Best Rick Slater Podcasts (2025)

1
Conversation Rewind with Margalit Fox: Conan Doyle for the Defense 46:35

Play Pause

4d ago46:35

46:35

One of the most incredible stories in true crime is the tale of Arthur Conan Doyle and how he helped free a man…who was innocent of murder. Author Margalit Fox offers us a deep dive into the characters in her book, Conan Doyle for the Defense. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4gF2…

1
Rachel McCarthy James: Whack Job 54:22

11d ago54:22

54:22

When Rachel McCarthy James and her father wrote their best-selling book The Man from the Train, Rachel became fascinated with axes. Were they good weapons during murders? What kind of killer used them? She wrote the story of the axe in her book Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promoti…

1
Dick Harpootlian: Dig Me a Grave 48:27

18d ago48:27

48:27

Dick Harpootlian might be a name you recognize. He’s from South Carolina, and he’s one of Alex Murdaugh’s defense attorneys. He’s also been a prosecutor. And one of his most disturbing defendants was serial killer Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins. Dick tells me the story from his book: Dig Me a Grave. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor dea…

1
Yepoka Yeebo: Anansi’s Gold 45:00

25d ago45:00

45:00

The popular former president of Ghana was once accused of hiding gold from the West African country’s government. But it turns out that he was targeted by an audacious con artist who pulled off one of the 20th century's longest running and most spectacular frauds. Author Yepoka Yeebo tells me the story in her book: Anansi's Gold. Support this podca…

1
Rod Sadler: Depraved Obsession 55:58

1M ago55:58

55:58

For more than a decade, a serial killer stalked teenage boys in Michigan. Ronald Lloyd Bailey was eventually caught. But the story becomes more complicated because of Bailey’s experience at one of the state’s most respected psychiatric hospitals. Author Rod Sadler tells me the story in his book: Depraved Obsession. Support this podcast by shopping …

1
Ceri Jackson: The Boy from Tiger Bay 59:25

1M ago59:25

59:25

Almost 40 years ago, a brutal murder on Valentine’s Day shook the country of Wales. When a 20-year-old is murdered in a dark corner of Cardiff’s infamous Tiger Bay area, the police launch an investigation. But did they arrest the wrong people because they were desperate to close the case? Author Ceri Jackson tells me the story from her book: The Bo…

1
Dane Huckelbridge: Queen of All Mayhem 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

We hear a lot about gunslingers and outlaws in the American West, and those stories are mostly about men. But there were female outlaws, too—like Belle Starr, probably the most famous of them all. Her murder was a mystery. But her life was extraordinary. Author Dane Huckelbridge tells me about Belle and his book: Queen of All Mayhem. Support this p…

1
Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee: Shadow of the Bridge 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

The murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams in Delphi, Indiana shook the country. But the impact of the attention, the speculation and the fear is still felt in the community. Now podcasters Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee have written a book about the case, but it feels different from other investigations. Their book does focus on the case, bu…

1
Rich Cohen: Murder in the Dollhouse 56:27

2M ago56:27

56:27

The disappearance in 2019 of Jennifer Dulos is one of the most chilling stories I’ve ever read about. When the mother of five vanished from her wealthy Connecticut suburb, her estranged husband became the prime suspect. But when Fotis Dulos ended his own life, the mystery deepened. Author Rich Cohen has the inside story in his book, Murder in the D…

1
Jane Borden: Cults Like Us 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

What is the origin story of cults? Author Jane Borden says it goes all the way back to the Puritans and their doomsday beliefs. She says that from the beginning, we’ve been a nation of easy marks for con artists and manipulators. She tells me about her book, Cults Like Us. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at …

1
Chiefs, Bucs, and Drake Maye Are Big Winners. Plus, Danny Kanell on Penn State’s Overreaction, Indiana’s Biggest Win, and the SEC’s Problem. 2:00:02

2M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big proble…

1
Anne Soon Choi: L.A. Coroner 45:18

2M ago45:18

45:18

When you write a biography about a man dubbed “Coroner to the Stars,” it’s bound to be a compelling story. Who doesn’t want to read about the coroner who performed the autopsies on Marilyn Monroe, RFK, and Natalie Wood, among others? Author Anne Soon Choi tells me about her book, “L.A. Coroner.” Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor d…

1
Prime-Time Giants! NBA GM Survey Thoughts. Plus: Jeff Darlington on Baker’s Career Turnaround, Shanahan Love, and Belichick’s future. 2:01:27

