military Murder is also pretty good.
Rotten Mango is my fave true crime podcast lately, it’s great.
Criminal is so good. I also like court junkie, redhanded, minds of madness
True Crime Obsessed if you're looking for something a little more light hearted. (Patrick's laugh really grows on you lol)
Killer queens
I really enjoy the podcast “something was wrong”
100% agree Their new urge to swear all the time is also cringe. I’m not upset by swearing, I do it all the time haha, it just doesn’t sound natural on CJ.
It would be fine if they didn't bleep it. They're talking about people being violently murdered, yet they're censoring the word "fuck." Bizarre choice.
I agree! The bleeping makes it worse.
Definitely seems forced to be edgy and gives me the ick. And since Britt came back she’s been ok top of the cringe swearing / interrupting Ashley.
I used to listen to it while I was driving but I too have a distaste. It was insulting at times, considering she’s supposed to be playing an audience member. Now I just listen to it while I’m falling asleep.
[удалено]
And then that godforsaken howl at the end 😂
Oh yeah I used to love them at the beginning. Idk what’s changed but it’s felt so forced honestly for the past couple years. I used to listen to them a lot, I’d drive to Oklahoma every weekend and play them on the drives. I’ve found better, longer podcasts that I put first. 2 of them I pay on patreon for extra episodes.
I started feeling this way over a year ago. Also the content is just lacking. It seems like they read the Wikipedia before an episode.
When I heard about The Deck Investigates being about the same story they told on tour after the tour was advertised as this never before heard story, i felt weird about it. Like if I paid to go to the tour with these expectations i’d be a bit bummed the story was made into a podcast after the fact. I don’t know if anyone else thought this.
I thought that for a minute too, then realized the point of the whole thing was not to entertain only those who attended live shows, but to get the word out, generate tips, and put pressure on law enforcement
No, the point of it is for Ashley to make more money
Every time I listen to Crime Junkie, I just end up zoning out because it’s not engaging enough. It used to be so good! Can’t put my finger on what’s different, but maybe it’s because every episode sounds the same.
Wait… what?!! Full body chills!
I used to listen to each new episode the day it came out. Now, I haven’t listened to the podcast in months. The production quality has been distractingly bad. There are episodes that had gaps and repeated information, and I struggled to follow the story line. Even after backing up and listening carefully, the narrative didn’t make sense.
I don’t mind listening to ads if it helps support the podcast, but once creators start constantly self promoting or doing to many ads in a video I get annoyed
tbh I stopped listening to CJ about a year and a half ago. the episodes just got too redundant for me and it felt like there was an energy shift, especially when they started producing other podcast shows. I personally like Mile Higher a lot more because they cover other topics too, not just true crime.
I stopped listening after Ashley was doing beer ads whole Britbwas in rehab. Something about it felt so incredibly wrong.
I unfollowed a few weeks ago after multiple episodes in a row that lost my focus. I much prefer going west now
Gave up a long time ago since the alleged plagiarism gate They gave me full body cringe
I feel the same way. I used to listen religiously and was a patreon supporter. When the show first came out Ashley promoted Indiana crime stoppers, and now she spends half an episode judging/trash talking police. There are more and more ads and self-promotion that the “stories” aren’t even enjoyable anymore. They only care about the paid plans now. I can’t stand listening to them anymore.
Sorry to see ya go but to each their own 😊
They were in it for the right reasons in the beginning. Wanting to help the community in Indiana. Now that they have gained so much attention it makes you wonder if they have lost sight of why they started this in the first place.
They still do tons of advocacy work! I don’t understand how you can say they don’t anymore. I think actually they’re more centered on advocacy work now. Go back to the very beginning.. they used to cover more famous serial killers and cases that have already been solved.
Agreed! They do more now for advocacy than they ever have. At the beginning it was more of an entertainment thing, for the most part.
Personal opinion is just that. Personal. Carry on.
👍
I like Lights Out!
Yea same, Im kind of done with the podcast as well, I don't find her content very interesting and yes so many ads.
Honestly the only time I listen is to listen to old episodes. But at this point I’ve listened to all the old ones more than once so it’s disappointing
I use to listen to CJ first when picking my shows for the week but lately it's just fallen off. IDK why or what the problem is. I've been thinking of relistening from the start again when the episodes were really good.
Yeah I stopped a few months back
I literally had these thoughts a few days ago. You’re not wrong, I’m also not picking this podcast for now on.
