Best What S With Witches Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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Murder at the Metropolitan Opera House 1:35:21

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2h ago1:35:21

1:35:21

31-year-old Helen Mintiks (known professionally as Helen Hagnes) left the orchestra pit to get a drink. It was intermission for the Met musicians and Helen was hoping to speak with the lead dancer of the ballet whom she believed was relaxing in his dressing room. When the musicians returned to the pit to take their seats, Helen wasn't among them. H…

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Jolly Jane Toppan (And an Announcement!) 49:20

10m ago49:20

49:20

This episode first aired on January 15, 2018. On the outside, Jane Toppan seemed like a loving nurse who cared deeply for her patients. But for years, she used her nursing skills to experiment with medicines…and kill the people who trusted her the most. Stay up to date with changes coming to the feed on @serialkillerspodcast! Learn more about your …

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Shooting the Shit Live From New York! 29:22

1h ago29:22

29:22

Fresh off the People of Publishing Conference in NYC, Carly and CeCe spill all the tea! From why newsletters are hotter than ever, to the high-stakes drama of book auctions, to the buzz around the creator economy—they’ve got stories, laughs, and insider tips you won’t want to miss. Networking, publishing, and plenty of laughs: this episode has it a…

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EPS 227 - The Hippocratic Oath: A Spiritual Contract to HEALING gods? 6:40

5h ago6:40

6:40

Did you know: the original Hippocratic Oath is a vow to other healing gods? Are you searching for true healing, but feeling lost in the complexities of the modern healthcare system? Do you sense a disconnect between physical treatments and a deeper, spiritual well-being? Melia unfolds a fascinating discussion about the original Hippocratic Oath, th…

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How to Find The Hook in Your Book 46:13

1h ago46:13

46:13

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe chat with Leslie, winner of our flash fiction contest, about her query letter for a YA dystopian novel. They explore the story’s themes, how to structure a compelling query, and why tension and stakes are key. Carly and CeCe weigh in with feedback on character depth, the virus’s role…

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Chapter 115: Buried Secrets-The McStay Family Murders Pt. 1 44:37

14m ago44:37

44:37

Three years ago, I explored one of California’s most tragic true crime cases: the disappearance and murder of the McStay family, Summer and Joseph McStay, and their two young sons, Gianni and Joey Jr., on February 4, 2010. While there have been no major updates since my last coverage, I’ve gathered additional details about the case and trial that s…

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"The Blair Witch Project": Fact, Fiction & Fallout 55:46

1h ago55:46

55:46

The Blair Witch Project redefined horror with nothing more than three actors, a few cameras, and a week in the woods—and the chaos didn’t stop when the film ended. Between its improvised shoot, eerie alternate endings, and ties to real Maryland legends, the movie left audiences guessing what was real and what wasn’t. Fan theories kept the mystery a…

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Profit Killer: Dorothea Puente 37:34

1d ago37:34

37:34

She dressed like a grandmother, lied about her age, and acted like a guardian angel… while secretly killing the very people she claimed to help. At her Sacramento boarding house, Dorothea Puente took in elderly, sick and disabled tenants. But once their social security checks arrived, she killed them, then spent all their money. Keep up with us on …

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Shooting The Shit: About book blurb culture, how to sell a book in a “tough category” and the Anthropic Settlement 51:47

7d ago51:47

51:47

In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe tackle some of publishing’s messiest realities with their usual mix of honesty and humor. They dig into the alarming trend of agents offering representation with 24-hour decision windows—and why that’s predatory. The conversation then shifts to the world of blurbs: pre-written pitches, the hidden…

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Intentionality! Intentionality! Intentionality! 30:57

13m ago30:57

30:57

In this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews Danya Kukafka, the author of 'Notes on an Execution.' They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the evolution of its story, and the intentionality behind character perspectives. Danya shares insights into her writing process, the unique narrative style of ‘Ansel’, and the importance of exploring…

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The Mystery of The Lady of the Dunes 1:09:24

12d ago1:09:24

1:09:24

The Lady of the Dunes remains one of Cape Cod’s most haunting mysteries, but years after her body was found in 1974, a surprising theory surfaced: could she have appeared as an extra in the movie Jaws? With the blockbuster filming nearby at the same time, author (and son of Stephen King) Joe Hill spotted a woman onscreen who seemed eerily similar t…

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Thrill Killer: Richard Biegenwald 40:25

23h ago40:25

40:25

Richard Biegenwald didn’t have a consistent method or a clear motive. He killed out of impulse—sometimes for attention, sometimes for no reason at all. His crimes were scattered, senseless, and terrifyingly casual. From luring teens to shooting strangers, Biegenwald thrived on chaos and unpredictability. With no victim profile and no emotional trig…

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Shooting the Shit: Why the industry publishes so many (too many!) books and how to spot a writerly phishing scam 43:38

14d ago43:38

43:38

In this episode of Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe kick things off with a little post–Labor Day catch-up before diving into the big stuff: staying sane while juggling work, life, and endless TBR piles. They tackle the rise of phishing scams targeting writers, breaking down the warning signs every author should know before signing with an agent. T…

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Pitch Perfect 35:21

8d ago35:21

35:21

In this episode of Books with Hooks, literary agents Carly and CeCe get nit-picky with an almost ‘Pitch Perfect’ query submission. They offer insider tips on how this particular query grabbed their attention from the very first line. They dish on what makes a query irresistible, why killer opening pages matter, and how to nail tension and character…

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Chapter 114: The Devil in the Details-The Unsolved Death of Jeannette DePalma w/ Brian Santana 1:16:06

19d ago1:16:06

1:16:06

On August 7, 1972, 16-year-old Jeannette DePalma left her home in Springfield, New Jersey, to go to work, but she never made it back home. Six weeks later, Jeannette's body was found atop Devil's Teeth, a cliff in Houdaille Quarry. With very little evidence, no clear suspects, and rumors of her being the victim of a Satanic Cult, her case has gone …

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Lust Killer: Jeffrey Dahmer 39:19

15d ago39:19

39:19

Jeffrey Dahmer seemed quiet, even unassuming. But beneath the surface was a man consumed by violent desire. He didn’t kill out of anger—he killed to satisfy a fantasy. Every detail was deliberate, from the way he lured his victims to the way he posed their bodies. Driven by arousal, obsession, and control, he found pleasure not just in death, but i…

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Shooting The Shit about what agents really think about writer’s conferences, how agents get good at their jobs, and what actually sells books right now 46:51

21d ago46:51

46:51

In this episode of Shooting The Shit, Carly and CeCe unpack the state of today’s publishing industry—from their latest projects to upcoming conferences and the realities of writer–agent dynamics. They dig into what writers can expect from conferences, how agents sharpen their manuscript-analysis skills, and whether podcast appearances really move t…

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UPDATE: Annabelle 30:11

11d ago30:11

30:11

UPDATE! The sudden death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera during the “Devils on the Run” tour reignited rumors about the infamous haunted Annabelle doll. Just weeks later, comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee announced they had purchased/leased the Warrens’ former home and museum, including our Raggedy Ann girl. Yikes! Episode Sources:…

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EPS:226- PROPHETIC WARNING: Hidden Curses of Worry Dolls 13:20

25d ago13:20

13:20

Are your "worry dolls" bringing you peace or opening doors to the enemy? Are these Guatemalan worry dolls a child's comfort or a gateway to spiritual attack? In today's episode of the Vertical Relationship Show, Melia exposes the dark side and a real experience she encountered in bringing these innocent-looking dolls into her home. Worry dolls are …

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Writing a Voicey Novel 56:06

