Fresh Hell Podcast

We might be on a summer break, but the mystery doesn’t stop. In this first Best of Fresh Hell special, we’re serving up three of our favorite cold cases in condensed form—perfect for when you want the unsettling highlights without the two-hour extra information.First up: Owen Parfitt, a paralyzed man who vanished from his front porch in 1760s England...without a trace and without anyone seeing a thing.Then we revisit the strange case of Nell Cropsey, a 19-year-old who disappeared from her front porch in North Carolina in 1901 and was found weeks later, floating in the river behind her house.Finally, we cover the disappearance of New York heiress Dorothy Arnold, who went shopping on Fifth Avenue in 1910 and was never seen again. Owen Parfitt, Nell Cropsey, Dorothy Arnold, missing person cases, unsolved disappearances, historical true crime, cold cases, Victorian mysteries, Edwardian era, front porch mystery, New York City socialite, North Carolina murder, unexplained vanishings, Fresh Hell Podcast, best of true crime, creepy history, summer break special, missing without a trace, strange disappearances, true crime podcast

Published: 22 August 2025

In the third and final part of this Hollywood murder saga, we talk about the murder scene, all the possible suspects!Who had a motive? And who may have been protected by the studio system at all costs?We’ll walk you through the possible killers — from studio insiders and jilted lovers to the ones no one saw coming — and look at how the investigation quickly fell apart under pressure from powerful forces. We also take a closer look at Margaret Gibson’s jaw-dropping deathbed confession, and what, if anything, it actually proves.And finally, we’ll tell you what happened to all the major players in the years and decades after the murder that shocked early Hollywood.Keywords:william desmond taylor, hollywood murder, silent film scandal, margaret gibson, mary miles minter, mabel normand, charlotte shelby, early hollywood, unsolved mystery, true crime podcast, fresh hell podcast, hollywood forever cemetery, studio cover-up, 1920s hollywood, deathbed confession, classic hollywood, vintage true crime, film history, roscoe arbuckle era, murder mystery

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

In part two of our three-part look at the mysterious murder of William Desmond Taylor, we pick up with the powerful (and possibly romantic) figures in Taylor’s life, and trace the final days leading up to his death. You’ll hear about his complex relationship with set designer George James Hopkins, the bond he shared with Mabel Normand, and how the evening of February 1, 1922, played out—including what Mabel saw, what the neighbors heard, and what the valet found the next morning.We walk you through the shock of Taylor’s death, the chaos at the crime scene, and the bizarre claim that silent film sweetheart Mary Miles Minter had been secretly engaged to him. William Desmond Taylor, Mabel Normand, Mary Miles Minter, silent film, Hollywood murder, 1920s scandal, George James Hopkins, Charlotte Shelby, unsolved case, Taylor murder, Paramount Pictures, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, silent movie stars, Hollywood history, classic Hollywood, true crime, film noir, media circus, famous unsolved murders, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Before there was Hollywood scandal, there was THE Hollywood scandal.In this first part of our series on the murder of William Desmond Taylor, we're setting the scene: Los Angeles in the 1920s, the silent film industry at its decadent, chaotic peak, and the lives of the people who would soon be swept up in one of the most notorious unsolved murders in Hollywood history.We’re talking about the meteoric rise of Mabel Normand — one of the first female comedy stars and directors — and the complicated, carefully controlled public image of Mary Miles Minter, America’s “sweetheart” with a stage mom from hell. And then, of course, there’s Taylor himself. Or.... should we say William Cunningham Deane-Tanner?! He was a man with more than one name, and maybe more than one secret.This is the beginning of a mystery murder that shook early Hollywood to its core… and we're only just getting started.William Desmond Taylor, Mary Miles Minter, Mabel Normand, silent film era, early Hollywood, Hollywood murder, 1920s Los Angeles, Paramount Pictures, unsolved Hollywood mystery, Charlotte Shelby, Taylor murder, classic Hollywood scandal, vintage crime, forgotten Hollywood, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

This week’s episode covers everything from the grim legacy of racist alligator myths to actual gator attacks, pet alligators ordered through the mail, and that one time a gator rang a doorbell in Florida. You’ll learn why the myth of sewer gators exists (and how Eleanor the Nile crocodile ended up beneath Paris), what black caimans are capable of (spoiler: it’s a lot), and how to keep your pets and kids safe near freshwater. Plus: the heartbreaking story of little Lane Graves at Disney World, a dive into crocodilian blood research, and a look at how these apex predators interact with the world around them, especially when humans get too close.alligator attacks, black caiman, crocodilians, crocodile safety, gator myths, Lane Graves, Disney World alligator, alligator conservation, crocodilian biology, crocodile blood research, human-wildlife conflict, Amazon River predators, Melanosuchus niger, Florida Man, sewer gators, pet alligators, alligator bait myth, William Bartram, American alligator, crocodile tips, reptile attacks, wild animal safety, Fresh Hell Podcast, crocodilian deaths, gator history, Victorian racism, reptile science, apex predator, true crime nature, nature horror, survival stories

