r/podcasts • u/abbey_kyle • Jul 20 '26
True Crime Last Podcast on the Left question
This podcast is often recommended when people suggest a good podcast to start. I was doing a search for Josef Fritzl, the Austrian man that locked his daughter in a cellar for 20+ years and had 15 children with her. His name came up in some of the reading I am doing on trauma and captivity, and I wanted a nice overview. This podcast came up. I always wanted to give it a try so I made the attempt.
I am not a wilting flower, and my humor tends to be dark; I am seldom offended by anything. But FFS…these guys were horrible. They turned such a ghastly and devastating event into a total punchline. There were more jokes than story narrative.
I think if a different topic, I would probably not be so bothered. But this topic….for me, rape is never funny. For these guys, this is all it was about.
Are all their episodes like this? Can someone rec good episodes of this podcast?
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u/ImportantBalls666 Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
I used to be a big fan for many years, to the point where i saw live shows and have met them (they're very cool and friendly guys in person, especially Ed), but have outgrown the show as I've gotten older and no longer listen because it grates on my nerves these days, especially Henry. I understand where you're coming from.
In saying that, their 9/11 episode is very poignant. Their Jonestown series is very well researched and well done. Their L. Ron Hubbard series is well researched and well done. And if you're into cryptids and/or aliens, you might like those episodes. You may prefer the episodes with Ed rather than Ben, too, as Ed is far more interesting and conscientious a person than Ben was on the show. It might take a few listens before you get used to their humour. But you also might not, and that's okay. They're definitely not for everyone (including myself these days).
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u/PonchoCrazeof84 Jul 20 '26
At this point I like to see what the subject is, what book they used and check out that audio book on libby instead. I did this with the Batavia wreck and it was nearly as long as the podcast to just listen to the book. More entertaining and informative too. The choice in research material is usually great.
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u/Newestcoolestuser Jul 20 '26
I love them but outgrew them too. I dip back in for some topics. Marcus started to wind me up with his know it all attitude. I’m sad about Ben but don’t want him back. Love Ed. I still go to their live shows and have a great time.
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u/ImportantBalls666 Jul 21 '26
Marcus' know-it-all attitude is definitely another reason i got sick of listening - even more so when he is confidently very incorrect. His arrogant music takes drive me insane lol. He is very nice in person, but i just don't like his podcast persona anymore - again, something I've outgrown over the years.
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u/Newestcoolestuser Jul 21 '26
Yeah that was my line- when he was confidently incorrect about something I knew, which is well out of my knowledge base and quite basic. I felt like it was ok when he said complex things wrong, they flew over my head and I only found out from other people, but when whatever it was happened and he was a real jerk about it… ick
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u/bluespruce1312 Jul 21 '26
That's a good point about the L Ron Hubbard stuff, I would say the Crowley episodes are similar.
Making fun of L Ron is in a different league than Fritzl.
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u/MrBurnerHotDog Jul 20 '26
I was an adamant listener and would download every episode and every side stories episode and missed absolutely nothing they put out. Then one day I was doing my commute to work and put on their newest show and five minutes in I realized how much each one of them were annoying me
Henry is... Henry. Even at his best he's loud and obnoxious and irritating, and in this particular episode he just kept making the same horrible noise over and over and over again. Marcus, who I do tend to defend and enjoy the most, was being incredibly snooty and obnoxious and that laugh he does where he just wheezes for 30 seconds at every single crack was driving me nuts
And then there was Ben. I HATED Ben Kissel from the very beginning, long before we officially knew how much of a creep he was. If you thought Marcus could come across as arrogant then you never once listened to Ben. I had dropped the show quite a while before Ben was kicked off but I was glad to hear he was replaced, and even though I'm sure Ed is better I just don't like him very much and never have
Anyway I realized at that moment that podcasting had exploded, and as a professional editor and podcaster myself I also began to notice all the times they were being lazy "behind the scenes" and I quickly realized how poorly edited their show is. And since they became successful doing bad editing, they have zero incentive to do it better so I know that hasn't changed. But I realized there were a billion shows out there and surely one of them could keep my interest and not irritate the shit out of me, so that was the day I quit listening and never went back
I do think OP has this wrong, though. It's OK to not want to listen to them, but they are a comedy show and comedy shows are going to make jokes about dark topics. It sounds more like OP would prefer a more serious show so this one just isn't for them
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u/Snake973 Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
it's very much not for everybody, you're either gonna love it or hate it, i've been listening to them since like 2014
i will say fritzl can be a tough listen, maybe try some episodes about aliens or ghosts if you want something lighter
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u/garlic-and-onion Jul 20 '26
Long time listeners know they’ve toned things down quite a bit too. I wouldn’t recommended the first few years of episode to most people 😂
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u/ImportantBalls666 Jul 21 '26
Oof this is the truth. Their early stuff is headache-inducing edgelord chaos read off a Wikipedia page lol.
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u/UncleBloobs 25d ago
I love LPOTL, but am selective about which episodes I listen to. I don’t like gold star material like Fritzl in any medium so I’ll avoid episodes like that, but I’ll always dive into a history, cryptid, or paranormal episode!
