Sword and Scale
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Sword and Scale pioneered the use of real crime audio in podcasting — if you have a strong stomach and want raw, unfiltered true crime, this is the deepest and darkest dive available."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations
- ✓Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
One of the original true crime podcasts, using raw unedited audio — 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom recordings — to immerse listeners directly inside real-life crimes without softening the edges.
Best episode to start with
Episode 68 (Dee Dee Blanchard) or Episode 1 for chronological context
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
Rate this podcast
Community reviews
0 reviewsWrite a quick review
No reviews yet. Be the first!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sword and Scale
What is Sword and Scale about?
One of the original true crime podcasts, using raw unedited audio — 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom recordings — to immerse listeners directly inside real-life crimes without softening the edges.
Is Sword and Scale worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if niche interests you". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. True crime veterans who want visceral, no-holds-barred storytelling with authentic audio evidence; not suitable for beginners or those sensitive to graphic content.
Who is Sword and Scale for?
Sword and Scale is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations; Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders.
What is the best episode of Sword and Scale to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 68 (Dee Dee Blanchard) or Episode 1 for chronological context. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to Sword and Scale?
Sword and Scale is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Sword and Scale?
If you enjoy Sword and Scale, you might also like: Casefile True Crime, Crime Junkie, The Thing About Pam, The Lady Vanishes. See our full "Podcasts Like Sword and Scale" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Dark, intense, immersive, graphic
- Episode length
- ~60 min per episode, 340+ episodes since January 2014
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- United States
Listen on
Browse category
Newsletter
Get weekly recommendations
Curated picks, new reviews, hidden gems.
If you liked this, try…
See all alternatives
Casefile True Crime
Listeners who prefer documentary-style narration with high production standards and zero filler; purists who want the facts and nothing else.
Crime Junkie
True crime fans who want concise, well-researched episodes without excessive banter or filler; great for commuters.
The Thing About Pam
True crime fans who want jaw-dropping courthouse drama; anyone who likes watching a case unravel in real time as new evidence emerges; fans of courtroom true crime with an extraordinary villain at its centre.
The Lady Vanishes
A journalist and a daughter search for answers about a missing Australian schoolteacher
In the Dark
Listeners who want journalism-grade investigation into wrongful convictions, systemic racism, and institutional failures — more 60 Minutes than true crime thriller.
Your Own Backyard
Listeners who want investigative true crime with real-world consequence and single-minded, passionate focus from a creator who refused to let a case die.
Explore more in these categories: