The First Degree: An Ear-Worthy True-Crime Podcast

 Unlike numerous network-supported true-crime podcasts that save money via cursory discussions of a crime, The First Degree takes audiences beyond the headlines and into the lives of people directly impacted by crime, the friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers forever changed.


The show's success is evinced by its more than 500 episodes, a robust audience, and a healthy number of Patreon subscribers. The show's premium content is called The Underground. The show takes good care of these subscribers, with a dedicated episode for them every three episodes. 

Well into its eighth season, the true-crime podcast has joined the 
AdLarge and the fwd. Network, the female-first platform dedicated to elevating women’s voices. AdLarge is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and amplifying women’s voices, content, and audiences through the fwd. Podcast Network.

This true-crime podcast is hosted by journalist Alexis Linkletter and entrepreneur, author, and cultural influencer Jac Vanek. Each week, Alexis and Jac deliver sharp reporting, first-person storytelling, and candid conversations that expose both the shocking details and the lasting ripple effects of violence.

The show itself is professionally produced with an opening clip that presages the crime, a quick, nicely produced intro, and background music that plugs nicely into the emotional tenor of the narrative. The co-hosts have had plenty of practice over eight seasons and command the narrative, balancing the temptation of all true-crime podcasts to sensationalize with the necessity for actual true-crime investigative techniques. 

One of the episodes that showed the dedication of the co-hosts is the September 3 show titled, An Arrest: Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain. In the episode description, the co-hosts explain: "When we first covered the disappearance of 39-year-old mother of four, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, in episode 330, her case was still classified as a missing persons' investigation. Months later, everything has changed. Authorities have reclassified the case as a homicide, Nikki’s husband Tyler has spoken publicly for the first time, and now he’s been arrested and charged with her murder."

 In this update episode, the co-hosts revisit Nikki’s story, track the dramatic turns since March, and explore how media attention and relentless advocacy from Nikki’s family have kept the case alive, and helped push it forward. 

In an August episode -- Just Outside the Line -- the co-hosts expose a crime, stalking, in which women are most often the victims. The co-hosts explain: "She did everything right.  She kept the records. Filed the reports. Changed her routines. But none of it mattered. Because the man tormenting her stayed just outside the rules.  A case where psychological terror was real, constant, and intentional-  and yet, legally invisible."

 In the episode, Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek unravel how stalking can become a form of slow-motion violence. How the system waits for blood before it acts. And how, sometimes, the most dangerous threats are the ones hiding in plain sight, waiting, watching, and never quite crossing the line.

“The First Degree was built to uncover the stories you won’t hear anywhere else,” said Alexis Linkletter. “The most important voices are often the ones closest to the crime, and bringing those perspectives forward is what sets our show apart. Partnering with the fwd. Network allows us to continue that mission on a bigger stage.”

“For me, The First Degree has always been about connection,” said Jac Vanek. “It’s where curiosity meets culture, and where listeners feel like part of the conversation. Joining the fwd. Network means we’re not just growing the show, we’re growing a community of women who are hungry for stories that are raw, real, and relatable.”

With more than 500 episodes to date, the podcast pairs Vanek’s pop culture edge and lifelong fascination with true crime with Linkletter’s investigative expertise and acclaimed work on Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer. Together, they bring a rare combination of rigor, authenticity, and accessibility that resonates with millions of listeners.

“The First Degree is the perfect fit for the fwd. Network,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Jac and Alexis have built a powerhouse show that delivers smart, compelling storytelling and an audience of deeply engaged women. It’s a strong opportunity for the advertising marketplace and reflects our vision to make the fwd. Network, the destination for premium, women-led content.”

With The First Degree, the fwd. Network continues to expand its slate of bold, premium shows created and led by women. It’s a platform built by women who know what listeners want and are shaping the future of podcasting with fearless storytelling, cultural impact, and highly engaged communities.

Check out The First Degree. It's a true-crime podcast that is several degrees better than most true-crime podcasts out there.