Hell and Gone

6,752

Hell And Gone is a true crime podcast from iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans that follows journalist and private investigator Catherine Townsend as she investigates unsolved deaths.

Now in its fifth season, Hell and Gone is going weekly.

Over the past five years of making true crime podcast Hell and Gone, host Catherine Townsend has received hundreds of messages from people all around the country asking for help with an unsolved murder that’s affected them, their families and their communities.

In past seasons of the show, she’s only been able to focus on one case. But now, she’s hosting a new weekly show called Hell and Gone Murder Line. Every Thursday, Catherine features a new case, adds updates to old ones, and helps as much as she can to get the word out about unsolved murders.

If you have a case you’d like Catherine and her team to look into, you can call the Hell and Gone Murder Line at 678-744-6145.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Bschora

FLUFF FACTOR: 33% [oof]

/ Episode length: 43 min. / Ads + Fluff ⭕️ ⬆️: 14 min. / Avg time between ads: 11 min. / Based on episode: S5E3. ============================ Really horrible hyper-babble ads. Every 11 minutes. The most AD HEAVY podcast on my list so far. The episodes are also confusing. Ex. Christina Pipkin, Episodes 12 to 14 are Parts 1 to 3. Then we hop over to Episode 16 for Part 4… WTH? Season 5 has 52 episodes that bounce back and forth between Christine Pipkin and various unrelated stories. Geez.
TRIBE1963

Pretty good, but….

Ads killed the podcast star. Way too many ads. I get you need to make money, but this podcast leads the league in ads
Angela Perdue

I enjoy the stories.

I find the material very interesting and enjoy learning about the steps taken to investigate the cases. For multi episode cases, it would be very helpful to have the number of episodes (or at least an estimated number) specified in the show notes.
craiggbbrritc

Ads, ads, and more ads

There are more ads than show. I had to stop listening after a coupe episodes.
DkHargett

???

I’ve listened to this podcast from the beginning, it was local to me and that’s what got my attention. I like Katherine Townsend she is a good reporter but I didn’t like the fact she called AWP a distraction in the Brooke Allentown episode. Jared and Doug and their team are an asset to missing cases and have solved more cold cases than Katherine could dream of helping. Over 22 cold cases closed because of Adventure with Purpose
Mrsircb

Really love the Podcast but the ADS

I love the podcast. I have been listening since Catherine did Red Collar. I think the ads are crazy long though. I wish they were broken up maybe a little more.
Kathleen Held

🫶

Love what you are doing and your honest passion. Thank you H&G Team!!
Bookmarm

Great stories, audio quality needs improvement

I love the stories and the research they do. It’s compelling and interesting. However, sometimes the audio quality of third parties is poor and difficult to understand.
i <3 you

Lots of room for improvement

The background music is awful. It’s extremely distracting. Please adjust the levels so it’s not the focus of these episodes. Far too many ads for a podcast of this length. And they’re not aligned with the nature of the podcast’s content. If you’re telling a story in multiple parts but not dropping those episodes at the same time… for the love of god put that info in the episode notes. People consume lots of different podcasts and it’s hard to keep story details straight week to week. If you label your episodes thoroughly, that will greatly improve the listener experience.
alexnim92

Ugh

All this host chick does is make everything about herself not any victims, it just about her boosting her own ego. Every single episode description is about “Catherine” not the victims. These bored, talentless people with nothing to do but exploit others tragedies because the host needs attention
NanafromtheHood 😊

That music

I’d really be interested in the story but had to give up and unfollow halfway through the second episode because the music was so annoying. Just couldn’t do it.. 🙁
My4meanies

Same as other reviews

30-40 min pod with at least 1/4 ads. Good research, details, but info is repeated so it’s slow to go anywhere in the short podcasts with almost more ads than podcast.
Luna031221

Excellent podcast

Catherine is a thoughtful and insightful journalist. She genuinely cares about the families whose stories she tells.
Teon77

Whats with the sounds

Very odd back-round bass & piano. Also tired of hearing the narrator brag about herself at the start of every episode. Please
thejondawson

Can’t take the ads

I am all for Podcasts getting their money through ads. But when I listen to a 45 minute episode and only 10 minutes of that is the actual content I’m not sticking around. I listened to every season up to season four. Couldn’t finish that one cuz of ads, tried to start season five and couldn’t even make it past episode one without Tapping off and finding a different Podcast.
Jcicala

So confused?!?

I’ve seen a lot of reviews about the ads that is not why I’m only giving a two star review that is not the Podcaster’s fault. If you don’t like the ads pay the $35 for a years subscription cheapskate! However, I was enjoying season six then the fifth episode came along, and it was a totally different case??? I felt like I was just beginning to understand the first one.
PinkFreud086

Add galore

As many people of said, the number of ads is out of control. In a 35 min episode there is about 13 minutes of ads. To go from hearing about the worst day of a family’s life to an ad for something like a cocktail machine or nicotine is pretty jarring. I can’t fault anyone for wanting to make some money, but there are plenty of other true crime podcasts to choose from that don’t have a million ads.
Leakfreak

Great show

I love this show so much, I sleep to it every night. I am now addicted to Catherine’s voice. Keep it going!
Simkha

Excessive Ads/Bad Sound Quality

I've tried listening to this several times, but after a few attempts, as well as attempts at other I Heart podcasts, the excessive ads are just too much. Every ten minutes or so - in a 35-minute-long episode - there are at least two ads. The podcast may be good, but it's not good enough to pay for when money is so tight. The other issue I have with this podcast is something I've encountered is bizarre to me: rather than get someone to read, or to summarize facts and put the resources in show notes, they insist on playing very poor audio, complete with muffled voices and very low volume. Please just stop doing that. If you put your sources in the notes, I will trust that you aren't making something up. I have tried but this podcast just doesn't cut it.
ChgoCaliChick

Way too many ads

I enjoy the content but there are way too many ads to continue listening.
nameforappreviews

Interesting Content

Podcasts are a lot of work, and creating them takes courage most people don’t have. Most of the Karens in the comments don’t acknowledge this podcast’s great content or the effort required to crank out so many small town stories this quickly. That said, a couple of tweaks I’ll echo from others: the sound is a major issue, maybe lower the volume or reduce the frequency of music played. Also, the ads. Wow. Make your money, girl, we get it, but how about doing longer commercials at the beginning and end and remove the middle breaks? Same amount of ad time with fewer breaks. The average listener cannot fork out hundreds of dollars/month to listen to all their favorite podcasts. Annoying people multiple times during a single episode is not how to gain new paid subscribers. Great podcast overall, based on the stories and details provided.
Rach983

Ads

I love the host and stories but omg the ads. So many ads.
Office in my car

The ads are horrible

I’m at the point of stopping even listening to this content due to the excessive ads. It is so annoying.
thinsafetypin

Used to be great before it was 2/3 ads

So. Many. Ads.
No more jewels

What Happened?!?

35 minute show with 15 minutes of ads?!? I understand ads pay for your show, but it’s too much now.
DC from CW

Too many ads

Interesting content but there are more minutes of ads than minutes of content. I certainly can’t afford to pay for ad free content on 10-20 podcasts. I understand the need for ads and I’m ok with the podcasts with reasonable numbers of ads but this one is out of control.
JP-JP7373

Insufferable

One of the most annoying podcasts. A narcissistic host inserting herself into ongoing investigations with righteous indignation. The Barksdale episodes show a severe lack of critical thinking. The entire series is so repetitive; solely revolving around the authorities not providing more information to the public on an ongoing investigation to maintain the integrity of the case. Sounds like the host is more upset she can’t have more information to make more content to scrape money off a grieving family and community. Otherwise, if she really cared about justice for Taylor, she would show understanding about why these decisions are being made. Really gross host.
Lake girl 5

Ugh

Sound effects are annoying! Season 1 episode 1 going into the dads dental office & the jingling of a bell was so over the top! This adds nothing!
kdc1227

Disgusted

I just discovered this show and skipped around, listening to Season 6 first and then Season 2. I only listened to parts of a few Season 2 episodes though because that was all I could take. This story disgusted me. Janie Ward has been carved into pieces during 3 autopsies, buried and unburied multiple times and apparently had all the skin removed from her body and for what? It became obvious to me that she was not murdered only a few minutes into the second episode. Although I think the host was fair and thorough during her investigation, the whole thing just feels exploitative to me. I don’t think this story should have been covered over multiple episodes because it’s obvious that several people just can’t accept this was an accident. Let this poor girl (that is, whatever’s left of her tortured body) rest in peace already.
raremyotis

Ads

If you like ads this is the podcast for you
Diddle Dawn and Mikey G

Dreaming of Endless Episodes

It takes so much for me to really enjoy and give my undivided attention to and well since the first episode I heard i’ve been addicted. I think I may just find other podcast you have did to get me through to new episodes. I would say Google can tell me others if any you’ve done. This podcast is not bragged on nearly enough. I can’t stand most of the “Best” podcast that people list, and my top 5, one maybe two ever make a top 20 list that i read online. I always suggest this and a couple other ones like this. usually people reply with nothing but wonderful things and hate it that they had not found or listened to them prior.
Jefrado

Great Pod Cast

Catherine, I just recently discovered your pod cast and have so far listened to seasons 1-3. You and your team do such a great job and your voice, with its slight twinge of southern accent lend a tender touch to your accounts that draws me in. The attention to detail that you provide shines through the darkness that you cover in your stories! Bless you for keeping these poor lost souls alive and for bringing their tragic endings to light, it shows that you have a heart for lives lost and your search for the truth behind it are touching!
Pastaman77

it has potential, but

This podcast is well done and well researched and everything like so many others. But this podcast does something that a few others do that I have found will cause me to turn it off instantly. to the producers of all podcast. I hope you are reading this. please stop playing sound effects over the dialogue. Please stop making the sound effects that you are playing over the dialogue just as loud as the dialogue or louder than it. There are plenty of people out there that multiple sounds are entering their ears at once, they have a hard time deciphering the spoken words.
Ohsugar714

Wasted Time

Interesting case, poorly executed podcast. So much wasted time playing “live” tape of the chase, which 9 times out of 10 resulted in nothing. Take out the filler and useless garbage and this series could be cut in half and wayyy more interesting. Found myself agitated half the time listening for an actual relevant piece of info.
KellyGriffinVaughan

Very interesting podcast, extreme amount of ads & commercials.

I enjoy this podcast, but I cannot listen to it like I prefer, which is to binge it because of the excessive amounts of ads & commercials. I understand people got to get paid & at least this allows us the opportunity to hear these cases, but you can’t listen while exercising or doing anything, bc you’re constantly having to fast forward past the ads & commercials. Commercial breaks can be over 3 mins, multiple times per episode. Incredibly frustrating. During 20 minutes to wash dishes, I had this on. I had to stop, dry my hands & fast forward 3 times in that 20 minute period. I tried to exercise & had to stop 2 times within 7 minutes to fast forward. I turned it off & chose a podcast that had a normal amt of ads. Catherine does a really great job, but it’s increasingly frustrating to watch due to excessively long ads.
jodesmith

You know

Like this podcast. Why do a lot of your ‘professional people’ say ‘you know ‘ a lot? I had to go forward several times just to stop hearing that. So annoying You know.
RiffRaffSureShot

Jay Slater

I always love this podcast and everything Catherine does, but the Jay Slater episode was extra excellent, important, and helpful. I updated my find my phone settings because of her suggestion and it was so easy to do based on her easy to follow directions.
Motorboating101

Waste of time

This season was just wasting time to me. It sounds like she had a mental breakdown and unfortunately succumbed to that episode. I’m not sure why anyone is trying to hold authorities accountable.
Itskendyl

Ethical coverage of less covered cases

I love Catherine’s approach to her cases and how she takes a much more ethical approach than many when exploring cases. I also appreciate how thorough and approachable her pod is, as well as the fact she most times covers cases that are lesser known and need more coverage.
CTMW Fan

Great podcast

Love the show but please lose the background music it’s so distracting to concentrate on the story.
Parent of Good Kids

You are awesome! Background “music” is awful

The music and noises in the background are so distracting. I could not listen to the episode about Robert. I had to turn it off for mental health. I was literally feeling stress from the noise. I have tried to tune it out because I like your podcast so much, but it’s just way too distracting. I have seen this complaint before. Please reconsider. I think you are losing people.😭
booksholic

I love your podcast

No matter what others say whether good or bad. Opinions are relative. Not everyone is going to like you or your work. Never get discouraged. I am a listener and love your content. I think you do a great job! I may be partial also, I lived in Arkansas for many years and went to UAMS! ☺️
MrsAdams2007

Good but inconsistent

I feel like some cases go on forever, but then some of the really interesting ones are short and feel like they weren’t researched as well. And for crying out loud, the word is vigilance not “viligence” as she says in the ad that is repeated in every episode.
Ali974

Mitrice’s mother

When Mitrice was at the police station and her mom was called, why did the mom say stupid things - but instead sounded concerned and drove to pick up her daughter? Why isn’t she held accountable for not doing that?! Her daughter could still be alive if she bothered.
Peace love and Kris

Season 1

I’m on the 4th episode and I am feeling like these girls went on in the first 3 episodes about how evil Chris is and how he’d knock them out without a second thought if they came at him wrong, etc. Then they chat with him and while I’m glad they are being true to the story, they do a 180 on how sincere and unlikely he is to be involved with zero buffering or apologetic sentiments. That makes me think they are getting emotionally involved like they’re dealing with hs drama and chatting about the rumors to the most extreme ends (which is how I think I’d probably be if I’m honest) unlike real investigators would. However, that does track with the grass roots start of this podcast. So I’m happy to keep listening- especially if they solve it! Just need to be more level headed when it comes to people’s public reputations, especially if broadcasting to a huge audience.
Alba Varden

New Murder Lines eps are weak

Miss the old H&G where they focused on one case.
Rigged spin wheel

Host thinks she’s great anyway

Terrible! If you listen to podcasts for the actual content don’t bother. 5 star reviews are only from individuals trying to fill dead air.
Chadrl

Background music

Great podcast, but for people listening at work on headphones, the bass in the background music drowns out the dialogue...my only complaint...great job
BizmarkDoodle

Booo

Yuck
Mzleigh2000

Great Podcast!

I’ve been a day one listener. Thank you for what you do. I always know when I listen to your podcast that you’re only going to give us facts and truth. Keep up the good work!