Episode 195: Macabre – The Dechmont Woods Incident

In November, 1979, Robert Taylor, forestry worker and WWII veteran, experienced something terrifying in a clearing in the woods of Livingston, outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. This is perhaps the only UFO encounter formally investigated by police. Could there have been a reasonable explanation for what Bob Taylor experienced that day? Tell us what you think. 

Episode 194: Macabre – Scary Tales

Is Hänsel & Gretel based on real historical events? Was Little Red Riding Hood once a way darker story? nd how did a cursed frog truly turn back into the prince? Today Johanna tells us just how horrifyingly gruesome these original tales were. Don’t let your kids listen to these old school fairy tales!

Episode 192: Murder – The Pembroke Tragedy

Today we discuss the terrible, story of Charles Ayer, family annihilator. What led up to that snowy New Hampshire day in January, 1906 that would leave 8 members of a family dead?  We’ll tell you everything we know about this tragedy.

Episode 190: Natascha Kampusch (part II)

Today Johanna continues the story of the abduction of 10 year old Natascha Kampusch on her walk to school in Vienna, Austria. We discuss her prison, her captor, and her daring escape after being held captive for 8 long years.

Episode 189: Natascha Kampusch (part I)

In 1998 the abduction of 10 year old Natascha Kampusch while on her way to school in Vienna, Austria stunned residents of this normally safe community. Today Johanna tells Annie the early life of Natascha and of her kidnapper, Wolfgang Přiklopil. 

Episode 188: Fresh Hell Pet Wall of Fame (Dog Edition)

In today’s more lighthearted episode, we look back at two of the most infamous dogs in history. Greyfriar’s Bobby, Edinburgh Scotland’s most loyal dog, a Terrier who rests beside his beloved human in the stunningly spooky Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. Also, Smoky, the ’Yorkie Doodle Dandy, ‘ whose mysterious appearance in a foxhole during World War II... Continue Reading →

Episode 184: The Beelitz Heilstätten (part II)

Today we return to the Beelitz Heilstätten, once a state of the art hospital dedicated to the care of those with tuberculosis, today it is perhaps one of the most haunted locations in Europe. Johanna discusses and debunks (when possible), the claims of Nazi experiments at the site, and tales of bizarre and terrifying paranormal... Continue Reading →

Episode 183: The Beelitz Heilstätten (part I)

How did the Beelitz Heilstätten go from a state of the art, self sufficient paragon of modern Tiberculosis treatment to one of the most haunted buildings in Europe (allegedly)?Today Johanna tells us about the history of this building, and some of the infamous figures it helped save. Next week, the many horrors that followed…

Episode 181: Murder – Bertha Schippan

Today we discuss the tragic and gruesome death of 14 year old Johanne Elizabeth "Bertha" Schippan. The youngest daughter of German immigrants who settled in Towitta, South Australia and practiced their Lutheran faith, in this remote landscape. This untimely death is still unsolved, and the clues left behind are truly baffling. In a shocking twist,... Continue Reading →

Episode 178: Murder – The Ashland Tragedy (part I)

In the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, 1881, a terrible fire devastated the community of Ashland, Kentucky. But their sorrow turned to outrage when they realized three teenagers had not perished tragically in a fire, but had been the victims of something much more sinister…

Episode 177: Mystery: The Hotel del Coronado (part II)

In Part 2 Annie discusses the theories of who the woman found dead at the Hotel Del Coronado might be, based on what little evidence we have. Lottie Bernard? Lizzie Wylie? Kate Morgan?  Someone else, entirely? Some of the impressive paranormal activity at the hotel is also discussed.

Episode 175: Murder – Lowell Lee Andrews

Today we discuss Lowell Lee Andrews- a bright university student, and beloved son of a happy family living in Kansas. On Thanksgiving day, 1958, he murdered his father William, his mother Opal, and his sister, Jennie Marie, for reasons sure to infuriate you as much as they do us. 

Episode 172: Have You Checked the Candy?