12d ago56:06

56:06

In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca sits down with bestselling author Annie Hartnett to dive into her poignant new novel, ‘The Road to Tender Hearts.’ Together, they unpack the novel’s rich themes of loss, redemption, and the beautifully messy nature of human connection. Annie shares her behind-the-scenes writing process, why voice matters m…

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Novela 10: Hannah Cranna, The Witch of Monroe w/ Rogue Darkness 16:45

26d ago16:45

16:45

As I work on a case that is far more involved than I originally thought, dive into the chilling legend of Hannah Cranna, often called the Wicked Witch of Monroe in this episode hosted by Raven of Rogue Darkness. Feared throughout 19th-century Connecticut, Hannah’s reputation was built on tales of witchcraft, curses, and paranormal misfortune said t…

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The Murder of Cameraman Bob Samuels 1:14:44

28d ago1:14:44

1:14:44

*If you'd like to skip our banter in the beginning, fast forward about 8 minutes. In 1988 Bob Samuels was busy working as a camera assistant on "Lethal Weapon 2," the latest in a long string of films for the 40-year-old. He seemingly had everything he'd ever wanted - the woman of his dreams, an adopted daughter, and a career in the film industry. B…

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Mission Killer: "Real Life Dexter" Manny Pardo 31:00

16d ago31:00

31:00

This Florida cop dedicated his life to fighting crime. But in his mind, the only way to truly clean up the streets, was to become a killer himself. So Manuel “Manny” Pardo killed nine people. And even in jail, he claimed his family would see him as a hero. Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p…

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August Bonus Episode 57:17

24d ago57:17

57:17

In part one of August’s Bonus Episode, Bianca connects with debut author Jo Morey. In this vibrant conversation,Jo opens up about her novel ‘Lime Juice Money’, sharing the winding road to publication and the intricacies of the editing process. Jo dives into the unique challenge—and opportunity—of writing from the perspective of a protagonist with a…

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Exploring the Critical to Compassionate Spectrum 38:55

20d ago38:55

38:55

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe dive into a query for the historical mystery ‘A Body at Rest', exploring the impact of its title, the clarity of its plot threads, and how well the characters’ interiority comes through. They also assess the effectiveness of the prologue and discuss how to strengthen character devel…

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Chapter 113: Blood in the Hudson-The Bag Murders, Addison Verrill, and The Exorcist Curse 30:45

1M ago30:45

30:45

In the 1970s, New York's LGBTQ Community was gripped by fear; from a string of grisly unsolved killings known as the “Bag Murders,” to the shocking murder of film critic Addison Verrill, and whispers of a Hollywood curse surrounding The Exorcist. At the center of these intersecting stories stands Paul Bateson, a man described as handsome and charis…

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Richard D. May: A Dream Cut Short 34:56

22d ago34:56

34:56

Richard D. May was finally living his dream. He had just been cast in a professional production, ready to take the stage in Death of a Salesman at the African-American Shakespeare Company in San Francisco, CA. He had the talent, the drive, and a powerful presence that turned heads. But just hours before opening night, everything changed. This is th…

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Visionary Killer: Joe Kallinger 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

The visionary killer blames their crimes on an external force – an apparition who commands them to kill. In Joseph Kallinger’s case, multiple entities urging him to commit arson… and then, to kill everyone on planet Earth. Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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Shooting The Shit: CeCe's new job, agent referrals, and what publishers try to get away with when writer's don't have agents 50:11

1M ago50:11

50:11

CeCe drops big news—she’s joining Wendy Sherman Associates! Carly and CeCe dive into what it means for her clients, how agency moves work behind the scenes, and the one question every querying writer should be asking. They also pull back the curtain on what publishers try to sneak into contracts when authors don’t have agents (spoiler: it can stall…

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Karin Slaughter and the Mystery of Character and Rachel Howzell Hall on Switching Genres 53:47

