The Morbid Curiosity Podcast

Originally released for Patrons on Sep 26, 2024 In this episode, Hallie dives into the web of social factors that likely drove the Salem Witch trials. The bewitched girls, called the afflicted, were from one faction in town, while the accused were from another. Is this a coincidence? Probably not.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures, but throughout history, it was thought to be caused by demonic possession, angry gods and evil spirits. In this episode we discuss what Epilepsy is, and its medical and social history.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Originally released for Patrons on Feb 13, 2023. "Highgate cemetery was one of the first large garden cemeteries built during the industrialization of London. Over the years it's had its ups and downs, from being a sought-after luxury cemetery to an abandoned, overgrown haunt of tramps and adolescents. It was even the scene of a possible vampire sighting. In this episode we discuss the history of Highgate."  

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Between the late 18th and early 20th century, the fear of premature burial was intense. This fear was spurred by both real incidents and magnification of the issue by newspapers and public interest groups. Many inventive ideas arose to deal with the issue, one of which was the security coffin. In this episode we discuss where this fear came from and the many devices created to aid the mistakenly buried.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

This episode is part 2 of a 3-part series, originally published on May 18th 2023. "In this episode, we discuss the evidence from the Jack the Ripper case, including, letters, photos, and personal accounts from the Metropolitan and City of London police. We also dive into the many suspects that have been proposed over the years, which range from escaped asylum inmates to royalty."

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

When you need a glimpse of hope in the most dire circumstances, there is Anna Essinger, a school teacher who was able to pull her whole school full of Jewish pupils out of Germany. Essinger taught and cared for hundreds of Jewish refugees, quietly and peacefully resisting the Nazi party throughout World War II.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Originally posted on Patreon on July 14, 2023.  "In this episode, we discuss the archaeological and scientific work that has been done at the RMS Titanic wreck site, from its discovery in 1985 to the more recent and unfortunate expedition undertaken by OceanGate. We strive to remain sensitive and respectful, while also giving the most up-to-date and factual information about these expeditions."

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Bone-setting was the strength-based art of resetting broken bones, dislocations, and bad backs. In the 1730s, one of the most prolific and effective bonesetters was Sarah Mapp, also known as Crazy Sally.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Originally published as 'Lost' on Nov 14, 2016, this remastered episode was published on Patreon on June 18th, 2024. "Before the colony of Jamestown, another colony attempt was made on Roanoke Island. After several years and many unfortunate events, the people and the village seemingly disappeared. The Colony of Roanoke is known as the Lost Colony, and it's not as lost as you might think."

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Alchemy is an ancient practice combining mysticism with scientific observation in order to explain and manipulate the natural world. Secrecy was a large part of alchemy and the use of codes and ciphers was common. Several substances were especially important to Alchemists, and in this episode, we dive into these legendary ingredients.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Originally posted on Patreon on Feb 10, 2024   'In this episode, Hallie looks into how technology used by ghost hunters actually works, what its detecting, and how that information is interpreted by investigators.'

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

The Dybbuk is a malevolent possessing spirit that originates in 16th century Jewish folklore. How does this concept end up part of modern paranormal belief? In this episode, Hallie discusses the origins of dybbuk, how to exorcise one from a human, and if the original being could even possess a box. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Originally published on Patreon on Oct. 11, 2023 'In this episode, we discuss spirit possession from a multitude of angles. What it is, the variations that occur, the history of reports, and the possible scientific explanations for it. We also touch on why its so hard to test any of these theories.'

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

CW: Death of humans and animals During the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Robert Falcon Scott made two attempts to reach the South Pole. His second attempt was his last. In this episode, Hallie tells the story of the 1911 race to the South Pole, the adventure and the tragedy.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

Originally posted on Patreon on Jan 11, 2024. In this episode, Hallie explores the many aspects of Dark Tourism - visiting places with macabre and haunting histories - as well as the types of locations this practice encompasses.  CW: Discussions of enslavement, genocide, incarceration, suicide, and exploitation.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

A disease associated with pirates and explorers, scurvy was a constant threat to humans without access to fresh fruit and vegetables. In this episode we discuss the symptoms, the long quest to discover the cause, and tales of disasters and recoveries of those who suffered from scurvy.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

Originally posted on Patreon on March 11, 2024. As we're exploring tools used by ghost hunters and mediums, let's take a look at the Ouija board, a mass produced version of the talking board, which was born out of the impatience of Spiritualists attending seances in the late 1800s.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

Happy Halloween! In celebration, Hallie is proud to present Perfect Skin, a short horror story, written exclusively for the MCP by author L.J. Stanton. This audiobook will be free for everyone for two weeks. After that, it will only be accessible to patrons of the MCP. CW: Body horror, pregnancy horror, birth horror

