Podcasts about weird history

On this episode of Mothboys, Matt talks time travel, and possibly the most famous time travel of all time...JOHN TITOR. We also talk curses, terminator, and being a creep on internet forums.Mothboys is sponsored by:Visit Braxton, WV-Braxton County, West Virginia is Home of the Flatwoods Monster, as well as sightings of Bigfoot, UFO's  and ghosts… Visit the link above for more information on all the wonderful things that Braxton County offers.Follow along on our moth-journey on Instagram at @mothboyspodcast and on Facebook at Mothboys.

It was a time of high tension, fierce back-and-forth, and a relentless pursuit to dominate the world--and that was just between Coke and Pepsi. When you throw the Cold War into the mix, not only do you get a tumultuous time period, but the Cola Wars ramped up to another level. For Pepsi, a way to compete against Coke was to gain a foothold in the Soviet Union. And that's exactly what they did--but little did anyone know just how big they would become in the USSR.  This is a look back at Pepsi's remarkable growth in the Soviet Union in the 80s, the continuous battle against Coca-Cola, and then one of the most remarkable business deals in history. Had Pepsi, for a short while, actually become a military power... War Games movie Review: Patreon.com/80s  

Joan of Leeds took one look at the vow of celibacy, faked her death, and said, ‘Yeah… I'm gonna go be literally anywhere else.In 1318, Joan of Leeds pulled off one of the wildest stunts in medieval history: faking her own death to escape life as a cloistered nun. In this episode of #MindOfMarlar we uncover the true story of the rebellious medieval nun who buried a dummy, vanished into the countryside, and left the Church fuming. From fake corpses to religious scandal, it's a tale of defiance, dark comedy, and historical audacity.Read the article: https://weirddarkness.com/mom-joansaidnoWeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the legendary story of Scarface — both the iconic Al Pacino film and the real-life criminal empire of Al Capone that inspired it. With gripping narration and historical insights from Weird History and The History Channel, we unravel the bloody rise of one of America's most infamous gangsters and the legacy of violence, power, and cultural impact he left behind.We bring the intensity to a new level with a metal version of “Gangster's Paradise” performed by UMC, capturing the raw emotion and chaos of the underworld Scarface ruled. Whether you're a true crime junkie, a metalhead, or just someone who loves cinematic legend, this episode blends storytelling, history, and heavy riffs like never before.

What do goatmen, turpentine, cryptid festivals, and cursed gold have in common? Apparently, Arizona — and we are here for it!In this hilarious, unhinged episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive deep into the lore of Arizona's Mogollon Monster and the absurd legend of the Goatman.From bloodcurdling screams in the desert night to drunken prospectors falling in love with half-goat ladies, this episode is packed with bizarre stories, laughs, and wild theories.Could Zeke's forbidden romance have birthed Arizona's Bigfoot? Could goats really be the secret architects of desert cryptids?Listen as we unravel it all, one ridiculous thread at a time!Hear bonus content, ad-free episodes, and grab exclusive perks by joining our Patreon or Spreaker Supporters Club at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support!Catch us three times a week on @RadioTacoma and explore more unhinged history at rainydayrabbitholes.com!Proud member of @umbrellapodcastcollective.Chapters:0:00 Welcome to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes1:00 Mogollon Monster Mispronunciation Mayhem7:30 The Hairy Enigma of Arizona's Mogollon Rim15:00 Cryptid Traits: Screams, Scents, and Stones28:00 The Goatman's Curse and Drunken Love Story42:00 Goat Genitalia Science 101 (You're Welcome)55:00 Solving Arizona's Cryptid Genealogy1:00:00 The Goatman Festival and Final TheoriesKeywords: ArizonaCryptids, MogollonMonster, GoatmanArizona, ArizonaGhostStories, WeirdHistory, DesertLegends, CryptidLore, RainyDayRabbitHoles, UmbrellaPodcastCollectiveSources Mentioned:Arizona Republican (1903)Don Davis, CryptozoologistZeke Cartwright's Legendary JournalBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

Welcome back to Oddities the podcast where no topic is too *~*StRaNgE*~*! This week Kellie is stuck in Nebraska...who freaking knew there was so much going on there??? Today we will be learning about the Omaha Whitehouse and its haunting history! Up Next Cassie is continuing her weird history series with the Erfurt Latrine Disaster of 1184...That is exactly how it sounds...why they decided to meet there is beyond us...but what a way to go...Support the showFollow along on social media:FacebookInstagramWebsiteEmail: Oddities.talk@gmail.comHuge shout out to Kyle Head for our awesome new intro! Check out his amazing Music! Thank you Mana Peach for our adorable prattling cows! Check out her designs!Check out Lindsey Bidwell's designs (merch and new logo!)Check out the Moose Cottage! Check out our merch!

Send us a textWe explore the life and career of fascinating and worldly sideshow performer Francesco "Frank" Lentini aka The Great Lentini, born with three legs, four feet and two functional sets of genitalia! Join us on our deep dive into his early life, varied show skills and interesting perspectives proclaimed by this famed exhibitor. {This episode contains explicit language}LENTINI'S "PITCHBOOK": https://www.missioncreep.com/mundie/gallery/gallery11.htmMORE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDqmwuKiWk**Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!**Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSAPR and enter the code CIRCUSAPR20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke is joined by author Barret Baumgart. The conversation centers around Baumgart's book "Yuck," which explores the peculiar and iconic Joshua Tree. From its historical misunderstandings and numerous failed attempts to capitalize on the plant, to its symbolic resistance against commodification, the chat offers a fresh perspective on the interaction between humans and this resilient desert species. The episode also leaps into broader themes of environmental justice and political critique, with Chris Clarke expressing strong views on contemporary socio-political issues affecting the natural world. The juxtaposition of Baumgart's insights into the Joshua Tree's defiance against use and Clarke's vehement declaration against destructive political practices not only enriches listeners' understanding of desert ecology but also encourages active engagement in environmental advocacy. Key Takeaways: Nature's Resistance: The Joshua Tree has repeatedly thwarted attempts to be commercially exploited, symbolizing nature's stubbornness. Historical Perspectives: Early explorers and settlers often misunderstood and disparaged the Joshua Tree, seeing it as unattractive and offensive. Environmental and Political Rants: Host Chris Clarke passionately criticizes the contemporary political landscape, likening destructive policies of the Trump administration to historical atrocities. Genre Blending in Writing: Baumgart discusses his unique approach to blending fact with narrative creativity, challenging traditional environmental writing norms. Call for Activism: The episode strongly encourages activism, urging listeners to oppose the US's current authoritarian regime due to its flgrant disregard for environmental and human rights. Notable Quotes: "There's something really deep and beautiful in that, without getting too reverent." "I have avoided traps I don't want to fall into." "Being this infuriated for this long gets exhausting." "History isn't written by people who gave up; it's written by people who stayed angry, stayed stubborn." "I think it is immoral to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement." Resources: Barrett Baumgart's personal website: barrettbaumgart.com Information about his book, "Yuck: The Birth and Death of the Weird and Wondrous Joshua Tree," can be found by visiting 90 Miles from Needles' dedicated page: 90milesfromneedles.com/yuck Listeners are encouraged to explore these resources further and join the ongoing conversation about desert protection and preservation. Tune in to the full episode for more insights and stories, and stay informed with future releases from the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast for more thought-provoking and inspiring content.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you live with a ghost if it meant getting a mansion at half the price? From cursed Victorians to infamous crime scenes, these haunted houses come with history, mystery… and maybe a few unexpected roommates.Download The FREE PDF For This Episode's WORD SEARCH Puzzle: https://weirddarkness.com/HomeSweetHauntedHomeGet the Darkness Syndicate version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateDISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: Are you brave enough to live in a haunted house? If so, and you're ready to make a move, you might find a good deal in one of the homes I'm about to tell you about. (They Sold Their Haunted Houses) *** The Nazca Lines of Peru span for miles and are visible only from the sky. These mysterious designs have sparked theories ranging from astronomical markers to extraterrestrial landing strips, challenging our understanding of ancient civilizations. We'll look at the mystery behind them – and consider a few theories for their existence. (Mystery of the Nazca Lines) *** Armin Meiwes placed a personal ad for a volunteer. He was looking for someone to give themselves over to him… to eat. It's one of the most infamous cases of modern cannibalism. (The Cannibal Who Placed a Personal Ad) *** On May 28, 1903, Dr. Francis J. Tumblety, a man with a deep-seated hatred for women and surgical skills, died in St. Louis. Intriguingly, Tumblety was in London during the gruesome Jack the Ripper murders in 1888, sparking speculation that he might be the infamous slasher. (Was Jack The Ripper From St. Louis?) *** Imagine a duel between two women. One a princess, the other a countess. Now picture them dueling topless. It really happened… and the reason for the duel? A disagreement over flower arrangements. (The Topless Duel Between Two Ladies)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate and Only Accurate For the Commercial Version)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:01:28.929 = Show Open00:3:48.289 = They Sold Their Haunted Houses00:24:27.614 = The Mystery of the Nazca Lines00:33:55.877 = Was Jack The Ripper From St. Louis?00:47:46.731 = The Topless Duel Between Ladies01:00:59.421 = The Cannibal Who Placed a Personal Ad01:05:53.928 = Show CloseSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“They Sold Their Haunted Houses” source: Sonja Ska, Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2ezeefr9“The Mystery of the Nazca Lines” source: Marcus Lowth, UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p9dumsu“The Cannibal Who Placed a Personal Ad” source: The Scare Chamber, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3vy977m8“Was Jack The Ripper From St. Louis?” by Troy Taylor (used with permission): https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yyj892ws“The Topless Duel Between Ladies” source: Genevieve Carlton, Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdcs6zuk=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: June 12, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/HomeSweetHauntedHomeTAGS: haunted houses, haunted homes for sale, real haunted houses, haunted real estate, ghost stories, famous haunted houses, haunted mansions, buy a haunted house, Enslin House, Sowden House, Ackley House, Amityville Horror, Pillars Estate, Conjuring House, Dunsmuir Victorian, Ann Starrett Mansion, Priestley House, Charming Forge Mansion, living with ghosts, paranormal real estate, haunted house history

Les Légos, au départ, n'étaient pas conçus pour les garçons, mais pour tout le monde. Adhérez à cette chaîne pour obtenir des avantages : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4TCCaX-gqBNkrUqXdgGRA/join Script: Dominic Lagacé @Les histovores Pour soutenir la chaîne, au choix: 1. Cliquez sur le bouton « Adhérer » sous la vidéo. 2. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hndl Musique issue du site : epidemicsound.com Images provenant de https://www.storyblocks.com Abonnez-vous à la chaine: https://www.youtube.com/c/LHistoirenousledira Les vidéos sont utilisées à des fins éducatives selon l'article 107 du Copyright Act de 1976 sur le Fair-Use. Sources et pour aller plus loin: -Blakemore, Erin, « The Disastrous Backstory Behind the Invention of LEGO Bricks », Historia, 2023. -LEGO, « History », [s. d], LEGO® History - LEGO.com US. -Daly, Natasha, « Les filles, les garçons et les jouets genrés », National Geographic, [s. d.], Les filles, les garçons et les jouets genrés | National Geographic. -Mansion, Michel, « Le jouet, objet historique et patrimonial », Recherche sur les livres et objets culturels de l'enfance, 2021, p. 1-14. -Manson, Michel et Hélène Meyer-Roudet, « Histoire de la culture enfantine à travers le jouet », Enfance et Psy, 2020, p. 25-34. -Mikelson, David, « Lego Advocated Gender Equiality in Toys… in 1974 », Snopes, 2014. -Withnall, Adam, « Lego letter form the 1970s still offers a powerful message to parents 40 years later », Independent, 2014. -Rochat, Sébastien, « Le rose, le bleu et les jouets genrés : Aux origines d'un stéréotype », CENTRE POUR L'ÉDUCATION AUX MÉDIAS ET À L'INFORMATION, [s.d]. -Weird History, « LEGO : The Complicated History of the World's Most Wholesome Toy », YouTube, 2022. -Un Noël en « rose » et « bleu » : la lente évolution des jouets sur les questions de genre. Charlotte Chabas, 24 décembre 2018 https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2018/12/24/sur-les-questions-de-genre-les-jouets-evoluent-au-meme-rythme-que-la-societe-lentement_5401797_3224.html Autres références disponibles sur demande. #histoire #documentaire #lego #jouet #toys

He aimed at an elk — and ended up aboard a cube-shaped spaceship with paralyzed animals and a toothy alien named Ausso One.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateDISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: In October 1974, Carl Higdon ventured into Wyoming's wilderness for a routine elk hunt, only to encounter something beyond belief: a humanoid figure and an otherworldly craft. His shocking encounter, complete with mysterious pills, a transparent cube, and a journey to an alien planet, defies explanation and continues to baffle experts to this day. (Ausso One, The Non-Human Humanoid) *** In a remote Mexican village, a young boy stumbles upon a gruesome ritual led by a self-proclaimed goddess, Magdalena Solis. As the cult's depravity spirals out of control, the authorities descend upon the village, uncovering a tale of human sacrifice, orgies, and drug-fueled madness. (High Priestess of Blood) *** In the early morning hours of August 26, 1986, the lifeless body of 18-year-old Jennifer Levin was discovered in Central Park, sparking a media frenzy that would dub her murderer, the "Preppy Killer." (Robert Chambers: The Preppy Killer) *** Small mistakes can have big consequences, especially when they happen at critical moments in history. From an unlocked gate that led to the fall of Constantinople to a forgotten login that halted background checks for gun permits, we'll look at a few “brain farts” that changed the course of history in ways no one could have predicted (Small Mistakes, Big Consequences)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate and Only Accurate For the Commercial Version)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:01:00.175 = Show Open00:03:24.124 = Ausso One: The Non-Human Humanoid00:21:12.207 = Robert Chambers: The Preppy Killer00:34:03.260 = The Elusive Holy Grail00:41:35.491 = The High Priestess of Blood00:52:29.335 = Small Mistakes, Big Consequences00:58:58.658 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The High Priestess of Blood” by Troy Taylor (used with permission): https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2w4b35w5“Small Mistakes, Big Consequences” source: Jordan Breeding, Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p99tmau“Ausso One, The Non-Human Humanoid” source: Marcus Lowth, UFOInsight.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4acyve4n“The Elusive Holy Grail” source: Austin Harvey, All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckj9sj5“Robert Chambers; The Preppy Killer' source: Cat McAuliffe, Unspeakable Crimes: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8pp9kj=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: June 03, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/MedicineBowIncidentTAGS: UFO encounter, Carl Higdon, alien abduction, Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming UFO, 1974 UFO sighting, extraterrestrial encounter, Ausso One, real alien stories, unexplained phenomena, elk abduction, cube-shaped UFO, physical evidence UFO, strange disappearances, alien contact, polygraph alien abduction, Leo Sprinkle, alien breeding program, sci-fi mystery, unexplainable true stories, supernatural encounters, close encounters, weird alien stories, true alien abduction, UFO witness testimony, bizarre abductions, alien implants, paranormal podcast, UFO podcast, Weird Darkness, unexplained true stories

The Wild West wasn't all shootouts and saloons – but when danger came, it carved legends in blood, bullets, and bone.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateDISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: The Wild West, where no matter how tough and rugged you might be, you can never defeat Old Man Death. And he was creative in how he dispensed his touch. (To Die In The Old West) *** Charles Howard Schmid Jr. charmed and befriended the teenagers of Tucson, Arizona in the 1960s — all while brutally murdering three young girls. (The Pied Piper of Tuscon) *** One of the lesser-known crytpids is something called the Hidebehind, a mysterious creature that stalked 19th-century lumberjacks, preying on those who let their guard down in the forest. (The Hidebehind) *** Brianna Maitland left her dishwashing job and was never seen alive again. Despite various theories and sightings, Brianna's disappearance continues to baffle investigators and haunt her family, who still hold out hope for answers and her safe return. (The Vanishing of Brianna Maitland) *** In 1906, explorer Robert Peary claimed to have discovered a mysterious island he named Crocker Land, but was it a genuine find, a calculated deception, or something even more bizarre? (The Myth of Crocker Island) *** Lyndia Morel's quiet drive home took a chilling turn when she encountered a mysterious craft and experienced a baffling episode of missing time. Was it a case of alien abduction? (The Lyndia Morel Incident) *** In May of 1963, a bizarre creature terrorized Centreville, Illinois, prompting over 50 calls to the police from alarmed residents. Descriptions ranged from a "half man, half woman" to a "half man, half horse." (The Centerville Monster)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00.00.000 = Lead-In00:01:31.179 = Show Open00:04:10.280 = To Die In The Old West00:18:52.437 = The Hidebehind00:21:49.129 = The Pied Piper of Tuscon00:26:57.373 = The Lyndia Morel Incident00:40:52.320 = The Vanishing of Brianna Maitland00:48:47.321 = The Myth of Crocker Island00:56:39.194 = The Centerville Monster00:58:37.502 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…BOOK: “Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth” by Carol Rose:https://amzn.to/3VpnkKk“To Die In The Old West” source: Quinn Armstrong, Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p884ck2“The Hidebehind” source: Astonishing Legends: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4nj3h5en“The Pied Piper of Tuscon” source: Bernadette Giocamazzo, All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4dzvmspf“The Lyndia Morel Incident” source: Marcus Lowth, UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4v8yewbr“The Vanishing of Brianna Maitland” by Troy Taylor (used with permission): https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2d6fbz5h“The Myth of Crocker Island” source: Kaushik Patowary: Amusing Planet: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdz38sce“The Centerville Monster” by Troy Taylor (used with permission): https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4h8wpeee=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: May 29, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/ToDieInTheOldWest

When U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of his “Liberation Day” tariffs against most of America's global trading partners in April 2025, he seemed to harken back to a centuries-old form of economic nationalism known as mercantilism, which sought prosperity through restrictive trade practices. Opponents of mercantilism from the eighteenth century onward, such as Adam Smith and John-Baptiste Say, became known as classical liberals. In the fullness of time, classical liberalism gave rise to the political philosophy we now know as libertarianism.When most people think of libertarianism, they typically have in mind a small number of figures — including Milton Friedman, Friedrich Hayek, Ayn Rand, Murray Rothbard, and Ludwig von Mises — who were generally associated with the American political right in the mid-twentieth century. But in fact libertarianism was born in the nineteenth century (not the twentieth), and was first developed in Britain and France (not the United States). And as Matt Zwolinski emphasizes in his monumental intellectual history of libertarianism, The Individualists (co-authored with John Tomasi), libertarianism is better thought of as a cluster of related concepts than a unitary doctrine. It's true that most libertarians historically have been concerned with the defense of individual autonomy, property rights, free markets, and personal liberty against state coercion. But the first individual to self-identify as a “libertarian” was the nineteenth-century French anarcho-communist Joseph Déjacque, and libertarianism as it developed often took radical and left-leaning forms, particularly through its association with the abolitionist movement in America in the years before the Civil War. In this podcast conversation, Matt Zwolinski (a philosophy professor at the University of San Diego) discusses his investigations into the intellectual history of libertarianism as well as his analysis of the longstanding tensions between radical and reactionary elements within the philosophy. He describes post-Cold War “third wave libertarianism” taking both right-wing expression (in the form of paleolibertarianism) as well as more radical forms (including left-libertarianism and “bleeding-heart libertarianism.”) And he suggests reasons why many libertarians see more potential in combating poverty through Universal Basic Income grants rather than through more traditional government-administered antipoverty programs.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 15! When it comes to Supreme Court decisions that impacted the classroom, most people know about Brown v Board of Education. A lesser known landmark decision was also very impactful in schools across the U.S. We're talking about Lau v Nichols… a case that influenced the interpretation of Title VI and how U.S. schools needed to support second language learners to succeed in school. In this episode, we talk about the lead up to Lau v Nichols, what the impact of the Supreme Court decision was, and the lasting legacy of the decision. We also take time to address the rhetoric around the ending of the Department of Education and how it would impact not just Bilingual Education but how students are supported in the U.S. We begin the episode with a LOT of current events including growing anti-miscegenation-like decisions, Janet Yang, Alysa Liu, Caitlyn Chen, Te-hina Paopao, and Jonny Kim. We end with another installment of Weird History where we talk about the decision by Levi Strauss and Company to lean into anti-Chinese labor practices back in the late 1800s. If you like what we do, please share, follow, and like us in your podcast directory of choice or on Instagram @AAHistory101. For previous episodes and resources, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or our links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at info@aahistory101.com. Segments 00:25 Intro and Current Events: Janet Yang, Jonny Kim, Kaitlyn Chen, Te-hina PaoPao, Alysa Liu 06:29 The History of Lau v Nichols and Bilingual Education in the U.S. 17:05 Weird History: Levi Strauss and Company and Anti-Chinese Labor

Time frays at the edges, shadows move on their own, and something unseen waits beneath the floorboards of the Alaskan Hotel.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateIN THIS EPISODE: The Alaskan Triangle is already known for strange and bizarre activity – so it should be no surprise that a hotel located in the triangle might experience a few bumps in the night. (The Demonic Haunting of the Alaskan Hotel) *** After picking up a sex worker to assault and murder, a serial killer made the mistake of underestimating the determination of his victim to stay alive… and lost his own life in the process. (The Hooker Who Stopped a Serial Killer) *** Chucky the doll isn't real. Neither were any of the dolls that came to life on shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Outer Limits” – but that doesn't mean real haunted dolls don't exist, and it's not just “Annabelle” and “Robert” on the list. (When Haunted Dolls Attack) *** Ilse Koch was a female concentration camp guard and she was so ruthless and evil even the Na*is had her arrested. (Ilse Koch: The Witch of Buchenwald) *** They reside atop dizzying heights and are often unnoticed by human eyes but ever watchful of our movements. They have 'observed' us for centuries. We'll look at the history and purpose of gargoyles and grotesques. (In The Protection of Gargoyles) *** Outside of Washington, D.C. lies an abandoned institution with a thoroughly disturbing past. We'll look at the history and horrors of Forest Haven Mental Asylum. (The Afflictions Of Forest Haven Asylum)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00.00.000 = Introduction00:01:12.945 = Show Open (Coming Up In This Episode)00:03:20.449 = The Demonic Haunting Of The Alaskan Hotel00:15:21.499 = The Hooker Who Stopped A Serial Killer00:22:01.048 = When Haunted Dolls Attack00:45:24.870 = Ilse Koch, The Witch Of Buchenwald00:57:00.094 = In The Protection of Gargoyles01:04:25.779 = The Afflictions of Forest Haven Asylum01:11:53.958 = Show Close, Verse, and Final Thought01:12:57.056 = BloopersSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Demonic Haunting of the Alaskan Hotel” by Marcus Lowth for UFO Insight:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8w47e9“The Hooker Who Stopped A Serial Killer” by Roger Kim for Unspeakable Times: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2ffhcv4n“Ilse Koch: The Witch of Buchenwald” by Laura Allen for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yr3a4dvy“In The Protection of Gargoyles” by Angela Sutherland for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3j94t765“The Afflictions Of Forest Haven Asylum” by Gary Sweeney for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/34p6fe79“When Haunted Dolls Attack” by MD Bastek for Horror Obsessive: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckuhxk6=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March, 2022EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/AlaskanHotel

From corpses dressed in new clothes to killers hiding in the walls, these are true crimes too weird to forget – blurring the line between horror and history.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateIN THIS EPISODE: It's nickname is “Columbian Devil's Breath” – and it's so powerful it can turn perfectly healthy people into mindless zombies. We'll look at the dangerous and deadly drug, Burundanga. (A Drug That Creates Zombies) *** The chastity belt has, through the ages, become more of a humorous analogy or punchline than the real thing. But then, that's appropriate – seeing as it actually began as a middle-ages joke. (The Strange Truth Behind Chastity Belts) *** A fearsome witch, she is said to kidnap, roast, and eat children in the woods. No – this is not the story of Hansel and Gretel. This witch is much more terrifying – she is the Baba Yaga. (The Legend of Baba Yaga) *** The Oera Linda book is a manuscript written in a form of Old Frisian, purporting to cover historical, mythological, and religious themes of remote antiquity, from 2194 BC to 803 AD. Many are fascinated by what it says others claim it is a hoax or forgery. What is the truth behind the Oera Linda? (What Is The Oera Linda?) CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00.00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open (Coming Up In This Episode)00:02:32.128 = A Drug That Creates Zombies00:10:30.598 = Freaky True Crimes00:29:44.183 = The Strange Truth Behind Chastity Belts00:37:37.958 = The Legend of Baba Yaga00:46:19.709 = What Is The Oera Linda?00:55:37.311 = Show Close, Verse, and Final Thought00:56:43.874 = BloopersSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“A Drug That Creates Zombies” by Brandon Michaels for Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckryre8“Freaky True Crimes” by Patrick Thornton for Unspeakable Times: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p9fsamf“The Strange Truth Behind Chastity Belts” by Genevieve Carlton for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yc7nzbfx“The Legend of Baba Yaga” by Genevieve Carlton for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8urkfa“What Is The Oera Linda?” by Bipin Dimri for Historic Mysteries: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yttpw84r=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March, 2022EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/WeirdTrueCrime

Some cases remain terrifying because we never find the answers — others because we do.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateIN THIS EPISODE: We all love a good mystery – especially if we discover the answer at the end. But even more intriguing are those mysteries that, after years, or decades, still remain unsolved. We'll look at some of the most famous – and most infamous of those unsolved mysteries. Plus, unsolved mysteries are fascinating… we want to know who was D.B. Cooper, and what happened to him. Who committed the Black Dahlia murder? Who was Jack the Ripper? But sometimes those unsolved mysteries get solved… and sometimes, the solving of the mystery makes them that much more unsettling.SOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Jazz Axeman of New Orleans” episode: https://weirddarkness.com/?s=axeman+of+new+orleans“Why We Love Mysteries” by Christina Hoag for Medium: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mvbm5auk“Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries” by Maryn Liles for Parade: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2wvc2yf6“Previously Unsolved Mysteries That Are Still Disturbing” by Will Morgan for Weird History:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yw5rc5mp=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March, 2022EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/DisturbingUnsolved

Send us a textWe discuss the unique and incredibletown of Gibsonton Fl - a small town just miles away form Sarasota that was (and still is) a haven for performing circus, sideshow and carnival folk alike.  With its unique permit and zoning laws, accommodating amenities to those of all shapes and sizes and of course all the colorful characters that make its splendid community - its is magical oasis created for and by showfolk. {This episode contains explicit language}Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPKyYHe6y3sHead to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSLT20 and enter the code CIRCUSLT20 20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show  || CHECK YOUR BOILERS!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

Eating utensils have been used since the Stone Age of mankind. During this time, eating utensils consisted of simple sharp stones intended for cutting meat and fruit. The Neolithic times brought the rise of technology that improved tools that were needed for production, preparation and eating of food. Some eating utensils were created and first used by our Paleolithic ancestors over 500,000 years ago, while others were introduced only short 1000 years ago during European Middle Ages. Travel to Turkey and Mongolia with me here Check out our sister podcast the Mystery of Everything Coffee Collab With The Lore Lodge COFFEE Bonus episodes as well as ad-free episodes on Patreon. Find us on Instagram. Join us on Discord. Submit your relatives on our website Podcast Youtube Channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1958, the Tuck family was plagued by a series of eerie, spontaneous fires – flames that defied logic, burned with strange colors, and followed them wherever they went, leaving behind a haunting with more questions than answers.IN THIS EPISODE: In the late 1950s, the Tuck family of Alabama found themselves at the center of a terrifying ordeal as mysterious fires spontaneously erupted in their home. Despite their best efforts to escape the flames, the fiery phenomenon followed them from one residence to another, consuming their possessions and leaving them homeless. We'll look at this case and other similar ones where the seeming explanation is nothing short of paranormal. (Paranormal Flames) *** In the sleepy Kentish hamlet of Charing, a centuries-old mystery unfolds every May Day. As the clock strikes midnight, ghostly children emerge from their moss-encrusted graves, their ethereal feet dancing to the silent fiddle's tune. It's all part of the "Night of the Dancing Feet." (Dancing After Death) *** Before his wife's murder in June 2009, Eli Weaver had numerous affairs with women he met through online dating sites, where he called himself an "Amish Stud." But only one mistress was willing to kill for him. (Eli Weaver, Amish Stud and Murderer) *** The American West evokes iconic images often seen in movies: bold adventures, noon shootouts, resolute sheriffs and marshals maintaining order, and the cavalry arriving just in time. However, the history of the Wild West, replete with myths and stereotypes, presents a more complex and sometimes disturbing reality about justice in that era. (Wild West Justice) *** On the morning of July 13, 1997, the body of Denise Johnson was discovered inside her burning childhood home in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Emergency responders quickly realized they weren't dealing with a simple arson, but a murder as well.  Now, more than two decades later, the case remains unsolved. (The Unsolved Murder of Denise Johnson) *** Hachishakusama, often referred to as the "Japanese Slender Man," is a haunting figure from Japanese urban legends that rivals the terror of her American counterpart. While the Slender Man has gained a cult-like following and has even inspired real-life horror stories, Hachishakusama's tale is equally spine-chilling and capable of keeping you up at night. (The Japanese Slender Man)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Lead-In00:01:39.446 = Show Open00:04:48.027 = Paranormal Flames00:24:26.752 = The Unsolved Murder of Denise Johnson00:38:08.456 = Dancing After Death (Night of the Dancing Feet)00:46:29.513 = Wild West Justice00:56:30.302 = Eli Weaver, Amish Stud and Murderer01:06:14.321 = The Japanese Slender Man01:11:41.698 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…BOOK: “Ablaze – The Mysterious Fires of Spontaneous Human Combustion” by Larry E. Arnold: https://amzn.to/3UqdhmzBOOK: “A Killing In Amish Country” by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris: https://amzn.to/44wghmb“Paranormal Flames” source: Marcus Lowth at UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4eb8xht2“The Unsolved Murder of Denise Johnson” source: Jacob Shelton at Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8t3b7p“Dancing After Death” by Ken DaSilva-Hill submitted directly to Weird Darkness and used with permission“Wild West Justice” source: Christy Box at Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8db9vj“Eli Weaver, Amish Stud and Murderer” source: Hannah Reilly Holtz at AllThatsInteresting.com:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4jfmybjh“The Japanese Slender Man” source: Curry L Mitchell at ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdd7fthz=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: May 01, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/PhantomFlames

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alcatraz was meant to be inescapable, but that didn't stop desperate prisoners from trying – some disappearing without a trace.IN THIS EPISODE: We'll find out what life was like as an inmate of Alcatraz. We'll look at the numerous escape attempts that failed and where the escapees went wrong. And we'll learn about a few other prisons that are even more terrifying than Alcatraz – all located in the United States. CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Lead-In00:01:40.319 = Show Open00:02:47.813 = Being An Alcatraz Inmate00:21:04.040 = The Impossibility of Escaping Alcatraz00:41:54.806 = Prisons More terrifying Than Alcatraz00:54:41.312 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Being An Alcatraz Inmate” by Melissa Sartore for Ranker.com's Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/535vhu7n“The Impossibility of Escaping Alcatraz” by Melissa Sartore for Ranker.com's Weird History:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdfj2ypt“More Terrifying Than Alcatraz” by Michelle Nati for Ranker.com's Unspeakable Times:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3jwhh268=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: February, 2021EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/alcatraz

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

The Wild Afterlife of Elmer McCurdy: Train Robber, Mummy & Amusement Park PropEver heard of a train robber so bad that he found more success as a corpse? Elmer McCurdy's life was a series of spectacular failures—botched robberies, mistaken trains, and blown-up safes. But his real adventure started after he died. Preserved with arsenic, he was passed from carnival to wax museum to haunted house, even making a surprise appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man. 

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

From Kensington to the East End, under candlelight, gas lamp and then neon signs, London is both a bustling physical metropolis and a stirring psychic encounter. The most depraved depictions of London in fiction, film, poetry, television and theatre have irrevocably merged with the reality of its dark history, creating a phantasmagoria defined by murder, vice and the unnatural. In this panoptic look at the capital at its most eerie and macabre, Dr. Clive Bloom takes a tour of Gothic London's uncanny literature, arcane events and its infamous and imagined geographies. From David Bowie to T S Eliot, Thomas de Quincey to Aleister Crowley, the prophetess Joanna Southcott to the 'ghosts' of Abba and the worlds of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker, these are the figures that populate a city lost in fog and blind alleys, where the dead can be raised, the living sacrificed and the clandestine thrive.  Suturing together fact and fantasy, London Uncanny: A Gothic Guide to the Capital in Weird History and Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2025) presents the urban landscape of the capital as a space of wonder and madness, haunted by its past and haunting the present. Stalking through disease and degeneracy, death and murder, spiritualism, lunacy and the occult, Bloom crafts a singular, integrated concept of a London where dreams and nightmares meet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's episodes on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 11!  We love dumplings, and we're not alone in that opinion. We're talking about asian dumplings… boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, there are a variety of dumplings all across Asia, and they are not only delicious but represent culture, family, and history. In this episode, we discuss the history of dumplings, some different types across Asia, and some notable chefs and groups (like Din Tai Fung) who have done a lot to grow awareness and love for this amazing food. One of the most notable, of course, is Zhang Zhongjing, the believed creator of dumplings.  In our recurring segment, we introduce a new topic called Weird History where we talk about a weird moment in API history. Today we're talking about the Boston Marathon's ban on Korean runners. If you like what we do, please share, follow, and like us in your podcast directory of choice or on Instagram @AAHistory101. For previous episodes and resources, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or our links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at info@aahistory101.com. Segments 00:25 Intro… Memories of Dumplings 07:22 The History of Dumplings 21:36 Weird History… Boston Marathon Bans Korean Runners *Photos courtesy of the amazing Mary's Test Kitchen

Los Angeles may be the city of dreams, but its dark history is filled with eerie hauntings, cursed landmarks, and spirits that refuse to leave. From the ghostly magicians of Hollywood's Magic Castle to haunted hotels, occult rituals, and spectral celebrities who still walk the streets, the City of Angels has a chilling side that's anything but welcoming. Are these just legends, or is something truly lurking in the shadows of L.A.?CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:01:42.381 = Hollywood's Haunted Magic Castle00:10:40.836 = Los Angeles' Haunted Hotels00:29:40.762 = Los Angeles: City of the Occult00:54:59.625 = L.A. Ghosts01:04:30.433 = Show Close, Verse, and Final Thought01:05:39.693 = BloopersSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Hollywood's Haunted Magic Castle” by Christina Sanza for Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/nhdf2f29“Los Angeles' Haunted Hotels” by Andy Miller from Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mvbdcwac“L.A. Ghosts” by Jen Lennon for Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/39xypc6c“Los Angeles: City Of The Occult” by Christine Aprile for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4y9rj77r=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: April, 2021EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/HauntedLA

Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod, better known to the world as Mata Hari, set the Paris stage ablaze on March 13, 1905, with a scandalous dance routine that turned her into an overnight success.  Sporting a gold jeweled breastplate and bracelets, Mata Hari's performance was a striptease that left little to the imagination. But even the wildest imagination couldn't envisage what lay ahead for the exotic dancer, courtesan, traitor and spy whose name became synonymous with the femme fatale. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca, and Olly discuss how she played both sides of the First World War for fools; uncover how she met her husband through a newspaper ad; and explain why she always wore a breastplate during sex… Further Reading: • ‘Mata Hari: exotic dancer, femme fatale, traitor and spy' (History Extra, 2019): https://www.historyextra.com/period/first-world-war/mata-hari-exotic-dancer-femme-fatale-traitor-wwi-spy/  • ‘“I am ready”: Mata Hari faced a firing squad for spying — and refused a blindfold.' (The Washington Post, 2017): https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/10/15/i-am-ready-mata-hari-faced-a-firing-squad-for-spying-and-refused-a-blindfold/  • ‘Buckwild Facts About Mata Hari, The Exotic Dancer Who Became A WWI Spy' (Weird History, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sh-fB_qMUg  This episode originally aired in 2023 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

From a Roman fertility festival to our "modern" Valentines celebrations, Feb. 14 has a colorful and varied mysterious beginning. Animal sacrifices to chocolates have been associated with this day. And the rest of the history is interesting too.  

When the supernatural seeps into our world, it doesn't just leave behind fear—it can also leave sickness. From shadowy visitors to ominous dreams, some eerie paranormal encounters suggest that the price of witnessing the unknown may be paid in flesh and blood.IN THIS EPISODE: When the supernatural intrudes into our lives, it's not just our minds that are affected. We'll delve into a few bizarre cases where individuals fell gravely ill after brushes with the paranormal. Is it coincidence? Or something more sinister? And could these illnesses be due to the paranormal literally draining us of life? (Supernaturally Sick, Paranormally Poisoned) *** Helen Duncan made a living from conducting séances—until her uncanny knowledge of classified World War II tragedies spooked British authorities. (Britain's Last Witch) *** Jeremy Bentham was a philosopher whose ideas about mortality and utility extended beyond death. Bentham's wish for his body to be preserved and displayed as an "auto-icon" – so it could be seen publicly by all. And while his wishes were granted, it came with a few hiccups along the way… mostly with his poor head. (The Strange Story of Mr. Bentham's Corpse) *** Annie Dorman was discovered lifeless with a gunshot wound, sending shockwaves through her tight-knit community. Suicide seemed improbable, leaving detectives baffled and family perplexed. Was it a crime of passion, an accident, murder… or truly suicide? In a similar case, just a few years later, in the serene countryside of Greenwich, New York, the lifeless form of Maggie Hourigan is found, floating in a tranquil pool, speculation runs rampant. Were these cases suicide, as hastily concluded, horrible accidents… or sinister murders? (The Mysterious Deaths of Annie Dorman and Maggie Hourigan) *** AND MORE!CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Lead-In00:02:28.923 = Show Open00:04:58.317 = Supernaturally Sick, Paranormally Poisoned00:21:43.793 = The Mysterious Deaths of Annie Dorman and Maggie Hourigan00:35:15.151 = Britain's Last Witch00:43:39.798 = The Strange Story of Mr. Bentham's Corpse00:53:56.678 = Eccentric Habits of History's Elite01:03:57.830 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Supernaturally Sick, Paranormally Poisoned” by Nick Redfern for Mysterious Universe:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/6bu93dju“The Mysterious Deaths of Annie Dorman and Maggie Hourigan” by Robert Wilhelm for Murder By Gaslight:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/meu37k4m; https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4y9mn9a4“The Strange Story of Mr. Bentham's Corpse” by Melissa Sartore for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yt6uetju“Britain's Last Witch” by Parissa Djangi for National Geographic: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8by87t“Eccentric Habits of History's Elite” by John Munoz for ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdh2dw3x=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: April 17, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/SickenedByTheSupernatural

Was Count St. Germain a brilliant alchemist, a secret vampire, truly immortal? His mystery literally spans centuries.IN THIS EPISODE: The mystery surrounding Count St. Germain is more than a little strange. Some think him to be a centuries old vampire. Others believe him to be a time traveler. And still others believe the whole thing to be a complete fraud. (The Vampire Time-Traveler) *** Escaping jail isn't easy, but we'll look at some who did the impossible – escaping the most secure prisons, in the most daring of ways. (History's Most Daring Prison Breaks) *** What would you do if you discovered that the church you attend every Sunday has a dark past that involves hauntings and supernatural phenomena? We'll look at some of the most haunted churches in the United States – perhaps you attend one of them and don't even realize it! (Most Haunted Churches in America) *** Benny Binion was one of the friendliest mobsters in Las Vegas… unless, of course, you made him mad. (Benny Binion, The Nice Guy Brute)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Lead-In00:02:04.673 = Show Intro00:03:53.607 = St. Germain: The Vampire Time Traveler00:17:07.202 = Daring Prison Breaks00:36:46.935 = Benny Binion, The Nice Guy Brute00:53:45.813 = Most Haunted Churches in America01:01:44.176 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Vampire Time-Traveler” by Marcus Lowth for UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2f2psdnm“History's Most Daring Prison Breaks” by Mike Rothschild for Ranker's Unspeakable Times:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p948z5e“Most Haunted Churches in America” by Rain-Screaming-For-Horror, posted at Vocal.Media:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8we2se“Benny Binion, The Nice Guy Brute” by Melissa Sartore for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4rczaf27=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: December, 2021EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/StGermain

What started as a late-night fishing trip turned into a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity lurking in the mist, leaving four boys to question what truly waits in the dark. What do you say when meeting an extraterrestrial?IN THIS EPISODE: Three boys fishing in the middle of the night hear a blood-curdling scream. But it wasn't a human making all that noise – it was an extraterrestrial. And thus began a series of meetings with alien beings! (What Do You Say When Meeting An Extraterrestrial?) *** A day of hilarity turns into a day of horror as an uncontrollable fire breaks out at the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus – resulting in the most deadly circus disaster in history. (The Day The Clowns Cried) *** Most ghosts and specters do a great job of scaring the pants off you – and some can get creative with how they do it, with stacking chairs, making toys talk, slamming doors, etc. But apparently not all spooks are worried about their reputation – and when it comes to haunting, they just phone it in, doing the bare minimum. (Lazy Phantasms)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:01:57.512 = Lazy Phantasms00:12:36.744 = What Do You Say When Meeting An Extraterrestrial?00:42:01.475 = The Day The Clowns Cried00:51:54.778 = Show Close, Verse, and Final Thought|SOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/BattleCreekBridgeAlien“What Do You Say When Meeting An Extraterrestrial?” from Anomalien.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/44h5ykk9“Lazy Phantasms” posted at Esoterx.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2y69m7hu“The Day The Clowns Cried” by Rachel Souerby for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4ek5rsup=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: November, 2021

Back in 1818, the same year *Frankenstein* hit the shelves, a Scottish professor named Andrew Ure decided to see if electricity could actually bring a dead body back to life—so he hooked up a freshly executed murderer to a current and watched in fascination as the corpse twitched, "breathed," and even made terrifying expressions that sent witnesses into a panic.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: In 1800s numerous scientists were trying to find the reason for life in the hopes of staving off death or even bringing the recently dead back to life. But in 1818 one scientist named Andrew Ure attempted to do even more – to bring the brain of dead human back into the living. And ironically, his experiments took place the very same year the novel “Frankenstein” was published. (The Real-Life Dr. Frankenstein) *** They say the family that plays together stays together… but does that also mean that the family that crimes together does time together? We'll look at a few true cases of parents committing crimes – and getting help from their children in doing so. (The Family That Preys Together) *** A hunter comes across a wild man in the woods… but what he hears from the humanoid doesn't sound like a man at all. (The Man I Saw Through My Night Vision Scope) *** What would you do if you showed up to work one morning and your employer asked you to help dispose of a dead body? Don't be so quick to say that would never happen. That's just one part of the story of one of the most notorious crimes of 19th century America – the murder of John Parkman. (Dr. Coolidge Settles a Debt) *** Skipping church to go fishing might get you more than just a guilty conscience – especially if you believe the strange story of the Lambton Worm. (The Legend of the Lambton Worm)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and excerpt from Mary Shelley's “Frankenstein”00:01:08.171 = Show Open00:03:24.522 = The Real-Life Dr. Frankenstein00:11:41.825 = The Family That Preys Together00:31:45.825 = The Man I Saw Through My Night-Vision Scope00:39:52.642 = Dr. Coolidge Settles a Debt00:50:02.247 = Legend of the Lambton Worm00:58:32.817 = Show Close, Verse, and Final Thought SOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/RealFrankenstein“The Family That Preys Together” by Chrys for ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2sv76asj“The Real-Life Dr. Frankenstein” by Rachel Souerbry for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4pevzd6e“Dr. Coolidge Settles a Debt” from Strange Company: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/7tpj8wmv“The Man I Saw Through My Night Vision Scope” from PerpetualConnection: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4e6nrd3h“The Legend of the Lambton Worm” by Brent Swancer for Mysterious Universe: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/52t8cfnc=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: November 09, 2021

Janet Wishart proudly lived as a feared witch in Aberdeen, casting curses and chaos until the flames took her.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: Janet Wishart loved practicing her evil Satanic magic – and equally loved boasting about it; something you really shouldn't do if you happen to live in the days of the Great Scottish Witch Hunt. (Janet Wisharts's Witchy Ways) *** Have you ever seen the movie “Going In Style” about some retired elderly men deciding to do one last robbery just to see if they had the stuff? Whether you watched the 1979 original or the 2017 remake, the premise is hilarious and fun. But apparently several men in 2015 decided to do it for real – and almost walked away with $200-million in cash and jewels! (The Grandpa Gang Jewel Robbery) *** The encounter of Gerry Anderson is one of the most intriguing claims of alien abduction in the United Kingdom. Not least as he wouldn't fully recall the incident that occurred in the early 1950s when he was a 12-year-old boy until decades later under hypnotic regression. (The Alien Abduction of Gerry Anderson) *** In November, 1980 the MGM Grand in Las Vegas caught fire, claiming numerous lives. Decades later we learn what went wrong, how it can be avoided in the future, and we hear the haunting details of what happened during the fire – as well as the hauntings that are taking place even now so many years later. (A Grand Fire in Las Vegas)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:02:25.533 = Janet Wishart's Witchy Ways00:11:05.062 = The Grandpa Gang Jewel Robbery00:32:51.530 = Alien Abduction of Gerry Anderson00:41:24.609 = A Grand Fire in Las Vegas00:56:00.107 = Show Close 00:56:45.417 = Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/JanetWishart“Janet Wisharts's Witchy Ways” from Strange Company: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4rakh24p“The Grandpa Gang Jewel Robbery” by Laura Allan for Unspeakable Times: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yuu3bxnc, and Jon Rogers for The Sun: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/27esvy74“The Alien Abduction of Gerry Anderson” by Marcus Lowth for UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2zznednd“A Grand Fire in Las Vegas” by Rachel Souerbry for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/fwzhe9js, Vegas.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/z7krdayv, VegasForAll.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2hj566nw, and TripAdvisor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3vez7tvm, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/u5k8f8cj=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March 13, 2023

Send us a textBlast off into the strange world of space-bound critters with Wildly Curious! In this episode, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole uncover the bizarre true story of Félicette—the first (and only) cat launched into space. From rigorous astronaut training (including high-G centrifuge spins) to a suborbital flight with no windows, Félicette's journey was as weird as it was historic.Why did France decide to send a stray tuxedo cat into the cosmos? What did scientists hope to learn? And how does Félicette's story compare to other space animals like Laika? With a mix of humor and deep dives into science history, this episode explores one of the most unexpected tales of the space race.Whether you're a space buff, science enthusiast, or just love a wild story, this episode has something for everyone!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

Happy Valentine's Day, history besties! Whether you're blissfully in love, dodging dating apps like a pro, or just here for the weird history (respect ✊), this episode is for you. We're diving deep into history's strangest, grossest, and most WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT aphrodisiacs and ancient booty calls. Spoiler: some people really went to extreme lengths to set the mood.

Centuries ago, fear and superstition led to bizarre and cruel witch trials, where the accused faced impossible tests—from floating in water to being weighed against Bibles—that often sealed their grim fate.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: We've all heard of the Salem Witch Trials – but accusations of witchcraft took place everywhere, not just Massachusetts. But who were these individuals, and were they guilty of what they were convicted of and killed for? (People Killed As Witches) *** Of course, not all those charged with witchcraft died in the 1600s during the witch trial mania – some died much much later, like the 21st century. Yes, it still happens even today. (Modern Witch Killings) *** The ways witches were tested during the mass hysteria of the witch trials resulted in some bizarre and cruel ways to determine if someone was a witch. And I'd bet most all of us would be deemed witches if forced to take the tests today. (How To Test a Witch) *** But before we get into the people who were accused, the tactics used to test them or make them confess, and how many of them were killed, we'll look at some of the misconceptions of the Salem Witch Trials that you probably think are true. (Salem Witch Trial Misconceptions)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Lead-In00:01:18.072 = Show Open00:03:18.930 = Salem Witch Trial Misconceptions00:12:12.186 = People Killed As Witches00:27:10.456 = How To Test a Witch00:37:01.292 = Modern Witch Killings00:49:07.677 = Show Close00:49:50.614 = Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com: https://weirddarkness.com/WouldYouBeCondemnedAsAWitch“Witch's Brew” poem: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/n7p3j8us“Salem Witch Trial Misconceptions” by Tamar Altebarmakian for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/57ah3yw5“How To Test a Witch” by Tamar Altebarmakian for Ranker's Witchcraft: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/34vsfs9r“People Killed As Witches” by Laura Allan for Ranker's History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3pejpv5c“Modern Witch Killings” by Greg Beneven for Ranker's History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/rafzhksz=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: Marcy 04, 2023TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckhpvmz

Lewis & Clark: Mapping the West, Bedding the BestHow the Corps of Discovery paddled their way up Coochie Creek.Episode Summary: Think Lewis & Clark were just noble explorers charting the wilderness? Think again. While the Corps of Discovery mapped new lands, they also explored forested ravines (wink wink), spreading their “big medicine” across the continent. From spiritual sex ceremonies to questionable medicine (hello, penis syringes!), this episode uncovers the raunchy reality behind one of America's greatest expeditions.Mentioned in This Episode:Lewis & Clark's original journalsAccounts from the Nez Perce and Mandan tribesThe history of syphilis treatments (spoiler: they were horrifying)Love the Show? Support Us!

In the summer of 1963, a mysterious crater, eerie lights, and a baffling military response turned the quiet town of Charlton, England into the center of a UFO controversy that still refuses to be neatly explained.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: Did someone steal from you? There's an ancient curse for that. A rival stressing you out? There's a curse for that, too. As it turns out, cursing one's adversaries is pretty timeless, and I'll share a few real curses you might consider using against your own enemies.  (Curses To Use Against Your Foes) *** “I never would have believed that Viola could do such a thing. She never had much to say and always did what she was told. She went to church regular, loved gospel music and was a hard worker.” That's what one of Viola Hyatt's relatives said after she committed a bloody double murder. (The Alabama Ax Murderess) *** In the early morning hours of July 16th, 1963 a Charlton police officer gasped at the sight of an orange light streaking across the sky. At the same time, a farmer heard a loud boom in the distance. Then several hours later another man found a huge crater near his farm. Was the Charlton crater UFO incident a genuine alien landing, or an elaborate hoax? (The Charlton UFO Landing Site)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:02:16.139 = The Charlton UFO Landing Site00:15:52.039 = The Alabama Ax Murderess00:40:40.849 = Curses To Use Against Your Foes00:50:45.136 = Show Close00:51:16.462 = Verse and Final Thought 00:51:53.318 = BloopersSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com: https://weirddarkness.com/CharltonCrater“Was The Charlton Crater UFO Incident a Genuine Alien Landing, or An Elaborate Hoax” by Marcus Lowth for UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4trx23tm“Curses To Use Against Your Foes” by Melissa Sartore for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/k2pjf83x“The Alabama Ax Murderess” by Elton Camp for WritingRoom.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4t5ej7cz=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: February 24, 2023TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2hs26pkt

Hogging The Headlines: The Pig Wars

At the stroke of midnight on the second Monday of each month, the blood-soaked ghost of Old Red Face and his mourning wife emerge from the ruins of Rollesby Hall to relive a tale of murder, tragedy, and eternal unrest.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: One of the most intriguing Hopi legends involves the ant people, who were crucial to the Hopi's survival, not just once, but twice. We know this from the cave drawings they left behind. But who or what exactly were the ant people? (The Ant People and the Anunnaki) *** The red-faced ghost of Rollesby comes with an an identity crisis. People aren't sure if the bloody face they see is the ghost of a murderer - or a victim of murder. (The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby) *** A woman is scared senseless when someone visits her home during a rainstorm… but it's not just any passerby. (The Faceless Girl In The Striped Dress) *** One thing people just cannot seem to resist is a challenge – doubly so if you happen to be of the criminal persuasion. If they're told a place is impregnable, it makes it an almost irresistible challenge. (Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable) *** Joachim Kroll, the "Ruhr Cannibal," terrorized West Germany for over 20 years, eating the flesh of his victims because "meat was expensive." (The Duisburg Man Eater) *** It is said that the Vatican is holding manuscripts that hold details about ancient races of man that used to populate the Americas – powerful rulers from the south, described as having white beards, and red eyes. Who could these people have been – and where have they gone? (The Mystery of the Ancient White-Bearded Red-Eyed Rulers) *** We all know the Nazis inflicted terror and death upon innocent people during WWII – but many don't know just how horrifying the treatment was, particular the experiments they conducted on living prisoners. (Horrifying Nazi Experiments)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:03:08.358 = The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby00:06:49.954 = The Faceless Girl in the Striped Dress00:11:26.640 = Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable00:23:16.463 = The Duisburg Man-Eater00:34:01.423 = The Ant People And The Anunnaki00:42:56.812 = The Mystery of the Ancient White Bearded, Red-Eyed Rulers01:01:15.060 = Horrifying Nazi Experiments01:13:28.572 = Show Close & BloopersSOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby” by Stacia Briggs and Sofia Connor for Weird Norfolk: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2djct9nz“The Faceless Girl In The Striped Dress” posted at YourGhostStories.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ezbspc57“Horrifying Nazi Experiments” by Jacob Shelton for Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/m5ddb6pk“Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable” by Megan Summers for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4rmjf6n3“The Duisburg Man Eater” by Emily Stringer for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/jj6wx74“The Ant People and the Anunnaki” posted at Alien-UFO-Sightings: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/rpfncw“The Mystery of the Ancient White Bearded, Red-Eyed Rulers” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ukvebb2t, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2ax8cmfm, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/nz8de5dt,https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2szdtzxkWeird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.= = = = =Originally aired: August 11, 2021SOURCES PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/RollesbyHauntingTRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5n8hkws2

Think vampires are just spooky fun from movies and books? Wait until you hear about the real-life people who took their bloodthirsty obsession way too far.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: If you're a fan of U.S. History, you might already know that camels once roamed the American Southwest – brought to Texas by the military because they'd be perfect for the desert climate. But once it was all over a legend remained… a terrifying one. (The Red Ghost of Arizona) *** Just because an official government report is released about a UFO sighting or incident doesn't mean that Ufologists and researches are going to accept those findings – or the story the government tells. Thus is the case with a UFO incident in 1952 outside of Tokyo at the Haneda Air Force Base. (The Heneda Incident) *** When it comes to horror and fantasy, you'd be hard-pressed to find something more dangerous or terrifying than the vampire. Skulking around at night, feeding off the blood of the living, shapeshifting into a wolf or bat, hypnotic powers… it's creepy stuff. Good thing it's just fiction. But when you discover criminals in our actual world who think they are vampires – that horror and danger becomes all too real. (Real Life Vampiric Villains)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Cold Open00:01:47.329 = Show Intro00:04:22.387 = The Heneda Incident00:15:01.986 = Real Life Vampiric Villains (Title Story)00:37:54.084 = Red Ghost of Arizona00:46:31.436 = Show CloseSOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Heneda Incident” by Marcus Lowth for UFOInsight.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4xfsnzxpBOOK: Unexplained Mysteries of the 20th Century by Janet and Colin Bord: https://amzn.to/2UbRK6p“Real Life Vampiric Villains” by Amy Robleski for Ranker's Unspeakable Times: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/wamwxb35“The Red Ghost of Arizona” by Rachel Souerby for Ranker's Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ftcv6tdWeird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.= = = = =Originally aired: January 02, 2019SOURCES PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/VampireMurderersTRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/d87n2mru

Balding blues? Magic pills? Mouse juice? Michael Regilio untangles the hairy history of vanity products on this week's Skeptical Sunday! Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by skeptic, comedian, and podcaster Michael Regilio! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Hair loss treatments have evolved from ancient Egyptian mouse-grinding adventures to modern pharmaceutical solutions like minoxidil and finasteride — though these modern miracles come with some rather unsettling side effects, from growing unwanted breasts to potentially losing interest in, well, everything. Vanity-boosting discoveries often happen through delightfully accidental means — minoxidil started as an ulcer medication, while finasteride's development stems from studying a fascinating genetic condition in a Dominican Republic village where some children experience dramatic physical changes at puberty. Collagen supplements, while sounding like a smoothie made from the entire barnyard, actually show promising results for skin elasticity and cardiovascular health — though their benefits for hair and nails remain unproven despite widespread marketing claims. Teeth whitening has a rather colorful history, from ancient Romans' creative use of public urine collections (yes, really) to modern peroxide-based treatments, which thankfully carry far fewer risks than their historical counterparts. The most empowering approach to appearance-related concerns might be the one suggested by an 18th-century British newspaper: the best cure for something like baldness is simply not being bothered by it. This mindset doesn't just save money and avoid side effects — it offers a path to genuine self-acceptance that no bottle, cream, or ground-up mouse could ever provide. Sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is simply rock what we've got. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with Michael Regilio at Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! Full show notes and resources can be found here:

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: (Christmas archives episode from December 13, 2020): We'll look at some of the history of Santa and his cohorts – and how they have all not been as jolly as we know them now. (And You Thought You Knew About Santa) *** And I'll tell you an Icelandic Christmas story that is so creepy that the government was forced to censor it. (The Icelandic Yule Brothers) *** But first, Christmas parties are a time for joy, laughs, and family. A time to be shared with the ones you love. But sometimes, the ones who love us, have a different, more sinister plan. That was the case of Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, the Killer Santa. We begin with that story. (Bruce Jeffrey Pardo: The Killer Santa) *** (Originally aired December 13, 2020)SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…“And You Thought You Knew About Santa” by Troy Taylor: https://tinyurl.com/y63nbyqz“Bruce Jeffrey Pardo: The Killer Santa” from The Scare Chamber: https://tinyurl.com/yxd8rvre“The Icelandic Yule Brothers” by Eris Wisti for Ranker's Weird History: https://tinyurl.com/y37coytcVisit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsorsJoin the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateAdvertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. Background music provided by Alibi Music Library, EpidemicSound and/or StoryBlocks with paid license. Music from Shadows Symphony (https://tinyurl.com/yyrv987t), Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ) Kevin MacLeod (https://tinyurl.com/y2v7fgbu), Tony Longworth (https://tinyurl.com/y2nhnbt7), and Nicolas Gasparini (https://tinyurl.com/lnqpfs8) is used with permission of the artists.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =OTHER PODCASTS I HOST…Paranormality Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =https://weirddarkness.com/christmas-tale-so-scary-the-country-censored-it/

What a tale I have for you today! In 1518, a very peculiar form of madness fell over the people of the city of Strasbourg (modern day France) in the Holy Roman Empire. People started... dancing. A lot of people. As in hundreds. And out in public in full view of anyone who wanted to watch! And many of them only stopped when they died. They literally danced themselves to death. What happened and why??? For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamIN THIS EPISODE: We have all been guilty of wishing we had more money coming in. Some people go out and get a second job. Others look at what they have to sell online, or look at what skills they have to offer to the public that they could charge money for. Or you can go the route of Georgia Tann – her entrepreneurial spirit brought her millions of dollars. And it was a simple idea. Steal other people's children, and then sell them! (How To Get Rich By Stealing and Selling Children) *** We'll look at some historic serial murderers and the strange and unusual ways they killed their victims. (Strange Predilections in Murder Methods) *** When it comes to planning the burial of someone, it's always best to to keep in mind that whomever is watching how you treat the deceased might be in charge of deciding what happens to you when you die. Sadly, one undertaker, Millard F. Rodgers, apparently forgot about the golden rule – and committed gruesome acts against families. (Six Children, One Grave) *** Residents in the town of Blakeney are reporting something horrifying prowling around the neighborhood and backyards… something they describe as a devil dog… a hell hound… a black shuck. (The Black Shuck of Blakeney)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:02:37.449 = Strange Predilections in Murder Methods00:17:07.667 = How To Get Rich By Stealing And Selling Children00:32:57.699 = Six Children, One Grave00:39:06.735 = The Black Shuck of Blakeney00:45:47.713 = Show CloseSOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Strange Predilections in Murder Methods” by Carissa Chesanek for Ranker's Unspeakable Times:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/zy3t5c5j“Six Children, One Grave” by Chris Woodyard for The Victorian Book of the Dead website: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/w62bu858“How To Get Rich By Stealing and Selling Children” by Noelle Talmon for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/jcenv8y5“The Black Shuck of Blakeney” by Stacia Briggs and Siofra Connor for Eastern Daily Press: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/24wtnfweWeird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.= = = = =Originally aired: April 21, 2021CUSTOM LANDING PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/UnusualMurderTechniques