The Weirdest Thing

This week Scotty talks about the bizarre and tragic death of scientist Frank Olson and his connection to the CIA's infamous Project MKUltra, while Amelia discusses the court case Madrigal v. Quilligan and California's shameful history of forced sterilizations. Plus a bonus, mostly spoiler-free discussion of Nia DaCosta's new "Candyman" movie. CONTENT WARNING: this week's episode includes mentions...

This week Amelia takes us through some of the most fascinating and bizarre "locked-room" murder mysteries in history, and Scotty dives into the terrifying (just ask Amelia) urban legend of the "black-eyed children." CONTENT WARNING: There are some moderately graphic descriptions of wounds, as well as a few mentions of infanticide. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

On this week's episode Scotty takes us into the terrifying true story that inspired "The Exorcist," and Amelia talks about the infamous murders(?) at Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles. CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode talks about suicide. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Amelia discusses the various tragedies and absurdities surrounding the Curse of the Hope Diamond, and Scotty finishes off his series on baseball by talking about the Negro Leagues and the life and career of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige. Plus a quick discussion of the Cleveland Indians' name change to the Cleveland Guardians. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Scotty talks about Shoeless Joe Jackson and the “Black Sox” scandal of 1919, and Amelia takes us deep inside Yellowstone National Park’s “Zone of Death.” Plus a brief discussion of Peacock’s new—and incredibly disturbing—limited series “Dr. Death.”

Take me out to the ballgame! This week Amelia tells the story of the Battle of Chavez Ravine and the controversy surrounding the construction of LA's Dodger Stadium, and Scotty takes us through the ridiculous history of baseball's most famous curses. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Scotty takes us through the wild tale of the infamous Philadelphia Experiment, and Amelia explores the fascinating–and disturbing–world of serial-killer groupies. (CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode touches on issues of sexual abuse and violence.) This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Amelia talks about the surprising reason behind a three-decade rise in violent crime, and Scotty discusses the disastrous Halifax explosion of 1917.

Happy Pride, everybody! In honor of this month's celebration, Scotty talks about heavy metal god/gay icon Rob Halford of Judas Priest, while Amelia takes us through the fraught but inspiring history of ball culture. (CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode touches briefly on issues of sexual abuse.) This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Amelia tells the haunting and heartbreaking story of Japan's "tsunami ghosts," and Scotty introduces us to "the first artist to walk on the moon," Alan Bean. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week Scotty explains how author/artist/filmmaker Clive Barker completely redefined the horror genre at the end of the 20th century, and Amelia talks about the shameful legacy of "yellowface" in both American film and theatre. Also, be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear Scotty get fact-checked in real time! (CONTENT WARNING: This episode deals with themes of racism, as well as some...

Another biographical episode! This week Amelia takes you through the incredible life and even more incredible deeds of the unstoppable Dr. Margaret "Mom" Chung, and Scotty wrestles with the troubled life and complicated legacy of one of his literary heroes, horror author H.P. Lovecraft. (CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of racism and suicide.) This podcast is powered by Pinecast...

We've got another musical episode for you! Scotty talks about blues legend Robert Johnson and whether or not he sold his soul to the Devil, and Amelia discusses Ludwig van Beethoven and the mystery woman behind his legendary "Immortal Beloved" letter. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

This week on The Weirdest Thing Amelia explains how concerns about female "hysteria" lead to one of the greatest inventions in human history, and Scotty talks about the bizarre life and even more bizarre death of "the Mad Monk" Grigori Rasputin. For information on PMDD, go to https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd This podcast is pow...

Ahoy, mateys! Welcome to The Weirdest Thing's maritime episode. Scotty talks about the Bermuda Triangle and the mysterious case of the Carroll A. Deering, and Amelia introduces us to badass lady pirate Anne Bonny! This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Welcome back! This week Amelia takes us deep into the history of lowrider culture, and Scotty tells the story of the infamous -- and deadly -- "demon core." This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Welcome to our second "odds and ends" episode of The Weirdest Thing! We've got six more stories for you this week, including a badass movie executive, one of the most dubious "paranormal" tales you could imagine, some freaky little kids, and a longish discussion of criticism and art. Quick show note: We'll be taking a short hiatus for the next few weeks, but we will be back around the first of Apr...

This week we have our very first special guest on The Weirdest Thing! In a followup to our "Brains!!" episode, Weirdest Thing theme song composer/performer Kane Distler joins us to talk about the nuances of trans identity, TERFs, "transmedicalism," online bullying, and the concept of "gender euphoria." CONTENT WARNING: In this episode we discuss transphobia, sexual abuse, mental health, and suicid...

Welcome to our NON-Murdery Musical Extravaganza! Scotty gets all choked up about Carl Sagan and the Voyager Golden Record, and Amelia introduces you to the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet. To learn more about the Golden Record and its contents, go to https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/ To hear the Golden Record Playlist on Spotify, go to https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6pcuzwZSIw7Og...

It's another aviation-themed episode of The Weirdest Thing. Amelia tells the harrowing but also inspiring story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571... known to the world as the Miracle in the Andes. Scotty relates the absolutely bonkers tale of what happened to the crew of Federal Express Flight 705. These are stories about people doing WHATEVER it takes to survive! CONTENT WARNING: This episode inv...

Sorry for the delay! Scotty got knocked on his butt for a couple days by his COVID booster, but he's back in fighting shape now. We have couple creepy Los Angeles stories this week: Scotty talks about the infamous "Los Feliz Murder Mansion," and Amelia relates the odd and possibly supernatural history of the Knickerbocker Hotel. Plus a slightly spoilery discussion of the new Netflix documentary se...

It's celebration time! February is both Black History Month and Women in Horror Month. Amelia tells the incredible story of Paul R. Williams, architect to the stars and the first black architect west of the Mississippi. Scotty takes you through some of his favorite women who write horror fiction, from the early Gothic era up to now. Scotty would also like you to know that when he referred to "Robe...

This was supposed to be a food-themed episode, but Scotty didn't read the rules. Instead, he tells us all about the Voynich Manuscript, possibly the most mysterious book in existence. Amelia (who did read the rules) takes us through some of our favorite foods' bizarre origin stories. CW: We also have a discussion at the top of the show about the multiple abuse allegations regarding two celebrities...

The human brain is a wonderful, mysterious thing. This week Amelia takes us on a deep dive into the bizarre world of mirror neurons, and Scotty relates his own personal journey with synesthesia. Plus, Scotty talks about getting his first COVID vaccine shot! All you New Mexicans who still need to sign up, go to https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org!

Happy Inauguration Week! This week on The Weirdest Thing Podcast, Amelia and Scotty decide to lighten things up and talk about the genesis of two works of art they find inspirational. Scotty tells the story of how Stephen King's wife, Tabitha, rescued his first novel from the dustbin. Amelia describes the origin and composition of Sam Cooke's undisputed masterpiece. Plus, our gushing review of the...