In 1938 Dollar Bay, Michigan, Wilfred and Loria Pichette confessed to killing Marian Doyle — claiming she was possessed by devils. After multiple family tragedies, economic hardship during the Great Depression, and a scandal involving a pregnant housekeeper, the brutal murder shocked the Upper Peninsula and drew national headlines. Featuring courtroom testimony from a seven-year-old child, this Michigan true crime case explores delusion, domestic violence, religious extremism, and mental illness inside a small mining town.

Story Researched and Written by Rebecca Hiers

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan

Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston

Sources:

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1930/02-17/page-4

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-31/page-7

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-27/page-1

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-24/page-1

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-26/page-2

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/ironwood-daily-globe/1939/02-15/page-14

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-31/page-1

https://uplink.nmu.edu/_flysystem/repo-bin/2022-08/nmu_65931.pdf

https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_dfd81815-8f8f-428e-80e5-bbfeef4bddd9/

https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_df64a0fc-86d7-4971-b2b0-ad1dc97d2764/

https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_8738f136-0508-43df-96c5-7ca4c04d64b9/

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-71963-0_19

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-G18M-99HD?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A7T72-3WMM&action=view&cc=1968530&lang=en&groupId=

https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_75581e4f-a8a0-4c91-a1a9-970bdff1c808

In the mid-1800s, tragedy struck the Beeson family of Niles, Michigan. After the death of infant grandson Job Withrow Beeson, grief and rumor began to surround the Beeson Mansion and its private mausoleum.

Was it truly cursed — or was it simply a family shaped by Victorian mourning and loss?

In this episode of F-Bomb, we explore the documented history of Strother Beeson, the family crypt, and the folklore that grew from sorrow.

This is a tale of grief, legend, and the thin line between tragedy and haunting.

#FBombPodcast #MichiganFolklore #BeesonMansion #VictorianEra #HauntedHistory

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston.

Story Written and Researched by Todd Preston

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original score created exclusively for F-Bomb to refelct the era and emotional tone of this episode by Tracy Preston

Sources:

Beeson Mansion haunted place overview – Real Haunted Houses (history, mansion and infant’s mausoleum) Beeson Mansion Haunted Place Overview

“Most Haunted Places in Michigan” (Beeson Mansion mentions haunted grieving mother) 10 Most Haunted Places in Michigan

Michigan paranormal legend details including deposition ritual & lantern accounts Michigan Legends & Folklore – Ghosts of Michigan’s Past

Article on crypt and gruesome details of the ritual with eyes falling out Rock‑a‑Bye Baby: Weirdness in this Niles Mausoleum

The Grave Talks – Haunted Beeson Mansion and the Spirits That Remain (Part 1) The Grave Talks Part One (Podcast)

The Grave Talks – Haunted Beeson Mansion and Spirits That Remain (Part 2) The Grave Talks Part Two (Podcast)

From ancient love potions and mandrake root to modern red flags and relationship psychology, this episode of Round Robin explores the strange things humans have done — and still do — in the name of love.

Were love potions real? Did people actually drink them? What’s the difference between harmony and chaos when it comes to attraction? And are we chasing chemistry… or control?

Plus, a bold movie recommendation: Gerald’s Game on Netflix — a psychological thriller that challenges power, consent, and survival in relationships.

Love has always been complicated. We just have better lighting now.

#RoundRobinPodcast #LovePsychology. #LoveHistory #AttractionScience #ModernDating #GeraldsGame

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan and of course my husband Todd Preston!

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston

In May of 1979 31-year-old nurse and mother Jane Snow was driving north with her two young sons toward a new beginning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

She stopped at the Loon Lake rest area near Grayling — a familiar halfway point.

She never made it home.

Stabbed 22 times in broad daylight, with no robbery, no assault, and no witnesses, Jane’s murder remains unsolved nearly five decades later.

Who killed her — and how did they disappear without being seen?

In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, we share a powerful narrative written by Rebecca Hiers, honoring Jane’s life and the questions that still linger.

If you have information about this case, contact the Michigan State Police, Grayling Post at 989-348-5449.

Michigan true crime told with care.

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston

Featuring Christine Mulligan.

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original music created for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston

Sources:

https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092913320/13D4A2BD7956458FPQ/2?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&hide_duplicates=2&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=60&val-base-0=%22jane%20snow%22%20rest%20area%20murder&docref=news/13B156E745C91440

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22778293/jane-snow

https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092926532/79BF2E5466BC410CPQ/9?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers

https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092926532/79BF2E5466BC410CPQ/9?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers

https://websleuths.com/threads/mi-jane-snow-31-otsego-county-15-may-1979.230064/page-2

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1387693/11171207/transcript

https://listverse.com/2015/09/21/10-creepy-unsolved-rest-stop-mysteries/

https://www.amazon.com/Unexplained-Michigan-Mysteries-Gary-Barfknecht/dp/1933272066

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/escanaba/escanaba-daily-press/1979/05-21/page-10

https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/escanaba/escanaba-daily-press/1984/05-19

In 1914, the Holy Cross Orphanage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula became the center of disturbing allegations — cruelty, punishment, and children who never seemed to leave.

Locals have long whispered about laughter in empty halls… crying behind locked doors… and shadowed figures in the upper windows of the abandoned building.

In this episode of F-Bomb (Fables, Fiction, Folklore & Frights), we explore the reported history of the Holy Cross Orphanage, allegations of mistreatment, and the lingering stories of hauntings tied to the children who once lived — and possibly suffered — there. Is it folklore? Is it residual energy? Or is something still hiding in the walls?

#FBombPodcast #MichiganFolklore #HauntedMichigan #UpperPeninsula

Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston

Story researched and written by Todd Preston

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original music created for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston

Sources:

Holy Family Orphanage – Wikipedia (history & facts)

Holy Family Orphanage on Roadtrippers (history + haunted lore)

The 10 Scariest Ghosts That Haunt Michigan’s Shores (includes Holy Cross Orphanage)

Haunted Places in Michigan — Holy Family Orphanage included

Abandoned, Haunted Orphanage Now Apartments (KalamazooCountry.com)

From Tragedies to Triumph – Holy Family Orphanage History & Stories

In this episode of Round Robin, the conversation spans the globe and lands squarely in Michigan. We talk about world population trends and what it means to live on a planet of more than eight billion people, then pivot to some of the weirdest and most wonderful buildings in the Great Lakes State — from mushroom houses to pickle-shaped landmarks.

We also celebrate Michigan firsts that helped shape the world, and spotlight incredible local creators and community builders in Lansing!  

#RoundRobinPodcast #MichiganPodcasts #LocalVoices #CommunityStories

#GreatLakesState #MidwestPodcasts

Hosted & Produced by Tracy Preston - Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan, Angela Hoefer and Todd Preston

Original Artwork by Todd Presston

Original music created for Round Robin by Tracy Preston

On Halloween afternoon in 1981, eleven-year-old Karl Heikell left his home in Calumet, Michigan — and never returned.

What followed was a search filled with conflicting sightings, unanswered questions, and rumors that spread through a small Upper Peninsula community desperate for answers. From abandoned mine shafts to the discovery of Karl’s belongings and remains nearly a year later, investigators struggled to determine what truly happened.

Told with care and restraint, this story honors Karl and the family still seeking answers.

#MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #UnsolvedCase

Researched and written by Rebecca Hiers

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston

Featuring Christine Mulligan

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original music created for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston

Sources:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62bf1e95c67a302bc68441b6/t/65638054ae435d45ec379d2d/1701019733931/petitiontodeterminecauseanddateofdeathindisaster-220409163513-rotated.pdf

https://amwfans.com/thread/13064/unknown-karl-heikell-killer-michigan

https://www.miroadtrip.com/locations/tamarack-mine

https://www.halloween1981.com/archive

https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/michigan-librarian-dedicated-41-year-old-halloween-cold-case-n1300369

Deep underground, long before safety regulations or daylight reached the mines, workers spoke of something else down there with them.

In this episode of F-Bomb Friday, we explore the legend of the Tommy Knockers—small, unseen beings said to live inside the walls of mines, warning some workers of collapse while driving others toward paranoia, obsession, and madness.

Are the knockers protectors… or something far older and more dangerous?

This story sits at the crossroads of folklore, labor history, and psychological horror—where exhaustion, isolation, and belief blur into something terrifyingly real. From whispered warnings to relentless tapping no one could explain, the Tommy Knockers became part of mining culture in Michigan.

This is not a monster story.

#FBombFriday #TommyKnockers #FolklorePodcast #DarkFolklore #FolkHorror

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston

Featuring Todd Preston

Story researched and written by Todd Preston

Music created for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston

Sources:

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gh-tommyknockers/

https://www.rockngem.com/tommyknockers-mining-folklore-legends/

https://magazine.cim.org/en/in-search/knock-knock-whos-there/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocker_(folklore)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_mine

https://mythlok.com/knockers/

https://www.wheninyourstate.com/michigan/9-michigan-pasty-facts-every-yooper-should-know/

https://www.cousinjacksemporium.com/cousin-jacks-blog/cornish-knockers

Michigan true crime, told with care.

In this episode of Round Robin, we pay homage to comedy icon Catherine O’Hara before diving into the kinds of conversations that only happen when you slow down and get curious. We talk about the things in life that shouldn’t work — but somehow do. The episode closes with a thoughtful question: if you could experience one extraordinary moment just once, what would it be? 

#RoundRobinPodcast #CatherineOHara #PopCultureConversations #CuriousMinds

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston 

Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mullligan and Todd Preston

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Original music created for Round Robin by Tracy Preston