Aqua Tofana: Cosmetic of Killer Poison
Aqua Tofana: Cosmetic of Killer Poison
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Zach has a tale or resiliency, cosmetics, and ... Murder
Imagine a potion so potent yet discreet that it could alter the very fabric of patriarchal society in Renaissance Italy. Our latest episode invites you to explore the shadowy corridors of history, revealing the life of Giulia Tofana, a woman who empowered others through her infamous concoction, Aqua Tofana. With a sprinkle of dark humor and a dash of intrigue, we unravel how this tasteless poison became a symbol of rebellion for women shackled by societal norms and tyrannical marriages.
Before the curtain falls, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, promising to stay connected online even as we take a brief hiatus until the end of January. Embrace the laughter, introspection, and touch of the supernatural that define this episode and remember to creep a real yard ball as we wish you a happy new year and a fulfilling journey ahead.
Holiday Horrors: The Darkside of Christmas Lore
Holiday Horrors: The Darkside of Christmas Lore
Ever wondered how a log can deliver Christmas cheer through a bizarre Catalan tradition? Join us for a festive frolic as we navigate the odd yet endearing world of holiday horror filled customs.
While Christmas is a time for joy, it's also a time for the eerier side of folklore. From the frightful Krampus to the mischievous Yule Lads, we explore the whimsical horror of these legendary figures, reminding us of the diverse ways cultures celebrate the season.
The episode takes a comedic turn with tales the competitive spirit of Welsh caroling traditions. If you're curious about a sing off against a horse skull or learning how carolers of the 1700s turned squatter tactics into art, you won't want to miss out!
Merry Christmas All You Oddballs!
America's First Serial Killer: HH Holmes and The Murder Castle
America's First Serial Killer: HH Holmes and The Murder Castle
Prepare yourself for an unsettling journey as we recount the transformation of Herman Mudgett into the infamous H.H. Holmes. From bullied child to manipulative mastermind, Holmes' story is one of deception, fraud, and the eerie "Murder Castle" in Chicago. We explore his chilling exploits, focusing on his fraudulent insurance schemes and the tragic fate of Ben Pietzel and his family. While the myths around Holmes are numerous, our focus centers on the verifiable, showcasing a man who thrived on chaos and left a ghastly legacy behind.
As we wrap up, the haunting specter of H.H. Holmes lingers, intertwined with debunked theories and the somber tale of his castle's mysterious caretaker. The episode leaves you pondering the complexities of Holmes' life and the enduring fascination with his crimes.
The Cursed Dudleys: British Royals To US Ghost Towns
The Cursed Dudleys: British Royals To US Ghost Towns
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Kara has a curse for you, or does she??
Get ready as we unravel the dark and fascinating history of the Dudley family, whose tale is shrouded in a supposed curse dating back to the 15th century. From the British family's legacy across the Atlantic to Dudleytown, Connecticut, we piece together a gripping narrative of plague, misfortune, and otherworldly legends.
We then turn our attention to the haunted allure of Dudleytown, a seemingly cursed ghost town steeped in unsettling tales of madness and mystery. From the unexplained demise of Gershon Hollister to the chilling descent into madness suffered by William Tanner, the strange happenings in this abandoned settlement ignite curiosity and fear. Even the famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren couldn't resist its eerie charm. Despite efforts to dispel the myths surrounding Dudleytown, it remains a compelling chapter in the annals of American ghost stories.
We wrap up with plans to perhaps visit this enigmatic locale, all while sharing a light-hearted moment involving Otter, the adorable, otter-sounding deaf cat.
Where Did They go??: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Where Did They go??: The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Zach has the history and theories on the Lost Colony of Roanoke!
As the episode unfolds, we uncover the history of the founding and disappearance of Roanoke Colony. Founded in 1587 on Roanoke Island off the coast of present-day North Carolina, the colony was intended to be England's first permanent settlement in the New World. Led by John White, the colonists were left on the island to establish a foothold while White returned to England for supplies. However, when he returned in 1590, the colony had vanished without a trace. The only clues left behind were the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post and "CRO" etched into a tree, leaving historians and archaeologists with centuries of unanswered questions.
We’ll explore the most popular theories surrounding Roanoke's mysterious disappearance, from assimilation with nearby Indigenous tribes to the possibility of starvation, disease, or conflict with other European settlers. And then, there are the wilder ideas: were the colonists abducted by aliens, taken by witches, or possibly eaten?!
Join us as we sift through historical records, folklore, and modern research to piece together what may have happened to the Roanoke colonists and why their story still captures our imaginations today.
Trash TV Takes Tragic Toll: The Jenny Jones Show
Trash TV Takes Tragic Toll: The Jenny Jones Show
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Kara has a story about some trash TV that lead to a deadly outcome.
Ever wonder how reality TV and talk shows have evolved over the decades, and what they say about us as a society?
Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we reminisce about iconic reality TV shows like Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives, while also educating our younger listeners on the history of talk shows dating back to the 1950s.
In a more somber discussion, we revisit the tragic 1995 Jenny Jones Show episode and the Netflix documentary "Trial by Media: Talk Show Murder." We examine the consequences of ambush revelations and the societal pressures surrounding sexual identity, reflecting on the moral responsibilities of media producers as we discuss the horrific death of Scott Amedure. As we draw parallels to today’s performative social media culture, we express our heartfelt appreciation for our supportive Patreon community, reinforcing the importance of mental health support and the power of connection.
The Dybbuk Box: Horrifying Haunted object, or Confirmed Fake?!
The Dybbuk Box: Horrifying Haunted object, or Confirmed Fake?!
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Zach is finally covering the story of the famed Dybbuk Box
Things take an eerie turn as we unravel the chilling saga of the notorious Dybbuk box. This infamous antique has a dark reputation for leaving a trail of mysterious and unsettling events behind it. From Kevin Mannis' initial discovery of the box full of bizarre items like wheat pennies and locks of hair, to the spine-tingling experiences faced by its various owners, we trace the journey of this haunted object from Manis, to Jason Haxton, and Finally Zac Bagans . The box’s tale is filled with strange smells, nightmares, and a shadowy presence, turning it into a media sensation and a symbol of both fascination and fear.
We wrap up with a critical lens on the controversy surrounding the Dybbuk box. Is this object truly possessed, or are its stories fueled by collective belief and commercial interests? We dissect the narratives that have elevated the box to paranormal fame, questioning the thin line between myth and reality. As we ponder the authenticity of such hauntings, we're reminded of the importance of skepticism and responsibility in storytelling, especially when facing the paranormal.
The House of Wills: Haunting of a Gothic Ohio Funeral Home
The House of Wills: Haunting of a Gothic Ohio Funeral Home
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Kara is telling us the Haunted History of the House of Wills!
Travel back in time with us to uncover the incredible life of J. Walter Wills, a man of integrity who navigated racial challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From being a strikebreaker in Cleveland to refusing to pass as Cuban for a job, Wills' story is a testament to courage and moral strength. We also explore the rich history of the House of Wills, a gothic landmark that evolved from a German clubhouse to the largest black-owned funeral home, now known for its haunted reputation.
Ghostly tales abound as we dive into the eerie legends surrounding the House of Wills and other haunted locations. With the return of a beloved paranormal show on Hulu, we're buzzing with excitement over spooky investigations and spectral figures. We share chilling encounters from the Ghost Brothers and ponder the notion of intentional hauntings.
Oddball Guests: Dacre Stoker on Bram's Legacy and The Dracula!
Welcome to a Very Special Episode of The Oddity Shop! Its Halloween, so you know Kara and Zach have a very special episode for you, with a Fantastic Guest: Dacre Stoker!!!
Get ready for a spine-tingling celebration as we welcome the Halloween season with none other than Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker himself. Discover the fascinating legacy of the man behind "Dracula" through Dacre's captivating stories, insights, and a touch of family lore. As we mark our two-year anniversary, this episode promises a host of exclusive treats, including the launch of our Patreon and the chance to uncover some of Dracula’s lesser-known secrets.
Cryptid Mayhem: Our Favorite Lessor Monsters
Cryptid Mayhem: Our Favorite Lessor Monsters
Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale. This week, your curator Zach is talking about his favorite Lessor Cryptids
What happens when a magical wand-wielding frogman, a melancholic squonk, and a thrilling Giwoggle, and a killer worm all collide in a single podcast episode? Our newest episode brings together quirky tales and cryptid adventures.
We deep dive into the lore and history of the Loveland Frogman as they cast sparks at passerby's, the Squonk who is just the saddest boy ever, The Witchy Summon of the Giwoggle sent to terrorize farmers, and the Mongolian Death Worm legend that apparently kills throughout the desert.