Introduction

True crime podcasts focusing on female killers have captivated millions of listeners worldwide by examining cases that defy traditional perceptions of women as nurturers and caregivers. These carefully researched shows matter because they explore the psychological, social, and economic factors that drive women to murder, providing essential context for true crime enthusiasts, psychology students, and anyone fascinated by the criminal mind. From Victorian-era poisoners to modern-day Black Widows, these podcasts deliver compelling narratives backed by court records, investigative journalism, and expert commentary.

The Top 10 Female Killer Podcasts

1. Female Criminals

Produced by Parcast Studios, this podcast dedicates each two-part series to a different female killer throughout history. Host Vanessa Richardson examines cases ranging from Aileen Wuornos to Karla Homolka with meticulous research and psychological analysis. The show distinguishes itself through collaboration with criminal psychologists who provide professional insights into each killer's motivations and mental state. With over 100 episodes spanning centuries of criminal history, Female Criminals offers comprehensive coverage of women who committed murder across different cultures and time periods, making it essential listening for understanding patterns in female criminality.

2. Lady Killers

Hosted by comedian Tori Telfer, this Exactly Right podcast brings dark humor and sharp cultural commentary to stories of history's deadliest women. Each episode focuses on a single female murderer, from medieval poisoners to 20th-century serial killers, while exploring how society's treatment of women influenced their crimes. Telfer's approach combines rigorous historical research with feminist analysis, questioning how gender bias affected both the crimes themselves and their prosecution. The podcast successfully balances entertainment with serious examination of misogyny, mental illness, and the social constraints that shaped these women's lives, making complex historical cases accessible and engaging.

3. Deadly Women Podcast

Based on the Investigation Discovery television series, this podcast expands on cases featured in the show while adding exclusive content and extended interviews. Each episode profiles three different female killers connected by motive—whether jealousy, greed, or revenge. The podcast benefits from access to law enforcement files, forensic evidence, and interviews with detectives who worked the cases. With over 200 episodes covering cases from the 1800s to present day, it provides one of the most comprehensive archives of female murderer cases available in podcast format, complete with detailed timelines and victim impact statements.

4. Sinisterhood

Hosts Heather McKinney and Christie Wallace combine true crime with witchy humor in this podcast that frequently features female killer cases. Their signature blend of thorough research, paranormal discussion, and feminist perspective creates a unique listening experience. The show dedicates multi-episode arcs to complex cases like Jodi Arias and Casey Anthony, allowing for deep analysis of media coverage, trial proceedings, and public perception. With over 300 episodes since 2017, Sinisterhood has built a devoted following by treating victims with respect while examining how gender influences both criminal behavior and society's fascination with female perpetrators.

5. Red Handed

British hosts Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire bring international perspective to female killer cases often overlooked by American podcasts. Their coverage includes British serial killer Joanna Dennehy, Australian killer Katherine Knight, and lesser-known European cases. The duo's chemistry, dark humor, and refusal to romanticize killers sets them apart in the crowded true crime space. Each episode includes extensive research from court documents, psychiatric evaluations, and autopsy reports. Red Handed's global approach reveals how different legal systems and cultural attitudes toward women affect prosecution and sentencing of female murderers, providing valuable comparative criminology insights.

6. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast

Hosts Alaina Urquhart (autopsy technician) and Ash Kelley deliver detailed explorations of female killer cases with a perfect mix of professionalism and personality. Alaina's forensic background provides unique insights into cause of death, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony in cases like Diane Downs and Darlie Routier. The podcast's multi-part series format allows comprehensive examination of complex cases, including childhood trauma, relationship dynamics, and criminal psychology. With millions of downloads monthly since 2018, Morbid has become one of the most popular true crime podcasts, particularly praised for its respectful treatment of victims while thoroughly analyzing the perpetrators' backgrounds and motivations.

7. Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast

This podcast exclusively covers female murderers, from historical figures like Countess Elizabeth Báthory to contemporary killers. Hosts examine how gender stereotypes affected investigations, with many cases initially dismissed because authorities couldn't believe women capable of such violence. Episodes explore the "Black Widow" phenomenon, angels of death in medical settings, and mothers who kill their children. The show draws from criminology research showing that female serial killers often go undetected longer than males, operating an average of 8-10 years before capture. Killer Queens fills a niche by focusing entirely on female perpetrators while maintaining academic rigor in its research and presentation.

8. She Kills Me

Hosts tackle controversial female killer cases through a feminist lens, examining how patriarchy, abuse, and limited options contributed to women's criminal paths. The podcast gained attention for balanced coverage of cases like Gypsy Rose Blanchard, exploring victimhood alongside culpability. Each episode questions whether certain female killers deserve sympathy or condemnation, encouraging listeners to consider context without excusing violence. The show features expert interviews with criminologists, psychologists, and domestic violence advocates who provide professional analysis. She Kills Me stands out for acknowledging the complexity of cases where female killers were themselves victims of sustained abuse, creating ethical discussions rarely found in true crime podcasts.

9. Crimes of Passion

Produced by Exactly Right, this podcast explores murders motivated by love, lust, jealousy, and obsession—with many episodes featuring female perpetrators. Host Yvette Vega presents cases like Betty Broderick and Pam Hupp while examining how relationship dynamics escalate to murder. The show benefits from psychological expert consultation explaining concepts like erotomania, pathological jealousy, and crime of passion legal defenses. Each episode includes courtroom audio, 911 calls, and witness testimony that brings cases to life. Crimes of Passion reveals patterns in relationship-motivated murders, showing how female killers often use different methods and justifications than their male counterparts when murdering intimate partners.

10. Canadian True Crime

Host Holly Bristow meticulously researches Canadian cases, including numerous female killers like Karla Homolka, Elizabeth Wettlaufer, and the Shafia family murders. The podcast's strength lies in its exhaustive investigation of each case, often running 3-5 hours per story with full victim backgrounds, trial coverage, and aftermath. Bristow's respectful, measured approach and commitment to accuracy has earned critical acclaim since 2017. The show provides rare coverage of Canadian legal proceedings and correctional systems, revealing how female murderers are sentenced and treated differently than in the United States. Canadian True Crime demonstrates that compelling female killer cases exist beyond America's borders, deserving equal attention and analysis.

Conclusion

These ten podcasts represent the best in female killer true crime content, each offering unique perspectives on women who murder. Whether you're drawn to psychological analysis, historical context, feminist critique, or forensic detail, these shows provide comprehensive coverage that goes beyond sensationalism to examine the complex factors driving female criminality. From Victorian poisoners to modern-day killers, these podcasts illuminate the darker aspects of human nature while respecting victims and demanding accountability from perpetrators.