3M ago2:01:27

2:01:27

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, th…

1
The Giannis-Knicks Flirtation. Plus, Jeff Passan on Judge Saving the Yankees, More MLB Playoffs, and Life Advice! 1:43:36

3M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater a…

1
Broncos or Pats for the Best Win? Plus, the Best Coach Right Now and the Team Misery Index With Mike Sando and Ryen’s First CFB Top 12 Playoff Rankings! 1:45:06

3M ago1:45:06

1:45:06

By The Ringer

1
Patricia Cornwell: Scarpetta 1:04:40

3M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

I’ve interviewed quite a few authors who are inspired by real people or real crimes. And then they write these fantastic novels. Patricia Cornwell’s iconic character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, has a legion of fans because of how clever she is as a medical examiner, how she solves a mystery. Cornwell was working with Virginia’s first female chief ME Dr. Ma…

1
Yanks Pack Up the Sox, the Strange 4-0 Eagles, and Fixing the Ravens With Kevin Clark. Plus, Is Kyle Shanahan a $30M coach? 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming…

1
Talkin’ Baseball! Plus, Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the Field? And the Top CFB Stadiums With Fox’s Chris Fallica. 1:33:48

3M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out wit…

1
The Packers' Worst Loss, the Chiefs' Best Win, and a Tough Jalen Hurts Convo With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Same Old Penn State? 1:53:19

3M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, …

1
Ross Halperin: Bear Witness 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

A gang in a mountain barrio in Honduras terrorized the people there for years. The police claimed that their hands were tied because witnesses refused to testify. An American sociologist and a Honduran schoolteacher devised a plan to protect their neighbors by taking matters into their own hands. Author Ross Halperin tells me the story in his book:…

1
Actor Tom Pelphrey Talks ‘Task’, Being a Giants Fan and Throwing Out a First Pitch. Plus Some 'TNF', Texans, and Cam Ward Thoughts. 1:36:05

3M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fa…

1
Dart and Caleb Outlooks, and the Disappointing 2026 QB Class With Coach Quincy Avery. Plus, Ryder Cup Talk With Michael Kim 1:40:41

3M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France,…

1
Are the Eagles the New Chiefs? And Herbert Defenders, Stand Up! Plus, Todd McShay on Improved Indiana, Scary Miami, and More. 1:21:49

3M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even …

1
Michael Beach Nichols: Perfect Wife 1:03:52

3M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Most of us have heard about Sherri Papini. She’s the woman who faked her own kidnapping in 2016, which terrified her husband and soon sparked outrage in her Northern California community. Michael Beach Nichols is the director and producer of the Hulu series, “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini.” He tells US about his experi…

1
Another Brutal Tua Pick, Plus Best Rookies and the 2026 QB Class With Daniel Jeremiah 1:40:15

3M ago1:40:15

1:40:15

Russillo starts with a recap of Dolphins-Bills and what essentially was the game-losing interception from Tua. Then he’s joined by the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah for more on Tua’s issues, plus why Josh Allen may have ruined our thoughts on QB development, his favorite rookies so far, and an early look at the 2026 QB draft class. Finally, the guy…

1
Best CFB Transfers and Arch's Issues With Max Olson. Plus, a Deep Dive on the Chiefs' Struggles With Mitchell Schwartz. 1:37:45

3M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Russillo is joined by Max Olson to talk about the best transfer acquisitions in college football, preview this weekend’s biggest games, and reveal the teams that have surprised them the most this season. Then, Mitchell Schwartz comes on to break down O-line play leaguewide, discuss the Chiefs' issues, and talk about stories from his playing days. P…

1
Chiefs 0-2, Tush Push Drama (Again), Joe Burrow's Injury, and the Dolphins' Mess With Dianna Russini. Plus, Should Miami Be Ranked No. 1? 1:48:04

3M ago1:48:04

1:48:04

Russillo starts the show with his awards for Week 2 in the NFL. Then he’s joined by Dianna Russini to learn more about Joe Burrow’s injury, break down Philadelphia’s big win over the Chiefs, and discuss the rise in QB play this week. Then, Ryen shares his thoughts on the updated AP poll and which teams have impressed in college football. Plus, Life…

1
Bryan Burrough: The Gunfighters 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

We’ve heard from my buddy Bryan Burrough before for one of his Audible books based on a true crime story. His new book is very different. It’s called The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. Enough said. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4gF2K18 See more information on my boo…