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

In the beginning of 1692, young women in Salem village began experiencing strange symptoms, which were soon blamed on witchcraft. The girls began accusing neighbours of bewitching them, escalating the situation. More and more young women became afflicted and more townsfolk were accused. 19 people were eventually executed. In this second instalment, Hallie discusses the criminal trials, the executions, and the rise and fall of the power of the afflicted.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

In the beginning of 1692, young women in Salem village began experiencing strange symptoms, which were soon blamed on witchcraft. The girls accused three women of bewitching them, but instead of resolving the case, the matter only escalated. More young women were afflicted and more townsfolk were accused, and 19 people were eventually executed. In this first instalment, Hallie discusses what was going on in Salem when accusations began to fly, who was afflicted, who was accused, and who was hearing the cases.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

In this special spooky season episode, Hallie interviews Ryan Matthew Cohn (Oddities) and Regina Marie Rossi (Oddities Flea Market) about their upcoming book The Witch's Door. They talk exploded skulls, provenance, ethical collecting and more! The book is part personal history and part examination of specific objects from their massive oddity and curiosity collection. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2024

MCP host Hallie sites down with John and Rob Donkin, also known as Bad Viking Games, to discuss thier cozy mystery game Strange Horticulture. You are the owner of horticultural shop in the bleak town of Undermere. Many of the plants you stock can heal or harm. When murder strikes, you are dragged into a web of intreague involving witches, cults, and many toxic plants. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2024

CW: Detailed descriptions of execution methods and corpse desecration Before 1868, executions in England were held in designated public spaces. One of these was famous due to its long history as a place of death and for the large number of criminals that could be executed at once. That place was Tyburn and its infamous execution apparatus was known as the Tyburn Tree.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

"Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done she gave her father 41."  Or did she? In this epic remaster of the MCP's very first episode, we go over the details of the murder case against Lizzie Borden, and discuss what might have happened in Fall River on Aug 4th, 1892.    The original epiosde was released on July 31, 2016 and was titled 'An Axe to Grind.' Please enjoy this remasterd and updated version!

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

During the Victorian era, the display of differently abled humans, termed the Freak Show, was a hugely popular form of entertainment. Today this form of entertainment is nearly taboo, but the morbid fascination with disability and physical differences remains. Let's discuss why.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2024

It may come as a surprise, but most plants aren't very friendly. Like most creatures, they survive by defending themselves against predators, parasites, and pathogens. Some have developed quite extreme defence mechanisms, and they are subject of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

CW: animal experimentation, mental illness, suicide, non-consensual surgical procedures, malpractice and abuse in mental health facilities. One of the most infamous procedures from the era of psychosurgery is the Lobotomy. From the beginning there was criticism that lobotomy was too unpredictable and invasive to treat mental illness. Despite this, the procedure was marketed as a miracle cure and thousands of vulnerable people were subjected to it, with and without their consent. 

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

The 1870s were a rough time in Kansas. Travelers and settlers on the frontier struggled against the odds to make even a modest living. The Bender family had a unique method of survival: murder. CW: forced relocation, murder of adults and children, suicide

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2024

CW: Torture, Rape, Execution, Racism, Self-Harm, and Suicide Colonial Australia was used by the British to house prisoners in the late 1800s. Pentridge Prison began as a stockade in 1851 and grew into one of the most infamous prisons in Victoria, both for its size and the brutality of the punishments suffered by its inmates.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Have you ever wondered why paranormal investigators use certain devices to detect ghosts? It all has to do with theories about what ghosts are. In this episode, we explore theories about ghosts throughout history. Is there room for the possibility that they exist? Maybe.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2024

Often called the Dyatlov Pass Incident of the 70s, the Chivruay Pass Tragedy has similar elements: 10 students go hiking in the snowy Russian mountains and are later found frozen to death. They also share a cloud of mystery and intrigue that may or may not be true. 

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2024

For this winter holiday special, Hallie dives into the folklore of Iceland to talk about the terrifying creatures of midwinter. Who are they, what are their origins , and what has become of them in the modern era?

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2023

In this 4th instalment of the MCP's plants series, we discuss carnivorous plants: their traps, their habitats, and how to care for your own meat-eating plant.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2023

CW: Processing of dead animals, killing of insects, poaching and killing of bats.   In this episode, Hallie talks with Audrey Ko of Odd Taxidermy about how she got her start, the types of taxidermy and the ups and downs of the industry.   There is a more chatty version of this episode available on Patreon. 

