Bound by the Cloak

On Halloween night we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Brown of the Pleasing Terrors podcast and the Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour in Charleston, South Carolina! We discuss spooky tales from Charleston and other places that Mike has had a chance to visit. We also discuss some of our own experiences!

What if the people running online scams weren't criminals by choice—but victims themselves?

In this episode, we talk with Ivan Franceschini and Ling Li, authors of Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds, about the hidden world of online fraud across Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. Based on years of fieldwork, their book reveals how thousands of people are trafficked or coerced into "pig-butchering" romance scams and investment cons inside prison-like compounds.

Franceschini and Li explain how organized crime, corruption, and technology have turned Southeast Asia into a global hub for cybercrime—and how many...

Death is universal, but it remains one of the least spoken about aspects of life. Sitting down with Aubrey Thamann and Kalliopi Christodoulaki, the editors of Beyond the Veil: Reflexive Studies of Death and Dying, we explore how grief, mortality, and memory shape our personal and collective lives.
We explore the deeply personal and profoundly cultural dimensions of death: how communities ritualize dying and remembrance, how grief reshapes our sense of self, and how researchers grapple with their own mortality in the course of their work. Thamann and Christodoulaki remind us that studying death is not an abstract exercise—it...

On the morning of August 28, 1993, the quiet shores of Nags Head, North Carolina, were shattered when 35-year-old visitor Janet Siclari was found raped and fatally stabbed behind the Carolinian hotel. What followed was a decades-long pursuit of justice marked by false leads, courtroom drama, and groundbreaking DNA technology.

In this episode, we talk with investigative author John Railey, whose new bookThe Carolinian Murder at Nags Head: The Janet Siclari Story tells the full story of this brutal crime for the first time. Drawing on exclusive interviews with insiders, John unravels the twists and turns that led to...

You may have heard of "The Pinkertons," the infamous detective and spy agency that dealt with matters of national intelligence and security, labor union disputes and much more. But what do you know about Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency?

Author Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones explores the life and adventures of Pinkerton in his latest book, "Allan Pinkerton: America's Legendary Detective and the Birth of Private Security." With Rhodri, we trace Pinkerton's unlikely rise from a Scottish immigrant to America's first "detective," his role in protecting Abraham Lincoln, his battles with outlaws and activists, and...

Step inside one of the most disturbing chapters in modern psychiatry. In this episode, author and journalist Jon Stock joins us to discuss his book The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him, an investigation into the shocking experiments of Dr. William Sargant in 1960s London.
Sargant's so-called treatments—prolonged drug-induced sleep, electroconvulsive therapy, and other invasive procedures—left deep scars on the women subjected to them, many without their consent.

We also hear from Mary, a survivor of the Sleep Room, who shares her firsthand experience of life inside those locked hospital wards...

In the early 1990s, East New York was known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, a place dubbed "The Killing Fields" after a wave of murders shook Brooklyn. What if the real crime story started decades earlier, in boardrooms and banks?

Author Stacy Horn takes us inside her new book, The Killing Fields of East New York, to uncover how a well-intentioned housing policy in the late 1960s spiraled into America's first subprime mortgage scandal. When most people think of a subprime crisis, they think of 2008. But long before that, East New York became...

What does it mean to live in a country built on freedom but shaped by secrecy? Intelligence work is often hidden in the shadows—but its impact shapes every facet of our public and private lives. We chat with Dr. Jeffrey Rogg, a historian who offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how American intelligence has evolved—and why it matters more than ever today. 

Jeff is Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Florida's Global and National Security Institute. Previously, he served as an assistant professor at the Joint Special Operations University (U.S. Special Operations Comma...

What does it feel like to live without empathy—or guilt? Sociopathy is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in psychology. We chat with Jamie who offers a rare, first-person glimpse into life with antisocial personality disorder.

We discuss stigma, resilience, and the complexity of being "different" in a world built for emotional connection.

Jamie, also known by the pen name M.E. Thomas, is the author of Confessions of a Sociopath, A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight. She is a former law professor who has written extensively on music copyright issues, a current Cal...

Is race written in our DNA—or is that one of the most dangerous myths of modern science?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rina Bliss, sociologist and author of What's Real About Race: The New Genetics and the Future of Racism. With Rina, we challenge long-held assumptions about biology and race, revealing how cutting-edge genetic research is being misinterpreted in ways that reinforce inequality. 

We discuss why race is not a biological truth but a social construct—and why that distinction matters more than ever in the age of consumer DNA tests, precision medic...

Kris Pedretti is the 10th known survivor of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. After remaining silent for 42 years, she now courageously shares her journey of post-traumatic growth. In this episode, Kris opens up about what it took to confront her trauma decades later, how she found her voice, and why she's dedicated her life to empowering other survivors.

Kris is a powerful voice for survivor advocacy, participating in national podcasts, documentaries, and public speaking engagements to raise awareness and promote healing. She travels the country speaking at conferences on trauma-informed care, law enforcement training, and...

Why does parenting feel so much harder today? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Runyon, a former child psychotherapist turned parent coach, author, and keynote speaker with over 22 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. Nicole brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between generations, helping adults truly understand what's going on inside the minds of today's kids.

We talk about how technology is reshaping childhood, the emotional toll of growing up in today's world, and why so much mainstream parenting advice misses the mark. Nicole shares practical insights on how to...

What happens when the paranormal meets storytelling and community? Welcome to Windy City Paranormal Fest, Chicago's celebration of all things strange and unexplained. In this episode, two of the creators, Franky Everleigh and Christina Rappel, share the story behind this unique fest, which brings together the curious and the courageous to explore everything from spirits and cryptids to psychic phenomena and UFOs.

Franky and Christina are passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices in the paranormal world and fostering a community that honors both the fun and the historical weight of haunted spaces. Windy City Paranormal Fest is about...

What does it truly mean to be healthy in today's world, where diet culture and social pressures shape our perceptions of wellness? Martina Cartwright helps us break down the myths surrounding "perfect" health and wellness, offering empowering insights on how to reclaim a balanced, self-compassionate approach to living well.

Martina is a registered dietitian and expert with over 26 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education. She has worked in diverse fields—from pharmaceutical research to clinical dermatology—and is a pioneer in understanding how external pressures—from beauty pageants to social media—affect our body image an...

We've explored the world of escort service as well as the life of an OnlyFans model. This time we thought we'd explore the industry as it pertains to strippers.

NatsHoney is an industry veteran with years of experience. NatsHoney is the President of Strippers United, a labor organization led by strippers advocating for fair wages, safety, and dignity in the industry. We caught up with her to discuss her experience in the industry, how strippers face wage theft,and a lack of labor protections. 

NatsHoney is an entrepreneur, artist, and advocate. She founded Honey's Artistic P...

What exactly is a rape kit? What goes into it? Who created it? It's a question most of us have never thought to ask. The rape kit revolutionized forensic science and gave sexual assault survivors a powerful tool in the pursuit of justice.

Pagan Kennedy had questions and went on a search for answers. While digging around, she learned of Marty Goddard and her quest in the 1970s to help create a system for collecting evidence.

Pagan is the author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story. She is also...

The Furry subculture is a subculture that's often misunderstood, misrepresented and wrapped in myth. So, what's the real story behind the fandom? With Dr. Courtney Plante and others, we hear about the world of furries - the creativity, community, and identity of it all.   Courtney is a social psychologist and co-founder of FurScience, the leading research group dedicated to studying the furry community. As an associate professor at Bishop's University, he's spent years researching the psychology of fandoms, identity, and the power of belonging. He helps us break down common misconceptions, explore why people become furries, and discuss how the f...

The Gullah Geechee Corridor spans multiple states throughout the southeastern U.S. and is comprised of a deep and rich history, culture, language and lifestyle. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of enslaved Africans who worked on rice, indigo and cotton plantations throughout the south. Being enslaved on plantations on remote coastal islands allowed for them to develop and retain a strong, deep culture that is evident in their music, food, language, artwork and more.

Luana Graves Sellars is the founder of the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. She is an activist and preservationist...

Two NYPD detectives sworn to uphold the law—yet deeply entangled in the world of organized crime. Journalist and acclaimed author Michael Cannell is back with us to discuss his gripping new book, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. Michael uncovers the shocking true story of two NYPD officers who secretly worked for the mob, carrying out hits and leaking information to some of the most dangerous crime families in New York. How did these cops manage to operate in plain sight? What led to their eventual do...

Imagine setting foot in a place you've never been, meeting people from all walks of life, and facing challenges that push you beyond your limits—only to discover the incredible impact travel has on one's life. 

We're joined by Emma Wong-Stephens, an avid traveler and blogger who has turned her passion for exploring the world into a platform for storytelling and inspiration. From bustling cities to remote landscapes, Emma shares her most memorable adventures, her favorite places in the world, the challenges she's faced on the road, and the fascinating people she's encountered along the way.

Genetic disorders can be a mystery to many, but for those living with them, they're a daily reality. In this episode, we talk to Melissa, who shares her life with Senior-Løken Syndrome — a rare condition that affects her vision and kidney function. Melissa opens up about her experiences, challenges, and triumphs as she navigates a world not designed for people like her.

We're also joined by Dr. Julian Barwell, a geneticist who helps us understand the science behind genetic disorders. He breaks down the importance of genetic research, early diagnosis, and how advancements in medicine are off...

This mini episode includes even more sleep paralysis stories. Some of these stories are more stories from the guests featured in episode 26 and some are brand new!

Sleep paralysis is a condition that blurs the lines between dreams and waking life, leaving those who experience it frozen in fear. In this episode, we delve into the eerie and fascinating world of sleep paralysis by talking to individuals who've faced this mysterious phenomenon.

Our featured guest, Ranita Roy, shares her vivid and haunting experiences, providing a glimpse into what it feels like to be awake but unable to move, all while encountering surreal, shadowy figures. Alongside Ranita's story, we hear from others whose accounts range from unsettling to oddly enlightening, uncovering how culture, psychology, and...

Have you ever wondered why certain illnesses only seem to appear in specific cultures? How do cultural beliefs shape our experience of health and illness?  In this episode, we explore the world of culture-bound syndromes with medical anthropologist, Peter Guarnaccia. 

Step into the surreal and fiercely imaginative world of DONNAVILLE, the latest novel by award-winning writer Donna Minkowitz. In this episode, Donna uncovers the layers of her unique, genre-defying book—a world where personal history, fantasy, and feminist themes converge.
Donna is a writer of fantasy, memoir, and journalism lauded by Lilith Magazine for her "fierce imagination and compelling prose." DONNAVILLE is published by Indolent Books. Donna is also the author of the memoirs FEROCIOUS ROMANCE, which won a Lambda Literary Award, and GROWING UP GOLEM, which was a finalist for a Lammy and for the Judy Grahn Nonfiction Aw...

Ever wondered how Halloween evolved from its ancient origins to the costume-filled celebration we know today? In this Halloween special, we sat down with the incredible Lisa Morton, author, historian, and one of the world's leading experts on Halloween. From ancient Celtic traditions to the modern-day thrill of haunted houses and costumes, Lisa takes us on a journey through the fascinating evolution of Halloween. Explore how this once-sacred festival honoring the dead transformed into the spooky celebration we know today, uncover ghost stories, rituals, and the cultural shifts that kept Halloween alive through centuries.   Lisa is a renowned author, Halloween h...

What happens when love turns deadly in the shadow of race and privilege? In this episode, we unravel a true crime that shook the foundations of Georgia's high society.

Deb Miller Landau, joins us to discuss the tragic and harrowing murder of Lita McClinton. Lita, a young woman from Atlanta, became the victim of a calculated murder-for-hire scheme led by her estranged husband. The crime would expose a world where money and influence often overshadow justice.

Deb is an accomplished author and journalist known for her in-depth storytelling on crime, social justice, and cultural issues...

Field of Screams is one of America's best haunted attractions, and it's been striking fear into and scaring the souls out of the souls of the thousands of guests that show up year after year. Started by brothers Gene and Jim Schopf back in 1993, it's transformed from just a haunted hayride into so much more with three haunted houses and escape rooms. We spent some time at Field of Screams getting to know the Schopfs, making our own way through the many haunted attractions and learning just what draws in the souls of it's many guests, or should I...

In this episode, we explore the unique experience of growing up in a motel as a family business, where the line between home and work blurs in the most fascinating ways. Our guest, Foram Mehta, reflects on her childhood spent amidst the hustle and bustle of transient guests, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of motel life. She shares stories of the diverse travelers who passed through, the lessons learned from her parents about entrepreneurship and resilience, and how this unconventional upbringing shaped her identity. 

Foram is a storyteller, freelance journalist, editor, and content developer.

Crime, scandal and intrigue in Beverly Hills. From high-profile heists to shocking murders, we uncover the hidden, dark side of 90210, some of which has long been forgotten. We sat down with renowned entertainment journalist and author Scott Huver to explore the dark underbelly of one of America's most glamorous zip codes — Beverly Hills. Scott takes us behind the glitz and into the gripping stories that inspired his upcoming book, Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210. From infamous scandals to shocking crimes, Scott unveils the secrets of the rich and famous that Hollywood would rather keep hidden. We delve in...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with James Donaldson, former NBA star and mental health advocate, to discuss his deeply personal journey through the highs of professional basketball and the lows of battling severe depression and suicidal ideation. James opens up about the mental health crisis that nearly ended his life, sharing the pivotal moments that pulled him back from the brink.

Now, through his work with the Your Gift of Life Foundation, James is dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health, particularly among men and communities of color. He provides vital resources and support...

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Ashley Randele, daughter of Thomas Randele, to uncover the incredible story of her father's secret life. For decades, Thomas Randele lived a seemingly ordinary life as a loving husband and father, until the shocking revelation that he had been living under an alias, hiding a past no one could have imagined. 

Ashley takes us through her journey of discovery, grappling with the truth about her father's hidden identity, and the emotional impact it had on her family. Tune in to hear a deeply personal account of deception, family ties, a...

Nestled in the Nevada desert, the Republic of Molossia is a self-proclaimed sovereign nation with its own traditions, customs, and even a currency! Join us as we explore what it takes to create and govern a micronation, the quirks and challenges of running a country within a country, and the whimsical yet thought-provoking philosophy behind Molossia. 

In this episode, we venture into the fascinating world of micronations with a very special guest, Kevin Baugh, the President of Molossia. He shares the stories, the humor, and the serious undertones that come with being a leader of one of t...

With renowned investigative journalist Gus Garcia-Roberts we explore the deep-seated corruption that plagued Long Island's law enforcement, detailed in his book, "Jimmy the King: Murder, Vice, and the Reign of a Dirty Cop." Gus takes us behind the scenes of one of the most shocking tales of police corruption in recent history, centering on James Burke, a former police chief whose career was steeped in scandal, crime, and abuse of power. From secret deals with criminals to the internal failings of the police force, this episode uncovers the dark truths that lie beneath the surface of law enforcement.

In this episode we hit the open road with Salena Lettera, a trailblazing truck driver who's been navigating the highways and byways of the trucking industry for years. Salena shares her unique journey, what inspired her to get behind the wheel, the evolving landscape of trucking, the importance of community and support within the industry, and her insights on what it takes to succeed in this demanding profession. 

Salena is a long distance truck driver who travels across the United States as part of an owner-operator team with her husband, Ed. She is also the author of T...

On a seemingly ordinary night in October of 1943, the tranquility of a small Texas town was shattered by a brutal crime that left two survivors in its wake and a community in shock. Christena Stephens details the murder of Roy and Mae Hunt in her book, Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved to this day, shrouded in silence and unanswered questions.

Christena Stephens is a native Texan growing up amongst cotton fields and spending time exploring the nature of the Llano Estacado. After earning two...

Investigative journalist Susan Zalkind unravels the chilling details behind the notorious triple homicide that occurred in September of 2011 in her hometown of Waltham, Massachusetts. This quiet town was overshadowed by an unthinkable crime, but captivates us is Susan Zalkind's uncanny ability to unveil the intricate threads weaving together the murder and its unsettling connections to the Boston Marathon bombing in April of 2013.

In this episode, we explore alongside Susan as she delves into the pages of her book, The Waltham Murders, recounting her relentless pursuit of truth amidst the shadows of a small community torn apart by...

We sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Josh Zeman to delve into the shadowy world of true crime and unsolved mysteries. 

Known for his work on groundbreaking documentaries like "Cropsey," "Murder Mountain," Killer Legends," The Sons of Sam" and "The Killing Season," Zeman shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his career. We discuss the chilling cases that have captivated audiences, the ethical dilemmas of true crime storytelling, and the impact of his work on both the public and law enforcement. 

Zeman reveals what drives his relentless pursuit of the truth and how he balances the thrill of...

Pushed to the limits of endurance, navigating treacherous terrain, and facing the stark reality of survival against nature describes Kaden Laga's arduous five-day journey in the Montana wilderness. We spoke with Kaden, who shares his firsthand account of being lost in the unforgiving wilderness, experiencing uncertainty, and his unwavering determination that defined his struggle to find his way back to safety. 

This isn't just a story of survival, but also an exploration of one's resilience and perseverance. As Kaden shares the raw emotions and insights he learned from his ordeal, he also encourages us to reflect on t...

Psychologically, how do we deal with potentially violent threats or harmful behaviors? When all of the standard and typical treatments and resources fail to prevent these potentially harmful behaviors, what can be done to prevent them from being carried out? Whether it's domestic violence, incidents of stalking, violent physical threats, public attacks or even cyber crimes and identity theft, there are people trained to assess threats to try and prevent the worst possible outcome.

Based in Australia, We spoke with Lisa Warren and Ruby Basocak of Code Black Psychology, is an agency that specializes in social...