Best The Grim Curriculum Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 169: The Poisonous Legacy of Daisy de Melker 1:10:59

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6d ago1:10:59

1:10:59

This week on The Grim Curriculum, we’re exploring the chilling "old timey" true crime case of Daisy de Melker, South Africa’s infamous “Black Widow.” Born in 1886, Daisy’s life seemed ordinary at first but behind her string of marriages and inheritances lurked a far darker tale. From the suspicious deaths of her husbands to the tragic fate of her s…

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Extra Credit EP59: Bears, Brothers (Menendez), Brian (Kohberger) and a Cheese Factory Tragedy 27:19

12d ago27:19

27:19

It's Extra Credit time again, and we’re diving into another round of bizarre and fascinating stories. From a bear breaking into a California ice cream shop, to the ongoing parole hearings of the Menendez brothers, and Brian Kohberger's bad times in prison, there's plenty to unpack. We’ll also look at a dangerously misguided “catch a predator” vigil…

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Episode 168: Mary Toft - The Great Rabbit Hoax 42:48

14d ago42:48

42:48

This week on The Grim Curriculum, we’re diving into one of the strangest medical hoaxes in history — the case of Mary Toft. In 1726, this woman from Surrey, England, shocked the medical world with her claim that she had given birth to rabbits. Was she a cunning manipulator, a victim of her circumstances, or something in between? Join us as we unrav…

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EXTRA CREDIT EP58: Extremely Concerning, Particularly Peculiar Medical Case & Atomic Wedgie Gone (FAR) Too Far 33:47

26d ago33:47

33:47

First up, a Florida woman makes headlines after a violent confrontation — and then brags about it on Instagram Live. We’ll also tell you about another Florida woman who pulled off a case of identity theft with potentially deadly consequences, a man who injected himself with a rather unconventional substance (DEFINITELY DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME) to ea…

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Episode 167: The Infamous Cecil Hotel 44:54

29d ago44:54

44:54

This week on The Grim Curriculum, we’re (BRIEFLY) checking in to one of the most infamous addresses in Los Angeles; The Cecil Hotel. From its glamorous and bougie beginnings in the 1920s to its long, lonnnng, dark history of crime, tragedy, and mystery, this building has seen it all. We’ll explore some of the most notorious events linked to the Cec…

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Episode 166: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 3 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

In the final part of our Yorkshire Ripper series, we talk about the strange hoax tape that completely threw the investigation off track and gave Peter Sutcliffe more time to keep killing. We share how, in the end, it wasn’t a major task force that caught him but one officer following a gut feeling that finally led to Sutcliffe’s arrest. We also get…

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EXTRA CREDIT EP57: From Kohberger to Chainsaws - Grim Justice & Unusual Deaths 45:04

1M ago45:04

45:04

The Grim Curriculum: Extra Credit is where we set aside the syllabus and dig into true crime oddities, bizarre history, and the kinds of strange stories you can’t stop thinking about. This week, we’re covering Bryan Kohberger’s sentencing and the powerful victim impact statements from court, exploring the grim end of Canadian serial killer Robert "…

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Episode 165: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 2 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

In part 2, we are picking back up where we left off in our deep dive into the Yorkshire Ripper case. As Sutcliffe’s attacks became more frequent and brutal, the public response stayed disturbingly quiet, that is, until the murder of 16-year-old Jayne MacDonald. Because she didn’t fit the victim profile police had been focusing on, her death finally…

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Episode 164: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 1 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

It's the first instalment of our deep dive into the case of serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe, better known as the Yorkshire Ripper. We explore his childhood and early life, which to no one's surprise was abusive and strange. We also examine the social atmosphere in Yorkshire during his reign of terror, and the early attacks that set off a years-long …

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Episode 163: Extra Credit 56 - The Crossover Episode 37:45

2M ago37:45

37:45

We’re bringing you a mix of the bizarre, the brave, and the bleeding edge. We cover the strange and tragic case of a British woman who contracted rabies from a dog scratch abroad, spotlight the unforgettable life of LGBTQ icon, fashion trailblazer, and WWII war hero Bunny Roger, and dive into some mind-blowing advances in prosthetics and robotic sk…

