Monstrous

Is a "simple, taunting, circle" the signature of a cross-country serial killer cell, or is it just statistical noise? This week on Monstrous, Carrie and MawMaw dive into the chilling and controversial Smiley Face Killers Theory . Since 1997, hundreds of college-aged, athletic men have vanished from bars, only to be found weeks later in frigid rivers. While police often rule these as accidental "La...

In a small town nestled in Ohio, a series of poison pen letters unleashed chaos and fear that would linger for decades. The Circleville letters represent a dark chapter in American history, showcasing the lengths one individual would go to in order to destroy lives and reputations. This week we delve into the harrowing story behind this campaign of terror, the psychological motivations of the writ...

In our final, decisive flight of 2025, Carrie and MawMaw are strapping on detective hats and analyzing technical blueprints to close the year on the most audacious acts of air piracy in American history. We’re stepping away from typical horrors to explore a brief, terrifying era when the sky became a frontier for high-stakes criminals—and one aircraft, the Boeing 727 , became the perfect getaway v...

In the chill of Christmas Eve 1945, a tragedy unfolded in Fayetteville, West Virginia, that would haunt a family and a community for decades. The Sodder family, preparing for a joyful holiday, faced an unimaginable horror when five of their children vanished without a trace in a fire that raised more questions than answers. With theories ranging from kidnapping to political motives, In this episod...

In the frigid winter of 1959, a group of experienced hikers embarked on a challenging expedition in the Ural Mountains of the Soviet Union. Despite their skills and preparation, the group faced an inexplicable tragedy that has led to numerous theories, including natural disasters, human intervention, and even extraterrestrial involvement. What began as an adventure turned into one of the most baff...

The Keddie Cabin Murders, a tragic event that occurred in 1981, involved the brutal killing of a family in a remote California resort. The investigation was marred by errors and a lack of resources, leading to multiple theories about the motive and identity of the killer. Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to key suspects, the case remains unsolved, leaving a lasting impact on the surviving fa...

The holiday season is often filled with joy and togetherness, but sometimes it can also bring to light profound stories of isolation and despair. In this episode, we delve into the haunting mystery of a woman known only as the "Christmas Tree Lady," whose tragic end raises questions about identity, connection, and the symbols we associate with the holidays. You can email us at monstroustcpod@gmail...

Thanksgiving is often a time for family gatherings filled with laughter and joy, but for the Sitton family in 2009, this holiday would become synonymous with horror. In this episode, we will delve into the tragic events that transpired during their Thanksgiving dinner, exploring the underlying issues that led to a horrific act of violence. Grace Notes Music Foundation: https://www.gracenotesmusicf...

In the quiet town of Gridley, California, a tragedy unfolded that would haunt families and communities alike for decades. The story of five friends, known as the Yuba County Five, takes us through the labyrinth of friendship, adventure, and the chilling unknown. Their disappearance remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries in American history, leaving behind more questions than answers...

This week Carrie tells us the story of The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944. A tragic event that claimed 167 lives and injured over 700 people. The fire was a result of negligence. The chaos that ensued during the fire led to a devastating stampede, resulting in many deaths. The aftermath saw a significant legal and societal response, leading to changes across the United States. The legacy of the fire...

This week Carrie and her co-host delves into the chilling case of John List, a man who meticulously planned the murder of his entire family in a bid to save them from what he perceived as disgrace and ruin. They explore the facade of the List family, the psychological turmoil of John List, and the methodical execution of his horrific plan. they go through the aftermath of the murders, the subseque...

In this episode Carrie and MawMaw delve into the chilling legacy of the Candyman, exploring two notorious figures who earned this sinister nickname. They begin with a Halloween special, transitioning into a discussion about the fear that has permeated Halloween traditions due to the actions of Dean Correll, a serial killer who used his charm and a candy factory to lure young boys. They highlight t...

Carrie is again joined by MawMaw and in this episode they explore a variety of spooky games and rituals that blur the line between fun and fear. From the chilling Mirror Game to the eerie Hidden Staircase Game, each segment delves into the folklore and psychological implications of these paranormal challenges. The games in this round include the infamous Hat Man, the haunting Penny for Your Soul,...

