Realm Expands Network With Three Major True Crime Podcasts | I Think Not!, Crime Salad & Moms & Mysteries Join the Lineup
The world of true crime continues to dominate the podcasting sphere, and in 2025, no network is scaling faster—or smarter—than Realm. In a landmark announcement that has captured the attention of creators, listeners, and industry professionals alike, Realm revealed that three powerhouse true crime podcasts—I Think Not!, Crime Salad, and Moms & Mysteries—are officially joining its growing podcast-first network.
This move marks a significant milestone for Realm as it works to solidify its position as a central force in the rapidly evolving, creator-driven audio landscape. With millions of listeners between them, the addition of these shows underscores the network’s strategic focus on high-quality narrative content, strong community engagement, and genre-leading storytelling.
Realm will now oversee distribution, multi-channel monetization, and expanded promotional infrastructure for the trio of acclaimed true crime series, allowing creators to maintain their authentic voices while reaching an even broader global audience.
A New Era for Realm: Why These Podcasts Matter
True crime fans crave authenticity, compassion, and compelling storytelling—and Realm’s newest additions embody those qualities. Each podcast brings something unique to the network:
Bold comedic commentary
Deep-dive investigative reporting
Warm conversational chemistry
Loyal fan communities
High engagement across platforms
Altogether, this acquisition enhances Realm’s mission: supporting creators who bring depth, humanity, and originality to the audio space.
Meet the Newest Members of Realm’s True Crime Lineup
1. I Think Not! — A Campy, Hilarious, and Heartfelt Take on Crime
Hosted by Broadway best friends Ellyn Marsh and Joey Taranto, I Think Not! has long stood out for its signature blend of humor, heart, and theatrical flair—a combination almost unheard of in traditional true crime.
What Makes the Show Stand Out?
A comedic lens on real-world crime stories
Chemistry built on years of performing together
Commentary that feels like grabbing cocktails with your two funniest friends
Episodes that tackle everything from murder cases to tax scandals and police corruption
Marsh and Taranto bring a level of charisma and personality rarely found in crime podcasts. Their dynamic creates the perfect blend of levity and sincerity—making complex or dark stories feel accessible without losing respect for victims.
Their fanbase is intensely loyal, turning every episode into a communal listening experience. For Realm, the addition of such a community-driven, personality-rich show is a strategic win.
Hosted by husband-and-wife team Ashley and Ricky, Crime Salad has carved out a reputation for producing compassionate, well-researched, and tightly edited weekly true crime episodes.
Why Listeners Trust Crime Salad
A commitment to ethical storytelling
Empathy at the center of each case
Clear, concise narrative delivery
Strong investigative research
Guest Q&As, bonus episodes, and interactive listener engagement
The podcast is recognized for spotlighting victims, advocating for justice, and consistently producing “clean,” focused episodes without sensationalism.
Fans often praise the pair for:
Presenting facts respectfully
Avoiding graphic or exploitative content
Building a supportive listener community
Encouraging conversation around lesser-known cases
Joining Realm will allow Crime Salad to scale its already robust audience through expanded distribution and monetization opportunities.
Hosted by real-life friends Mandy and Melissa, Moms & Mysteries blends warmth, humor, and sharp insight into a conversational weekly show that feels like chatting with friends who happen to be incredible storytellers.
Why Moms & Mysteries Remains a Top Podcast
A friendly, easygoing format
Balanced discussions of both high-profile and lesser-known cases
A strong emphasis on community, relatability, and personality
Consistently positive listener reviews
A loyal, engaged audience
The podcast’s success goes far beyond fan enthusiasm. Moms & Mysteries has been featured on:
ABC’s 20/20
MSNBC
The New York Times
It also maintains top placement on Apple Podcasts, especially within the crime and mystery categories.
Realm’s backing will provide the show with enhanced distribution, increased advertising potential, and opportunities to create additional content for its already enthusiastic listener base.
