Forgotten Stories: Historical Crimes and the Unusual

This week the girls discuss the problematic ways of a school for deaf girls, a missing bridegroom, some hints for good health, a cow that birthed seven calves, and a death by hypnotism case. Tune in this week to hear more!

This week Cathryn tells the story of the waste disaster experienced by London in the 1850s. This event was not only a massive public safety issue but also had effects on governmental function. It also happened to effect disease transmission understanding today and the current sewer situation the city faces.

This week the girls recount a story of a madman in a hot air balloon, and unfortunate place to pick walnuts, people's most embarrassing moments, and a terrible muscle injury.

In this week's heavy episode Cathryn reads excerpts from the diary of Hélène Berr. A French Jewish woman living in Paris during World War II. Details of the war, Nazi-occupied France, and Hélène's daily life are discussed. Unfortunately the ending does not conclude triumphantly for the Berr Family.

Odd headlines this week include an alligator family coming out of hibernation, a queer incident in church, a goose and chicken rivalry, and a real-life mermaid.

The tragedy that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick was just the beginning for the crew aboard the ship. The horrific situation they found themselves in over the next three months stranded at sea would turn out to be the ultimate struggle of life and death. Listen this week to hear all the grisly details if you dare.

This week the girls discuss the advances in modern dentistry and a farmer without a bath for 22 years. Cathryn then introduces a new segment, My Nearest Approach to Death, while Elisabeth brings back an old segment, My Baby Said. We then wrap it up with a revolver-wielding bartender.

This week Cathryn discusses the problematic death of Joe Arridy. Joe was a mentally disabled man who found himself wrapped up in a legal battle he was unable to comprehend. Unfortunately for Joe, the legal system failed him in the most tragic way possible. Tune in this week to learn more about the messy past of capital punishment in the United States.

Elisabeth kicks off the weekend with stories of first marriage proposals. Other topics of the week include include an interesting menu at a vegetarian dinner party, revenge on a fish warden, and a dog who tried to bite a woman but nearly choked to death on her skirt instead.

In May of 1902, the citizens of St. Pierre in Martinique watched nervously as the volcano outside of town became increasingly active. Over the course of several weeks, ash and smoke became so thick that trees and buildings were collapsing. Many tried to flee the town when it seemed as if an eruption was imminent, but unfortunately they were not permitted to do so. The event that took place on the morning of May 8th proved to be quite catastrophic.