Today we discuss how the idea of tainted Halloween candy became such a popular urban legend, and how a few specific terrible incidents have fueled this myth over the decades. First, a woman who snapped after too many teenagers rang her bell, and second we discuss the truly terrible story of the death of 8... Continue Reading →

Episode 170: The Poltergeist Curse

To begin spooky season, we discuss the alleged curse of the hit horror film Poltergeist. With ghastly rumors and more than one tragic death, there is plenty of fuel for the curse theory…but was there really a curse? You decide… E170: The Poltergeist Curse

Episode 165: Murder – Nell Cropsey (part II)

Today we discuss the trial, the contents of a very mysterious letter, various theories and rumors surrounding the case. We’ll also touch on the ghost of Nell, who may haunting the house near the river, where she had been so happy. E165: Nell Cropsey (part II)

Episode 158: The Göhrde Murders (part I)

Johanna tells Annie about the very creepy and disturbing Göhrde murders which took place in Germany in the late 1980s. Who was murdering couples, and was there a connection to a similar case that took place in Wales? Listen to this episode to hear about the horrible murders of Peter & Ursula Reinold, Ingrid Warmbier... Continue Reading →

Episode 154: Mystery – The 27 Club (part I)

Today we discuss the lives and deaths of Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues, and Brian Jones, founding member of The Rolling Stones. Did Robert Johnson make a deal with the Devil at the crossroads? Did Brian Johnson truly die of misadventure, or was there a more sinister explanation for his untimely death? Join... Continue Reading →

Episode 153: What a Time to be Alive

Today we discuss some of the worst times in history to be alive. From massive volcanic eruptions, and the "Year Without a Summer", to smallpox toppling empires-join us as we discuss periods in history that were quite a time to survive.  E153

Episode 152: Macabre – The Highgate Vampire

Highgate Cemetery in London, once the resting place for wealthy Victorian families, was the scene for the biggest Vampire hunt in Great Britain in the 20th century. This story has everything: Victorian tombs, apparitions, vampires, magic duels, voodoo dolls, headless bodies and a lifelong feud. E152: The Highgate Vampire

Episode 149: Murder – Malvina Krutz

We discuss a brazen murder in Indianapolis, that was overshadowed by the capture of Charles Starkweather on the same day. Annie discusses the chilling and still unsolved case of Malvina Krutz. This tragic and unsettling unsolved murder of loving mother, in her own home, in broad daylight in 1958 has both of us wondering who... Continue Reading →

Episode 147: The Chateau Marmont (part I)

In part one of two, we discuss the history of this iconic Los Angeles ‘home away from home’ for Hollywood’s elite, and talk about the hotel's connection to the original blonde bombshell, Jean Harlow, and the infamous eccentric billionaire, Howard Hughes. E147: Chateau Marmont I

Episode 146: Murder – Sarah Ware

Today Annie takes us to Maine, where the founding of Bucksport, and the cursed tomb of Col. Jonathan Buck are discussed, as is the case of the 1898 murder of Sarah Ware, whose tragic unsolved murder may explain the ghost haunting Silver Lake. E146: Sarah Ware

Episode 145: Macabre – Quicksand

As children many of us believed quicksand was a common peril, but how common is quicksand, really? How does it work? How often does it kill, and how do you actually die? Most importantly, what do you do if YOU find yourself in quicksand? Those questions will be answered in this episode. E145: Quicksand

Episode 143: The Fox Sisters (part II)

Today we finish our discussion on the Fox Sisters, their lives, loves and deaths, as well as how the new religion of spiritualism was shaped in New York's Western frontier. Were the sisters truly able to contact spirits on the side, or was it one of the greatest hoaxes of the Victorian era? E143: The... Continue Reading →

Episode 142: The Fox Sisters (part I)

Today we discuss the Fox Sisters, two young mediums whose abilities to commune with the dead sparked the modern spiritualist movement in Western New York in the mid 1800s. Today we discuss their early history. Also discussed is the tragic death of Benjamin Pierce, and the shadow it cast upon his father, 14th President of... Continue Reading →

