Have you ever wondered why certain illnesses only seem to appear in specific cultures? How do cultural beliefs shape our experience of health and illness? In this episode, we explore the world of culture-bound syndromes with medical anthropologist, Peter Guarnaccia. These intriguing, culturally specific disorders—such as susto, koro, and ataque de …

Step into the surreal and fiercely imaginative world of DONNAVILLE, the latest novel by award-winning writer Donna Minkowitz. In this episode, Donna uncovers the layers of her unique, genre-defying book—a world where personal history, fantasy, and feminist themes converge. Donna is a writer of fantasy, memoir, and journalism lauded by Lilith Magazi…

Ever wondered how Halloween evolved from its ancient origins to the costume-filled celebration we know today? In this Halloween special, we sat down with the incredible Lisa Morton, author, historian, and one of the world’s leading experts on Halloween. From ancient Celtic traditions to the modern-day thrill of haunted houses and costumes, Lisa tak…

What happens when love turns deadly in the shadow of race and privilege? In this episode, we unravel a true crime that shook the foundations of Georgia's high society. Deb Miller Landau, joins us to discuss the tragic and harrowing murder of Lita McClinton. Lita, a young woman from Atlanta, became the victim of a calculated murder-for-hire scheme l…

Field of Screams is one of America's best haunted attractions, and it's been striking fear into and scaring the souls out of the souls of the thousands of guests that show up year after year. Started by brothers Gene and Jim Schopf back in 1993, it's transformed from just a haunted hayride into so much more with three haunted houses and escape room…

In this episode, we explore the unique experience of growing up in a motel as a family business, where the line between home and work blurs in the most fascinating ways. Our guest, Foram Mehta, reflects on her childhood spent amidst the hustle and bustle of transient guests, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of motel life. She share…

Crime, scandal and intrigue in Beverly Hills. From high-profile heists to shocking murders, we uncover the hidden, dark side of 90210, some of which has long been forgotten. We sat down with renowned entertainment journalist and author Scott Huver to explore the dark underbelly of one of America's most glamorous zip codes — Beverly Hills. Scott tak…

In this powerful episode, we sit down with James Donaldson, former NBA star and mental health advocate, to discuss his deeply personal journey through the highs of professional basketball and the lows of battling severe depression and suicidal ideation. James opens up about the mental health crisis that nearly ended his life, sharing the pivotal mo…

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Ashley Randele, daughter of Thomas Randele, to uncover the incredible story of her father's secret life. For decades, Thomas Randele lived a seemingly ordinary life as a loving husband and father, until the shocking revelation that he had been living under an alias, hiding a past no one could have imagined…

Nestled in the Nevada desert, the Republic of Molossia is a self-proclaimed sovereign nation with its own traditions, customs, and even a currency! Join us as we explore what it takes to create and govern a micronation, the quirks and challenges of running a country within a country, and the whimsical yet thought-provoking philosophy behind Molossi…

With renowned investigative journalist Gus Garcia-Roberts we explore the deep-seated corruption that plagued Long Island's law enforcement, detailed in his book, "Jimmy the King: Murder, Vice, and the Reign of a Dirty Cop." Gus takes us behind the scenes of one of the most shocking tales of police corruption in recent history, centering on James Bu…

In this episode we hit the open road with Salena Lettera, a trailblazing truck driver who’s been navigating the highways and byways of the trucking industry for years. Salena shares her unique journey, what inspired her to get behind the wheel, the evolving landscape of trucking, the importance of community and support within the industry, and her …

On a seemingly ordinary night in October of 1943, the tranquility of a small Texas town was shattered by a brutal crime that left two survivors in its wake and a community in shock. Christena Stephens details the murder of Roy and Mae Hunt in her book, Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town. Despite extensive investigations, the…

Investigative journalist Susan Zalkind unravels the chilling details behind the notorious triple homicide that occurred in September of 2011 in her hometown of Waltham, Massachusetts. This quiet town was overshadowed by an unthinkable crime, but captivates us is Susan Zalkind's uncanny ability to unveil the intricate threads weaving together the mu…

We sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Josh Zeman to delve into the shadowy world of true crime and unsolved mysteries. Known for his work on groundbreaking documentaries like "Cropsey," “Murder Mountain,” Killer Legends,” The Sons of Sam” and "The Killing Season," Zeman shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his career. We discuss the ch…

Pushed to the limits of endurance, navigating treacherous terrain, and facing the stark reality of survival against nature describes Kaden Laga's arduous five-day journey in the Montana wilderness. We spoke with Kaden, who shares his firsthand account of being lost in the unforgiving wilderness, experiencing uncertainty, and his unwavering determin…

Psychologically, how do we deal with potentially violent threats or harmful behaviors? When all of the standard and typical treatments and resources fail to prevent these potentially harmful behaviors, what can be done to prevent them from being carried out? Whether it’s domestic violence, incidents of stalking, violent physical threats, public att…

Whether you're a die-hard fan of "The Price is Right" or simply intrigued by the inner workings of game shows, in this episode we dive into the world of TV's longest running show, with its superfan - Ted Slauson. Ted was a fan of the Bob Barker version of The Price Is Right starting back in 1973, and started attending tapings when he was 18 years o…

Dr. James Cantor is a psychologist and a leading researcher whose areas of work have focused on sex research. He has spent over 25 years researching various paraphilias, the most notable one being pedophilia. It's a difficult subject to discuss and tackle, but it's one that needs to be addressed socially. We wanted to know exactly what a pedophile …

While discussions about policing often center on present-day controversies, understanding its historical evolution is essential to understand how we got here today. Dr. Gary Potter unravels a timeline of the complexities of policing, shedding light on pivotal moments, ideologies, and societal influences that have shaped its trajectory. From the est…

Should personal choices made outside the workplace be a factor in one's professional work? Can society draw a line between personal freedom and professional accountability? Sarah Juree's life took an unexpected turn when her side hustle collided with her professional career as a teacher. Her story made headlines when she was fired from her teaching…

At just 17 years old, Jeff Deskovic's life took an unexpected turn when he found himself wrongfully convicted of the rape and murder of his classmate. Despite maintaining his innocence, he spent over 16 years behind bars, enduring the unimaginable hardships of prison life. We spoke to Jeff and uncovered the shocking details of his wrongful convicti…

As we celebrate Black History Month and honor the trailblazers who shaped our world, we explore the remarkable life and groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Gladys West, a trailblazing mathematician whose contributions paved the way for modern GPS technology. We spoke to Dr. West’s daughter, Carolyn Oglesby, who continues to educate the public about …

Against the backdrop of ongoing debates surrounding police accountability, racial justice, and community trust, it’s more important than ever to address the uncomfortable truths surrounding police brutality, shining a spotlight on the systemic issues that continue to perpetuate violence and injustice within our communities. We sat down with David C…

Not many know about the Mad Bomber and his trail of terror across New York City in the 1940’s and 50’s. The uncertainty and fear that gripped the city had New Yorkers bracing themselves for the possibility of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Many are also unaware of Dr. James A. Brussel, the father of modern criminal profiling and his ro…

Join us as we step behind the scenes of one of the most infamous social experiments in history - the Stanford Prison Experiment. We spoke with Rich Yacco, who recounted his experiences as a "prisoner" in the simulated prison environment, shedding light on the blurred lines between authority, abuse, and conformity. In this episode we provide a glimp…

In this eye-opening episode, we spoke with historian Donald Yacovone to unravel the layers of history taught in American schools. In a candid and thought-provoking conversation, Donald takes us on a journey through time, exposing the untold stories, overlooked perspectives, and hidden chapters that have shaped our nation. Donald Yacovone is an Asso…

Where are you in the sibling order - first, middle, last? Regardless of the order, everyone's been curious about the profound impact birth order has on who we are and who we become. After all, in the grand saga of family, every sibling plays a crucial role. In this episode, we go beyond the conventional wisdom, delving into groundbreaking research …

Description: Recently, big banks like Chase, HSBC and Capital One have started to pull back from safe deposit box services and aren’t offering them for new customers. So, where should you store your valuables? Dave McGuinn has been keeping banks and the valuables that reside within them safe for over 50 years. He is the industry expert when it come…

Having faced the harrowing experience of losing a loved one to homicide, Dr. Jan Canty opens up about her personal journey of survival, healing, and transformation. Through her inspiring narrative, she offers profound insights into the human spirit's ability to overcome even the darkest of moments. We spoke with Jan, discussing the challenges she f…

It's time for our annual Halloween special, and this year we had a chance to hang out with Robery Gonyo of Haunted Manhattan! Haunted Manhattan has been providing NYC with it's own brand of haunted history for over 10 years. NYC is a unique place around Halloween and many embark on one of the city's many haunted walking tours. Robert told us all ab…

The After School Satan Club, with its provocative name, is in the hot seat these days. Now, before you conjure images of devilish gatherings and dark rituals, the After School Satan Club is not about worshiping the dark Lord. Rather, it's about enlightening young minds, promoting critical thinking, and exploring alternative perspectives. We're here…

Vampires aren't real, right? From the classic novel Dracula to more modern novels by Anne Rice or even Twilight, vampires have been a part of cultures and folklore from all around the world. What if vampires are real? If someone tells you they're a vampire, do you believe them? There are true crime cases like that of Richard Trenton Chase. Chase ne…

Schenectady, NY is a small city that's had a troubled past. Once known as "The City That Lights and Hauls the World", Schenectady has faced a police corruption scandal as well as other tragic events over the years. In the late 90's and early 2000's, Schenectady's Police Dept. was the focus of a federal investigation by the FBI while under the tenur…

Life after prison is far from a straightforward path. The formerly incarcerated face the harsh reality of reintegration into society, from finding employment and securing housing to dealing with the societal stigma that often accompanies a criminal record. David Rothenberg's story is one of unwavering commitment to social justice and compassion for…

Ever wonder what really happens at a crime scene? Barbara Butcher, the second woman ever hired for the role of Death Investigator in New York City, takes us behind the scenes of her riveting investigations, revealing the meticulous attention to detail required to reconstruct the final moments of a person's life. From high-stakes cases to unexpected…

Do you know what roller derby is? It's okay if you don't, we've got someone who can definitely tell you all there is to know about it. Roller derby is a sport that many know absolutely nothing about and we're going to change that. It's a fast paced, hard hitting, alternative contact sport that's played all over the world. Since its early beginnings…

Have you ever had a question for a flight attendant that you've always wanted to ask but never had the chance? Well you're in luck, so do we. We caught up with Toni, a flight attendant with her very own blog, "A Wheel in the Sky." We asked Toni about everything from what her typical flight routine is like to the craziest things she's experienced on…

This Minisode is the extended interview with Mandi Shepp from our Lily Dale episode. In this wpisode you'll hear more about the history and culture of Lily Dale, learn which old Hollywood actress would frequent Lily Dale and learn more about what makes Lily Dale so unique. Amanda M. “Mandi” Shepp received her MLS in Library & Information Science in…

During the early to mid-20th century, Chicken Bone Beach served as one of the few areas where African Americans were allowed to enjoy the Atlantic City shoreline. In this episode, we spoke with Cheryl Woodruff Brooks, the author of Chicken Bone Beach - A Pictorial History of Atlantic City’s Missouri Avenue Beach. We explored the challenges and triu…

The crime scene and death cleanup industry is a vital and often overlooked component of public safety and restoration. When the unthinkable occurs, crime scene and death cleaners step in to restore order and cleanliness. As a seasoned expert in the field, Scott Vogel of Emergi-Clean, based out of New Jersey, sheds light on the importance of crime s…

Lily Dale is a place where Spiritualism lives and the dead are in constant contact with the living. It’s a place that people flock to in search of comfort, healing and meaning. It is also a quiet community located in western New York that’s a stone’s throw away from Canada and nestled between Buffalo and Erie, PA. In our search for some of the most…

In this Minisode we discuss Netflix ending their DVD service, streaming services and what it's like to have a DVD collection that is still growing. Do you have a DVD collection of your own? Share it with us on Instagram or Twitter! Are you one of the few people receiving DVDs by mail from Netflix? How do you feel about this service ending? Check ou…

A brief discussion about our personal experiences in trying to eat healthy. We discuss trying keto meals. (Not a full keto diet, but just meals to reduce the overall amount of carbs condumed.) Other things discussed in this episode are overall sugar consumption, the differences between similar foods and beverages around the world and growing and ma…

Joe Turner is a true crime author who has written about and researched the crimes of Danny LaPlante extensively. After writing an article with details about the case that bordered on stretching the truth, the truth came directly to him. Those close to the case started to contact him with details that weren't all that known. This has led Joe to writ…

Anthony Broadwater was convicted of the sexual assault of Alice Sebold, the author known for works such as Lucky and The Lovely Bones. Years later, with the help of film producer Timothy Mucciante, Anthony was exonerated of the crime due to discrepancies and inaccuracies in the author's story and memoir. All of this has had a profound effect on Ant…

In season 1 we spoke with Kasi about being a single mom by choice so we decided to delve in to the world of sperm donors. In this episode we hear from a private sperm donor as well as the biological child of a sperm donor. John, a sperm donor from California is a private sperm donor who enjoys helping others create the families they have always wan…

Ariel Lask is an accomplished singer-songwriter and musician who has been on professional musical journey with plenty of highs and lows. She is also a co-host of the podcast "Breaking Through", which she hosts with musical artist Twinnie. Ariel discussed her journey's ups and downs, navigating the world and harsh reality of the music industry and w…

על ידי Bound by the Cloak

After solving a cold case involving the death of her college roommate, Sheila Wysocki became a private investigator and is known for working on and solving some of the most tragic cold cases. We had a chance to speak with Sheila about why and how she became a private investigator, how she goes about conducting investigations and what it takes to be…