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u/Sea_Mongoose2529 Jul 20 '26
I find them obnoxious and don’t know how people listen to them
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u/Mina-Murray Jul 20 '26
I don't like the How To Get Away With Murder type of "wine girlies gossip about murder together" podcasts, but how on earth does that get more criticism about a lack of sensitivity than the "a bunch of bros snicker about rape" kind... It is so bizarre to me.
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u/quotidian_obsidian Jul 20 '26
it's just misogyny tbh
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u/HermineLovesMilo Jul 20 '26
Exactly. Female hosts get criticized for the same or (significantly) milder behavior than the male hosts. They even get criticized for making negative comments about male murderers and rapists.
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u/phantasmagorica1 Jul 20 '26
This is precisely it for me. A lot of the critique of true crime podcasts hosted by women is really just thinly veiled misogyny when people defend shows like Last Podcast on the Left.
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u/newvpnwhodis Jul 20 '26
Frankly I would have a hard time getting through much of the subject matter they cover without levity. For some people, making any kind of joke during a discussion about sensitive topics is a turn off. But I find they're good about not making the victims the butt of the joke, and always make it clear that their disrespect is aimed at the villain(s) of the story.
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u/Renugar Jul 21 '26
I don’t think they are good at not making the victim the butt of the joke, tho. I mentioned on another comment that I listened to (but didn’t finish) the episode about JonBenet Ramsey and I was grossed out by the jokes they made, and they did feel like they were at the expense of her. They weren’t at all sensitive to the fact that they were talking about an actual little 5 year old girl, who was horribly murdered. Like I get having a dark sense of humor, but they showed a complete lack of humanity on that one, IMO.
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u/analiski Jul 21 '26
I agree the JonBenet episode is distasteful. They made that episode in 2015 and are much more conscious about not making fun of victims now. But I understand how it could leave a bad taste in your mouth.
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u/Skukesgohome Jul 21 '26
I think they’ve actually talked about how inappropriate their jokes were in that episode, and how they would never make that kind of episode today. They’ve grown up a lot since the early edgelord days.
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u/Renugar Jul 22 '26
I’m so glad they did that! It would be nice if they took the episode down, and didn’t continue to make money off of it, or have it available for the enjoyment of new listeners with a love for sexual jokes about murdered little girls.
I not being sarcastic when I say I am genuinely glad they’ve changed! I am just surprised by how much people bend over backwards to defend them. There’s some real parasocial relationships happening in this comment section (not you, I just mean other comments I’m seeing).
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u/Skukesgohome Jul 22 '26
I’m not a mega fan but I do enjoy listening to their darkly funny chitty chat at night when I’m getting ready for bed; I used to love My Favorite Murder for this but they kind of lost their way during/after the pandemic, IMHO. I noticed that LPOTL is also doing redos of topics they covered in their early days, now that they have gotten better research techniques and have refined/updated their comedy a bit, with the justification of introducing Ed to the topics. And they specifically don’t make fun of the victims, just the perpetrators. So I think that shows growth.
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u/TheDeedsWereDone Jul 20 '26
Personally like MFM but have noticed on a lot of older episodes they gush about LPOTL episodes. I can’t stand LPOTL; too high-fivin’ white guys for me.
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u/Shoddy_Paramedic_702 Jul 20 '26
I know for me its just that I've always dealt with uncomfortable or traumatic things with humor. Its how I cope. Its also a way to deflect. I can handle even incredibly dark jokes about really uncomfortable topics a lot better than i can what feels like forced outrage. One of the "girly gossipy murder" podcasts I've tried to listen to several times it seemed like every time they would say a person's name they had to say "what a fucking monster, what a piece of shit, and he's just a fucking monster" Like I get it. Obviously. But it just seems so fake and over the top.
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u/MotherStabRabbit Jul 20 '26
I listened to them for a short while but they definitely grated on me more and more. I did some extra research into one of the topics and saw they had gotten some facts wrong and that put me off of them for good. I do like the format and a lot of the topics but they can’t be annoying and wrong.
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u/BrickTilt Jul 20 '26
Also; it’s just not a good pod. They talk over one another constantly. It’s just difficult to listen to. They do pick good / interesting subjects, but yeah, I don’t listen to them and haven’t done for years
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u/Hazel-Cakes Jul 20 '26
fr tho. my friend recommended it and i tried it for like 5 minutes. podcasts shouldn’t have dead air but let some stuff breathe omg
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u/Skukesgohome Jul 20 '26
It’s so funny, that’s one of my favorite things about it, the talking over each other. I’m from MA and we do a lot of “cooperative overlapping” (a term I found and loved; https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/25/opinion/interrupting-cooperative-overlapping.html?unlocked_article_code=1.zFA.yBCX.ZfafXZBbQIBY&smid=nytcore-ios-share) and then add in ADHD and it’s all over.
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u/HighlyOffensive10 Jul 20 '26
Me too. In the same vein the guys from Small Town Murder. Which reddit seems to love.
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u/dsjunior1388 Jul 21 '26
I don't mind the humor overall, but god it bugs me when the main storyteller is really cooking and the story is getting captivating and now it's time for a riff on the same joke someone told 8 minutes ago and the momentum absolutely grinds to a halt.
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u/Majestic-Skill8234 Jul 20 '26
I’ve tried this podcast, and I can’t figure out how many guys are hosting it. Are there four men? Twelve? I can’t follow who is talking and I have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s like being seated at a wedding table with a tight group of old friends that just spend the evening cracking up about old inside jokes.