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

This week, we’re trading murder for mayhem of the ancient reptilian variety. We take a deep dive into the world of crocodilians—those prehistoric apex predators that have been lurking in rivers, swamps, and sometimes swimming pools for millions of years. From the surprisingly gentle Chinese alligator to the misunderstood American alligator and the unexpectedly terrifying black caiman, we explore the biology, behavior, and long history of these armored giants. You'll learn about death rolls, gator holes, cloacal logistics, and even virgin births. Yes, really. Plus: sewer gator myths, historical attacks, and why crocodilians might just be the ultimate survivors. If you thought you knew gators, you don’t know the half of it.This episode is sponsored by Magic MindGet 60% off the Magic Mind offer with our link and code https://magicmind.com/freshhmm  & FRESHH60 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance . alligator, crocodile, caiman, black caiman, gharial, false gharial, crocodilian, American alligator, Chinese alligator, apex predator, prehistoric animals, brumation, estivation, gator hole, gator attack, Florida wildlife, reptiles, freshwater predators, cloaca, death roll, gator myths, sewer gators, William Bartram, John James Audubon, man-eaters, crocodilian evolution, alligator reproduction, parthenogenesis, Everglades, ecosystem, natural history, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

In this week’s solo episode, Johanna takes you to the picture-perfect Austrian town of Werfen — home to falcons, frozen caves, The Sound of Music, and once... a baker with a deadly secret. Johann Oberreiter was a respected businessman, a model Catholic, and even a former town leader. But behind closed doors, he was also a poisoner.In the mid-19th century, two young women in his household died suddenly. Join us as we follow Oberreiter’s journey from gingerbread baker to convicted murderer!Johann Oberreiter, arsenic poisoning, Werfen, Austrian true crime, historical murder, 19th century Austria, forensic toxicology, arsenic, Sound of Music, Eisriesenwelt, Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria crime history, Fresh Hell Podcast, true crime Europe, Lebzelter, gingerbread baker murder, murder in Werfen, Salzburg crime, historical poisoner, mayor murder case

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

So... you almost died. Or you technically did—for a moment. And then came the tunnel, the music, the relatives made of light, the surgeons flapping like chickens, or the sudden drop into a shadowy void full of screaming.Welcome to the Fresh Hell guide to near-death experiences.In this episode we explore what happens when people come this close to the other side. We cover ancient NDE accounts from Plato and Native American oral histories, the groundbreaking research of Kenneth Ring and Bruce Greyson, the famous Pam Reynolds and Vicki “born blind” case studies, and even some truly baffling hellish experiences. We also take a look at the scientific theories...everything from DMT to dying brain activity! And we ask: why do people from all over the world report such similar things? near death experiences, NDE, Pam Reynolds, Vicki blind NDE, Kenneth Ring, Bruce Greyson, veridical NDE, scientific theories NDE, DMT, tunnel of light, out of body experience, Vicki Noratuk, The Good Place, hellish NDE, positive NDE, life review, near death podcast, ancient NDE accounts, Plato NDE, Native American NDE, near death research, death and dying, Fresh Hell Podcast, what happens when you almost die, death experience science, NDE case studies, spiritual near death, brain death, cardiac arrest NDE

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

Congratulations—you’ve died! Now what?In this our version of the "Handbook For the Recently Deceased" (and the morbidly curious). We take you on a cross-cultural tour of the afterlife. Whether you’re heading for a bureaucratic judgment hall, a tunnel of light, a reincarnation lottery, or just... absolute nothingness, we’ve got you covered.This episode explores what different religions and belief systems say happens after death—from ancient Egypt and Catholic purgatory to Buddhist reincarnation. afterlife, near death experiences, NDE, reincarnation, purgatory, heaven, hell, what happens after death, Catholic afterlife, ancient Egypt, Buddhist beliefs, Hindu afterlife, Jewish afterlife, Día de los Muertos, ancestor spirits, Chinese ghost month, soul, judgment after death, life after death, fresh hell podcast, Pam Reynolds, Doug Forcett, The Good Place, Mary Neal, cultural beliefs after death, hellish NDEs, spiritual traditions, brain death, tunnel of light, reincarnation beliefs, death rituals, funeral customs, ghost month, Mexican traditions, podcast about death

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

In this week’s episode, Johanna takes us deep into the shadows of pre-WWI Austria-Hungary to tell the true story of Colonel Alfred Redl, once one of the most trusted man in the Austro-Hungarian military....and also its most infamous traitor.From his modest beginnings in Lemberg to the very top of the empire’s intelligence apparatus, Redl’s rise was as improbable as his betrayal was devastating. But was he really blackmailed for being gay, or was he simply a man who liked money and knew how to lie? We’ll follow his double life of espionage, lavish spending, and secret lovers, right up to the moment the trap was set, and he walked straight into it. Alfred Redl, Oberst Redl, Colonel Redl, Austro-Hungarian Empire, WWI, espionage, military intelligence, Evidenzbureau, Vienna history, Lemberg, high treason, Redl scandal, Austrian history, Franz Joseph, Kaiser Franz Joseph, Russian spies, pre-WWI Europe, Redl suicide, Redl Prague, homosexual blackmail, Maximilian Ronge, Manfried Rauchensteiner, Redl betrayal, Redl affair, early 20th century espionage, Conrad von Hötzendorf, Austrian military history, Redl Vienna, Redl Lviv, Cold War before the Cold War, Egon Erwin Kisch

