My guest today is Daniella Mistyanek Young, and her story doesn’t begin with a bad decision, a vulnerable moment, or a charismatic stranger at the door…it begins at birth, inside one of the most infamous modern cults in history: The Children of God.

In this conversation, Daniella takes us inside a world built on control, self-sacrifice, and the slow erasure of identity, where loyalty is demanded, individuality is treated like a threat, and your value is measured by what you can give… and what you can be made to endure.

After escaping, Daniella joined the military sometime after, and began to see parallels between that institution and the one she had escaped - the strict structure, the chain of command, and the dissolution of identity.

We also delve into how cults recruit in times of social chaos, how the internet has transformed modern indoctrination, why so many “transformation” movements feel like grifts, and the red flags that can help you spot coercion before it’s too late.

Links

• Daniella's books and website 📖
• HOW IT FALLS APART | Audio Experience 🧨
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

• Daniela Mestyanek Young shares her journey from a cult to the military.
• Cults exploit individuals during times of social turmoil.
• The internet has changed the landscape of cult recruitment.
• Self-sacrifice is a key element in cult indoctrination.
• Cults are often about labor exploitation, not just belief.
• Charismatic leaders manipulate followers for power.
• The military can exhibit cult-like characteristics.
• Cults can exist in corporate environments as well.
• Personal identity is often lost in cults and total institutions.
• Awareness of cult-like behavior is crucial for personal safety.

Keywords

cults, identity, self-sacrifice, power, control, charismatic leaders, military, exploitation, labor, individuality

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My guest today is Reid Moon,  who left a conventional life behind to chase something far rarer than money: literary immortality.

From The Great Gatsby to James Joyce, from forgotten manuscripts to books that have passed through the hands of history’s giants, Reid has built a life around tracking down objects that carry human obsession, genius, tragedy, and belief inside their pages.

We talk about why some stories survive while others disappear, why a dust jacket can be worth more than the text itself, why provenance matters, and how owning a book once held by its author can feel eerily intimate.

This isn’t just a conversation about rare books. It’s about timeless stories, the strange afterlives of great writers, and what it says about us that we’re still chasing meaning through ink, paper, and memory.

Links

• Reid's YouTube
• HOW IT FALLS APART | Audio Experience
• How It Falls Apart book out now 🧨
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds Book 📖 

Keywords

Reed Moon, rare books, book collecting, literary artifacts, F. Scott Fitzgerald, timeless stories, book value, provenance, James Joyce, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by two of my good friends Tom Cristle and Colum hanlon for a bonus, end of year episode. We get into everything from the UFC to Herbal Life scams, AI bots, DJ Carey, Ireland's chances of making it to the world cup, local pride and so much more.

Buckle up

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He was one of the greatest hurlers Ireland has ever produced — a sporting icon, a hero, a name that stood for excellence and pride. But behind that public image was a deception that would shock the country and devastate those who trusted him. That hurler is, of course, DJ Carey, and in this episode, I’m joined by journalist Eimear Ní Bhraonáin to discuss her book The Dodger: DJ Carey and The Great Betrayal. Together, we unpack how one of Ireland’s most celebrated sports stars became the centre of a long-running con, the psychology behind the deception, and the investigative work that finally brought the truth to light.

We talk about the victims, ordinary people who believed they were helping someone they admired, and the deep sense of betrayal and disbelief that followed. This is a conversation about power, manipulation, and how charisma and status can blind even the most careful among us.

Links

• Eimear's book 🧨
• My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨
• Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 
• Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

• DJ Carey was a celebrated hurling player in Ireland.
• His story is a mix of triumph and tragedy.
• Eimear's background in journalism shaped her investigation.
• The psychology of con artists reveals complex motivations.
• Victims of DJ's scams often felt deep betrayal.
• The investigation into DJ's actions was extensive and revealing.
• Contradictions in DJ's life raised suspicions over time.
• The emotional impact on victims was profound and lasting.
• DJ's lack of contrition raises questions about accountability.
• The book serves as a cautionary tale about trust and deception.

