Dark Histories

Ben Cutmore launched Dark Histories in July 2017 with a Jack the Ripper episode, and it remains one of the best single-episode treatments of the Whitechapel murders available in podcast form. That debut installment walks through all five canonical murders in sequence, placing each killing in its geographic and social context within the East End, and reviewing the major suspect theories without pushing a particular conclusion. The broader show delivers fortnightly episodes on unsolved mysteries, historical true crime, paranormal events, and cultural oddities. With 245 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from over 1,800 reviews, Dark Histories has built a loyal following drawn to Cutmore's calm, measured narration style. Listeners frequently compare his delivery to a well-paced documentary — no dramatic music stings, no breathless cliffhangers, just thorough research presented in a clear voice that is genuinely pleasant to listen to for extended periods. The Ripper episode specifically stands out because Cutmore treats the material with restraint. He gives substantial attention to who the victims were before they were killed, describes the Whitechapel streetscape in concrete sensory detail, and walks through the police investigation without sensationalizing the gore. For listeners who want a single comprehensive overview of the case before deciding whether to commit to a full series, this episode is an excellent starting point.