13 Alibis tells the story of Richard Rosario. He spent 20 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. The podcast's title refers to Rosario having thirteen alibi witnesses. Thirteen people knew that he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. But the US legal system convicted him and sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison.

Host Dan Slepian is a truth-seeker. As the producer for Dateline NBC, he has investigated many cases. With 13 Alibis, he and the show use the podcast format to tell this story.

The first podcast episode is “Behind Bars.” Slepian starts his quest at Sullivan Correctional Facility in New York. He describes what it is like to approach and enter a prison. He uses the words “cold” and “sterile.” He says that all he can smell is bleach.

Slepian meets Rosario. He feels intimidated by the prisoner's muscular frame and the scar on his cheek. Slepian asks Rosario to share his story. The man insists that he is innocent. He has spent 18 years in prison, missing out on seeing his children grow up.

Slepian continues his pursuit at the crime scene in the Bronx. He meets with former NYPD homicide detective Bobby Addolorato. He asks why there were no interviews with the alibi witnesses. Addolorato replies, “It was busy back then. You got an arrest? Case closed. Move on.” As the host says in the podcast introduction, “[E]very time, it's a long journey to the truth.”

There are eight episodes of 13 Alibis. They range from eight to 23 minutes. A listener could finish the podcast in one 126-minute session. But for some, listening to them all at once may feel intense. The episode length is ideal for a shorter commute. The thought-provoking content leaves a lasting impression.

The last episode of 13 Alibis first aired in the fall of 2019. A federal court has since awarded Rosario $5 million. But despite the compensation, Rosario said he'll never get “all those precious years back.”