Murder, Mystery, and The Occult: Podcasts About Kentucky’s Dark Side

Nothing gets the hairs on the back of your neck standing up quite like chilling tales of murder and the occult. Stories of true crime, serial killers, and the unexplained have captivated audiences for centuries, from the infamous Jack the Ripper to ghost stories from around the world.

Ever wonder what drives a killer? What’s their modus operandi? And are ghosts, vampires, and alien abductions real, or just products of an overactive imagination? Even if you think your town is quiet, there could be dark secrets lurking in the shadows.

By the way, did you know the average person crosses paths with a murderer about 36 times in their life? Or that more than half of murder victims know their killers? Check out our podcast episodes that delve into cold cases, the macabre, even the devil himself —all right here in our own backyard.

Kentucky-based podcast episodes

Kentucky isn't just known for its basketball—it's also home to some chilling true crime stories and tales of real-life evil. As you navigate the dark, winding roads of the Commonwealth, check out these intriguing true crime and paranormal podcasts that will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat.

Bardstown and Back to Bardstown

Bardstown truly embodies Kentucky’s charm and history, with landmarks like Talbot's Tavern and My Old Kentucky Home. Yet beneath its picturesque surface lies a darker reality—unsolved cases still under FBI investigation. One of the most notable is the disappearance of Crystal Rodgers, a young mother who vanished from her home with boyfriend Brooks Houck just before Independence Day in 2015. The case remains open, with recent updates suggesting a possible connection to her father’s death.

Tragically, just sixteen months later, Crystal’s father, Tommy Ballard, was shot and killed during a hunting trip with his 12-year-old grandson. While authorities ruled out suicide and found no foul play involving the grandson, Tommy was shot in the chest, and his rifle was never fired. These cases leave many questions unanswered in this seemingly serene town.

Kentucky Gone Cold

This podcast, hosted by attorney Jessica Brown, dives into cold cases throughout Kentucky, including the tragic story of 15-year-old Lucinda Strange, whose life was cut short just steps from her home in 1990. Each episode unravels the connections between Lucinda’s case and other crimes, keeping the mystery of her murder alive.

Another episode focuses on the murders of Jennifer Bailey and Greta Henson, two young women found dead in Bell County two years apart. Are there links between these heinous acts? Tune in to explore the chilling details and unanswered questions surrounding these cases.

My Old Kentucky Homicide

Tune in to episodes covering the mysterious case of Savannah Spurlock, who vanished from Lexington in 2019 after a night out with friends. Explore the haunting history of Mammoth Cave, including the tragic death of Floyd Collins. And if you’re in the mood for something eerie, don’t miss the story of the "Battletown Witch" of Meade County—guaranteed to give you chills!

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Kentucky After Dark

While not a traditional podcast, Kentucky After Dark on Instagram is definitely worth a mention. This series of reels explores true crime and paranormal tales from across the state. Discover the haunted jail in Simpson County, the eerie moving dolls in Henderson, a haunted courthouse in Harlan, and the infamous slaying of a Kentucky governor in Frankfurt. It's a captivating way to dive into Kentucky’s spooky and mysterious history!

My Favorite Murder With Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

One of the more unique true crime podcasts I’ve come across offers a comedic twist, aiming to find the silver lining in the cases they discuss. You can find episodes covering the 2012 Richmond Hill Explosion, the murder of heiress Marjorie Jackson in 1970, and various other cases from across the U.S., including a spotlight on Kentucky. It's a refreshing take on the genre that blends humor with serious topics!

Kentucky paranormal stories covered in podcast episodes

I met the hosts of these next podcasts several years ago at a paranormal retreat in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, famously known as the home of Mothman. Jerry and Tracy Paulley from Hillbilly Horror Stories and Diane and Kelly from History Goes Bump were both there! They feature several episodes that delve into locations in the Bluegrass, including Octagon Hall in Franklin, one of my favorite spots to visit this time of year.

Here are some other great episodes to check out!

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