Embark on a journey through the origins of a captivating alliance at Foul Play: Crime Series
Our story takes flight in the heart of Nashville, during the charged atmosphere of a 2018 true crime conference. On this fateful day, a room abuzz with anticipation became the setting for an unforgettable partnership.
As Shane, already a podcaster, discussed the unsolved case of Sister Cathy, his gaze met a standout figure: a woman from England with fire-red hair, whose aura whispered tales yet untold. This serendipitous encounter was merely the beginning of what would be an enduring friendship.
Wendy initially lent her spirit to the community by steering conversations in the podcast's Facebook group. Her collaboration deepened as she began to weave her voice into the show's narrative fabric, evolving from moderator to writer, and finally ascending as Shane's co-host.
Together, Shane and Wendy are the pulse of Foul Play: Crime Series, a team as striking in contrast as they are united in purpose. Shane, with his towering presence reminiscent of a friendly giant, and Wendy, a beacon of English charm, become the dynamic duo of the podcasting world.
In every episode, they delve into narratives rife with darkness and disaster, yet they never fail to find a glimmer of levity to light up the gloom. Their laughter is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a balance to the gravity of their grim tales.
Join them, as they guide you through the labyrinth of crime and mystery, leaving no stone unturned and no story untold. Listen in and be part of a growing community where tragedy meets tenacity, history intertwines with humanity, and every story is a chance to explore the depths of the criminal mind, with just the right dose of humor to brighten the darkest of tales.
Barbara Foster
Shane's formative years were shaped under the watchful and loving care of his grandmother, Barbara Foster. She played a pivotal role in his upbringing, setting the stage each morning before PM Kindergarten with an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. Enthralled by Robert Stack's compelling narration, Shane absorbed the art of storytelling—a skill that would later become a cornerstone of his life. Fast forward to 2008, amid the unsettling reality of a serial rapist on his college campus, Shane found purpose. He harnessed the power of narrative, just as Robert Stack had, to forge a crime series podcast. His mission: to wield the craft of storytelling as a means to awaken the student body to the gravity of the situation. Shane's podcast was more than just a true crime series—it was a call to action, a beacon of awareness, and a testament to the impact of a well-told story.
Sharon Birchwood
Without Sharon Birchwood, the world would never have known the dynamic duo of Wendy and Shane. Wendy's resilience, intelligence, and humor, attributes that make her an outstanding host, are a tribute to the influence of her beloved aunt. Sharon was more than just family; she was Wendy’s guiding godmother, her life’s beacon, tragically dimmed in the public eye by the darkness of her untimely demise.
The loss of Sharon ignited Wendy’s quest for understanding the underpinnings of criminal minds and the narratives surrounding victims like her cherished aunt—stories that too often forget the soul behind the sorrow.
Driven by a need for change, Wendy found herself at Crimecon in Nashville in 2018. It was there, amidst the throngs of true crime enthusiasts, that she crossed paths with Shane.
The idea of penning a true crime podcast script, co-hosting a series, and delving deep into her aunt's case were once unimaginable prospects for Wendy. But fueled by determination and a desire to honor Sharon's memory, she did just that—and more. She crafted a poignant narrative of her aunt's life, gathering intimate interviews with family and detectives, all narrated with heartfelt passion. "She did it for Sharon," and the podcasting world took notice, honoring her work with multiple awards. In every step of resilience, every head held high in adversity, and in every hurdle overcome, Wendy’s strength is a legacy of Sharon’s teachings—a powerful testament to their unbreakable bond.