CNN just announced the Unmasking a Killer Podcast in the CNN pressroom. It’s hosted by the two of us.
Have a listen to the preview episode. We’d love it if you’d then consider subscribing, and leaving us a five star rating and review in iTunes.
Many of you know we run the podcast Producing Unscripted. It’s an industry podcast aimed at helping new producers break in the business. It also provides a way for new producers to team up with us.
Even so, we’ve always said we’re “part-time podcasters” and “full-time producers.”
But when CNN and HLN ask you to host a podcast? Well, heck yeah we’re in. And we can’t wait to share the Unmasking a Killer podcast with you.
Unmasking a Killer Podcast
It was important to CNN and HLN that the podcast work as a companion to the TV series. However, the episodes also had to stand on their own.
Additionally, making this podcast was very different than making Producing Unscripted. The material is dense, heavy, and emotional. At the same time, the podcast needs to be engaging. It’s a tall order. We gave it our all, and hope you love it.
Joke took lead on producing the creative and booking guests. CNN provided a podcast producer, Stacie Parra, as well. She oversaw all logistics, recorded, and personally edited the episodes.
While our other podcast is recorded on an iPhone, this was made at a professional audio studio. Not gonna lie – we felt the pressure. It’s very different sitting on the “talent” side when someone else is covering studio costs. Luckily, we know that pressure is a privilege. We kept reminding each other of that!
In addition, guests were scattered around the country. CNN booked audio facilities in their area. The guests then called in to us, while recording on their end. In a few cases, facilities weren’t available. When that happened, guests simply called in, and the studio recorded their phone’s audio.
It can feel a little awkward not seeing the person you’re talking to. You know, kind of like being on a conference call. But Stacie has done a great job editing everything together.
Podcast Content
The Unmasking a Killer Podcast features brand new material not in the TV series. For instance:
- Brand new, never-heard analysis from Detective Sgt. Ken Clarke of Sacramento Sheriff’s Department
- Extensive insights from Paul Holes, Contra Costa DA investigator whose been on the case for over 20 years
- Carol Daly, now retired, one of the first female detectives for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department
- Jane Carson, a Golden State Killer victim
- And more
From the CNN press release:
Unmasking A Killer the podcast is hosted by Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina of Joke Productions and features never-before-heard analysis…The HLN television series Unmasking A Killer premieres Sunday, March 18 at 9pm ET/PT and is executive produced by Joke Productions. The five-part docuseries profiles the terrifying real-life story of the Golden State Killer – a man responsible for a staggering 51 attacks and 12 murders in California. Investigators have searched for the sadistic criminal for forty years and with recent evidence suggesting he may still be alive, in 2016 the FBI Sacramento announced a national campaign and $50,000 reward to identify the perpetrator.
Weekly episodes of the podcast will become available at midnight the day of HLN’s linear premieres on CNN.com/podcast, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and iHeartRadio. The first episode debuts Sunday, March 18.
A Collaboration
One of our very first guests is Todd Lindsey, who pitched this case to us. We loved working with Todd, who became supervising producer on the series. You can hear about the process of developing, pitching, and selling this project in this Producing Unscripted podcast episode.
You can also play Todd’s episode right here:
How to Find the Unmasking a Killer Podcast
You can already check out the bonus, eight-minute “preview episode” for the podcast and subscribe on iTunes here.
Please give the Unmasking a Killer Podcast a listen, subscribe, and consider leaving us a five star rating and review.