EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Sherlock and Watson from Sherlock & Co

True crime podcasts can very easily fall intro controversy, but there is no doubt they are still popular with audiences. Now there’s a new podcast in town that is documenting the adventures of a super sleuth in real time. Sherlock & Co is a new show created by Dr. John Watson, once of the British Army Northumberland Fusilier Regiment, now a true crime podcaster based in central London.

Whilst it’s only a few episodes in, the show has been sitting near the top of the podcast charts. This might in part be the genre, but it may also be that listeners are intrigued by the actual main subject the show – Sherlock Holmes, a private investigator with an interesting persona.

We spoke to John and Sherlock about podcasting, what they’ve learned from creating the show, as well as some of the more controversial aspects of making a true crime podcast…

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

SHERLOCK: You answer.

WATSON: Ohh good question. Erm, I’ll always check in with my football pods when I can. But probably my first listen, was maybe We Have Ways of Making You Talk? Al Murray, James Holland chatting all things World War 2. Yeah, good stuff. There’s a reason why I reached out to Goalhanger to help me with this thing. Sherlock, what about you?

SHERLOCK: Is this necessary?

WATSON: Never heard of that one, who’s on it?

SHERLOCK: I mean this. Right now.

WATSON: Oh. And yes it’s necessary – we’re promoting the show mate.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

SHERLOCK: The Doctor began to document my cases without my permission.

WATSON: I like true crime- I found a guy (Sherlock) that was immersed in that world, so I thought, you know, better record this thing. Tell the world about Mr. Holmes here and yeah, off we went starting with the adventure of The Illustrious Client, and now we’ve got all sorts of cases coming our way.

Podcasting around true crimes has faced controversy in the past. We’ve seen people convicted from podcasting evidence, but also criticism that it can get in the way of the justice system. What are your thoughts on this?

WATSON: It can definitely get in the way. I take my microphone with me on every case and, you know, we’re often on the move and that thing can really get in the way. Clunks around all over the place and a lot of the time people think I’m a weird bloke recording them talking. Yeah.

SHERLOCK: I think they meant podcasting in general obstructing active investigations. Not your cheap microphone being ‘clunky’

WATSON: Oh. Ok. Right- I’ll, let me think of an answer for that one.

How have Scotland Yard taken to you podcasting your work?

WATSON: They said stop that immediately. Then we got a letter didn’t we. And then an officer came round. And then they just forgot about it and we’ve carried on anyway. Very similar thing happened to me once with a parking fine. So, yeah, just stick to your guns. Ride it out.

SHERLOCK: Good lord.

Have you been surprised by the success of the show?

WATSON: It has blown me away. We’ve been at number 3 in the charts a week or so after release. We’re getting more downloads than we expected. Even Gary Lineker listens. Loves it. I think, he might just be checking in on his property to be honest. But yeah, can’t believe it. Rubbing shoulders with the cream of British podcasting. Quite something. What do you think mate?

SHERLOCK: People listening to this show are eavesdropping on my life. End of discussion.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt from making your podcast so far?

WATSON: That there is an audience for everything! You don’t need to be a couple of celebrities chatting about stuff. You can get out into the world, bring drama and entertainment to the ears of your listeners. It’s amazing. So much scope. And you, Sherlock?

SHERLOCK: I said end of discussion.

SHERLOCK & CO is a weekly fiction podcast written by Joel Emery, directed by Adam Jarrell of Holy Smokes Audio and produced by Goalhanger Podcasts. Starring Paul Waggott as Dr. John Watson and Harry Attwell as Sherlock Holmes. Producers Neil Fearn and Jon Gill. Executive Producer Tony Pastor. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>