A woman with deceit and a sensational trial

A large, black suitcase casts a dark shadow on the floor of a convent. It belonged to Marie Madeleine Steen, a woman whose life was steeped in deceit and lies. She is known as "The Woman with the Heavy Suitcase." This captivating true crime podcast, produced by Third Ear in collaboration with Politiken, takes listeners on a seven-episode journey through Scandinavia. Released in late 2016, the podcast uncovers Steen's systematic deceptions, culminating in a sensational trial in 2018. Krister Moltzen and Tim Hinman created the work, which succeeds in revealing the deep psychological and social mechanisms driving such criminal behavior. Available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, this series opens a world of illusion and manipulation, making it particularly relevant in journalism focusing on psychopathy.

The podcast that blends art, reality, and ethical dilemmas

With its international approach, "The Woman with the Heavy Suitcase" captures both the art and reality of Steen's deceit and how she ensnared her many victims. The podcast's in-depth research and narrative strength draw listeners into Steen's twisted universe, where religious symbols and calculated lies became her primary tools. The series garnered significant attention, both for its methodical approach and the complex ethical questions it raised—like the revelation of private correspondence without consent and its potential influence on the trial. Nonetheless, the episodes are deeply compelling, especially with the disturbing binaural sound design that intensifies the convent's investigations and brings them to life.

Listener success and influence on Danish laws and debates

When "The Woman with the Heavy Suitcase" reached 500,000 unique listeners in just a month, it left a lasting impression by influencing Danish legislation with the so-called 'Monastery Law' introduced in 2019. The podcast became more than just entertainment; it became a catalyst for legal changes and debates about the rights of fraud victims. Third Ear's work stands out by combining thorough journalism with an almost cinematic experience, akin to previous innovative true crime productions like "Serial." Subsequent analyses of Steen's behavior after her death in 2022 revived the debate on her complex character and the possible links between personality disorders and crime in society.

Listen to the episodes on thirdear.studio. Follow us for more sharp true crime analyses.