A few episodes ago, I promised we’d dive into the world of Side Show Gaffs — and today, we’re finally making good on that. It’s the perfect starting point, because many of the hoaxes and oddities we’ll explore later all trace their roots back here.A "gaff," in sideshow terminology, is a clever trick, illusion, or prop used to create an amazing attraction that isn't entirely real. It's not meant to be a malicious fraud but rather a theatrical enhancement for entertainment.

Memorial Day 1893 in Tyrone, PA, isn’t just a day of remembrance for armed service members who gave their lives. It is also a day that will forever be linked to the Walter L. Main Circus and the terrible accident that sent a train full of performers and animals hurling into the mountainside near the quaint town. 

Sources

"The Unscheduled Stop" By Paula Zitzler, Susie O'Brien · 2008

Before bright lights, TV deals, and packed arenas, wrestling found its footing in traveling carnivals. In this episode, we dive into the gritty, colorful world of carnival wrestling—where it all began. We’ll trace the early days of grapplers who took on all comers, highlight the men and women whose influence still shapes the sport, and spotlight a few groundbreaking promoters who turned sideshow bouts into the foundation of modern professional wrestling.

Step right up! In our first summer episode, we explore the curious history of bearded ladies — from sideshow sensations to real women who challenged beauty norms. Were they medical marvels, carnival curiosities, or trailblazers in their own right? We untangle the myths, the exploitation, and the empowerment behind one of history’s most iconic spectacles.

Featured Music: Climas Interiores " Eterno retorno"

In this episode, we explore one of the most chilling and bizarre murder-for-hire plots in American history: the Philadelphia Poison Ring. During the Great Depression and into the early 1940s, a quiet rowhome neighborhood became the center of a deadly scheme led by Italian immigrant cousins Herman and Paul Petrillo. Behind the veil of a magical fix or insurance fraud was a criminal operation that blended superstition, arsenic, and murder for profit. We uncover how the ring manipulated Italian immigrants with promises of love spells and good fortune, only to lead many to their deaths. From poisoned dinners to bludgeonings, this episode dives deep into the Petrillos, thier accomplices, and the victims.

• Our featured music is from Hex Automata with the song "From the Cradle to the Rave".

In this hard-hitting hockey recap, we look back at the best and worst moments of last season, including the continuing saga of the President’s Trophy curse and the teams that just couldn’t survive the weight of being #1. We spotlight the elusive “phantom goalies,” those once-in-a-lifetime emergency backups and one-game wonders who lived the NHL dream for a fleeting moment.

Then we turn the ice cold, diving into the darker side of the game: fatal and near-death injuries that shook the league, the players who faced lifetime bans, and the moments that pushed the rules—and bodies—to the limit.

Finally, we skate into the history books with the most penalty-laden game ever played, complete with chaos, misconduct, and one very familiar team.

• Double Hockey Stix Merchandise!
• Gaudreau Family 5K
• Brantt Myhres: Pain Killer Memoir
• Bill Masterton Documentary
• Clint Malarchuck Documentary (graphic warning)
• Zednik Injury (graphic warning)
• Senators vs. Panthers
• Senators vs. Flyers

In this special April Fools Day episode, we dive into a collection of eerie and unexplained mysteries tied to April. We uncover the bizarre 1897 airship mystery—one of the strangest UFO-adjacent stories from the late 19th century—before setting sail into the legend of the Ourang Medan and the mysterious Kaz II, two ships with stories as eerie as the open sea. Alongside these maritime and aerial enigmas, we explore key historical events in April, discuss what the month is nationally recognized for, and take a quick look at the curious origins of April Fools' Day. From high strangeness to historical oddities, this episode is packed with mystery and intrigue!

• Our featured music is "Trouble" by Ghost Cop.

• Myth of the Ourang Medan
• Interview with yachtsman Olivier de Kersauson.
• Wierd or What? S3 E8 - Mysterious Vanishings (Kaz II)

Tucked away in the heart of Philadelphia, Elfreth’s Alley is more than just a picturesque historic landmark—it’s a street with nearly 300 years of stories, secrets, and spirits.

In this episode, we’ll explore the history of America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, from its origins as a colonial trade hub to the eerie tales whispered by those who walk its cobblestone paths today.

Do spirits haunt this area? Join us as we explore the main stories connected with the alley. Discover why this charming piece of history strongly connects to the past and the present.

Grab Magic Mind now! Get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase with code MSPOOKY20 at magicmind.com/MSPOOKY20.

Our featured music is "Nightshade" by Antipole.

NOTES:

Elfreth's Alley PodcastUncovering Queer Domesticity - Isabel Marie Steven Philadelphia Rowhouse Manual

BusyBody at Killian's

In this week's episode, we delve into the tragic tale of Mabel Betchel's mysterious murder in Allentown, PA, and the ghostly presence of Thomas Betchel. Uncover the twisted history behind this unsolved case and explore the lingering specter said to roam what was once Thomas's prison cell. Is it guilt, grief, or something more sinister that binds Thomas's spirit to this world? Tune in as we piece together the clues and uncover what may have happened that fateful night in 1903.

* Promo Code: This episode is sponsored by ⁠Magic Mind⁠, the ultimate productivity shot to keep you focused and energized. Use our promo code MSPOOKY20 for a discount on your next order!

* Featured Music: This week's featured track is "The Thirst" by ⁠Mindless Faith⁠.

Who Will Reign Supreme?It’s all come down to this—the ultimate battle of the bizarre, the legendary, and the downright ridiculous! Five fierce contenders have clawed, crept, and… shape-shifted their way to the finale, but only one can claim victory. Will a sinister creature of the night sink its teeth into the win? Can a legendary outlaw steal the crown? Could a mysterious farm-dweller hoof it to the top? Or will an unexpected challenger crack under pressure? Tune in for the chaotic, hilarious, and completely unhinged conclusion to this season’s Smash-Off!✨ Get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase with code MSPOOKY20 at magicmind.com/MSPOOKY20.Intro Music by Psykotic Refuge, "That Thyme I Turnip to a Banana".