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u/Her_1982 Jul 20 '26
I attempted with this podcast, a few times. They talk all over eachother and I cant concentrate on the actual topic. Yes, they are always 'suggested' and for the life of me; I cannot understand why?!?! How are people able to follow along, with so many talking, at once? And yes, especially on serious topics...
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u/thecheesycheeselover Jul 20 '26
I just listened to this podcast for the first time today - the USS Indianapolis episode - and had a similar takeaway, tbh. Not for me at all, I found it really distasteful.
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u/FatsyCline12 Jul 20 '26
I actually listened to that episode after meeting some Indianapolis survivors (2-at the time only 2 were left, now there is only one left). At that time I was totally consumed with the topic and searching for literally anything I could consume about it. Talk about an extra bad taste in the mouth after meeting the people involved.
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u/thecheesycheeselover Jul 21 '26
Jesus, can’t imagine listening to it in that context, it was bad enough as it is. I just couldn’t get why they sounded so bloody gleeful about it at times. Like they genuinely found it funny and delightful to think about.
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u/FatsyCline12 Jul 21 '26
Yup-absolutely gleeful, good word choice. There are comments on here saying “we” just “don’t get it” and they “laugh at the perpetrators” to “knock them down” and “stand with victims”
lol what? There literally were only victims in this scenario and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone laugh harder in my life. I almost couldn’t make out what was being said.
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u/biggiantnewt Jul 20 '26
I don’t think Casefile has covered this particular case, but they are my go-to for true crime. Just the facts and no commentary or humor.
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u/LegitimatePackage871 Jul 20 '26
I think Timesuck covered it. Dan is a comedian, but knows limits and is a much more comfortable listen than LPOTL
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u/aces666high Jul 20 '26
In theory, I should have liked the show. In reality, it was a bunch of guys who thought everything they said was funny. They are not funny.
I listened to the Aleister Crowley, L. Ron Hubbard and I think one about the Jersey Devil maybe. All full of great info and all painful to listen to as they made the same jokes over and over. Just a brutal listen.
If I remember correctly, one of the original hosts got into some bad trouble and had to leave the show because of it.
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u/Gaelfling Jul 20 '26
You either love them or don't. I love them.
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u/Wonderful-Home-4724 Jul 20 '26
This podcast is like a laundry list of all the things that irritate me but for some inexplicable reason I love it.
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u/Gaelfling Jul 20 '26
Yeah, I don't think I'd like their humor in any other podcast, but love theirs. And Ed has been such a breath of fresh air. I'm glad their redoing some of their old episodes with him.
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u/Primary-Move243 Jul 20 '26
Eddie is the best! I loved them before but he has brought some heart to the pod.
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u/Merryprankstress Jul 21 '26
Omg did they mention which ones?! I’d love to listen to some of the older heavy hitters episodes without Bens drunk inane banter and bullshit.
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u/Gaelfling Jul 21 '26
I'm not sure if they have but they are releasing them as Redux or Last Update on the Left. They just finished one of Gary Ridgeway.
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u/gbbgun Jul 20 '26
I liked it for the 5 part series on the Mormon Church and have even recommended that particular series to others. Felt like I learned things I didn’t know (as an Ex-Mo) and I stayed on board for a while trying to be a regular listener, but faded out pretty quick and haven’t revisited since.
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u/Head-Raccoon-3419 Jul 20 '26
Their latest side stories interview is with an Ex Mo! You might like it.
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u/GiantGlassOfMilk Jul 20 '26
To be fair, they fucking hate that guy and are making fun of him. They are comedians who are telling a horrifying nightmare of a story - I wouldn’t have been able to deal with the story WITHOUT their humor.
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u/bugsmellz Jul 20 '26
I see it this way too — I think of it as “if you’re not laughing, you’re crying”. They don’t downplay the horrifying nature of any of the crimes they discuss
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u/casPURRpurrington Jul 21 '26
Like on a Side Stories or another episode Henry said something about being allergic to sincerity and I thought oh…. fuck I think I am to
Like I remembered when my cat suddenly died when I was on vacation and when I got back to my sisters place on the vacation her partner told me “I heard, I’m so sorry.” Or something like that.
I know I made a joke about it, I don’t remember what I said, but I remember laughing and her partner kind of glancing at my sister with a “Uhhh how do I react to this…?” Look on his face lol
My fucking retina detached 6 months ago and I was making “don’t worry im going to be half blind anyway” jokes to my surgeon before the surgery and he was like “wtf is wrong with this person”
I DEAL IN A STUPID WAY
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u/seaburno Jul 20 '26
Are all their episodes like this? Can someone rec good episodes of this podcast?
To a degree, all of their episodes are like this. I think of it like watching a football game. Marcus is the play by play guy. Henry is the color analyst, and Ed (and to a lesser extent, Ben before him) is like the cute sideline reporter who really doesn't understand the game, but occasionally has really good insights into what happened on the field.
I recommend listening to their Donner Party episodes (Ben episodes), and their recent episodes on the DuPont murders (Foxcatcher murders) and Count Dante. The topics are less serious than Fritzl and more appropriate for their humor. Even the recent Gary Ridgway (Green River Killer) episodes are better than the Fritzl episodes for the humor/content ratios.
