The Criminal podcast focuses on stories of people who have done wrong, been wronged or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. The 50th episode is checking in with some of the show's most memorable guests. Criminal is recorded here at WUNC. Host Phoebe Judge reached out to Criminal listeners and asked them to decide which stories to follow up on.
Criminal Episode 15: He's Neutral
There was overwhelming demand for more news about the California man who installed a Buddha statue on his block. Dan Stevenson said it was a last-ditch effort to combat crime and littering in his neighborhood. To his surprise, it worked.
Phoebe said Stevenson is pleased to report crime has not really rebounded in the neighborhood. Instead, pilgrims are flocking to his neighborhood to visit the Buddha's shrine. Stevenson has become the de facto ambassador for the Buddha, and now the City of Oakland is asking for his advice on how to keep the throngs of pilgrims out of the street.
Criminal Episode 29: Officer Talon
Another popular episode told the story about a Hillsborough Police Officer and his two police dogs. Officer Scott Foster had to retire Talon, and then began working with a new canine officer called Vader. Officer Foster was concerned about Talon watching Vader assume his place in the police car every day.
Judge said Foster has a new solution that allows both dogs to keep their dignity.
Criminal Episode 17: Final Exit
She also checked back in with end-of-life advocate Fran Schindler. The 78-year-old former nurse is still busy traveling across the country. She visits with people who are terminally ill or in chronic pain, offering them resources and support as they plan to end their own lives.
Judge says being an exit guide is controversial work. It's actually been banned in Minnesota. But Judge says Schindler has found a way around it.
Criminal Episode 50: This is Criminal
You can hear all the details on this week's Criminal podcast.
