The Grim Cities

Madeline starts us off today by taking the listeners deep underground through a series of tunnels underneath the United Kingdom. From a bomb shelter to music venues, these tunnels have seen a lot of action. Dan shares a list of the best horror movies from 2024, as suggested by the prolific horror film critic and author Gretchen Felker-Martin. He even touches on her most famous book, which both Mad...

Did you know that the movie The Omen pre-dates its novelization? Madeline didn’t either, and today we both learn how many books there are in total across the series. Just in time for Dan to get called out for spreading misinformation about how many Omen movies have actually been made. Then, a new friend of the pod sends Madeline a link to a creepy tale of medical malpractice. And our main story to...

There’s a ton of history to be analyzed in today’s episode. Dan starts off with a puzzling inquiry into why certain people are more attracted to horror than others. Then, Madeline teaches us how the common colloquialism of “saved by the bell” has a more sinister origin. And finally, we shift our focus to the movement of Spiritualism that rose to popularity in the 19th century during an especially...

It’s been a few weeks, but we’re excited to be back! And we’re jumping right into the thick of things: Dan gets a new book from his parents who clearly support his deranged obsession with all things horror; Madeline does a full 180 and watches a movie that she, and frankly no one else for that matter, would have ever guessed she would watch. Furthermore, we explore the historic stories of what are...

Tomorrow is the most sacred of days for The Grim Cities: Halloween is FINALLY upon us! Madeline and Dan celebrate by reminiscing about their favorite Halloween traditions. They also read some harrowing tales and short stories that are sure to have your heart pounding and your palms sweating. But first, the two share some current events in their personal lives that raise some eyebrows of their own....

We start off today’s episode with a video that will make Madeline and Dan question reality. Did they really just see an inanimate object move on its own? Well, the whole country of Mexico seems to think it did! We then continue where we left off last week and discuss how the tradition of tomfoolery on Halloween stems from the old times of Celtic Druids. From spilling hundreds of bushels of corn to...

The Grim Cities is getting philosophical today, y’all! We begin by breaking down some common horror tropes and how they reflect the lived experiences of women in our society on a daily basis. All through the lens of a truly disturbing movie that leaves its viewers asking…what 👏🏻 did 👏🏻 I 👏🏻 just 👏🏻 see 👏🏻 ?! And if that subject matter is a bit to heavy for a Wednesday morning, we ease th...

Today’s episode is all about spooky season events  happening all over the Twin Cities and greater metro area. From classic haunted houses to frights on the main stage, there’s sure to be something to satiate everyone’s preferred mode of celebration. Madeline and Dan highlight a few of their most anticipated attractions of the season. And the fun doesn’t stop there; we share several websites that d...

Madeline and Dan dig up the microphones and unleash a new season of The Grim Cities just in time for Spooky Season. After catching up on what occupied their time over the summer months, the two jump right into a collection of horror headlines. And those headlines range from a playful music video to the scariest book ever written. Madeline and Dan then discuss their favorite Halloween candy before...

Today’s episode is a long time in the making and holds a special place in Dan’s heart. We’re diving deep into the town of Litchfield, MN where Dan’s family cabin is located. This area has a tumultuous history that ranges from wealthy recreation to conflict and death. We speak with a special guest, Dan’s aunt Jean, who shares her haunted experiences at the cabin and reveals the terrifying true tale...

Today we start off by talking about a new movie that seems to align a little too perfectly with one of Madeline’s interests… Let’s just say Dan is starting to not feel safe y’all! Also in this episode: Dead Man’s Hill? Dead Man’s Pond?! We really need to stop naming places this way if we’re trying to avoid active hauntings. C’mon people, let’s do better, be better! Pick up some merch today: https:...

Today we mark an incredibly special milestone for The Grim Cities. We’ve officially hit 50 episodes!  5-0…holy shit! 🤯 We are so incredibly grateful to all of our listeners, new and old, who have supported us along the way and who have motivated us to keep publishing content. We’ve been so well received and we could not be more thankful. 🥰 So to celebrate this momentous occasion, we give you an...

