Claim OwnershipWhat It Was Like
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Description
Conversations with people who have lived through extreme events. Some stories are dark and twisted, others are light and funny. In all cases, we get an intimate portrait of 'what it was like' to be there.
Hosted by Julian Morgans
A Superreal Production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
59 Episodes
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In 1994, a series of ritualistic mass suicides exposed the world to The Order of the Solar Temple—a secretive doomsday sect with members spread across Switzerland, France, and Canada. In this episode, we explore how its two leaders transitioned from promoting New Age health remedies to orchestrating massacres.For more information, check out these sources:The Order of the Solar Temple: Temple of Death. Edited by James R. LewisApocalypse Observed by John R. Hall. Philip D. Schuyler and Sylvaine TrinhAustralia Link With Swiss Doomsday Cult, The Canberra TimesReddit thread on The Order of the Solar Temple Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Phillips has been hiding out in New Zealand's remote northwest with his three young children since 2021. Despite extensive searches, the family has managed to evade capture—even after Tom allegedly robbed a bank with his 10-year-old daughter. In this episode, we’re speaking with journalist Tony Wall, who’s covered the case from the beginning. He’ll share insights on those who may be helping Tom and why he’s been so difficult to catch.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1For a decade, a man posing as a police officer called fast-food chains across the US and asked managers to strip-search their employees. Dozens complied, leading to multiple cases of sexual assault. In this episode, we speak with a detective named Buddy Stump who solved the case after a friend's daughter became a victim.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John Leonard Orr is a convicted arsonist and mass murderer. He is believed to have set nearly 2,000 fires in a 30-year spree, making him the most prolific serial arsonist in American history. But his daughter Lori hasn't always seen him this way. She talks about her childhood memories of seeing John as a hero firefighter. A man who always had a special knack for being the first on the scene.Contact Lori here for a chance to win a signed copy of her book: Burned.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Lorraine Murphy met up with a pig farmer at a cafe in Vancouver, she couldn't have been less impressed. "Willy," as everyone called him, was creepy and smelled terrible. She left and didn't see him again for 12 years — when Willy was arrested as the most prolific serial killer (by body count) in Canada's history.This is a rerun from 2022 but it's one of our favourites so we're giving it a second play. If you haven't already heard it, you're in for a treat.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On October 12, 2002, Phil Britten arrived in Bali with his footy mates from Perth. A few hours into their first night, a van packed with explosives detonated outside the nightclub. Phil barely made it out alive. On this anniversary of the Bali Bombing, we reflect on one of Australia’s darkest periods.Follow Phill on Instagram and check out his site.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In June of 1993 Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their third championship victory. A month later, his dad was shot dead and Jordan quit the NBA. Now, for the first time, one of the two men convicted with James Jordan's murder tells his story.We originally published this story in 2022 but it's a banger so we're giving it a second run.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the early 1960s, Melbourne businessman Marshall Gibson salvaged a handful of brass portholes from a shipwreck and gave them to his friends. Over the next few years, many of these men, including Marshall himself, died in a series of strange accidents. In this episode, his son David examines the claim that the portholes were cursed.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Actress Blake Lively has been facing backlash for her alleged tone-deaf, bullying behaviour. But according to Hollywood hairstylist Emanuel Millar, this is typical behaviour among stars. In this somewhat unusual episode, we're unpacking rudeness in the film industry. Why are so many successful, beautiful people so damn mean?Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Studio 54 remains the most iconic nightclub in history, despite being around for only three years. In this episode, former employee Myra Scheer delves into what made the club so legendary. It's a story about celebrity culture and the vibrant LGBTQ community before the AIDS crisis. But mostly it's about people searching for a place to belong.Photo by: MiestormFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An R U OK Day special: Two strangers, each grieving a brother lost to suicide, meet in a support group and have a baby. It's a story that illustrates how there's always hope.Also this is your annual reminder to frequently check in with your friends and family. Ask how they're really doing. Tell them you love them.For more information please visit ruok.org.auIf you're concerned about your own mental health please text Lifeline on +61477131114 or visit lifeline.org.auFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Antony Britton, an escapologist and stunt performer, attempted a feat in 2015 that even Harry Houdini couldn't complete—being buried alive. In this episode, Antony recounts the crushing silence of the grave, losing consciousness underground and how the experience changed him.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anton Lutz grew up in Papua New Guinea, where he first heard about witch hunts in his 20s. As rates of violence and murder increased, he started to attempt rescue missions for people accused of sorcery. In this episode, he shares some harrowing stories and explains why his optimism for humanity remains unabated.For more information on sorcery accusation related violence, Anton recommends these two sites:https://www.stopsorceryviolence.org/https://www.theinternationalnetwork.org/Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On August 31, 1997, photographer Pierre Suu was outside the Paris Ritz with other paparazzi, waiting for Princess Diana. They were unaware this would be the last time she’d be seen alive. In this episode, Pierre walks us through the chaos of that night and the aftermath for everyone involved.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charles Cullen might be the world's most prolific serial killer. He worked as a nurse in various US hospitals during the 90s and early 2000s, killing patients with overdoses of heart medication and insulin. Cullen's colleague, Amy Loughren, explains how she got him to confess while wearing a wire.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1990, band manager Danny Goldberg signed an unknown punk rock band called Nirvana, embarking on one of the most significant journeys of his life. In this episode, Danny shares his experiences working with Kurt Cobain and his efforts to keep the songwriter alive.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Harold Backer, a 3-time Olympic rower, disappeared in 2015 after telling his family he was going for a bike ride. Days later, his financial advisory clients began receiving letters confessing to losing their money. His friend Kip unpacks what happened to Harold. Why do Olympians so often derail after retirement?Read Kip McDaniel's long-form article on the case here.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aiden Gabor started working for the New Jersey mob as a kid. At 18, he was caught by the police and given a choice: help clean up the city or go to prison. In this episode, Aiden describes life as a police informant, putting away corrupt cops and politicians.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In May 1970, an Air Force officer named George Burk took off from an airbase with 13 others. Minutes later, the plane suffered explosive decompression and hurtled back to the ground. George describes how luck and brute determination kept him alive.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we're playing you an episode from one of our favourite podcasts: One Minute Remaining. They're covering the story of murdered lottery winner, Abraham Lee Shakespeare, who in 2006 won a $30 million jackpot and was murdered. Dorice Moore, his friend, received a life sentence for his murder but claims she's innocent. One Minute Remaining hears her side without passing judgment.We will be back with a new episode of our own next Friday (July 19).What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What an awesome podcast! Addicted!
Thank you for bringing this story to your attention on your podcast. Not only is it a fascinating insight into the depraved machinations of a truly evil woman and her co-conspirators and the loss of childhood but the story of how powerful the love of Christ is for the lost. Ben is a survivor who despite the incredible trauma suffered has found the true redeeming power of forgiveness in Christ. Anne's deeds have not been forgotten and will be accounted for but Ben has brought beauty from ashes.
Greg is a very decent man and a great storyteller.Id love to know if the shoe was on the other foot, would John have worried about Greg the next day???
I love this podcast. There is so much variety in the interviews and really well produced