Extra special agent, Jerri Williams
Podcasts didn’t appeal to me at first. Listening to other people casually nattering? I couldn’t see it taking off as its own form of entertainment. How wrong I was. And how stupid! I’d enjoyed eavesdropping into other people’s conversations for years and podcasts are basically an acceptable way of doing just that. Of course, they were bound to be a huge success.
I’ve now happily gobbled several of them, but I am picky about which ones I listen to regularly. The few I have on my weekly rota (even if I am ever so slightly biased) are ELITE. My Favourite Murder (MFM) was my first podcast love (shout out to my fellow Murderinos). My Dad Wrote a Porno is another absolute gem (if you haven’t yet, you must). Off Menu is a staple of my podcasting diet and Annie Mac’s Changes is just *chefs kiss*.
But my most recent obsession, which I come to write to you about today, has captured my attention in a way that few others have yet. I first heard about FBI Retired Case File Review on my aforementioned podcast love MFM when host Jerri Williams appeared as a special guest. I was immediately drawn to this impressive, charismatic and intriguing former FBI agent. Pretty much immediately after the episode finished I scrolled my way over to Jerri’s podcast where I was pleased to find a largeee back catalogue to sink my teeth (/ears?) into.
I started from the very beginning, as I like to do upon uncovering a new gem of a podcast, which took me all the way back to 2015. FBI Retired Case File Review now has more than 7 million downloads and over 270 episodes. (I’m currently 50 in and Jerri is still recording new episodes now which pleases me greatly).
After a 26 year career in the FBI – Jerri is now a successful author as well as podcaster. (I mean, the never-ending talent of this woman!!). She uses her past professional experiences, with some of America’s worst scams and schemers to write crime fiction about greed. And in her podcast, she interviews other former agents about their varied, impressive and at times unbelievable cases. These first-hand accounts often make depictions of FBI cases in films and TV seem comparatively dull (and that’s saying something). Hearing these stories from the former agents themselves makes the weekly episodes an incredibly powerful listen.
The stories, people and experiences Jerri plays host to are varied and fascinating. From the real-life Donny Brasco (seriously) to one of the agents who helped to take down the Uni-Bomber. Agents who’ve been deep undercover in the Mafia, infiltrated violent animal activist organisations (for reals) and even agents investigating stolen art worth hundreds of thousands. There’s truly an episode for everyone. With each new, mind-blowing case the podcast dispels the myths and clichés perpetuated by film, TV and books that FBI agents solely operate in the capacity of hunting down serial killers.
One of my absolute favourite episodes I’ve listened to so far is 044, where Jerri dives into one of her own biggest cases – a huge telemarketing fraud in Philadelphia. Jerri was instrumental in dismantling the prolific scam which resulted in (no less than) 16 search warrents and 25 convictions. And the guest on this episode? One of defendants in the case who turned key cooperating witness for the FBI. (Yes, really). If I can convince you to listen to any of the interviews, make it this one – it’s absolutely fascinating and will give you a great insight into (the wonders of) Jerri herself.
Though the stories the episodes delve into are incredibly gripping, for me it’s Jerri Williams who is undoubtedly the star attraction of the podcast. Although the stats have improved notably since Jerri started her career at the FBI, only 16.9% of all special agents today are women. Jerri’s career and achievements during her time at the bureau are (to put it lightly) incredibly impressive. And you can tell from her interactions with the other prestigious agents she interviews that she is held in extremely high esteem by her peers.
From the way Jerri talks about the bureau, the experiences and achievements in her long-running career there and the work she continues now in bringing a spectrum of agents experiences to the fore to encourage more people (from all backgrounds) to apply to join the agency, it’s no surprise that on Nov, 18 2021 in Washington DC – the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) recognised Jerri as their G-Man Honours – Distinguished Service Honouree for her continued support of the FBI Family through her podcast and books.
I reckon there’re few more badass women out there than Jerri Williams. Special agent for 26 years, two-time crime fiction author, producer and host of a hugely popular podcast. I’m certainly in her biggest fan club and I look forward to some of you joining me there soon.
For more Jerri Williams …
Her podcast (find it on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Prime - wherevs you get your podcasts basically)