In this episode, Vinny and Diane unravel the intricate web of a sophisticated stolen goods operation that thrived during the sweltering summer of 1976 in Washington Heights. Through firsthand accounts from officers who worked the case, they trace how a seemingly innocent electronics repair shop on 181st Street became the hub of an underground economy during NYC's financial crisis. From late-night stakeouts to undercover operations, this forgotten chapter of New York crime history reveals the complex relationship between a struggling neighborhood and the shadow economy that both exploited and sustained it.

About the Show

Midnight Beat: Tales from the NYPD Archives is a sleepy crime podcast that explores forgotten cases from New York City's gritty past, particularly focusing on the 1970s era of policing. Each episode features authentic interviews with retired officers, witnesses, and sometimes family members of those involved, all delivered in a soothing, measured pace perfect for bedtime listening. The show prides itself on meticulous research and atmospheric sound design that transports listeners to the streets of 1970s New York without being too stimulating for nighttime listening.

Meet Your Hosts

Vinny Calabrese

A 68-year-old retired NYPD detective who served from 1972-1998. Vinny grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and brings firsthand knowledge of the era's policing tactics and street culture. His gruff but grandfatherly demeanor and authentic Brooklyn accent add credibility and warmth to each episode, often enriching cases with personal anecdotes from his time on the force.

Dr. Diane Powell

A 55-year-old criminal psychologist and native New Yorker who specializes in historical crime analysis. With her warm, educated tone and subtle Queens inflections, Diane provides academic perspective and historical context to each case, explaining the social conditions that contributed to crime patterns of the era. Her soothing, thoughtful demeanor perfectly balances Vinny's more colorful storytelling.

In this episode, Daniel and Olivia unravel the chilling case of 'The Poet,' a mysterious killer who stalked Boston's Beacon Hill in 1967, leaving cryptic verses alongside his victims. From the disappearance of bookshop worker Eleanor Kane to the discovery of a second victim and the literary clues left behind, this forgotten true crime case explores how a killer's macabre artistic pretensions played into Boston's cultural anxieties and forever changed the city's relationship with its storied literary heritage.

About the Show

Shadows of the Past is a weekly podcast exploring forgotten true crime cases, unsolved mysteries, and the cultural context that shaped them. Each episode features deep dives into historical cases with expert interviews, archival audio, and thoughtful analysis of how these crimes reflected and influenced their times.

Meet Your Hosts

Daniel Morris

A former crime reporter turned podcast host with a background in investigative journalism. Daniel brings meticulous research skills and a knack for connecting historical dots. He's known for his respectful but unflinching approach to difficult subject matter.

Olivia Chen

A cultural historian with expertise in 20th century American urban life. Olivia provides historical context and social analysis, helping listeners understand the world in which these crimes occurred. She has a talent for humanizing victims and exploring the lasting impact of crimes on communities.

In this episode, Nathaniel and Eleanor uncover the chilling case of Mrs. Agatha Thornley, a seemingly respectable housekeeper who left a trail of poisoned victims throughout 1870s East London. From the mysterious death of young maid Mary Perkins to the groundbreaking forensic techniques that finally exposed the truth, this forgotten Victorian murder spree reveals the dark vulnerabilities of domestic servants and the class dynamics that allowed a killer to operate in plain sight.

About the Show

Victorian Shadows is a meticulously researched true crime podcast that delves into the murky underworld of Victorian-era murders and mysteries. Each episode unearths forgotten cases from the gaslit streets of 19th century England, combining historical accuracy with atmospheric storytelling. The show is renowned for its deep archival research, expert interviews, and immersive sound design that transports listeners to the foggy cobblestone streets of Victorian England.

Meet Your Hosts

Nathaniel Blackwood

A former history professor with a specialization in Victorian criminal justice, Nathaniel brings academic rigor and a rich, measured Northern English accent to Victorian Shadows. His deliberate pacing and thoughtful narrative style make complex historical contexts accessible, while his genuine fascination with each case captivates listeners.

Eleanor Harwood

An investigative journalist formerly with the BBC, Eleanor applies contemporary investigative techniques to historical mysteries on Victorian Shadows. With her smooth, articulate delivery and compassionate approach, she provides emotional context for victims' stories while offering modern perspectives on Victorian social issues.