Today’s episode starts off with another tale from Dan’s trip to Ireland years ago. He just doesn’t know how to let things go does he?! 🙄 And then Madeline and Dan analyze some of the worst - or best, depending on who you ask - April Fools’ Day pranks over the years. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and even scream. Some of these pranks go a wee bit too far… Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfir...

There is SO much to unpack in today’s episode…things are crazy as hell right right off the bat when Madeline finds out that she sleeps in a VERY concerning and downright creepy manner. And things just unravel further from there, as Madeline and Dan incorrectly try to guess when an iconic Minnesota institution was erected. And of course, no one expected that location to be haunted. But here we are!...

As Madeline gears up for a family trip into the heart of Indiana, a large chunk of the continental US prepares for the upcoming solar eclipse. On April 8th, 2024 North America will become a prime viewing location for this incredible phenomenon. If you want to experience it in all its glory, draw a straight line from Mazatlán, Mexico to Montreal, Canada and you’ll be able to visualize the path of t...

As we get excited for the drunken debauchery of St. Paddy’s Day, Dan shares some fun memories from his time in Ireland. From ghost tours to a familial curse, his best judgement was not on display… Madeline then presents us with a compelling quiz to see just how well each of us would fare if we found ourselves in a real-life horror film. Best of all it originates from a BuzzFeed article, so you kno...

Are you tired of horror films being snubbed for major categories at the Oscars? Or even worse, not being considered at all? So are we. This week we’re facing that problem head on by raising awareness of some of the most prolific horror movies of all time that were able to break through that Oscar curse and actually take home some shiny metal.  Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/stor...

Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ In a continuation from last week’s episode, we delve further into the infamous life of H. H. Holmes and the plethora of crimes he committed. Polygamy, failure to pay his contractors, and bringing his victims across both state and country lines…he did it all! Plus, listen until the end to find out how he was buried. ⚰️ Be sure...

Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Where do serial killers come from, and what makes them different than the rest of us? Why do they gravitate toward violent behavior and vile thoughts? How do they justify their actions time and time again? In today’s episode Madeline and Dan dive into the early life of H. H. Holmes to uncover what life events led him to becom...

Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ With Groundhog Day just recently passed, we’d like to dive further into the history of the mystical cryptid that has been predicting the longevity of our winters for decades. How did this groundhog get his powers, where did he come from, and why can he tell us with such certainty how many more weeks we can expect to endure th...

Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Today is an incredibly special day! And why is it so special you ask? Because we are OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING OUR MERCH STORE!!! That’s right, you can finally get your hands on some sick-ass Grim Cities products and become the envy of all your friends. Show off your pride, share your love for the pod, and purchase some items. Als...

This week we’re celebrating our 40th episode! And what a better way to memorialize the occasion, than taking a good ol’ stroll down memory lane? Today we’re looking at some of our past episodes through the eyes of fellow locals who have shared their own experiences online as they relate to a few topics we’ve covered. The Grim Cities is over the hill; so let’s get some fresh perspectives! Be sure t...

They say there is always something new to discover in your own backyard. That is certainly the case in today’s episode, as Madeline and Dan first learn about a small island seated in the Mississippi River on the outskirts of Cottage Grove. Once home to the Mdewakanton tribe, what sort of entities now lurk amongst the wooded landscape? Whoever they are, we can tell you that they likely don’t want y...

Strap in y’all, ‘cause a lot is going down in today’s episode. We check in with one another to make sure we weathered Krampusnacht unscathed, Madeline gets a new calendar that will benefit ALL of us, and Dan tries to teach Madeline why her opinion about a certain heartthrob is just plain wrong. And that’s just the beginning…we’re diving back into the early 1900s mobster scene. It’s going to be a w...

Everyone wants a helpful assistant around the house to help with all the mundane chores, right? Lucky for you all, Madeline and Dan discuss some elf-like creatures from Nordic folklore that can take some stress off your plate. At least…most of the time. It’s a Christmas miracle! Or an omen… I guess you’ll have to listen and find out for yourself. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook...