We are chatting with the creators of the Murder Diaries Podcast. Introduce yourselves and tell us a fun fact about each of you!
P: Hi! I’m Paige, Co-host and Co-creator of the Murder diaries Podcast. I found true crime at an early age growing up in the 90s with shows like Unsolved Mysteries, America’s Most Wanted, and Rescue 911. Not to mention the tragic case of Jon Benet and the televised OJ Simpson trial. As an adult my interest in true crime and heart for the cause of ending violence against women only grew. I have a background in psychology and public service that only fuels this drive. A fun fact about me would be that I come from a large family. My mom is one of 9 children, and my dad one of 4. I have many amazing Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, along with my 3 siblings. I became an Aunt at a young age, and hold that title with pride. Between both my husband’s side of the family and mine, we have 13 nieces and nephews!
N: Natalie here; I’m the other half of The Murder Diaries. True crime found me early on in life, too. My aunt’s friend, Linda, was murdered in 1995. I distinctly remember her helping search for Linda, going to the funeral, and attending court proceedings. However, I didn’t learn all the details until I was older. Then I started reading true crime books and researching cases on my own. I needed to know why— why do people kill, and why are the victims disproportionately women. As I’ve gotten older, those whys have turned into another question: how can I share these stories while honoring the lives of the victims? Storytelling has always been a major facet of my life. I worked on a soap opera for years, co-created an 8-episode web series, and sold short stories, but it wasn’t until Sarah Koenig released Serial that I realized I could use my skills as a writer to bring awareness to those in need of justice.
Many find it difficult to break out in the podcast world. Share with us more on your story of how you two came together and how you have found success in podcasting.
We met on BumbleBFF and bonded quickly! When we discovered that we listened to the the same true crime podcasts and shared a drive to give light to the stories voices of the victims, it was a no brainer to start The Murder Diaries. What we love about podcasting is that there is room for everyone who wants to share their voice. First and foremost, we owe so much of our success to our dedicated listeners who listen and show love to The Muder Diaries every week. Without their support we would not be where we are today with the podcast. With that, our success comes from consistency and perseverance every week. We always aim for the highest quality in every episode we produce. It is an honor to be able to tell the stories of these victims, and we want to make sure we do right by them and their families.
How did the name of the podcast come about?
At the end of the day we are storytellers, but in The Murder Diaries’ Podcast the stories we tell are about murdered and missing persons. In every episode we tell the story of the victim’s life and last moments. Their stories are unique and personal, just as a diary is. It is an honor and privilege to tell their stories and keep their memories and stories alive. With each episode publishing, we are also documenting their story and memory, much like a diary does. Thus, The Muder Diaries!
For each of you, what has been the most impactful case you have covered?
P: It’s so hard to pick just one. Each week there is something about the victim’s life or case that hits home, that I connect with. Our episode on Colleen Ritzer did hit home for me in a unique way though. She was a Math teacher and murdered by one of her students. She was murdered while doing what she loved most, teaching. I worked in education before as well. I know what it takes, and it’s not easy at all. Educators are heroes. Colleen was a hero.
N: While all of the cases we’ve covered are equally important, I can’t stop thinking about Maya “May” Millete’s disappearance. May vanished in January 2021. The last person to see May alive was her husband, Larry, who is now on trial for her presumed murder. If you’re wondering why the trial is for May’s presumed murder, it’s because May is still missing. Her three young children still don’t know where their mother is, and her entire family aches for answers. The limited media coverage has significantly impacted the community’s awareness of May’s case, and that’s not for lack of trying on her family’s part. May’s sister spearheads weekend searches in Southern California and hosts weekly Zoom prayer groups. My hope is that 2022 brings May’s loved ones some much needed answers.
Share with us at least 1 big goal for 2022 for Murder Diaries Podcast?
We’d love to attend Crime Con in the near future, and we hope this is the year that we become a household name.
Where can we catch up on the latest episode and stay in touch with you on social media?
You can find The Murder Diaries on all podcast platforms. Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeart, Pandora… you name it!
Social media:
Tik Tok: @Themurderdiariespod;
Instagram: @Themuderdiariespod
Our website: TheMurderdiariespodcast.com
End of Interview