Hell in Heaven Podcast | Costa Rican True Crime Mystery by Exactly Right Media
What happens when a dream escape turns into a nightmare? That’s the question at the heart of “Hell in Heaven,” a gripping new true-crime limited podcast series from Exactly Right Media, the creators of My Favorite Murder, in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts and Blanchard House.
Following the international success of their historical true-crime hit “The Butterfly King,” the production powerhouse is taking listeners deep into the Costa Rican jungle for a story filled with luxury, isolation, betrayal, and a death that remains shrouded in mystery.
The Story: John and Ann Bender’s Costa Rican Dream
At the center of the series is John Bender, a young Wall Street genius with a vast fortune. Seeking escape from the pressures of the financial world, John and his wife, Ann Bender, built their own paradise — a stunning circular mansion hidden deep within the Costa Rican rainforest.
This was not just a home but a sanctuary — designed to protect endangered wildlife and allow the couple to live in harmony with nature.
But paradise can be fragile.
From Sanctuary to Fortress
Soon after settling into their tropical utopia, the Benders’ dream began to fracture.
Fear of Intrusion: The couple reported threats, feared for their safety, and felt under siege.
Armed Security: They transformed their jungle home into a fortress, hiring guards and implementing strict security measures.
Tensions Mounting: What began as an adventure started to feel like a high-stakes psychological pressure cooker.
Then, one fateful night, a single gunshot shattered their lives forever. When the smoke cleared, one of them was dead — and questions swirled about whether this was a tragic suicide, a terrible accident, or murder.
Inside the Podcast: A Deep-Dive Investigation
“Hell in Heaven” isn’t just another true-crime podcast. It is a meticulously researched, eight-episode journey hosted by acclaimed journalist Becky Milligan, who takes listeners into the heart of the jungle — and into the minds of those closest to the case.
What Listeners Can Expect
Exclusive Interviews – including emotional conversations with John Bender’s parents.
Immersive Audio – real sounds from inside the Costa Rican jungle heighten the sense of place.
Detailed Timeline – tracing the couple’s life from Wall Street success to rainforest isolation.
Courtroom Drama – revisiting the relentless murder trials that kept the case in headlines for years.
Blanchard House’s Rosie Pye calls it “a fascinating mystery that demands attention.”
A Tale of Wealth, Obsession, and Tragedy
This isn’t just the story of a single tragic night — it’s a psychological drama about human nature:
How isolation in paradise can magnify fears.
How wealth can attract danger — and suspicion.
How love can be both a sanctuary and a battlefield.
The series explores themes of power, trust, paranoia, and grief — painting a picture that is as heartbreaking as it is enthralling.
Production & Creative Team
The project is a collaboration between some of the most respected names in podcasting:
Exactly Right Media – Co-founded by Karen Kilgariff, known for My Favorite Murder, bringing their signature storytelling style.
Blanchard House – Specialists in ambitious, narrative-driven non-fiction podcasts.
iHeartPodcasts – Distributing the series to a global audience.
Karen Kilgariff calls the series “unbelievable” and says it “elevates the true crime genre.”
Episode Release Schedule
Listeners can stream the podcast on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the iHeartRadio app, with new episodes dropping weekly beginning October 9, 2025.
Why This Podcast Is Worth Your Time
If you loved true-crime shows like Dirty John, Dr. Death, or The Dropout, you’ll find “Hell in Heaven” impossible to pause.
Reasons to tune in:
High Production Quality: Immersive soundscapes and investigative depth.
International Adventure: The lush backdrop of the Costa Rican jungle gives it a cinematic feel.
Real-Life Mystery: The unanswered questions will keep you hooked until the very end.
Bigger Themes: Crime in Paradise
“Hell in Heaven” taps into a fascination many listeners have with crime stories set in exotic locations. The contrast between lush paradise and dark tragedy adds to the intrigue.
It also sparks important discussions about:
The psychological impact of isolation
How wealth can complicate justice in foreign countries
The thin line between freedom and vulnerability when living off-grid
Where to Listen
🎧 Listen to “Hell in Heaven” starting October 9, 2025. Available on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
iHeartRadio
And all major podcast platforms
Final Thoughts
“Hell in Heaven” is more than a murder mystery — it’s an emotional, atmospheric deep dive into paradise lost. It asks difficult questions about love, fear, and survival, leaving listeners wondering:
What would you do if the dream life you built turned into a nightmare?
