Sword and Scale

58,497
All Genres #107True Crime #30

Sword and Scale is a true crime podcast covering the dark underworld of crime and the criminal justice system’s response to it. The first episode launched January 1st, 2014 and feature stories of murder, abduction, rape, and even more bizarre forms of crime. It’s the purest form of true-crime where the raw uncensored audio tells the story. Everything from 911 calls to court testimony, interviews with victims and sometimes with perpetrators give listeners a 360 degree look at the seedy underbelly of human nature and so-called civilized society. Told from an everyman's point of view, Sword and Scale goes beyond the news clips and the sensationalist headlines to hold up a mirror to the audience and ask, "Is it us versus them? Or are we just like 'them' too?" Sword and scale proves that the worst monsters are real.

Recent Episodes
  • Episode 287
    Apr 21, 2025 – 01:08:08
  • Episode 285
    Apr 6, 2025 – 01:03:03
  • Episode 284
    Mar 31, 2025 – 01:11:26
  • Episode 283
    Mar 3, 2025 – 01:30:53
  • Episode 282
    Feb 17, 2025 – 01:19:18
  • Episode 281
    Feb 3, 2025 – 01:08:23
  • Episode 280
    Jan 19, 2025 – 01:00:57
  • A Holiday Message
    Dec 19, 2024 – 03:51
  • Episode 279
    Dec 15, 2024 – 01:07:42
  • Episode 278
    Dec 1, 2024 – 01:20:15
  • Episode 277
    Nov 17, 2024 – 55:05
  • Episode 276
    Nov 3, 2024 – 01:12:56
  • Episode 275
    Oct 20, 2024 – 01:07:09
  • Episode 274
    Oct 6, 2024 – 01:20:44
  • Episode 273
    Sep 22, 2024 – 01:02:45
  • Episode 272
    Sep 8, 2024 – 01:09:09
  • Episode 271
    Aug 25, 2024 – 01:07:06
  • Episode 270
    Aug 11, 2024 – 58:46
  • Episode 269
    Jul 28, 2024 – 01:16:17
  • Episode 268
    Jul 14, 2024 – 58:17
  • Episode 267
    Jun 30, 2024 – 01:03:24
  • Episode 266
    Jun 16, 2024 – 01:14:07
  • Episode 265
    Jun 3, 2024 – 59:32
  • Episode 264
    May 20, 2024 – 01:06:33
  • Episode 263
    May 6, 2024 – 01:19:45
  • Episode 262
    Apr 22, 2024 – 01:13:33
  • Episode 261
    Apr 8, 2024 – 01:14:09
  • Episode 260
    Mar 25, 2024 – 01:03:25
  • Episode 259
    Mar 4, 2024 – 01:22:54
  • Episode 258
    Feb 19, 2024 – 01:13:13
  • Episode 257
    Feb 5, 2024 – 01:22:45
  • Episode 256
    Jan 15, 2024 – 53:57
  • Episode 255
    Dec 18, 2023 – 01:21:47
  • Episode 254
    Dec 4, 2023 – 01:32:25
  • Episode 253
    Nov 20, 2023 – 01:10:51
  • Episode 252
    Nov 6, 2023 – 01:09:14
  • Episode 251
    Oct 23, 2023 – 01:17:12
  • Episode 250
    Oct 9, 2023 – 01:03:02
  • Episode 249
    Sep 24, 2023 – 01:19:04
  • Episode 248
    Sep 11, 2023 – 01:13:22
  • Episode 247
    Aug 28, 2023 – 01:07:25
  • Episode 246
    Aug 14, 2023 – 01:07:12
  • Episode 245
    Jul 31, 2023 – 01:36:50
  • Episode 244
    Jul 16, 2023 – 01:09:06
  • Episode 243
    Jun 25, 2023 – 01:06:07
  • Episode 242
    Jun 11, 2023 – 01:03:38
  • Episode 241
    May 29, 2023 – 01:15:02
  • Episode 240
    May 15, 2023 – 01:01:39
  • Episode 239
    May 1, 2023 – 01:00:38
  • Episode 238
    Apr 17, 2023 – 01:23:09
Recent Reviews
  • Noellematthews
    Long time listener, first time caller
    Been listening to S&S since episode 1 (humble brag, but whatever). If you’re into true crime and haven’t jumped on this yet—it’s criminal (ok bad pun). I’ve got a solid lineup in my podcast library, but S&S easily lands in my top 3. Honestly? It’s #2. (Sorry, Dateline is the GOAT.) The production value is unreal. I dragged my feet for years before finally becoming a +Plus member, and I’ve never looked back. Lately, they’ve been dropping content like crazy—pretty sure they don’t sleep. So here I am, doing them a solid: if you’re one of those jabronies still on the fence, give them a listen. Even when they cover a story you’ve heard before, it feels fresh—partly because they lean hard into immersive audio. Police interviews, news clips, original interviews—you feel like you’re experiencing the story in real time. Minimal narration, max engagement. Anyway, it’s a podcast. You’re not supposed to read it. Go listen.