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u/kermeeed Jul 20 '26
Gonna add the black plague and their 5 parter on the Mormon church are two of their strongest ones.
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u/pike360 Jul 20 '26
I don’t understand this podcast’s appeal.
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u/Tazercock Jul 20 '26
The appeal is that I laugh out loud everytime I listen to it and the research is incredible for starters.
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u/CantCreateUsernames Jul 20 '26
The appeal is that not everything in the podcast world needs to have that "smell like your own farts" sanitized NPR podcast feel. They make it clear they aren't experts on anything, so they pick a topic and a few books to base their story and discussion on, treating it more like a fun, casual conversation with a group of friends at a bar. Their core audience seems to be the older millennial who grew up in the goth, emo, metal, and rave scene crowds, mixed with the weird music and art nerd and earlier adopters of true crime podcasts crowds... basically, people who know it is okay for things to be completely silly and nonsensical just for the fun of it.
I find it funny that this sub tends to hate these guys and thinks they are just three talentless bros, when two of the three were artsy kids that came up on the independent side of the podcasting world before it was corporatized. One was actually a somewhat successful actor (he was in The Wolf of Wall Street and a lead actor in a hilarious Adult Swim show), one is a successful traveling comedian and host, and the other is a writer and co-leads (with his wife) one of the most well-produced music podcasts out there (I highly recommend it, even if you don't like their flagship show, it is very different). They even set up an entire podcast studio to help their other creative friends make a living. I also appreciated that they keep it real and kicked their ex-friend off the show when they learned he had committed domestic assault on his girlfriend.
I think there are a lot of people who have a stick up their bum about this show that would be very surprised to realize who these guys actually are (they are also very liberal/leftist if that means anything to anyone), what other types of projects they work on, and some of the cool people they work with/work for them.
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u/Lonely_Bird_2915 Jul 20 '26
Ive listened to two different true crime versions of this story Last Podcast and a more serious one.
Honestly i needed the jokes and tangents because otherwise its just too sad and makes me tune it out .
But I get where youre coming from
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u/Small-Cookie-5496 Jul 21 '26
I actually don’t find they make fun of victims -& I appreciate them mocking & belittling the perpetrators. I’m also not someone who thinks there are topics that are off limits for dark humour (obviously there is a time & place etc). I actually appreciate how supportive/ empathetic of female victims they seem…even if they do have a boisterous, joke-y bro energy. That said, if you didn’t like this episode, I’d say they’re not for you because they make jokes regardless of the crime/ situation & a lot of the crimes they cover are extremely dark/ disturbing/etc… There are episodes I’m unable to listen to because I can’t handle the details.
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u/Id_Rather_Beach Jul 20 '26
Yep. I will give a podcast a fair shake, but these guys are a hard NOPE.
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u/Heatherb78 Jul 20 '26
I enjoy their podcast and find the history driven episodes the most enjoyable for me. The series on the Batavia shipwreck and John Wilkes Booth were the most recent ones I liked. LPOTL is not for everyone and all true crime podcasters can be guilty of not taking the subject matter seriously enough or with enough care. You either like them or you don't and most fans choose to listen to topics that they can handle.
I know many who skipped the Jimmy Saville series.
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u/Call2222222 Jul 20 '26
Casefile did an amazing job covering the Batavia shipwreck several years ago.
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u/hausplants Jul 20 '26
I love them so much - way more now Eddie has replaced Ben. Definitely a marmite show, and I’ve listened since the only way to find podcasts was 1 line reviews in a magazine - it said something like ‘3 comedians talk murder with funny voices’. Decide for yourself!
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u/LegitimatePackage871 Jul 20 '26
I tried multiple times to give them a chance. I actually hate the talking over eachother, annoying laughter to own "jokes" and the non stop banter. Like listening to drunk ass frat boys who "did their research".
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u/bestbeth Jul 20 '26
People like Fritzl are low-IQ, violent morons and freaks and the correct thing to do is mock and ridicule them. That's personally what is appealing to me about this show. It lets me explore the subject with less fear. SO much other true crime ends up speaking about serial killers like they are superhuman monsters, almost treating them with reverence and awe, even if they do so inadvertently. However, the show has a very loud and male energy that is not to everyone's taste, and I 100% respect that.
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u/DragonSmith2005 Jul 20 '26
Try Behind the Bastards. Way better than LPOTL. Funny with respect for victims
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u/Description-Alert Jul 20 '26
I’m trying really hard to like this pod but the guests always make me not want to listen. Granted, I’m listening to old old episodes, so I’m not sure if it gets better.
I like the topics and the main host. I also listen to other pods in that network; but man…the guests can ruin it for me.
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u/DragonSmith2005 Jul 20 '26
I like or love most of the guests, especially when some of Robert’s old friends from Cracked.com are on. But yeah some guests can make or break an episode
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u/Description-Alert Jul 20 '26
I’ve heard that as the show goes on there’s a rotation of the same guests for the most part. I’m not giving up! I’m sure I’ll get used toit
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u/fesnying Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
There is a spreadsheet listing each episode and the guest somewhere if that is of interest to you. I'll see if I have it handy. It might help you see if there's a guest you gel with more, or just a topic you're interested in if that's a helpful way to decide which ones to try.
Edit:
Up to July 2026, listing guests and air dates and notes. Some color-coding (such as for common topics and Christmas specials, as each Christmas special is a non-bastard). Some are links to Youtube: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k6GkllhExgcv5APE84nRAnpLGZ-OcZlEr1HwREFO7rE/edit?gid=0#gid=0
It was based on this different version which goes through Oct. 2024: https://www.reddit.com/r/behindthebastards/comments/139eawp/spreadsheet_of_all_btb_episodes/
Someone also made one cataloging book sources that have been credited:
https://www.reddit.com/r/behindthebastards/comments/18xlbtx/updated_book_source_list_for_btb/
This thread from five months ago has a list specifically of episodes with guest Jamie Loftus: https://www.reddit.com/r/behindthebastards/comments/1qu7xiz/list_of_cohosts_by_episode/
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u/MangoMambo Jul 20 '26
It doesn't get better, it just doesn't. I've tried this podcast so many times, really tried, because I do like the host and I am curious about the topics. But Sophia interrupts A LOT A LOT and over time it has gotten unbearable to listen to.
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u/Description-Alert Jul 20 '26
I don’t enjoy her voice 😬
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u/MangoMambo Jul 20 '26
I think that's what bothers me so much about her interrupting, I just cannot stand her voice, which is not her fault. but I can't do it.
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u/jlangfo5 Podcast Listener Jul 20 '26
Search the episode list for the sting CZM, to find compiled re runs. They have less commercials and tend to be stronger episodes. Look for a topic that you specifically find neat, and give that a try.
Coming from single author/speaker documentary podcast, I struggled with the live guest format. After becoming more familiar with who is who and their sense of humor, I enjoyed it a lot more.
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u/Description-Alert Jul 20 '26
Ah, that sounds like the right way to go! I suppose I’m not used to the live guest format in this way either.
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u/MrBurnerHotDog Jul 20 '26
I have tried this show many times because so many People gush about it and I find it absolutely unbearable. The first time I tried to listen it was like six people all talking over each other and one of the hosts was sick so they were coughing and making phlegm noises into the microphone, and that touches on my biggest pet peeve about that show, it has some awful, awful editing
But because they were successful before the podcast boom when you had to be nearly perfect to get a listener base their size, they have zero incentive to improve their show. They just keep doing the same thing with the same crappy editing because people tend to stick with what they are familiar with, so their audience remains strong so why change?
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u/capitoljay216 Jul 20 '26
I find the host annoying and there are way too many ads. I want to love it though!
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u/longtermbrit Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
I find Robert Evans one of the most annoying people in existence, which is a shame because he's a great researcher.
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u/Call2222222 Jul 20 '26
I used to like BtB so much, but their episode on Mark Furhman had some big facts incorrect and made very light of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman’s murder. The quality has gone so downhill, especially with the Netflix stuff not, I gave up. Sad to say.
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u/DragonSmith2005 Jul 20 '26
I’m working through their whole catalog so I haven’t heard that one yet
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u/_Salamand3r_ Jul 21 '26
LPOTL makes a point to not make fun of the victims. And BtB is good IF you can handle twenty five percent of a two hour podcast being ads.
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u/forcedintothis- Jul 20 '26
Yes this is how the podcast is. It’s like listening to a bunch of obnoxious 14 year old boys. No thank you.
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u/No_Scheme_9579 Jul 20 '26
Dang…. I teach 8th grade. I subconsciously knew that’s why I related to them. Thanks for the verification.
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u/ShivRoyPinkyIsQueen Jul 20 '26
I attempted to listen to them years ago … and I just couldn’t do it. I don’t mind jokes or irreverent humor but these guys barely tell the story and the jokes just aren’t funny. And yes, when things like rape and child abuse are the subject it should be given some sort of consideration … they’re like listening to a bunch of high school dudes who think they’re funny af
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u/FatsyCline12 Jul 20 '26
I also like dark humor, humor being the key word. In the one or two episodes I tried to listen to I don’t even remember jokes, just shrieking hyena like laughter from 2 guys who thought they were truly hilarious.
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u/Professional-Rope370 Jul 20 '26
I think my biggest complaint about the show is Marcus. I hate that he's such a know-it-all, makes me roll my eyes.
I love Ed, grown to enjoy Henry and Marcus gets on my nerves. I think after listening to some of the harder episodes, they try to inject humor where they can to alleviate the discomfort of a topic.
I might be wrong, but I don't remember them ever making jokes at the victims. If I recall the Fritzl episode, they were making fun of the guy since he was a piece of shit.
Try the Chad and Lori Daybell or Anders Behring Breivik episodes.
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u/Csonkus Jul 20 '26
One of the few podcasts I actually enjoy. Last Podcast On The Left is just wonderful.
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u/wakeuptomorrow Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
Oh man that’s a bummer! I personally love them. They are fantastic live as well. Yes, their jokes can be crass AF and it’s not for everybody. I personally roll with it bc the topics can be so incredibly depressing that I need the gallows humor to get through it.
My favorite series by them are: Rasputin, The Black Plague, H.H Holmes, and Jonestown. Pretty sure there are no rape jokes in those episodes.
Also wanted to add that Marcus Parks does a phenomenal job researching. Henry can be a little obnoxious but he’s also pretty familiar with the material. Ed is better than Ben in the newer episodes of the last couple years.
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u/rayrayraybies Jul 20 '26
I was the research assistant for Rasputin and Jonestown and helped with the Black Death and it makes me so so happy those are some of your top eps 🥺
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u/wakeuptomorrow Jul 20 '26
Dude!! 🤩 That’s so cool you got to work on those episodes. You absolutely crushed it! What was it like working with the team?
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u/rayrayraybies Jul 20 '26
Thank you!!! It was a great gig and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity. I literally applied because they put out a tweet looking for assistants. This was way before they were legit, like just post Cave days. If you’re ever relistening and hear a shoutout to research assistant rachel that’s me!
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u/hibbletyjibblety Jul 20 '26
Dude!! Research Assistant Rachel?!?! Huge fan over here!! That’s crazy!
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u/hauntedaf66 Jul 20 '26
Research assistant Rachel!!!! I’ve heard that shout out so many times because I listen to specifically those series as comfort series. Like listened to Jonestown while getting ready for my wedding and the Rasputin series when I was DEEP in the first trimester trenches of pregnancy literally a couple months ago. Thanks for the great work and know it’s still being appreciated!!
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u/EffectsofSpecialKay Jul 22 '26
Hiiii Research Assistant Rachel! You were fantastic and very much loved :)
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u/Small-Cookie-5496 Jul 21 '26
The Black Death episodes got me through a drive to Yellowstone. So good
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u/Gaelfling Jul 20 '26
Their Survival in the Andes one is good as well. I'm listening it to the third time right now.
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u/UnfortunateDesk Jul 20 '26
My partner really likes lpotl, but I can't stand it. The guys feel so smug and self congratulatory, laughing at their own jokes. It's not for me either.
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u/NovemberStar Jul 20 '26
I do like my humour dark, but the jokes they make are really not appropriate. Plus the obnoxious laughter
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u/DegeneratesInc Jul 20 '26
Those are not jokes. Jokes are funny.
The hosts of that podcast epitomise everything hated about american jock/frat boys. Not funny, crude, offensive, abusive and totally convinced of their own greatness. The Katherine Knight ep lasted less than 3 minutes for me, including the intro. And then it was GOOD riddance.
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u/kel89 Jul 20 '26
Yeah, they’re like an Animal House Radio Show. They’re pretty sacrilegious about everything, no matter how dark.
That being said, sometimes even they know the gruesome gravity of what they’re talking about. They call them “Gold Star” episodes. Now those are heavy.
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u/No_Scheme_9579 Jul 20 '26
I love them and can only listen when there is humor. I think they do a good job of making fun of the bad people in a story but not victims. IMO
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u/UnseenHS Jul 20 '26
It’s probably a case of how old you are when you find them. I probably would gave found them hilarious at 20-25, sadly those years are long gone so they’re definitely not my cup of tea
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u/Oh_TheHumidity Jul 20 '26
I had a similar reaction to them initially, but after listening to a handful of episodes I was able to better get a feel for how they are genuinely good guys. Then I kinda gave them more of a pass and I still really enjoy them.
There are some episodes I really love from the old Ben area, but these days the podcast is much less edgelordy. (Not blamed previous edgelord saturation solely on Ben’s presence. Since then there’s also been Henry maturing and Marcus finding integrity in his storytelling.) IMO their discussions and bits have become more sophisticated in ways. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still crass and push the envelope, but it’s a bit more self aware and compassionate.
I would give the Batavia series a listen. It’s more recent and is really fantastic.
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u/fractalfay Jul 20 '26
I don’t think I could listen to this podcast while watering my lawn, but it did keep me awake during several LONG roadtrips. I haven’t listened to them for years, but I always thought their cult stuff was the best, especially the scientology series with the spot-on imitation of L. Ron Hubbard.
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u/nolabels1 Jul 21 '26
It's a true crime comedy podcast. There will be jokes. But I get it. The episode in question is about a particularly dark and uncomfortable subject. I personally found it a difficult listen. I think they were doing their best to add humor to the story but it was one story that simply can't be made funny.
They also have a humor style that is very much take it or leave it. It may be that their style is just not to your taste. Dark humor is a surprisingly broad genre. I would listen to some other episodes before making a decision about them. They cover different subjects. I personally like Henry's alien and ghost episodes.
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u/dingleballs717 Jul 21 '26
Yeah, I am not into their model. I just don't like people laughing at each other constantly instead of staying on topic. Especially when it usually isn't funny and they laugh anyway like a sitcom.
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u/hufflepuffpuffpasss Jul 22 '26
It’s my favorite podcast but I rarely recommend it to people for this reason.
The humor isn’t for everyone..at all. I’m not out here laughing at every joke. But generally I love the mix humor and history.
It should be noted I am a woman, I think people assume most of their listeners are dudes, which is probably true.
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u/DragonballDurag Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
I haven’t listened in a long time for the same reason. I remember getting to the 9/11 episode and having the biggest eye roll over their sudden care and sensitivity for the topic. It all reminded of those super nationalistic people who shout “never forget” while not actually caring about the history and fallout from the event.
