Morbid: A True Crime Podcast (May 2018) is a conversational true crime podcast hosted by Alaina Urquhart (autopsy technician) and Ash Kelley (hairdresser) that became one of the most popular independent podcasts globally through dark humor, empathy, and devoted community.
Format & Style
Alaina and Ash discuss true crime cases with a mix of meticulous research (Alaina’s autopsy background adds forensic detail), dark humor, tangential banter, and victim advocacy. Episodes range from 60 minutes to 3+ hours.
The hosts’ chemistry — aunt and niece — creates an intimate, conversational vibe. Their “weirdo” community celebrates morbid curiosity without glorifying violence.
Independent Success
Morbid grew organically through word-of-mouth, eventually joining Wondery network while maintaining editorial independence. By 2023, the podcast surpassed 800 million downloads — extraordinary for a show that started in a Massachusetts home.
The show spawned live tours, merchandise, a book deal (The Butcher and the Wren), and Alaina’s fiction career. The “weirdos” (fans) created one of podcasting’s most engaged communities.
Morbid proved you didn’t need celebrity hosts or network backing to build a podcasting empire — just chemistry, consistency, and authentic connection with listeners.