Food is essential to life, but what happens when it turns deadly?

This episode explores the bizarre and macabre tales of individuals who met their untimely ends because of food. From factory workers tragically killed by industrial food production to mysterious and fatal meals, we delve into the dark side of our culinary world. Stories include the potato poisoning that claimed lives, a box of chocolate disaster, the sticky horror of a caramel catastrophe, toxic mushrooms, and even the dangers lurking in poultry processing plants. It's a feast of the fatal, blending history, true crime, and a chilling look at our relationship with what we eat.

The Flaky Foodie: Molasses: History of a Holiday Sweetener with Kiki of Mission Spooky

Join us for a lovely chat with Thersa Matsuura, author of The Book of Japanese Folklore. Known for her podcast Uncanny Japan and decades of exploring Japan's cultural myths and legends, Thersa shares insights into her favorite Yokai, her journey through Japanese folklore, and which Yokai she wouldn't like to meet in a dark alley! We also discuss Halloween's rising popularity in Japan, exploring how this Western tradition has been embraced and transformed with a unique Japanese flair.

Resources for Thersa Matsuura and Her Work:

Thersa Matsuura

The Book of Japanese Folklore

Uncanny Japan

🎃 Get ready for a Halloween special filled with spooky laughs and questionable judgment calls as we tackle Smash or Pass: Horror Villains!

Join us as we examine horror’s most infamous baddies and ask the ultimate question: would you run for your life or take a chance on "love"?

From slasher icons to supernatural fiends, no villain is off-limits in this lighthearted game of terrifying ‘what ifs.’ Buckle up for laughs, chills, and a healthy dose of horror-loving humor!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and legally complex world of human remains. From the strict laws preventing the keeping of bones to the eerie allure of necromancy, we explore its origins in ancient Greece. We tackle the bizarre case of the witch who stole bones from New Orleans' Holt Cemetery, sparking a scandal known as "Bonegazi". Plus, we touch on the grim history of resurrectionists and the life of Grandison Harris, a man who was both a gravedigger and a medical assistant. Join us for a bone-chilling journey through history, magic, and the macabre.

Happy Indigenous People's Day!

In this episode, we expose the unsettling truth about stolen Indigenous peoples' remains in some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Illinois State Museum.

We dive into the ethical and legal battles surrounding the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a law designed to return these sacred remains to their rightful communities.

Kiki touches on the erroneous pseudo-science of phrenology and how it led to a glut of both legal and questionably obtained skulls in museums across the country.

Wrapping up, we touch on the curious case of Stone Man Willie, a case of experimental embalming that led an unfortunate soul to be a funeral home attraction for over 120 years.

Join us for a sobering discussion on the past’s lingering injustices and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.

Check a museum or university near you with the ProPublica Repatriation Database!

In this episode, we discuss the disturbing and complex history of cannibalism. We explore the use of human body parts in corpse medicine—a practice once considered medicinal. We then dive into the legal questions surrounding the consumption of human flesh, examining the societal and cultural implications of such acts. Shifting to science, we analyze the psychological, biological, and evolutionary aspects of cannibalism, including how man-made conditions, such as famine or social breakdown, can drive individuals to cannibalistic behaviors. We unravel the psychology of wendigo psychosis—the haunting fear of turning into a flesh-eating monster.

This episode offers a chilling look at how cannibalism has shaped human history and ethics.

This Guy Served His Friends Tacos Made from His Own Amputated Leg

In this end of Summer episode, we dive deep into some of Japan's most notorious and unsettling Yokai. These spirits and supernatural beings evoke fear, fascination, and intrigue. Join us as we explore the legends surrounding these five chilling figures and more:

1. Oni: The fearsome Oni, Japan’s iconic ogre-like demons, take center stage as we examine their immense strength, wicked nature, and the role they play as both villains and guardians in folklore. We’ll dive into their cultural symbolism and the tales that have kept their fearsome reputation alive for centuries.

2. Futakuchi Onna: Enter the eerie world of the Futakuchi Onna, the woman with a second mouth hidden behind her head. We'll unravel the folklore behind this grotesque and mysterious figure, her origins, and the strange circumstances that lead to her dual identity.

3. Nopperabo: The faceless Nopperabo roams the night, leaving terror in its wake with its blank, featureless visage. We'll explore if this Yokai is a thing all its own or if it's connected to several other tricksters.

4. Rokurokubi: Discover the haunting tale of the Rokurokubi, women whose necks stretch to supernatural lengths by night. We'll discuss their dual nature as both cursed and playful beings, as well as their place in eerie ghost stories that question identity and transformation.

5. Wanyūdō: The fiery wheel of the Wanyūdō, bearing a tormented face at its center, has long terrorized those who glimpse it. We’ll delve into the harrowing legends of this vengeful spirit, known to punish the wicked, and its chilling connection to Hell and karmic retribution.

Our featured music this week is from Feed the Right Wolf and thier song "Spin Cycle".

In our Uncanny Corner segment, we turn our focus to Japan's famous themed restaurants. From ninja waiters to creepy eateries, we’ll discuss the creativity behind these immersive dining experiences and whether similar concepts could thrive in the United States.

Tune in for a thrilling episode filled with spooky stories and cultural curiosities as we navigate the world of Yokai and imaginative dining.

Welcome to another Bonus Episode of Smash or Pass.

First, (off mic) we imagined we were magical anime creatures. Then, we compiled a list consisting of 10 favorite Pokemon per host (Cord, JC, Kayla, and Kiki). A final list of 12 was randomly generated from the master list of 40 Pokemon. There was a spreadsheet 🧐

Disclaimer: No Pokemon were physically harmed in the making of this episode but some feelings may have been hurt.

Music:

"Surprise Trap Door" by The Antti Jädertpolm Quartet

In this special episode, released on the day of the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024, we delve into the haunting and fascinating world of Hungry Ghosts. These spirits, driven by insatiable desires and unfulfilled cravings, are a significant part of both folklore and religious teachings in East Asian cultures. Join us as we explore the lore and philosophy surrounding these tormented souls:

1. Gaki: Discover the eerie tales of the Gaki, spirits condemned to eternal hunger due to their past misdeeds.

2. Naegatsuku: Learn about the Naegatsuku, ghostly beings whose unquenchable thirst and hunger lead them to desperate and haunting behaviors.

3. Jikininki: Uncover the chilling legends of the Jikininki, human-eating ghosts driven by an insatiable hunger for the flesh of the dead. We'll explore their terrifying transformations, the moral lessons embedded in their tales, and their role in Buddhist parables about the consequences of greed and selfishness.

In addition to these captivating stories, we delve into the Buddhist philosophy of hungry ghosts, exploring the spiritual and moral teachings that underpin their existence. We'll discuss how these beings symbolize the dangers of unrestrained desires, the karmic repercussions of one's actions, and how the living can help alleviate their suffering through acts of compassion and generosity.

In the third installment of our Yokai series, we explore various unique and captivating Yokai - priests, wizards, and inanimate objects. These supernatural beings, each with distinct characteristics and stories, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. Join us as we delve into the lore of seven intriguing Yokai:

1. Hitotsume Nyūdō: Discover the eerie tales of the Hitotsume Nyūdō, a one-eyed monk who appears suddenly to travelers, causing fear and bewilderment. We'll explore its origins, its unsettling appearances, and the legends that surround this mysterious figure.

2. Hitotsume Kozō: Learn about the Hitotsume Kozō, a mischievous one-eyed child spirit known for playing pranks on unsuspecting humans. We'll discuss its playful nature, its connections to good fortune, and the cultural significance it holds.

3. Kasa Obake and Tsukumogami: Enter the whimsical world of Tsukumogami, everyday objects that come to life after a hundred years. We'll focus on the Kasa Obake, the iconic umbrella spirit, and explore the fascinating stories of other animated objects that capture the imagination.

4. Kuro Bōzu: Unveil the dark and shadowy presence of the Kuro Bōzu, a black monk spirit that lurks in the night. We'll delve into its ominous reputation, its role in Japanese ghost stories, and the eerie encounters people have reported.

5. Daitengu: Ascend to the mountain peaks with the Daitengu, the great tengu spirits known for their immense power and wisdom. We'll explore their dual nature as both protectors and challengers, their legendary skills, and their impact on Japanese mythology.

6. Kanibōzu: Plunge into the depths with the Kanibōzu, the crab monk who emerges from the sea to challenge fishermen and sailors. We'll uncover its peculiar habits, its interactions with humans, and the folklore that paints a vivid picture of this coastal Yokai.

7. Shirime: Encounter the bizarre and humorous Shirime, a Yokai with an eye in place of its anus. We'll delve into its surprising appearances, its role in humorous ghost stories, and the cultural context that gives this Yokai its unique place in folklore.

To conclude the episode, we introduce our closing segment, Uncanny Corner, where we discuss the fascinating world of Japanese vending machines. From the incredibly convenient to the bizarre, we'll explore how these ubiquitous machines cater to every need and curiosity.

Our featured music is from To Be Forgotten with the song "Shapeshifter".