  • GothBless
    Love it !
    Love all the episodes but not episode 11. It’s the worst. The lady talks and talks and it’s just annoying.
  • Tom Czubat
    Best show
    Best true crime show. I have been listening for a decade
  • klynnwade
    Just Talk About the Murder
    Love the show. The narration is good when he sticks to the topic but when he gives opinions or tries to make jokes or complains about how people are not subscribing my skin crawls. That’s why I’ve left and come back a few times. After a few episodes I have to leave again. Just tell the story.
  • CassandraRuggiero
    Neutral
    We don’t need an underlying tone of judgement when you’re already profiting off of people’s deaths and grief. You sound republican and I shouldn’t be able to tell that on something so sensitive and unrelated.
  • JMc1396
    Racist AND misogynist.
    Used to listen years ago but fell off because of his snarky comments. Even my boyfriend who was a die hard subscriber recently admitted he stopped because he’s gotten too unhinged. 173 was my last listen. I’m not taking up for the murderer but his comment about her claim that one twin died in the womb and the other lived. “How does that even happen”. It literally happens all the time and has been since woman have given birth. Not everything needs a judgmental comment. That triggered me because it happened to me but I regret not giving up years ago as his blatantly racist and misogynstic rants got worse and worse.
  • Smikesmum
    Refreshing
    Killer work. Tip of the top.
  • Amanda Ann Harris-Young
    Big fan
    Sword and Scale is, by far, my favorite podcast! I’ve been listening for two years now. I always recommend Mike and his podcast to fellow true crime listeners. I like that he speaks truthfully and doesn’t sugar coat facts about the killers … it’s not for people who find themselves getting offended about ever little thing and that’s why I listen to this podcast 🫶🏼😅
  • Dark-n-Twisty
    Episode 285
    I found my mind wandering during the entire podcast. I wasn’t grabbed by anything and the way the story was told wasn’t something I’d want to experience again.. I felt as though some of the satire was a bit much for me; and the judgmental tone of the narrator was irritating. Not the worst podcast by any means, just not my cup of tea!
  • Kmoorekonnects
    Amazing
    I love the “realness” you speak. Don’t ever change (I know you won’t, be still wanted to remind you!) please keep up the good hard work!!!!
  • MAGunn
    My fave
    This is by far the best true crime show. Sometimes it is pretty gruesome, but you can depend on the original content (no plagiarism). If you get tired of hearing the same stories over and over from different people - this is your show for original content.
  • Dj Korndog
    F* the haters
    Just relistened to episode 201, and the guy in the sound bite at the end totally in raged me, like shut up, if you think you can do it better go ahead give it a try. Just go F* off. Sas-hole for life! Love you Mike, keep it up!
  • KTTTC
    Literally the best
    The fact that this podcast doesn’t have a five star rating blows my mind. I love everything about it and its content.
  • CJRip25
    Stories are mostly good but host doesn’t add much besides bitterness
    The stories are pretty interesting but the host seems to be getting more bitter every year. He can’t help but inject these pointless asides that seem very bitter and hateful. I think researching these gruesome stories over the years has made him jaded and I hope it hasn’t ruined his sense of optimism. I enjoyed listening to a few of the earlier episodes but recently I’ve found it hard to listen to
  • dude12245680797432
    Great show
    Regardless of what you think about Mike, his work ethic is amazing. He continues to put out a top-notch quality podcast that I’ve listened to now for over four years, and I look forward to the new show each week. Keep up the good work. Thanks, Mike.
  • Luvurpets
    The Best
    The Absolute Best Crime Podcast ! Mike does a Great Job. The only podcast I pay for and always will. I Love Sword & Scale!!! Still my favorite after all these years !!! Mike is the Master at telling True Crime !!! Love you Mike
  • Tebabtenejd
    Best true crime series
    This is the best true crime podcast hands down, been listening to it for probably a decade now. Took away a star bc it’s obvious the host is a raging republican and likes to push her personal political views through snarky remarks the show could do without. Wonder who he voted for 🙄🙄
  • nleebisch
    Paywall???
    Paywall??
  • Arreks11
    Closed-minded & judgemental
    Been listening to this podcast for the last five years. Mike Boudet has progressively become harder and harder to listen to. I understand you’re covering murderers here, but why are you so judgmental and closed-minded? In one of the more recent episodes, he keeps harping on the murderer being a Wiccan and how “weird” that is. Touch some grass, buddy. Wiccan’s are about some of the nicest people I’ve met. Murderer’s don’t deserve sympathy, but why do you keep bringing up the dudes religion as if it’s the thing that turned him sick? Boudet also jokes at some of the worst times, totally revealing how unsympathetic he is towards the victims. An absolutely tone-deaf podcast, at this point. Pretty much garbage.
  • blk30
    Can’t do it anymore
    I’ve been a LONGTIME listening for many many years but I just can’t support you guys anymore. Listeners come for the stories, not Mikes irrelevant horrible opinions about literally everyone that has different beliefs than him. I stuck it out for a while but it’s just so ridiculous and a shame that you’ve lost so many loyal followers bc of that. Good riddance.
  • esteban2u
    Pretty good
    Although host can’t keep some of his ignorant, clown like at times opinion’s to himself. Still one of the best true crime I’ve listened to 🤷🏻‍♂️
  • KaeJeh
    Ripped me off
    Do not give them your credit card info!!!! I canceled my subscription last year. I was charged $50 anyways. I do not have access to episodes until it’s been out for a couple weeks. So what would I be paying for? NOTHING!! I have been emailing Sword And Sale over and over and over and over. They WILL NOT respond or refund my money. Do not give them your credit card info!!!!
  • Adrian James O
    I’d pay for a version without host’s personal opinions
    Obnoxious host, great show. I’d pay to not hear his horribly obnoxious and biased personal opinions.
  • RTR Kimmie
    Can’t get enough
    Weirdly addicting.
  • Black Cat Forge
    Mixed Bag
    This is a pretty decent true crime podcast that is well-researched. The problem is the host. He just CAN NOT help from interjecting his alt-Right opinions in at the most inopportune times. He has troubling attitudes about women, too, frequently offering antiquated and sometimes outright misogynist views. It really takes you out of the story. A recent episode had him opining the unsupported and unfounded view that the west coast states aren’t interested in holding people responsible for crimes, especially crimes against children. No stats or facts to back up the claim…just an off-the-cuff accusation. So if you can look past his smug, alt-Right nonsense you might enjoy the true crime aspect of the show.
  • paf781
    Episode 69
    All I can say is… this episode didn’t age well….
  • flow698
    The best of true crime
    I started to listening to Mike four years ago. His show is one of the best crime shows I ever listened to. Soren scale TV is the best never disappoint with any of his episodes.
  • LolaBlue13
    GOAT Podcast
    This is by far my most favorite podcast. Mike Boudet and his team deliver an exceptional episode EVERY time. It is the only podcast that I pay for because it is THAT good. The detail of the crime, the people involved & the underlying reason/story are always clearly laid out. The 911 calls, police interviews, Mike’s interviews with family, friends, witnesses & story links and photos are always meticulously factual & so informative. I appreciate the time and effort that was put into each episode. I love Mike’s voice, the side commentary & his thoughts. Listen, learn & enjoy - you will love it!!!
  • CrimePodLover
    Ignorant Comments
    I just stumbled upon this podcast as an avid true-crime listener, and I was really into the stories. A few episodes in, I heard one or two ignorant or misogynistic comments. I thought, “hm.. give him another chance, keep listening”, but the comments never ended. I like the work Mike Boulder does, but the comments and overall attitude surrounding victims is completely ignorant and uneducated.
  • Twoolbert
    The goat!!
    So happy I found you through my lash tech. Sword and scale is my favorite! Ive binged all your content. Please keep it up you’re the best!!
  • Betts1221
    Best true crime podcast
    Mike is an amazing story teller! He grabs you the second you hear his voice and takes you through dark, scary horrific stories, but he keeps you on the edge of your seat! I am a true crime fanatic and this is the best True Crime podcast around! Thanks Mike and crew!!!
  • Jason Trent
    The Best
    There is an ever growing list of true crime podcasts. The entire genre has exploded over the last decade. I’ve been listening to SaS since about 2015. Every true crime podcast I attempt to listen to simply don’t scratch the itch. Maybe I’ve been spoiled with SaS. When you’ve been listening to the best and you’re comparing everything to the best, nothing will satisfy. I started listening on Apple Podcasts. Now I use the Sword and Scale app and I pay for the service. I’m not at top tier so I don’t get the video episodes but the audio ones are awesome. Give it a listen, but I warn you: it’ll ruin all other true crime podcasts if you listen to others. There’s simply no comparison.
