Reviews

Modus Operan-deeee?!? Haaahaha

His raspy voice bothers me. And the cuts to his voice which is edited somehow when hes reading something or speaking from someone else’s voice are very abrupt amd distracting. He should get another voice to do this. The stories are also told in a very monotone dull manner. However i love the content. He goes into too much detail—i think sometimes he could keep the story more concise and to the point especially considering his boring delivery.

I just started listening a week or so ago and I’m only a few shows from being completely caught up! I’m a HUGE podcast nut and a lot of the podcasts I listen to are true crime. This one has very quickly become one of my favorites! It’s pretty straight forward and well researched. A lot of people don’t seem to like Justin’s voice but I love it! I like the deadpan delivery in his gravely voice. It just works. And his sense of compassion for the victims as well as his obvious disgust for many if not all of the perps isn’t always stated but always felt. And the background music is great! I really like the background sounds too. The campfire in the beginning and the end is really nice. But I really love the music choices. If I had one caveat it would be his mispronunciations. I don’t know what the guy’s problem is with Justin saying St Louis with the ee sound at the end, technically that’s correct. Louis is a French name and the s on the end is silent. Just because the locals mispronounce it doesn’t mean he’s wrong for saying it right. That being said there are a few words that make me cringe a little. I listen with headphones and luckily I work from home because I often just blurt the correct pronunciation out every time he mispronounces a word. But it’s actually become a bit of an endearment. He’s just a dude that loves true crime and his little quirks are part of what makes him human and to me it only makes the show better. Anyway, I think this show is great. TLDR: If you love true crime with a straight forward delivery and a sprinkle of personality you should listen to Obscura!

Has become one of my favorites! Keep up the good work my friend!

I've been listening to true crime shows for a while and this one is a standout — it's clear Justin has great compassion for the victims of the crimes he covers and does his utmost to tell their stories as they should be told. This show's heart is in the right place, and that counts for so much in this genre. I do think it has some issues, though. While I don't get the complaints about Justin's voice, his delivery often seems stilted and unnatural; however, I'm inclined to believe this is due to the awkward writing in many episodes. The most recent episode as of this review, for instance, is written like a high school paper, even having a conclusion at the end titled "Conclusion" (this really doesn't translate well to an audio format). Many episodes have overly lengthy preambles before getting into the meat of the story, and I feel true crime is generally more effective if the focus is kept on the case itself rather than what the host/writer thinks the theme of the week is. At times the lack of flow in the writing/delivery keeps me from following along well with the story, which is a shame, because the cases picked for this show are all very interesting and this show has a lot going for it! I've been subscribed for a while and hope the issues I've described resolve as the podcast continues and all involved get to hone their craft. It's clear Justin has his head and heart in the right place, and that's a lot harder to teach than pronunciation and grammar.

When I first l started listening to podcasts I had come across a true crime podcast called Sword and Scale and I was hooked until the guy was told he could no longer talk about certain things and he quit and so did I. Then I heard of Obscura through a paranormal podcast and I binged listened to Obscura and now I'm caught up and I'm always telling my friends about this podcast. So if you like true crime and punishment this is the place you want to be.

I cannot express how much I truly love Justin and Obscura. So let me put it simply: if I trusted anyone to tell the story of my sister’s murder, it would be this podcast. They care about the victims, their families, and the fact that these were real, loved people. He provides plenty of content warnings in a caring way, if you need those. He also lays out cases completely. Anyone can review true crime podcasts but until you’ve been on the other side of it, where it’s your loved one that’s the subject, then you won’t understand. So anyone who gives this less than 5 stars has problems.

This is a great show! It’s obviously well researched and the host is great! Nicki T Strictly Homicide Podcast

Justin keeps getting better and better! What keeps me engaged is Justin’s ability to tell a story, reveal facts, and convey his sympathies to the victims, his disdain for the criminals, and his desire to get the message across the why and how of each crime. He always gives good background, never sensationalizes stories. Thought-provoking, intense, and personable.

Great detail & each case seems to be thoroughly researched when compared to similar cases covered on different podcasts but primary sources such as live audio footage seems to be extremely graphic with no forewarning.

I listen to quite a few true crime podcasts but when Obscura comes out I stop what I’m doing to listen. Delivery, writing and research are great. My favorite host Justin has a heart...a big one !

The host of this show is so considerate and thoughtful. His voice is very soothing and he puts a lot of research into each show.

Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the podcast. You do a brilliant job being informative and telling the story of the victim, the crime and the assailant(s). I appreciate your dedication and commend you on a job well done. Thank you, R.A. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a die hard crime junkie. Through and through. I jump around on podcasts looking for good quality content. Not big on shock factor. He does this with intellect and tact. This is for people who are genuinely interested in true crime and don’t have some taste. Thank you for bringing this to us.

Obscura is definitely a bingeworthy pod! It’s oddly calming with Justin being an excellent speaker with a soothing voice. The campfire sounds in the beginning totally give me old western campfire story vibes, and the background music as he speaks is also relaxing. I love how he turns the cases into stories, while also providing you with all the case information. Is it weird that I turn this pod on to sleep to? 😂👍 Much Love, Emily Fisher of It’s Crime Time Podcast

Love this podcast. Not super into two part episodes, as I feel it drags on too much, but I get if you have too much content you need to break it up. I also prefer listening to you tell a story rather that listen to the entire 9-1-1 call or recorded audio, if that makes sense. I love your voice! Anyone that thinks it’s too ‘monotone’ can F off. People are just rude.

With less emphasis on gore and more on telling the story in greater detail, this podcast is refreshing amongst some others in the true crime genre that I enjoy. I also enjoy the attempt to give details and pass on memory of the victims, while definitely not glorifying the murderers. My only issue is the reading of the story, which often seems like new sentences are beginning mid-sentence due to unnecessary word emphasis. I’m sure it is very hard to read the script aloud, but perhaps with time the host will improve on this one negative.

Wow. This podcast is intense. The cases are told tastefully with just the right amount of comic relief at times to keep you from becoming a complete basket case. There is also complete respect for the victims involved as well. I am thinking about paying for the Black Membership. This podcast is definitely worth checking out people. Keep up the amazing work! 🤙🏼

By far the best true crime podcast ever. I can’t get enough! I need more!!

Justin, I love you and your voice dearly. If you ever come to Pittsburgh, let me know! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I got turned onto Obscura by my girlfriend, as we are both HUGE fans of true crime. This is the first true crime podcast that has ever actually had my full attention and devotion. Most narrators just drone on and give such a generic Wikipedia narration that quickly loses me. Obscura on the other hand spares little to no details and focuses on the victims with a narrative that captures you and holds your full attention in its intriguing and shocking grips. Love the content, and love the show. Keep it up!!🤙🤙

It’s like a dark but poignant painting in a museum.

I’m enjoying this podcast so far. I dig the content and like the fact that the host isn’t afraid to dive into the really dark stuff that most would avoid. Keep up the good work!

Everyone should subscribe.

I really appreciate the straightforward story telling format of this podcast. It’s informative and comprehensive without being gruesome. The audio quality is great.. there are some podcasts I just can’t listen to because the audio is tinny or uneven. Not this one!

One of the best true crime podcasts. You should have more stars! ♥️ Still loving this podcast! Can’t wait to become a patron so I can listen to more of black label!! Justin, I have so much respect for you. You tell a great story with the love and care of the victims in mind!! Keep up the great work. Yesssss a new one! Love me some Justin!!!

I been enjoying this podcast i like the way the stories are portrayed not hokey or nonsensical good job bud

I heard about Obscura through another true crime podcast so I gave it a try and I’m so glad that I did. The delivery of the content is detailed, well thought out and well researched. Unlike any other true crime podcast I listen to. I’m hooked. Please never stop podcasting!

Real. Raw. Emotional. The narrator really empathizes with the victims he speaks about it.

Seriously, I can't tell you how good this show is. You just need ot listen to it to find out for yourself. Truly incredible.