Our Grim Past | Morbid, Dark, Spooky, History

Join Sophia and Maia as they dive into one of Sophia's favorite rabbit holes. Psilocybin aka Magic Mushrooms! From ancient times to modern medicine, hop into our morbid time machine and let's get into the vast history of Magic Mushrooms.

In this episode, hosts Maia and Sophia delve into the intricate history of Plagues, specifically the Black Death. They make connects back to their recent two part series on vampires and the undead, and compare the Black Death to other diseases during the time of its prime. Sophia makes note of religious connotation to the public's response, as well as the strange health and safety measures people...

In the second installment of reviewing a special lecture about the undead, hosts Maia and Sophia are once again joined by special guest Cassidy to talk about their thoughts and findings on the topic. In this episode our hosts focus on how people misinterpreted body decomposition, and how that impacted rituals for the dead and burials. They also reflect on their own experiences with supernatural ex...

In this episode our hosts Sophia and Maia are joined by special guest Cassidy to debrief a history lecture they all attended about the misunderstandings of decomposition, and how that led to the mysterious beginnings of the “Undead”. They explore the origins of the mythology surrounding undead creatures, and dive into how mass illness pushed people towards believing in a supernatural reason behind...

A concise deep-dive into the Titan submersible tragedy, the viral June 2023 coverage, and the new documentary’s behind-the-scenes revelations — from safety failures and whistleblower warnings to lingering questions about Stockton Rush’s choices. Hosts Sophia and Maia recap the film, examine evidence and testimony, and explore how ambition, regulation gaps, and overlooked engineering warnings conve...

Hosts Sophia and Maia revisit a lecture on Serena Zabin's The Boston Massacre, A Family History, exploring how personal relationships between Bostonians and stationed British soldiers complicate the familiar story of the March 5, 1770 event. Rather than a straightforward massacre, the episode examines propaganda, local ties, trials, and the gray areas behind historical narratives. Through anecdote...

Hosts Sophia and Maia return after a long break to catch listeners up on busy summers, college majors, campus jobs, and hobbies—from kayaking and camp counseling to Lego builds and book nooks. They discuss changes to their podcast format, upcoming campus recordings and events, and tease a future episode on the Boston Massacre lecture. Join them for casual conversation, behind-the-scenes updates, a...

Explore the intriguing life of Marie Antoinette, one of history's most misunderstood figures. This episode delves into the many myths surrounding her, including the infamous "Let them eat cake" story, and uncovers the truth behind her life in the court of France. Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the complexities of Marie's political marriage, her personal struggles, and her role in the...

Welcome to this unique episode of Our Grim Past. Today, hosts Sophia and Maia take an unexpected detour from their planned discussion on the Winchester House to explore diverse and intriguing topics ranging from religious history and the role of giants to historical misconceptions and the Black Death. Join them as they hop into their Morbid Time Machine, taking listeners on a journey through compl...

Join Sophia and Maia on an enthralling journey through history as they unravel the mysteries surrounding London's most infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. In this episode, they explore the recent breakthrough in the 200-year-old case with new DNA evidence that finally points to his true identity. Dive into the chilling details of the murders, the infamous letters to the police, and the societ...

In 1892, the quiet town of Exeter, Rhode Island, was shaken by the mysterious death of Mercy Brown. Her untimely end sparked fears of the supernatural. What role did she play in the spread of a deadly illness? Explore the eerie events that gripped a community as we dive into the story of Mercy Brown.

In this episode, join Sophia and Maia as they journey into the rich mythology surrounding Cupid, moving beyond his popular depictions on Valentine's Day. The duo explores Cupid's intricate love story with Psyche, his mysterious origins, and the differences between Cupid and his Greek counterpart, Eros. Through captivating storytelling and intriguing historical insights, discover why Cupid's tale i...

Imagine living in the shadow of a mountain, unaware that beneath the surface, a cataclysm was brewing. Mount Vesuvius, a dormant giant, awakened in 79 AD, sending destructive flows racing towards Pompeii, Herculaneum, and beyond. Although the eruption instantly erased thousands of lives, it also sparked the discovery of remarkable archaeological treasures centuries later. Join Sophia and Maia in t...

