Strangeful Things

You know how the rich people are in charge of everything and us poors can't do anything about it and it gets worse every year?  Well, like most things, it ain't new. Come back in time to the Great Depression, when FDR first rolled onto the national scene (ha! rolled) and learn how the rich jerks who run the world didn't take too kindly to this guy who wanted to help people. This is not about FDR, but it does include him. I don't wanna give anything away but when you hear the word "plot" you should not think good things.  Nobody "plots" a surprise party.  So find out just what those jerks were plotting. History teaches us that people have always been terrible!

1/31/25 • 65:02

Years ago, Jennifer Sandwich wrote a script about adventurer and all around bad ass Peter Freuchen, but I have been holding onto it. I couldn't just use it at any old time. How was I going to get across how tough this guy was when the weather was temperate? I wasn't. So I waited. I waited until my Southern lands were frozen solid and the joy of watching people not accustomed in any way to cold temperatures freaking out and crying filled my heart. So join me, Acadia, and Graveyard Grace as I tell you all about the life and legend of Peter Freuchen: Explorer, author, wielder of a...poop knife.   And get 45% off a bundle order of Magic Mind by using the code STRANGEFULJAN.  Head to https://magicmind.com/strangefuljan to get that sweet juice!

1/27/25 • 43:37

You know how sometimes places get a reputation for being haunted? Well, the Calcasieu Courthouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana is one of those places. But in this case, the haunting itself isn't the good part of the story. I think some places are thought of as haunted because of the terrible things that have happened there or there is some soul with unfinished business blah blah. But we think the Calcasieu Courthouse is haunted because Toni Jo Henry was such a wild person that the universe still wants her around. Her story of bad luck, worse decisions, and true love is a ride you do not want to miss. Join Grace and Acadia as they bring you the tale of how the Calcasieu Courthouse got haunted. And head over to https://magicmind.com/strangefuljan to get 45% off the product that helps Acadia do his job! Sources:  On Death Row - Pan Books - 2005 A History Of American Life vol VIII by Dixon Wecter - 1948 True Men Stories - 1959 Variety - August, 1942  

1/21/25 • 54:17

This week we go to the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, to investigate the mystery of the West Mesa Bone Collector, the name given to the serial killer preying on the women of Albuquerque. That type of crime is not super rare, but a cop calling out the disappearance of these women YEARS before it was discovered that they died? And still working the case almost 20 years later?  That's rare. A little known case that shows just how common things like this are. Relatively, sure. It's not as common as companies exploiting us, but there are still a lot!

12/17/24 • 46:59

Relatioships are a weird thing. Sometimes you can marry someone and not really care about them at all.  Sometimes you can want someone so much you will go to ridiculous lengths to murder their current spouse using the good old US MAIL! Grace tells us the story of Cordelia Botkin who hatched a pretty great plan except since there was no TV in 1898 so she had not learned about how covering ones tracks is pretty important when committing crimes. We have poison hearts, poison candy, and lots of infidelity in this story, and what more could you want?

11/26/24 • 60:12

In this episode we talk about a little known incident that occurred in Brazil back in the 80s. It is a rough tale when you realize it should never really have happened.  Not if things had gone the way we expect them to. We all go to sleep at night with the knowledge that certain things will just happen because we as a society have seen to it that they will happen. We don't worry that the traffic lights are gonna team up to make us crash, or the trash won't get picked up, or we will get experimented on by the government without being told. Maybe not the last one. But in this story, the worst thing happened and it is something to remember. It always can.

11/5/24 • 48:10

Dive into the chilling case of Benny Evangelista, a spiritual healer in 1920s Detroit, whose gruesome murder left the city shook. Known for his bizarre beliefs and practices (because people don't understand religion), Evangelista was found in his home in a grisly scene. What sinister forces could have been at play? Was it a ritualistic thing, a disgruntled follower, or something even more mysterious? Join us as we unravel the twisted details of this unsolved case, exploring the eerie atmosphere of early 20th-century Detroit and the dark secrets that may have led to one of the most horrifying crimes in the city's history.  Oh, and the good joke came from the Scared But Curious podcast.  I mean, not the ONLY good joke, but the one I mentioned. Shut up.

9/28/24 • 66:21

This week, Grace is chasing down the Wampus Cat, the Appalachian cryptid that’s half-woman, half-cat, and half-too many legs. From its spooky origins in Native American folklore to the backwoods sightings that’ll make you reconsider your next camping trip, we’re digging into the stories that keep this legend alive. Is it just a tall tale, or is there really a sassy feline terrorizing the South? Either way, we’re not taking any chances. Tune in, and maybe keep a flashlight handy.  

