Earwitness, from Lava for Good and iHeartPodcasts, is a true crime docuseries by investigative journalist Beth Shelburne on the 1995 Birmingham, Alabama, killing of Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy and the conviction of Toforest Johnson. The show has 13 episodes, released roughly weekly in a serial format, with chapters running about 40 to 55 minutes. Estimated downloads per episode are 3,000 to 8,000 (estimated), with a rate range of $60 to $200 per episode.
Serious true crime docuseries with high production and a loyal listener base
- 443 Apple Podcasts ratings with a 4.8 average signal an engaged audience.
- Thirteen episodes released weekly under an established network banner.
- Investigative tone suits brands seeking a credible, thoughtful environment.
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- narrative, investigative reporting, serial docuseries
- Tone
- serious, investigative
- Language
- English
- Production
- Studio production
- Typical length
- 40 to 55 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- iHeartPodcastsLava for Good
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
No sponsor mentions found in the feed; the show is a network production credited to iHeartPodcasts and Lava for Good.
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Content covers a murder, a death sentence and prosecutorial misconduct, with violence described in episode titles and the description; the feed is not flagged explicit.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | lavaforgood.com/earwitness/ |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1707026865 |
| RSS feed | www.omnycontent.com/d/playlist/e73c998e-6e60-432… |
Benchmark score: 16 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Introducing - The Devil's Quarry II: Preview | 2026-09-30 | 6 min |
| Introducing - The Devil's Quarry II | 2026-09-23 | 3 min |
| Introducing - The Burden: Bad Cops | 2026-08-11 | 2 min |
| Introducing - Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco | Season | 2025-11-13 | 2 min |
| Chapter 8 | Bondage to the Law | 2023-10-31 | 44 min |
| Chapter 7 | Messy | 2023-10-24 | 38 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 19 days ago, a new one about every 7 days.
One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy’s murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried,…
About Earwitness
Earwitness is a true crime docuseries produced by Lava for Good and iHeartPodcasts, hosted by investigative journalist Beth Shelburne according to the show's description. It examines the 1995 murder of Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy in Birmingham, Alabama, and the death sentence handed to Toforest Johnson, focusing on an earwitness whose testimony was paid for in secret. The feed lists thirteen episodes, released roughly weekly with chapters around 40 to 55 minutes.
Apple Podcasts shows 443 ratings with a 4.8 average. Audience figures are estimates only: roughly 3,000 to 8,000 downloads per episode, with listeners likely skewing toward adults aged 25 to 44 in the United States. The feed shows no sponsor mentions, so brands would reach the audience through a host-read placement at an estimated $60 to $200 per episode.
The show suits premium brands seeking a serious, investigative editorial environment, including legal and financial services. Its violent subject matter means it is a poor fit for family or lifestyle products.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Earwitness can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Earwitness
How much does Earwitness charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Earwitness rates are estimated at $60 to $200 per episode for a host-read mid-roll, based on an estimated 3,000 to 8,000 downloads per episode. Final pricing depends on placement and booking terms.
What is Earwitness about?
Earwitness is a true crime docuseries examining the 1995 murder of a Birmingham deputy sheriff and the conviction of Toforest Johnson. It focuses on an earwitness whose testimony was paid for without disclosure to the jury.
How do I contact Earwitness about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can be booked through Starbooked directly.
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