Suruthi Bala is a name that resonates in the true-crime podcasting community. As the co-founder and co-host of the critically acclaimed podcast RedHanded, Suruthi has played a pivotal role in reshaping the way people consume true-crime content. What began as a spontaneous idea with her podcast partner, Hannah Maguire, has blossomed into one of the most listened-to and influential podcasts in the genre. This article explores Suruthi’s journey — from her academic background to her rise in podcasting, her personal life, and the impact she continues to make.
Early Life and Education
Suruthi Bala journey to becoming a renowned podcaster didn’t begin with a career in media. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Suruthi’s academic path was firmly rooted in economics. She attended the University of Birmingham, where she earned both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Economics. Despite her solid academic foundation, Suruthi’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn when she found herself diving into the world of podcasting.
Before stepping into the media space, Suruthi worked in event planning and conference production, roles that gave her organizational skills and a deep understanding of audience engagement — both of which would later prove useful in the podcasting world. Her early career, though unrelated to journalism, demonstrated her ability to think analytically and manage complex projects, qualities that would translate seamlessly into her work on RedHanded.
The Birth of RedHanded: A Spontaneous Idea
In 2017, Suruthi’s life took a turn when she met Hannah Maguire at a social gathering. The two hit it off, and, in a conversation fueled by a few drinks, they decided to start a podcast. Initially, it was more of a joke, a side project they never imagined would evolve into something much bigger. They began recording episodes in what they humorously call their “cupboard studio,” a modest setup that would soon give rise to a media empire. The first episode of RedHanded was released on 9 July 2017, and what began as a hobby quickly gained traction.
The podcast’s unique approach to true crime was its foundation for success. Suruthi and Hannah decided to avoid sensationalizing the crimes they discussed and instead focused on the social and psychological contexts surrounding them. Their goal was not just to tell stories, but to provide listeners with deeper insights into the criminal justice system, societal issues, and the impact on victims. This fresh perspective distinguished RedHanded from other true-crime podcasts and set them apart in a rapidly growing genre.
Suruthi Bala From Side Project to Full-Time Career
By 2021, RedHanded had gained a significant following, and Suruthi and Hannah made the leap to podcasting full-time. Leaving behind their previous jobs, they embraced the world of podcasting and content creation as their full-time careers. Their decision was a testament to their dedication to RedHanded and their belief in the potential of the medium. The move paid off as the podcast grew in popularity, reaching audiences across the world.
With a growing listener base, the podcast expanded into other formats, including live shows, merchandise, and even a published book. The success of RedHanded is a perfect example of how a passion project can turn into a sustainable business in the modern media landscape. Suruthi’s background in economics and event production undoubtedly helped her and Hannah manage their newfound careers as full-time content creators.
RedHanded: A Global Success
RedHanded has since become one of the most well-known and respected true-crime podcasts. With over 400 episodes under their belt, Suruthi and Hannah have tackled a wide range of cases, from infamous serial killers to lesser-known but equally chilling crimes. Their content is characterized by a mix of thorough research, engaging storytelling, and social commentary.
The podcast’s success isn’t just measured by the number of episodes or listeners. Suruthi and Hannah have built a community of loyal fans who engage with the podcast through social media, live events, and Patreon. In addition to their weekly episodes, they’ve launched a series of live tours, including the EmptyHanded Tour, which sold out shows in the UK, North America, and Europe. Their ability to transition from audio content to live performances speaks to the strength of their brand and the connection they’ve built with their audience.
The podcast has also been recognized with several accolades, including multiple Listeners’ Choice Awards at the British Podcast Awards. This recognition speaks to the dedication and quality that Suruthi and Hannah bring to their work. Their success isn’t just due to the popularity of true crime; it’s also due to their ability to bring fresh perspectives, research, and empathy into the genre.
Suruthi Bala The Social Impact of RedHanded
What sets RedHanded apart from many other true-crime podcasts is its focus on social issues. Suruthi and Hannah are committed to discussing not just the crimes but the systemic issues that often surround them. They explore the impact of poverty, race, gender, and mental health on both the victims and perpetrators of crime. Their podcast is not just about crime stories; it’s about understanding the societal forces at play and bringing awareness to overlooked issues.
By emphasizing these elements, Suruthi and Hannah have turned RedHanded into a platform that goes beyond entertainment. The podcast challenges the conventional narratives surrounding crime, urging listeners to think critically about justice, inequality, and the human condition. Suruthi’s ability to merge storytelling with social commentary has made her a leading voice in the true-crime podcasting community.
Suruthi Bala Personal Life and Philosophy
While Suruthi Bala is a public figure, she remains relatively private about her personal life. What is known is that she values her privacy and maintains a careful separation between her professional and personal worlds. She has spoken about the challenges of being in the public eye, especially in a field as sensitive as true crime, where discussions around crime and victimization can be emotionally taxing. Despite this, Suruthi continues to engage with her audience through social media, sharing her thoughts and experiences while respecting the boundaries she has set for herself.
Suruthi’s ethnicity is another aspect of her identity that has garnered attention, as she represents a voice that is often underrepresented in the predominantly white true-crime media landscape. As a woman of South Asian descent, Suruthi’s perspective is unique, and she brings an important cultural lens to the often Eurocentric genre of true crime. Her presence in the space offers an opportunity for greater diversity in the media and for audiences to hear stories from different cultural viewpoints.
Current Work and Ongoing Impact
As of 2025, Suruthi Bala continues to work on RedHanded, producing episodes, engaging with listeners, and participating in live events. Her work extends beyond just podcasting — she’s also involved in writing, public speaking, and participating in crime-writing festivals. Suruthi’s commitment to exploring the social and psychological aspects of crime means that her work is likely to continue influencing the way true-crime stories are told.
Suruthi’s influence goes beyond just podcasting. She is a media entrepreneur, having built a brand from the ground up that now includes podcasts, live shows, writing, and merchandise. She’s become a role model for other creators who wish to build their own platforms in the digital age, showing that it’s possible to turn a passion into a career.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Suruthi Bala’s success as a podcaster and entrepreneur has translated into a comfortable lifestyle. While there are no publicly verified figures for her exact net worth, it’s safe to assume that her income is substantial. Revenue from RedHanded comes from various sources, including advertising, sponsorships, listener support, live events, and book sales. The podcast’s continued success, along with the growing brand and global reach, suggests that Suruthi has built a financially successful career in media.
Conclusion
Suruthi Bala’s journey from an economics graduate to one of the leading voices in the true-crime podcasting world is a testament to her passion, determination, and adaptability. Through RedHanded, Suruthi has not only entertained millions of listeners but also educated them on the complex social issues that surround crime. She has built a successful business and brand, expanded into live events, and continues to push the boundaries of what podcasting can achieve.
Her story is an inspiration to aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into a profession, showing that with dedication and authenticity, anything is possible. As Suruthi continues to evolve in her career, there’s no doubt that her impact on the true-crime genre and podcasting as a whole will only grow.