8/28/24 • 38:57

What sort of cryptid hangs out on the side of the road, not bothering anyone?  Well, if the people of Loveland, Ohio are right, their own personal Frogmen do.  Who are these mysterious amphibians?  We have no idea. But, we do have the stories. Handed down from generation to generation until we end up in the present day where the community of Loveland has embraced their mysterious Frogmen.  Figuratively, of course. They aren't gonna be hugging actual frogs. You know...warts.

8/1/24 • 39:06

This week, Acadia and Graveyard Grace dive into the chilling case of Ronald Dominique, aka the Bayou Strangler - a serial killer you've probably never heard of, but definitely should have. With a body count rivaling some of America's most infamous murderers, Dominique somehow flew under the radar for years. This 'average Joe' became one of Louisiana's most prolific killers. We'll explore the factors that allowed him to evade justice for so long and the twist of fate that finally brought him down. Join us for a wild ride through the bayou's dark underbelly. Remember - murder can be fun if it's not you!"

7/9/24 • 50:32

A woman is staying up late at Drexel University to finish a project. She becomes the victim of a senseless crime in a place where she was supposed to be safe. But, because Graveyard Grace didn't want a mystery, at least people will just finish this episode angry, instead of angry and frustrated.  Join us for the case of the murder of Deborah Wilson.  

5/16/24 • 50:58

When someone is murdered, or, in this case, more than one person, the family can only hope that the police do everything they can to catch the killer, making sure that they do everything methodically and carefully. There are times when the combination of diligence, intelligence, and good fortune solve cases and bring some measure of peace to the bereaved. This is not that story. But Acadia and Graveyard Grace are gonna tell you about it anyway.

4/9/24 • 59:47

Peter Dupas is an Australian criminal who assaulted and murdered women over the course of decades. He probably would have done it more often but he was in jail a lot. Like, a lot. But still, not enough.  I don't even know what to think about this one because on one hand, I hate things like "Three Strikes" and mandatory sentences and stuff like that. On the other hand: Peter Dupas. Join us and find out why Australia needs to check itself!

3/11/24 • 52:15

Hearing "The doctor will see you now." can be a relief if you've been sitting in the waiting room for an hour. But if the doc you are seeing was Michael Swango, you will probably want to sacrifice your copay and gtfo of the office. Learn how this jerk pretty much showed all his cards right from the start with his scrapbook of death and still managed to get hired at wayyyy too many hospitals.  Join Acadia and Graveyard Grace to learn about this travesty. And you might find out how much it costs to touch a bullet wound, too!  Bonus!

9/5/23 • 53:31

Get ready for the chilling(ish) conclusion of our investigation into Borley Manor! Acadia and Graveyard Grace are back with more mildly scary ghosts, a legit mystery, and the general nonsense you are used to. Unveil the secrets hidden within the eerie Gothic-style cottage as they delve into tales of tragic romance and a skull in a cupboard. Brace yourself for Acadia's terrible theory on forensic gender determination. (GUESS WHO WROTE THIS PART): This podcast blends humor, horror, and history - listen at your own risk! Tune in now and prepare for an unforgettable journey! And, as promised, here is the link to the book that was used as one of the sources!

7/29/23 • 54:59

In this episode of Strangeful, Acadia takes us across the pond to explore the dark and mysterious history of Borley Manor, a Gothic-style cottage near the ruins of Borley Rectory, once dubbed “the most haunted house in England”. What secrets lie beneath the ashes of the rectory, which was destroyed by fire in 1939? Who are the ghostly figures that have been seen and heard around the manor and the nearby church? And what is the connection between Borley Manor and a tragic love affair between a monk and a nun in the 14th century? Join Acadia and his cohost Graveyard Grace as they delve into the first part of this spine-chilling saga. And don’t worry, they will also explain the difference between a rectory, a monastery, and a convent, because we know you’re dying to know. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and history. Listen at your own risk! And if you’re wondering if England is the kind of place where you can use a cow to get a girlfriend, well, you’ll have to tune in to find out!

6/27/23 • 44:54

In this episode of Strangeful Things, Acadia tells us about the time when Springfield, Missouri, was invaded by deadly cobras in 1953. How did these venomous snakes end up in the Ozarks? Who was responsible for setting them free? And how did the citizens of Springfield fight back with tear gas, guns, and garden hoes? Join Acadia and his cohost Graveyard Grace as they uncover the truth behind this bizarre and terrifying tale. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and hissing. Listen at your own risk!

6/14/23 • 74:20

In this episode of Strangeful Graveyard Grace takes us on a trip to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where a legendary creature known as the Jersey Devil lurks. Is it a deformed child, a cursed beast, or a hoax? Join Grace and her cohost Acadia as they explore the history, sightings, and theories of this mysterious monster. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and hoagies. Listen at your own risk!

6/5/23 • 53:56

Acadia and Graveyard Grace would like you to meet Ken McElroy, the biggest jerk this side of the Mississippi! Hailing from the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, Kenny boy was the real-life embodiment of a villainous caricature. With a rap sheet longer than a CVS receipt, McElroy had more than 20 felonies under his belt - from theft and arson to assault and even statutory rape. This horrible cartoon menace terrorized the townsfolk for years, making them quake in their boots as he strutted around like he owned the place. Ken McElroy was the human equivalent of a cactus in a swimming pool. Now, we don't want to spoil the ending, but let's just say karma had a real doozy in store for this not-so-gentle giant. Stay tuned for the juiciest tidbits of this wickedly wild story, as we peel back the layers on America's most notorious small-town jerk.

4/19/23 • 55:58

Get ready to gasp in both horror and hilarity as Acadia and Graveyard Grace explore the strange case of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon. Was it a sinister plot, a weird prank, or just some really bad gas? Join these two witty hosts as they sniff out the truth and make some jokes along the way. It's a gas, gas, gas! (OK so I am not gonna let the chatbot write the descriptions again.  Or am I.....)

4/10/23 • 63:48

Imagine having an itch so intense that you can't resist scratching, no matter the cost! In this first episode of Season Eight, hear the harrowing story of a woman whose itch was so severe that it drove her to the brink of madness – and beyond. But what happens when scratching isn't enough? Join Acadia and a NEW Fell Companion as they explore the terrifying consequences of one woman's critical itch!

4/1/23 • 60:40

You know how big companies are evil and terrible to their employees? Well, this is not a new phenomenon.  Join us as we learn about the Radium Girls. These women got good jobs helping out with the war effort except (big surprise) it was terrible. I know everything is awful right now and it is gonna get way worse but I am reasonably sure your bones don't glow. I hope?

8/2/22 • 59:27

America learned so many of its terrible traits from England. One of them was the concept of: call a bunch of women witches and see what happens (nothing good). We had Salem. But 80 years earlier, England had Lancashire.  So sit back with some Yorkshire Tea and drink up the story of religion, politics and a bunch of hateful idiots!

6/14/22 • 83:54

This show has a lot of terrible things in it. That's kind of our thing. And the story of Mary Vincent and what the scum of the Earth, Lawrence Singleton, did to her is terrible. But this story is more that terrible.  It is downright inspiring.  And when you hear it you will be amazed. Join us with our special guest Jenn Martinelli!!!!!! as we tell you what Mary Vincent did, and, sadly, what Roxanne Hayes could not.

6/5/22 • 69:18

The most mysterious case we have done in a while concludes this week with part two of the Yuba City Five.  I have been thinking about this case for weeks and I am no closer to a solution than I was when we started.  If you didn't listen to part one, go back and listen to that first. I promise you that you will be as fascinated and baffling as we are.  Then come join us here for the conclusion!

5/30/22 • 51:12

This case is the most baffling set of events we have covered in quite a while.  Five men go to a basketball game and never come home.  Seems like it is straightforward but oh my goodness it is anything but that.  This is part one of two but honestly it could probably be one of fifty because there are so many things that could have happened but nobody knows what actually did happen. Well, one guy might.  You'll see!  Join us for the Yuba County Five!

5/22/22 • 63:23

It's like a night watchman can't even patrol the manufacturing plant they work for without encountering a dog man. Night Watchmen, a local politician in another state, three girls near the woods, all of them running into a scary dogman. Join us as we get to the bottom of the case of the Michigan Dogman.  And we even remembered to attach the pictures!

5/16/22 • 65:21

This week, special guest Hannah Selector and Acadia investigate the Hinterkaifeck Murders. Almost exactly 100 years ago, en extended family on a small German farm were found dead. Who did it?  Well, there were weird things in the lead up to the crime, and the aftermath had plenty of suspects. But, at the end of the day, Hannah and Acadia may have solved it with magic!

5/9/22 • 68:36

We do a lot of stories about upsetting topics. But this one? This one? This one has to be one of the most senseless, terrible things we have covered in a while. Not that it will make you mistrust everyone you know and will ever know in the future...oh, wait, it just might! The story of Al Kite is like nothing you have heard before. Join us.

5/1/22 • 59:28

Pedro Lopez spent the 1970s in Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia. Over that time span he sexually abused and murdered more than 100 little girls. The only thing more chilling than the crimes of this guy is what ended up happening with him.  Seriously you will not believe how this story ends. Join us as we bring you the Monster of the Andes.

4/23/22 • 74:35