Our Curious Past

Join me for an on-location audio trip to Transylvania, where we will stay in an old Saxon village, then head by cable car into the Carpathian mountains, to sleep in a hotel made of ice. Then it's off to the beautiful yet formidable looking Bran Castle and more. Along the way we'll explore the life of author Bram Stoker, whose hit novel Dracula popularise this country (and it's vampires). Help support our show through Patreon. Find us on all podcasting platforms.

Join me for an on-location audio trip to Transylvania, where we will stay in an old Saxon village, then head by cable car into the Carpathian mountains, to sleep in a hotel made of ice. Then it's off to the beautiful yet formidable looking Bran Castle and more. Along the way we'll explore the life of author Bram Stoker, whose hit novel Dracula popularise this country (and it's vampires). Visit us online. Help support our show through Patreon. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Episode Sponsor: - Listen to KILLER PSYCHE DAILY podcast exclusively on Amazon Music

…1 campfire… …1 dark forest… …31 bone-chilling stories… …Will YOU survive the night? This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts, including Peter at Our Curious Past. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It's an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem? So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for ‘A Nightmare Before Halloween' …but be warned… …bad things happen in these woods…. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In this Part 2 Episode: - True Crime Island [https://tinyurl.com/y6kk2npj] - Based on a True Story [https://tinyurl.com/37axzn5z] - The Asian Madness Podcast [https://tinyurl.com/yckkxbjn] - Sistas Who Kill [https://linktr.ee/Sistas.Who.Kill.Podcast] - Hometown History [https://link.chtbl.com/hometownhistory] - Coffee and Cases [https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases] - Military Murder [https://tinyurl.com/yc5fxjyh] - Dystopian Simulation Radio [https://tinyurl.com/khpw786w] - Cults, Crimes & Cabernet [https://linktr.ee/cultscrimesandcabernet] - Morbidology [https://tinyurl.com/mshyvxyt] - Dark Pountine [https://tinyurl.com/ycydanm9] - Hillbilly Horror Stories [https://tinyurl.com/567vxrkz] - True Consequences [https://tinyurl.com/39fpfv3h] - Gone Cold [https://tinyurl.com/ytzxudt8] - Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online [https://tinyurl.com/3dxp47wf] - True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories [https://tinyurl.com/ykzwmnxr] In the last Part 1 Episode: - Foul Play: Crime Series [https://link.chtbl.com/foulplay] - Murder She Told [https://tinyurl.com/55473exk] - Crime Salad [https://tinyurl.com/4pbtdtpc] - Crimelines [https://linktr.ee/crimelines] - Frightful [https://link.chtbl.com/frightful] - Reverie True Crime [https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore] - Rotten to the Core [https://link.chtbl.com/Rotten] - The Trail Went Cold [https://tinyurl.com/2zydj3y] - Once Upon A Crime [https://www.truecrimepodcast.com] - Criminology [https://tinyurl.com/yvuu9u8d] - The Peripheral & Generation Why [https://link.chtbl.com/ThePeripheral] - Live, Laugh, Larceny [https://linktr.ee/Live.Laugh.Larceny.Podcast] - The Hidden Staircase [https://link.chtbl.com/TheHiddenStaircase] - True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now? [https://linktr.ee/LanieHobbs] - Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster [https://link.chtbl.com/obscura]