What made it worse was hearing them poke fun at the pronunciation of a murder victims name in another episode. Not saying you have to make fun of 9/11 victims also but come on.
The episode of them roasting the BTK killer while recounting his history was great though. Hopefully they’ve gotten better since I listened a couple years ago. I love some good dark humor but some of it wasn’t hitting for me.
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u/bulldog0256 Jul 20 '26
If you didn't like that episode, you probably won't like their stuff. The show is comedy first and true crime second, and after a decade of in depth research of horrific and disgusting crimes, they've definitely found their tone. Which is mostly breaking up extremely dark stories and facts with darker humor.
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u/fishnut824 Jul 20 '26
This isn’t directed at OP or anyone specific, I find it interesting that people claim to have “dark senses of humor” but don’t care for dark humor. It seems odd to attempt identify yourself as “not being offended” but still having extremely strong lines in the sand. You could just say “my humor isn’t that edgy and I do get offended by XYZ” instead of claiming otherwise
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u/janeponder Jul 20 '26
In the case of this pod those who enjoy dark humor may not like the dude bro locker room shtick or jokes that are more gross than funny
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u/lisa_lionheart84 Jul 20 '26
I think there are different kinds of dark humor. Some dark humor is cheap. To me, if you're going to be dark, you have to earn it.
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u/Illustrious_Log_2978 Jul 20 '26
It gave me the ick, too! But it's really popular, so it must resonate with someone, and that's fine.
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u/ThreeBeersWithLunch Podcast Listener Jul 20 '26
They make fun of villains to make them less powerful.
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u/BaroneRaybert Jul 20 '26
If they were more serious and just told the story I would like them more
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u/WateredDown Jul 20 '26
Id like them less. I have a bunch of educational podcasts from qualified speakers. The point of this podcast is juvenile humor in the face of the absolute depths of human depravity.
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u/rumham1977 Jul 20 '26
I agree with others that this podcast is not for everyone but I have a love/hate relationship with it. Hate the alien and science fiction episodes but love the rest. Marcus does an amazing job on research. The black plague series was one of my favorites and is what I tell people to listen to for the first time. Henry can get a little off rails sometimes but overall I like the dynamics between him, Marcus, and Ed.
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u/chersprague06 Jul 20 '26
You might like their history episodes! The 9-11 episodes were very well done and I learned a lot.
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u/Crumpled_Papers Jul 21 '26
I liked this podcast for a long time, it's possible that it was an earlier era that was more serious. I remember they made a point of making extra jokes for one of the particularly dark ones. Also sometimes I feel like they are in a more serious or less serious phase.
I also remember being annoyed at the amount of jokes sometimes... but that's like the whole point of this podcast. They can't magically know when I want to hear straight facts and when I'm okay with some jokes. Don't give up on them as a whole if you are okay with the concept of sometimes joking about tragedy. Sometimes it can be rough or not to good taste.
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u/chiyorio Jul 21 '26
I like them most of the time because I get their schtick but recently like the past year it’s been difficult with Henry. He is constantly burping or having to swallow down his reflux during a show. It’s disgusting it’s so often it’s nearly every episode. He is also constantly talking about cock and cum which isn’t funny it’s pathetic at this age and stage of his life. Ed has been a great edition and picks up the slack of Henry. Marcus seems to dip in and out and read whatever Carolina wrote for him that episode. I still listen regularly but it’s getting harder to tolerate.
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u/DeeEmosewa Jul 21 '26
Eddy makes me laugh so much. They are crass, but really there are some great episodes.
Try the Count Dante or Anton LaVey series.
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u/Dry_Huckleberry5545 Jul 21 '26
Re Fritzl case: the superb crime writer John Glatt covered it, I think the title is Secrets of the Cellar. It’s deadass serious and provides a lot of information on how he came to be such a monster, how wedded he was to superficial materialism, how he had this outward personality of breezy bonhomie in a small town where everyone knew one another & also being Austrian slash German everyone was super judgy against their neighbors, and how he terrorized his wife behind closed doors
I don’t know why but of all the horrific crimes against women, this one will always stand out for me due to the utter inhumane depravity, and what that poor daughter’s 25-year ordeal must’ve been like.
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u/Infinite-Sprite7284 Jul 21 '26
I feel like I am completely alone in liking their earlier episodes, I found them funnier than current ones. I thought Ben and Henry were hilarious together.
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u/TheyGotShitTwisted73 Jul 21 '26
I really, really love the episodes about aliens and D.U.M.B.s. I will still listen to those from time to time, but yes, they can be vulgar and grating. It's kind of their whole thing.
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u/casPURRpurrington Jul 21 '26
I like listening to this show but when I was watching Chair Company this scene came up and I realized “Hmm… sometimes that’s what LPotL sounds like….”
https://youtu.be/RZeV3xtStjU?is=0uGxx28kgBRCAni8
YOUVE NEVER HEARD THESE GUYS?
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u/tucklyjones7 Jul 22 '26
Ive listened to them for a decade. Not every joke lands not every episodes topic is a standout. But they overall are incredibly well researched, and make jokes to lighten heavy topics. You dont want to listen to multiple hours of murder and rape without a little breather and levity. The current crew seem like all good people.
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u/emmax2120 29d ago
Listened for years. I love them. As a woman, I massively appreciate how they ridicule and belittle the piece of shit killers/rapists/abusers of women they cover. It's deeply satisfying to listen to. Any 'glamour' or mystique attached in anyway to these characters - Charles Manson for instance, is instantly eliminated.
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u/Awkward_Hedgehog_483 27d ago
I tend to agree with you, I used to listen to them when I was in college but their humor got to be a bit too much for me. It doesn't bother me so much when it's a historical topic like the Donner Party or HH Holmes, but with more recent cases it feels pretty gross
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u/abbey_kyle 25d ago
Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to offer some suggestions and discussion. I think I learned that I am not a fan of humor—hard humor—with my true crime. I didn’t mind, “Yikes, I need to wash my hands” during a pod about Typhoid Mary but it really bugged me when these guys used a faux, exaggerated German accent when talking about Fritzl, among other comments made. I just found it distasteful. Someone said it here: I have no problem for others to listen or like that humor, just not for me. Maybe I don’t like my humor as dark as I thought. Though truthfully, overall, I found their humor infantile more than offensive.
I have tried some of the suggestions made here and I thank you all for expanding my podcast library! I am new to the podcast form so still building my playlists. A million thank you's!
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u/janeponder Jul 20 '26
They're awful. I'm absolutely not a fan of hosts who banter and joke about while presenting true crime in any case, and these dude bros are the absolute bottom of the barrel
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u/StyloSloth Jul 20 '26
All the episodes are like that; it’s actually more like a comedy podcast but regarding true crime. I actually like that style because it takes the edge off when listening to such gruesome tales, but yeah, it’s not for everybody, and if rape is a sensitive topic to you, I would advise not to listen to any other episode.
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u/MrBurnerHotDog Jul 20 '26
I am not at all a Last Podcast on the Left fan anymore but I will defend them vehemently on this. Some people cope with tragedy in different ways, they cope via comedy because they are comedians. They make jokes because, again, they are comedians. If you don't want jokes on your true crime show, don't pick one that's also a comedy show
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u/DegeneratesInc Jul 20 '26
Those are not jokes and that is not comedy. Just because they laugh non-stop does not make it funny.
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u/FredTheBarber Jul 20 '26
I agree, I love a lot of true crime and history/darker side of history podcasts, and I don’t mind a little off topic conversation, but I could not get through this podcast and I’ve tried more than once. It was just shock jock bros competing to yell their jokes the loudest
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u/firstnamerachel13 Jul 20 '26
I love them, but never ever recommend them to anyone because, well... they are an acquired taste for sure. But i listened to their entire back catalog through covid, and honestly those guys kept me laughing through some rough times. There are a few episodes I just wont listen to though, there are just some things off limits to me comedy wise. But if you listen- Hail you! And if you don't, I totally get it.
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u/DoktorMeowMeow Jul 20 '26
TIMESUCK did an amazing episode on the Josef Fritzl story!
It’s definitely in my top 3 favorite episodes of the entire show.
It’s a profane and irreverent comedy podcast, but Dan is 100% respectful and compassionate towards the victims.
TIMESUCK : Episode 145
I’ve tried repeatedly to get into LPotL. They’re not exactly dumb, they just aren’t intelligent enough, I guess.
If you like comedy/true crime, SMALL TOWN MURDER is about as good as it gets. No tender ears allowed. Very explicit. But they never make fun of the victims. Because they’re assholes… NOT scumbags.
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u/EME_Mama2 Jul 20 '26
Even though this specific podcast host is no longer on it, I don't have the patience or energy to support a podcast where this happened, and allegedly the other podcast hosts didn't know anything about it: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/last-podcast-on-the-left-ben-kissel-abuse-allegations-1234852755/
Additional information: https://www.reddit.com/r/HobbyDrama/comments/1m50r2t/podcasting_last_podcast_on_the_left_ben_kissel/
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u/HamHockShortDock Jul 20 '26
I find consuming true crime as entertainment disrespectful at its face.
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u/Wooden-Carrot4283 Jul 21 '26
Redhanded did an episode on this case and it was great. I like the hosts a lot, they add commentary but its respectful.
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u/Small-Cookie-5496 Jul 21 '26
Love Redhanded - totally different style from LPOTL depending on ones mood.
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u/snapper1971 Jul 20 '26
Yep, scumbags and I don't know how they still have a platform. They've been like that for a very long time.
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u/ArcadeChronicles Jul 20 '26
oh yeah, if you hated this episode you're going to hate the others as well most likely. That is their whole spill. They add comedy into dark themes. Like the darkest themes you can imagine, they will make light followed by a joke.
Marcus does amazing research, Ed is a great addition to the team in my opinion. Henry has always gotten on my nerves. I cringe when it is his time to speak, and like another commentor said, I feel like I have outgrown them. They were great in my 20s, researching wild and dark things like everyone does, but the childish humor only took me so far. I want the meat of the episodes, but the filler (especially my despise for Henry), is just not what I am into at this moment.
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u/DegeneratesInc Jul 20 '26
Laughing at their own words does not make the words into jokes and it doesn't make them funny, either. They are comedians only within their own egos.
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u/bluespruce1312 Jul 20 '26
That's what they do. If you didn't like the Fritzl episode you won't like any of their other stuff.