The Secret Sauce to Podcasting Success: How Patrick Hinds Built an Empire!
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Laughs, Community, and True Crime Obsession…
If you’re a podcast junkie with a taste for true crime and a love for laughter, chances are you’ve tuned into True Crime Obsessed, the wildly successful podcast hosted by Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle. With over 250 million downloads, a thriving Patreon community, and live shows that sell out in minutes, Patrick has cracked the code on blending crime with comedy—and he’s not stopping anytime soon.
But what makes True Crime Obsessed stand out in a sea of investigative storytelling? According to Patrick, it’s a mix of timing, passion, and a whole lot of community love.
From True Crime to Golden Girls—Because Why Not?
Patrick’s podcasting journey started nearly nine years ago, just before the true crime documentary craze exploded across streaming platforms. Instead of following the traditional investigative format, he and Gillian took a different route: they recapped and hilariously commented on true crime documentaries. Their timing was impeccable, as true crime became a pop culture phenomenon almost overnight.
But Patrick doesn’t stop at crime. His latest passion project, The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast, is quickly gaining momentum, proving that his knack for tapping into beloved cultural touchpoints is no fluke.
“I’m gay, I love The Golden Girls, and I’ve always wanted to do something in the TV space,” Patrick said in an exclusive interview with Loop Mag. Fair enough! He’s joined by Broadway powerhouse Jennifer Simard, and together, they’re bringing fans a show that’s equal parts nostalgia, humor, and deep-dive history.
“It’s meant to be light and fun—an escape from politics and the chaos of life,” Patrick explains. “Basically, it’s just two friends who love each other and love The Golden Girls.”
Turning Podcasting into a Full-Blown Business
Beyond just creating engaging content, Patrick has turned his podcasting empire into a revenue-generating machine. How? By embracing a blend of sponsorships, Patreon, and a fierce dedication to authenticity.
“We make our ads part of the content,” Patrick says. “So people don’t want to skip them. Our ads are just more comedy.”
And then there’s Patreon, which changed everything.
“Back when we started our Patreon, I looked at what other creators were offering, and I realized most were giving one bonus episode a month for $5. So I thought, why not offer one every week for the same price?”
The strategy worked. They offered four times the content, and their Patreon became one of the biggest in the world. Even now, Patrick and Gillian continue to over-deliver, offering exclusive events like virtual Drag Bingo (because why not?).
“Patreon is freedom,” Patrick says. “It allowed us to quit our jobs and do this full-time. And that’s what makes it so special.”
Live Shows That Feel Like Family Reunions
What makes Patrick’s live shows stand out? It’s the energy, the intimacy, and the unshakable sense of community. He doesn’t just perform—he creates an experience.
“I always encourage listeners to come alone,” he says. “I even made ‘Solo and Fabulous!’ stickers so people can meet new friends at my shows.”
And it works. At a recent show in Denver, four solo travelers who had never met before showed up with their stickers on—and left as lifelong friends.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Patrick says. “Come for the show, stay for the party.”
The Bea Arthur Encounter (AKA The Time Patrick Met His Hero… and She Hated Him)
When asked about a memorable celebrity encounter, Patrick doesn’t hesitate.
“Bea Arthur,” he says. “She came to my college when I was a senior, and I was assigned to be her guide for the weekend. From the moment she saw me, she hated me.”
What followed was a hilariously awkward series of interactions, culminating in a surprisingly sweet ending. But if you want the full story, you’ll have to catch Patrick live.
What’s Next? Broadway, Baby!
With two hit podcasts and a sold-out touring schedule, what’s left for Patrick?
“I want to bring my solo show to Broadway,” he says without hesitation. “It’s going to be a big, wild, over-the-top musical extravaganza. With drag queens. Obviously.”
Until then, you can find Patrick obsessing over true crime, gushing about The Golden Girls, and turning every audience—whether through their earbuds or in a packed theater—into a close-knit community.
For tour dates, visit patricktours.com. Subscribe to True Crime Obsessed and The Golden Girls Deep Dive on your favorite podcast platforms. Follow Patrick Hinds on social media at @patrickhinds_.