…1 campfire… …1 dark forest… …31 bone-chilling stories… …Will YOU survive the night? This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts, including Peter from Our Curious Past. Each host brings a new, nerve-wracking true story to the circle. It's an extra special, two part, five-hour, Halloween event, but before hitting play you might want to ask yourself…can you really handle this much murder and mayhem? So, pull up to the fire and brace yourself for ‘A Nightmare Before Halloween' …but be warned… …bad things happen in these woods…. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In this Part 1 Episode: - Foul Play: Crime Series [https://link.chtbl.com/foulplay] - Murder She Told [https://tinyurl.com/55473exk] - Crime Salad [https://tinyurl.com/4pbtdtpc] - Crimelines [https://linktr.ee/crimelines] - Frightful [https://link.chtbl.com/frightful] - Reverie True Crime [https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore] - Rotten to the Core [https://link.chtbl.com/Rotten] - The Trail Went Cold [https://tinyurl.com/2zydj3y] - Once Upon A Crime [https://www.truecrimepodcast.com] - Criminology [https://tinyurl.com/yvuu9u8d] - The Peripheral & Generation Why [https://link.chtbl.com/ThePeripheral] - Live, Laugh, Larceny [https://linktr.ee/Live.Laugh.Larceny.Podcast] - The Hidden Staircase [https://link.chtbl.com/TheHiddenStaircase] - True Crime Cases with Lanie & It's Haunted...What Now? [https://linktr.ee/LanieHobbs] - Obscura: A True Crime Podcast & Disaster [https://link.chtbl.com/obscura] In the next Part 2 Episode: - True Crime Island [https://tinyurl.com/y6kk2npj] - Based on a True Story [https://tinyurl.com/37axzn5z] - The Asian Madness Podcast [https://tinyurl.com/yckkxbjn] - Sistas Who Kill [https://linktr.ee/Sistas.Who.Kill.Podcast] - Hometown History [https://link.chtbl.com/hometownhistory] - Coffee and Cases [https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases] - Military Murder [https://tinyurl.com/yc5fxjyh] - Dystopian Simulation Radio [https://tinyurl.com/khpw786w] - Cults, Crimes & Cabernet [https://linktr.ee/cultscrimesandcabernet] - Morbidology [https://tinyurl.com/mshyvxyt] - Dark Pountine [https://tinyurl.com/ycydanm9] - Hillbilly Horror Stories [https://tinyurl.com/567vxrkz] - True Consequences [https://tinyurl.com/39fpfv3h] - Gone Cold [https://tinyurl.com/ytzxudt8] - Crime Stories with Nancy Grace & Crime Online [https://tinyurl.com/3dxp47wf] - True Crime IRL & True Crime Sleep Stories [https://tinyurl.com/ykzwmnxr]

Chances are, you've never even heard of him, yet without him…we wouldn't have shows and movies like The Walking Dead, Resident Evil, Night of the Living Dead or Shaun of the Dead. That's because travel writer, William Seabrook was the first to introduce the idea of 'zombies' to popular culture. This was back in 1929, with his smash hit account of travels in Haiti, called 'The Magic Island'.And if you google his name, that's often how he'll be described, as simply the man who brought zombies to America…but, as always the case. We are always more than just one fact…and William Seabrook…was way more…From hexing Hitler to stealing camels, to eating human flesh, hanging out with Aleister Crowley and paying for women to act like dogs, his life is a breathless series of adventures and experimentation that would see him travelling to the deepest parts of the earth, but also the deepest parts of his own sexual desires.He was a man searching for something…peace, truth. After you hear his astonishing story, you can decide for yourself if you think he found it…But for now…you better brace yourself, because his search for meaning, might just make your head spin.I'm Peter Laws, and today on Our Curious Past, we explore the The Truly Wild Life of William Seabrook.Special thanks to Nathan Rouse (actor and co-host of the Fear of God podcast), for voicing William Seabrook in these episodes.For more on Seabrook, check out the fabulous graphic novel 'The Abominable Mr Seabrook' by Joe Ollmann.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Chances are, you've never even heard of him, yet without him…we wouldn't have shows and movies like The Walking Dead, Resident Evil, Night of the Living Dead or Shaun of the Dead. That's because travel writer, William Seabrook was the first to introduce the idea of 'zombies' to popular culture. This was back in 1929, with his smash hit account of travels in Haiti, called 'The Magic Island'.And if you google his name, that's often how he'll be described, as simply the man who brought zombies to America…but, as always the case. We are always more than just one fact…and William Seabrook…was way more…From hexing Hitler to stealing camels, to eating human flesh, hanging out with Aleister Crowley and paying for women to act like dogs, his life is a breathless series of adventures and experimentation that would see him travelling to the deepest parts of the earth, but also the deepest parts of his own sexual desires.He was a man searching for something…peace, truth. After you hear his astonishing story, you can decide for yourself if you think he found it…But for now…you better brace yourself, because his search for meaning, might just make your head spin.I'm Peter Laws, and today on Our Curious Past, we explore the The Truly Wild Life of William Seabrook.Special thanks to Nathan Rouse (actor and co-host of the Fear of God podcast), for voicing William Seabrook in these episodes.For more on Seabrook, check out the fabulous graphic novel 'The Abominable Mr Seabrook' by Joe Ollmann.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

He's been called the most widely read cartoonist of all time. But also, the most popular theologian, too. Yet his legacy is truly shocking and controversial. When he died in 2016, many Evangelical Christians mourned the loss of a great Christian leader. Others held online parties to say good riddance to who they said was a homophobic, racist and unloving man.His little palm sized religious comics (known as Chick Tracts) are still used today. People find them scattered in public places, or slipped between the covers of library books...they speak of a frightening world of corruption and hellfire.Join me for this episode of 'Our Curious Past' as we explore the work and life story of this divisive artist whose conspiracy theories still influence people (and politics) today.I'm Peter Laws, and this is 'The Frightening Christian World of Jack Chick, and his 'Chick Tracts.'-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

If you'd been in the UK fishing town of Grimsby, in February 1923, you'd have sensed the sadness in the streets. The Sargon fishing trawler was 'much overdue' and was 'presumed lost with all hands.'Friends and family were left devastated, and mystified...what happened to the ship? In time, a gripping and shocking story would be pieced together. It was a voyage that would surprise everybody. I'm Peter Laws and tonight we take to the sea to explore Our Curious Past as we become “Trapped in the Ice with The Astonishing Sea Voyage of The Sargon”-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Explore 'Our Curious Past' and the mysterious case of Ze Ahigo. Known as a 'country bumpkin', he couldn't read or write...yet he performed operations on thousands of Brazilians without any medical training. He even used a rusty knife, but his patients praised him as a great medical man. How was he so successful? The answer, he claimed, was that he was the channel for a German Army doctor called Dr Adolph Fritz. Learn about this fascinating and bizarre story of so called 'Spirit Surgery' in this episode of 'Our Curious Past'...the story of 'Ze Ahigo and Dr Fritz: The Mysterious The Spirit Surgeons of Brazil'. -Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

This is the second and final part of a two part episode...For centuries, life in in the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane was happy and peaceful. Until June 10th, 1944 when the Nazi SS invaded. The trucks rolled in on a sunny, Saturday afternoon, and by that evening, every building in the village would be destroyed. Yet far worse...642 men, woman and children were dead.It is the worst Nazi war crime to ever take place on French soil, yet many outside of France are not aware of what happened. In this special two part episode, we'll walk through the events of that day, step-by-step. And we'll also explore the subsequent trial, asking...why did SS officers choose this ordinary village for such an atrocity? And why do some people even today, deny the event ever even happened?Warning: this episode contains details of a Nazi war crime that listeners may find difficult to hear.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

For centuries, life in in the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane was happy and peaceful. Until June 10th, 1944 when the Nazi SS invaded. The trucks rolled in on a sunny, Saturday afternoon, and by that evening, every building in the village would be destroyed. Yet far worse...642 men, woman and children were dead.It is the worst Nazi war crime to ever take place on French soil, yet many outside of France are not aware of what happened. In this special two part episode, we'll walk through the events of that day, step-by-step. And we'll also explore the subsequent trial, asking...why did SS officers choose this ordinary village for such an atrocity? And why do some people even today, deny the event ever even happened?Warning: this episode contains details of a Nazi war crime that listeners may find difficult to hear.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Locana, Italy, 1877.Maria Mezzanrosa had a perfectly normal pregnancy and labour...until the midwife screamed at the birth. Her babies were joined from the sixth rib down. They had two full heads and necks, two pairs of arms, but only one shared set of legs. Her husband Giovanni Tocci fainted in shock, but it didn't take him long to see a blessing, instead of a curse. After a mere four weeks later he was taking the tiny boys to Turin to exhibit them for money.Regardless of the ethics, his business sense was spot on...the brothers were a sensation - and it led to 20 years of relentless touring throughout Europe and across America. It made the family rich.Observers said the boys were surprisingly happy with their lot...but were they, really?Join me for an emotional journey, exploring disability, difference, 19th century side shows and cultural change. Because I'm Peter Laws, and today on Hometown History we explore the remarkable life of The Conjoined Tocci Twins, of Locana, Italy.NOTE: Today's episode explores the fascinating live of two boys with a shared disability. They lived in the 19th century to 20th and so some of the language used at the time may be offensive.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Kelvedon Hatch, UK (Part Two)Surrounded by fields and woodland, it looks like an average, brick bungalow. It isn't. Just a few steps through the doors reveals a huge tunnel leading to an amazing labyrinth of rooms, deep under the hillside.This is Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker. Built in secrecy and strict military security, you will join Peter Laws as he tours the bunker.In this special two part episode, explore the twilight world of the cold war and learn how Britain tried to prepare for nuclear war. This episode also features input from author and nuclear historian, Taras Young.NOTE: This episode contains details about nuclear war that some listeners may find disturbing.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Kelvedon Hatch, UK (Part One)Surrounded by fields and woodland, it looks like an average, brick bungalow. It isn't. Just a few steps through the doors reveals a huge tunnel leading to an amazing labyrinth of rooms, deep under the hillside.This is Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker. Built in secrecy and strict military security, you will join Peter Laws as he tours the bunker.In this special two part episode, explore the twilight world of the cold war and learn how Britain tried to prepare for nuclear war. This episode also features input from author and nuclear historian, Taras Young.NOTE: This episode contains details about nuclear war that some listeners may find disturbing.-Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Sports fans are passionate, but this energy can sometimes lead to conflict or even all-out violence. This happened on a truly horrific scale in Constantinople, on Tuesday, January 13th, 532 C.E. The sport was Chariot Racing, and while the fans of the opposing Greens and Blues had clashed before, this revolt was different. After a botched public execution, the fans joined forces against the Emperor Justinian, and the city exploded into chaos. Five days later, Constantinople would be a burning ruin, and ten percent of the population would be dead in the streets. The events of that day almost brought down the emperor - but what really lead to to riot, and how did a sports crowd almost destroy an Empire? I'm Peter Laws. Join me and Medieval Historian Eleanour Janega as we explore The Deadliest Sports Event, Ever...The Nika Riots. -Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws-Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE-Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com-Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

San Gioavanni Rotondo, ItalyMillions flock to the Italian town of San Gioavanni Rotondo each year. They come for two reasons.Firstly, it's home to the most efficient and advanced medical research hospital in Europe. Yet it's also a magnet for Catholic pilgrims. They come to see the body of Padre Pio who lived and died here, in 1968. This famous Saint who was known for having stigmata - where believers develop spontaneous marks on their bodies, to reflect the wounds of Jesus on the cross.It is a town of science and faith - and yet the two are not mutually exclusive here...you see, Padre Pio founded, and funded this cutting edge hospital.Today on Hometown History: Europe we explore the strange and complex life Padre Pio...Priest of the Supernatural- Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws- Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE- Check out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.com- Visit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

Cardington, England.On Saturday, October 4th, 1930 the R101 Airship, set off from Cardington England on it's first ever passenger flight. Hopes were high that this craft would help change the face of global travel.Yet the following morning, this majestic and epic ship would be a smouldering wreck, strewn across a field in France, killing 48 men.It was a disaster that would put an end to airship production in the UK, but what led to the crash, and could it have been avoided?Today on Hometown Histories: Europe, we take to the skies for The Hopeful Rise (and the Tragic Fall) of the R101 Airship.Includes an interview with Airship historian, David Fowler.Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlawsCheck out our other podcasts: itsarclightmedia.comVisit us online at: Itshometownhistory.com

