Fresh Hell Podcast

In this final part of our Barnum deep dive, we cover his biggest spectacle yet—The Greatest Show on Earth. From the moment he took his circus on the road to his partnership with James A. Bailey, we explore how Barnum turned entertainment into an empire. And of course, we wrap up with the ultimate Barnum move—reading his own obituary before he died. Love him or hate him, Barnum left a legacy that c...

In this episode, we pick up where we left off with P.T. Barnum. We’ll talk about how he turned Scudder’s American Museum into a New York sensation, why General Tom Thumb became a global star, and the controversy around Joice Heth. There’s also the devastating fire that destroyed the museum(s), Barnum’s first steps into the circus world, and the personal losses he endured, including the death of hi...

In this episode, we begin our deep dive into the fascinating and controversial life of P.T. Barnum, the man who revolutionized entertainment and gave the world The Greatest Show on Earth. But before we can fully understand Barnum’s impact, we need to explore the history that paved the way for his success: the origins of freak shows. We trace the roots of these spectacles back to ancient and mediev...

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries...

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries...

In December 1984, Kingston Falls, Pennsylvania, went from a quiet, festive town to the scene of absolute chaos, all thanks to one ill-considered Christmas gift. A set of very specific rules wasn’t followed, and the result was something no one in town could have imagined. We’ll talk about what happened that night, how things went so catastrophically wrong, and why you might want to double-check you...

In this episode, Annie takes us to the historic town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, for a chilling true crime case set against the backdrop of 19th-century Cape Cod. Learn about the Christmas night murder of 15-year-old Daniel Fogarty Jr. in 1857, the mob mentality fueled by alcohol and gambling, and the tragic events that led to his untimely death. Along the way, Annie explores the fascinating histo...

In this episode Johanna takes us to the quiet, rural landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to tell you about the tragic case of Robert Syrokowski. On a freezing December night in 2002, 18-year-old Robert disappeared after leaving a nightclub and was later found dead, struck by a car in the middle of a desolate road. But this was no mere accident—it was the result of a series of shocking failu...

In part two, we focus on the aftermath of the Bloody Benders’ crimes and their shocking methods of murder. The gruesome discoveries at their property reveal the extent of their brutality, and we share stories of those who narrowly escaped their deadly trap. We also look at their dramatic flight from justice, the many theories surrounding their mysterious disappearance, and the possible role of vig...

In this episode, we examine the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, America’s infamous serial killer family. Set in 1870s Kansas, we recount the Bender family’s arrival in Labette County and the dark secrets concealed behind their seemingly ordinary inn on the Osage Trail. We explore the family’s unsettling behavior, the growing rumors about disappearances along the trail, and how the mysterious...

In this episode, we talk about the mysterious disappearances of three young men: Christopher Thompkins, Christopher Matthew Kerze, and Steven Clark. Each case is haunting and unexplained, though only Thompkins' disappearance fits within the so-called "Missing 411" phenomenon—a term used to describe unusual and often inexplicable disappearances in wilderness areas. Each story shines a light on the...

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In this spine-tingling episode, we dive into the haunted legacies of two military legends: Pausanias, the ancient Spartan general with a cursed afterlife, and Mad Anthony Wayne, whose restless ghost reportedly wanders to this day. From ancient Greece to post-Revolutionary War America, we explore the eerie tales that have kept these spirits alive in folklore. Is it guilt that keeps them from findin...

The iconic Hotel Chelsea is more than just a New York City landmark; it’s a haunting ground for some of the most legendary ghosts in history. In this episode, Johanna and Ingrid explore the eerie tales of the hotel’s past residents—some of whom never checked out. From the tragic death of punk rock icon Sid Vicious' girlfriend Nancy Spungen to the lingering spirits of famous artists, writers, and m...

It's this time of the year again: Spooky Fuckery Month is upon us! This week, we dive into a Jeopardy category that immediately caught our attention: GHOSTS! In the first part, we discuss the most famous laundry ghost in the White House, Abigail Adams. Then, we explore the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, home to the mirror ghost of Marilyn Monroe, and the eerie 2 a.m. bugle concerts of Montgomery Clift...

In the final chapter of the Elfriede Blauensteiner case, we dive into the investigation that finally brought her to justice. We’ll discuss the twists and turns of her trials, the chilling courtroom moments, and the final verdict that sealed her fate. As we follow her journey behind bars, we’ll also explore her time in prison, the media frenzy that followed, and ultimately, her death. Was justice t...

In this episode, we continue the dark and twisted journey of Elfriede Blauensteiner, picking up where we left off—her meeting with second husband Rudolf Blauensteiner. From there, we look at the chilling details of her life as a serial killer, driven by greed and a deadly addiction to gambling. Discover how she preyed on her victims, manipulated wills, and used lethal doses of medications to ensur...

Born during the Great Depression in 1931 Vienna, Elfriede Blauensteiner's early life was marked by hardship, a cold and distant mother, and the looming shadow of World War II. In this episode, we explore her difficult upbringing, her troubled first marriage, and her eventual meeting with Rudolf Blauensteiner, her second husband. But this is no story of redemption—Blauensteiner would later become a...

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the incredible world of interspecies friendships, where the laws of nature bend in the name of love, loyalty, and companionship. We explore the touching stories of Chito and Pocho, the Costa Rican fisherman and his beloved crocodile; Molly and Peggy, the unlikely duo of a rescued magpie and a playful Staffy; Jane Goodall and David Greybeard, the deep bond...

In part two we talk about the the mysteries surrounding Ötzi's final days and hours. We explore what his last meal tells about the era, the harrowing details of his violent death, and the eerie curse that some believe haunts those who’ve come into contact with him. From the meticulous preservation of his body in the South Tyrol Museum to the decades-long legal battle over the finder's reward, we c...

In this chilly"" episode Johanna tells Anie all about the story of Ötzi the Iceman, the world's most fashionable mummy from the Copper Age. Discovered in the Ötztal Alps, Ötzi’s well-preserved body and unique wardrobe give us a fascinating glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago. Join us as we explore the practical yet innovative clothing Ötzi wore, from his fur coat to his grass-stuffed shoes, and...

Dive into the fascinating, chaotic, and downright quirky world of the 1900 Paris Olympics in this episode! We'll unravel the strange stories that made these Games unlike any other, from the scandalous tug-of-war showdown to the marathon madness where shortcuts and cyclists played starring roles. Discover how the British Royals set the modern marathon distance. We also touch on the roots of the Oly...

Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperat...

Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperat...