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When 22-year-old journalist Carol Costello reported on the violent abduction of Phyllis Cottle in 1984, she could never have predicted that, almost 40 years later, she would revisit the story– this time, in podcast form. With unique insight into the ups and downs of Phyllis’ case, her family’s fight for justice and her enduring survival, 2023 Best in Show winner Carol Costello Presents Blind Rage by Evergreen Podcasts is a standout in the true crime genre. In addition to honors from the w3 Awards, the podcast also won two 2023 Davey Awards, including Gold in Podcast Features-Best Host.
We sat down with Carol Costello to discuss how she and her team at Evergreen Podcasts approach the challenges of bringing a survivor’s bright personality to the forefront of a very dark story.
What inspired the creative direction for Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage?
The survivor, Phyllis Cottle, colored the tone, and creative process. Phyllis was a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point, yet deeply caring person. The words we chose to tell her story, the amount of time we chose to give each episode reflected on Phyllis’ approach to life and recovery. Phyllis packed an emotional punch without self-pity. We wanted to podcast to reflect that creatively.
Where did it all start?
I have long wanted to tell the world about Phyllis Cottle. I kept records and recordings from her case for 30 years. My goal in finally telling Phyllis’ story was to find a company who had the same values as Phyllis – and me. I wanted a company who cared deeply about people and that kind of Midwestern mindset that I (I was raised in Ohio) and Phyllis shared. That was Evergreen Podcasts.
Tell us about the first brainstorm session you had about the podcast
We talked a lot about how to honor the survivor. How to describe her in ways that focused on her strength. We wanted Phyllis’ personality to shine through the brutal nature of the crime. That came down to framing the story in a certain way. Then we chose sound effects, music and interviews that fit the narrative, while also accurately reflecting what happened.
How has the concept of the podcast evolved over time?
The podcast improved in quality episode to episode. We eventually found a rhythm that worked for both myself and for Chris Aiola, our Producer. Chris was incredibly adept at finding the right way to trim interviews to fit the narrative in an accurate, effective way.
Describe your biggest obstacle or challenge for this series.
The Ohio Innocence Project was looking into the case against Phyllis’ attacker. We had to make a decision: Do we tell our listeners that fact from the get-go? Or do we hint at that fact at various points throughout the story. My concern: that the Innocence Project would not prevail. In the end, I was right, but we took a gamble for the family’s sake. They went through hell as the Innocence Project made its case.
Which aspects of the work are you most proud of?
Phyllis’ family was thrilled with the podcast. That made my decade.
What has been one of your biggest learnings or takeaways from this process?
It takes a TON of work to write and produce a quality podcast that people want to hear. I was used to writing stories with the help of a giant team at CNN – at Evergreen, we are the little engine that could. I also learned that, sometimes, that is the best way to work.
If you had an unlimited budget, what would you add?
Researchers. I had hundreds of pages of records to sift through. I wanted to be 100 percent accurate, but it’s hard without a second, or third pair of eyes.
What does winning a w3 Best in Show award mean to you?
I was so honored and stunned – this is my first true-crime podcast – I did not know what to do!
From Producer, Chris Aiola: “Working with Carol on Blind Rage has been a career highlight for me. Her journalistic expertise, keen sense of story, and personal connection to Phyllis Cottle laid the groundwork for one of the most compelling projects I’ve had the pleasure to produce. Carol’s creativity and tenacity gave me confidence in my own work, and I’m honored to have been part of her team!”
Are you using podcasts to report on an impactful, true story? The w3 Awards has dozens of honors for podcast series, episodes, specials and features– including Crime & Mystery, Best Host, and Documentary. Enter your best work before the Extended Entry Deadline on Friday, August 2nd.