Podcast of the Week: The Vanished

Join Marissa Jones each week to investigate a different missing persons case.

We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for more shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!

This week: The Vanished is a true crime podcast that explores the stories of those who have gone missing. Join host, Marissa Jones, as she investigates each case, often interviewing the loved ones who are still searching for answers.

What’s your podcast about?

The Vanished is a show that covers lesser known missing persons cases. We often see a handful of missing people dominating the headlines on television but there are so many others that no one is hearing about. Their stories are important too. I incorporate interviews with family members, friends and law enforcement when possible.

If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?

Stories of the missing from those who knew them best.

Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?

I would suggest starting with a case that is from your local area. Often, there are opportunities for listeners to help whether it’s with searches or sharing flyers. I don’t personally have a favorite because I get to know each family so well, it’s hard for me to have a preference. One that I’m really proud of is the Johnathan Lee Hamilton story which is two episodes. I was able to get significant amount of information released from law enforcement including exclusive audio interviews.

What inspired you to create this podcast?

There is a long version and short version to this answer. The short answer is that I listened to a lot of true crime shows and kept requesting that they cover some missing persons cases that aren’t well known. One day, I just decided to do it myself. The long answer is that I’ve always been interested in the subject matter because I grew up knowing that my great-grandfather had disappeared in 1928 and was never found. After he disappeared, my grandfather and his brother had to go live in foster homes and they were often treated very poorly. This shaped my grandfather in a way that made him a strong family man but I could always see the fragile part of him as well.

Which guests have you had on your podcast so far?

I mostly speak to family members and friends. Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to get detectives on the show too. I also have some episodes with private investigators when that applies to the case. Some episodes feature people who run groups that advocate for the missing.

Who would be your dream guest?

This is a tough question. I typically talk to everyday people and I very much enjoy the relationships that I’ve built. I would like to do an interview with a survivor sometime in the future. Elizabeth Smart comes to mind because she endured so much and has gone on to become such an advocate. I don’t know how she does it but I admire her.

Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?

I started the show in my bedroom with my laptop and a $50 microphone. I never expected the show to grow like it has. I converted a room in my house to be an office/recording studio. I use a Rode microphone and do my interviews via skype with a call recorder. For editing, I use Audition and sometimes Audacity. I started with Audacity and switching software was not easy for me. I’m getting too old!

What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?

I have found that listeners seem to like the 45 minute to 1 hour shows the best. Some stories there just isn’t enough information and others need to be a bit longer. My rule is that a podcast episode should be as long as it needs to be for the story to be told well.

Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?

The Apex & The Abyss, The Generation Why Podcast, This is Actually Happening, They Walk Among Us, Pleasing Terrors, Minds of Madness, Misconduct, Canadian True Crime, In Sight Podcast and Sword & Scale. I have so many that I love, it’s hard not to list 100!

Where is your podcast available to listen to?

The Vanished is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Overcast or anywhere you find your podcasts. You can also find it at http://thevanishedpodcast.com  where you will also find pictures to go along with each episode or https://wondery.com/wondery/shows/thevanished/

https://www.facebook.com/thevanishedpodcast

https://www.instagram.com/thevanishedpodcast

 http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vanished-podcast/id1081124929?mt=2

https://art19.com/shows/the-vanished-podcast-wondery

What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?

I believe that the future of podcasting is whatever you want it to be. If you have a dream to make a podcast about any subject, you can do it with very little investment. I took my dream, started as hobby and it has become my career.

My hope is that the listening audience for podcasts as a whole will continue to grow.

❉ Follow The Vanished on Twitter: @thevanishedpod

❉ Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of The Vanished Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vanished-podcast/id1081124929?mt=2


❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.

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