Psyched Minds Podcast

Inside True Crime South Africa: Nicole Engelbrecht on Ethical Storytelling & Victim Advocacy


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Nicole Engelbrecht is a renowned South African true crime writer, podcaster, and content creator, best known for her popular podcast, True Crime South Africa. The show takes a deep dive into notable South African criminal cases, shedding light on both high-profile incidents and lesser-known stories. With a focus on meticulous research, factual storytelling, and sensitivity toward victims and their families, Nicole has become a trusted voice in the true crime genre.

As the co-author of Killer Stories alongside Brin Hodgkiss, Nicole brings a unique perspective to the complexities of true crime storytelling. In this episode, we explore:

  • The Art of True Crime Storytelling: How Nicole balances emotional depth and factual accuracy.
    • Ethics in True Crime: The importance of humanizing victims and perpetrators while avoiding sensationalism.
    • Nicole’s Creative Journey: Insights into her connections with influential figures in the true crime space.
    • Psychological Impacts: The effects of engaging with heavy topics and how she navigates these challenges.
    • The Ripple Effect of Crime: Trauma’s far-reaching impact on families and communities.
    • This episode is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts, aspiring podcasters, and anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of storytelling.

      00:00 The Outsider's Perspective

      02:02 Finding Confidence in Reaching Out

      03:56 Humanizing True Crime: Balancing Narratives

      07:59 The Impact of Stories on Mental Health

      12:05 Nature vs. Nurture: The Complexity of Criminality

      16:09 The Role of Circumstance in Becoming a Killer

      19:48 Support Systems and Their Influence on Choices

      23:56 The Victim's Narrative: Understanding Their Stories

      27:49 Crafting Compelling Narratives in True Crime

      32:41 The Humanization of Victims

      35:30 The Ripple Effects of Trauma

      38:57 Ethical Storytelling in True Crime

      42:57 Navigating Victim and Perpetrator Perspectives

      46:49 Transitioning from Corporate to Creative

      53:01 Building Trust Through Authentic Storytelling

      Get in touch with Nicole:

      • twitter: @the_pod_one
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolengelbrecht (Nicole Engelbrecht Podcaster & Author page)
      • Instagram: @thepod.one
      • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-engelbrecht-3a679075/

      • True Crime South Africa:

        • Twitter: @TCSApod
        • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330149601029933 (True Crime South Africa Podcast group)
        • Instagram: @truecrimesouthafrica
        • YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSouthAfrica

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            Psyched Minds PodcastBy Keanan Lee