Keywords

DJ Carey, Eimear, con artist, betrayal, psychology, victims, investigation, hurling, Ireland, sports, conman, news, crime, true crime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beneath Ireland’s rolling hills, beneath its rivers, stone circles, fairy forts and ancient mounds, there are stories as old as human history, stories of supernatural forces, creation and destruction, wisdom and transformation. Stories that once shaped who we were…and may still shape who we are becoming.

Today, I’m joined by journalist and the creator of Mythical Ireland, Anthony Murphy for a deep dive into the hidden world of Irish mythology. We explore the origins of Ireland’s ancient stories, how Christian monks preserved and reshaped them, and why sites like Newgrange, which is older than the pyramids, still hold such power over the imagination.

We also delve into deities like the Cailleach, Cú Chulainn, the legendary Salmon of Knowledge, and what modern society may have lost by drifting away from its ancient rites of passage and sacred storytelling. This is a conversation about identity, and the soul of a nation, which seems to be diluting more and more as modernity forges on. At the heart of this conversation is the story of Ireland.

Links

• Mythical Ireland website
• My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨
• Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 
• Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

• Anthony Murphy has been a journalist for over 30 years.
• Mythical Ireland was established in March 2000.
• Irish mythology is less known compared to Greek and Norse mythology.
• The origins of Irish mythology are intertwined with biblical narratives.
• Newgrange is over 5,000 years old and aligned with the winter solstice.
• The Kalyak is an ancient deity associated with creation myths.
• The Salmon of Knowledge is a significant tale in Irish mythology.
• Irish myths often reflect the relationship between humans and nature.
• The preservation of Irish mythology is crucial for cultural identity.
• Modern society has lost touch with traditional rites of passage.

Keywords

Irish mythology, Anthony Murphy, Newgrange, ancient deities, folklore, Celtic history, oral tradition, mythology preservation, sacred sites, cultural heritage, Cú Chulainn, Tír na nÓg, ancient Ireland, Irish history.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Father David Vard, a Kildare native and one of Ireland’s youngest priests, who graduated seminary at just 25. Father David speaks openly about his journey to the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of faith and God in navigating life and expressing a willingness to embrace his beliefs, regardless of external judgment. With rare candour, Father David opens up about the loneliness he sometimes feels, the vow of celibacy and addresses criticism head-on, including being willing to be judged or ridiculed for his convictions. This is a conversation about spirituality as a personal journey, about growth through belief, and about the gift.

Links

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

David believes in a God who loves and cares for us.

He feels that God is evident in creation and our lives.

Faith provides guidance that individuals cannot achieve alone.

David is open to criticism regarding his beliefs.

He values personal connection with the divine.

Belief in God can lead to personal growth and understanding.

David's faith shapes his worldview and decisions.

He encourages others to embrace their beliefs.

Criticism of faith should not deter personal convictions.

Spirituality is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

Keywords

faith, divine guidance, belief, spirituality, personal growth, God, creation, love, criticism, self-discovery, Christian, Catholic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by one of the best talents in modern horse racing, five-time British Champion Jockey Oisín Murphy. Oisín takes us far beyond the headlines and the finish lines. We explore his remarkable rise in the sport, the relentless pressure that comes with staying at the top, and the physical and mental toll of life as a jockey. Oisín speaks with rare honesty about his battle with alcoholism, the daily struggle to maintain race weight, and the intense scrutiny that followed his toughest moments.

But this is also a story of resilience. Oisín reflects on the highs of his career — the iconic wins, the moments that made history — and the ongoing work of rebuilding, staying sober, and striving to be better every day. It’s candid, it’s human, and it’s a powerful insight into a world few truly understand.

Links

Oisin's book 📖

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

• Oisin Murphy's journey from Killarney to champion jockey.
• The influence of family and early experiences on Oisin's career.
• Oisin's candid discussion about his struggles with alcoholism.
• The role of faith and gratitude in Oisin's life.
• Challenges of maintaining weight and fitness as a jockey.
• The impact of media scrutiny on Oisin's career and personal life.
• Oisin's reflections on the highs and lows of his racing career.
• The importance of sobriety and personal responsibility.
• Insights into the racing industry and its demands.
• Oisin's future aspirations and goals in the racing world.

