Strangeful Things

This week we go to the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, to investigate the mystery of the West Mesa Bone Collector, the name given to the serial killer preying on the women of Albuquerque. That type of crime is not super rare, but a cop calling out the disappearance of these women YEARS before it was discovered that they died? And still working the case almost 20 years later?  That's rare. A little known case that shows just how common things like this are. Relatively, sure. It's not as common as companies exploiting us, but there are still a lot!

Relatioships are a weird thing. Sometimes you can marry someone and not really care about them at all.  Sometimes you can want someone so much you will go to ridiculous lengths to murder their current spouse using the good old US MAIL! Grace tells us the story of Cordelia Botkin who hatched a pretty great plan except since there was no TV in 1898 so she had not learned about how covering ones tracks is pretty important when committing crimes. We have poison hearts, poison candy, and lots of infidelity in this story, and what more could you want?

In this episode we talk about a little known incident that occurred in Brazil back in the 80s. It is a rough tale when you realize it should never really have happened.  Not if things had gone the way we expect them to. We all go to sleep at night with the knowledge that certain things will just happen because we as a society have seen to it that they will happen. We don't worry that the traffic lights are gonna team up to make us crash, or the trash won't get picked up, or we will get experimented on by the government without being told. Maybe not the last one. But in this story, the worst thing happened and it is something to remember. It always can.

Dive into the chilling case of Benny Evangelista, a spiritual healer in 1920s Detroit, whose gruesome murder left the city shook. Known for his bizarre beliefs and practices (because people don't understand religion), Evangelista was found in his home in a grisly scene. What sinister forces could have been at play? Was it a ritualistic thing, a disgruntled follower, or something even more mysterious? Join us as we unravel the twisted details of this unsolved case, exploring the eerie atmosphere of early 20th-century Detroit and the dark secrets that may have led to one of the most horrifying crimes in the city's history.  Oh, and the good joke came from the Scared But Curious podcast.  I mean, not the ONLY good joke, but the one I mentioned. Shut up.

This week, Grace is chasing down the Wampus Cat, the Appalachian cryptid that’s half-woman, half-cat, and half-too many legs. From its spooky origins in Native American folklore to the backwoods sightings that’ll make you reconsider your next camping trip, we’re digging into the stories that keep this legend alive. Is it just a tall tale, or is there really a sassy feline terrorizing the South? Either way, we’re not taking any chances. Tune in, and maybe keep a flashlight handy.  

What sort of cryptid hangs out on the side of the road, not bothering anyone?  Well, if the people of Loveland, Ohio are right, their own personal Frogmen do.  Who are these mysterious amphibians?  We have no idea. But, we do have the stories. Handed down from generation to generation until we end up in the present day where the community of Loveland has embraced their mysterious Frogmen.  Figuratively, of course. They aren't gonna be hugging actual frogs. You know...warts.

This week, Acadia and Graveyard Grace dive into the chilling case of Ronald Dominique, aka the Bayou Strangler - a serial killer you've probably never heard of, but definitely should have. With a body count rivaling some of America's most infamous murderers, Dominique somehow flew under the radar for years. This 'average Joe' became one of Louisiana's most prolific killers. We'll explore the factors that allowed him to evade justice for so long and the twist of fate that finally brought him down. Join us for a wild ride through the bayou's dark underbelly. Remember - murder can be fun if it's not you!"

A woman is staying up late at Drexel University to finish a project. She becomes the victim of a senseless crime in a place where she was supposed to be safe. But, because Graveyard Grace didn't want a mystery, at least people will just finish this episode angry, instead of angry and frustrated.  Join us for the case of the murder of Deborah Wilson.  

When someone is murdered, or, in this case, more than one person, the family can only hope that the police do everything they can to catch the killer, making sure that they do everything methodically and carefully. There are times when the combination of diligence, intelligence, and good fortune solve cases and bring some measure of peace to the bereaved. This is not that story. But Acadia and Graveyard Grace are gonna tell you about it anyway.

Peter Dupas is an Australian criminal who assaulted and murdered women over the course of decades. He probably would have done it more often but he was in jail a lot. Like, a lot. But still, not enough.  I don't even know what to think about this one because on one hand, I hate things like "Three Strikes" and mandatory sentences and stuff like that. On the other hand: Peter Dupas. Join us and find out why Australia needs to check itself!