In this captivating episode, Sophia and Maia journey through the shadows of the Paris Catacombs, a place where history and mystery intertwine beneath the bustling city streets. Join them as they unravel the fascinating stories of these ancient tunnels, from their origins as Roman quarries to their rebirth as a storied resting place for millions. Explore the legends and ghostly tales that have emer...

Join Sophia and Maia in a riveting exploration of the world of piracy through time. This episode dives into the legends and realities of notorious pirates such as Blackbeard and Henry Morgan, offering fascinating insights into their lives and the roles they played in history. Discover how piracy influenced the colonization of the Caribbean and the rise and fall of maritime power between the 1500s...

Join Sophia and Maia in this intriguing episode of 'Our Grim Past' as we delve into the life of Mary Mallon, famously known as Typhoid Mary, the first documented asymptomatic carrier of a disease. Discover how this Irish cook unknowingly spread typhoid fever to multiple affluent families in early 1900s America, and the ensuing challenges she faced when the truth came to light. We explore the histo...

In this captivating episode, hosts Sophia and Maia embark on a journey through the intriguing concept of vampirism, blending history with psychological insights. They explore vampirism not just as a legendary creature, but as a real-life phenomenon known as Renfield Syndrome, where individuals exhibit a compulsive need to consume blood. Delve into the psychological underpinnings of clinical vampir...

Join Sophia and Maia as they embark on a captivating journey through the mystical realm of vampires. Explore the enthralling tales of these nocturnal creatures as they dive deep into the rich history, legends, and cultural interpretations of vampires from around the world. From Bram Stoker's classic Dracula to unexpected modern twists, discover how vampires have enchanted literature and media acro...

Welcome, inquirers, new and old! Have you ever wanted to venture into the fascinating yet eerie worlds of morbid history, but didn't know where to start? You're in the right place! In this episode of "Our Grand Past," join Sophia and Maia in their Morbid Time Machine as they explore the chilling tales of Krampus, the sinister counterpart to Santa Claus in various cultures. Delve into the rich folk...

Join Sophia and Maia as they journey through the peculiar history of holiday greeting cards. Uncover the surprising, and at times spooky, origins of this cheerful tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Explore how these festive staples evolved from hand-painted novelties featuring endearing family portraits to bizarre and morbid motifs that amused and shocked their recipients. Dive into t...

Welcome to another episode of Our Grand Past, where Sophia and Maia take you on a spine-chilling journey through history's creepiest ghost stories and legends. Join us as we revive the old tradition of telling ghost stories during the Christmas season. Listen as we recount chilling encounters, including famous ghosts like Bloody Mary and the haunting Bell Witch of Tennessee. Explore tales from the...

In this episode of Our Grand Past, Sophia and Maia take you on a captivating journey through the evolution of kidnapping laws in America. From the historical roots in English common law to the landmark cases that led to significant changes in federal legislation, discover how this heinous crime has been perceived and prosecuted over the centuries. Delve into the infamous kidnapping of Charles Lind...

Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the chilling waters of morbid history in this gripping episode of "Our Grim Past." Delve into the forgotten tragedy of the Empress of Ireland, a shipwreck that claimed more passenger lives than both the Titanic and RMS Lusitania. Discover the fateful events of May 29, 1914, when the Empress of Ireland collided with the SS Stornstad in the fog-shrouded St...

Over a hundred years ago, Iowa was shaken by one of its most notorious crimes - the Villisca Axe Murders. In this episode of Our Grim Past, hosts Sophia and Maia, along with guest speaker Cadence, take you on a journey through time to dissect this haunting event. From the mishandling of evidence to the main suspects, discover the chilling details that continue to baffle historians and enthusiasts...

Join Sophia and Maia as they unravel the intriguing and dark history of the Habsburg family, a royal dynasty that dominated European aristocracy from the 15th to the 20th century. Despite their vast empire and influence, the Habsburgs are remembered for their peculiar downfall, driven by generations of inbreeding. Step into our Morbid Time Machine and explore the family's rise to power, their terr...