Picture an American storyteller who turned a childhood love for Nancy Drew into a true crime empire—meet Ashley Flowers! As the mastermind behind the chart-topping podcast Crime Junkie, Flowers has captivated millions with her knack for unraveling mysteries. From a hospital telephone operator to a New York Times bestselling author, her journey is a thrilling tale of passion meeting purpose.
With her best friend Brit Prawat by her side, Flowers has built a multimedia powerhouse through her company, Audiochuck, blending gripping narratives with advocacy for justice. Her debut novel, All Good People Here, proves she’s not just a podcast queen but a literary force. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Ashley Flowers
Born on December 19, 1989, in Indiana, Ashley Flowers grew up devouring mystery novels and dreaming of solving cold cases. Her early career took her from biomedical research to software sales, but true crime was her true calling. Inspired by the podcast Serial, she volunteered with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, eventually creating a radio segment called Murder Monday. This sparked the idea for Crime Junkie, launched in 2017 with Prawat, recorded in Flowers’s spare bedroom.
Ashley Flowers’s Unforgettable Stories
Flowers’s storytelling shines in Crime Junkie, a weekly podcast that’s racked up over 1 billion downloads. With Prawat’s gasps and “Full. Body. Chills!” reactions, the duo dives into cases from missing persons to serial killers, delivering well-researched narratives that feel like chats with friends. Their serious yet relatable style has made it the top true crime podcast globally, earning accolades like Apple Podcasts’ #1 Show in 2022 and 2023.
In 2022, Flowers expanded her talents with All Good People Here, a fictional thriller inspired by a real cold case. Set in Wakarusa, Indiana, it follows a journalist unraveling a childhood friend’s murder. The novel hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, showcasing Flowers’s ability to weave suspense beyond audio. Her second novel, The Missing Half, set for release in May 2025, promises more heart-pounding mystery.
Through Audiochuck, Flowers produces other hits like The Deck, which explores cold cases on playing cards distributed in prisons, and Crime Junkie AF, a SiriusXM series tackling current cases. Her investigative podcast The Deck Investigates dives deep into single cases, like the 1984 murder of Darlene Hulse, blending journalism with advocacy.
Why Ashley Flowers Matters
Ashley Flowers has redefined true crime, blending entertainment with impact. Her nonprofit, Season of Justice, founded in 2020, funds DNA testing for cold cases, solving over 141 cases, including a 1975 Indianapolis murder. By amplifying underreported stories, she gives victims’ families a voice. Her empire, from sold-out live tours to a SiriusXM deal reportedly worth over $100 million, shows how storytelling can drive change.
Despite controversies, like 2019 plagiarism allegations, Flowers addressed concerns transparently, strengthening her credibility. Her ability to engage millions while advocating for justice makes her a cultural force, inspiring fans to become “Crime Junkies” who seek truth.
- Birth Date: December 19, 1989
- Key Works: Crime Junkie, All Good People Here, The Deck, The Missing Half (2025)
- Awards: iHeart Icon Award (Innovator, 2023), Webby Award for Anatomy of Murder (2022)
Snag All Good People Here or tune into Crime Junkie to experience Ashley Flowers’s thrilling world of mystery and justice!