1M ago53:47

53:47

In part one of this week’s episode, Bianca sits down with the legendary bestselling author Karin Slaughter to talk about all things dark, twisty, and utterly gripping in her latest novel, ‘We Are All Guilty Here.’ From building immersive worlds to crafting characters that leap off the page, Karin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her writing pro…

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Chapter 112: In Cold Blood-The Death of Dr. Eric Garcia w/ Chris Connelly 58:16

1M ago58:16

58:16

In March 2017, the quiet Alaskan town of Ketchikan was rocked by the sudden death of beloved surgeon Dr. Eric Garcia. Found in his home under suspicious circumstances, his death would devolve into a mystery that was truly stranger than fiction. Journalist Chris Connelly, host of Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska, joined me to discuss his investigatio…

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CROSSOVER COLLAB! "My Man Godfrey" with "Go Get Your Girl" 1:18:16

1M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

Carole Lombard and William Powell were lovers-turned-spouses-turned-exes-turned-lovers again-turned-exes for real this time-turned-BFFs. Together they starred in the 1936 screwball comedy "My Man Godfrey," and despite both of them shining on screen, behind the cameras each faced periods of darkness and tragic loss. Then at the age of 33, a person's…

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Power and Control Killer: Ted Bundy 41:09

1M ago41:09

41:09

Ted Bundy was calculated, composed, even charming. But behind the polished exterior was a predator obsessed with control. He used manipulation, deceit, and dominance to gain total power over his victims. From his carefully planned attacks to his detailed confessions, Ted Bundy is a textbook case of a power and control killer. Keep up with us on Ins…

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Shooting The Shit: "AI Slop" affecting books, what summers in publishing look like and hustle culture in the year 2025 44:35

1M ago44:35

44:35

This week on Shooting the Shit, Carly and CeCe are back with a no-holds-barred convo on everything rocking the publishing world. They dive into how hustle culture is burning us all out, why summer feels like a weird limbo for book launches, and what it really means when authors get assistants. Plus: AI is creeping into publishing (yep, we’re talkin…

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EPS 225: PROPHETIC WARNING: "Decree & Declare" Deception; Law of Attraction Incantations 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

The overzealous charismatic community often embraces the law of attraction incantations, unintentionally and intentionally! Sadly, "decree and declare" statements are twisted, and many believe that speaking positive affirmations into existence can manifest desired outcomes. Is this practice truly biblical, or does it lead Christians down a dangerou…

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From Audience to Impact: Crafting a Narrative That Connects 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

In this special episode of Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by debut author Bryce Thomas to dive into his query letter for ‘Barracuda and the Buddha!’ Get ready for a lively discussion filled with craft insights, as they break down what’s working—and what’s not—in Bryce’s pitch. From the sparks flying between Peter and Georgie to the emo…

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Haunted Theatres: The Egyptian in DeKalb, IL 40:48

1M ago40:48

40:48

In the center of downtown DeKalb stands the Egyptian Theatre—an architectural tribute to ancient times. But this isn’t just a historic theater; it’s a place where the past lingers in more ways than one. Built in 1929, the Egyptian has survived economic collapse, near demolition, and decades of change. Today, it’s not only a beloved cultural landmar…

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The Idaho Four Pt. 2 (with Kayna Whitworth) 44:47

1M ago44:47

44:47

In 2022, Six weeks after the murders of the Idaho Four, Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania. Fast forward to July of 2025, when just weeks before his trial was set to begin, he pleaded guilty. Later that month, he was sentenced to life in prison. ABC News Kayna Whitworth joins to talk about who Bryan is, what the evidence is, and what role…

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Shooting The Shit: About Editors, The "Death" Of The Novel & Authors With The "It" Factor 52:07

2M ago52:07

52:07

In this episode of ‘Shooting the Shit’, Carly and CeCe dive into the juicy, unfiltered side of publishing. From the surge in dark romance to how women are being written—and writing themselves—into new spaces, they explore the evolving landscape of literature with wit and insight. They also get personal about reading slumps, dissect the pressures of…

