Homebrew Murder Crew

In this mind-bending MICROBREW, we explore the mysterious concept of the egregore—a collective thoughtform or psychic entity born from shared beliefs—and how it’s evolving in the age of digital consciousness and paranormal resurgence.

Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or just curious about the strange new spirits of our time, this podcast will challenge your perception of reality—and maybe even summon something unexpected.

Sources:

https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/egregores-the-occult-entities-that-watch-over-human-destiny https://livinglibraryblog.com/the-philip-experiment/ https://slate.com/culture/2017/11/the-polybius-conspiracy-investigates-an-urban-legend-and-creates-one.html https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-9-the-mothman-and-high-strangeness/id1773768114?i=1000683493107&l=zh-Hant-TW https://voices.uchicago.edu/dangerousthoughts/2016/06/16/bigfoot-logic/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boggart https://medium.com/know-thyself-heal-thyself/what-is-an-egregore-dbc71d9e4447 https://thewitchesalmanac.com/pages/watching-creation-egregore https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/spirituality/2025/Mar/09/unseen-forces-of-shared-belief#:~:text=The%20concept%20dates%20back%20to,constructs%20formed%20by%20group%20focus.

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In this episode, we tiptoe through one of the strangest and most unsettling chapters in funeral home history: the bizarre case of the Return to Nature Funeral Home and the crimes of Jon and Carie Hallford. What started as a green burial business with a wholesome name took a dark turn—think less “eco-friendly” and more “FBI investigation.” We’ll explore how a couple with big promises and questionable bookkeeping ended up at the center of a national scandal involving hundreds of improperly stored bodies, bewildered families, and a whole lot of legal trouble. It’s a tale of trust betrayed, regulations ignored, and a community left reeling. 🪦 Join us for a story that’s equal parts tragic, bizarre, and unforgettable. Because when it comes to final resting places… some folks just don’t follow the map

For a full list of sources used in this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Sources: https://www.cpr.org/2025/03/06/return-to-nature-funeral-home-carie-hallford-withdraws-guilty-plea/ https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/colorado-funeral-home-owners-money-problems-abandoning-bodies/73-53b03cb4-9947-4c73-960f-4ceb306b8e64 https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/fbi-agents-testify-stacked-bodies-penrose-funeral-home-co-owner-carie-hallford-colorado-court/ https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Law-HallfordHomes-complaint-el-paso-county-district-court.pdf https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/27/colorado-funeral-home-owner-sentencinghttps://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/return-nature-funeral-home-owners-plead-guilty-federal-court https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-funeral-home-carrie-halford-changes-plea-fraud-improperly-storing-bodies/ https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/04th_Judicial_District/El_Paso/Hallford%20Jon/Hallford%20Jon%20-%20affi_%20reduced.pdf https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/12/colorado-funeral-home-decaying-bodies-couple-arrestedhttps://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/second-colorado-springs-funeral-home-operator-pleads-guilty-scheme-defraud-grieving

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Pack your granola and tighten your bootlaces—this episode is a wild trek into the misty mysteries of Alberta’s backcountry! We’re diving deep into the legend of the elusive Sasquatch of the Canadian Rockies... Is it a shaggy recluse with a taste for trail mix, or something far stranger? Then we paddle over to the eerie waters of Lake Minnewanka, where ancient spirits are said to whisper through the waves. From ghost towns submerged beneath the lake to chilling encounters with spectral figures on moonlit shores, this lake’s lore is as deep as its glacial waters. Expect campfire-worthy storytelling, a dash of skeptical science, and maybe a few spine-tingling sound effects. Whether you're a cryptid connoisseur or just here for the spooky vibes, this episode will leave you wondering what really lurks beyond the treeline… 🧭 Tune in, if you dare. The Rockies are calling—and they might not be alone.

Sources: https://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/canadian-rockies-legends/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSasquatch%E2%80%9D%20is%20actually%20an%20Anglicized,RL0328%20%2F%20Shutterstock.com https://mysteriesofcanada.com/alberta/classic-canadian-sasquatch-stories-part-2-the-rocky-mountains/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=For%20as%20long%20as%20human,creature%20that%20haunts%20the%20slopes. https://globalnews.ca/news/8070027/bigfoot-canada-photo-video/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Where%20are%20the%20bones%20and,reported%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Strain. https://www.ancient-origins.net/unexplained-phenomena/merman-banff-020583?hl=en-CA https://www.rmoutlook.com/hot-summer-guide/the-banff-merman-a-sea-mystery-swimming-in-the-canadian-rockies-9193851?hl=en-CA

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What happens when a bunch of Miami bodybuilders decide they’re too swole for the 9-to-5 grind? Apparently, they skip leg day and go straight to felony. In this episode, we dive into the protein-packed, crime-riddled chaos of the Sun Gym Gang—a crew of gym rats who thought kidnapping, extortion, and murder sounded like a solid business plan. Led by Daniel Lugo, a man with more ambition than brains, and Adrian Doorbal, who could bench press a Buick but couldn’t spell “alibi,” this gang’s criminal spree was so outrageous it eventually became a Hollywood movie: Pain & Gain. Spoiler alert—Michael Bay made it look like a comedy, but the real story is more “WTF” than “LOL.” We’ll unpack the botched plans, the bizarre disguises, and the moments that make you wonder how these guys ever managed to tie their own shoelaces, let alone pull off a kidnapping. It’s a tale of muscles, money, and monumental stupidity—and yes, it’s all horrifyingly true.

Sources: https://allthatsinteresting.com/pain-and-gain-true-story?hl=en-CA#:~:text=The%202013%20film%20Pain%20%26%20Gain,American%20Dream%20in%201990s%20Miami https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-apr-19-la-et-ct-pain-gain-tony-schiller-20130419-story.html?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Lugo%20and%20and%20an%20accomplice,Advertisement https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article296688734.html?hl=en-CA#:~:text=%2C%E2%80%9D%20replied%20Delgado.-,The%20Sun%20Gym%20Gang,testifying%20against%20Lugo%20and%20Doorbal https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Gym_gang?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Through%20a%20past%20girlfriend%2C%20Doorbal,kidnap%20and%20extort%20the%20couple

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In this chilling Microbrew, we dive into the twisted loop where fiction and reality collide—examining two haunting cases that blur the line between cinematic horror and true crime. First, we unravel the disturbing murder of Marilyn DePue, whose killer’s macabre actions and getaway eerily mirror scenes later immortalized in the cult horror film Jeepers Creepers. Then, we flip the script to explore the brutal murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart, where two of her classmates had crafted a chilling plan inspired by the slasher movie Scream. They wanted to become real-life killers, mimicking the masked murderers from the film they idolized. From a blood-stained van on a lonely highway to a masked fantasy turned deadly, this episode explores how horror films can reflect real darkness—and sometimes, awaken it. Are these stories cautionary tales, or proof that the line between screen and psyche is thinner than we think?

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Cassie_Jo_Stoddart?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Life%20imprisonment%20without%20the%20possibility,nicknamed%20%22The%20Scream%20Killers%22 https://law.justia.com/cases/idaho/supreme-court-criminal/2011/34667.html#:~:text=Cassie%20Jo%20Stoddart%20was%20murdered,and%20convicted%20during%20separate%20trials https://apnews.com/article/5941d6d84531438e8825976560d6c276?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Cassie%20was%20stabbed%2029%20times,not%20returned%20until%20Sunday%20evening https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/2023/10/16/did-1990-michigan-murder-inspire-jeepers-creepers-film/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=In%201990%2C%20on%20Easter%20Sunday,filed%20for%20divorce%20%2D%20he%20snapped

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It's hard to believe that today, July 31 2025, marks 38 years since the devastating Edmonton tornado on July 31, 1987—often remembered as “Black Friday.” That day, a powerful F4 tornado tore through the city’s southeast, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. It claimed 27 lives and injured hundreds more, becoming one of Canada’s deadliest and costliest natural disasters.

Since then, it’s stood as a sobering reminder of nature’s force, but also of the resilience and solidarity of Albertans. Each year around this time, many still pause to reflect, remember, and honor those affected.

Time moves forward, but the stories and strength of that day remain.

This episode it pulled from our Patreon in memory of this day 38 years ago.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tornadoes_by_province_(Canada) https://bulletin.cmos.ca/tornadoes-on-the-canadian-prairies-1826-1939-part-2-project-results/ www.eas.ualberta.ca https://www.eas.ualberta.ca/jdwilson/EAS270_11/lec26.pdf http://nwafiles.nwas.org/digest/papers/2005/Vol29No1/Pg47-Dupilka.pdf https://www.iclr.org/wp-content/uploads/PDFS/Pine_Lake_Tornado.pdf https://ia601300.us.archive.org/34/items/tornadoreportedm00albe_0/tornadoreportedm00albe_0.pdf https://bulletin.cmos.ca/tornadoes-on-the-canadian-prairies-1826-1939-part-1-project-overview/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_tornado https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/edmonton-tornado-1987 https://www.smokeandashpodcast.com/post/black-friday-tornado-ep-3-city-of-champions https://www.tornadotalk.com/edmonton-alberta-f4-tornado-july-31-1987/ https://miragelandscaping.ca/landscaping/tornadoes-in-alberta-are-more-common-than-you-think/ https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/mrgnc-mngmnt/ntrl-hzrds/trnd-en.aspx

For a full list of sources used in this episode, please email us at [email protected]

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On November 5, 2021, Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival, named after Houston's beloved defunct theme park, turned into a nightmare. This episode explores the event's tragic unraveling, from the park's nostalgic past to Scott's "rage" concert culture, known for its chaotic energy and a history of crowd-related incidents. We detail the fateful day: early gate breaches and overwhelming crowds signaled trouble long before Scott took the stage. As the densely packed audience surged, a deadly crush ensued, leading to 10 deaths from compressive asphyxiation. Despite desperate pleas and visible distress, the concert continued for over 30 minutes. We examine the critical failures in planning, communication, and emergency response, including disputed reports to Scott's earpiece. The aftermath saw numerous lawsuits, but no criminal indictments, leaving a lasting debate about accountability and the urgent need for safety reforms in live music.

Sources:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/astroworld-what-happened-travis-scott-b1958007.html https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/six-flags-astroworld-theme-park/ https://www.tiktok.com/@forrestfromtexas/video/7511843330330725674 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Flags_AstroWorld https://www.fox26houston.com/news/51-years-ago-astroworld-opened https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/astroworld-houston-closed-15-years-ago/285-6bbb8f0d-e391-4dcd-93b9-bff05cd1df4c https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/qocc6p/what_happened_at_travis_scott_concert_how_crowd/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigbadaboom__/video/7467981689164401966

For a full list of resources, please email us at [email protected]

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In this gripping episode, we peel back the curtain on one of South Korea’s most controversial and haunting institutions: the Brothers Home orphanage. Once considered a haven for orphans and runaways in the 1970s and '80s, the truth that later emerged tells a chilling story of abuse, exploitation, and systemic cover-up.

Through survivor testimonies, investigative reports, and historical analysis, we unravel how thousands of children—alongside adults labeled as vagrants—were forcibly detained under government-sanctioned sweeps. What truly went on inside those walls, and how did a place meant for care become a symbol of cruelty?

💡 We also explore the role of media, past and present—how fake news and misinformation both obscured and, in some cases, protected the institution’s operations. And how today, digital narratives can either bury the truth… or help bring justice.

This episode is not just a story of a single orphanage—it's about the power of truth, the danger of silence, and the fight to preserve memory in the age of misinformation.

Sources:

https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1056196.html?hl=en-CA

https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1056196.html?hl=en-CA

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brothers_Home?hl=en-CA#:~:text=While%20Park%20In%2Dgeun%20was,to%20Siloam's%20House%20in%201989.

https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1056197.html?hl=en-CA

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/12/10/secrets-of-south-koreas-house-of-horrors-hidden-in-australia?hl=en-CA#:~:text=Park%20In%2Dkeun%20and%20his,power%20at%20the%20facility%20%5BCourtesy

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How far would you go to hide a secret? David Viens had a recipe...

When Dawn Viens vanished in 2009, her disappearance baffled authorities—until a shocking confession from her husband, celebrity chef David Viens, unveiled a truth more horrifying than fiction. In this episode, we peel back the layers of this tragic case, exploring the chilling details, the psychological unraveling, and the confession that stunned a nation.

Sources:

islander.org

LA murder trial: Gruesome confession, closing drama - Anna Maria Island Newspaper

bruzzolaw.com

David-Viens Tag Archives | Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog Published by Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo

geilsfuneralhome.com

David L. Viens Obituary - Geils Funeral Home

islander.org

David Viens, former islander who killed wife and cooked her body in LA County, fires attorney, delays sentencing

cbsnews.com

Did California chef David Viens kill, then cook wife? - CBS News

laist.com

Lawyer For Cafe Owner Who Allegedly Killed and Cooked His Wife Argues It Wasn't Murder

apnews.com

California chef sentenced in wife's death | AP News

For a full list of references please email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, we unravel one of the most iconic and controversial UFO encounters in American history: the 1961 abduction of Betty and Barney Hill. Driving through the mountains of New Hampshire, the couple claimed they were taken aboard an extraterrestrial spacecraft in what would become the first widely publicized alien abduction case. We dive into the couple’s harrowing memories recovered under hypnosis, government investigations, and the social impact their story had. Were they truly visited by beings from another world—or was something else at play?

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_and_Betty_Hill_incident?hl=en-CA

https://www.history.com/articles/first-alien-abduction-account-barney-betty-hill?hl=en-CA

https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/the-story-of-betty-and-barney-hill/?hl=en-CA

Barney and Betty Hill incident - Wikipedia

https://www.seacoastnh.com/history/history-matters/the-ufo-romance-of-betty-and-barney-hill/?hl=en-CA

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/649683/betty-and-barney-hill-alien-abduction?hl=en-CA

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