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

In part two of our deep dive into the 1982 Tylenol Murders, we pick up with the immediate aftermath of the cyanide-laced capsules that killed seven innocent people in the Chicago area. As the city and the whole nation started to panic, Johnson & Johnson faced a nightmare scenario.We’ll walk you through the frantic investigation, the theories that didn’t pan out, the suspect who looked promising but turned out to be a dead end, and the man who wrote an extortion letter demanding money to “stop the killings.” We’ll also talk about the wave of copycat crimes that followed, the laws that changed as a result, and the way this case rewrote the rules of product safety and public trust.  Tylenol murders, 1982, Chicago, Johnson & Johnson, cyanide poisoning, product tampering, potassium cyanide, over-the-counter drug safety, James Lewis, Roger Arnold, unsolved case, FBI investigation, tamper-evident packaging, Tylenol recall, true crime podcast, Fresh Hell podcast, public health scare, copycat crimes, crisis management, cold case, pharmaceutical safety, poisoning case

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

In September of 1982, a 12-year-old girl in suburban Chicago took a Tylenol for a cold—and never got back up. Within days, six more people would die the same way. The connection? A bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol and a horrifying dose of potassium cyanide.In this first part of our two-part series, Johanna and Annie walk through the events that stunned the nation: who the victims were, how investigators started piecing it together, and how Johnson & Johnson handled the situation.It’s a case that changed how we trust what’s in our medicine cabinets… Tylenol murders, 1982 Chicago, Mary Kellerman, Janus family, Mary McFarland, Mary Reiner, Paula Prince, potassium cyanide, poisoned Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson, product tampering, over-the-counter safety, unsolved true crime, corporate crisis response, FDA history, cyanide cases, public health scare, 1980s murders, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

This week, we’re taking a peel behind the Vatican’s heaviest doors. From popes who put each other on trial...AFTER DEATH...to rumors of devilish deals and sweating tombs. We’ll also tell you about the Vatican’s key master (yes, that’s a real job), the Room of Tears (because popes cry too), and how sometimes it's important that "they hang well"!Vatican, Vatican Museums, Pope Sylvester II, Cadaver Synod, Room of Tears, Vatican Key Master, Clavigero, Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo ceiling, papal scandal, medieval legends, ghost stories, Vatican Archive, Pope Joan, Vatican secrets, historical Catholic Church, papal power, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

In the final part of our Nellie Bly series, we follow her through yet another reinvention ...as wife to industrialist Robert Seaman and, after his death, one of the first female CEOs in the U.S. We look at her lesser-known interviews with a ten-year-old Helen Keller and the terrifying Lizzie Halliday, and how she returned to journalism under William Randolph Hearst after her business collapsed under fraud and bankruptcy. She exposed corruption in the adoption system, was one of the first female war correspondents during the Great War, fought for women’s legal rights, and quietly placed abandoned children with families from a room at the Hotel McAlpin. Nellie Bly, Nellie Bly podcast, women journalists, WWI correspondent, adoption scandal, Love o’ Mike, Fresh Hell podcast, journalism history, investigative reporting, women’s rights history, Hotel McAlpin, 1920s journalism, forgotten women in history, Nellie Bly death, orphan crisis, legal rights for women

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

In Part 3 of our Nellie Bly series, the whole world starts to pay attention. We’ll follow her from the publication of Ten Days in a Madhouse to her globe-circling race against the fictional Phileas Fogg. Along the way, Nellie becomes a household name, fields marriage proposals from strangers, and gets immortalized on trading cards and weird ads. But fame doesn’t make her lazy. She investigates shady servant agencies, interviews America’s most notorious female killer, and keeps writing stories no one else has the nerve to touch. Nellie Bly, Nellie Bly podcast, Around the World in 72 Days, Ten Days in a Madhouse, female journalists, Gilded Age, investigative journalism, Lizzie Halliday, New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, Phileas Fogg, servant scams, 19th century media, women in journalism, historical women, Fresh Hell podcast

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

In 1887, Nellie Bly got herself committed to one of the most notorious mental institutions in the country — not because she needed help, but because she wanted the truth. In Part 2, we follow Nellie through the gates of Blackwell’s Island, where the food was inedible, the baths were freezing, and silence wasn’t just expected — it was enforced. What she found wasn’t a place for healing. It was a place where sane women were driven to madness, and no one on the outside was asking questions. Until now. Nellie Bly, Blackwell’s Island, Ten Days in a Madhouse, women’s history, asylum abuse, Victorian era, undercover journalism, 19th century mental health, Pulitzer, Women’s Lunatic Asylum, Bellevue Hospital, feminist history, true crime adjacent, Fresh Hell Podcast, Nellie Bly investigation, mental institutions, New York history, investigative journalism,J oseph Pulitzer, women journalists

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Before she became one of the most daring journalists in history, Nellie Bly was Elizabeth Jane Cochran — a smart, stubborn girl from Pennsylvania with very few options and even fewer rights. In this episode, we’re going back to the beginning: the poverty, the abusive stepfather, the letter that launched her career, and the fight to be taken seriously in a newsroom that didn’t want women there at all. This is the story of how Nellie broke in — and why no one ever forgot her once she did. Nellie Bly,Pittsburgh Dispatch,feminist history,women journalists,19th century journalism,Elizabeth Cochrane,women's rights,Gilded Age,undercover reporting,Joseph Pulitzer,New York World,Blackwell's Island,Fresh Hell,podcast,true crime adjacent,history podcast,women in history, investigative journalism

