Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

This week’s episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a little different—in the best way. As part of Podcastathon, Shea and Jody are stepping away from their usual unhinged history to spotlight PACK (People for Animal Care and Kindness), a local nonprofit dedicated to keeping pets and their people together during times of hardship. Through powerful, true stories of animal heroism—from a fearless house cat to life‑saving guide dogs on 9/11—this special episode explores loyalty, compassion, and the quiet work that makes happy endings possible. Shea also shares a deeply personal story about fostering (and ultimately adopting) a dog made possible by PACK. It’s heartfelt, a little tear‑stained, and full of gratitude—for animals, for community, and for the people who show up when it matters most. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Five Minute Friday episode, Shea reads another cannibal-themed poem from the archives: “How Three Were Made One,” published in The White Pine News in 1891. The poem features a love triangle, a violent rivalry, and a punchline that only Victorian newspaper readers could find amusing. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justice finally catches up to Alfred Packer—or so it seems. In Part Two of the Colorado Cannibal story, we follow the case out of the wilderness and into the courtroom, where a shocking legal mistake turns a death sentence into a years-long fiasco. Laws vanish. Jurisdiction collapses. And a man condemned to hang becomes a walking legal paradox. As trials unfold and testimonies unravel the starvation defense, the story takes an even stranger turn. A crusading reporter, a violent newsroom showdown, and a media campaign reshape public opinion—until a convicted cannibal is no longer behind bars. This episode explores how technicalities, ambition, and spectacle collided to produce one of the most unbelievable endings in true crime history. No gore. Just consequences. And a legacy that refuses to stay buried. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Five—okay, probably Fifteen—Minute Friday, Shea reads a bizarre little poem from the San Antonio Daily Light (April 1, 1889) titled “Love and Theology.” It’s a Victorian-era love story involving a missionary, a cannibal maid, and a romantic misunderstanding that ends… poorly. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Five men entered Colorado’s high country chasing gold. One man came back alone. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we descend into a chilling true story from the 1870s American West—where hunger, greed, and deception collide in the mountains. What begins as a tale of survival quickly unravels into something far darker as bodies are discovered, stories shift, and evidence refuses to stay buried. This is Part One of the infamous Colorado Cannibal story: a case that inspired films, legends, and a name etched into the landscape itself. Supplies that shouldn’t exist. Money that shouldn’t be spent. And a guide whose explanations never quite add up. The gore fades. The mystery deepens. And the truth waits just out of sight. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Japanese town used COVID relief funds to build a giant squid statue—and became global news. In this 5 Minute Friday episode, we follow that BBC headline into a remote corner of Japan and the strange, resilient story behind the Squid King. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The 1904 Olympic Marathon wasn’t just a race—it was a full-scale experiment in bad ideas. Run in brutal heat on dusty roads, with little water, questionable “medical” advice, and athletes who were very much left to fend for themselves, this event quickly spiraled into chaos. In this episode, Jody breaks down one of the strangest moments in Olympic history, where endurance, hubris, and early-20th-century pseudoscience collided. What followed were collapses, hallucinations, rule-bending, and decisions so baffling they feel fictional—except they weren’t. This is a story about what happens when ambition outruns common sense, and why the early Olympics were less about glory and more about survival. History has never been this sweaty, dusty, or unwell. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

