Fresh Hell Podcast

This week we decided to talk about four of the most bizarre moments in history, that hold some humor....dark humor! The unexpected death of Aeschylus, Tycho Brahe's unusual pet, the day Napoleon had to retreat from a fluffy army and the chaos that was the first Olympic marathon on US soil, during the Olympic games of 1904. We share with you a few of our favorite tales and strange deaths, while keeping each other company under quarantine. This episode is sponsored by Elemis: www.elemis.com/us/freshhell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we are taking you back to the year 1770, when an Austrian farmer's wife was set on trial for the murder of her husband. They had only been married for a little over a month. Eva Faschaunerin was the last victim of judicial torture in the Habsburg Monarchy.This episode is sponsored by Best Fiends: www.bestfiends.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1970 Elmer Crawford spent a lot of time planning the murder of his wife and three children...this Family Annihilator almost got away with his plan to play the grieving husband and father...but even though one mistake made it clear he was the killer, would he ever be brought to justice? Annie tells Johanna all about this horrific Australian crime. This episode is sponsored by Elemis. Got to www.elemis.com/us/freshhell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vermont is one of the most pastoral picturesque states in America, known for its covered bridges, cheese, stunning fall foliage, delicious maple syrup, winter sports, and a series of mysterious disappearances amd deaths in and around Bennington between 1945 and 1950. The Bennington Triangle is believed to be at the source of the mysterious cases. Join us as we discuss what may have happened to Middie Rivers, Paula Jean Weldon, James Tedford, Paul Jephson and Frieda Langer. This episode is sponsored by Best Fiends: www.bestfiends.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1977, the Enfield Poltergeist tormented a North London family and remains, arguably, the most documented poltergeist case to date. Flying LEGO’s and superheated marbles, levitation, apparitions... this case has everything! You voted for this topic for our 1st anniversary episode, so join us as we discuss our listener choice, The Enfield Poltergeist, the inspiration for the film, The Conjuring 2. Thanks to you, our listeners for a wonderful year! This episode is sponosred by Best Fiends: www.bestfiends.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Johanna tells Annie about the life and crimes of the sadistic Austrian spree killer, Werner Kniesek, and the tragic murder of the Altreiter family. Could these murders have been prevented? This episode is sponsored by Best Fiends: https://bestfiends.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we cover the terrible axe murder that put the small town of Villisca, Iowa on the map. We’ll discuss the murder that destroyed both the Moore family and the Stillinger family, and explore the clues left behind by the killer. We’ll talk about the most likely suspects, and try to decide whether we think this savage, gruesome event was part of the work of an unnamed serial killer, or a solo event with lust, greed or revenge as the motive. Was there a copy cat killer who used published details from the cases we covered last week? Join us as we discuss the tragic Villisca Axe Murders of 1912. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1911 and 1912 there was a series of murders, all near train tracks, through the Rocky Mountains region to the Midwest. Today we discuss these horrific crimes leading up to the axe murders in Villisca. Do you think they are all the same unknown serial killer? This episode is sponsored by Podcorn. For more information go to www.podcorn.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 hours! That’s how long it took to end the Gladbeck Hostage Crisis, that started as a bank robbery gone wrong and ended in three deaths: Emanuele de Giorgi, Silke Bischoff and Ingo Hagen.This week Johanna talks about this crime, that took place in August 1988, and about the role the media played in it. This episode is sponsored by BEST FIENDS: https://bestfiends.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re headed back to Victorian London as we discuss John Snow and the discoveries he made regarding the spread of cholera.We discuss horrifically overcrowded cemeteries, body bugs, dancing on the dead at Enon Chapel, and take you on a ride on the London Necropolis Railroad. This episode is sponsored by Ballsy. Use promo code “FRESH20” for a 20% discount. Go to http://www.ballwash.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1953 Teddington, England, was a town buzzing about the upcoming coronation of Elizabeth II. After the long hard years of World War II, the nation was looking forward to celebrating, and very few people in the charming town on the Thames realized a brutal rapist and murderer was on the loose. This is the story of the murder of 16 year old Barbara Songhurst and her best friend, 18 year old Christine Reed, the victims of the Towpath Murders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part, Annie and Johanna talk about the murder of Empress Elisabeth I. in Geneva and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie in Sarajevo, which ultimately started WW I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Habsburg dynasty ruled Austria for 640 years. In this two part episode we focus on the last decades of the dying empire. This week Annie and Johanna talk about the tragic and scandalous deaths of Crown Prince Rudolf and his 17 year old mistress Mary Vetsera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1963 a brutal murder took place in the Viennese Staatsoper. The victim of the crime, that shocked the whole nation, was a 10 year old ballet student. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 24, 1988, Sergeant Al Powell, of the LAPD would face the most difficult day of his long and storied career on the force. Join us, as we reflect on the shocking and tragic hostage situation that turned strangers into friends and terrorists into thieves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wait, is spontaneous combustion really a thing? Annie decides to finally look into the subject of people spontaneously bursting into flame and burning to ash, and she’s going to tell Johanna everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martha Marek survived a deeply troubling childhood, and emerged a beautiful young woman who loved a nice carpet almost as much as she loved rat poison. Johanna tells Annie a twisted tale of greed, quality carpets, sincerely shocking levels of fraud, and of course...murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we do not only talk about the Krampus, we also face our childhood holiday traumas and begin to heal. Join Annie and Johanna in this rather chatty episode, when they laugh in the face of the Krampus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Thanksgiving weekend, after a shocking upset at a Boston Collge vs. Holy Cross football game, the popular night spot, Cocoanut Grove, was the place to see and be seen. What should have been a joyous holiday weekend ended in unimaginable horror. Annie tells the story of one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history, and the medical advances made as a result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somewhere along a picturesque highway in the mountains of West Virginia is a sign that reads, “Interred in nearby cemetery is Zona Heaster Shue. Her death in 1897 was presumed natural until her spirit appeared to her mother to describe how she was killed by her husband Edward. Autopsy on the exhumed body verified the apparition's account. Edward, found guilty of murder, was sentenced to the state prison. Only known case in which testimony from a ghost helped convict a murderer.” This is the story of Zona Heaster Shue, the Greenbrier Ghost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2007 a young man disappeared in Vienna, never to be seen again. Since then his mother is trying to find answers to the question "What happened to Aeryn Gillern?". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was the biggest crime story in New Jersey since the Lindbergh kidnapping.In 1971, the entire List Family was found murdered, execution style in their sprawling, empty mansion known as Breeze Knoll. The only missing family member was John List, the son, husband and father of the victims. You may have heard this story before, but Annie takes a deep dive, so join us, and we'll tell you everything... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode Annie and Johanna talk about their paranormal encounters and read letters sent in by the audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The exorcism of Anneliese Michel inspired the film “The Exorcism of Emily Rose". The true story is much more sad, and disturbing than one can imagine. Johanna and Annie cover this incredibly shocking and tragic case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Annie tells Johanna the story of the Hammersmith Ghost Murder, a shocking tale of murder and mischief from the early 1800s that may still haunt the area to this day... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna tells Annie another cannibal story, the third in her German Cannibal trilogy... and now Annie thinks it's time to phase out some of their traditional fairy tales... Join us for yet another disturbing and surprisingly sad story, that leaves Annie and Johanna feeling sorry for everyone involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life in an early 19th century London slum was hell. Until one day, it suddenly became even worse, in the strangest and most surprisingly horrific way. Join us as Annie tells Johanna about the Great London Beer Flood of 1814. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evelyn Nesbit was one of the great American beauties, a Gibson girl who captured many hearts. Two in particular, famed architect Stanford White, and Harry Thaw, bon vivant and heir to a massive fortune, found themselves in a shocking triangle of violence, madness, obsession and, ultimately, murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1989 Boston was shocked by the brutal, senseless attack on Charles Stuart and his pregnant wife, Carol. Their tragedy was captured by a live television crew, which captivated and horrified the city of Boston, and the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Johanna tells Annie about the mysterious disappearance and death of Frauke Liebs, the chilling and confounding continued phone calls from her, to her loved ones, and her tragic end. Was she another victim of the infamous Höxter Horror House? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone knows the story of the assassination of President Licoln, but what about the story of Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone, the couple who attended the play with them that fateful night? Annie tells Johanna this incredible true story of love, tragedy, madness, murder, and a ghost! This tale has everything, join us as we make this old news fresh again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February, 1959, 9 hikers from the Ural Polytechnical Institute embarked on a difficult hike into the Ural Mountains... they never came home. Led by Igor Dyatlov, the pass where their bodies were recovered is now know known as the Dyatlov Pass Incident. One of the great mysteries of Soviet era, Johanna & Annie lay out the facts of the case and discuss what happened to make 9 experienced hikers cut themselves out of their tent and flee into the night, half dressed. This is one of our favorite unsolved mysteries, and, we think, one of the creepiest true stories we know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deadly wallpaper, exploding combs, burning ballerinas, murder bottles, and more macabre stories... Join us on a Victorian Death Trip, where we discuss all the horrible and shocking ways you could die in this fascinating era! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna tells Annie about the horror house of Höxter, Germany, where Wilfried and Angelika W. tortured and killed helpless victims. This is an incredibly sad and disturbing tale of abuse and murder. Listener discretion is advised! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was about 100 years ago that a killer known as the Axe Man terrorized New Orleans, and demanded that the Crescent City 'jazz it,' or get the axe. Annie & Johanna talk about the terrible attacks that rocked the Big Easy and toast a widow who was pushed to the edge. Was the Axe-man really a demon from hell, or something a bit more...pedestrian? Laissez les terrifiant temps rouler! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a very special episode we break from our usual format, and cover some of the murders, mysteries and macabre stories from countries our listeners are from.In Malta, the murder of Sylvia King and the mysterious elongated skulls found in the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. In Greece, the 1991 disappearance of 21 month old Ben Needham. In Puerto Rico, we talk about the the Aguadilla UFO incident. In Venice, Italy, we cover the insane curse of the Palazzo Dario. In Sweden, the case of the Atlas Vampire. In Singapore, the horrific Toa Payoh Ritual MurdersIn Poland we discuss Czocha Castle and the many, many hauntings that make this 'Polish Hogwarts' a place we now plan to visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1974 a girl and her beagle found the badly decomposed body of a murdered woman in the dunes of Provincetown, Massachusetts, and it remains one of the Cape Cod’s most well known cold cases. Who was this woman? Was Whitey Bulger involved in her death? Might she be an extra in the film Jaws? Annie, who is from Cape Cod, tells Johanna and Jam all about this baffling cold case. Stay tuned to the end for a bonus ramble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

War brings chaos, creating the perfect environment for a serial killer to prey on unsuspecting victims. Join us as Johanna tells Annie about the infamous Fritz Haarmann, who preyed upon post war Germany. This is the second part of her German Cannibal trilogy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie tells Johanna about the tragic 2011 murder of 18 year old Lauren Astley, which happened on her street in Wayland, Massachusetts. We discuss the issue of breakup violence, especially in teenagers. Please join us as we discuss this terribly senseless murder and it’s aftermath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna covers the mysterious YOG’TZE incident, a mysterious death that has haunted Germany and the rest of Europe since the 80s. Was it murder or madness that caused the mysterious death of Günther Stoll. Don’t forget to tell us what you think… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2011, the affluent beach town of Coronado, California was rocked by not one, but two mysterious deaths, both at the historic Spreckles Mansion. Six year old Max Shacknai suffered a fatal fall, which some to this day believe was no accident. Days later, his father’s girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau, was found hanging from a balcony in the courtyard of the home. The circumstances around Rebecca’s death are disturbing and bizarre, to say the least… was she murdered, or did she take her own life, as the police claim? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2011, the affluent beach town of Coronado, California was rocked by not one, but two mysterious deaths, both at the historic Spreckles Mansion. Six year old Max Shacknai suffered a fatal fall, which some to this day believe was no accident. Days later, his father’s girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau, was found hanging from a balcony in the courtyard of the home. The circumstances around Rebecca’s death are disturbing and bizarre, to say the least… was she murdered, or did she take her own life, as the police claim? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been fascinated with mummies for as long as we can remember. Join us as we discuss ancient Egyptian mummification, the strange history of mummies through the Victorian era, and the amazing discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Was the boy king murdered, and did opening the tomb unleash a terrible curse? We’ll tell you everything! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is not for the faint of heart! Johanna tells Annie about the grisley case of Karl Denke, one of the most gruesome cannibal cases in Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalee Holloway vanished on the last night of her graduation trip, on the beautiful island of Aruba. Join us as we discuss her infamous and tragic disappearance, as well as the brutal and senseless murder of Stephany Flores Ramirez, by Joren van der Sloot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shocking story of the Papin sisters is perhaps the most well known, and most horrific case of follie a deux, or twin madness. This famous French case devastated the Lancelin family, and rocked Le Mans, and the rest of Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June of 1980, Zigmund Adamski left his home to walk to the market to buy some produce for dinner. His family never saw him alive again. His body was found five days later, with strange burns, partially dressed and lying on his back on a pile of coal. What on Earth happened to this man? Was it something not of this Earth? One of the officers involved did have a close encounter, and that area of England is known for UFO activity…Join us as we get into the very strange case of the disappearance and death of Zigmund Adamski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie thought she knew everything about the gruesome and baffling Hinterkaifek case, until she covered it with Johanna, who speaks German. This unsolved family massacre is haunting and perplexing, creepy and disturbing. Join us as we go over this infamous and terrible unsolved case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie realized she didn’t actually know this story, so she decided to cover it and learn everything. In part two we cover popular theories and the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptman, who many believe was innocent to this day. Join us for a deep dive on this infamous case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie realized she didn’t actually know this story, so she decided to cover it and learn everything. In part one we cover the history of the Lindbergh’s and why they’d be a target for a kidnapping. We also talk about the kidnapping itself, the bizarre series of ransom notes, and the tragic conclusion. We also cover popular theories, and the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptman, who many believe was innocent to this day. Join us for a deep dive on this infamous case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices