OUR RATING:
Where Beer Meets Body Counts (not the sexy kind)
True Crime Garage serves up murder mysteries with the casual energy of two guys hanging out in an actual garage, which is exactly what hosts Nic and The Captain are doing. The show’s premise is such: crack open some cold ones and spelunk into the darkest corners of human nature. These morbidly curious friends invite you over to discuss serial killers while sampling craft beer. Who knew that beer and homicide could pair so well?
The Captain brings an everyman perspective that’s honest about not always following the intricate details of complex cases. He asks the questions that regular listeners are thinking but might be too embarrassed to voice. Meanwhile, Nic handles the heavy lifting of research and case presentation. Their dynamic works because neither pretends to be a criminal justice expert or former detective trying to solve cold cases from their garage.
What makes this show different is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is more than willing to embrace the absurd aspects of true crime fandom. The hosts openly acknowledge that they’re essentially entertainment, not investigation. They’ll spend five minutes debating whether a particular beer tastes like “wet cardboard” or “hopeful disappointment” before examining the gory details of a triple homicide. This tonal whiplash shouldn’t work, but somehow it creates a uniquely comfortable atmosphere for discussing uncomfortable topics.
The beer reviews scattered throughout each episode provide much-needed comic relief from the heavy subject matter. Listening to The Captain describe a stout as tasting like “chocolate milk that gave up on life” while Nic recounts the methodical dismemberment techniques of a 1970s killer creates a surreal experience. It’s oddly incongruous to hear someone critique hops and barley between descriptions of forensic evidence and police incompetence.
Their case selection tends toward the well-known favorites of true crime enthusiasts rather than obscure regional mysteries. You’ll get your Ted Bundys and Jeffrey Dahmers served alongside detailed discussions of whether a particular IPA has too much citrus bite. They’re not breaking new investigative ground, but they’re providing solid coverage of cases that people actually want to hear about. Sometimes they venture into lesser-known territory, but even then they pick stories with enough bizarre elements to keep things interesting.
The hosts maintain a respectful tone toward victims while not taking themselves too seriously when discussing the perpetrators. They’ll mock a killer’s ridiculous nickname or point out the obvious flaws in a criminal’s master plan without making light of the actual crimes. It’s a delicate balance that they navigate surprisingly well for two guys who spend half their time arguing about whether a particular brewery knows what they’re doing.
True Crime Garage excels at making true crime accessible to casual listeners who might be intimidated by more academic or investigative approaches to the genre. You don’t need a criminology degree or extensive knowledge of legal procedures to follow along. The hosts explain things clearly without dumbing them down, creating an inclusive environment for anyone curious about why humans sometimes do terrible things to each other.
The show’s longevity speaks to its formula working better than it has any right to. What started as a gimmicky concept has evolved into a genuine community of listeners who show up as much for the beer commentary as the crime content. The fact that people eagerly await reviews of obscure microbrews while learning about murder techniques suggests that True Crime Garage has tapped into something uniquely appealing about combining life’s simple pleasures with its darkest mysteries.
Whether you’re a true crime veteran or someone just dipping their toes into the genre, True Crime Garage offers an approachable entry point that doesn’t sacrifice substance for accessibility. Just don’t expect to solve any cold cases or discover groundbreaking evidence. Do expect to learn more about craft beer than you ever thought you needed to know while getting thoroughly acquainted with humanity’s capacity for both creativity and cruelty.
Where to listen to True Crime Garage
Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts | Castro
Discover the best episodes of True Crime Garage