Episode 141: Murder – Anna Augustin

Johanna tells Annie about a lesser known, but shockingly tragic Austrian case-the brutal murder of Anna Augustin by Josefine Luner. A young woman learns that sometimes the darkest, most deprived minds are hiding behind mansion walls… E141: Anna Augustin

Episode 140: The Kelly Hopkinsville Encounter

On a hot night in the summer of 1955, a family on a farm in rural Kentucky was terrorized by small, glowing, pointy eared creatures. Sometimes referred to as the Hopkinsville Goblins or the Kelly Green Men, Annie discusses the events of this harrowing close encounter. E140: The Kelly Green Men

Episode 139: The Kidnapping of Frank Shirley

For many, Christmas is a special time to spend with loved ones. Making new memories preparing food, wrapping gifts, and festively decorating the home for the holidays.But for some, the pressure to host a perfect family Christmas celebration can push one to the breaking point. Frank Shirley was the unfortunate victim of such a man.... Continue Reading →

Episode 137: Marguerite de Carrouges

In the midst of the 100 years war a woman is determined to fight the men who wronged her, even if it could cost her her life. Annie is back and this week the both are telling you all about Marguerite and Jean de Carrouges. E137: Marguerite de Carrouges

Episode 136: Murder – Ulrich Nacken

A young man spends a fun night at a discotheque, but he will never return home alive again. What happens in this cold January night is a senseless crime and a more senseless death. Johanna tells you about the murder of Ulrich Nacken, that teaches us all a lesson in civil courage! E136: Ulrich Nacken

Episode 129: Macabre – Urban Legends

Today we’re talking about Urban Legends…the lies we tell for the thrill of a scare. Annie & Johanna share the creepiest, most hair raising tales of terror from around the world for the first episode in the spookiest month. So sit back, relax…and don’t forget to check the backseat! E129: Urban Legends

Episode 128: Murder – Katharina Fellner

In the summer of 1928 workers find the burning body of a woman in a Viennese park. Who is the victim and who murdered her? And is this really an unsolved case? This week Johanna tells you the story of Katharina Fellner who was murdered at the Lainzer Tiergarten. E128: Katharina Fellner

Episode 127: Jack the Snipper

In early 1917, the people of Wilkes-Barre, PA were terrified by a attacker who was stalking young women and cutting off locks of their hair. Fear turned to hysteria as young women and girls received terrifying letters warning them they would be next, their hair often cut at the scalp. Would police catch the person responsible... Continue Reading →

Episode 126: Murder – Mary Catherine Edwards

Mary Catherine Edwards was a beautiful, beloved second grade teacher. Her brutal murder in 1995 was devastating for her friends and family, and shocked her hometown Beaumont, Texas. The case was cold for 26 years until just recently, when a DNA match through an ancestry site gave detectives their first lead.  This episode is sponsored... Continue Reading →

Episode 125: Murder – Grace Mae Brown

Grace Mae Brown was the bright beautiful daughter of a family who ran a dairy farm in South Otselic, NY. Today Annie tells us about her cold blooded murder in the beautiful Adirondacks, and the sensational trial that followed.  Outro: Arthur Collins "Bill Baley, Won't You Please Come Home?" (1902)

Episode 124: Murder – Pauline Picard

In the Spring of 1922, a family living on a picturesque farm in France was devastated when their lovely 2 year old daughter went missing one day, in broad daylight. A month later the grieving family had a visit from the police who came with a photograph and news that their daughter had been found... Continue Reading →

Episode 117: St. Stephen’s Cathedral

We have a lot of differences, but we both love the beauty, art, architecture and macabre aspects that come when visiting a historic place of worship, and today Johanna tells Annie about the famous St. Stephen’s cathedral in Vienna. This magnificent building’s mosaic tile roof might first catch your eye, but join us as Johanna... Continue Reading →

Episode 116: Reincarnation

Today we discuss two cases of Reincarnation that we find particularly compelling.A child in America with memories of his death as a navy pilot in World War 2 is discussed, as well as the story of a woman from the, UK who used hypnosis to help retrieve childhood memories, and track down the surviving children... Continue Reading →

Episode 115: Murder – Lucie Berlin

Johanna tells Annie about the devastating and infuriating murder of 8 year old Lucie Berlin. The trial was also notable, as some of the blood evidence presented in court was a first in the history of forensics E115: Lucie Berlin

Bonus: Lady of the Dunes Follow Up feat. Crimelines

We are back, this week with a bonus episode. Annie had the great pleasure to be a guest on Crimelines, True Crime. Charlie and Annie talk about the new developments in the mysterious case of the Lady of the Dunes. Will we soon learn the true identity of this unforgotten Jane Doe?

Episode 111: Things That Make You Go HMMM

This week we take a look at some of the lighter spookier coincidences we know of.  Did Mark Twin predict his own death?  What are the coincidences between Lincoln & Kennedy? How does nature vs. nurture play a role in the story of the Jim Twins? Can Sir Anthony Hopkins please confirm a rumor about his role... Continue Reading →

Episode 110: Mystery – The Beast of Gévaudan

This week Johanna tells Annie the story of the Beast of Gévaudan, who is thought to be responsible for over 100 deaths. But what, or who, was this creature that haunted the remote French region in the middle of the 18th century? E110: The Beast of Gévaudan

Episode 109: Murder – Grayce Asquith

Known as the ‘Merry Widow of Weymouth,’ by the police who were occasionally called to end parties, Grayce Asquith was a woman who had survived a lot of loss, but had found happiness again, only to be brutally murdered and dismembered, at the age of 41.John Lyons, the man she intended to marry, was missing,... Continue Reading →

Episode 103: Mathias Kneißl

Johanna tells Annie the story of Mathias Kneißl, a Bavarian folk legend from the 1800’s. How did this accordion playing carpenter become a killer, and wanted man? Did he manipulate the system, or was he a victim of it?  E103: Kneißl

Episode 100: Happy 100th Episode

Today we’re celebrating our 100th episode by sharing some of your stories of murder, mystery and the macabre. CW: this episode touched on suicide, addiction, and other difficult topics, listener discretion is advised! E100

Episode 99: Murder – Sylvia Likens (part II)

Today we conclude the Sylvia Likens case by telling you about the abuse and torture she suffered during the weeks leading up to her death. We also discuss the trial that followed and the aftermath. This episode is particularly difficult to listen to! E99: Sylvia Likens II

Episode 97: Murder – Anna Regina Evans Skeeters

Annie tells Johanna about a long forgotten murder on the beautiful island of Bermuda. This is a tragic case of domestic abuse and murder, at the hands of her husband, Edward Skeeters...perhaps with a supernatural twist? You decide if it was coincidence or something unexplained that gave the lovely, kind Anna the justice she deserved,... Continue Reading →

Episose 96: Murder – Graeme Thorne

When the Thorne family, of Bondi, won the 10th Opera House lottery their lives changed overnight.  But instead of a dream come true that helped their hardworking family, the lotto win quickly became a nightmare when their 8 year old son, Graeme was taken on his way to school. The kidnapping of Graeme Thorne shocked... Continue Reading →

Episode 95: Murder – Hugo Schenk

Johanna takes Annie back to the Habsburg era, to discuss one of Austria’s serial killers, Hugo Schenk. This imposter, con-man and murderer was charming, brutal and ruthless, and he didn’t work alone. Most infuriating? His motive.       This eispde is sponsored by Best Fiends: http://www.bestfiends.com E95: Hugo Schenk

Episode 94: Macabre – In the Year 2020

In this episode we read back through some of the top headlines of 2020, most of which are...not good. We discuss some of the major events in a particularly awful year and conclude with some of the more interesting New year's traditions around the world. Join us and remember everything we survived this year E94:... Continue Reading →

Episode 93: Harold Lyme & Marvin Murchins

What started as a run of the mill burglary on Christmas Eve would end in one of the most violent attacks this small town in Illinois would ever witness. Soon the question would be: Who is the hunter and who is the prey?! Talking about children with violent tendencies is never easy, especially during the... Continue Reading →

Episode 91: Murder – The Lawson Family

It was on Christmas Day 1929, when Charles D. Lawson went on a 20 min killing spree, that resulted in the death of almost his entire family. What had caused this horrendous crime? This episode is sponsored by Best Fiends: www.bestfiends.com Outro: "The Murder of the Lawson Family" by Carolina Buddies E91: Lawson family

Episode 89: Madeleine McCann (part II)

Today Annie & Johanna conclude their discussion of the Madeleine McCann case. We travel from the UK to Portugal and finally to Germany, where Madeleine’s likely killer is behind bars for an unrelated crime. We discuss the ‘man’ the German authorities refer to as Christian B, his disturbing criminal past, and share our final thoughts... Continue Reading →

Episode 87: Murder – Ernst Karl

This week Johanna tells Annie about an Austrian police officer, forced to use his weapon on the job. But this was no simple officer involved shooting.  You will also learn, how this case ties in with last week's episode, the murder of Ilse Moschner. This story is sad and dark! Psychiatrische Soforthilfe für Wien (24h... Continue Reading →

Episode 86: Murder – Ilse Moschner

A woman finds a bundle of bones wrapped up in paper in a trash can and this starts one of the most horrible Austrian cases. Johanna tells Annie about the murder of a young woman by a man named Johann Rogatsch. Be warned: this is not for the faint of heart. E86: Ilse Moschner

Episode 85: Halloween Special

In this, our second annual Halloween episode, we share our own and our listener's stories of the unexplained, the weird, the inspiring, and of course, the spooky... Cover art: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels E85: Halloween2020

Episode 81: Austrian Ghost Stories

Beware! Spooky Fuckery Season is upon us and we decided to start off the month of October with a light hearted epsiode about Austrian Ghosts. Johanna talks about a White Lady and a Red Ivan, who both live at Burg Bernstein. She also tells the legend of a highway ghost, and about 3 famous ghosts,... Continue Reading →

Episode 80: Murder – Was it a Serial Killer (part II)

In the second part, Annie talks about the case, that started her research: ther murder of Josie Langmaid. Was her brutal death connected to the murders of the Fountie women and Marietta Ball? Was Joseph LaPage indeed a serial killer? Outro: Suncook Town Tragedy by Mabel Wilson Tatro E80

Episode 76: Macabre – The Empire State Building

Annie & Johanna discuss the weird, wonderful and often macabre history of the Empire State Building, including its record breaking construction, infamous and tragic suicides, the B-25 bomber crash, seances, and more. This episode will have you ready with disturbing facts to delight your friends and family with the next time you visit the Big... Continue Reading →

Episode 73: Neighbors Dearest

Johanna is back and tells Annie about an Austrian case from 2016. A fight between neighbors gone deadly. If you have information on the murder of Frauke Liebs, please visit Frauke-liebs.de E73: Neighbors

Episode 70: Ursula Herrmann

Today Johanna tells Annie the tragic and terrifying 1981 case of kidnapped 10 year old, Ursula Herrmann in Bavaria, Germany. What happened to this bright beautiful child on her way home from her cousin’s house, only a 15 minute bike ride? We’ll tell you everything. E70: Ursula Herrmann

Episode 67: Mystery – Asha Degree

In the early morning hours of Valentine's Day, 2000, a bright, beautiful 9 year old girl left her home, and walked out into a storm, never to be seen again. Today Annie tells Johanna about the mysterious disappearance of Asha Jaquilla Degree, who disappeared from her loving family in North Carolina twenty years ago. What... Continue Reading →

Episode 65: Murder – Gay Gibson

murder The murder of a young, beautiful aspiring stage actress, known as Gay Gibson, shocked post WWII England, and the tabloids were a welcome diversion from the austerity of England in the late 1940s, especially   due to the unusual circumstances of the case. The trial would be more about her past than her stolen future,... Continue Reading →

Episode 64: The Theft of the Saliera

In 2003 a precious sculpture was stolen from the Museum of Art History in Vienna. Was it a meticulously planned heist or was the thief just lucky? And what even is this world famous Saliera exactly, who was the man behind the master piece and how did it end up in Vienna in the first... Continue Reading →

Episode 63: Murder – Theresia Kandl

murder Today Johanna tells Annie about Theresia Kandl, an Austrian murderer, whose story has become almost legend through the years. Did a Theresia carry her dead husband halfway through Vienna? Did she have help? Are her remains really on display at the Kriminalmuseum? Join us as we discuss the life and death of an abused... Continue Reading →

Episode 62: St. Augustine & The Haunted Lighthouse

Annie tells Johanna some of the fascinating history of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. From the 'discovery,' and colonization of Florida by Spain's famed explorers, Juan Ponce de Leon and Pedro Menendez de Aviles, to the first Underground Railroad, of Native people helping escaped slaves find freedom in Fort Mose...through the... Continue Reading →

Episode 61: Mystery – Lars Mittank

In 2014 the 28 year old German tourist Lars Mittank disappears in Bulgaria and nobody knows what happened to him. What might have started with a fight between soccer fans ended in one of the most mysterious missing person cases. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Lars Mittank, please contact your local... Continue Reading →

Episode 59: Mothman & The Silver Bridge Collapse

In today's episode, we discuss the terrible tragedy of the Silver Bridge Collapse, and the local legend of the Mothman, the infamous cryptid who called Point Pleasant, West Virginia, home. What exactly was the Mothman? A monster, a mutant, or the most ineffienct harbinger of doom, ever? Let us know what you think! E59: Mothman

Episode 58: Two Tales of Isolation

This week we want to distract you with two stories of people, who had to suffer through months and years of loneliness, despair and isolation, but who never gave up hope and lived through it. Ada Blackjack and Lt. Onoda Hiroo had to adapt to extremely harsh living conditions, but they just kept going! Outro:... Continue Reading →

Episode 55: Murder – Eva Faschaunerin

murder In this episode we are taking you back to the year 1770, when an Austrian farmer's wife was set on trial for the murder of her husband. They had only been married for a little over a month. Eva Faschaunerin was the last victim of judicial torture in the Habsburg Monarchy. This episode is... Continue Reading →

Episode 53: Mystery – The Bennington Triangle

mystery Vermont is one of the most pastoral picturesque states in America, known for its covered bridges, cheese, stunning fall foliage, delicious maple syrup, winter sports, and a series of mysterious disappearances amd deaths in and around Bennington between 1945 and 1950. The Bennington Triangle is believed to be at the source of the mysterious... Continue Reading →

Episode 52: Mystery – The Enfield Poltergeist

mystery In 1977, the Enfield Poltergeist tormented a North London family and remains, arguably, the most documented poltergeist case to date. Flying LEGO’s and superheated marbles, levitation, apparitions... this case has everything! You voted for this topic for our 1st anniversary episode, so join us as we discuss our listener choice, The Enfield Poltergeist, the... Continue Reading →

Episode 50: Murder – Villisca (Part II)

murder In this episode we cover the terrible axe murder that put the small town of Villisca, Iowa on the map. We’ll discuss the murder that destroyed both the Moore family and the Stillinger family, and explore the clues left behind by the killer. We’ll talk about the most likely suspects, and try to decide whether... Continue Reading →

Episode 49: Murder – Villisca (Part I)

murder In 1911 and 1912 there was a series of murders, all near train tracks, through the Rocky Mountains region to the Midwest. Today we discuss these horrific crimes leading up to the axe murders in Villisca. Do you think they are all the same unknown serial killer?  This episode is sponsored by Podcorn. For more... Continue Reading →

Introducing – For Life: The Podcast

In 1991, Isaac Wright Jr. was wongfully convicted and faced a life in prison. But he kept going and fought for justice, not only for himself, but also for fellow inmates. After 7 years his charges were finally dismissed and Isaac Wright Jr. set out to study law and to become an advocate for people... Continue Reading →

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