Quick take

True crime fans fascinated by forensic science, DNA technology, and cold cases with a genuine scientific payoff.

Verdict: Must listen. Bear Brook is the rare true crime podcast that advances science as it tells its story — DNA genealogy was pioneered live to crack this case, making it both gripping and genuinely historic.

About this podcast

Four unidentified bodies found in barrels in a New Hampshire forest in 1985 — and how, decades later, the case was cracked using pioneering DNA genealogy techniques that changed forensic science forever. Stephen King called it 'the best true crime podcast I have ever heard.'

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Frequently asked questions

What is Bear Brook?
True crime fans fascinated by forensic science, DNA technology, and cold cases with a genuine scientific payoff.
Is Bear Brook worth listening to?
Must listen. Bear Brook is the rare true crime podcast that advances science as it tells its story — DNA genealogy was pioneered live to crack this case, making it both gripping and genuinely historic.
Where can I listen to Bear Brook?
Bear Brook is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.
Where should I start with Bear Brook?
Start with: S1 Ep1 — Two Barrels — listen in order
What format is Bear Brook?
Serialized — 2 seasons episodes, approximately 30-60 min per episode, 2 seasons, very bingeable backlog each.
What type of crime does Bear Brook cover?
Bear Brook covers Cold Case, Murder, Missing Person, Forensic Science.

Quick facts

Format
Serialized
Host style
Solo narrator
Style
Serious, journalistic, hypnotic
Episode length
30-60 min per episode, 2 seasons, very bingeable backlog
Episodes
2 seasons
Binge factor
9/10
Best to start
S1 Ep1 — Two Barrels — listen in order

Listen on

Apple PodcastsSpotifyNPR

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