I listen to your show because it’s mildly entertaining. I’d subscribe to your show if left out the antagonistic, whiny, MAGA-man rhetoric that you tiptoe around 😘

Another whiny male with a podcast. What’s new?

Mike, you are the guac on my chip! I’m obsessed with ALL the Sword and Scale shows. I became a subscriber so I’m playing catch up through the years. You are way funny!

I used to LOVE this show, it had great storytelling and research and now he takes every UNNECESSARY opportunity to insert his IGNORANT opinions about women and minorities. Save your time and brain cells and listen to a different show.

I’ve found the realest podcaster out there!! I’ve been binging for 3 days, these stories are told exactly like I enjoy hearing them. There is no holding back in the commentary and I enjoy that!! ♥️

Common sense and a twist of sarcasm! I’ve been listening for 7 years

I couldn’t even finish an episode because of the side remarks from the narrator. The way he projects isn’t comical or clever, it’s cringy.

I have been subscribing to Plus since beginning of time. I used to love how articulate Mike was - the parallels he drew and the deep dives into the human psyche. He is a really strong storyteller. Lately the content devolved into weird, trite, attention-seeking, angry rants with “Karen” seemingly being the only word the host knows and random Ohio insults, which isn’t random because he’s clearly jealous of how well a podcast from Ohio has been performing for many years without public meltdowns. For the first time in many many years I just don’t want to keep my subscription and am not renewing it. It’s a shame that the host’s personal issues have affected the content this much.

The content is always really well researched, well paced, good editing and audio and really intriguing stories are chosen. It would be a 5 but the host is so red pill/MAGA coded. Comments like “that’s ‘female’ accountability for ya, right” and “kids today can’t even tell you what gender they are…” while freely using outdated slurs to describe people. This man used the term “female privilege”…unironically. It’s giving incel energy

I used to like this podcast a lot. I still enjoy the stories. But the person telling the stories now comes off way too ignorant for me. In times like this, let’s focus on what is important, not kids genders.

I don’t know what I love more the show or the host!

Just discovered this podcast and then listened to 342 and had to stop at the transphobic comments. Ewww. Do better.

I can’t believe this podcast has been on for 13 years and I had never listened. It is by far than that podcast I’ve ever listened to!

After listening to all of the free episodes at least twice, I finally gave in and subscribed. Totally worth it. This is all I listen to. Thank you Mike, for all you do!

Really appreciate all the research, but can’t stand the passive aggressive narration. I’m all for personality and point of view, in fact I encourage it, but this guy just sounds judgmental and whiney. Not for me, but doesn’t mean it won’t be for you

I listened to this episode today and I have to say it was very disturbing. But the host was very respectful of such an awful story. I am a huge fan.

I’ve listened to a lot of true crime podcasts over the years. Mike just doesn’t let off the necks of these stories. For good or bad. I really appreciate all of the work you and your team obviously put in for every episode. I’ve learned a LOT about personal safety from this show. So thank you for that information as well. Great work 💯♥️

I listen to several murder podcasts but Sword & Scale is hands down, the best around. I wish I didn’t have to wait so long for the next episode every week. I’m definitely hooked.

He is an amazing narrator i love his work. The way he breaks down the episodes is amazing. I love his sarcasm as well. Def look fwd to each episode as they drop. I have been having some difficulty with episodes not playing correctly- though it might just be my app. Pausing and coming back on randomly throughout each episode. Keep up the great work!

Kamala on your commercials. You’ve lost a 10 yr fan. Keep politics out Smmfh

Liked the latest outro. We all should keep checking ourselves out!!!

A friend told me about this podcast and I’m hooked. I signed up for plus so I get all the episodes and no ads because I’m binging. I don’t care what the liberal white women say about Mike. I love him! All the side commentary makes me lol. I actually think he doesn’t go hard enough.

Have you noticed that the really positive reviews are from 5 or more years ago although they are curiously at the top of the review feed? Maybe people are tired of the politics in the recent shows, particularly at the end?

Bro your mouth sounds dry in new eps. Sounds like your tongue is sticking to every part of your mouth when you talk.

I have been listening to sword and scale since 2017 and it's the most amazing podcast out there!!! Mike is awesome. I can't imagine how hard it is to produce all this information he truly is a gem!

I do love this show, but we have to agree that Ohio is not as bad as it is portrayed here among your podcast sessions I live in North eastern right on Lake Erie and I live in a very nice sort of middle class neighborhood. I’ve been in some really tragic situations both my fault and the criminal element that affected me at this time plz don’t generalize keep up your great work in true crime one if not the best podcasts

Thank you. You are an excellent story teller. You are hilarious, too.

I used to love this podcast but lately it seems Mike is on a rampage. Constantly talks negatively about women and minorities. I guarantee a woman from Ohio broke his heart because my god does he force his bias into any episode. It’s entirely possible to share facts about the case (and share your opinion!!) without being a raging jerk.

Somehow I accidentally subscribed for a year. It hit my bank for $99. I was kind of annoyed but I have a terrible memory, so tried to let it go. However, now I don’t think it was worth it. There isn’t much extra content. And I really hate when the host complains about listeners. Listeners pay your bills, so show some respect. I’ve been listening for years and have never complained. But once you took my money, it changed my perspective. Please improve.

