Generation Why: True Crime

Generation Why has been doing this since 2012, which makes it one of the longest-running true crime podcasts still actively producing new episodes. Hosts Justin Evans and Aaron Habel have found a rhythm over 744 episodes that feels like two friends sitting down to genuinely work through a case together, rather than performing for an audience. The format is discussion-based — both hosts research the case beforehand and then talk through the evidence, theories, and outcomes in real time. What separates Generation Why from the dozens of similar two-host shows is the restraint. Justin and Aaron rarely sensationalize, and they make a conscious effort to center victims rather than glorifying perpetrators. They'll present multiple theories on unsolved cases without forcing you toward one conclusion, which listeners consistently praise in reviews. Topics range from well-known cases like JonBenet Ramsey and the Zodiac Killer to obscure local crimes that most people have never heard of. Episodes run about an hour and drop weekly, now distributed through Wondery. The show carries a 4.5-star rating from nearly 17,000 reviews, and the audience tends to be fiercely loyal — many listeners have been with the show for a decade or more. The production is cleaner now than it was in the early years, but even those older episodes have a charm to them. If you value thoughtful analysis over dramatic flair, Generation Why is a reliable pick that has earned its longevity.