Keywords

Oisin Murphy, jockey, alcoholism, sobriety, horse racing, horse racing industry, media impact, personal journey, faith, career challenges, success

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode has been two years in the making.

East Coast Bose joins me for a raw and unfiltered conversation about a world most people only see through headlines or hear about in lyrics. From Broadway, the heart of New York City, Bose walks us through the evolution of Harlem, the impact of gentrification, and what happens when the rules of the game change but the consequences don't.

We talk about the old code of honor, the rise of informants, the shift from violent street crime to modern hustles, and how legends like Camron shaped an entire generation. Bose opens up about personal loss, life behind the wall, celebrity encounters, regrets, and the realities of a culture that's disappearing as fast as New York changes around it.

Links

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

The journey to the podcast took two years.
Harlem is a cultural hub with a rich history.
New York City is a melting pot of cultures.
Gentrification has significantly changed Harlem.
Personal loss can lead to profound life changes.
The drug game has evolved over the years.
Tupac's influence on hip hop and culture is immense.
Youth culture has shifted dramatically in recent years.
People will always find ways to make money.
The power of perception shapes our reality. Street culture has evolved from violent crime to non-violent hustles.
Informants have significantly changed the dynamics of street life.
Gentrification has led to the displacement of long-standing communities.
The sense of community and shared culture has diminished over time.
Prison experiences shaped a deeper understanding of street life.
Celebrity influence can impact street credibility and culture.
Regrets often stem from not adhering to the rules of the game.
Diversity in New York contributes to a rich cultural tapestry.
The hustle mentality persists, but the methods have changed.
Future aspirations include building a legacy and changing the narrative.

Keywords

East Coast Bose, Harlem, New York City, gentrification, hip hop culture, personal stories, drug game, Camron, youth culture, community, street culture, informants, gentrification, prison stories, celebrity influence, regrets, diversity, hustling, consequences, opportunities

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by Jared Bradley, CEO of MVAC Systems, and host of the All Things Crime Podcast. We discuss the innovative technology behind the MVAC, its applications in forensics, and its impact on solving cold cases, it's wild what this technology can do and how it's changing the game in DNA retrieval, so stick around to hear about it and some of the high profile cases it been used on.

Link

M-Vac website

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Jared Bradley has been the CEO of MVAC Systems for over 15 years.
The MVAC technology was initially developed for food safety before pivoting to forensics.
MVAC has helped solve thousands of cases worldwide, including a 61-year-old cold case.
DNA can last a long time if collected and stored properly.
The MVAC collects DNA more effectively than traditional methods.
Jared served in the military and has a background in sales and pharmaceuticals.
MVAC is sold to law enforcement agencies, and training is provided for its use.
High-profile cases like the West Memphis Three highlight the importance of DNA testing.
The chance of getting away with crimes has decreased due to advancements in technology.

Keywords

MVAC, forensics, DNA technology, cold cases, criminal justice, Jared Bradley, true crime, law enforcement, crime solving, All Things Crime, DNA, Cold Cases

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc's website 👻

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Mark Hartsman is an author and writer fascinated by the bizarre and unusual.
His interest in weird history began with the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Sideshow acts provided a platform for individuals with anomalies to find community and acceptance.
The internet has changed the landscape of sideshow acts and public perception of them.
Strange finds on eBay include bizarre items like bull scrotum bags and deer poop paperweights.
The Phoenix Lights incident remains one of the most compelling UFO sightings with thousands of witnesses.
Cultural context plays a significant role in shaping narratives around UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
Scientific inquiry into UFOs has gained traction in recent years, especially with figures like Avi Loeb.
The possibility of life on Mars and other celestial bodies continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike.
The ocean remains largely unexplored, potentially hiding unknown forms of life.

Keywords

X-Files, UFOs, bizarre history, sideshow, strange finds, paranormal, extraterrestrial life, weird stories, cultural phenomena, Mark Hartsman

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.