IPIS003 Can true crime meet true ethics and true empathy? (w/ Nicole Engelbrecht)

Can we tell stories of violence without reproducing harm? Aurora sits down with Nicole Engelbrecht of True Crime South Africa to unpack the ethics — and emotional toll — of the true crime genre. ⚠ Content note: This episode includes discussion of violent crime, murder, and hate-motivated violence, including references to the 2003 Sizzlers massacre in Cape Town. While approached with care and respect, some descriptions and themes may be distressing. Please prioritise your wellbeing and listen at your own pace. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. 🎁 Support this podcast and get exclusive bonus content Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology Connect with Nicole Engelbrecht Website: https://truecrimesouthafrica.com/ Socials: @truecrimesouthafrica Nicole Engelbrecht (she/her) is the creator and host of True Crime South Africa — the country’s most popular true crime podcast — and the author of several books, including Sizzlers and Bare Bones. Her work has redefined the genre locally by placing victims, not perpetrators, at the centre of the story. I asked Nicole, "If you could design a True Crime Ethics Code, what would be the first four rules?" She referred me to victim advocate Julie Murray's CARE acronym, summarised in this infographic and at the end of this podcast episode. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Land acknowledgement 00:00:25 Title credits 00:01:06 Content note 00:01:48 Announcement 00:02:08 Welcome and introduction 00:05:57 The storyteller behind the mic 00:18:10 Whose stories get told? 00:24:07 Sizzlers and the silencing of queer pain 00:38:58 Walking the ethical tightrope 00:53:31 The human cost on the storyteller 01:14:16 Audiences and responsibility 01:05:39 True crimer self care 01:08:49 A true crime pro reimagines the genre 01:16:42 End credits 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts at intersectionalpsychologypod[@]gmail.com. Aurora and Intersectional Psychology 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com. Resources & Support If you’re affected by the topics discussed in this episode, support is available: Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 SADAG (Suicide Crisis Line): 0800 567 567 / SMS 31393 Triangle Project Helpline (LGBTQIA+): 021 712 6699 SAPS Victim Support: 08600 10111 In the UK: Samaritans — 116 123 International listeners: Visit [findahelpline.com], which lists free and confidential helplines worldwide. You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/