Early Christmas day in 1945, Jennie Sodder woke up to her house on fire. The blaze consumed her home, and five of her young children. Or did it? Strange events, prescient remarks, and a lack of human remains hinted at more nefarious — though no less tragic — outcomes. 

This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history’s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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In the late 1980s he claimed to be the final savior of the world, but behind Hogen Fukunaga’s grandiose claim was a shrewd businessman who scammed millions from loyal followers. His method? Detailed foot readings that cost hundreds of dollars.

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He’s not your typical cult leader: Lord RayEl doesn’t have a large church, or host large gatherings. Instead, he’s built a following solely online — where a virtual congregation likes, subscribes, and tithes to the convicted felon they believe is the second coming of Christ. 

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You know you can find love in a bar… on an app… Why not a podcast? Every week on Blind Dating, one hopeful single is introduced to two potential matches in a virtual hangout — no cameras allowed. This week, listen in as Pauler, a 33-year-old dancer from Australia, meets a tutor who falls for mama’s boys and a one-time swinger who’s “lived and learned” in LA. Is personality enough to spark a lasting connection? Listen to find out… and don’t miss the twist at the end! Blind Dating is free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

After starving his infant son in 1999, Jacques Robidoux and his followers went to drastic lengths to bury the evidence. But a whistleblower made sure the group answered to the law, avenging more than one life in the process. 

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Shunning mainstream religion, school systems, and science, this small Massachusetts sect withdrew from secular society in the ‘70s. Its increasingly bizarre directives to members led to defections and, eventually, death.

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Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Conspiracy Theories on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Deep in the heart of the redwood forests is a 2,700-acre plot of land that’s home to an exclusive gentleman’s fraternity. Since its founding in 1872, the club has been accused of paganism and human sacrifice. What's really happening in the depths of Bohemian Grove? And why don't they want the world to know?

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Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Conspiracy Theories on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Deep in the heart of the redwood forests is a 2,700-acre plot of land that’s home to an exclusive gentleman’s fraternity. Since its founding in 1872, the club has been accused of paganism and human sacrifice. What's really happening in the depths of Bohemian Grove? And why don't they want the world to know?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They’re natural-born leaders, hungry for absolute power. Every week on Dictators, delve into the minds and motives of history’s most infamous rulers — people who rose through the ranks toward radicalism, eliminating anyone who stood in their way. This week, track the rise and fall of Nero, an emperor who led Rome to destruction. Hear a clip from Part 1 here, then head to Dictators for the rest of the episode. Dictators is free to listen on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Branded religious deviants by local leaders and the Malaysian government, Ayah Pin and his followers argued for their freedoms in Syariah Court. But in 2005, armed intruders destroyed the Sky Kingdom compound, and drove the self-proclaimed god into exile.

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