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Episode 162: The Murder of Fanny Adams 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

Today we’re exploring one of the most heartbreaking and historically significant cases in British true crime and an Old Timey Crimey to boot. The 1867 murder of 8-year-old Fanny Adams. What began as an ordinary summer day in the quiet town of Alton quickly became a national nightmare, and the name “Fanny Adams” would go on to take on a haunting leg…

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Episode 161: MORE Lesser Known Cryptids 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

We’re back with even more cryptids you may not have heard of, but probably won’t forget. In this unofficial part two of our lesser known cryptid series (see Episode 149 for Part 1), we dive into the murky waters and wild folklore surrounding Mokele Mbembe, the NASA Gargoyle, the Mapinguari, and the absolutely baffling Trunko. From dinosaur sighting…

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Episode 160: The Hammersmith Ghost Murder Case 21:52

3M ago21:52

21:52

In 1804, fear of a ghost roaming Hammersmith’s streets led to a fatal mistake. A man was shot dead, and the case raised legal questions that still matter today. This is the true story of the Hammersmith Ghost murder. 👻⚖️ Come hang out with us on Youtube at out 12pm Premiere! https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrimCurriculum/videos Watch the video episode …

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Episode 159: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters -Part 3 37:12

3M ago37:12

37:12

In the final part of our series on Fred and Rose West, we cover the final crimes at 25 Cromwell Street and how it all began to unravel. Thanks in large part to the determined work of DC Hazel Savage, the truth finally came to light. We walk through their arrest, Fred’s death in custody, Rose’s trial, and what became of her in the years that followe…

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EXTRA CREDIT EP55: She Plotted, He Escaped, and Someone Else Just Needed a Dentist 24:07

3M ago24:07

24:07

In this Extra Credit episode, we’re covering a range of stories that caught our attention this week. We have an update about the sentencing of Victoria Goodwin, who tried to hire a hitman to kill her husband, Aaron Goodwin, of Ghost Adventures Fame. We also look at the case of Grant Harden, a former police chief convicted of murder and other just a…

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Episode 158: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters - Part 2 39:43

3M ago39:43

39:43

In Part 2 of our series on Fred and Rose West, we delve deeper into their twisted partnership and the horrors that took place inside 25 Cromwell Street, the so-called "boarding house of horrors." We explore how the couple lured their victims, often trolling local bus-stops, the escalating violence, and how one of their living victims came incredibl…

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Episode 157: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters - Part 1 38:43

3M ago38:43

38:43

This is the first episode of our series on Fred and Rose West and we're diving right in. This is one of the most disturbing and haunting cases in British true crime history. Fred and Rose weren’t just serial killers, they were a couple who committed their crimes together, turning their family home into a house of horrors. In part one, we are going …

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EXTRA CREDIT EP54: A Scandal in the Harvard Morgue & Can You Snowboard Down Mount Everest? 37:12

3M ago37:12

37:12

We are exploring some more true stories that are stranger than fiction, real-life horror plots, the ethics behind the Harvard morgue scandal, and the risks of snowboarding Everest. We also dig into a game-changing dinosaur discovery, the twisted tale of the Casanova Killer and his recent execution, and the ultra-rare old timey case of death by mete…

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Episode 156: Richard Chase - The Vampire of Sacramento - Part 2 35:53

4M ago35:53

35:53

In part two of our series on Richard Chase, we examine the tragic outcome of his untreated mental illness and escalating behavior. Over the course of just one month in early 1978, Chase took the lives of six random people in a series of deeply troubling acts. Thankfully, community members and law enforcement were able to come together to find the m…

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Episode 155: Richard Chase - The Vampire of Sacramento - Part 1 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

Before he became known as the “Vampire of Sacramento,” Richard Chase was a young man showing clear signs of severe mental illness and violent tendencies. We are starting this series tracing his early life; from a dysfunctional home and troubling teenage behavior, including animal cruelty and substance abuse, to his eventual diagnosis of paranoid sc…

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Extra Credit EP53: Stealing a Cannon to Pay for Your Debts & Legal Raccoon, Not So Legal...Substances 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