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2023

CW: Belief in the supernatural, mental illness, religious doctrine, refute of religious doctrine, ritual abuse, suicide, and religious persecution.  For Halloween this year, Hallie dives into the supernatural world to explore the practice of exorcism. From the early mesopotamian demons of the desert to modern day demons, famous exorcists and infamous exorcisms.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2023

CW: Mass accidental death including women and children, mention of suicide.  In this epiosde, we discuss the sinking of the HMS Titanic, one of the most devastating maritime tragedies of its age. The construction, the safety features, the voyage, the aftermath and the psychological affects of the sinking are all discussed. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2023

In this final part of episode 100, we explore the histories of the women whose lives were ended in 1888 by the Ripper. Each woman lived a different experience, leading them for better or worse to the East End. While the details are incomplete, and in some cases very sparse, we can at least get an idea of what life was like for the women of Whitechapel.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2023

CW: murder, physcial and sexual violence against women, sex work, detailed descriptions of bodily mutilation. In 1888, a string of brutal murders shocked the residents of London. Just as shocking, the police were unable to find the killer, nicknamed Jack the Ripper.  For the 100th epiosde of the Morbid Curiosity Podcast, we present a 3-part episode on Jack the Ripper. In this, part 1, we go over the details of the murders. In part 2, which is for Patrons of the MCP only, we'll discuss the suspects and the thoeries about who the Ripper was. In Part 3, we'll discuss the women who died, and how they might have been connected. 

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2023

TW: Discussions of suicide   Aokigahara, a dense forest in Japan, is the setting for a surprising number of cases of suicide every year. Why Aokigahara? Some people think that it's due to the high rate of suicide in Japan in general, others believe the forest is host to miserable spirits that draw other unhappy people into its depths. In this episode, we discuss Aokigahara and the history of suicide in Japan.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2023

TW: Ritual violence, Child death   The ancient Chimu civilization wasn't known to sacrifice humans, until a mass grave of child sacrifices was unearthed in 2011. In this episode we discuss the Chimu, how to identify human sacrifice in archaeology, and the two mass child grave sites in Huanchaco, Peru.   Due to technical issues, the audio quality isn't the best. Our apologies!

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2023

During the Golden Age of Piracy, many small islands became havens for pirates, places they went to divide and enjoy thier loot. While some of these are legendary, such as the pirate Utopia Libertatia, others were real places. In this episode, Hallie discusses pirate havens, focusing on those in Madagascar.   TW: Enslaved peoples, Trade in Enslaved Peoples.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2023

TW: Self-harm, Suicide   Walking Corpse Syndrome is a psychiatric delusion in which you believe you are dead. You may not remember your own name and might try to prove that you're dead in extreme ways. In this episode, we discuss this delusion, possible causes and treatments.  

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2022

Canadian residential schools were not regular boarding schools, they were facilities meant to assimilate indigenous peoples into European-based Canadian society. Despite failing in this regard, they caused widespread intergenerational trauma to most people that attended them.   TW: Physical/Sexual/Religious Abuse, Racism, Colonialism, Violence, Violence against children.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2022

It's Halloween! Let's celebrate with a creepy ghost story. The MCP presents, 'The Corpse Light,' by D. Donovan, originally published in 1899.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2022

In this episode, we discuss the folklore surrounding the three most popular supernatural creatures: vampires, werewolves and zombies. All three can transmit (or infect) humans with thier condition through a single bite, but what other similarities exists in thier origins and lore, and why are these creatures still popular today? Happy Halloween!

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2022

In the final part of this series, we discuss the tombs of ancient Egypt, from plain burials to monumental pyramids. We also talk about how they changed over time and who built these monuments.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2022

How did mummification begin? Were only the pharaohs mummified? Who made mummies? In part 2 of this 3 part series, we answer all these questions and more as we explore the evolution of mummification in ancient Egypt. In the next part of this series, we'll talk about burials, tombs and pyramids.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2022

We know the ancient Egyptians built tombs and made mummies, but why? In part 1 of this 3 part series, we explore the ideology, religion, and funerary rituals surrounding death in ancient Egypt. In the next episode, we'll dive into the process of making a mummy, and in part three, we'll discuss tombs and pyramids.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2022

TW: Colonialism, Big Game Hunting, Animal Attacks In 1898, two lions began systematically killing and eating Indian workers building a British train line over the River Tsavo in Kenya. Their stealth and cunning made them incredibly difficult to stop. In this episode, Hallie discusses the 9-month incident, the downfall of the lions at the hands of Lt. Col. Patterson, and why the lions may have gone after humans in the first place.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2022

That's right! The MCP is back!    In this third instalment of our toxic plants series, we discuss natural hallucinogens with a focus on those found in Central and South America. Where they come from, how they work and what they're used for. Stay tuned during the break for a special announcement!

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2022