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The Compendium Podcast
True Crime • History • Strange True Stories
A weekly podcast uncovering dark history, bizarre crimes, remarkable lives, and real stories stranger than fiction — all told in one gripping, stand-alone listen.
New to the Circus?
Start with these three brilliant listener favourites we've picked to help you explore the show.
Explore the Show
Pick your lane: true crime, history, or incredible people.
Why Freaks Keep Coming Back
The Compendium is built for curious minds who want all the good stuff without a 10-episode commitment.
Story Shape
One story, one satisfying listen
Each episode delivers the full arc in one sitting, so you get payoff without a homework assignment.
Range
Variety without chaos
Crime, history, and extraordinary people share one stage, so the mix stays fresh, not all over the place.
Delivery
Sharp storytelling with personality
Solid research, sharp delivery, and just enough circus nonsense to make it unmistakably Compendium.
- Weekly episodes
- 160+ episodes
- 109+ listener reviews
Latest Episode
Enjoy the latest addition to the catalogue.
History
Peter the Dolphin: A Love Story That Science Wasn’t Ready For
Peter the Dolphin was supposed to learn English inside a flooded Caribbean lab. Instead, he became the centre of a NASA-funded experiment that slid from ambitious science into something far stranger, sadder, and much harder to defend.
Popular With Listeners
A few fan favourites from under the big top.
What Listeners Are Saying
Suspiciously generous praise from the general public.
Fascinating and intriguing!
Love the wide range of topics that get covered and always in the most digestible, perfect amount of detail! There are so many things that I’ve learnt about which I’d never even heard of! They never fail to make me laugh and listening always makes my day!
Thank you
Thank you for featuring me on your show! You guys seem like my best friends. I have listened to your podcast from the very beginning. You guys have the best podcast there is by far! You are extremely entertaining, enthusiastic, hilarious, insightful and educational. I love your sense of humor as you banter back and forth. I'm obsessed! Continue the great work!
Jemaine Clement? Is that you?
These guys know what they’re doing! They’re hilarious and insightful, and tell the greatest most interesting stories from history. Also, who knew Jemaine Clement had a side gig as a podcaster. (Here’s looking at you “Adam”.)
Meet the Hosts
Two voices, one circus: stories, chaos, and suspiciously good admin.
Go Behind the Curtain
For listeners who want Compendium, fewer ads and a little extra chaos then become a certified freak and join us on Patreon.
Early access to new episodes
Members get episodes earlier, so you can listen before the rest of the internet catches up.
Ad-free listening on supported tiers
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bonusback catalog
Go beyond the public archive with extra episodes and additional context drops.
Keychain perks on eligible tiers
Physical supporter perks kick in on specific membership levels and timelines.
There's Always Room Under the Tent
One final stop before the lights go down: hit play, get weekly episode drops, or back the show.
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Get weekly episode alerts, curated listening picks, and the occasional dispatch from inside the circus tent. No spam. Just fascinating stories and where to start next.