Suruthi Bala: The Voice Redefining True Crime Podcasting Worldwide
How a finance graduate turned storyteller became a global podcasting icon

Suruthi Bala is a British podcaster, best known as the co-host and co-founder of the award-winning true crime podcast “RedHanded.” With a background in economics and a passion for unraveling complex narratives, Suruthi has become a household name in true crime entertainment. Her analytical storytelling, alongside co-host Hannah Maguire, has captivated millions worldwide. In this article, we explore Suruthi Bala’s age, family, career journey, net worth, and why she continues to dominate the podcasting world.
Early Life and Background
Suruthi Bala was born in the United Kingdom to a South Asian family. Her early life was marked by academic excellence and cultural curiosity. From a young age, she showed an interest in how systems work—be it social, economic, or criminal. This curiosity later translated into a formal education in economics.
Suruthi Bala Age
While Suruthi Bala has not publicly disclosed her exact birthdate, various sources estimate that she is in her early to mid-30s. This age range aligns with the timeline of her university education and career trajectory. Despite the lack of precise data, her accomplishments speak volumes for her relatively young age.
Educational Journey
Suruthi pursued her higher education at the University of Birmingham, where she obtained both a BSc and MSc in Economics. Her educational background provided her with the analytical tools that later became integral to her podcasting style. It’s this ability to dissect data, behavior, and societal trends that gives “RedHanded” its edge.
Corporate Beginnings
Before stepping into the podcasting world, Suruthi worked in the finance sector. Her early professional life was filled with spreadsheets, boardrooms, and corporate goals. But something was missing. The structure and routine of finance didn’t satisfy her creative instincts, and she soon pivoted into the events industry—a move that introduced her to a broader range of creative professionals.
The Birth of RedHanded
It was in this creative sphere that Suruthi met Hannah Maguire. The two bonded over their mutual fascination with true crime. Unlike casual curiosity, their interest was deep-rooted and academic. They decided to create a podcast that didn’t just tell crime stories but analyzed them. And so, in 2017, “RedHanded” was born.
Podcasting Success
RedHanded started humbly, recorded in a cupboard with a basic microphone. But what set it apart was the depth of research and social commentary. Suruthi and Hannah approached each case with empathy, skepticism, and critical thinking. The podcast soon gained traction, climbing the charts and earning a loyal fanbase.
Over the years, RedHanded has won multiple British Podcast Awards, including Listeners’ Choice Gold three years in a row (2021, 2022, and 2023). It was also recognized by Amazon Music and Spotify, further cementing Suruthi Bala’s place in the podcasting hall of fame.
Suruthi Bala Wikipedia Presence
As of now, Suruthi Bala does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, but she is prominently featured on the Wikipedia page for RedHanded. This collaborative recognition reflects the shared success she enjoys with Hannah Maguire, although many fans argue that her individual contributions deserve their own spotlight.
Writing and Publishing
In 2021, Suruthi and Hannah co-authored a book titled “RedHanded: An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick.” The book extends their podcasting voice into the literary world, examining criminal psychology through a lens of sociology and history. It was met with positive reviews and expanded their reach beyond the podcasting community.
Live Shows and Tours
The success of RedHanded also translated into live events. Suruthi and Hannah launched multiple sold-out tours across the UK, Europe, and North America. These shows not only celebrated their podcast milestones but also gave fans a closer look at the duo’s chemistry and creative process.
Suruthi Bala Family
Suruthi has maintained a private stance regarding her family. However, she has spoken occasionally about her South Asian roots and how her cultural background influences her worldview. Her parents reportedly supported her academic and career pursuits, although her shift from finance to podcasting was unexpected.
She is known to value privacy, which explains the limited public information about her relatives, siblings, or marital status. That said, she has become a role model within the South Asian community for breaking stereotypes and following her passion.
Influence and Impact
Suruthi’s voice is not just a narrative tool but a medium for education and social awareness. Her episodes often highlight systemic injustices, biases in law enforcement, and media misrepresentations. This commitment to ethical storytelling has set RedHanded apart in a saturated market.
She has also been a speaker at industry events like SXSW London, where she discussed storytelling, the creator economy, and brand building. These contributions make her a thought leader in both media and content entrepreneurship.
Suruthi Bala Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly available, Suruthi Bala’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million. This estimation includes revenue from podcasting, book sales, live tours, and merchandise. Given the growing popularity of RedHanded and her continued media presence, her financial portfolio is likely to expand further.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like many creatives, Suruthi’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. From self-doubt to financial instability in the early podcasting days, she pushed through with resilience and community support. Her partnership with Hannah was not just professional but also emotional—a pillar of strength during uncertain times.
The Future of Suruthi Bala
Suruthi shows no signs of slowing down. Future plans likely include more books, extended podcast series, collaborations, and possibly her own media platform. Given her track record, fans and industry professionals alike eagerly await what comes next.
Final Thoughts
Suruthi Bala’s journey from economics graduate to global podcasting powerhouse is nothing short of inspirational. With intelligence, empathy, and relentless dedication, she has reshaped how we consume true crime content. Her story is not just one of success, but also of courage, vision, and authenticity.
In a world where media often prioritizes sensationalism, Suruthi Bala stands as a beacon of responsible storytelling. Her legacy is still unfolding, but she has already left an indelible mark on the podcasting world.