All Bad Things

(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.

David and Rachel discuss an early Russian documentary/stunt flight gone awry. Research courtesy of Aces California.

David and Rachel discuss the terrifying fact that huge rocks can, indeed, randomly fall off mountains. Special thanks to listener Rebecca for the research.

David and Rachel discuss the horrors endured by the so-called "Radium girls" of the early 20th century. Listener research courtesy of Declan.

David and Rachel tell the sad story of the late 19th century animal pandemic of rinderpest, courtesy of research by listener Pash.

David and Rachel discuss a terrifying instance of fuel gone awry on a TWA flight. Research by listener Leanne.

David and Rachel discuss a time a radio contest went horribly awry and killed a young woman.

On the 10th anniversary of one of the deadliest disasters in New Zealand history, David and Rachel discuss the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

David and Rachel discuss the horror that befell central Kansas in 1991 when a multi-vortex tornado descended on the area. Awesome research by listener Angela.

David and Rachel read author Lee Hutch's harrowing account of a disastrous fire in 1897 Paris.

David and Rachel read author Lee Hutch's stellar description of the leadup to a tragic late 19th century fire in Paris, aka "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: The Bazar de la Charité Fire of 1897".

David and Rachel discuss how one slip is all it takes at 11,000 feet.

David and Rachel discuss the the terror 296 people experienced as United Airlines Flight 232 lost an engine and its hydraulics system mid-flight. Shout out to listener Auden for the amazing script!