In this episode, Dina takes us through three unusual cases where methamphetamines and animals intersect in ways you truly wouldn't expect. One involves a cannon, another a raccoon, and the third features a cheeky corgi. You can guess for yourselves (or just listen to the episode, silly) which cases involve the meth. These stories highlight the biza…

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Episode 154: The Abduction of Travis Walton 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

We thought it was time for a UFO story and we are taking a wild ride into one of the most famous alien abduction stories out there: The Case of Travis Walton. Back in 1975, Travis vanished from an Arizona forest while working with a logging crew, only to reappear five days later with a bizarre tale of being taken aboard a UFO. We break down what ha…

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Episode 153: Andrea Yates 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

In this episode, we dive into the heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case of Andrea Yates, the Texas mother who drowned her five children in a bathtub in 2001. We explore the events leading up to that tragic day, including her struggles with severe postpartum mental illness, and examine how the legal system handled one of the most shocking materna…

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Extra Credit EP 52: Scott Peterson & The Innocence Project, Historical Case: Bertha Beronda & Las Vegas Vet Found Deceased in Lake Mead 40:19

4M ago40:19

40:19

This week, the title says it all... more or less. We’re not sure how we feel about Scott Peterson getting help from The Innocence Project, but we are definitely curious to see how it all plays out. Then, we throw it back to 1907 with the case of Bertha Beronda, the "old-timey Lorena Bobbitt," who made headlines after attacking her husband with a ra…

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Episode 152: Ed Kemper The Co-Ed Killer Part 3 33:33

4M ago33:33

33:33

After years of targeting young women, we watched Edmund Kemper’s story take a shocking turn when he murdered his own mother, Clarnell, and her friend, Sara Hallett. Ed staged it to look like a burglary gone wrong and fled to Colorado. Feeling the pressure, Kemper tried to turn himself in by calling the police multiple times, but at first, they did …

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Episode 151: Ed Kemper The Co-Ed Killer Part 2 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

Before the murder of his mother, Clarnell, Edmund Kemper targeted female college students in the Santa Cruz area. Between 1972 and early 1973, he murdered six young women, most of whom he picked up while they were hitchhiking. Kemper used his size, calm demeanor, and articulate speech to appear non-threatening. Once the victims were in his car, he …

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Extra Credit EP51: True Crime, Dire Wolves & How One Woman’s Art Cracked Over 1,200 Cases 35:17

5M ago35:17

35:17

From the latest Titanic documentaries to the science behind bringing extinct animals back to life (yep, we’re talking about the dire wolf!). We also get into some more intense true crime stories, including a heartbreaking murder committed by a 13-year-old girl in the UK. Things take a really cool turn when we talk about legendary forensic artist Lo…

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Episode 150: Ed Kemper The Co-Ed Killer Part 1 27:14

5M ago27:14

27:14

We told you we had BIG plans for episode 150. To kick off, we’re diving into the early life of Edmund Emil Kemper III. Long before the headlines and the horrifying crimes, there was a kid growing up in a deeply dysfunctional home. From a rocky relationship with his overbearing mother to some seriously disturbing behavior as a child, Kemper’s story …

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Episode 149: Lesser Known Cryptids 24:19

5M ago24:19

24:19

This week, we’re taking a break from our usual gruesome true crime tales to explore the weirder side of the unexplained! We've talked about many well known cryptids before but what about some of the lesser-known (and seriously bizarre) creatures out there, like the Underwater Abominable Snowman, the Dover Demon, the Snallygaster, and the Pope Lick …

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Extra Credit Episode 50: Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole, Hitmen Don't Solve Marital Issues & Yet Another Submarine Tragedy 34:01

5M ago34:01

34:01

It’s our 50th episode of Extra Credit and it's also our THIRD birthday! Not to mention we are just a couple of episodes away from 150 of The Grim Curriculum regular show. To celebrate, we’re diving into a mix of the strange, the shocking, and the downright bizarre (Let's be honest, this is really nothing new). We chat about Yolanda Saldívar’s denie…

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Episode 148: Ed Gein The Plain Field Butcher - Part 3 31:39

5M ago31:39

31:39

In this final part of our Ed Gein series, we dive into the disturbing discoveries made inside his "home of horrors" and follow the investigation that ultimately led to his arrest. We break down the details of his trial and explore the eerie legacy he left behind. We examine the impact Gein’s crimes had on society and still have, which is why his st…

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Episode 147: Ed Gein The Plainfield Butcher - Part 2 31:00

6M ago31:00

31:00

Things are unraveling fast for Ed Gein. With his entire family gone, most notably his domineering mother, Augusta, there’s no one left to rein in his descent into madness. And descend he does. In this episode, we explore the dark path Ed takes without his mother’s oppressive presence to keep him “on the straight and narrow.” His mental and physical…

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Extra Credit Episode 49: Haunted Houses & Fun Facts 31:04

6M ago31:04

31:04

This week Dina dives into the recent story of a man’s harrowing escape from allegedly horrific conditions at the hands of his stepmother. Plus, South Carolina has carried out its first firing squad execution in 15 years, reigniting debate around capital punishment. But don't worry, it’s not all heavy. We’re lightening things up with some fascinatin…

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Episode 146: Ed Gein: The Plainfield Butcher - Part 1 36:59

6M ago36:59

36:59

This episode kicks off our series on American murderer and grave robber Ed Gein. We delve into his troubled childhood and disturbing family life, discussing how his strict, overbearing mother, a deeply religious woman obsessed with sin and punishment, shaped his warped perception of the world. Isolation and an upbringing in an extremely dysfunction…

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Episode 145: Haunted Towns 34:12

6M ago34:12

34:12

We love ghosts around here and we especially love a haunted house but what about an entire haunted town? Well as it turns out the globe is riddled with haunted towns, cities and even islands. So today we ask you to join with us (mentally) on a trip to travel all over the planet to some of our favourite haunted destinations. Poveglia Close Up of Hos…

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Extra Credit EP 48: The “Estate Sale” That’s Gonna Haunt Dina for Decades, Menendez Bros Update, & a Jack the Ripper Breakthrough(?) 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

Dina kicks things off this episode with her account of a truly eerie experience at a sketchy "estate sale" that felt ripped straight from a horror movie. We also break down the latest updates in the Menendez brothers’ case and how a newly appointed Los Angeles County DA is likely going to make their fight for freedom a lot harder. The seemingly sus…

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Episode 144: The Twisted Obsession of Carl Tanzler 29:23

6M ago29:23

29:23

We are delving into one of history’s most bizarre and chilling true crime cases—the story of Carl Tanzler, a man whose creepy fixation led to a shocking crime. When 22 year old Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos succumbed to tuberculosis in 1931, Tanzler’s obsession took an even more disturbing turn. What followed was a ghastly tale of a crime so unsettl…

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Episode 143: Hybristophilia A.K.A. Bonnie & Clyde Syndrome 32:39

7M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode, we dive into the complex phenomenon of Hybristophilia—the attraction to criminals, particularly those who have committed heinous acts. Through case studies of infamous figures like Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez, we explore the psychological motivations behind this fascination, the allure of danger, and the often tragic consequences…

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Extra Credit Ep47: True Crime Papyrus & Poaching Sea Cucumbers 34:12

7M ago34:12

34:12

We've got ancient Roman tax fraud and why it's significant, A tragic story involving a very bad trip that ended in violence. Worry not though because we will bring you back up with the heartwarming story of Pelorus Jack. Tell YOUR stories on the next episode of Grim Encounters! Email us your strange, unusual or hair-raising experience to ⁠thegrimcu…

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Episode 142: Clara Phillips - The Tiger Woman 31:13

7M ago31:13

31:13

We have another Old Timey Hollywood case for you today. In 1922, Clara Phillips, known as the 'Tiger Woman,' was convicted of a shocking crime fueled by jealousy. Believing her husband was unfaithful, she lured and attacked 19 year old widow, Alberta Meadows. Her case became one of the most infamous true crime stories of the era, often being compar…

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Episode 141: Grim Encounters 7 29:21

7M ago29:21

29:21

It was about time we flipped the script again and told your stories on the show! We have some potential paranormal encounters, a near miss with a mountain lion and an unexpected run in with a car jacker and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Enjoy! (and remember you're a Womble) Tell YOUR stories on the next episode of Grim Encounters! Email us you…

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Extra Credit EP46: Along Came a Florida Woman & Disrespectful Courtroom Behaviour From David Misch 30:20

7M ago30:20

30:20

This edition of Extra credit includes a Florida woman caught with a very ironic tote bag, the disturbing courtroom behavior of convicted murderer, David Nish, and concludes with the tragic tale of a monkey named Jocko. Enjoy! We are hoping to do another Grim Encounters episode where we tell YOUR stories, very soon! Email us your strange, unusual or…

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Episode 140: The Ariel School UFO Incident 35:48

8M ago35:48

35:48

The Ariel School UFO incident occurred on September 16, 1994, near Ruwa, Zimbabwe, when 62 schoolchildren at the Ariel School reported seeing a UFO and strange beings. The children, aged 6 to 12, claimed a disc-shaped craft landed in a field near their school during morning break. They described humanoid figures with large eyes and black clothing w…

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EXTRA CREDIT EP45: Slenderman Update, the Malm Whale, & the Dangers of Segways & Steep Cliffs 40:13

8M ago40:13

40:13

In Episodes 124 and 125, we delved into the story of Slenderman, and now Dina brings us an update on the infamous Slenderman Stabbing case. Can you imagine someone declining to have their death sentence commuted? Believe it or not, two individuals have opted to remain on Death Row—at least for now. We also explore the chilling tale of the Malm Whal…

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Episode 139: The Sad & Tragic Tale of Topsy the Elephant 35:12

8M ago35:12

35:12

Topsy the Elephant is one of the more tragic figures in history, remembered for her death in 1903, which involved an early and controversial use of electricity. Topsy was executed on January 4, 1903. Her execution was part of a highly publicized event that was attended by spectators and filmed by the Edison Manufacturing Company. The short film, El…

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Episode 138: Who Killed Jon Benet Ramsey? Part 2 43:49

8M ago43:49

43:49

Over the years, numerous individuals have been suspected of committing this horrendous crime—some backed by compelling evidence, others even confessing to the act. Yet, the mystery of who is truly responsible for the death of JonBenét Ramsey remains unsolved. In this episode, we delve into the most popular theories surrounding this case, examining …

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Extra Credit 44: Richard Allen's Sentencing, California's Carnivorous Squirrels, & New Year thoughts 30:37

8M ago30:37

30:37

Happy New Year Everyone! In this episode, we bring you a true crime update with the sentencing of Richard Allen. Don't worry—we’ve kept things fairly lighthearted for most of the show! We share some New Year’s reflections, talk about the games we’ve been enjoying over the holiday season, and dive into a couple of bizarre animal stories—one involvin…

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Episode 137: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey - Part 1 49:31

9M ago49:31

49:31

We've been wanting to cover this case for a long time. In part one we dive into the chilling and unsolved murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, whose body was discovered in her family’s Boulder, Colorado home on December 26, 1996. Her death sparked national intrigue and outrage. A suspicious ransom note, mishandled evidence, and conflicting theor…

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Extra Credit - Episode 43: Christmas Crimes, Jonestown Tourism & an Albatross named Wisdom 36:57

9M ago36:57

36:57

We go from shocking, to funny and then onto tragic in this episode. Starting out with a semi-recent true crime case from South Korea. We also take a closer look at the controversial proposal to turn Jonestown into a tourist destination, share some lighthearted Christmas mishaps, and highlight the remarkable and wholesome story of the world’s oldest…

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Episode 136: The "Unkillable" Michael Malloy 23:49

9M ago23:49

23:49

This week we are hopping into the Old Timey Crimey Machine to explore the bizarre and darkly humorous story of Michael Malloy, a man who survived numerous attempts on his life by a group of desperate men during the Great Depression. Despite the conspirators' relentless efforts to kill him, by poisoning, hypothermia and running him over, they would …