A unique couple meet in 1920s Germany, and fall in love. Their relationship is fiery, but they become famous dancers, dazzling audiences in Germany…Yet their commitment to their art will lead them both to a heartbreaking tragedy.I'm Peter Laws and tonight I give you ‘Tears on the Dancefloor: The Tragic Love and Heartbreaking fate of Lavinia Schulz & Walter Holdt.Episode Sponsor:Head to http://FACTORMEALS.com/Curious50 and use code Curious50 to get 50% off!Core Sources:https://janreetze.blogspot.com/2010/12/the-mask-dancers-lavinia-schulz-walter.htmlhttps://clasebcn.com/tips/lavinia-schluz-walter-holdt/‘Empire of Ecstasy: Nudity and Movement in German Body Culture, 1910–1935' by Karl Toepfer UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS, 1997.Help support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | PatreonVisit me online here. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A plane crashes into the Amazon Jungle, on board are four terrified children who somehow survive the wreck. But their ordeal has only just begun. I'm Peter Laws and tonight on Our Curious Past we explore ‘Crashed in the Amazon Jungle: The Astonishing 40 Day Search for Four Lost Children'.Visit me online,To learn more details on this remarkable story, do check out my main source, this excellent and lengthy article by William Ralston.Help support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | PatreonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A woman moves into a house known to be haunted and one night encounters ghosts who tell her to visit a small village in England. When she gets there, she finds that everything the spirits have told her, comes true.Was this a hoax, or did she have an authentic encounter with the supernatural like mane researchers into the case claim.I'm Peter Laws and tonight on our Curious Past we dive into spooky supernatural encounter in Guided by Spirits? The Strange Case of the Snettisham Ghosts.Visit us online. Sources‘Worlds Beyond' by Ian Wilson, 1986, Weidenfeld & Nicholsonhttps://www.edp24.co.uk/lifestyle/20711644.weird-norfolk-snettisham-ghost-asked-favour/https://jamesmdeem.com/stories.ghost.goodeve.htmlAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome listener, to Our Curious Past.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chavoret Jaruboon was paid by the Thai prison service, to single-handedly kill 55 people. That's 54 men, and one woman. He did this during his 19 year career at the notorious Bang Kwang Prison, aka the Bangkok Hilton.In Thailand, he was best known as ‘The Last Executioner' before they switched over to lethal injection. But up to that point, Chavoret's job was to carry out each killing with a submachine gun. What were the procedures for killing human beings on such a large scale? What sort of man was Chavoret, and how did he deal with such a challenging role.How did he manage to square his spirituality with killing so many people…after all, he lived in a Buddhist country, that believes heavily in karma.I'm Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we explore a controversial career that is rarely discussed…as we meet Chavoret Jaruboon: The Man Who Legally Killed 55 People, Single-Handedly. Please note that this episode is also available as an audio podcast - search OUR CURIOUS PAST in your apps.Episode Sponsor:Head to FACTORMEALS.com/Curios50 and use code Curious50 to get 50% off!NOTE: If you find this story interesting I do encourage you to buy a copy of Chavoret's well written and gripping book, The Last Executioner. I used the English translation of the book as the prime source of this video. You can buy it here.Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | PatreonVisit us online.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the late 1800s, the worlds of biology, photography and criminology came together to ask a tantalising question….might the human retina retain the final image a person sees before death…If so, with careful examination of the eyeball, surely this was a sure fire way of solving every murder…because the killers image would be imprinted in the victims eyes…if only investigators discovered the body within 24 hours.Tonight, we explore one of the most fascinating theories in police work…a notion that gripped optometrist, photographers and detectives alike. I'm Peter Laws and this is The Final Witness: Can a Murder Victims Eyeballs Reveal Their Killer?Episode Sponsor:Head to http://FACTORMEALS.com/curious50and use code curious50 to get 50% off!Sources:Retinal Optography: Fact or Fiction?OptographyHow Forensic Science Once Tried to "See" a Dead Person's Last SightOptopraphy: Preserving a Dead Person's Last SightDead Men's Eyes: A History of OptographyHow to develop a picture from a corpse's eyeSupport the show through Patreon here!Visit us online! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the summer of 1990, Operation Blackbird was launched, to investigate the curious (and then growing) appearances of Crop Circles across the world. These mysterious, geometric shapes would appear in crops, prompting some to claim UFOs were at work, and others to cry 'hoax'.On the second night of Operation Blackbird, researchers were excited to see a crop circle emerge…but when they examined closer, the plot thickened. They found strange circular boardgame boards, in the centre of every circle, and then the next day, one of the researchers received a letter from the notorious UK dance band…the KLF.Join me as I try to get to the bottom of this curious case, which involved me interviewing original witnesses, and gaining access to a handwritten letter supposedly by KLF front man, Bill Drummond.Visit us online at itsourcuriouspast.comSpecial Thank you for those that helped with this Episode:Colin Andrews played by David StephensonGeorge (Merlin) Vernon played by Owen StatonHelp support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | PatreonFind us on all podcasting platforms:Our Curious PastThank you!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

