Episodes
Wayne Simmons had a dramatic 27-year career with the CIA taking down cartels and busting arms smugglers — or did he? The ex-CIA military analyst and cable news star stands accused of being a fraud. Hosted by the reporter who broke the story, Impostors follows the investigation into who Wayne Simmons really is… Hero, or conman? Impostors is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Produced by Topic Studios and Transmitter Media. Hosted by Alex French.
Published 05/03/21
This awards season, pull back the curtain on Tinseltown’s most infamous controversies in the new Spotify Original from Parcast, Hollywood Scandals. You can hear the first episode on Hollywood’s sordid beginnings right here, then follow Hollywood Scandals for an episode every Monday. Listen free, only on Spotify!
Published 04/19/21
Dracula wasn’t the only frightful fiction conjured by Irish author Bram Stoker… In this retelling of “The Judge’s House,” a Cambridge student is overcome with curiosity — then dread — as he faces an evil man’s terrifying legacy. Listen to Part 1 right here, then search “Haunted Places: Ghost Stories” to hear Part 2, when the Judge himself comes calling…  Haunted Places: Ghost Stories is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Every Thursday, find a new tale of terror from some of history’s greatest...
Published 02/25/21
This season, “L” stands for love… and lawless… and lethal. Beginning February 1st, uncover history’s most infamous couples in this collection of episodes from across Parcast Network. Follow the misdeeds of married mafiosos. Enter the transgressions of casanova cult leaders. And demystify the lives of coupled kingpins, pirates, and spies… Because in this limited series, romance takes a sharp turn into the radical.  Get a preview of Criminal Couples right here, then search “Criminal Couples”...
Published 02/01/21
Published 05/07/20
You can find all past and future episodes of Hostage exclusively on Spotify! And best of all, they’re free! Just download the Spotify app and simply type “Hostage” in the search bar to start listening. No payment is required! Follow Hostage only on Spotify to get new episodes as soon as they come out every Thursday!
Published 05/07/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing serial killers’ first murders. What did the murders look like and how does a killer’s modus operandi change after their first slaying? We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and dive deeper into their minds and methods. Clips featured: Clips featured:...
Published 05/01/20
In the year 2000, Tommy Caldwell and his friends found themselves in the crossfire between their militant captors and the Kyrgyzstan’s army. To escape, Tommy would have to do the unthinkable.
Published 04/30/20
Whether you’re jumpstarting the morning, searching for that midday pick-me-up, or trying to finish the evening off strong… Daily Quote offers some of history’s most inspirational quotes whenever you need them—365 days a year. In this 2-3 minute podcast, you’ll be given a quote that will motivate, uplift, and renew your outlook on life. You’ll also dive deeper into the context surrounding the quote—learning more about its origin and the meaning behind it. Enjoy this sneak peek of Daily Quote...
Published 04/26/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the clues that criminals left behind and the ways in which the police used them to hunt down their suspect. These clues could be biological, such as DNA or fingerprints; or physical, such as a piece of clothing fiber left at the scene. Some were merely overlooked by the...
Published 04/24/20
We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Hostage today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. In 2000, professional rock climber Tommy Caldwell and his friends went on a photography trip to Kyrgyzstan. But their adventure was cut short when they were kidnapped by rebels from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.
Published 04/23/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're discussing "M.O.s", or the "modus operandi" of murderers. We'll talk about the tactics killers use on their victims, and what those methods say about their psyches. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Marie Sukloff Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders/Kingpins: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Pt. 1,...
Published 04/17/20
The Nguyen brothers and Cuong Tran grew increasingly volatile as the authorities refused to give into their grandiose demands. As the 40 hostages feared for their lives, Sacramento’s Special Enforcement Detail plans a secret rescue mission.
Published 04/16/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re exploring cases of indoctrination. We’ll discuss how cult leaders, secret societies, and kidnappers gain control of their victims and what makes individuals vulnerable to malicious manipulation. Clips featured: Cults: Alamo Christian Foundation Pt. 2, Secret Societies: The Triads...
Published 04/10/20
In 1991, 40 employees and customers were taken hostage at the Good Guys Electronics store in Sacramento, California. Their captors were three Vietnamese immigrant brothers along with a friend—all of whom were angry about the lack of opportunity in America.
Published 04/09/20
Join Parcast and Crime Junkie’s Ashley Flowers as they dive deep into the strange and surreal to explain some of the world’s most bizarre true crime occurrences in the new series, Supernatural with Ashley Flowers. Every Wednesday, Ashley digs into a different mystifying crime—where the most fitting theory isn’t always the most conventional. Was there a special committee formed under President Truman to recover and investigate alien spacecraft? Sort through the details with Ashley and decide...
Published 04/08/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today, we're looking at some of the most fascinating criminal trials in history. We'll see how certain tactics used by attorneys influenced juries, changed outcomes, and provided some of the most unexpected legal twists and turns in recent memory. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Lorena...
Published 04/03/20
In the early 1990s, the Montana Freemen, an anti-government paramilitary group, used and abused legal loopholes to financially terrorize Montanans to fund their seperatist organization. But when the FBI finally arrested one of its leaders in March 1996, an 81-day standoff followed. 
Published 04/02/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of abduction, and examining some of the most infamous kidnappings throughout true crime history. We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and look at the different reasons why a criminal would carry out such a heinous act. Clips featured: Serial...
Published 03/27/20
Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! In 2007, Shawn Hornbeck should have been back to his family’s home in Missouri by dinnertime. But as 5pm came and went, his family realized something was horribly wrong.
Published 03/26/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cannibals and vampires. We’ll examine strange cases of predators who drink blood and feast on flesh, and delve into their unique psychology. Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Atlas Vampire, Female Criminals: Tracey Wigginton, Serial Killers: Albert Fish Pt. 2
Published 03/20/20
While Li Ka-shing desperately tries to meet Cheung Tze-Keung’s ransom demands for his son, Cheung works up the courage to kidnap his second victim, Walter Kwok. Meanwhile, the police are closing in on the notorious gangster.
Published 03/19/20
Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the facts don’t lead to a logical explanation, and the truth lies somewhere in the unknown…Join Parcast and Crime Junkie’s Ashley Flowers as they dive deep into the strange and surreal to explain some of the world’s most bizarre true crime occurrences in the new series, Supernatural with Ashley Flowers. Every Wednesday, Ashley digs into a different mystifying crime—where the most fitting theory isn’t always the most...
Published 03/16/20
In addition to new episodes of Hostage each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're looking into the crimes that affect wealthy victims. While we may assume the wealthy are most often the victims of crimes like robbery, in reality, the wealthy are less likely to be victimized than the poor. Why is this the case, and why do we find it so fascinating when the wealthy...
Published 03/13/20
In 1996, one of Hong Kong’s most ruthless crime bosses, Cheung Tze-keung, set out to kidnap the 10 wealthiest men in Hong Kong. His first victim was Victor Li, son of the business mogul Li Ka-shing.
Published 03/12/20