The 10 Best Last Podcast on the Left Episodes
The Last Podcast on the Left is one of the original true crime comedy podcasts, known for its in-depth research and hilarious banter between hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski. The three hosts cover fascinating true crime stories, from serial killer “heavy hitters” like Jeffrey Dahmer and Israel Keyes, to famous controversial figures like OJ Simpson and Casey Anthoney. Some of the best and most legendary LPOTL episodes dive deep into cults, including Scientology, the infamous Peoples Temple, and the Japanese death cult Aum Shinrikyo in epic multi-part series. And, if you’re more into the supernatural, you’ll be happy to find there are lots of fascinating Last Podcast on the Left episodes about the paranormal, including hauntings and aliens, that will leave you thoroughly spooked. With the help of Podyssey’s community of true crime and comedy fans, you’ll find some of the best LPOTL episodes of all time in this playlist.
Last Updated: Jan 14th, 2023
1) Episode 122: Dahmer Part I: Infinity Land
Jeffrey Dahmer is the notorious Milwaukee Cannibal, a sexual predator and serial killer who raped, murdered, and cannibalized almost two dozen boys and men for over 20 years. This three part series uncovers the man behind the murderer. Trace Dahmer’s history as a weird child who killed animals to his life of crimes and eventual death in prison. There’s no question why Jeffrey Dahmer is one of the LPOTL host’s top Heavy Hitters making this series one of the best Last Podcast on the Left episodes of all time.
2) Episode 129: O.J. Simpson
OJ Simpson’s infamous murder case captured the world’s attention. Dive deep into the background of OJ, including his history as a Hall of Famer football player, a charming actor, and his history of spousal abuse. You’ll also get to hear about the Giant Frog film that was never made because of the trial, and which LPOTL host was unfortunately nicknamed OJ in highschool. This detailed (and funny) account of the OJ SImpson trials will shine a new light on the case and its history.
3) Episode 377: Howard Unruh
The Camden Massacre in New Jersey has been long forgotten outside of true crime enthusiasts and academia, but it was the precursor to the era of mass shooting. In 1959, a gay veteran, Howard Unruh murdered 13 people in 13 minutes of hell. It was one of the most terrifying cases in America at the time. Its story led to a Pulitzer prize-winning article that the LPOTL hosts called one of the “most beautiful pieces of true crime since Capote’s”. Hear about the childhood and life of Unruh and where it all subsequently went wrong.
4) Episode 362: Israel Keyes Part I - The Nu Metal Serial Killer
A true heavy hitter, Israel Keyes was a terrifyingly meticulous and patient serial killer who murdered at least three victims in 2011 and 2012, although the FBI believes he actually killed 11 people. Many people’s worst nightmare, Keyes was also a bank robber, rapist, burglar, and necrophile, who killed people across the United States and would plan out his murders months in advance. But what makes Keyes the “Nu Metal” serial killer? The LPOTL hosts argue that he thought he was an evil genius, but was more of a “bargain bin BTK”. The great thing about Last Podcast on the Left is the way that they take these killers down a peg — not only is it peak hilarious true crime comedy, but it’s also a good reminder to not put these serial killers on a pedestal. This is an incredibly informative and interesting two-parter that dives deep into an awful monster, and is well worth a listen for a different take on a contemporary serial killer story.
5) Episode 306: Casey Anthony Part I - Ill Wishers
Casey Anthony, “the most hated mother in America”, was accused of murdering her two-year-old daughter Caylee Anthony in the summer of 2008, after Casey’s mother reported Caylee missing. In October of 2008, Casey was arrested for first degree murder, and that December, Caylee’s remains were found in a wooded area near the Anthony house. However, the jury in Casey’s 2011 trial found her not guilty, which shocked the world, with many people still firmly believing she is guilty of the crime. In this two-part episode, the Last Podcast on the Left hosts really unpack this complex and emotional case that most people just have a snapshot of from the media.
6) Episode 261: L. Ron Hubbard Part I - Grub Hubbard
They say to understand scientology, you need to understand its creator L. Ron Hubbard. In this multi-part story, the LPOTL hosts dive deep into this strange figure, whose proclaimed life history is full of lies that he created to sell his cult-like religion. What was his real life like? Why did he start scientology? The in-depth storytelling in this fascinating series is what characterizes the very best episodes of Last Podcast on the Left.
7) Episode 300: Jonestown Part I - Everyone in the World Is My Friend
You’ve almost undoubtedly heard of Jim Jones, the murderous cult leader who led over 900 people to their death over a single day in 1978 in Guyana. Most people know the gist of what happened to the members of the Peoples Temple on that fateful day in Jonestown, but not the nitty gritty (or, as the boys would say, the “stanky balls”) of the case. Jones spent years preparing his followers for this mass murder event, but still, how did he manage to convince so many people to drink the Kool-Aid (or, more accurately, the Flavor Aid)? This extremely in-depth five-part series starts with the history of mass suicide before diving deep into how the Peoples Temple started, their surprisingly positive beliefs, and Jones’ descent into evil. The LPOTL cult episodes are absolutely legendary, and this series on what is arguably the most famous cult to ever exist is no exception. If you’re looking for the best Last Podcast on the Left episodes, you need to give this one a listen.
8) Episode 310: Rasputin Part I - Greg Drunk
Grigori Rasputin: the spiritual advisor who wormed his way into the highest echelon of power at the end of the Russian empire, and, of course, inspired the song by Boney M. Thought by many in his time to be a strange and powerful wizard beholden only to sewing chaos, did this mysterious Siberian monk really lead the Russian Tzar and Tzarina astray? He was undoubtedly a monster who caused pain and suffering for a lot of people, but of course, the truth is much more complicated than it may initially seem, and the Last Podcast on the Left hosts get deep into it in this five-part series that is a LPOTL fan-favorite. If you’re interested in history, the paranormal, or just want to learn more about this infamous figure, you’ll love this LPOTL best episode.
9) Episode 254: Jack the Ripper Part I - Cockney Yoga
In 1888, Jack the Ripper haunted East End London by brutally murdering eleven sex workers. The episodes in this five-part Whitechapel Murders series are some of the best Last Podcast on the Left episodes of all time. Ben, Marcus, and Henry really did their homework on this case, going as far as consulting the Jack the Ripper museum on all the facts and details of the unsolved murder. Step back in time and immerse yourself in Whitechapel where people slept in four-penny coffins while a monster roamed the night mutilating women.
10) Episode 42: Ghost, Alien, or Molested?
Ben, Marcus, and Henry find an obscure part of the internet — the Yahoo Answers message board where people ask questions on whether they were raped by a ghost or alien — and make a hilarious game out of it. They read through the bizarre (and frightening) forum questions where people described vivid experiences of being molested or raped by mysterious figures of the night that they swore were ghosts and aliens. For each post, the podcast hosts try to guess whether the perpetrators described were unexplained creatures or actually a human. This oddball episode is definitely one of the funniest Last Podcast on the Left episodes that will have you wondering what’s real or a figment of our imaginations.