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From Books with Hooks to Published Author-How Writing is Rewriting 27:50

1M ago27:50

27:50

In this episode, debut author Melissa O’Connor takes us behind the scenes of her publishing journey with ‘The One and Only Vivian Stone.’ She shares how her query letter evolved, what it was like navigating the submission process, and the pivotal decision to restructure the manuscript with a dual timeline. Melissa opens up about weaving romance and…

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Chapter 111: Something Wicked-The Murder of Joshua Bennett 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

In August 2005, 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier Joshua Bennett returned home to Illinois, grieving the unexpected loss of his father. Ne reconnects with his mother, who invited him to stay the night at her home, but within hours, Joshua would be murdered in his mother’s home by a group of people who believed they were under the influence of a witch’s…

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The Execution of Singer/Actor Zhang Yiyang 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Zhang Yiyang was known for writing and singing love songs, which helped him gain celebrity status in his home country of China. His fame only grew once he transferred his talents to the screen, performing in various shows and films. So imagine the shock of his fans when they learned he'd committed an act so vile that he was sentenced to death. Epis…

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The Idaho Four Pt. 1 (with J. Reuben Appelman) 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, four students at the University of Idaho were murdered in their off-campus home. The shocking brutality of the murders garnered media attention while police searched for the killer. But for author and private investigator J. Reuben Appelman, the story was personal: his own daughter was a student at t…

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July Bonus Episode 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

In part one of July’s bonus episode, Bianca sits down with debut author Jacqueline Faber for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation. With a rich academic background and a diverse writing portfolio, Jacqueline shares her path to publication and the creative decisions that shaped her novel, ‘The Department’. They explore the emotional challenges of …

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Making Context Feel Organic 1:07:19

2M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

In this exciting episode of Books with Hooks, debut author Tali Shammas steps into the spotlight to share her query letter for her genre-blending novel ‘The Color of Blood’—a bold mix of horror, romance, and razor-sharp feminist themes. The hosts dive into an engaging discussion on social justice in fiction, the power of a strong hook, and how to c…

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Chapter 110: A Hidden Crisis-American Infanticide & The Emile Weaver Case with Clara S. Lewis 1:09:51

2M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Today I sat down with Clara S. Lewis, author of American Infanticide: Sexism, Science, and the Politics of Sympathy, to examine the deeply unsettling and complex case of Emile Weaver, a college student convicted of killing her newborn in 2015. Clara walked me through how the legal system, media, and public perception often fail to grasp the complex…

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We Know What You Did Last Summer 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

A summer scare rooted in urban legend and real-life horror. From the hook-handed tale that haunted teenage lovers, to the Texarkana Moonlight Murders, to the film I Know What You Did Last Summer—and the chilling true story of author Lois Duncan’s murdered daughter. What begins as a cautionary campfire story spirals into a web of true crime, pop cul…

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The Hook Man 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

The Hook Man is an urban legend dating back to the 1950s. The terrifying story tells of a killer with a hook for a hand who preys on young couples parked in lovers’ lanes. The legend found new life in the 1997 slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, which is being rebooted in 2025. But this story is more than just campfire fuel. The legend w…

1
Shooting The Shit 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

Get ready for a brand-new segment with Carly and CeCe that dives into the juiciest side of publishing! In this fun, freewheeling episode, they spill the tea on industry gossip, break down the latest trends—like the dark rom-com craze—and dish on this year’s bestselling books. Plus, they share smart, no-fluff advice on social media strategies for au…

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How Setting is More Than Just Story Backdrop 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

In this week’s episode, Bianca connects with novelist Laura Resau. Laura provides an insightful outlook regarding her transition from writing for young audiences to authoring her inaugural adult novel, ‘The Alchemy of Flowers.’ She offers profound insights into her writing methodology, emphasizing the criticality of a persuasive query letter and th…