...1 eerie corn maze......9 haunting figures......9 spine-tingling tales......Will YOU find your way out? This holiday season, step into a labyrinth of shadows and suspense with Shane Waters as your guide. In this chilling collaboration, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 acclaimed true crime podcasts, each offering a dark tale and a life lesson to send shivers down your spine. This is not just a special episode; it's an immersive journey through a maze of twisted paths and unsolved mysteries. So, lift your lantern high and venture into 'Maze of Secrets'... ...but be warned... ...not everyone makes it to the end… Prepare to get lost in the stories, but find yourself in their lessons. It's an odyssey of crime, mystery, and eerie life lessons that you won't soon forget. This is Shane's 5th holiday collaboration. If you dare to walk this twisted path with us, you're in for a night you'll never forget. Are you ready? Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: FrightfulMaroonedRotten to the CoreMurder, She ToldObscuraCrimelinesOnce Upon a CrimeThe Trail Went ColdFoul Play: Crime Series Listen to the other holiday collaborations here.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On January 20th, 1994, the congregation in The Toronto Airport Vineyard Church stood to pray…then all 120 of them fell to the floor, convulsing with tears of joy and uncontrollable laughter. It happened again the next night and the next. It carried on almost every night…for twelve years. Word spread across the world that God was at work, yet critics were horrified to see believers rolling in the aisles and roaring like animals. Was it a genuine miracle or group hysteria? I'm Peter Laws, and I'd like to invite you to church. Because tonight on Our Curious Past we explore ‘The Strange Story of The Toronto Blessing.' Sources: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/43175162.pdf https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Main_Street_Mystics/JuokG3nJmAYC?hl=en&gbpv=0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCuFc0wpO2w https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2005/05/toronto-blessing-11-years-ago-this/ https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/2072/fo-statement-the-toronto-blessing-1996.pdf Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms: Our Curious Past Thank you!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I made a Ouija board in woodwork at school. Some of my friends said I was messing with evil but my teacher didn't seem that bothered. Who had the right approach? Join me as I explore the life story of the ‘talking board', which was wildly popular in the early 1900s, until something happened that would tarnish it's reputation for good. This is the Curious History of the Ouija Board. Note: This episode has three bonus sections at the end.. Firstly, I've included an extra section on Ouija Board rivals. Secondly, I noticed some strange laughter in the background of my microphone track during the main episode - a sound that I didn't notice at the time. I've included it so you can listen. What do you think? Finally, I needed some music that sounded like the Tubular Bells theme from The Exorcist movie. Since I don't own the copyright for that, I grabbed my guitar and keyboard and came up with an improvised piece which evokes that film's music. I've included it in this episode as a final bonus. Do find me on social media, and share your thoughts on the episode and Ouija boards in general. Find my links here: https://www.peterlaws.co.uk/linktree Help support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms:Our Curious Past Episode Sponsor: Go to http://HelloFresh.com/50curious and use code 50curious for 50% off plus free shippingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Albert Einstein was one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. This Nobel Prize winning scientist famously developed the ground-breaking theory of relativity, and helped reshape our understanding of modern physics. He was such an advanced thinker that the world was in awe of his mind. Tonight, we will learn that this obsession would not stop with his death…far from it. Because for one doctor, it would become the obsession that would define, and then ruin, his life. I'm Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we hear the extraordinary story…Dr Thomas Harvey…The Man Who Stole Albert Einstein's Brain. Episode Sponsor: Go to HelloFresh.com/curious50 and and use code curious50 for 50% off plus free shipping! Help support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms:Our Curious PastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the most controversial topics in our culture today…is gender identity. In that debate people often say that ‘gender confusion' is a modern phenomena, and that up until recently, it's always been very clear a person can only ever be male or female There are, however, intriguing examples from history of people whose gender has caused confusion to others, and even lead to a court case. We see this in the fascinating and sad account we will look at tonight. I'm Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we explore the remarkable life story of ‘Thomas(in) Hall – An Intersex Person in 17th Century Virginia'. Help support our show through Patreon:Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Episode Sponsor: “Go to Hellofresh.com/curious16 and use code curious16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!” Sources:https://uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com/blog/2023/04/17/thomas-in-hall-subverting-the-gender-binary-in-colonial-virginia/https://wams.nyhistory.org/early-encounters/english-colonies/thomas-ine-hall/https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/magazine/features/rights-of-intersex-children/https://isna.org/faq/hermaphrodite/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

