Mike Boudet is the creator, host, and main voice behind Sword and Scale, a long-running true crime podcast that uses real 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom audio, and narration to tell stories of crime and justice. Born on October 29, 1974, he is currently 51 years old (turning 52 later in 2026). His work has built a dedicated following since the show’s launch in 2014, though it has also attracted ongoing controversy over social media comments and content handling.
As president of Incongruity Media in Miramar, Florida, Mike continues to produce the podcast independently. New episodes appear regularly in 2026, with recent releases in January covering various cases. His estimated net worth ranges from about $1.5 million to $2 million, based on industry reports and past revenue patterns from ads, subscriptions, and other streams.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Boudet (nickname: Michael Blanco) |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1974 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 51 years old (turns 52 in October 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Podcaster, Producer, Writer, Host |
| Known For | Creator and host of the true crime podcast Sword and Scale (launched 2014) |
| Background | Audio engineering (studied at Miami-Dade College); active in podcasting since 2007 |
| Company | President of Incongruity Media (based in Miramar, Florida) |
| Other Projects | Producer/host on Monstruo, Nightmares, and related true crime shows |
| Awards & Recognition | Podcast Award winner (Society & Culture category, 2017); Webby Award nomination (2016) |
| Current Status (2026) | Still active as host of Sword and Scale; new episodes released in 2026 (Season 13 and ongoing) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million to $2 million (industry estimates; varies by source, no official figure) |
Mike Boudet Physical Details
Public information about Mike Boudet’s physical appearance remains limited, as he maintains a low personal profile and focuses primarily on his podcast work rather than sharing details about his looks. No official records or self-disclosed measurements exist for his height or weight, and reliable sources do not provide confirmed figures. Estimates from some online biography sites suggest he stands around 5 feet 11 inches (approximately 1.8 meters) tall, describing him as a man of above-average stature.
He is often seen wearing dark clothing, such as black outfits, and has been noted for sporting a beard in appearances and promotional images. Visual descriptions from podcast-related content and interviews portray him as having a typical build for someone in media production, with no standout remarks about extreme weight or unusual features. His overall style leans toward casual and understated, consistent with his role behind the microphone.
Since precise, verified data on weight or other specifics (like eye color, hair color beyond general dark tones, or body type) does not appear in primary sources such as official bios, IMDb, or podcast sites, any additional details remain speculative or absent.
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| Attribute | Details | Source Notes / Confidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 11 in (1.8 m) | Estimated from fan/bio sites; not officially confirmed |
| Weight | Not publicly available | No reliable sources provide this information |
| Build / Body Type | Average / typical for media professional | Inferred from appearances; no specific data |
| Hair | Dark (general description) | Observed in podcast art and interviews |
| Facial Hair | Often sports a beard | Common in photos and video appearances |
| Clothing Style | Frequently wears black / dark colors | Described in multiple online profiles |
| Overall Appearance | Understated, professional for podcast host | Consistent across limited visual references |
| Age (for context) | 51 years old (as of early 2026) | Confirmed from birth date October 29, 1974 |
Early Life and Entry into Media
Mike Boudet grew up in the United States and pursued audio engineering at Miami-Dade College. This education gave him strong skills in sound production, editing, and recording quality. He later expanded into graphic design, web development, and digital marketing.
By 2007, he began working in podcasting when the format was still growing. His technical background helped him create higher-quality independent shows. These early efforts prepared him for launching his signature project.
Launch and Growth of Sword and Scale
Mike planned Sword and Scale in late 2013 and released the first episode on January 1, 2014. The podcast focuses on real criminal cases with primary audio sources rather than scripted reenactments. This immersive approach helped it gain popularity quickly.
The show earned a Podcast Award in the society and culture category in 2017 and often ranked well on Apple Podcasts. Over the years, it has covered hundreds of cases and built a large audience interested in unfiltered true crime storytelling.
Podcast Format and Production Style
Sword and Scale stands out by using actual recordings from investigations and trials, combined with Mike’s narration to provide context and flow. Episodes include 911 calls, interrogations, witness statements, and courtroom testimony, often layered with music and effects.
Production involves sourcing public or legally available audio, careful editing, and assembly that can take significant time per episode. This method creates a raw, close-to-the-events feel that many listeners value, though it raises questions about sensitivity toward victims.
Mike Boudet Career
Mike Boudet has built his career in podcasting and media production, starting in 2007 and becoming known for creating and hosting Sword and Scale, a true crime podcast that launched in early 2014. His work emphasizes raw audio from real cases, which helped the show gain popularity and awards, though controversies affected parts of his path. He remains active in 2026, producing episodes through his company Incongruity Media.
Early career and entry into podcasting
Mike Boudet began podcasting around 2007, at a time when the medium was still emerging. He drew on his background in audio engineering (from studies at Miami-Dade College) to focus on quality independent content. Before podcasting took center stage, he worked in digital marketing, including pay-per-click advertising, web design, and search engine marketing roles, such as at Life Extension and earlier freelance positions.
Launch of Sword and Scale
In late 2013, while still holding a full-time desk job, Mike planned and launched Sword and Scale. The first episode aired on January 1, 2014. The podcast quickly stood out by using actual 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom testimony, and other primary audio sources, combined with his narration to tell true crime stories. This immersive style positioned it as one of the early leaders in the true crime podcast genre.
Growth and recognition
The show grew rapidly and earned notable recognition, including a win in the society and culture category at the Podcast Awards in 2017. It also received a Webby Award nomination in 2016. Sword and Scale frequently ranked highly on Apple Podcasts and built a large audience through its unfiltered approach to crime cases.
Other projects and production role
As president of Incongruity Media (based in Miramar, Florida since around 2013), Mike has overseen production for additional podcasts. These include Nightmares, Monstruo, and related shows. He has also served as executive producer and narrator on various episodes, expanding his work beyond the flagship title.
Challenges and changes
Mike faced significant public criticism and controversies, particularly in 2019, when social media comments led to an advertiser boycott and a temporary departure from hosting duties after his partnership with Wondery ended. He returned as host later that year following listener support. Further debates arose in later years, but he has continued producing content.
Current status
In 2026, Mike Boudet remains the creator and host of Sword and Scale, with new episodes releasing regularly (including Season 13 and beyond). The podcast operates independently, available on major platforms, and he focuses on ongoing production through Incongruity Media.
Career Overview in Detail
Mike Boudet’s professional path reflects a shift from traditional digital marketing and early audio work into pioneering true crime podcasting. His audio engineering training at Miami-Dade College gave him technical skills that set the foundation for high-production-value independent content. By 2007 he entered podcasting, initially exploring smaller projects and building experience in a growing field.
In 2013, while balancing a full-time job, he dedicated long nights (often 30+ hours per week) to developing Sword and Scale. The podcast debuted on January 1, 2014, and emphasized real audio from investigations and courts over scripted drama. This format helped it stand out and attract listeners interested in raw, unfiltered crime stories.
The show’s success included strong chart performance on Apple Podcasts and awards: a Webby nomination in 2016 and a Podcast Award win in 2017. These milestones marked Sword and Scale as a key player in the true crime space during its early boom.
Through Incongruity Media, Mike expanded his role to president and producer. He has worked on companion or related titles like Nightmares (where he narrates episodes) and Monstruo, maintaining a focus on immersive audio storytelling.
Controversies in 2019, including backlash over online comments, led to a brief hosting break and the loss of his network deal. Despite this, fan support prompted his return in mid-2019, and he has continued hosting since. Later incidents renewed discussions about tone and ethics in true crime, but the podcast has persisted.
As of 2026, Mike remains actively involved. Sword and Scale releases new episodes, with recent content appearing in 2025–2026. He operates from Florida, managing production and updates through the official site and platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. His career demonstrates long-term commitment to independent podcasting, technical production, and the true crime niche, even amid challenges.
Other Projects and Contributions
Mike has produced additional podcasts such as Nightmares and Monstruo. He has also been involved in related titles. These projects maintain a similar emphasis on real events and strong audio presentation.
Controversies and Backlash
Mike Boudet has faced criticism for several social media posts. In 2019, an International Women’s Day comment using derogatory language led to an advertiser boycott and the end of his partnership with Wondery. He briefly stepped away but returned later that year after listener support.
In December 2022, a Twitter poll asking about preferences for murder victims by race drew widespread condemnation as insensitive. These incidents have sparked debates about host responsibility, victim portrayal, and ethics in true crime content. Mike has since reduced his personal social media activity.
Current Status in 2026
Sword and Scale remains active in 2026, with Season 13 episodes released in January and ongoing weekly or near-weekly updates. Content is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the official site swordandscale.com. Premium tiers offer ad-free listening, early access, and extras.
Mike continues as host and producer, supported by team members like Mike Dunphy since 2024. The show operates independently through Incongruity Media.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Mike Boudet’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million in 2026. These figures come from public industry estimates, as no official disclosure exists. Revenue stems from multiple channels common to successful independent podcasts.
Key income sources include:
- Episode advertisements from sponsors
- Premium subscriptions and membership tiers for exclusive content
- Merchandise sales tied to the brand
- Past high Patreon earnings (reported near $75,000 monthly in peak periods before changes)
The true crime genre maintains strong demand, supporting ongoing earnings.
| Year/Period | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Sources/Reasons | Notes / Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 (Peak Patreon Era) | Not directly stated (high earnings phase) | Patreon reportedly ~$75,000/month | Historical; platform confirmed high earnings but no net worth figure |
| 2021 | ~$700,000 | Ads, podcast subscriptions | Unofficial estimate from bio sites |
| 2022 | ~$900,000 | Merchandise, Patreon, events | Unofficial; reflects growth |
| 2023 | ~$1.1 million | Syndication, YouTube, partnerships | Unofficial estimate |
| 2024 | ~$1.3 million | Network collaborations | Unofficial |
| 2025 | ~$1.5 million (estimated) | New content, streaming deals | Projection from 2025 article |
| 2026 (Current Estimate) | $1.5 million – $2 million | Ongoing podcast revenue, subscriptions, ads | Broad range; no official 2026 update |
How to Access and Evaluate the Podcast
You can listen to Sword and Scale on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or directly at swordandscale.com. Episodes vary in length but typically run one to two hours.
The show’s raw audio appeals to listeners seeking detailed case coverage. At the same time, past controversies lead some to question whether to support the content. Trying a recent episode lets you judge the style and decide for yourself.
FAQs
How old is Mike Boudet in 2026?
Mike Boudet is 51 years old at the start of 2026 and turns 52 on October 29. He was born in 1974.
What is Sword and Scale about?
Sword and Scale covers real criminal cases using actual 911 calls, interrogations, courtroom audio, and other primary sources. Mike Boudet narrates to connect the details.
Why has Mike Boudet faced controversy?
He has received criticism for social media posts, including a 2019 comment that ended his Wondery partnership and a 2022 poll viewed as insensitive toward victims.
Is Sword and Scale still releasing episodes in 2026?
Yes, new episodes continue in 2026, with recent Season 13 content available on major apps and the official website.
How does Mike Boudet earn money?
Income comes from episode ads, premium subscriptions, merchandise, and earlier subscription platforms. Incongruity Media manages these streams.
Where can you listen to Sword and Scale?
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or swordandscale.com for full episodes and premium options.
Did Mike Boudet leave the podcast permanently?
He stepped away briefly in 2019 amid controversy but returned the same year. He has remained the host since.
Conclusion
Mike Boudet created Sword and Scale as one of the earliest podcasts to use raw audio in true crime storytelling, building a lasting presence despite debates over tone and past comments. The show continues to release content in 2026, and listeners can explore recent episodes to see the current approach. Visit the official site for the latest updates and decide what suits your preference.
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