n 1934, a decorated U.S. Marine general testified that powerful businessmen tried to recruit him to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This episode dives into the shocking and largely forgotten story of The Business Plot—a real, congressional-confirmed scheme in which wealthy elites allegedly planned to mobilize hundreds of thousands of veterans, intimidate FDR, and install a fascist-style government in the United States during the Great Depression. We explore the economic collapse of the 1930s, the rise of global fascism, and why Marine Corps hero Smedley Butler became the most unlikely obstacle to an American coup. Congress confirmed the plot was discussed. The media dismissed it. No one was punished. And history quietly moved on. Until now. This is a story about power, money, propaganda, and how close the United States came to losing its democracy—and why so few people know it ever happened. History is messy. And sometimes it’s buried on purpose. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bonus Sample from our Patreon Bonus Episode!Today, Shea brings you the history of the Nakasendo trail, a 400 year old road that stretches from Kyoto to Tokyo. Sections of this trail, and the towns that were built up along it to provide services to the feudal lords and samurai who used it, are perfectly preserved. Hiking through Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku is like time travel. In this episode, walk along with Shea as she and her brother hike over 13 miles through bamboo forests along the iconic Nakasendo trail.If you want to hear how it ends, head on over to rainydayrabbitholes.com to check out our Patreon! For just $5 per month you get bonus content, ad-free and early episodes, and so much more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arizona is a desert. So why did it have a navy? In 1934, a bitter fight over the Colorado River pushed Arizona to the brink—and straight into one of the strangest standoffs in American history. When California began construction on Parker Dam, Arizona responded with troops, martial law, and a pair of commandeered ferry boats, creating a navy in a state with no coastline and no patience left. This episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes explores the absurd, high-stakes water war that pitted Arizona against California, complete with armed guards, newspaper mockery, and a 48-hour naval force led by an unexpected admiral. It’s a true story where political stubbornness, bad math, and the desperate need for water collided in spectacular fashion. Unhinged, underreported, and somehow still relevant today—this is the Arizona Navy, and it really happened. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The real story behind The Revenant is far stranger, darker, and more unhinged than anything Hollywood put on screen. This episode dives into the unbelievable life of Hugh Glass — sailor, pirate captive, adopted Pawnee tribesman, frontier scout, and the man who survived a grizzly mauling so brutal it defies logic. Abandoned by his companions and left with nothing but a bear hide and pure spite, Glass began one of the most astonishing survival journeys in American history. Pirates, pine‑needle sacrifices, frontier chaos, and a revenge mission powered by sheer will — this is Hugh Glass like you’ve never heard him. Check out our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com. Want more Unhinged History? Join us on Patreon for ad‑free and early episodes, plus bonus content. Big thanks to Letha Davis at easybrzy.com for our beautiful website. Proud member of MSW Media. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A truly crappy way to go.Today, enjoy this bonus sample from our most recent Patreon bonus episode about the Erfurt Latrine Disaster-a high‑stakes medieval gathering goes disastrously wrong in one of the most infamous mishaps you’ve probably never heard of. This bonus episode unpacks the political tensions, the crowded venue, and the chain of decisions that set the stage for a catastrophe so bizarre it’s echoed through history.If you are dying to hear the rest of the episode, head on over to our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com and join our Patreon! For just $5 per month you get bonus episodes, ad-free and early episodes, and more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last week we rereleased our Oregon Land Fraud episode with Allison Gill (The Daily Beans) — your deep dive into how the land scam worked. This week, we follow up by zooming in on the scandal magnet at the center of it all: Senator John H. Mitchell. Four terms. Endless controversy. Bribery accusations. Political sabotage. And proof that corruption doesn’t go away — it just changes costumes. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A deep dive into one of the wildest political corruption stories you’ve never heard: massive land fraud in the late 1800s timber boom. With special guest Allison Gill (The Daily Beans, MSW Media), we unravel bribery, fake homesteads, railroad schemes, and a scandal so big it led to over 1,000 indictments. Plus: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is now part of the MSW Media network! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A sewing machine salesman. A secret chemical formula. A desperate city. And rain that would not stop. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Jody tells Shea the astonishing true story of Charles Hatfield, the self-proclaimed Rainmaker who promised San Diego he could end a historic drought—then may have triggered one of the city’s worst disasters. Was Hatfield a misunderstood genius, a gifted weather reader, or a charismatic con man with catastrophic timing? When rain finally came, it came with floods, destroyed towns, and unanswered questions that followed Hatfield for decades. This is a story about ambition, belief, early science, and what happens when humans think they can negotiate with nature. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we have a huge announcement! Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has joined the MSW Media Network! We are so excited for this new partnership. We will continue to bring you all of the juicy and unhinged history that you have grown to love, but now with 25% more politicians behaving badly!Also, if you haven't heard about it yet, we cover the story of the Columbia outdoor wear company offering its assets to anyone who can provide a photo of the edge of the earth. #expeditionimpossiblehttps://youtu.be/JxJOAsTMC6wGo check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com, and check out the other great podcasts at MSW Media! www.mswmedia.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

History is messy. It’s weird, wild, and anything but boring. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a history podcast about unhinged stories that make you stop and ask, wait… is this real life?From crazy disasters and tasty scandals to enlightening and surprisingly heartwarming tales, the show explores moments where people behaved badly—and sometimes beautifully. Expect naughty politicians, cultural chaos, and a deep love for the Pacific Northwest… including Bigfoot.It’s thoughtful, irreverent, occasionally serious, and always entertaining.Go listen now and fall down the rabbit hole.Find Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at rainydayrabbitholes.com or wherever you get your podcasts.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special fan-fiction episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into myth, memory, and maritime magic with a story written especially for beloved Patreon supporter Captain Dan. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this milestone episode, Shea and Jody celebrate over two years of podcasting chaos, curiosity, friendship, and forgotten history. What started as a half-formed idea in the Pacific Northwest turned into 100 full episodes, countless rabbit holes, a growing community, and friendships we never expected. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule? In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave. As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule. If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy