We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Lanna recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Taking the leap to start Lullaby: The Fear Podcast was easily one of the riskiest moves I’ve ever made. As an introvert at heart, the idea of putting myself and my perspective out there for the world to judge filled me with a deep, unsettling fear. I had always been the type to shy away from the spotlight, preferring the comfort and safety of my own private thoughts. The thought of willingly exposing myself to potential criticism and scrutiny gave me anxiety and imposter syndrome. I thought “why would anyone care about what I have to say about true crime when everyone does it?”

But underneath that trepidation, there was a persistent conviction that I had something unique and valuable to contribute to the true crime space. I had immersed myself in these complex cases, studying them with a level of nuance and empathy that felt distinct and I wanted a podcast that explained as deep as I researched as a past time. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that there were others out there craving that deeper, more thoughtful exploration of these topics. So despite my natural inclination to play it safe, I made the bold decision to take the leap and I wouldn’t take it back. I’m grateful for being able to share victim and survivor stories to keep their memories alive and help my listeners learn from the past.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As the host of Lullaby: The Fear Podcast, I’m Ashley Lanna, an award-winning true crime expert. My passion for this genre began in my early years, where I developed a deep fascination for criminal law. This connection sparked a profound interest in true crime, which only intensified as I immersed myself in the captivating world of the “Old Time Golden Age of Radio Crime Shows” from the 1930s-1940s. The enchanting sound effects and gripping audio dramatizations left an indelible mark on my impressionable mind. And I wanted to create a true crime podcast with the same immersive experience.

Through Lullaby: The Fear Podcast, I examine the intricacies of true crime and historical cases, examining them meticulously to help distinguish criminal patterns. My ultimate goal is to educate my listeners on how they can protect themselves and spread awareness of what can be learned from these cases. By understanding the “who, what, when, where, and why” of each criminal incident, I aim to empower my audience with the knowledge and tools to stay safe, while also honoring the memory of those affected by these tragic events.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When it comes to building my reputation in the true crime podcast world, I attribute it to a few key factors. First and foremost, I’m incredibly thorough in my research and analysis of each case, touching on even the small details by using reliable sources. This commitment to accuracy and depth of understanding has earned me a reputation for being a reliable and credible source of information. But it’s not just the research that’s made the difference – I also pride myself on my ability to present this complex material in an engaging and thought-provoking way, crafting compelling narratives that draw listeners in and foster a true sense of community around the podcast. Ultimately, I believe it’s this combination of meticulous investigation and thoughtful storytelling, all fueled by my genuine passion for the subject matter, that has allowed me to build such a strong reputation as an award-winning true crime host that my listeners know they can count on to deliver insightful, high-quality content.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

You know, there was a time early on in the planning phase of my show when I worried that my approach to true crime podcasting might be seen as a little too different and possibly boring. I had this nagging fear that my insistence on deep examinations into the nuances and emotional complexities of these cases, rather than just going for the salacious details, might be perceived as too cerebral or niche. There was this underlying assumption that all listeners wanted was an adrenaline-fueled, superficial experience.

But that just didn’t align with my core values or the type of thoughtful, empathetic community-driven content I was passionate about creating. So rather than compromise my vision, I made the decision to double down on what made my approach unique. I leaned into the nuance, the psychological insights, the emphasis on empathy and education. And you know what? That decision has absolutely paid off. I’ve built a dedicated following of listeners who appreciate the depth and care I bring to each episode. Being different isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. And I’m proud to have carved out my own space in this crowded true crime landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://LullabyTheFearPodcast.com
• Instagram: @LullabyTheFearPodcast
• Other: Spotify

  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iER2Bgva1Lb6UaAOXQz06?si=5h5WHudRRB-91VEIPCfuRw