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

From flood panics and flaming cities to gas masks for comet poison, humanity has always had a flair for predicting the end of the world—with spectacular inaccuracy. In this special palate cleanser episode, Annie and Johanna walk us through some of the weirdest, funniest, and most deeply unserious doomsday predictions in history.We'll cover the Great Flood that never came in 1524, London’s fire-and-666-fueled apocalypse panic in 1666, the comet hysteria of 1910 (featuring anti-comet pills), Y2K’s spreadsheet Armageddon, and yes, that time in 2012 when everyone thought the Maya were trying to kill us with a calendar. Add in some cults, bunkers, misinterpreted prophecies, and more than a few tinfoil hats, and you've got a full tour of the world's many failed finales.Spoiler alert: we’re still here. apocalypse, doomsday predictions, failed prophecies, end of the world, Halley’s Comet, Y2K, Mayan calendar, 2012 panic, Stöffler flood, Great Fire of London, Fifth Monarchists, cults, comet panic, Jehovah’s Witnesses 1914, doomsday cults, doomsday prepping, comet pills, planetary alignment, funny history, weird history, mass hysteria, Fresh Hell Podcast, Annie and Johanna, historical panic, end times, apocalypse myths, failed apocalypse

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Between 1960 and 1967, three children disappeared without a trace from the small city of Pirmasens, in southwest Germany. Walter Broschat. Klaus-Dieter Stark. Eveline Lübbert. All of them were between 9 and 10 years old. All vanished on a Friday. And to this day, not a single clue has been found.In this episode, we revisit one of Germany’s most haunting cold cases. We’ll examine what we know about the disappearances, the man once known as the Waldmensch, the theories that still linger, and a documentary project by Eveline’s own cousin that’s keeping the case in the public eye more than 60 years later.This is the story of a town that never got its answers—and of three families left with nothing but silence. Fresh Hell Podcast, True Crime Germany, Pirmasens, Walter Broschat, Klaus-Dieter Stark, Eveline Lübbert, Missing children, German cold cases, 1960s, Waldmensch, Rasterfahndung, Southwest Germany, Unsolved mysteries, Child disappearances, German true crime, Henry Hauck, Spurlos Doku, Pfalz

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

In this episode, we look at the brief and heartbreaking life of Dorothy Stratten—Playmate of the Month in August 1979, aspiring actress, and the victim of one of Hollywood’s most disturbing murder cases. We trace Dorothy’s rise from a Dairy Queen in Vancouver to the pages of Playboy, her toxic relationship with Paul Snider, her affair with director Peter Bogdanovich, and the events that led to her brutal murder in 1980 at just 20 years old.We also talk about the dangerous power dynamics behind the glamour of the Playboy Mansion, Bogdanovich’s fierce criticism of Hugh Hefner, and the lasting legacy of a young woman whose life was cut short by control, obsession, and violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence (DV), it's crucial to seek help. Below are resources available in the United States, Austria, and internationally:United States:National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available 24/7 for confidential support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org. ​Office on Violence Against Women (OVW): Provides resources and information for survivors. Visit justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors. ​DomesticShelters.org: Offers a comprehensive directory of shelters and service providers across the U.S. Access it at domesticshelters.org. ​Austria:Women's Helpline Against Violence (Frauenhelpline): A 24/7 confidential service for women experiencing violence. Call 0800 222 555 or visit frauenhelpline.at.​International:UN Women – Ending Violence Against Women: Offers global resources and information on combating gender-based violence. Visit unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women.​International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies: A global listing of DV agencies for various countries. Access it at hotpeachpages.net.​Remember, reaching out is a vital step toward safety and support. These organizations are equipped to assist and guide you through the process. Dorothy Stratten, Paul Snider, Peter Bogdanovich, Playboy, Hugh Hefner, Playmate of the Year, They All Laughed, STAR 80, femicide, domestic violence, true crime, Hollywood murder, 1980s, Playboy Mansion, Hefner criticism, Great Playmate Hunt, murder-suicide, exploitation of women, tragic celebrity deaths, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

In this fifth and final part of the Lizzie Halliday story, Lizzie escapes the electric chair—but not justice. She continues to lash out, nearly killing the sheriff’s wife, and ultimately stabbing a beloved young nurse more than 200 times in what would become the first recorded line-of-duty death of a female law enforcement officer in the U.S.Along the way, Lizzie makes a claim to her murdered husband’s pension, attempts to set multiple fires, and spins wild tales of murderous gangs and poisoned whiskey. We also hear from journalist Nellie Bly, who sits face-to-face with Lizzie—and walks away unconvinced by her claims of madness.How many people did Lizzie really kill? We may never know. But it’s clear that, even behind bars, she was never finished causing harm.Lizzie Halliday, female serial killer, true crime, historical crime, 19th-century crime, Matteawan Asylum, Nellie Bly, Paul Halliday, Sarah Jane McQuillan, Margaret McQuillan, Nelly Wickes, first woman electric chair, American history, murder trial, criminally insane, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

After the discovery of two women’s bodies buried in the manure pile of the Halliday barn, the search for Paul Halliday continues. But as authorities dig deeper—literally and figuratively—they uncover even more horrors. Lizzie Halliday remains in custody, shifting between moments of eerie calm and violent outbursts, but she isn’t done hiding evidence just yet.Meanwhile, the identities of the two murdered women are finally revealed, linking Lizzie’s crimes back to an old family connection. And as investigators follow the trail of missing persons, the question remains—just how many victims did Lizzie leave in her wake?Lizzie Halliday, serial killer, true crime, historical crime, 19th-century crime, female killers, New York murders, Paul Halliday, Sarah Jane McQuillan, Margaret McQuillan, hidden bodies, buried secrets, mental asylum, insanity plea, arson, fraud, deception, crime history, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Lizzie Halliday has left a trail of destruction behind her...arson, theft, fraud, and at least one suspicious death! But in this episode, her crimes take a truly horrifying turn. After a year in a mental institution, Lizzie is released back into the care of her much older husband, Paul Halliday. His family and neighbors are already wary of her, and with good reason. Fires, violent outbursts, and unexplained disappearances follow wherever Lizzie goes.When Paul vanishes without a trace, his family and neighbors start asking questions. The authorities arrive at the farm to search for him, but what they uncover is far worse than anyone imagined. And Paul? He isn’t the only one missing.Listen now on your favorite podcast app. #FreshHellPodcastLizzie Halliday, serial killer, true crime, historical crime, 19th-century crime, female killers, New York murders, arson, horse theft, con artist, insurance fraud, Paul Halliday, missing persons, farm murder, asylum escape, violent outbursts, hidden bodies, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Lizzie Halliday is back, and somehow, she’s only getting started. In this episode, we pick up where we left off—with Lizzie abandoning another husband, scamming her way into new homes, and setting literal fires along the way. She takes her insurance fraud scheme to new levels, makes a scene at her father’s grave, and leaves a path of destruction across the Northeast. Meanwhile, a traveling peddler is found murdered in the Shawangunk Mountains, and Lizzie starts spending time with a new crowd. By the time she crosses paths with Paul Halliday, her next husband and soon-to-be victim, things are about to get much, much worse.Lizzie Halliday, serial killer, true crime, 19th-century crime, female killers, historical murder, New York crime, arson, insurance fraud, con artist, scammer, peddler murder, Shawangunk Mountains, Romani history, Paul Halliday, Philadelphia fire, prison escape, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Lizzie Halliday is often called America’s first female serial killer, but long before she made headlines, she was already leaving a trail of chaos behind her. In this episode, we look at her early years—from her family’s immigration from Ireland to her first marriages and the, let’s say, unfortunate fates of the men in her life. Lizzie had a habit of marrying quickly, fighting dirty, and possibly poisoning anyone who got in her way. With lawsuits, accusations, and more than a few suspicious deaths, it’s clear that Lizzie was not your average 19th-century housewife.Lizzie Halliday, serial killer, true crime, 19th-century crime, historical murder, female killers, New York history, Irish immigrants, Victorian crime, marriage scams, arsenic, Nellie Bly, Fresh Hell Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

In this episode of Fresh Hell, we’re heading up to the remote and brutal heights of the Säntis mountain in Switzerland, where, in February 1922, Heinrich and Magdalena Haas were found murdered in their isolated weather station. Their killer? A man they knew, a man who had once wanted Heinrich’s job, and a man who decided to settle his grudge in the most violent way possible. Säntis double murder, Gregor Kreuzpointner, Heinrich Haas, Magdalena Haas, 1922 murder, Swiss true crime, historical crime, mountain murder, jealousy and revenge, Swiss mystery, double homicide, Säntis weather station, true crime podcast, Fresh Hell, Annie and Johanna, alpine tragedy, Switzerland murder case, orphaned daughters, historical investigation, man without a grave, snow-covered secrets.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

In our final episode on the world of Freak Shows, we’re closing the curtain with the incredible, tragic, and sometimes triumphant stories of the performers themselves. Meet Schlitzie, the performer who inspired Freaks (1932), a beloved and misunderstood figure of the sideshow world. Krao, the so-called “Missing Link,” whose life challenges the cruel narratives forced upon her. Myrtle Corbin, the "Four-Legged Girl from Texas," who defied expectations and lived on her own terms. And the Two-Headed Nightingale, Millie and Christine McKoy, twin sisters who endured slavery, exploitation, and eventually reclaimed their voices—literally and figuratively.These were real people with real lives beyond the stage. Their stories are heartbreaking, shocking, and sometimes unexpectedly uplifting. Who profited from their existence? How did they navigate a world that both exploited and celebrated them? And what became of them after the applause faded?Step right up for the final chapter in our exploration of the history, myths, and realities of the sideshow.Freak Shows, human oddities, sideshow history, Schlitzie, Freaks (1932), microcephaly, exploitation, circus history, Victorian sideshows, 19th-century performers, 20th-century sideshows, freak show ethics, missing link hoaxes, Krao Farini, human zoos, Myrtle Corbin, dipygus, conjoined twins, Two-Headed Nightingale, Millie and Christine McKoy, P.T. Barnum, medical anomalies, disability and entertainment, tragic lives, forgotten history, sideshow legends, circus performers, American history, human curiosity, spectacle vs. humanity.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

This week, we’re bringing you two of the most fascinating and deeply unsettling stories from the world of freak shows: Chang & Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins, and Julia Pastrana, the so-called ‘Bear Woman.’ Chang and Eng weren’t just a medical curiosity—they were brilliant businessmen, plantation owners, and, oh yeah, enslavers. Their story is full of contradictions—two men who were once paraded as human oddities but ended up profiting off of the very same system that exploited them. And then there’s Julia Pastrana. Her story? No happy endings. Labeled “The Ugliest Woman in the World”, Julia was abused, exploited, and even put on display after her death—because apparently, 19th-century showmen didn’t believe in letting their performers stay dead. These are the stories of three performers whose lives couldn’t have been more different—but both prove one thing: once the world decides you’re an exhibit, getting your humanity back is nearly impossible!