  • PharmDocAH
    The Best.
    My favorite true crime podcast. Love EVERYTHING else you do also. Keep it up. You’re doing great.
  • SashaThumper23
    Best True Crime Podcast
    I’ve been listening to S&S for a long time. Been a plus member for a while as well. Mike is absolutely one of the best voices out there. His ability to captivate an audience with his storytelling skills & his cadence is unmatched. S&S has been my number 1 for years & has not been bumped out of that number 1 spot for over 6 years. Do yourself a favor & download the S&S app. Love, A SaShole
  • Brope97
    Best ever!
    This is by far the best true crime podcast I’ve heard. I used to listen to a ton of true crime podcasts until I found Sword and Scale! Mike is a genius and the way he delivers content is like that you’ve never heard. You can tell that him and his team truly care about the stories they tell!! They are raw and gritty. I love it!!!! The tv also is the best I’ve seen. Keep it up Mike!!!
  • maynorsg
    S&S
    S&S 👍👏
  • Barly1
    Unmatched podcast
    I’ve been listening to this show for 11 years and nothing else comes close to the quality and storytelling of Mike and his team
  • Mbeezy311
    Phenomenal!
    By far the most incredible true crime podcast ever produced!!!
  • Manic Pixi
    Best true crime podcast
    I love Mike’s narration, and the stories are always done so well. Thank you for the + update. I Love S & S! Keep doing what you’re doing because it works!
  • AjSparky33
    Amazing True Crime Stories
    While I don’t always agree with Mike’s commentary, there’s no denying he’s a phenomenal storyteller. After 11 years of doing this, his ability to uncover and share some of the most compelling stories is impressive on its own. I know he gets a fair amount of criticism—and even I get frustrated by some of his rants—but to me, it’s worth it. He’s genuinely passionate about true crime and brings a lot of creativity to the genre. I always look forward to the weekly episode drop, and I fully support all of his side projects. Nightmares is such a cool concept—it reminds me of a more toned-down Monstruo. Sword and Scale is hands-down my favorite podcast. No one does it quite like Mike Boudet.
  • N-G-S
    Amazing! just amazing
    This podcast is absolutely captivating—I’m completely hooked! I love everything about it: the content, the energy, the voices, the stories… all of it! Truly incredible work.
  • HondaRep
    Best Podcast Ever!
    I’ve been listening to true crime podcasts as long as I can remember, yet I somehow just managed to find this one… like a week ago! How??! But it is now my absolute favorite! I love the stories and the narration! Mike does an amazing job at telling the story without getting off track and making this a talk show!
  • JayfromAK1
    Blah blah blah
    Just tell the story dude.
  • Onna Renn
    It’s alright
    The narrator is kind of a wierdo but his story telling is thorough. If you can get past unnecessary commentary give it a go. Invisible choir is basically that version of you can’t.
  • Jess7175
    This show used to be good
    The host is meh- Swindled is a much better option.
  • ow742
    Amazing Podcast Unbearable Host
    Hands down the best true crime podcast out there. I have been listening for at least 5 years. So much work is done by the team to get every detail that makes each episode so interesting, especially interviews which a lot of other podcasts miss. However, the host is so annoying throwing in degrading comments and unnecessary opinions that take away from the story and just make me roll my eyes. I get it, it’s his show he can say what he wants, but it makes me not want to listen even though the rest of the show is so well produced.
  • P.TwoBears
    Not Even in top 50 anymore
    I mean, morbid is literally at number three right now. Your show might technically be better, but nobody can stand your insufferable personality when you start talking about “how women are” and other red pill nonsense. It’s hard to believe your girlfriend is real when you sound this much like a red pill knob head. For God sakes get out of your own way until your ego to stand down and just tell the story. It’s more than nobody wants to hear about your personal politics – it’s that it’s stupid and makes us feel sorry for you. Please allow us to quit pitying you. Just tell the story.
  • Brendan 9988
    More story, less ignorance.
    Would appreciate less of your thoughts. Thanks
  • Sheaykristan
    I never miss an episode
    Mike is THE story teller of the true crime genre.
  • Mcpherli
    Sword and Scale Review
    I’ve really enjoyed this podcast. I discovered it over a year or so ago. I’m disappointed, though, that it’s now all for subscribers only. It’s also more expensive than most podcasts, too. What’s that about?
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.