Anglesey Vampire Killer: The Chilling Podcast on a Welsh Village Murder
The Anglesey Vampire Killer podcast, part of the BBC's Crime Next Door series, delves into the 2001 murder of 90-year-old Mabel Leyshon on the Welsh island of Ynys Môn (Anglesey). This occult-tinged crime, committed by a 17-year-old vampire-obsessed student who drank her blood, sent shockwaves through a once-friendly village, turning neighbours fearful and distrustful.
Host Meic Parry Provides Sensitive Context
Hosted by Meic Parry, the podcast moves beyond its sensationalist title to offer a sensitive retelling of the case. Parry contextualises the impact on the close-knit Welsh community, exploring how such a brutal act altered social dynamics and left lasting scars. The series is widely available with weekly episodes, providing an in-depth look at this tragic event.
Other Top Podcasts of the Week
In addition to the Anglesey story, several other podcasts stand out this week:
- Olga, Erika and Me: A six-part series by Ilanit-Michele Woods, an Emmy-nominated sound editor, this tender portrait of her Holocaust survivor grandmother Olga is highly moving. Translated from Hungarian and based on Olga's memoirs, it's widely available now.
- (Un)common Ground: Hosted by Tarek Iskander, artistic director of Battersea Arts Centre, and journalist Lyn Gardner, this new series tackles the state of the arts without hesitation. It launches by dissecting Baroness Hodge's recent review of Arts Council England, with episodes available bimonthly.
- Screw This ... Let's Try Something Else: This inspiring series highlights communities innovating new approaches, from a revolutionary housing model in Grimsby to a locally owned wind turbine in Bristol. It offers a hopeful perspective on grassroots change.
- The Interface: A BBC technology podcast that strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. Hosted by tech writers Nicky Woolf, Thomas Germain, and Karen Hao, it covers stories like the US TikTok takeover, assuming some knowledge but remaining engaging for all listeners.
These podcasts collectively provide a mix of true crime, personal history, arts commentary, community innovation, and tech insights, making for a diverse and compelling listening experience.