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

In this final part of our Barnum deep dive, we cover his biggest spectacle yet—The Greatest Show on Earth. From the moment he took his circus on the road to his partnership with James A. Bailey, we explore how Barnum turned entertainment into an empire. And of course, we wrap up with the ultimate Barnum move—reading his own obituary before he died. Love him or hate him, Barnum left a legacy that changed the entertainment world forever." Barnum, The Greatest Show on Earth, James A. Bailey, circus, freak show, Tom Thumb, Jumbo, PT Barnum, Barnum & Bailey, philanthropy, widow, second marriage, politics, Bridgeport, Connecticut, obituary, showman, spectacle, entertainment history, 19th century, traveling circus, legacy

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

In this episode, we pick up where we left off with P.T. Barnum. We’ll talk about how he turned Scudder’s American Museum into a New York sensation, why General Tom Thumb became a global star, and the controversy around Joice Heth. There’s also the devastating fire that destroyed the museum(s), Barnum’s first steps into the circus world, and the personal losses he endured, including the death of his wife, Charity. It’s all about setbacks, scandals, and spectacle as Barnum’s story keeps surprising us. P.T. Barnum, Scudder’s American Museum, Barnum’s American Museum, General Tom Thumb, Joice Heth, Feejee Mermaid, museum fire, Charity Hallett, Nancy Fish, traveling circus, Greatest Show on Earth, 19th-century entertainment, spectacle, scandal, personal loss, innovation, resilience

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

In this episode, we begin our deep dive into the fascinating and controversial life of P.T. Barnum, the man who revolutionized entertainment and gave the world The Greatest Show on Earth. But before we can fully understand Barnum’s impact, we need to explore the history that paved the way for his success: the origins of freak shows. We trace the roots of these spectacles back to ancient and medieval times, when human oddities were displayed at royal courts, religious festivals, and marketplaces. Over time, these traditions evolved into cabinets of curiosities and traveling fairs, where both artifacts and unique individuals were presented to entertain and educate the public. By the 19th century, freak shows became commercialized, especially with the rise of permanent attractions and traveling circuses. We also take a hard look at the more troubling aspects of this history, like human zoos and ethnological exhibitions, which exploited colonized peoples and perpetuated harmful stereotypes under the guise of science and education. With this context, we turn our focus to Barnum, who used his talent for promotion and storytelling to capitalize on the public’s curiosity. From hoaxes like the Feejee Mermaid to genuine stars like General Tom Thumb, Barnum’s American Museum became a landmark of 19th-century entertainment. And while he was a master showman, his career also raises questions about exploitation and ethics that resonate even today. We round out the episode with a glimpse into Barnum’s personal life, including his marriage to Charity Hallett, the woman who stood by him during his early years as he built his empire. P.T. Barnum, freak shows, history of freak shows, cabinets of curiosities, traveling fairs, human zoos, ethnological exhibitions, Feejee Mermaid, General Tom Thumb, American Museum, exploitation, showmanship, Charity Hallett, 19th-century entertainment, spectacle, public fascination, Barnum’s personal life freshhellpodcast.com

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered. Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them: Coffee and Cases Podcast https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases Heart Starts Pounding  https://www.heartstartspounding.com/ Mortal Musings Podcast  https://linktr.ee/mortalmusingspodcast True Crime Creepers https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepers Private Dicks Podcast https://linktr.ee/privatedicksTwisted Travel and True Crime  https://linktr.ee/twistedtraveltruecrimepodcast 

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered. Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them: Episode 1: Reverie True Crime  https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore  Fresh Hell Podcast  https://freshhellpodcast.com/ Malice  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/malice-a-true-crime-podcast/id1471251398 Women & Crime  https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com True Crimecast  https://linktr.ee/truecrimecast The Dark Oak Podcast  thedarkoak.com

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2025

In December 1984, Kingston Falls, Pennsylvania, went from a quiet, festive town to the scene of absolute chaos, all thanks to one ill-considered Christmas gift. A set of very specific rules wasn’t followed, and the result was something no one in town could have imagined. We’ll talk about what happened that night, how things went so catastrophically wrong, and why you might want to double-check your own holiday traditions. It’s a holiday story, but definitely not the cozy kind. We Wish You a Merry Christmas von Twin Musicom unterliegt der Lizenz Creative-Commons-Lizenz "Namensnennung 4.0". https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Künstler: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

In this episode, Annie takes us to the historic town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, for a chilling true crime case set against the backdrop of 19th-century Cape Cod. Learn about the Christmas night murder of 15-year-old Daniel Fogarty Jr. in 1857, the mob mentality fueled by alcohol and gambling, and the tragic events that led to his untimely death. Along the way, Annie explores the fascinating history of Sandwich, from its Puritan roots and glass-making legacy to its evolution into the charming town it is today. A poignant tale of history, tragedy, and resilience, perfect for the holiday season. Sandwich Massachusetts Christmas night murder Daniel Fogarty Jr. Jarvesville Cape Cod history Boston & Sandwich Glass Company Puritans and Pilgrims 19th-century crime Cape Cod tourism New England history Christmas tragedies Deming Jarves Quaker tolerance Plum Pudding Riots Historic Sandwich sites

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

In this episode Johanna takes us to the quiet, rural landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to tell you about the tragic case of Robert Syrokowski. On a freezing December night in 2002, 18-year-old Robert disappeared after leaving a nightclub and was later found dead, struck by a car in the middle of a desolate road. But this was no mere accident—it was the result of a series of shocking failures by the very people meant to protect him. We explore how Robert’s night spiraled out of control, from his disoriented wanderings, to the police officers who abandoned him miles from help, dismissing their duty of care. This heartbreaking story covers systemic failures, police accountability, and the devastating ripple effects of a preventable tragedy. It’s a case that forces us to ask: How could so many people fail one vulnerable young man? And how do we ensure this never happens again? Robert Syrkowski Schleswig-Holstein Die Ziegelei nightclub Police negligence Hypothermia Paradoxical undressing Krumesser Heide Negligent manslaughter Police trial Systemic failure Duty of care German legal system Fresh Hell podcast True crime Germany Rural tragedy

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

In part two, we focus on the aftermath of the Bloody Benders’ crimes and their shocking methods of murder. The gruesome discoveries at their property reveal the extent of their brutality, and we share stories of those who narrowly escaped their deadly trap. We also look at their dramatic flight from justice, the many theories surrounding their mysterious disappearance, and the possible role of vigilante groups in their fate. Finally, we explore how the Benders’ crimes shaped Kansas folklore, inspired true crime tourism, and continue to fascinate people today. Bloody Benders Kansas history Labette County Serial killer family Frontier murders Trapdoor cellar Bender inn Missing travelers True crime legends Vigilante justice Escape and disappearance Historical markers Kansas folklore True crime tourism 19th-century crimes Survivors of crime Criminal psychology Hammer murders

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

In this episode, we examine the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, America’s infamous serial killer family. Set in 1870s Kansas, we recount the Bender family’s arrival in Labette County and the dark secrets concealed behind their seemingly ordinary inn on the Osage Trail. We explore the family’s unsettling behavior, the growing rumors about disappearances along the trail, and how the mysterious vanishing of Dr. William H. York became the key to exposing a horrifying truth. Join us as we reveal the eerie setup of the Benders’ inn and the wave of fear that pushed a community to seek justice. Bloody Benders Kansas 1870s Osage Trail Serial killer family Labette County Dr. William York Homestead Act Frontier murders Bender inn American true crime Vigilante justice Missing travelers 19th-century crime Kansas history

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

In this episode, we talk about the mysterious disappearances of three young men: Christopher Thompkins, Christopher Matthew Kerze, and Steven Clark. Each case is haunting and unexplained, though only Thompkins' disappearance fits within the so-called "Missing 411" phenomenon—a term used to describe unusual and often inexplicable disappearances in wilderness areas. Each story shines a light on the inexplicable elements surrounding their disappearances, inviting listeners to ponder how three seemingly ordinary days could end with these three men vanishing without a trace. We examine the strange circumstances, theories, and lasting impact on families desperate for answers. Christopher Thompkins Christopher Matthew Kerze Steven Clark Missing 411 Unsolved disappearances Wilderness vanishings Mysterious cases Unexplained missing persons Abandoned belongings Last known whereabouts Family search for answers Investigation standstill Disappeared without a trace Wilderness mysteries Cold cases True crime Eagan, Minnesota Ellerslie, Georgia Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

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Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

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Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

In this spine-tingling episode, we dive into the haunted legacies of two military legends: Pausanias, the ancient Spartan general with a cursed afterlife, and Mad Anthony Wayne, whose restless ghost reportedly wanders to this day. From ancient Greece to post-Revolutionary War America, we explore the eerie tales that have kept these spirits alive in folklore. Is it guilt that keeps them from finding peace, or something far more sinister? Pausanias Mad Anthony Wayne Haunted generals Ghost stories Military ghosts Revolutionary War hauntings Spartan hauntings Pausanias ghost Mad Anthony Wayne ghost Cursed spirits Haunted legends Supernatural history Restless spirits Historical hauntings Paranormal military stories Eerie folklore Post-Revolutionary War ghost Ghost sightings Haunted battlefield Ghost of Pausanias Mad Anthony’s haunting

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

The iconic Hotel Chelsea is more than just a New York City landmark; it’s a haunting ground for some of the most legendary ghosts in history. In this episode, Johanna and Ingrid explore the eerie tales of the hotel’s past residents—some of whom never checked out. From the tragic death of punk rock icon Sid Vicious' girlfriend Nancy Spungen to the lingering spirits of famous artists, writers, and musicians, we'll uncover the dark side of this bohemian haven. Is the Chelsea Hotel just haunted by the memory of its past, or are there actual spirits wandering its halls? Hotel Chelsea ghosts Haunted New York City hotels Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen Bohemian haven Ghost stories in NYC Famous hauntings Artists, writers, musicians at Hotel Chelsea Paranormal activity Legendary residents Hotel Chelsea history Dylan Thomas Leonard Cohen Titanic

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

It's this time of the year again: Spooky Fuckery Month is upon us! This week, we dive into a Jeopardy category that immediately caught our attention: GHOSTS! In the first part, we discuss the most famous laundry ghost in the White House, Abigail Adams. Then, we explore the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, home to the mirror ghost of Marilyn Monroe, and the eerie 2 a.m. bugle concerts of Montgomery Clift! Haunted Ghosts Spirits Apparitions Supernatural Paranormal activity Hotel Roosevelt Hotel White House Abigail Adams First Lady Marilyn Monroe Montgomery Clift Misfits Hollywood LA Academy Awards Jeopardy Halloween Spooky Creepy Eerie

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

In the final chapter of the Elfriede Blauensteiner case, we dive into the investigation that finally brought her to justice. We’ll discuss the twists and turns of her trials, the chilling courtroom moments, and the final verdict that sealed her fate. As we follow her journey behind bars, we’ll also explore her time in prison, the media frenzy that followed, and ultimately, her death. Was justice truly served? Find out in this gripping conclusion. Elfriede Blauensteiner Black Widow serial killer investigation trial verdict Austrian crime life sentence prison death

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

In this episode, we continue the dark and twisted journey of Elfriede Blauensteiner, picking up where we left off—her meeting with second husband Rudolf Blauensteiner. From there, we look at the chilling details of her life as a serial killer, driven by greed and a deadly addiction to gambling. Discover how she preyed on her victims, manipulated wills, and used lethal doses of medications to ensure their deaths appeared natural. Join us as we delve into the sinister motives behind her crimes, and the cold, calculated methods that earned her the infamous title: The Black Widow of Vienna. Elfriede Blauensteiner Serial killer Black Widow of Vienna Second husband Rudolf Blauensteiner Murders Greed and gambling addiction Manipulated wills Euglucon poisoning Antidepressants overdose True crime Austrian crime

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

Born during the Great Depression in 1931 Vienna, Elfriede Blauensteiner's early life was marked by hardship, a cold and distant mother, and the looming shadow of World War II. In this episode, we explore her difficult upbringing, her troubled first marriage, and her eventual meeting with Rudolf Blauensteiner, her second husband. But this is no story of redemption—Blauensteiner would later become a notorious serial killer with a dangerous addiction to gambling. These early years set the foundation for the darker chapters of her life yet to come. Elfriede Blauensteiner, serial killer, Great Depression, Vienna 1931, World War II, difficult childhood, cold mother, first marriage, divorce, Rudolf Blauensteiner, second husband, gambling addiction, Austrian history, early life challenges.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the incredible world of interspecies friendships, where the laws of nature bend in the name of love, loyalty, and companionship. We explore the touching stories of Chito and Pocho, the Costa Rican fisherman and his beloved crocodile; Molly and Peggy, the unlikely duo of a rescued magpie and a playful Staffy; Jane Goodall and David Greybeard, the deep bond between a chimpanzee and her human guardian; and Sphen and Magic, the iconic gay penguin couple who showed the world that love transcends gender and species. Discover the science, mystery, and magic behind these surprising relationships, and how they challenge what we think we know about the animal kingdom. Interspecies friendships Unlikely animal friendships Cross-species bonds Chito and Pocho Molly the magpie and Peggy the dog Sphen and Magic penguins Jane Goodall Emotional connections in animals Animal behavior Compassion in the animal kingdom Unusual animal relationships Heartwarming animal stories Love beyond species Animal companionship Science of animal friendships

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the incredible world of interspecies friendships, where the laws of nature bend in the name of love, loyalty, and companionship. We explore the touching stories of Chito and Pocho, the Costa Rican fisherman and his beloved crocodile; Molly and Peggy, the unlikely duo of a rescued magpie and a playful Staffy; Jane Goodall and David Greybeard, the deep bond between a chimpanzee and her human guardian; and Sphen and Magic, the iconic gay penguin couple who showed the world that love transcends gender and species. Discover the science, mystery, and magic behind these surprising relationships, and how they challenge what we think we know about the animal kingdom. Interspecies friendships Unlikely animal friendships Cross-species bonds Chito and Pocho Molly the magpie and Peggy the dog Sphen and Magic penguins Jane Goodall Emotional connections in animals Animal behavior Compassion in the animal kingdom Unusual animal relationships Heartwarming animal stories Love beyond species Animal companionship Science of animal friendships

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

In part two we talk about the the mysteries surrounding Ötzi's final days and hours. We explore what his last meal tells about the era, the harrowing details of his violent death, and the eerie curse that some believe haunts those who’ve come into contact with him. From the meticulous preservation of his body in the South Tyrol Museum to the decades-long legal battle over the finder's reward, we cover every twist in the tale. Tune in to discover how a 5,300-year-old mummy continues to fascinate and perplex us today. Ötzi the Iceman Final days Last meal Violent death Curse of Ötzi South Tyrol Museum Legal battle Finder’s reward Archaeological discovery Prehistoric Europe

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024