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Examined: The Backfire Effect

Podcast · pushkin.fm · EN
Hosted by Josie Duffy Rice

Examined: The Backfire Effect, hosted by journalist Josie Duffy Rice and published by Pushkin Industries, investigates overlooked criminal cases and the criminal legal system. The show has 69 episodes on a roughly weekly cadence, with episodes typically around 40 minutes. Estimated downloads are 20,000 to 80,000 per episode (estimated). Host-read rate range: $360 to $2,000 per episode. One distinctive detail: a 1980s Port Huron, Michigan murder case told through eyewitnesses and local reporters.

Why brands sponsor Examined: The Backfire Effect

Serious true crime with a loyal, engaged audience across 69 episodes

  • Apple Podcasts shows 3,555 ratings with a 4.1 average, indicating a substantial and invested listener base.
  • Weekly episodes of roughly 40 minutes give sponsors reliable, recurring placement in a long-form format.
  • Investigative storytelling from a Pushkin Industries production suits premium, credibility-focused brands.
Best forlegal servicespremium audio or subscription productsbrand awareness campaigns
Watch forViolent subject matter and an explicit flag limit suitability for family-oriented or lifestyle brands.

Brand fit report

Content

Topics, IAB taxonomy
True Crime85%
Society & Culture15%
Formats
narrative, interview, investigative serial
Tone
serious, investigative
Language
English
Production
Studio production
Typical length
32 to 45 minutes

Audience

Commercial intent5/100
Comments asking for links, prices or where to buy
Sentiment70/100
Estimated from titles, descriptions and engagement
Est. downloads per episode20k–80k
Estimated, confidence 50%: Apple ratings_count of 3,555 falls in the 1,000 to 5,000 band (20,000 to 80,000 per episode), supported by a Pushkin Industries publisher, a high Podcast Index popularity bucket of 9, and a multi-season run; no adjustment applied for show age.
Audience asks aboutWho was responsible for the Port Huron murder and was the wrong man charged?How did the criminal legal system fail in this case?What happened to the witnesses and investigators involved?
Age
15%18-24
30%25-34
25%35-44
30%45+
Gender
50%women
50%men
Countries
🇺🇸 United States75%
Other25%
LanguagesEnglish 100%

Commercial

0%of the last 20 episodes had a sponsor
None seenno sponsor mentions in the last 20 episodes
Brands seen
Pushkin Industries
Categories promoted
None yet
Affiliate links
No

No sponsor mentions found in the feed; the feed lists no funding links and the publisher is Pushkin Industries.

Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability

Profanitymedium
Adultmedium
Drugslow
Violencehigh
Politicsmedium

Episode titles and description cover murder and the criminal legal system, and the feed carries an explicit flag (explicit=1).

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

Benchmark score: 88 / 100

Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.

Consistency Latest episode within the usual cadence50 / 50
Activity Episodes in the last 90 days, weekly is full marks18 / 30
Reach Estimated downloads per episode, 20k is full marks20 / 20

Recent episodes

EpisodeDateLength
Episode 6: The Women2026-10-1242 min
Episode 5: Time Barred2026-10-0540 min
Episode 4: The Alibi2026-09-2834 min
Episode 3: The Ninja2026-09-2135 min
Episode 2: The Hypnotist2026-09-1443 min
Episode 1: The Good Cop2026-09-1432 min

Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 7 days ago, a new one about every 7 days.

About Examined: Overlooked cases that never got the real investigation they deserved. Each season features deeply reported stories about crime, punishment, and the people inside the criminal legal system. Nearly 40 years ago, in the parking lot of a community college in Port Huron, Michigan, a 20-year-old student named Scott Macklem was shot dead in broad daylight. His murder shocked the…
Examined: The Backfire Effect's own show description from the podcast feed

Do you make Examined: The Backfire Effect? Claim or remove this page.

About Examined: The Backfire Effect

Examined: The Backfire Effect is a true crime podcast hosted by journalist Josie Duffy Rice and published by Pushkin Industries. According to the show's feed, it investigates overlooked cases and the people inside the criminal legal system, with a focus on a 1980s murder in Port Huron, Michigan. The feed lists 69 episodes with a roughly weekly cadence and typical episodes of about 40 minutes.

Apple Podcasts shows 3,555 ratings with a 4.1 average rating. Audience figures are estimates only: based on these rating counts, downloads per episode are estimated at 20,000 to 80,000. Listeners are likely adults interested in true crime and criminal justice reporting. No sponsors were seen in the feed.

Estimated rates are $360 to $2,000 per host-read mid-roll placement, which suits premium brands seeking an audience interested in serious investigative content. Sponsor interest should come from brands comfortable with explicit and violent subject matter.

Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Examined: The Backfire Effect can edit or remove this page at any time.

Questions about Examined: The Backfire Effect

How much does Examined: The Backfire Effect charge for a podcast sponsorship?

Estimated host-read mid-roll rates are about $360 to $2,000 per episode, based on estimated downloads of 20,000 to 80,000 per episode. Final pricing depends on the sponsorship terms agreed with the show.

What is Examined: The Backfire Effect about?

The show is a true crime podcast hosted by Josie Duffy Rice that investigates overlooked criminal cases and the criminal legal system. Its current season focuses on a 1980s murder in Port Huron, Michigan.

How do I contact Examined: The Backfire Effect about sponsoring an episode?

The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can also be booked through Starbooked.

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