1
The Packers' Ceiling, the Contenders' Biggest Flaws, and the Best Play Callers With Ted Nguyen 1:22:15

3M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Russillo is joined by Ted Nguyen to break down the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch, discuss the biggest flaws among the contenders, and share how NFL defensive coordinators ranked the best offensive minds in the league. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (1:56) Russillo welcomes in Ted Nguyen (5:23…

1
Caleb Williams Panic Meter, Cardinals Tight End Trey McBride, and 'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby 1:59:52

4M ago1:59:52

1:59:52

Russillo opens the show with some concerning stats about Caleb Williams. Then, he’s joined by Trey McBride to discuss his hometown, his college career, and why he’s trying to stop hurdling people. Then, ‘Task’ creator Brad Ingelsby comes on to share some inside details about the pilot, the show in general, and whether he’s thought about a second se…

1
Are the Ravens Actually Chokers? NFL Week 1 With Mike Sando. Plus, Oklahoma Is Relevant Again and More From Week 2 of College Football. 1:48:14

4M ago1:48:14

1:48:14

Russillo opens the show by recapping Week 1 of the NFL and giving out his best win and worst loss. Then, Mike Sando joins to break down what Buffalo’s comeback means for both teams, discuss the Packers’ massive win, and preview Monday Night Football. Next, Russillo shares his thoughts on this week’s college football action, including Oklahoma’s win…

1
James Polchin: Shadow Men 59:21

4M ago59:21

59:21

Our story this week is set in the 1920s in Westchester County, New York…it’s a Jazz Age mystery. A young ex-sailor is found dead on a desolate road. A suspect from a wealthy family admits to the murder, but he claims that he was trying to protect a dangerous secret. Author James Polchin’s book, Shadow Men unravels a mystery more than a century old.…

1
Eagles Win, But Hope For the Cowboys? Plus, 32 NFL Team Questions and Super Bowl Picks With Willie Colon. 2:00:11

4M ago2:00:11

2:00:11

Russillo starts the show with his thoughts on DAL-PHI before being joined by Ceruti to answer one question about every NFL team. Then, Willie Colon comes on to recap Dak Prescott’s performance, share his Super Bowl pick, and preview how Aaron Rodgers will look in Pittsburgh. Finally, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russ…

1
Belichick-Brady Legacy Update, Arch’s Struggles, Bama In Trouble, and More from CFB Week 1 With Todd McShay and Danny Kanell 2:11:14

4M ago2:11:14

2:11:14

Russillo opens the show with his thoughts on the biggest Week 1 matchups in college football and an update on his Belichick-Brady legacy tracker. Then, Todd McShay joins to break down the QB performances and reveal which teams he believes should be ranked highest. Next, Russillo is joined by Danny Kanell for a victory lap after Florida State’s upse…

1
Dan Slater: The Incorruptibles 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

New York in the early 1900s was filled with people trying to make their lives better. But for many, the rise of organized crime kept them in constant fear. On the Lower East Side, Jewish criminals from Eastern Europe formed crime syndicates. There were gangs of horse poisoners, casino owners, thieves and thugs. But then a group of Jewish uptowners …

1
Part 2: Béla Fleck on the Banjo, His Journey, and Handling Success 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

Russillo is joined by Béla Fleck to discuss how he chose the banjo, his path to success, and what it’s like to have other artists look up to him. (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (4:03) How did you become proficient at the banjo? (6:30) When did you feel like you were taking this instrument in a different direction? (12:44) How did your…

1
True CFB Title Contenders and Week 1 Thoughts With David Pollack. Plus, Adnan Virk Wrote a Book! 2:04:59

4M ago2:04:59

2:04:59

Russillo is joined by David Pollack to share his thoughts on the SEC, preview LSU-Clemson, and break down his favorite QBs. Hear more from David Pollack on his show See Ball Get Ball. Then, Adnan Virk comes on to discuss his new book, how it felt being at the 2017 Oscars, and the feeling of chasing his white whale interview. Plus, Life Advice with …

1
Annual NFL Top Five at Every Position With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Stanford Steve Previews Texas–Ohio State and CFB Week 1. 2:17:05

4M ago2:17:05

2:17:05

Russillo is joined by Sheil Kapadia for the annual rankings of the top five at every position in the NFL! They go through each position and discuss what Josh Allen needs to do to be considered the best QB in the NFL. Then, Stanford Steve comes on to share the teams that could have the biggest variance this season, preview the biggest matchups of We…

1
Tanya Talaga: The Knowing 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

If you’ve ever dug deep into your family history, you know that there are sometimes surprises. Author Tanya Talaga discovered that the life of her great-great grandmother Annie Carpenter was mostly unknown because she was Indigenous. It’s a struggle that many Indigenous people in Canada have: how do you learn about your family’s past without crucia…

