Monsters of the Midwest: A True Crime Podcast

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Just a couple of born and raised Midwestern Scorpios here! Monsters of the Midwest will tickle your true crime tastebuds while the aftertaste of spooky and macabre will leave you wanting another bite. Join us every Tuesday to get your fill of spooky scar

Laurayne Hayden and Amanda Bowen


    • Sep 9, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 48 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Monsters of the Midwest: A True Crime Podcast

    THROWBACK: 111 Years of Torture - Dozier School for Boys pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 65:11


    The conclusion of this nightmare of an establishment and maybe a little light at the end of the tunnel? Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    THROWBACK: 111 Years of Torture - Dozier School for Boys pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 33:00


    We're back with some throwback content! This is a two part doozie. (Yes we know it's in Florida

    Vacation Destination Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 0:51


    Need some R&R? Look no further than Laurayne's Haunted Destinations! We will be giving you plenty of places to choose from for you to have the getaway of your dreams. *ghosts may or may not be present during stay Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 61:09


    A slew of vicious murders leaves a hobo hangout community on the east side of Cleveland looking for answers. Get into the Quadricycle and come to the 1930's with us. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    BONUS: Shawshankin' Book Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 40:06


    Warning: Spoilers! This bonus content from our previous podcast was a little fun we had doing a "book report" on a movie based on a book. Just in time for school to start! Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    HAUNTED LOCATION: Whispers Estates

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 25:22


    Giggling girls, whispering walls and a half goat-half man roam the halls of this early 1900's estate. Care to come inside and join us? Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Extreme Daddy Issues - The Decline of Dr. Cline

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 64:18


    "Every time that a new sibling would pop up, I know that I'm going to call them, and I know I'm going to ruin their life." - Jacoba Ballard **SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE** Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Hart-ache & Tragedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 82:26


    You never really know what's going on behind those "picture perfect" instafamilies, do you? Not saying they're all bad... but this couple had a good run with making people believe that their blended family was just as great as it appeared on social media, but things quickly take a turn and the outcome is absolutely tragic. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Wanna Play a Game? - The Lethal Lovers of Michigan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 66:42


    "We'll call it the Binding Game" These two instant lovers needed something to spice up their relationship. How much spice is too much spice? We know, let's play a game to keep things interesting. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Closing Time - Missing Med Student Brian Shaffer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 99:49


    The missing persons case of Brian Shaffer is a strange one. We try our best to dissect it, while throwing in our opinions as to what could have happened to a man who seemingly has everything. A man vanishes after a night out with his best buddy and no one is any closer to figuring out the case than they were the day he vanished. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Mentioned in this episode: Ain't It Scary? with Sean & Carrie Click here to check out Ain't It Scary? With Sean & Carrie - www.aintitscary.com

    URBAN LEGEND: The Midwest Melonheads

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 46:44


    Many people speak about this urban legend as though it is an absolute fact, the story of small humanoids with bulbous heads terrorizing the people of the town then scurrying back into the woods where they reside, take a listen and let us know what you believe… Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Plant Life/Wife Drama Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 87:22


    "Mom, You know I've always been a killer. I've always been like this." - Kelly Cochran We told you we weren't going to leave you hangin' and here is the wild and crazy ride that is the second part of Plant Wife/Life. You are NOT going to believe what is going to happen, we promise you that... Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Mentioned in this episode: Drunks VS The World Podcast Head to www.drunksvstheworld.com to check out this podcast.

    THROWBACK THURSDAY: Queer Entertainment Weekly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 66:42


    Our last Throwback Thursday episode comes on the final day of Pride Month. We are talking about LGBT+ in the entertainment industry. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    Listener Story 2: Ghostly Fashion Sense (AD FREE)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 19:27


    We had to celebrate ANOTHER LISTENER STORY! Can you believe we have two listeners? Us either... When ghostly fashion shows are all the rage something is bound to happen. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Merch: Now Available! Head to our Facebook page under the shop tab!

    Time and a Half - Plant Life/Wife Drama Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 63:50


    Love triangle? Maybe? Maybe not... When you're at work more than you're at home, things tend to get a bit... complicated. Part 1 of this grizzly tale sets the scene in which lust and jealousy start to take a dark turn. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Mentioned in this episode: Drunks VS The World Podcast Head to www.drunksvstheworld.com to check out this podcast.

    Ed Kemper - Nature vs Nurture (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 102:19


    Guest Kate Wallinga from the Ignorance Was Bliss podcast joins us to do a bonus episode on the age old "Nature vs Nurture" debate about Ed Kemper. This discussion really opens all of our minds when we each have a different take on the subject matter. Guest: Ignorance Was Bliss podcast - www.iwb.com Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Story of Christine Jorgenson (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 40:33


    This trans woman was one of the first who made her transformation a public affair. From GI Joe to GI Jane and she isn't afraid to talk the talk and walk the walk. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    What an Axehole! - The Brom Axe Murders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 42:50


    "I just kept hitting him because he wouldn't stop getting up." - David Brom In a small Minnesota town this wild and crazy kid decides he's had enough and does something so sinister the whole community is shaken up by it. With a community at a loss for words and a young man who threw his whole life away over a cassette tape, we discuss the Brom Axe Murders. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Mentioned in this episode: Drunks VS The World Podcast Head to www.drunksvstheworld.com to check out this podcast.

    See You on the Other Side - Listener Story 1 (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 12:47


    We have listener stories, which means we have listeners! Exciting!! Our first listener story is about an apparition that likes to linger in patients rooms... are you ready to get scared?! Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    THROWBACK SURPRISE! Happy Pride Month! (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 44:55


    This surprise episode is Amanda's coming out story. Show some love and support during Pride Month (and every month) as she spills her heart out to all you lovely humans.

    Those Shoes Come In My Size? The Horrific Story of Jerry Brudos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 45:48


    "I didn't keep anything because she was a little too pink for my liking." - Jerry Brudos speaking about one of his victims. Follow along with us as we talk about this monstrosity of a man who did unspeakable things while trying to satisfy his shoe fetish... Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam! Mentioned in this episode: Drunks VS The World Podcast Head to www.drunksvstheworld.com to check out this podcast.

    Season 2 Trailer: Welcome to the Freak Show

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 1:44


    Ladies and Gents!! Season 2 Premiers May 31st, 2022. We hope you're ready for a season of particularly retched people... Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    THROWBACK EPISODE: Panic! IT's Satanic Part 2 (AD FREE)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2022 50:58


    The panic was REAL in the 80's and 90's. We conclude season two on this second part on the Satanic Panic. Don't you worry though, Season 2 airs Tuesday May 31st, 2022. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Become part of the Monster fam!

    THROWBACK EPISODE: Panic! It's Satanic Part 1 (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 43:04


    All good things must come to an end as we announce the end of Season 1.

    1 Star Review - Kips Pizza and Tacos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 61:26


    "You're trying to trick me!!" - Kevin "Kip" Artz This WILD case is a seemingly happy couple that owns and operates a family restaurant in a small town. Little do the neighbors know, there's trouble a brewin' at the Artz household. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Come join the Monster fam!

    History of Hysteria Throwback Episode (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 34:55


    You know what day it is! It's THROWBACK THURSDAY! We are taking a trip down memory lane to talk about the history of hysteria... It's quite comical, if we do say so ourselves. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam!

    FOLKLORE: The Lake Erie Monster (AD FREE)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 26:36


    We are bringing you a small folklore episode that is near and dear to our hearts. We introduce to you the tale of Bessie - The Lake Erie Monster Grab your life vest and some cold ones, hop on the dingie and come on a trip with us, if you dare... Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Come join the Monster fam!

    Manson Family Values Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 54:22


    Hey Monster Fam! We're wrapping up the romanticism that is Charles Manson with this last installment and this episode talks about his self-made family. Who he chose to surround himself with, who were loyal to the very end and who were maybe not so loyal... Thank you for sticking with us through this journey and what better way to thank you, the listeners, than by dropping this bad boy a little early! We appreciate you sticking with us and of course we'll see you next Tuesday! Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam!

    THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Deadheads, Man (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 37:42


    In this THROWBACK THURSDAY episode we head back to our first podcast: The Dramatic Illusion Podcast, to bring you some of our old classics. Since we left Manson in the 70s, we decided to bring you another jam band from that era - The Grateful Dead. Hop on the bus and take a journey with us, man. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Come Join the Monster Fam!

    Manson Family Values Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 35:56


    Sanity is a very very small box, Insanity is everything else I'm consumed by. - Charles Manson This short but sweet episode gives you a taste of what institutionalized Charlie Manson thinks of the new 60's/70's Free Love culture. So grab your guitar, put on your bell bottom jeans and join us on the university lawn for this episode. Check out https://www.netflix.com/search?q=Aquarius (Aquarius) on Netflix. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Come join the Monster Fam!

    Big Yikes: The Other Manson (AD FREE!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 57:34


    Attention! SPOILERS AHEAD!! We are discussing the documentary "Phenix Rising", which is a two part docuseries on HBO in which Evan Rachel Wood talks about the abuse she suffered by a sorry excuse for a "man". Trigger Warning: This episode deals with abuse in multiple forms. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Come join the Monster Fam!

    Manson Family Values Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 64:12


    “Go to Universal Studios and ask for Gary Stromberg. He owes me a favor. I promise you that you will make it as a star. I promise.” - Phil Kaufman We are diving deeper into what potentially moulded little Charlie into the Charles Manson you all know so well... Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Come join the Monster Fam!

    Shades of Red: The Lipstick Killer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 73:35


    "If they tortured me any longer I would have confessed to anything." - Hector VerburghThis case is a head scratcher for sure and we are trying to get to the bottom of who is the infamous "Lipstick Killer"? Listen in while we pick apart this case with our first ever guests, Leslee and Mo from The Les & Mo Show. The man who lived his ENTIRE adult life behind bars with the title of "The Lipstick Killer"... did he really do it? Join us while we all talk about it. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Come join the Monster Fam! Guest: The Les & Mo Show - https://linktr.ee/thelesandmoshow

    Manson Family Values Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 70:35


    "I loved my mother. She was a good girl" - Charles Manson We are taking a look at one of the most prolific people in the true crime world. Of course we are talking about Charles Manson. We start this episode with his early days and what potentially moulded him to be the person everyone knows to this day. Is he really the monster everyone claims? Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Join the Monster Fam!

    Westboro Bastard Church Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 49:06


    I am so sorry. You're all good people. - Fred Phelps This riveting conclusion of the Westboro Baptist Church and my oh my what a wild turn of events it is. Hear about defectors, epiphanies, and a heartfelt realization to this two part series. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Join the Monster fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    Westboro Bastard Church Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 54:31


    Scratch off the paint on your church and it'll say "Whore House" - Shirley Phelps-Roper We are talking about Westboro this week. The hate group that can't stand to see others happy or thriving in any way. Why are they so miserable? Join us as we talk about the most hated family in America. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Delusional Prophet: Jim Bakker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 84:45


    But when you come to Heritage USA, remember to bring your Bible and your VISA card - because the Bible is the Holy Truth, and God doesn't take American Express. - Jim BakkerWe are taking a closer look at America's early televangelist sweethearts, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Televangelism in its heyday was such a crazy phenomenon that took the world by storm and these two were at the forefront of it all. Let's dive deep into the empire that started strong but crumbled under pressure. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Charming Squatter: Shawn Grate Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 93:40


    "They were already dead, just their bodies were flopping wherever it can flop but their minds were already dead! The state took their minds." - Shawn GrateThis is the final episode in a three part series about a serial killer from Ohio who truly believed that the government was killing his victims by helping them become helpless members of society. Why does he think that? We explore the strange mind of Shawn during his confessions in this final episode. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Charming Squatter: Shawn Grate Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 45:05


    "My life doesn't matter, life to me. I died a long time ago on the cross, whatever happens to me, it doesn't matter. It's a temporary life anyways" - Shawn GratePart 2 of the Charming Squatter is all about trying to squeeze out information regarding the reason for the apprehension and about a possible link to another missing woman who lives in the area. What are the interrogators going to find out?! Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Charming Squatter: Shawn Grate Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 50:20


    "That could have been me" - Amber BowmanThis multi-episode case starts off with a 911 call that halts the rein of terror caused by a single man. One brave woman finds a way to escape the grips of a man who is convinced that he does absolutely no wrong. Come join us as we tell the story of The Charming Squatter: Shawn Grate Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    80 Years to Death Row: The Story of Eric Robert

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 42:23


    In the name of justice and liberty and mercy, I authorize and forgive Warden Douglas Weber to execute me for my crimes. It is done - Eric RobertThis is the story of a man who seemingly had his life together. Model citizen, helpful volunteer... but behind the hard working man lies a sinister monster who seemingly came out of nowhere. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    Musical Monster: Trapped in the Closet with R. Kelly Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 44:51


    We're bustin' outta this closet and getting a new wardrobe! Our final part of a three part series comes to a close as we discuss the end of the trial, where R Kelly is today and how it affected Amanda as a young preteen girl and as an adult. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    Musical Monster: Trapped in the Closet with R. Kelly Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 130:57


    We're back at it with part 2 of Musical Monster. In this episode, we discuss the charges brought against R. Kelly and some of the victims that have been caught in the wake of this ongoing tragedy. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    Musical Monster: Trapped in the Closet with R. Kelly Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 67:45


    In this three part episode we talk about the man known to many as the King of R&B and the King of Pop-Soul: R. Kelly. With such smash hits as "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Step in the Name of Love", this man dominated the Billboard top 100 Charts as the King of R&B. But behind the man who created such chart-topping melodies lies a more sinister individual who has many hidden secrets about his life that has been creating a media frenzy. Join us to hear the first half of this two part series on the rise (and fall) of R. Kelly. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Murder Castle - The Story of H. H. Holmes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 62:59


    "I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing" - H. H. HolmesThe story of infamous American serial killer H. H. Holmes is certainly a freakishly fascinating one. So much so that we decided to cover it on our previous podcast. Not letting great content fall by the wayside, we decided to give it to you absolutely free of charge! (Can you believe it?!) Join us while we talk about this murderous con-artist on this weeks episode of Monsters Of the Midwest. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Great Plains Butcher - Eugene Butler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2022 34:32


    "A startling series of murders was brought to light today by workmen who were excavating for a cellar under the old home of Eugene Butler, southeast of Niagara." - The Daily Gate City, June 27, 1915.A mind-boggling mystery with so many twists and turns, you'll have to listen to believe it! Come back to the early 1900s with us as we talk about Eugene Butler - The Great Plains Butcher. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    The Bali Suitcase Killers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2022 48:22


    "It was in Santorini that my anger at my mother started. It never really stopped, it grew" - Heather Mack This young adult whirlwind romance takes a sharp left turn in a different country, leaving one person dead and two people in prison. Interview with Heather Mack and Tommy Schaefer: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/interviews-with-bali-suitcase-killers-uncovers-disturbing-details-behind-the-gruesome-murder/FE4GXDF7O7RQWZOCGLT7SZWZAQ/ Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

    Monsters of the Midwest Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 1:10


    We are Monsters Of The Midwest and you can get your weekly fix of spooky scary true crime with us every single Tuesday!

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