In this episode Carrie and MawMaw delve into the dark history of the Paisley witch trials, exploring the socio-economic and religious factors that led to the mass hysteria and brutal executions of several individuals accused of witchcraft in 17th century Scotland. They highlight the role of Christian Shaw, the influence of King James VI, and the community's desperate need for scapegoats during a t...

In this episode, the hosts explore the haunting stories and legends surrounding four lakes known for their eerie histories and supernatural phenomena. From the submerged towns of Lake Mead to the ghostly apparitions of Lake Baikal, and the treacherous waters of Lake Superior to the mysterious disappearances at Po Yang Lake, each location reveals a unique blend of folklore, tragedy, and the unknown...

This week Carrie is again joined by MawMaw as she delves into the Salem witch trials, exploring the complex interplay of fear, superstition, and social tensions that led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. They examine the Puritan mindset, the role of key figures like Tituba and John Proctor, and the tragic fates of the accused, highlighting the lasting impact of these events on th...

On todays episode we have a special guest. With Mandy out due to a loss in her family Carrie is joined by MawMaw. The two dive into the tragic case of the Liske family, who were murdered on Halloween night in 2010 by William B.J. Liske Jr., a family member with a documented history of mental illness. They explore the background of the family, the events leading up to the murders, the investigation...

In this episode we dive into the haunting tale of John Bell and the Bell Witch, focusing on the final moments of John Bell's life, the mysterious vial of poison, and the chilling confession of the entity known as Kate. We explore the themes of family tragedy, supernatural occurrences, and the psychological impact on John Bell Jr. as he grapples with the reality of his father's murder. You can emai...

On this weeks Monday episode the girls delve into the chilling case of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, known as the Ken and Barbie Killers. Carrie and Mandy explore their seemingly perfect facade as a couple, the horrific crimes they committed, the failures of the justice system, and the lasting impact of their actions on Canadian law and society alike. They cover the pairs early lives, the murde...

This episode delves into the chilling story of the Toolbox Killers, Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, who terrorized Southern California in the late 1970s. We explore the socio-cultural landscape of the time, the psychological profiles of the killers, their heinous crimes, and the impact on victims and society. Carrie and Mandy highlight the meticulous planning behind their abductions, the emotion...

In this episode, we explore the legend of the Screaming Tunnel in Niagara Falls, delving into its historical context, the various legends surrounding it, and the cultural significance of such folklore. We discuss the tunnel's construction, the tragic stories associated with it, and the modern-day fascination with paranormal investigations. We also touch on the lack of official records for many his...

In this episode of Monstrous, hosts Carrie and Mandy explore the eerie world of haunted dolls, delving into infamous cases like Annabelle and Robert, as well as lesser-known stories like Mandy and Billy. They discuss the psychological impact of dolls, cultural significance, and the collective fear surrounding these seemingly innocent objects. The conversation spans various global legends, highligh...

In this episode of Monstrous, hosts Carrie and Mandy explore the haunting tale of Camille Monfort, a woman rumored to be a vampire in 19th century Brazil, and the eerie legends surrounding Crybaby Bridge in Ottumwa, Iowa. They share personal stories, delve into the folklore of haunted locations, and reflect on the blurred lines between truth and legend. YouTube Video of CryBaby Bridge: https://www...

In this update, Carrie and Mandy discuss the latest developments in the JonBenet Ramsey case, a cold case that has haunted America for nearly 30 years. They revisit the timeline of events surrounding JonBenet's tragic murder, the media scrutiny faced by her family, and the new forensic techniques that may finally provide answers. The girls highlight the emotional toll on the Ramsey family and the...

This week we explore in detail the Hope Diamond, its history, the legends surrounding its possible curse, and its impact on those who have owned it. Carrie and Mandy discuss how the diamond's narrative has evolved over time, intertwining with themes of tragedy, obsession, and cultural significance, ultimately leading to its current status as a public icon housed in the Smithsonian. Send us your em...