Crime journalism meets psychology in Manchester journalist’s new podcast role

Amber Haque, a seasoned Mancunian journalist and documentary filmmaker, has embarked on a new journey as co-host of the hit podcast Bad People.

Originally created by Dr. Julia Shaw and comedian Sofie Hagen, Bad People gained a loyal following with its unique blend of true crime analysis and psychology.

Now, with Amber at the helm alongside Dr. Shaw, the show has been relaunched, bringing new life to the genre.

Amber shared insights into her role in the podcast, her deep connection to Manchester, and how her background as a crime journalist has shaped her approach to storytelling.

A fresh take on true crime

Amber describes Bad People as more than just a typical true crime podcast.

“We take on a different true crime case every single week,” she explained.

“I spend a lot of time digging into all the details and building a multi-layered journey that I can take listeners on.”

As a journalist with a background in documentary filmmaking, Amber approaches each story with a dedication to uncovering new details and offering fresh perspectives on well-known cases.

What sets Bad People apart from other true crime podcasts is the dynamic between Amber and Dr. Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist.

“Julia brings in the science of why bad people do bad things,” Amber noted.

While Amber connects with victims and brings an emotional depth to the stories, Dr. Shaw provides an expert psychological analysis.

This combination of journalism and criminology offers listeners a unique experience—one that goes beyond the surface of the crime to explore the deeper motivations behind it.

Amber is particularly passionate about respecting the real people involved in the stories she covers. In a world where true crime is often sensationalised, she is dedicated to telling stories with empathy and integrity.

“We still sometimes find that there’s a lot of true crime podcasts, and a lot of true crime that’s told on social media, that are often told on people’s behalf,” she said.

Her aim is to give a voice to those who have lived through the trauma, ensuring that their stories are told with the care they deserve.

A Manchester story

Growing up in the diverse city of Manchester, Amber’s early experiences helped shape her career.

Her background as a mixed-race South Asian woman has influenced her perspective on crime and justice.

She recalls her first encounter with crime journalism as a young girl, watching a Panorama program about the institutional racism exposed in the Stephen Lawrence case.

“It just really affected me,” Amber said.

“It was my first realisation of how someone who looks like my dad might be treated very differently by authorities or in society.”

This early experience led Amber to engage with Greater Manchester Police and even work alongside Doreen Lawrence, Stephen Lawrence’s mother, on issues of racial inequality and justice.

This formative experience sparked Amber’s passion for storytelling and seeking justice for marginalised communities.

One of the most significant cases Amber has covered in her career took place in Manchester.

The tragic story of Yusuf Maki, a Manchester Grammar School pupil who was killed by a friend in the affluent area of Hale Barns, resonated deeply with her.

The case, which Amber covered for BBC Three in the series Hometown: A Teenage Killing, highlighted the stark contrasts between different communities within Manchester.

“It sparked big conversations about class and the inequality divide depending on which part of our city you live in,” she reflected.

The power of crime journalism

Amber’s journey into crime journalism has allowed her to explore some of the most complex and powerful stories of our time.

From knife crime to romance fraud, she sees crime as a lens through which we can learn about society and human behaviour. “Crime allows me to tell bigger stories in and around it,” she says. “It’s a reflection of all of us as human beings.”

Working alongside Dr Julia Shaw has also shifted Amber’s perspective on criminal behaviour.

“Julia definitely checks some of my preconceived ideas about criminals,” she said.

Through their work together on Bad People, Amber has gained a deeper understanding of the often ordinary reasons behind extraordinary crimes.

As Amber and Julia delve into cases ranging from mommy influencers who commit crimes to the hidden dangers of cruise ships, Bad People promises to take listeners on an unforgettable journey.

Whether exploring crimes that set legal precedents or revisiting cold cases, the podcast offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the true crime genre.

For Amber, the work is about more than just the crime itself—it’s about the people, the communities, and the larger societal issues that these stories reveal.

And as she continues to shine a light on these often-overlooked narratives, Amber Haque is helping to redefine what true crime storytelling can be.

How to listen to the Bad People podcast

Bad People is available to stream now, and for fans of gripping, well-researched true crime, it’s not to be missed.

You can listen to Bad People by clicking here