The Morbid Curiosity Podcast

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Tarrare was 18th century man who could eat almost anything, and did so in large quantities. That included live animals, wooden boxes, and feasts meant for 15 men. In this episode we discuss his life, and what might have been the cause of his condition. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In 1518, the city of Strasbourg was consumed by a strange epidemic: hundreds were struck by the irresistible urge to dance until they died. This incident of Dancing Mania was not the first, and no one knew the cause of such strange behaviour. In this episode, we discuss several incidents of dancing mania, as well as the theories - past and present - about its origin. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us A Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In this episode, we discuss a biological phenomenon that has been mistaken for a supernatural experience for hundreds of years. People of the past believed demons, witches, or spirits were sitting on their chests while they slept, crushing them, but today this experience is known as sleep paralysis, and it's far more common than previously thought. TW: Sexual Assault Become a Patron: bit.ly.morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Bloodletting is an ancient treatment that persisted until the 18th century. One of the techniques used to let blood were leeches, blood-sucking worms. In this episode, we discuss both the history of bloodletting and these fascinating yet creepy creatures. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

One of the most common types of magic in the ancient Graeco-Roman world were curses. These binding spells were placed on special tablets & figurines that have since been unearthed by archaeologists. In this episode, we discuss these curse tablets, & how they were made & used. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

On March 31, 1922, an entire family and their maid were murdered in their home, an isolated farmstead in Bavaria, Germany, known as Hinterkaifeck. The killer has never been discovered, and a web of mystery has been woven around the incident since it occurred. In this episode we discuss the case, the suspects, and try to separate fact from fiction. TW: Sexual Abuse, Violence Toward Children Become a Patron of the MCP: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In the past, tsantsas, or shrunken heads, were made by the Shuar people of Ecuador and Peru. These ritual items were part of a complex system of power among the Shuar, but were later traded to fascinated Westerners for guns and other metal goods. In this episode, we discuss the Shuar, how tsantsas were made, and how trade in tsantsas impacted the Western perception of the Shuar. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

After travelling west by covered wagon in 1846, the Donner Party became marooned in the snows of the Sierra Mountains. Even though a small group had made it out to find help, they were running out of food and strength. In this third part of this episode, we discuss the relief efforts as well as the aftermath of their ordeal. TW: Cannibalism Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Recommended reading: The Best Land Under Heaven - https://amzn.to/2YwP3Li Desperate Passage - https://amzn.to/2EhLYrW The History of the Donner Party - https://amzn.to/3htCjwt

The Donner Party travelled by covered wagon in 1846 toward California, but became marooned in the snows of Sierra Mountains. In the second part of this episode, we discuss the first half of their winter ordeal, including the struggle to survive and a desperate attempt to strike out in search of help. TW: Cannibalism Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron NEW! Further Reading: The MCP now has affiliate links to all the books we recommend. When you use these links to buy the books, a small percentage of that purchase goes back to the MCP. The Best Land Under Heaven - https://amzn.to/2YwP3Li Desperate Passage - https://amzn.to/2EhLYrW The History of the Donner Party - https://amzn.to/3htCjwt

The Donner Party left Illinois in April 1846. Hoping to reach California by covered wagon before winter, they decided to take a brand new short cut. This short cut proved disastrous, and led to much hardship and horror when the group was snowed in for the winter in the Sierra mountains. In this first part of the episode, we discuss the journey leading up to that short cut and the trials they faced while taking it. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

South of Egypt lies Nubia, the ancient home of of the Kushite Kingdom. The Kushites built their own pyramids and even rose to rule Egypt at one point. In this episode we discuss the history of Kush and the many pyramid tombs they built in the red sands of Sudan. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

The practice of footbinding - binding the feet tightly in order to change their shape - appeared sometime before the 10th century in Imperial China among noble women. As time passed, it became popular among women of all classes, despite the pain and debility it caused. In this episode, we discuss the process and the reasons why women continued this practice into the 20th century. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Nine women and two men were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612 near Pendle in Lancashire. This was an unprecedented death toll for a single witch trial at the time. In this episode, we discuss witchcraft in England, and why these trials may have resulted in so many executions. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidpatron

While hundreds of urban legends surround Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky, there is also plenty of documented history. Some of the rumours may hold a grain of truth to them. In this episode, we shine a light on the history of Waverly Hills, a grim history tied to the disease tuberculosis. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist *Information provided by Kentucky Historical Institutions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Back by popular request, Hallie discusses more toxic plants! Poisonous plants have been used throughout history for many purposes, including hunting, medicine, cosmetics, and of course, murder. In this episode we discuss several of the most poisonous plants with emphasis on those associated with murder and medicine. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

The Doppelgänger, or supernatural double, has been featured in almost every modern media genre, from romance to science fiction. However, the roots of this folkloric creature are ancient, and the concept of the double and what it represents has been the subject of deep professional curiosity since the 19th century. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

1918 saw the end of World War One but also a pandemic that killed more soldiers than the fighting. It wasn't until 1997 that the lethal disease, sometimes called the Spanish Flu, was identified as Influenza. In this episode, we discuss the spread of the pandemic, the effects it caused and the virus itself. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

During the night on June 20th, 1756, a large number of prisoners were crowded into a single cell at Fort William, Calcutta, and died due to suffocation. This incident was later used to legitimize British rule in India, as well as fight against it. In this episode, we discuss the validity of this story and the context in which it occurred. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In the finale of this three part episode, we discuss the last of the three Great Plague Pandemics, known as the Plague of Bombay and the Third Pandemic, which began in 1855. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In this now three part episode, we discuss the three Great Plague Pandemics. In Part Two, we discuss the Black Death, Plague Doctors, and the Great Plague of London Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In this two part episode, we discuss the three Great Plague Pandemics. In part one, we discuss the bacterium behind the plague, Yersinia pestis, and the Plague of Justinian, which occurred in the 6th century CE. In part two, we will discuss the Black Death and the Third Pandemic. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In 1937, Amelia Earhart, a pioneer of aviation, attempted to fly around the world. Near the end of this journey, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. In this episode we discuss Earhart's rise to fame, her world flight, her mysterious disappearance, and the theories about what might have happened to her. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

During the Victorian era, the practice of capturing photographs of the dead was part of a complicated etiquette surrounding death and mourning. In this episode, we examine that etiquette and how post-mortem photography developed, its processes and how it aided in the mourning process. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy The MCP a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In 1845, Sir John Franklin and 129 men sailed into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in search of the Northwest Passage. They were never seen again, and what happened on that expedition has remained a mystery. In this episode, we explore the 19th century attempts to find them, and the more recent information gleaned from what's been found, including artifacts and human remains. Become a patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In 1845, Sir John Franklin and 129 men sailed into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in search of the Northwest Passage. They were never seen again, and what happened on that expedition has remained a mystery. In this episode, we explore the man, the mission, and one of the early attempts at rescue. Become a patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In the year 79 CE, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying the Roman city of Pompeii. The ruins were only rediscovered in the the late 1700s, and have been under excavation ever since. In this episode we discuss written references and the archaeology of Pompeii, Vesuvius and the day the volcano destroyed the city. TW Detailed discussion of traumatic death by natural disaster Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy The MCP a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Women in White, or White Ladies, are female ghosts, spirits, or apparitions that are dressed in white. They are also one of the most commonly told ghosts stories in the world. In this episode, we discuss the many variations of this legend and its possible origins. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

There is a moment in the history of New Orleans that has lived on in infamy since it occurred. That moment was a raging fire that broke out at 1140 Royal Street on April 10th, 1834, and revealed seven enslaved people who had been brutally tortured. The number one suspect in this crime was Madame Delphine Lalaurie. TW: Torture, Enslavement Become a Patron of the MCP: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us A Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Rats have a reputation for being disgusting plague carriers, but they're also thought of as integral to the scientific process and loving pets. In this episode we explore the three versions of the rat, their place in human history, and the ways in which they are more like humans than most people think. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

High in the Himalaya Mountains sits a tiny lake surrounded by hundreds of shattered human skeletons. Known as 'Skeleton Lake' in the media, its true name is Roopkund and it seems determined to keep its secrets. In this episode, we try to shed some light on this shroud of mystery. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Corpse medicine, or medicinal cannibalism, is the practice of eating human flesh as medicine. During the European Renaissance, it became incredibly popular for all kinds of ailments. In this episode we discuss why and which body parts were most often used to treat different medical conditions. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

One of the most baffling Australian cold cases is the 1948 death of an unidentified man at Somerton Beach. To this day, the man's identity and the cause of his death remains cloaked in mystery, the only clues being a suitcase full of clothing and a scrap of paper with the words 'Tamam Shud' typed on it. There are many theories as to who the man was and what may have occurred to cause his death. In this episode, we summarize the details of the Tamam Shud Case and discuss several of the most prevalent theories. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us A Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

Claude Tozer was a doctor and a rising Australian cricket star in 1920, but his career was cut short when he was shot by Mrs. Dorothy Mort, a woman with whom he was having an affair and also treating for mental illness. In this episode we discuss this intriguing and very tragic case. TW: War and Suicide discussed Become a Patron Buy Us A Book

Poisonous plants have been used throughout history for many purposes, including hunting, medicine, cosmetics, and of course, murder. In this episode we discuss several of the most poisonous and historically significant plants, with emphasis on those associated with medicine and witchcraft. Become a Patron Buy Us A Book

In this episode, we discuss the amazing discovery of a Neolithic man frozen in the ice of Italian Alps, including what his life could have been like and the mystery of his death. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

In this episode, we discuss the legend of the Golem, which has its origins in Jewish Mythology, but has become ingrained in all forms of entertainment media all over the world. Become a Patron

In this episode, we discuss hysteria as a common psychiatric diagnosis of females from the 16th to the 20th century, including the ideas of Charcot, Freud and the contested diagnosis of male hysteria. NOTE: This episode contains discussions of female anatomy, masturbation, sex, sexual abuse, and misogyny.