S12, Chapter 5: Hale

In the season finale, I go back to day 11... the $500 bet reset token the app sent me the day I was supposed to quit, and the coffee shop where I decided my sponsor was the enemy. I'll also play you a voicemail my cousin left me, with four words in it that Karl Jacobson said about himself as his career was ending. Then, with his larceny case still open, Karl asked New Haven to make his pension tax-free.

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Reviews

Sensitive, well-reported & intriguing

I appreciate the sensitivity towards victims & their families that you convey. Your storytelling is intriguing and the unique format of how you unfold event keeps me on edge! Keep up the wonderful independent work!!!

GeeJaden
Jan. 26, 2025

Amazing podcast

I just spent 3 days packing for a move while listening to this podcast non stop, I get bored with most podcasts and switch to another one half way through the episode, but I just couldn’t stop listening to this one, well done!

MicaelaFontana
Jan. 31, 2025

My Binge Podcast!

I stumbled upon this podcast while listening to another. At first it was ok but as I kept listening it became better and better! Next thing I know, I’m hooked! I love the narrator’s voice: creepy, strange, & sexy all at the same time! I appreciate the time he takes to tell the story; I really like that. Some podcasters rush over parts and pieces and you get lost. Not this podcaster! Very detailed. Well done! I’ve also shared the podcast on my social media feed and shared via my phone.

Big Baby65
March 6, 2025

Best long form podcast I’ve had the pleasure of listening too

Season 11 is amazing. All your work is good, enjoy it all, but season 11 man. Just awesome. Would love to hear you do the Grant Amato case now.

BoSox_VT
April 4, 2025

My new favorite

I came across TZ when he did a short story on the My Bloody Valentines show that included 14 different podcasters. TZ stood out to me and I enjoyed his voice and the way he told a story. I just finished the heartbreaking series about Dylan Redwine. I never cried when listening to a podcast (and I’ve heard it all) but the way TZ told the story of Dylan affected me in a way no other podcaster has. I can’t wait to listen to more.

CK1504
Feb. 26, 2023

Amazing find!

There are a lot of true crime podcasts but TZ adds a bit of social justice to the story. Not just for voyeurs. You will learn something here AND be mesmerized! Great voice, great quality podcast!

anet2951
March 3, 2023

Excellent

I’m blown away. Excellent content and presentation. I’m an avid podcast listener and support several. Having discovered this podcast, if I could only support one podcast- it would be this one. Thank you for critical, intelligent and interesting content.

Swordfishtonight
May 16, 2023

Gets better with every season

I’ve been binging these and the show truly evolves and gets better with each episode. Season 11 is great! I love how in-depth TZ goes.

Kaylerr Sue
May 22, 2025

Your empathy is really moving

I’m so thankful for your empathic narrative, your honesty - your emotional intelligence is incredible. It restored some of my faith in humanity. I’m going to pray for you, man. And as crazy as it sounds I’m going to pray for that Eleanor, her victims and her family. I don’t have the words for her so all I can pray is that God reaches into the blackest depths of her soul. This world is so very dark but somehow you manage to tell these horrible stories with such compassion. I’m proud of you!

dalpaengi
Aug. 4, 2023

Continues to be outstanding

I’ve been listening since the beginning and it’s just getting better. Loved the Otto Warmbier episodes. The research, production and overall vibe makes this one of the top independent true crime podcasts imo.

qavvik
Dec. 6, 2023

Awesome podcast!!

I am so glad I came across it. It’s so in depth and well researched. I love it!!

Ch082082
July 9, 2024

Love this Podcast!

My perfect true crime podcast has lots of audio clips, (actual audio clips, i.e. interrogations, cop cams, 911 calls, etc.) a bit if narrating but not too much, and a healthy respect for the victims. Keep up the good work!

Jurh$;$&&
June 6, 2024

Obsessed

Tapes from the Darkside is like listening to a really well done, excellently researched documentary. TZ adds just enough thoughtful commentary and has a great voice to listen to. Love it.

iblinkinpink
June 6, 2024

Fantastic!

TZ does an excellent job deep-diving into some truly disturbing cases. His presentation and analysis of primary source material is captivating. Since main episodes are presented in single narration format there is no off-topic banter and episodes focus solely on the case.

Stephtfoo
May 1, 2024

My new favorite!

I love this podcast! The pace is great for me and the stories are dark but intriguing. TZ does an amazing job researching and presenting the story in a compelling way.

NelsonEJ
April 10, 2024

This show is a treasure

Tapes from the Dark Side is magnificently crafted with suburb story telling and top notch production value! Subscribe to the premium feed and you will not be disappointed! I listen to quite a few podcasts and this little gem is a favorite!