Text a true crime match without sounding like you're making small talk

When someone says they're deep into research and podcasts, they're telling you they like to think and form opinions. They're not just background listening during a commute. They probably have a case they're currently following, a podcast they think is overrated, or a theory they want to talk through. This is a person who wants a text partner who can keep up, not someone who needs constant validation or attention. The fact they mentioned it in their profile means they actually want it to come up early.

Your opening move is to pick up on a particular podcast, case, or angle they mentioned, then add one sentence that shows you either listen too or have a real question. Do not claim expertise you don't have. Asking "what's the wildest thing you've discovered" or "which case actually frustrated you" gives them room to go deep without you having to perform knowledge you lack. The point is to signal that you see them as someone worth learning from, not someone you need to impress with research.

True crime people are often reading, listening, or working through cases. They may not text back immediately, and that's normal. Send your opener in daylight hours so it lands while they're awake but don't expect a reply within three hours. If they don't reply within two days, move on. If they do, match their response length but don't drag it out. Once you're actually texting, move toward meeting sooner rather than later, since heavy research people can get caught in messaging loops that replace actual dates.