Brooke Mapelli
Contributing Writer
What draws humans to stories of serial killers, cults, and UFOs? Netflix certainly offers plenty of true crime documentaries. Besides the mass hysteria that these stories can create, the idea of the unimaginable coming to fruition is, admittedly, intensely compelling. Recently, a fellow UC Santa Barbara student recommended “The Last Podcast on the Left” to me — a podcast where true crime meets comedy.
Surely there cannot be anything funny about the darkest parts of humanity. Nevertheless, after listening to an episode, I’m now a fan. From the minds of hosts Henry Zebrowski, Ben Kissel, and Marcus Parks, “The Last Podcast on the Left” satisfies the guilty pleasure surrounding serial killers, cults, and the supernatural, combined with comedic relief amidst hard-hitting stories.
The podcast is free on Spotify. With over 500 archived episodes since 2011, there is content for ufologists and skeptics alike. Weekly episodes are formal and thoroughly researched stories about specific serial killers, cults, or supernatural concepts. Marcus provides compelling storytelling, while Zebrowski and Kissel contribute hilarious commentary during intensely gruesome tales.
“Side Stories” episodes are weekly, as well, but are more casual. They focus on true crime current events, such as Azealia Banks boiling her cat or a man injecting magic mushrooms into his bloodstream. Admittedly, I look forward to new episodes every week because it’s nice to hear voices that aren’t my own thoughts; that is why podcasts are so great.
“With over 500 archived episodes since 2011, there is content for ufologists and skeptics alike.”
It is important to mention that sometimes the humor is quite raunchy. They also include gruesome details about the acts such horrible people have committed. Therefore, I would err on the side of caution if graphic details are triggering for you.
Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, the three hosts have been advocating and raising money for artists, small businesses, sex workers, and for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated on account of drug charges. The trio also incorporates their thoughts on destigmatizing mental illness, legalizing sex work, and decriminalizing a multitude of drugs.
“The Last Podcast on the Left” is frighteningly fascinating and I am hooked. To conclude this like the end of every LPOTL episode: “Hail Yourself! Hail Satan! Megustalations! Hail Gein! Hail Me!”