Janne Aagaard
Author and Podcast producer began as a True Crime writer but came out of a life in the shadows
As a crime reporter for Denmark's largest tabloid paper, crime followed Janne Aagaard like a shadow, but it had always been part of her life.
Since she was a kid, Janne felt like she did not belong. After losing her father at a young age, her childhood was far from easy.
Often rebellious and isolated, Janne knew what it was like not to fit in. The experience made her empathic toward those who struggled, especially those on the outskirts of society, even those who did terrible things.
Growing up, she often wondered why people turned to crime and what circumstances led them to make their choices. However, as Janne got older, she could not escape the magnetic pull of crime and corruption and turned it into a career, then a vocation.
Australian Love Story
After a ten-year stint working in the tabloids, conquering many twists and turns along the way, Janne took an international travel break, falling in love with Australia. Later on, achieving a degree in journalism, criminology, and communication, at Queensland University.
Returning to Europe with a degree, Janne joined the Danish Police in Denmark. She produced and introduced a new internal communication magazine alongside more challenging police work, focusing on the ‘inside’.
One of Janne's proudest accomplishments was her study of the psychological issues that can come with power and authority. Her investigation and repertoire of stories also included a harrowing tale of child abuse.
Trauma and Uniforms
Working in the police, Janne was especially interested in investigating the psychological trauma and impact of taking people's lives while wearing a uniform.
Janne never expected her life to be intertwined with crime, but crime followed her everywhere. From her days as a reporter covering the city's gritty streets to her role in communication hub of Danish Police, she has seen it all. But no matter how many cases she solves, the darkness always lingers on the edges of her mind.
Things evolve, and needs, wants, and budgets are no exception! Despite the magazine's ground-breaking content, the publication was closed down three years later. Having closed one door, Janne opened a new one: making her first criminology podcast called Crime and Punishment.
After beginning this new project, Janne grew tired of reviewing old cases and sought a new perspective on investigative techniques by speaking with law and psychiatry experts. Crime and Punishment examine this topic.
Before starting Crime and Punishment, she owned the company Mediekursus, which offered postgraduate courses for journalists and communicators.
Unable to escape the dark thoughts she has had since childhood; Janne is now back to her one true job asking; Why do people kill? The answer remains its own unsolved mystery. Now, she writes and produces podcasts of true crime and history, as well.
Author and Feminist
Further, Janne views true crime through an ethical lens, with a reverence for victims. Understanding that a reason true crime appeals to women is its relatability and vulnerability to the victims, which are often forgotten by society. She believes true crime is significant because it allows us to discover the truth and prevent future crimes.
These days, Janne Aagaard is finishing her first book, a non-fiction novel, which will be published by Danish Publishing house Gyldendal this year.