1
Russillo on the Road: St. Barts Travelogue 1:29:21

4M ago1:29:21

1:29:21

Russillo gives a day-by-day account of his solo trip to St. Barts. Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Ryen Russillo Producers: S…

1
Rob Gronkowski Talks Belichick in College and His Favorite Young Tight End. Plus, Freddie Gibbs on His Biggest Rap Inspirations and More. 2:02:35

4M ago2:02:35

2:02:35

Russillo is joined by Rob Gronkowski to discuss why Bill Belichick will be appealing to younger players, explain why we shouldn’t write off the Chiefs, and share the young tight end he says reminds him of a young Gronk. Then, rapper Freddie Gibbs joins the show to reveal his rapping inspirations, explain what he has left to accomplish, and talk abo…

1
CFB's Latest Terrible Idea, Colts Pick Jones Over Richardson, and the Best Defense in the NFL With Booger McFarland 1:37:08

4M ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Russillo starts the show with thoughts on the Big Ten’s proposed College Football Playoff expansion. Then, Booger McFarland comes on to add his thoughts to the playoff expansion debate, reveal which new college QBs have the best chance to break out, and discuss the Colts' decision to name Daniel Jones as their starting QB. Plus, Life Advice with Ce…

1
Alex Eliseev: Cold Case Confession 56:51

4M ago56:51

56:51

This week on Wicked Words on Exactly Right: in 1999, a woman named Betty Ketani went missing in Johannesburg, South Africa. She just vanished from the restaurant where she was working. Then a letter found 13 years later changed everything. Author Alex Eliseev tells me about his book Cold Case Confession—a real Agatha Christie story. Support this po…

1
Long-term Concern for Caleb Williams? QB Tiers With Mike Sando and Domonique Foxworth on the Difficulty of Being a Two-Way Player. 1:47:03

4M ago1:47:03

1:47:03

Russillo is joined by Mike Sando to break down his latest QB tiers and explain how they came to this consensus. Then, Domonique Foxworth joins the show to share why he’ll be rooting for Travis Hunter and discuss the intricacies of CBAs. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to the Ryen Russillo Podcast! (0:45) Russillo welcomes in …

1
College Football Conference Picks, Best QB, Breakout Players, and the Title Picture With Danny Kanell and Bruce Feldman 2:07:11

5M ago2:07:11

2:07:11

Russillo is joined by Danny Kanell to discuss Penn State’s title chances, the uncertain QB landscape, and the SEC. Then, Bruce Feldman comes on to share the team he thinks is best, break down Arch Manning, and explain why we’re always bullish on new coaches. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (0:56)…

1
Megan Abbott: El Dorado Drive 58:40

5M ago58:40

58:40

New York Times’ best-selling author Megan Abbott often uses true crime stories as a jumping off point for her wildly popular novels. Now she has a new book out called El Dorado Drive. It’s about three sisters who become entangled in a pyramid scheme that turns very dark. The real story behind the novel is so strange, it’s hard to know what really h…

1
Life Advice 54:38

5M ago54:38

54:38

Russillo is joined by Kyle and Wargon for a full episode of Life Advice questions! They share their advice on how to navigate the thermostat battle, whether to do lawn work for a neighbor, and whether a solo trip following a breakup is a good idea. Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRu…

1
Caroline Fraser: Murderland 53:12

5M ago53:12

53:12

This week’s author grew up in the Pacific Northwest with the memories of notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer, who also lived there. But the region wasn’t just home to those two murderers: there were many more. Was there a connection between the Pacific Northwest’s most infamous killers…and its incredible amounts of po…

1
College Recruiting Stories With Brock Purdy, Norman Powell, Matt Barkley, Andrew Whitworth, Ty Jerome, and Jesse Palmer 28:23

5M ago28:23

28:23

Russillo talks with Brock Purdy (0:26), Norman Powell (3:12), Matt Barkley (5:25), Andrew Whitworth (8:20), Ty Jerome (15:08), and Jesse Palmer (17:28) about their best recruiting stories. Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming…

1
Matthew McGough + Rick Jackson: Black Tunnel White Magic 1:03:43

5M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

In 1990, a UCLA student was found murdered in a tunnel in LA. Detective Rick Jackson and his partner were assigned to the complicated case. Who had a motive to stab Ronald Baker? Was the pentagram pendant around his neck a clue? Author Matthew McGough and Detective Rick Jackson tell the story in their book, Black Tunnel White Magic: A Murder, a Det…