All Bad Things

David and Rachel start the long and insidious story of the Magic Mineral that continues to kill thousands of people every year.

(Or, "Sometimes when you have no money, there are no good options") David and Rachel discuss the horrible fate of dozens aboard the ailing ferry MV Princess Ashika. Script by listener Stephen.

David and Rachel discuss the tragic deaths of father and son martial arts superstars Bruce and Brandon Lee.

David and Rachel discuss the wisdom (or lack thereof) in participating in a transpacific air race in the days of early aviation. Research by listener Aces California. (P.S. Yeah, this episode isn't coming out on Labor Day. We got that mixed up.)

David and Rachel delve into the scintillating world of insurance and discuss how the political and economic environment of the '70s and '80s led to unaffordable premiums in the US insurance market.

David and Rachel discuss how big pharma and a man named Russell Bliss haplessly (?) annihilated an entire Midwest town. Research by listener and fellow Raleigh resident James M.

David and Rachel wrap up the tragic story of the deadliest climbing accident in US history. Research by listener Nicole.

David and Rachel set up the failed Wilcox expedition to scale Denali. Research by listener Nicole.

David and Rachel finish our pal Al's harrowing firsthand account of the massive 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado.

David and Rachel discuss one of the more recent terrifying Tornado Alley tornadoes to hit Moore, Oklahoma. Excellent first-person account and research by listener Al.

On the auspicious occasion of our fourth podaversary, David and Rachel discuss the tragic death of Hollywood and Monaco royalty, Princess Grace (Kelly).

David and Rachel answer questions from you wonderful people!

(Or, "Why All Aircraft Windows Are Shaped Like Squircles") David and Rachel discuss the series of alarming crashes experienced by the world's first jet airliner model. Stellar research by listener John.

David and Rachel get all science-y in this discussion of an early synthetic hormone also known as DES that caused unintended negative health effects on the children (and grandchildren) born to the people prescribed it.

David and Rachel take a much needed respite from high casualty horror to discuss the disastrous legacy and near-admirable pettiness of former Toronto Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard.

David and Rachel discuss the terrifying last moments 88 people were forced to endure all because of poor maintenance. Research courtesy of listener Bethany.

David and Rachel discuss a horrible ferry tragedy in Lake Victoria. Research by listener Rachael.

David and Rachel discuss the rescue attempts and aftermath of the deadly December 2019 eruption of Whakaari.

David and Rachel discuss the horrifying events leading to the eventual eruption of Whakaari / White Island in December 2019 while 47 people occupied the island.

David and Rachel discuss the tragic mechanical failure of a late '80s Polish flight. Research by listener Nina.

David and Rachel discuss the calculated decision that turned to tragedy off the Pacific Northwest coast. Research by listener Nicole.

On the occasion of our 200th (!) episode, David and Rachel tell the story of a plane crash that killed six people in the back woods of Mississippi, including three members of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Recorded live on Zoom with some of our awesome listeners!

David, Rachel, and special guest Sarah discuss the disastrous 1986 TV special "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" and the improbable upward trajectory of Geraldo Rivera's career after such an abject journalistic failure.

David and Rachel discuss a series of terrifying explosions in an industrial area of China. Co-researchers of this episode are listeners James and Hayden.

David and Rachel discuss the horrible circumstances that led to the worst drunk driving accident in US history. Amazing research by listener Leanne. Extra trigger warning for a subject that left us shook.