[Part 2] This Mother's Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother's Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we'll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.  It's an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother's Day event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:Foul Play: Crime SeriesMusic City 911Crimes from the East Cults, Crimes, Cabernet A Nefarious Nightmare Crimelines The Asian Madness Podcast  Part 2:Once Upon A Crime PNW Haunts & HomicidesThe Trail Went Cold Coffee & CasesAlready Gone Twisted and Uncorked Mystery Inc  If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Mother's Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother's Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we'll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.  It's an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother's Day event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:Foul Play: Crime SeriesMusic City 911Crimes from the East Cults, Crimes, Cabernet A Nefarious Nightmare Crimelines The Asian Madness Podcast  Part 2:Once Upon A Crime PNW Haunts & HomicidesThe Trail Went Cold Coffee & CasesAlready Gone Twisted and Uncorked Mystery Inc  If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When it comes to the monster movies of classic Hollywood, we might picture Frankenstein's creature, The Wolfman or Dracula…but alongside them we often see another monster that had a huge impact on the pop culture of that era: The Creature from the Black Lagoon, with a stunning design by Universal Studios make-up artist Bud Westmore…but as the decades rolled by, a scandalous ommission became evident. That Westmore did not design this creature, but a woman did…and she led a remarkable life of talent, tragedy and stolen opportunities because of her gender. Tonight on Our Curious Past we give credit where credit is due, to the hugely talented, but largely unknown Lady from The Black Lagoon: Milicent Patrick. This episode also explores the sexist working systems of the Walt Disney Studio in it's early years. Sources: This episode is based on various articles but mainly on the book ‘The Lady from the Black Lagoon' by Mallory O'Meara.Episode Sponsor:Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and enter code curious149 Help support our show through Patreon. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Visit us online.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you'll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:CrimelinesRotten to the CoreFrightfulMind over MurderThe Trail Went ColdThe Hidden StaircaseHometown History Part 2:Wicked DeedsObscura: A True Crime PodcastHillbilly Horror Stories History Goes BumpJudgy Crime GirlsFoul Play: Crime Series If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you'll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:CrimelinesRotten to the CoreFrightfulMind over MurderThe Trail Went ColdThe Hidden StaircaseHometown History Part 2:Wicked DeedsObscura: A True Crime PodcastHillbilly Horror Stories History Goes BumpJudgy Crime GirlsFoul Play: Crime Series If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Parisian widower is lured to an apartment, with the promise of sex with Gabrielle Bompah. Hers is the last face he will see…but was she responsible for the killing, or did hypnotism drive her to it. Set against a growing debate in French psychiatry at the time, this is a murder case that would change the law of France… I'm Peter Laws, and today on Our Curious Past we explore Muder in Paris…by Hypnotism? The Strange Case of Alexandre Toussain Goufee. Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com Episode Sponsor:Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and enter code curious149 Sources: ‘Improper Suggestion' (Article) by Paul Chambers in Fortean Times Magazine: Issue 232, Feb, 2008 ‘The Gouffe Murder' (Article), The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 7th Feb, 1891.https://the-line-up.com/gouffe-case-1889https://victorianparis.wordpress.com/tag/the-gouffe-case/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's New Years Eve, 1970, and in a lavish apartment block in New York City radio presenter 'Long' John Nebel gets married to the highly successful fashion model and entrepreneur, Candy Jones. Yet, during the reception Candy starts acting strangely, changing her posture and speaking in a lower voice. When it keeps happening, Nebel tries to hypnotise her…and his horrified at what he learns. Was his new wife Candy Jones, really a victim of a covert CIA mind control program? Discover the fascinating and mysterious life story of Candy Jones, today on Our Curious Past. Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com Episode Sponsor:Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code curious149Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

…12 dates … …14 love gone wrong stories… …Will YOU be my Valentine? This Valentine's Day, prepare for a unique podcast experience! Shane Waters will introduce 14 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, love gone wrong true story to mix. It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Valentine event.  Part 2 of 2. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In this Part 2 Episode: 1. Sirens 2. The Trail Went Cold 3. Method and Madness 4. True Crime Cases with Lanie 5. Crimelines 6. Love Murder 7. Foul Play: Crime Series In the Part 1 Episode: 1. Murder She Told 2. True Crime Island 3. Hillbilly Horror Stories 4. Tapes from the Darkside 5. Coffee and Cases 6. Gone Cold – Texas True Crime 7. Live, Laugh, LarcenyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

…12 dates … …14 love gone wrong stories… …Will YOU be my Valentine? This Valentine's Day, prepare for a unique podcast experience! Shane Waters will introduce 14 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, love gone wrong true story to mix. It's an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Valentine event.  Part 1 of 2. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In this Part 1 Episode: 1. Murder She Told 2. True Crime Island 3. Hillbilly Horror Stories 4. Tapes from the Darkside 5. Coffee and Cases 6. Gone Cold – Texas True Crime 7. Live, Laugh, Larceny In the next Part 2 Episode: 1. Sirens 2. The Trail Went Cold 3. Method and Madness 4. True Crime Cases with Lanie 5. Crimelines 6. Love Murder 7. Foul Play: Crime SeriesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever had a bad dream, or an ominous feeling that…something terrible was going to happen? Some take those feelings very seriously indeed. They might even change their plans in light of that foreboding. However, many others would simply put this all down to superstition, worry…or plain overthinking. Today on Our Curious Past we explore a series of disasters that culminate in a catastrophe that would devastate a small Welsh town in the 19th century. Yet we will learn that a staggering number of people sensed that the incident would happen. Was it pure co-incidence…or a case of actual pre-cognition? Or put another way… Did Hundreds of People Really Predict the Morfa Mining Disaster of 1890? Today's episode features input from folklorist and paranormal historian, Bethan Briggs Miller. She is the co-presenter of two podcasts: Eerie Essex and Spectre of the Sea. Episode Sponsor:Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.39 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code curious139Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy