Ghoulish Tendencies

In the early hours of August 31, 1961, 8-year-old Ann Marie Burr vanished from her home in Tacoma, Washington, with no forced entry. No witnesses. No trace. 

More than six decades later, her disappearance remains one of the most haunting unsolved cases in the Pacific Northwest, made even more chilling by its possible connection to one of America’s most infamous serial killers.

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

In 1991, high in the Ötztal Alps, a frozen body emerged from the ice, and what seemed like a mountaineering accident turned out to be Europe’s oldest natural mummy. Meet Ötzi, a 5,000-year-old Copper Age man whose remarkably preserved remains offer a chilling glimpse into prehistoric life, and possibly, death by more than just natural causes. From forensic finds to the strange and sudden deaths of researchers tied to him, rumors of a deadly curse refuse to melt away. Was Ötzi simply an archaeological marvel... or a mummy with unfinished business? Let’s dig into the ice, the evidence, and the...

Is it just a local legend, or something real beneath the surface? For centuries, Lake Champlain has been home to stories of a mysterious creature known as Champ. Fact, fiction, or something in between?

For generations, stories have surfaced of a mysterious creature gliding through the waters of Lake Champlain, described as serpentine, elusive, and impossible to forget. Nicknamed Champ, this lake monster has drawn the attention of locals, skeptics, cryptozoologists, and even sonar scans. But is there truth behind the legend? From Indigenous folklore to 20th-century tourism, we delve into the murky depths of this creature’s...

In this episode, we dive into the realm of the cursed and the haunted, exploring the eerie history of Baleroy Mansion and its infamous "Chair of Death." From strange deaths linked to the cursed chair to the lingering spirits of past residents, we unravel the chilling mysteries that make this mansion one of the most haunted places in America. Is the curse real? Can a piece of furniture really hold malevolent power? Tune in as we uncover the supernatural history of Baleroy, and ponder whether the spirits still haunt its halls today. Allegedlies abound!

Edited by Maxwell...

In the early ’90s, the bodies of women began turning up around Dallas—murdered, and missing one chilling detail—and soon, the name “The Eyeball Killer” would haunt the headlines.  

When the bodies of several women began turning up in the early ’90s, there was one eerie detail connecting them all—something missing that pointed to a far more sinister obsession. As the police followed the clues, suspicion fell on a seemingly upstanding man with a passion for art, anatomy, and taxidermy. But was Charles Albright the monster behind the murders, or was something even stranger g...

In August 1994, Oakville, Washington, was the target of a strange, unexplained event: a shower of translucent blobs, not rain, fell from the sky. The gooey substance coated everything in sight, from windshields to grass, leaving residents and animals sick with inexplicable symptoms. Was it a freak weather anomaly or something more disturbing? Theories have swirled for years, from bombed jellyfish to secret military experiments. 

But despite numerous investigations, the true origin of the blobs remains a mystery. Now, with reports of similar occurrences just a few miles away in 2025, the question lingers: What really fell from the s...

Centuries ago, on what would become Staten Island, Christopher Billopp built a house that would become notorious in history and the paranormal. 

What is the true history of Billop (later Conference) house? Was a servant really murdered there? And what ghosts still hang around, waiting for their story to be told?

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

Part two dives into the chilling story of Edward Rulloff, a 19th-century scholar-turned-serial criminal whose brilliance masked a deeply antisocial and violent nature. Despite multiple arrests and a murder conviction, Rulloff repeatedly evaded justice, charming intellectuals and manipulating legal systems with ease, much like Ted Bundy. His eventual execution and the postmortem study of his unusually large brain sparked debates that reshaped early neuroscience, especially around psychopathy and moral responsibility. Join us as we discuss how Rulloff’s legacy endures as both a cautionary tale and a pivotal case in the history of criminal psychology.

Edited by Ma...

Before H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper, there was Edward Rulloff—a Victorian-era serial killer whose intellect was as notorious as his crimes. In Part One of this two-part deep dive, we explore the early life, toxic relationships, and shocking beginnings of Rulloff’s criminal career. From his obsessive pursuit of linguistic fame to the brutal and mysterious disappearance of his wife and child, we unravel the chilling contradictions of a man some called “The Victorian Hannibal Lecter.” Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll examine his escape, final crimes, the potential for psychopathy, and the bizarre legacy his...

In the second part of our two-part episode, Dorothea Puente's dark crimes begin to unravel. Still, the question remains: Can anyone truly believe this seemingly harmless “little old lady” is capable of murder?

As we dig deeper into her chilling history, some believe the spirit of Dorothea herself lingers, haunting the very boarding house where her horrific acts took place.

Audio edited by Maxwell Holechek

In November of 1988, detectives are called to the boardinghouse of Dorothea Puente to investigate the disappearance of one of her residents and are quickly shocked as bodies start to be unearthed. 

In the first part of our two-part episode, we look at Dorothea Puente's childhood, her life, and what may have led a woman to commit such horrific crimes. 

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

New Orleans' eerie past comes to life as we revisit the legend of the Casket Girls—18th-century brides-to-be whose arrival sparked sinister vampire lore. From the Ursuline Convent’s sealed shutters to a chilling 1978 paranormal mystery, we unravel this infamous tale's history, myth, and haunting legacy. Join us on our second rendition and updated, re-researched version! 

Find our original episode at our Patreon at patreon.com/GhoulishTendencies. 

Edited by Max Holechek

In December of 1900, three lighthouse keepers working the Flannan Isle lighthouse disappeared in a mystery that remains “unsolved” even today. 

What happened to the keepers? Was it something supernatural? Or does the mystery have a more logical answer?

Edited by Max Holechek

In this part two episode, we continue our exploration of Heaven's Gate, focusing on the group's evolution during the 90s, their adoption of technology, and Marshall Applewhite’s increasingly apocalyptic teachings that culminated in the tragic mass suicide of 1997. We delve into the psychological, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the group's beliefs, their reliance on sci-fi themes described in Star Trek, and the profound impact on survivors, families, and society. Join us as we analyze the legacy of Heaven’s Gate, exploring how collective belief and charismatic leadership led to one of the most haunting chapters in mode...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating and chilling story of Heaven's Gate, the UFO cult. In Part One of this two-part episode, we explore the early days of this enigmatic group, led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, whose blend of Christian apocalypticism, UFO beliefs, and strict communal life captivated followers and led to one of the most infamous cult stories in modern history. We discuss how ordinary people were drawn into a movement that promised salvation among the stars and ultimately ended in tragedy. 

Trigger warning: this episode discusses themes of suicide.

E...

In 1980, a horror film was released that was so shocking and so controversial, 
it was banned in 50 countries.

Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust is one of the most infamous horror films ever produced.  To this day it prompts debate and strong emotions from all who have seen it. But how did this movie come about? What was it like filming such an intense movie? And is its legacy cursed? 

TW: Animal cruelty.

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

Join us as we uncover the chilling history of books bound in human skin, also known as anthropodermic books. Once symbols of prestige for physicians and collectors in the 18th and 19th centuries, these macabre artifacts have recently been a hot topic of critical ethical debates. We explore the science behind identifying these bindings, their historical context, the troubling lack of consent surrounding their creation, and the stories of the people who made them. 

Audio editing by Max Holechek

Join us and special guest, Jake Rice of Ghostly Activities aka GHOST DADDY himself, as we delve into the spirits of Fort Worden. We get into the dark history, malicious murders, and an actual paranormal investigation with plenty of *evidence*.

Trigger warning: talk of suicide.

Audio edited by Maxwell Holechek

In our second part we examine the suspects, the aftermath and the legacy of a killing spree that remains officially unsolved to this day. 

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

In 1946 a string of brutal attacks occurred in the town of Texarkana. To this day, they remain unsolved. 

In the first part of our two part episode we look at the attacks on eight people which left five dead. Who were the victims? What could motivate such viscous crimes? And were they all connected?

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating Pascagoula Elephant Man/Alien Abduction case of 1973, where Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker encountered strange, grotesque beings by the Pascagoula River. Despite skepticism and differing reactions from the two men, their story of being abducted, examined aboard an alien craft, and returned unharmed has remained a captivating mystery. Decades later, the incident continues to provoke curiosity, debate, and media attention, highlighting the enduring intrigue around UFO encounters.

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

In 1910, a historic storm and avalanche led to one of the deadliest train disasters in American history. 

What happened that led up to the avalanche and disaster? And what ghosts were left behind? 

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...Giant Sky Clam? This creature feature buffet examines the Giant Sky Clam and the Flatwoods Monster - and more specifically, are they aliens, cryptids, or something else? Join us for a debunkin' donuts feature with eye witness accounts and legends galore!

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

In August of 1985, five members of the Bamber family were murdered. But what exactly happened that night remains hotly contested. 

The open and shut case becomes more complicated as Jeremy suddenly becomes the prime suspect. But mishandling of the crime scene, questionable witnesses and evidence gathered in a suspicious manner leaves more questions than answers. What happened that night? And has the wrong man been in jail all these years? 

Edited by Max Holechek

In August of 1985, five members of the Bamber family were murdered. But what exactly happened that night remains hotly contested. 

Police were called to the family home where allegedly eldest daughter Sheila was on a rampage. When police entered the home they would find her parents, Nevill and June, her twin sons Daniel and Nicholas and finally Sheila’s body. What happened that night? Did Sheila experience a psychotic break and murder her family or was she set up by the lone surviving son, Jeremy Bamber. 

The first part of our two part episode looks at t...

On August 10, 1901, Oxford scholars, Elizabeth Morison and Frances Lamont, happened upon a potential time travel experience in France, in which they claim to have stumbled across Marie Antoinette herself, and experienced what they felt were inexplicable events and people. Their publication titled “An Adventure” detailed their bizarre incident first-hand, and was quite controversial for its time. 
But was it truly a time travel experience? What could have caused this mind-boggling event?

Edited by Max Holechek 

A string of murders in Boston from 1962-1964 ended when Albert DeSalvo, a man already incarcerated for a variety of crimes confessed to the murders. But was he really the murderer? 

In our second part of our two part series we look at Albert DeSalvo. Who was he? Was he really the Boston Strangler? And if he wasn’t, who was? 

Edited by Max Holechek 

In June of 1962, the brutal murder and assault of Anna Slesers would kick off a string of similar murders. 
Dubbed “The Boston Strangler” by the press, it was quickly assumed that the murders were executed by one individual, a fact that is debated to this day. In part one of our two part series covering the case, we examine the murders. 

Edited by Max Holechek 

Henri-Désiré Landru, nicknamed the Bluebeard of Gambais, was a French serial killer who swindled lovelorn women, promising romance with his lonely hearts personal ads in the early 1900s, when these women would go inexplicably missing - truly a cautionary tale for the Tinder generation. He eventually murdered at least 10 women and a young man between December 1914 and January 1919, until he was uncovered by two women whose sisters had gone missing, and they would stop at nothing to unveil this male Black Widow. 

Edited by Maxwell Holechek 

In the early 80s, the Von Erich family was wrestling royalty. An unstoppable wrestling dynasty founded by Father Fritz and followed by sons David, Kevin and Kerry. But soon tragedy after tragedy would hit the family in an unimaginable way. The true story of what would be dramatized in The Iron Claw contains even more devastation than what would play out on the silver screen.

TW: Talk of suicide.

Bizarre cases of what have been identified as spontaneous human combustion have left investigators scratching their heads for centuries. Victims suddenly burst into flames, died grisly deaths within seconds, and left behind only a pile of ashes, and sometimes feet. There have been hundreds of cases of alleged spontaneous human combustion dating back to the 17th century, and before science could Scully what happened exactly, demonic and paranormal explanations ran rampant. Join us as we discuss a plethora of spontaneous human combustion cases that challenge both superstition and science.

Lake Lanier draws huge numbers every year to its shores. People come to swim and have a good time. But beneath the surface a dark history lurks. Lake Lanier was created on top of towns and the history of the area is tragic and bloody. Is the lake haunted? Cursed? Let’s look beneath the surface of Lake Lanier. 

Edited by Maxwell Holechek

Appalachia holds its mysterious cards close, and with its cultural background, it is ripe for legend and lore that manifests into bizarre actual beliefs. Join us for a real Appalachian buffet of the strange and unusual. We've got it all: Cryptids, Native American lore, deformed humanoids, aliens, and unsolved disappearances. But what is believable, and what is just lore?

Edited by Max Holechek

The classic tale of teen angst isn’t just remembered as a coming of age drama, it’s also notorious for all three of its leads meeting tragic fates…

Where all three actors dying before the age of 45 is certainly tragic, how much was that was truly a curse and how much was it the inevitability of death claiming us all sooner or later?

Edited by Maxwell Holechek 

In 1985 a string of murders in Mineral Washington left police baffled. What initially seemed isolated became connected by a tube sock left on some of the victims.  Piecing together suspects and looking for other connected murders has still left us with more questions than answers. Was this the work of a serial killer? Or a seeming tragic string of unconnected events? 

Audio Editing by Maxwell Holechek

This is a tale of two stories, really. One, an unsolved murder from hundreds of years ago fueled by romance, revenge, and politics, and the other, a modern-day criminologist and professor who began mapping medieval crimes to help better understand how the criminal justice system began and evolved. The two stories intertwined when said criminologist began to explore this cold case, and eventually, helped to come up with some resolutions, 686 years later.

Why was John Ford murdered mafia-style in broad daylight in London back in 1337? What was his connection to English noblewoman, Ella FitzPayne, and was she...

In late 1803, a ghost started terrorizing Hammersmith London and soon led to a very real life murder. 

While walking home one night Thomas Millwood was tragically mistaken for the ghost and killed. And the ensuing murder trial raised a number of questions. Who was the Hammersmith ghost? Was it real or a prank?

On April 12th, 1981, Sheila Sharp came home to find her mother, brother and family friend brutally murdered and her younger sister missing. 

This kicked off a mystery that remains unsolved to this day and raises more questions than answers.

Deep in the heart of Cluj-Napoca, Romania lies what some call the "Bermuda Triangle of Romania." The Hoia Baciu Forest has quite the reputation of bizarre happenings - between reports of paranormal phenomena like UFO sightings, ghosts, weird energy fields, and a clearing where nothing living can grow, to mysterious red and orange lights and disappearing children, it’s even been the subject of lots of scientific research trying explain what exactly is going on there. 
But are these bizarre happenings explicable? What exactly is causing this serenely beautiful place to gain such a dark reputation?

Edi...

Happy New Year, Ghouls! You asked, and we answered. Literally. Thanks to those who are curious about the pod and what we do, this episode focuses on a Q&A posed to Kim and Gabi about the podcast! Thank you to those of you who asked questions and stay curious (and spooky). We had a blast!