The only thing that keeps this podcast from being five stars is the host and his added commentary. The three stars are for the script writers and format of the show which I like. Mike’s commentary however, is insufferable. It’s often insensitive, disrespectful and a reflection of someone who is narcissistic and lacks empathy. When broadcasting sensitive content for a living, these character traits are completely inappropriate. He should host an inflammatory political podcast rather than a true crime podcast.

Love the podcast. Great content. Great delivery. Stop crying about anyone that isn’t like you. Holy heck man lol I’m not sure I can find one episode where you aren’t crying about people you don’t like. Not surprised if this loses you subs and followers but Bol my guy.

The host is a moron. Used to be a good show. Casefile is so much better.

This podcast (along with ALL Mike Boudet’s content at this point) is directly responsible for my lack of podcast variety!! I can’t listen to anything else. None of my former “faves” can match the quality, the honesty, the mesmerizing voice… S&S has it all!

Liked the show at first but host is awful. Thinks he’s funny and is just obnoxious and annoying. So many other pods not work the listen for Sword & Scale.

Uunapologetically real.

One of the best true crime pods out there! Mike is great at telling the story, I can’t wait for each new episode

Mike’s delivery and storytelling make for one of the best true crime podcasts out there! He knows how to keep it entertaining , while still being factually accurate. If you enjoy true crime, this is the podcast for you!

I started listening to this YEARS ago. I fell in love with podcasts since. Who doesn’t love true crime, right? The production inspired me so much that I started my own podcast. (Currently on all platforms 🥹) and although I’m just starting out, I realize how much effort and commitment goes into each episode. So thank you Mike and appreciate your dedication. Oh yeah & love the pod. 😂🫶🏼😌

It's nice to listen to a true crime podcast that isn't woke.

So I just so happened to stumble across this podcast from a TikTok comment section and decided to look it up and see what it was about and oh my goodness I have been hooked. I work 12 hours shifts so to pass the time I turn this one and I listen to episode after episode. To be able to hear the interrogation, the family talking about their loved one and the banter from the host has made each episode I’ve listened to so worth it. So glad I came across this podcast

I enjoy every second of your podcast, voice, and emotional responses to the intense, gripping stories you chose to tell. I appreciate your sharp, blunt verbal truths that some small people criticize you for. Your voice takes strength. Being a sheep is quite easy. I dig your new intro music, too. Very fitting.

Just wanted to add some positivity to the negative comments we hear about. Mike, you rock and I appreciate your “commentary/narration” so much!! I’ve been listening since 2015 and haven’t ever commented but I really, really enjoy your show and all your hard work!! I don’t listen to a ton of true crime but have always come back to your show. Planning to pay the reasonable monthly fee and watching Sword and Scale TV next! I would also love to hear you expand and do a few episodes on conspiracies or things you find interesting and/or mysterious in our world/society? …just an idea :) I went back and was listening to a few episodes that I missed and literally laughed out loud at the end of episode 201 with the crickets sound after cutting off that rambling idiot, complainer lol! Thanks for the laugh and bringing awareness to the monsters among us!

So basically episode 5 and 6 are about the Epstein files. It would be nice for a follow up in light of recent discoveries.

A host who makes sweeping generalizations about women, dismisses real experiences with COVID, and centers himself in stories that aren’t about him doesn’t deserve a second of your attention.

S&S is the BEST true crime podcast. The host brings the stories to life in a way no other podcast can/does. People complain about his views - I on the other hand love that there is at least one person out there unafraid and willing to stand against the “woke” ideology in the podcast world! Forever listener here! I see apple doesn’t even have this listed in top true crime shows…. It definitely deserves to be listed.

because the topic is so intense and has real impact on people and their families, i try to be conscious of listening to true crime ethically. these people aren’t just stories, they’re victims who lost their lives too soon. i think he’s often insensitive to people in the story, jokes are a little too much and out of place, and it made it hard to listen to. there was good detail and love the interviews with members of law enforcement really documenting what was happening, but sarcasm and too much “dark humor” feels wrong in true crime.

This is the one podcast I can’t wait to listen to every episode of!!!! I have listened to many of the episode’s numerous times as I love roadtrips and my ULTIMATE FAVORITE PODCAST!!! No one tells a story like you do my guy!!! I hope there are a million more episodes but that means a million more murders 😩 all this to say I’m obsessed and have been for years!!!!

“Does no one speak English?” … proceeds to systematically mispronounce several words each episode. Decent stories though. Used to be much better. Can’t even show energy in his narration of commercials. Is it AI? Maybe take a lil break bud.

I listen to six different true crime podcasts regularly. Not one has me constantly checking my notifications searching for a new episode like Sword and Scale and Nightmares. Mike had a way of telling a story that has all of my senses on edge. I love when he shares his point of view through out the episode, it is exactly what I am thinking. I love that he pisses people off too and they still choose to listen because it is that good. Love this podcast.

I started listening to this podcast on accident. The name was misleading! But it has absolutely turned into one of my favorite! He covers crimes that aren’t front and center in the news, his facts are accurate, he provides information (especially during those hard to hear police interviews) and he’s FUNNY! I’m sorry not everyone will think he’s funny! Some have a hard time hearing that a woman is an idiot, or that a man has no balls! But he calls a spade a spade! And I’m ok with that! There have been times when I’ve spit soda in my car. He says what most of are thinking! Keep up the good work, keep covering stories that mis the limelight, and keep being you.