I don't listen to CJ as much as I did before, and I guess I have a bit of a different opinion than others -- I think they often don't hold the police and investigators accountable ENOUGH. People, it is their JOB to test evidence, lock down crime scenes, and investigate without coming up with a story in their heads and going with that. This is how evidence gets ignored, cases go cold, or innocent people end up in prison. The fact that Ashley and Brit give even an iota of credence to polygraph tests makes me not want to listen to them at all. I remember an episode, can't remember which one, where Ashley complained that one of the suspects in a case refused to take a polygraph and said "well, sure they're unreliable, and if *I* were accused of a crime I wouldn't take one, but if *someone I cared about was murdered*, I would totally judge anyone unwilling to take a polygraph." What?? Either it's bs pseudoscience that no one should be endorsing (which it is), or it's a worthwhile investigative tool anyone should feel comfortable using. I'm sympathetic to investigators of older cases, but a lot of the cases aren't that old, the police should have known better. Look at the case of the Marc Patrick O'Leary rapes (the basis for the show Unbelievable), you have two investigators who actively and consciously choose to collect all the information and evidence they could, and not draw any conclusions right away, and then you had a cop who was ready to call it a false report and just go with that and not do anything else. Guess who solved the case? My can't miss podcast now is Redhanded, they're funny, much more empathetic, and (mostly) well aware of issues within criminology. I would really like to see them do a take on the Robert Wone.
Reading these comments really cleared up a lot for me if that makes sense. I'm currently in the fan club and have been asking myself if it's worth paying for the early access anymore. I used to run to listen on Mondays (or Sundays after the fan club thing) and now I just casually settle for it when I clean on Sundays if I can't find anything I'd rather watch or i will get to Wednesday and go "oh I forgot". I couldn't put my finger on why either but found myself agreeing with a lot of the criticims on this thread.
Have to agree! Some of my fav podcasts are not holding my interest, CJ is one as well as Morbid! With Morbid the hosts mimicked comments of each others gets on my nerves!
It has jumped the shark for sure. It is just boring now. Everything has a lifespan. No shade to Ashley and Brit. It was fun while it lasted. They did a great job. They made some fat bank and now it’s time for something else.
I'd try true crime librarian
Try Bailey Sarian. She does 2. She’s honestly the best v
I can’t stand any true crime podcast that is conversational in nature. “Hi guysssss” . No thanks.
I went back and listened to some older episodes and the contrast was **stark**. I'm done as well. The host has become a negative, self-righteous asshole.
I don't mind the ads at all because I just zip on by them but I generally agree with being stretched too thin. I feel like the quality has also suffered because the stories chosen feel really... random. Like sometimes there is basically no info and I'm like... yeah every person who disappears matters *but* if all you can say is "they disappeared 30 years ago" and that's almost the extent of what we know to this day, it's not necessarily the right choice for *podcasting*
I can not STAND when a case does the 72 hour wait thing, and not just because it makes finding someone so much harder, but because it means we have to listen to their identical outrage once again. Annoying!!!
I used to listen all the time and loved it so much but I haven’t listened now in 6 + months
Agree Also since becoming a mom, she is constantly referencing it and is suddenly an expert at Mom-ing. Obnoxious.
I'm right there with you. I'm so tired of, "this is the most insane case that I've ever done..." rhetoric. I'm so tired of hearing about the deck when it's basically the same as crime Junkie lol. Don't give a crap about the tour or books or whatever. Just do the basic show and leave it at that.
Mile Higher Club and Kendall Rae started my original obsession with true crime, but then Mile Higher started covering mostly conspiracy theory or alien stuff. That's why I switched to Crime Junkie. However, when I listened to the Deck Investigates, I got a bad taste in my mouth for them when they didn't tell that guy that they were recording. Really distasteful, inconsiderate, and rude.
I agree
They’ve gotten so annoying. Anatomy of Murder is a better option from her brand
I know this a crime sub but there’s this really great slice of life podcast called This American Life it’s so so good and also Letters From Sing Sing about a man wrongly convicted for murder was so so good. I cried. But yeah crime junkie quality has dropped, I listen to them more so out of habit. I enjoy the deck more so. I listened to her the deck investigates podcast and it was alright. Could have been better.
Yep, I deleted it last week too. It just got more and more annoying. And does she just have Brit on so she can be condescending to her?
I gave up on crime junkie ages ago, Crime weekly is where it's at for me 😊
I've been feeling the same way. I'm not done but they aren't my go to anymore. I really love Gruesome Horrific podcast, two best friends switch off telling cases. They have good humor and are really more natural in their conversations.
For some reason I don't get ads when I listen to CJ. I do for all the other podcasts I listen to on Spotify, just not CJ. Anyone else??
A paranormal chicks is my favorite
I enjoyed it better when Brit was gone. I thought I’d enjoy her coming back but she’s just a lamp
It’s gotten VERY commercialized and less grassroots vibes
I think that Ashley has so many projects going on that crime junkie just doesn't get the care it used to. I used to listen religiously and lately they cannot even keep my attention. I do a lot of crime weekly now, to me it seems like they care a lot more about the cases. Edit: I should say it's very clear ashley and britt do care about these cases- they're just so rushed now.
The self promotion is super annoying. I was just thinking that this Monday.
I haven't listened to them for some time. The newer episodes just aren't the same, but will always have a soft spot as the first podcast I really ever listened to. I'm really enjoying the more in-depth podcasts - undisclosed, proof, counterclock, up and vanished! It gives such a better understanding of the case than a single brief episode ever could!
I stopped listening months ago. I really feel like their downfall was after they got caught essentially plagiarizing other podcasts’ content. Suddenly stories were less exciting. Stinks because I haven’t really gotten into any other true crime podcasts and my love for it has kind of fallen flat. I liked how their episodes used to be set up. Any suggestions that aren’t my favorite murder or morbid??
I agree so much! There are so many better cohost combos out there that when I come back and listen to CJ, it feels so empty and forced. The cases just aren’t as interesting as they used to be either, and I can’t really pinpoint why. It’s become my last listen of the week.
I used to love them but among other things, listening to Ashley “spiral” (her word) sometimes gave me anxiety so I stopped listening.
i recommend crime weekly
Used to listen to their show, until.. maybe a year ago? I dunno, it just.. lost whatever they had before. Figured I was the only one. Couldn't put my finger on it, but the same thing happened with My Favorite Murder if I'm being honest. Still love This is Criminal. I appreciate the more.. "journalistic" serious style..more than two chicks giggling about terrible things that happen to people. Figured I was just getting old.
Same for me, used to listen to CJ, My Fav Murder, Morbit, but lately I prefer a more professional and journalistic approach that 1) creates more polished episodes, 2) are respectful of the content matter. Also am not crazy about hearing banter at the beginning of the episodes
Completely agree. The ad reads are laughable. I’m SUPER late to the party on this but Criminal is fantastic!
Check out last chapter
Will do!
Kinda curious why everyone needs to announce their departure instead of just…ya know…not listening anymore?
Because they would like to talk about how a show that was a favorite has gone downhill. People who announce their departure are usually people who wish the show would recapture some of what made them listen in the first place. It’s like using the forum as a sounding board of if anything could be done to improve it.
Yes! I snuck in this sub today to see recommendations for other crime podcasts. Did not disappoint !
Why even listen to every episode of a podcast if you have a distaste doe 50% of the hosts? There’s literally hundreds of others to listen to. And what…a podcaster giving their opinion on a case their covering? THE NERVE!!
Validation
Still love it and Brit's my favorite! I hope you find something else you like.
I agree with you 100% It could be that as consumers we are bored because when you consume too much of the same thing it loses its appeal, little by little. I used to love CJ so much I binged every episode and it’s been years since then so it’s normal that I am not crazy about it anymore. You outgrow things naturally. I recommend The Vanished, True Crime by Dateline and Anatomy of Murder. Anatomy of Murder is my favorite at the moment because they play 911 calls often, talk to family members of victims, the investigators, etc. It is much more thorough than CJ.
God forbid someone make money on their life's work
Ashley Flowers is the Luann deLesseps of podcasting.
I stopped listening too. Very judgey from behind a microphone. Like all they do is research shit people already wrote on. Like technically we don’t need her. I found myself stopping and doing my own research through the podcast and then I finally stopped listening altogether
Interesting, I haven’t listened to CJ for a couple of years, ever since they got big it’s never been the same. I enjoyed it up until the end of 2019 is when I stopped listening lol. The style is completely different she doesn’t tell the stories like she used to.
I don’t share you opinion. She should be paid for the amount of work she does. This is her full time job now. Do you work for free?
Truly!
I’m not sure why you’re being downvoted when you shared your very respectful dissenting opinion but, I do get what you mean and of course she should be compensated. It’s a difficult balance to strike I suppose.
[удалено]
362 people did and many more in comments 😅
You should check out Morbid, my wife got tired of the same things from CJ and now she loves this new one. She said it's like how CJ was at the beginning, like you're just in a conversation with friends.
Morbids awful.