Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haley Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Haley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

For years, I was one of the few people focused on researching for true crime podcasts, and it was something I truly loved doing. As word spread about my work, people began asking me how I did it and whether they could learn to do the same. Clients would often comment on the unique service I provided, and some even joked that they wished they could clone me! Despite this interest, I wasn’t quite sure how to go about teaching others to research in the way I did.

Then, in early 2022, a college student named Anna reached out, asking if she could intern with me. I thought, why not? As we worked together, I began training her to research like I do. Over the next few months, I saw her progress, and it became clear that she was producing work that matched my own. That was a turning point for me—I realized that my method could be taught.

However, I also knew that the way I was training Anna wasn’t exactly streamlined. It was more of an experiment, and I recognized that it could be improved. A few months later, I met Andrea Marshbank, who would later become my business partner. We instantly connected, and she expressed interest in researching for podcasts just like I did. I decided to train her, too, and during our sessions, Andrea suggested that we start a training program together. With her teaching background, she could help create a structured curriculum. It felt like the perfect partnership, and it truly was.

Together, we founded True Crime Podcast Training, a program designed to teach people how to research for true crime podcasts in a cohesive and comprehensive way. After all these years hoping to be able to train others, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see others gain the skills they need to pursue their own passion for true crime podcasting.

Haley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Haley Gray, and I’m a True Crime Research Specialist and Educator. My journey into the world of true crime podcasting began in May 2016 when I launched my own podcast. While working on that project, I discovered that I had a real knack for the research side of things. When my podcast eventually wrapped up, some friends from the community asked if I could help with the research for their podcasts. I happily agreed, and before long, I found myself researching for multiple shows.

As the years went by, my involvement in the true crime community deepened. I’ve had the opportunity to write and produce podcasts, collaborate with families on unresolved cases, and advocate for justice in these situations. I’ve also been a part of panels discussing ethics in true crime and co-founded True Crime Podcast Training, a course designed to teach others the skills needed to research effectively and ethically for true crime podcasts.

What sets me apart is my commitment to ethical storytelling and victim-focused research. I’m dedicated to ensuring that the stories I help tell are accurate, respectful, and centered on the victims and their families. I also work closely with families to help them raise awareness about their loved ones’ unresolved cases, offering them support as they navigate the challenges of such a painful and difficult journey.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in bringing attention to these important stories and helping guide others in doing the same.

The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that my work is driven by a deep respect for the truth and a passion for helping others use their voices to make a difference in the world.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that my reputation in the market was initially shaped by my start in the podcasting community with my own podcast. This allowed me to build connections with other podcasters and gain a deeper understanding of the industry from the inside. From there, my reputation really solidified through the quality of my work. I’ve always been committed to producing thorough research backed by legitimate sources, and I’m steadfast in my commitment to accuracy.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been word of mouth. In fact, almost all of my clients have come to me this way. Once I became known in the community for being a thorough researcher, clients started recommending me to others, and that’s how most of my business has grown. This experience has really reinforced for me the value of a good reputation—it’s the foundation that keeps everything else strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haleygrayresearch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleygrayresearch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleygrayresearch/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-gray-research/
• Other: https://truecrimepodcasttraining.com/