Why These Additions Strengthen Realm’s Podcasting Strategy
Realm has positioned itself as a premier hub for creator-powered audio content. By bringing these three distinct shows into the fold, the network:
Expands its true crime catalog
Strengthens relationships with top independent creators
Increases its share of the true crime listener market
Enhances diversity of tone and storytelling within the genre
Adds millions of monthly downloads to its network
Builds a portfolio that appeals to both casual listeners and dedicated fans
Mary Assadullahi, Vice President at Realm, highlighted this strategic alignment in the official announcement:
“Each of these shows approaches true crime in a totally unique way—whether that’s through humour, humanity, or deep-dive reporting. I Think Not!, Crime Salad, and Moms & Mysteries represent the best of what this genre has to offer and are perfect examples of the compelling, creator-driven storytelling we’re proud to support at Realm.”
Her statement signals Realm’s continued focus on elevating independent voices—not assimilating them—through infrastructure, visibility, and powerful industry partnerships.
The Rise of Creator-Led Podcast Networks
Realm’s expansion reflects a broader industry trend: Creators want more control. Audiences want authenticity. Networks want proven engagement.
This model—supporting creators without diluting their voice—helps Realm position itself as:
A partner rather than a gatekeeper
A distributor rather than a director
A network that values storytelling, not just numbers
For many podcasters, joining Realm is a way to take the next step without sacrificing independence.
What Realm’s Multi-Channel Monetization Means for Creators
By partnering with Realm, these shows gain access to:
✔ Enhanced Ad Sales
Realm’s advertising partners range from major household brands to niche digital advertisers.
✔ Platform Expansion
Shows can reach new listeners across:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
YouTube
Smart speakers
Podcast apps worldwide
✔ Branded Partnerships
Realm has experience bringing podcasts into:
Streaming collaborations
TV adaptations
Print partnerships
Merchandise and event deals
✔ Production & Promotional Support
Including:
Cross-promotions
Trailer swaps
Social media amplification
Creative marketing campaigns
These tools help creators scale while preserving their original style and direction.
How These Podcasts Strengthen Realm’s True Crime Portfolio
Realm has steadily invested in the true crime genre, recognizing a continued global appetite for:
Compassionate storytelling
Ethical crime reporting
Community-centered narratives
Well-researched investigations
Hosts with warm, relatable personalities
These new shows complement Realm’s vision by bringing:
I Think Not!
✔ Comedy + crime ✔ Personality-driven entertainment ✔ Theater-inspired charisma
Crime Salad
✔ Rigorous research ✔ Thoughtful narrative structure ✔ Advocacy for victims
Moms & Mysteries
✔ Relatable, conversational storytelling ✔ Community engagement ✔ Warmth and accessibility
Together, they form a dynamic trio representing the three pillars of modern true crime:
Humor, Humanity, and Insight.
The Unmistakable Appeal of True Crime in 2025
The genre continues to flourish because it connects multiple interests:
Real-life storytelling
Psychology and human behavior
Mystery and investigation
Social justice and advocacy
Podcasting remains the most immersive platform for true crime content: it allows listeners to step into a case through narrative, sound design, and intimate conversations—something television or print can’t fully replicate.
Realm’s new acquisitions align perfectly with this ongoing trend.
Availability and Listening Details
All three podcasts— I Think Not!, Crime Salad, and Moms & Mysteries— are now officially part of the Realm network.
Listeners can find them on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
YouTube
And everywhere else podcasts are streamed
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Realm and True Crime Fans
Realm’s strategic integration of these three standout podcasts demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening the true crime genre with creators who prioritize authenticity, connection, and responsible storytelling.
Whether you prefer dark humor, detailed investigative reporting, or friendly conversational deep dives, Realm’s latest expansion offers something for every type of listener. As the network grows, it continues to set new benchmarks for podcasting excellence—supporting creators, empowering communities, and elevating the future of digital storytelling.
