RedHanded, the British true crime podcast launched in March 2017 by hosts Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, became a global phenomenon for its whip-smart analysis, dark humor, and international case coverage.
The Hosts
Suruthi and Hannah brought:
- British perspective to American-dominated true crime
- Legal and scientific backgrounds
- Feminist lens on cases
- Irreverent humor balanced with respect
- Chemistry and friendship dynamic
Format & Style
Episodes feature:
- Deep dives into one case per episode
- International cases, not just US/UK
- Psychological and sociological analysis
- Debunking myths and misconceptions
- Weekly releases (Thursdays)
Global Perspective
#RedHanded stood out for covering:
- European serial killers
- Asian true crime cases
- South American mysteries
- African crimes rarely discussed in Western media
- Colonial history’s impact on crime
Cultural Impact
The podcast:
- Built massive UK fanbase, then went global
- Spawned live tours across UK, Australia, US
- Created dedicated “Spooky B*tches” fanbase
- Launched merchandise line
- Signed with podcast networks for distribution
Signature Cases
Episodes that went viral:
- “The Isdal Woman” - Norwegian mystery
- “Junko Furuta” - Japanese tragedy
- “The Somerton Man” - Australian enigma
- “Setagaya Family Murders” - Tokyo cold case
Community
RedHanded fans appreciate the hosts’ refusal to sensationalize, their research depth, and their ability to discuss heavy topics while keeping listeners engaged.
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