Mercury Podcasts — the rapidly growing UK-based podcast network — has officially expanded its slate with the addition of three compelling independent shows, bringing fresh energy across true crime, unscripted interviews, and cinema reviews.

The new lineup includes:
- 🕵️♂️ Midlands Murder Files – a chilling true crime series exploring real cases from the British Midlands
- 🎤 5 Random Questions – a bold, unpredictable interview format by host Danny Brown
- 🎬 OffScreen – a quick-witted film review show featuring critic Van Connor and presenter Adam Ball
This marks Mercury’s first foray into the booming true crime genre, a move that not only broadens its entertainment offering but also reinforces its mission: to champion independent voices and break the mold of traditional podcast networks.
“We’re excited to welcome these unique voices to the Mercury Podcasts family,” said Liam Heffernan, Founder of Mercury. “Each show brings something distinctive to our audience and builds on our goal to spotlight the world’s best indie podcast creators.”
🔍 Inside the New Mercury Additions: Crime, Curiosity & Cinema
1. Midlands Murder Files – Diving Deep Into the Midlands’ Darkest Cases

If you’re a true crime enthusiast, Midlands Murder Files should be your next binge. This podcast takes listeners into the lesser-known — but no less haunting — criminal cases from the heart of England.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Unlike other formulaic crime series, Midlands Murder Files focuses on meticulous storytelling, historical context, and often-overlooked narratives.
🔑 Key Features:
- Cases from cities like Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and Wolverhampton
- A respectful, research-driven approach to storytelling
- A blend of known cases and those “you should have heard of”
🎙️ Hosted by: Graham (full name undisclosed), whose passion for regional history and forensic research anchors the series in authenticity.
“After just 5 minutes on a call with Mercury, I knew they understood where I was coming from,” says Graham. “Their vision and support will help us bring these stories to a much wider audience.”
Why It Matters:
With true crime continuing to dominate podcast charts globally, Mercury’s move into this genre could significantly broaden its listenership and advertiser appeal — especially in regional UK markets.
2. 5 Random Questions – A Wild Twist on the Interview Genre

Tired of the same old interview questions? Enter 5 Random Questions, where host Danny Brown throws away the script and asks guests five completely unpredictable prompts.
No Prep, No Filter — Just Real Talk
🧠 Expect:
- Organic, unfiltered responses
- Moments of humor, vulnerability, and surprise
- Celebrities, creatives, and thought leaders put on the spot
“This show is about flipping the script,” says Danny. “No PR-safe answers here. It’s about creating space for real conversations — not rehearsed soundbites.”
Why It’s Trending:
In a landscape full of heavily produced interview shows, 5 Random Questions offers a refreshing dose of spontaneity and emotional honesty. Plus, it aligns perfectly with Mercury’s indie-friendly ethos.
🎧 New Season Launched Today
Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and all major platforms.
3. OffScreen – A Film Review Show That’s Anything But Boring

Finally, film buffs can rejoice: OffScreen joins the Mercury family with its unique blend of sarcasm, smarts, and speed.
Forget dry, academic reviews — hosts Van Connor and Adam Ball bring an electric, magazine-style format that covers everything from Oscar contenders to popcorn flicks.
🎬 What You’ll Get:
- Weekly reviews of major theatrical releases
- Witty banter and playful jabs at Hollywood flops
- Thoughtful takes on streaming hits and indie gems
“We love talking about movies — all day, every day,” says Van. “And Mercury gets that. This is about making film critique an art form — and an entertaining one at that.”
Why This Format Wins:
The duo’s chemistry — sharpened by years of collaboration — gives OffScreen the kind of tone that appeals to both casual filmgoers and hardcore cinephiles.
🎧 Mercury Podcasts: Powering the Indie Wave
The Network That’s Not Playing By the Rules
Founded by Liam Heffernan, Mercury is quickly gaining a reputation as a rebel in the podcast industry — one that backs talent for its originality, not just its follower count.
Unlike some networks that only pursue top-charting shows, Mercury is purpose-built for the indie spirit, offering production, marketing, and distribution support to unique voices.
🧩 What Sets Mercury Apart?
- Focus on niche audiences and underrepresented genres
- Transparent partnerships with creators
- Growth without compromising creative freedom
💬 Heffernan Adds:
“You don’t have to be a huge podcast to get a seat at our table. We’re about great content, not just big numbers.”
🌍 Why This Matters: The Evolution of Podcasting in the UK
Podcasting in the UK has grown from niche hobby to mainstream entertainment — with over 23 million Brits tuning in regularly. The rise of platforms like Mercury reflects a larger shift:
✅ Audiences crave authenticity over polish
✅ Genres like true crime and unscripted chat are booming
✅ Indie creators are outperforming traditional media in engagement
By welcoming Midlands Murder Files, 5 Random Questions, and OffScreen, Mercury isn’t just adding content — it’s building a creative ecosystem.
🔗 Where to Listen
You can now find all three new Mercury podcasts on your favorite platform:
- 🎧 Spotify
- 🍏 Apple Podcasts
- 📱 Google Podcasts
- 🔊 Pocket Casts
- 🌐 RSS & Web Players
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to support independent creators!
📌 Final Thoughts
The addition of these three unique podcasts marks a defining moment for Mercury — and for UK podcasting. By embracing crime storytelling, unpredictable interviews, and witty film critique, Mercury is setting the bar for indie podcast networks globally.
Whether you’re a murder mystery junkie, a curious mind, or a film fanatic — there’s something new and exciting waiting for you on Mercury’s feed.