Hearing "The doctor will see you now." can be a relief if you've been sitting in the waiting room for an hour. But if the doc you are seeing was Michael Swango, you will probably want to sacrifice your copay and gtfo of the office. Learn how this jerk pretty much showed all his cards right from the start with his scrapbook of death and still managed to get hired at wayyyy too many hospitals.  Join Acadia and Graveyard Grace to learn about this travesty. And you might find out how much it costs to touch a bullet wound, too!  Bonus!

Get ready for the chilling(ish) conclusion of our investigation into Borley Manor! Acadia and Graveyard Grace are back with more mildly scary ghosts, a legit mystery, and the general nonsense you are used to. Unveil the secrets hidden within the eerie Gothic-style cottage as they delve into tales of tragic romance and a skull in a cupboard. Brace yourself for Acadia's terrible theory on forensic gender determination. (GUESS WHO WROTE THIS PART): This podcast blends humor, horror, and history - listen at your own risk! Tune in now and prepare for an unforgettable journey! And, as promised, here is the link to the book that was used as one of the sources!

In this episode of Strangeful, Acadia takes us across the pond to explore the dark and mysterious history of Borley Manor, a Gothic-style cottage near the ruins of Borley Rectory, once dubbed “the most haunted house in England”. What secrets lie beneath the ashes of the rectory, which was destroyed by fire in 1939? Who are the ghostly figures that have been seen and heard around the manor and the nearby church? And what is the connection between Borley Manor and a tragic love affair between a monk and a nun in the 14th century? Join Acadia and his cohost Graveyard Grace as they delve into the first part of this spine-chilling saga. And don’t worry, they will also explain the difference between a rectory, a monastery, and a convent, because we know you’re dying to know. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and history. Listen at your own risk! And if you’re wondering if England is the kind of place where you can use a cow to get a girlfriend, well, you’ll have to tune in to find out!

In this episode of Strangeful Things, Acadia tells us about the time when Springfield, Missouri, was invaded by deadly cobras in 1953. How did these venomous snakes end up in the Ozarks? Who was responsible for setting them free? And how did the citizens of Springfield fight back with tear gas, guns, and garden hoes? Join Acadia and his cohost Graveyard Grace as they uncover the truth behind this bizarre and terrifying tale. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and hissing. Listen at your own risk!

In this episode of Strangeful Graveyard Grace takes us on a trip to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where a legendary creature known as the Jersey Devil lurks. Is it a deformed child, a cursed beast, or a hoax? Join Grace and her cohost Acadia as they explore the history, sightings, and theories of this mysterious monster. Warning: this podcast contains humor, horror, and hoagies. Listen at your own risk!

Acadia and Graveyard Grace would like you to meet Ken McElroy, the biggest jerk this side of the Mississippi! Hailing from the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, Kenny boy was the real-life embodiment of a villainous caricature. With a rap sheet longer than a CVS receipt, McElroy had more than 20 felonies under his belt - from theft and arson to assault and even statutory rape. This horrible cartoon menace terrorized the townsfolk for years, making them quake in their boots as he strutted around like he owned the place. Ken McElroy was the human equivalent of a cactus in a swimming pool. Now, we don't want to spoil the ending, but let's just say karma had a real doozy in store for this not-so-gentle giant. Stay tuned for the juiciest tidbits of this wickedly wild story, as we peel back the layers on America's most notorious small-town jerk.

Get ready to gasp in both horror and hilarity as Acadia and Graveyard Grace explore the strange case of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon. Was it a sinister plot, a weird prank, or just some really bad gas? Join these two witty hosts as they sniff out the truth and make some jokes along the way. It's a gas, gas, gas! (OK so I am not gonna let the chatbot write the descriptions again.  Or am I.....)

Imagine having an itch so intense that you can't resist scratching, no matter the cost! In this first episode of Season Eight, hear the harrowing story of a woman whose itch was so severe that it drove her to the brink of madness – and beyond. But what happens when scratching isn't enough? Join Acadia and a NEW Fell Companion as they explore the terrifying consequences of one woman's critical itch!

You know how big companies are evil and terrible to their employees? Well, this is not a new phenomenon.  Join us as we learn about the Radium Girls. These women got good jobs helping out with the war effort except (big surprise) it was terrible. I know everything is awful right now and it is gonna get way worse but I am reasonably sure your bones don't glow. I hope?

America learned so many of its terrible traits from England. One of them was the concept of: call a bunch of women witches and see what happens (nothing good). We had Salem. But 80 years earlier, England had Lancashire.  So sit back with some Yorkshire Tea and drink up the story of religion, politics and a bunch of hateful idiots!