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
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • tjcjso5!!
    My Favorite Show!!!
    I’ve been listening to this podcast since the beginning, it’s my favorite show and o never miss it!!!
  • Rosey Nosey P
    You thought you heard it all…
    Nothing like it. I believe many podcasts try to mimic what you have done here and it will never be enough. I say this with a full heart because of other podcasts I love. The truth is, Sward and Scale is a top shelf, award worthy True Crime Podcast that fills you with a mind blowing chill of unbelief, sadness, horror, shock, and so much more. You will have the full experience as you listen. I have to also note that I love his sense of humor. You either get it or you don’t;)
  • BoSox_VT
    Pellet gun?!
    Mike. For the love of god. Get a real gun, not a pellet gun. You might find yourself woefully outmatched in a gun fight if you pull that thing out of the glovebox of your cyber truck and point it at a crazy.
  • QueenYBEE25
    Best common sense podcast
    5 stars!! He says exactly what we are all thinking! I love that it has 911 calls, interviews, LOVE his funny remarks. Best there is
  • Merricat_Blackwood
    Suave Voice + Humor + Murder
    Love the natural candor Mike brings. You are a great storyteller who balances truth & perspective perfectly.
  • ed clams
    The best
    Best true crime podcast hands down. No banter or speculation. Original audio. The best
  • JR from Papillion
    My favorite podcast!
    This gem of a true crime podcast is my favorite. Mike, the podcaster, is so pro-victim and makes the best non PC statements about the perpetrators. Such a refreshing change from the current trend of protecting the perpetrators. You just have to listen to understand what I am saying.
  • Lunasiloh
    Host doesn’t shut up
    This podcast is honestly so bizarre. It has potential to be quite good, as the production and research are well done but it is let down by the host’s need to interject his own opinions constantly. You can tell that this guy absolutely loves the sound of his own voice and clearly he has gotten this feedback before as the tone of his comments are often tinged with a sense of self pity. If you are a fan of true crime that treats the subject matter in a respectful way, I would skip this one.
  • Terry_Full
    Now I Remember
    Been a while since I follows this podcast. One listen to Mike and it all came back. His arrogant tone and political stance thrown in make a wonderful show unbearable. Too bad. Mike’s tone literally sounds as awful as the people he talks about.
  • HeatherStevenson
    Superior true crime podcast period!
    There are no other podcasts out there that compare to the quality & production of sword & scale. The way the stories are told, the 911 calls and interviews, everything is top tier!
  • mothmia
    Boo
    So disappointed in this hosts prejudicial attitude. Made it through a few stories but can’t stand his self righteousness. Boo
  • Shylalh
    Follow - Now
    Absolutely the best Crime podcast. You won’t regret it.
  • _theeprince
    Sad dude
    Is this host ESL? Pretty much the only explanation for his inability to pronounce common words and use correct grammar.
  • Beseb5
    Solid True Crime Podcast
    Sword and Scale continues to be one of my favorite podcasts. Mike is a great storyteller and I appreciate his personal takes included in each episode. Although the subject matter is grim, the show makes an effort to shine a light on what is important, such as calling out injustice. Thank you for continuing to put out a top notch show each and every week!
  • K S Hart
    Listen now!!
    The best true crime podcast I have listened to. Check it out.
  • Niiicccki
    Obnoxious inflections
    Why would you randomly bring up “systemic racism” in a sarcastic condescending way out of the blue like it’s not a real thing? Your cadence and constant unnecessary pauses are annoying. Boo
  • 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
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.