Ana Garcia Opens Up About Career, Justice, and ‘True Crime News’ on Warner Bros. TV’s ‘A Lot More’ Podcast
Veteran journalist and true crime authority Ana Garcia recently joined host Jonathon Buckley in the studio for a candid episode of the A Lot More podcast, an original series from Warner Bros. Television Group. In a wide-ranging conversation, the Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter pulled back the curtain on her transition from traditional news anchoring to becoming a dominant voice in the true crime genre, discussing the emotional weight of her work and the specific cases that have defined her career.
Deep Search: From Breaking News to Breaking Cases
Garcia’s appearance on A Lot More offered listeners a “deep dive” into the trajectory of her career, which Buckley explored with a focus on her evolution as a storyteller. Known for her tenacity, Garcia detailed her shift from the constraints of traditional evening news—where she spent years as an anchor for KNBC in Los Angeles—to the more investigative, advocacy-focused world of True Crime News.
Key takeaways from their discussion included:
The Pivot to Podcasting: Garcia described how the podcasting medium allowed her to escape the “30-second soundbite” culture of TV news. She emphasized that platforms like True Crime News The Podcast* give her the time to explore the “why” and “how” of a crime, rather than just the “who” and “when.”
Memorable Cases: When pressed by Buckley on the cases that stick with her, Garcia pointed to the disappearance of Mike Williams—a man initially believed to have been eaten by alligators, whose murder was later exposed as a plot by his wife and best friend. She cited this investigation as a prime example of why tenacity matters, noting that it took 17 years for the truth to surface. She also touched on the enduring mystery of the JohnBenét Ramsey case, advocating for the use of modern DNA technology to finally provide answers.
Advocacy Over Sensationalism: A recurring theme in the interview was Garcia’s commitment to “victim-centered” reporting. She explained that her current work is driven by a desire to give a voice to survivors and families who feel abandoned by the justice system.
Objections: The Fine Line of True Crime Entertainment
The conversation also inadvertently highlighted the tensions inherent in the true crime genre. While Garcia is celebrated for her empathy and investigative skills, the “infotainment” style of true crime—where horrific events are discussed in a studio setting, sometimes with banter—remains a point of debate among critics.
Critiques of the Genre: Some detractors argue that the conversational tone of podcasts like True Crime News* can occasionally veer into insensitivity, with listeners sometimes flagging the use of humor or “cackle” moments during heavy discussions.
Garcia’s Stance: In the interview, Garcia implicitly addressed this balance, framing her “assertive” style and storytelling approach as necessary tools to keep cases in the public eye and apply pressure on law enforcement. Her supporters argue that her approachable, “real” persona is exactly what draws millions of viewers to pay attention to cold cases that would otherwise be ignored.
Background Info: A Powerhouse in Journalism
For those unfamiliar with her extensive résumé, Ana Garcia is far more than a podcast host.
Accolades: She is an eight-time Emmy Award winner and has received 10 Golden Mike awards for broadcast journalism. She has been named “TV Journalist of the Year” five times by the Los Angeles Press Club.
The Franchise: Her podcast, True Crime News The Podcast, has grown into a massive digital community with millions of subscribers. This success laid the groundwork for the syndicated television show True Crime News*, which launched in late 2024 on stations across the country, including FOX-owned affiliates.
Personal Dimensions: The A Lot More* episode also humanized the hard-hitting reporter, touching on her life outside of crime scenes. Garcia is an avid Mahjong player, a passionate dog advocate (often posting about her Chihuahuas), and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Native American Studies.
The episode with Jonathon Buckley is available now on major podcast platforms and the Warner Bros. TV YouTube channel.
