Oddity Shop

Oddity Shop

By Kara Perakovic and Zach PalmerSociety & CultureEducationTrue Crime
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Oddity Shop episodes

  • Oddity Archives - Haunted Reflections: Dark History of Bloody Mary

    Welcome to the Oddity Shop....Archives.  We are taking a short Hiatus for the month of January! Please enjoy a month of some of our favorite throwback episodes!

    Stop in the Shop to hear Kara discuss: Who Bloody Mary possibly was, What could cause the phenomenon, and then we discuss our own personal beliefs.

    Reference Shout Outs:

    Glassbeast.com
    History.com
    Crimereads.com
    Hauntedrooms.co.uk 
    Framemymirror.com
    Masterclass.com 
    Twowaymirrors.com 
    Furniturelibrary.com

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    27 min
  • Aqua Tofana: Cosmetic of Killer Poison

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach has a tale or resiliency, cosmetics, and ... Murder

    Imagine a potion so potent yet discreet that it could alter the very fabric of patriarchal society in Renaissance Italy. Our latest episode invites you to explore the shadowy corridors of history, revealing the life of Giulia Tofana, a woman who empowered others through her infamous concoction, Aqua Tofana. With a sprinkle of dark humor and a dash of intrigue, we unravel how this tasteless poison became a symbol of rebellion for women shackled by societal norms and tyrannical marriages.

    Before the curtain falls, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, promising to stay connected online even as we take a brief hiatus until the end of January. Embrace the laughter, introspection, and touch of the supernatural that define this episode and remember to creep a real yard ball as we wish you a happy new year and a fulfilling journey ahead.

    References:

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IoJBV29zMg
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulia_Tofana
    • https://www.historiamag.com/giulia-tofana-poisoner-murderer-saviour/
    • https://allthatsinteresting.com/aqua-tofana
    • https://goldbio.com/articles/article/an-infamous-poison-makes-a-hopeful-cure?srsltid=AfmBOopIbGR7Kzai-JJ4Q1qptvXMjriYlffHFnYa8N_FSrxyYlXV2HjE
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqua_Tofana#:~:text=6%20External%20links-,Original%20creation,%2C%20and%20named%20after%2C%20Teofania.
    • https://aspectsofhistory.com/giulia-tofana-power-poison/
    • https://mikedashhistory.com/2015/04/06/aqua-tofana-slow-poisoning-and-husband-killing-in-17th-century-italy/
    • https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/your-body-our-choice-matga-movement-emerges-in-us-what-is-anti-trump-womens-deadly-new-trend-poison-men-giulia-tofana/articleshow/115248177.cms?from=mdr

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    49 min
  • Paranormal Postcards 4: More Eerie Tales From Our Listeners

    Welcome to the Oddity Shop, where the Bizarre is Always on Sale!  This Week we are opening the doors and sharing YOUR stories back to you

    Prepare for a journey into the eerie and mysterious as we unravel stories that will leave you questioning the boundaries between the seen and the unseen. What happens when a homemade Ouija board session spirals into a connection with a spirit named Mr. P, complete with light-up ducks and toothbrushes behaving strangely? 

    Our listeners share not only ghostly encounters but moments of profound connection with ancestral spirits and guides. From messages that predict family upheavals to a walk accompanied by a grandfather's spirit, these stories touch on the ethereal ties that bind us across generations. 

    We're delving into the realm of mimic spirits too, as Pretty Bird recounts unsettling bathroom mysteries involving phantom voices and self-activating appliances. We dissect the possible intentions of these spirits and offer insights on how to set boundaries and cleanse spaces, ensuring that our listeners can navigate these experiences with confidence and clarity.

    As we wrap up, join us in a candid, late-night chat that captures the essence of spontaneity and humor, reminding us of the lighter side of life.  Thank you for being part of our journey, and for those celebrating the holiday season, we send you warm wishes and look forward to reconnecting soon!

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    29 min
  • Holiday Horrors: The Darkside of Christmas Lore

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara is talking all things Christmas, from Hallmark, to Horrors!

    Ever wondered how a log can deliver Christmas cheer through a bizarre Catalan tradition?  Join us for a festive frolic as we navigate the odd yet endearing world of holiday horror filled customs. 

    While Christmas is a time for joy, it's also a time for the eerier side of folklore. From the frightful Krampus to the mischievous Yule Lads, we explore the whimsical horror of these legendary figures, reminding us of the diverse ways cultures celebrate the season.

    The episode takes a comedic turn with tales the competitive spirit of Welsh caroling traditions. If you're curious about a sing off against a horse skull or learning how carolers of the 1700s turned squatter tactics into art, you won't want to miss out!

    Merry Christmas All You Oddballs!

    References:

    • https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/11-wacky-holiday-traditions-around-the-world
    • https://carnegiemnh.org/history-of-holiday-ghost-stories/
    • https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-shockingly-terrifying-holiday-traditions-from-around-the-world
    • https://www.buzzfeed.com/aglover/terrifying-origins-of-christmas-traditions
    • https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/18/the-seven-most-terrifying-christmas-traditions-around-the-world
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus
    • https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeffbelanger.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZkrLHBtQ1tgRceXS7lWpX8TcFh9SwQp_UXt8hVF_wtDHM9bl7qCY3Ju4A_aem_7UuA-DbbqxNBk2zTKDK3mw&e=AT0xuGbQNO6QvL5s6lVQ4FzxY2oaXh84mdwpmnPUQaW7k0wFnb2_4ncrehn0_v4xuIBlOtUeo3EwAHc2k1I_FOSmHdIXukTZG_Qg-h0 
    • https://www.missdirectionentertainment.com/blog-detail/hans-trapp-the-christmas-boogeyman-of-france 
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BDla
    • https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/the-icelandic-yule-lads-and-gryla 
    • https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/the-13-yule-lads-of-iceland/ 
    • https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/25-days-of-christmas/hans-trapp-the-christmas-cannibal-scarecrow/

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    50 min
  • America's First Serial Killer: HH Holmes and The Murder Castle

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach is covering America's First Serial Killer:  H. H. Holmes

    Prepare yourself for an unsettling journey as we recount the transformation of Herman Mudgett into the infamous H.H. Holmes. From bullied child to manipulative mastermind, Holmes' story is one of deception, fraud, and the eerie "Murder Castle" in Chicago. We explore his chilling exploits, focusing on his fraudulent insurance schemes and the tragic fate of Ben Pietzel and his family. While the myths around Holmes are numerous, our focus centers on the verifiable, showcasing a man who thrived on chaos and left a ghastly legacy behind.

    As we wrap up, the haunting specter of H.H. Holmes lingers, intertwined with debunked theories and the somber tale of his castle's mysterious caretaker. The episode leaves you pondering the complexities of Holmes' life and the enduring fascination with his crimes.

    References:

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkmJ2i4kZ1c
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes
    • https://www.britannica.com/biography/H-H-Holmes
    • https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-h-h-holmes
    • https://prezi.com/xvodb8gbldbv/timeline-of-hh-holmes/
    • https://www.history.com/topics/crime/murder-castle
    • https://interactive.wttw.com/timemachine/devil-white-city
    • https://www.biography.com/crime/hh-holmes
    • https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/enduring-mystery-hh-holmes-americas-first-serial-killer-180977646/



    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    49 min
  • The Cursed Dudleys: British Royals To US Ghost Towns

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara has a curse for you, or does she??

    Get ready as we unravel the dark and fascinating history of the Dudley family, whose tale is shrouded in a supposed curse dating back to the 15th century. From the British family's legacy across the Atlantic to Dudleytown, Connecticut, we piece together a gripping narrative of plague, misfortune, and otherworldly legends.

    We then turn our attention to the haunted allure of Dudleytown, a seemingly cursed ghost town steeped in unsettling tales of madness and mystery. From the unexplained demise of Gershon Hollister to the chilling descent into madness suffered by William Tanner, the strange happenings in this abandoned settlement ignite curiosity and fear. Even the famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren couldn't resist its eerie charm. Despite efforts to dispel the myths surrounding Dudleytown, it remains a compelling chapter in the annals of American ghost stories. 

    We wrap up with plans to perhaps visit this enigmatic locale, all while sharing a light-hearted moment involving Otter, the adorable, otter-sounding deaf cat.

    References:

    • https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/americas-most-haunted-east/the-curse-of-dudleytown/
    • https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/americas-most-haunted-east/the-curse-of-dudleytown/
    • https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/dudleytown
    • https://cornwallhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-truth-about-dudleytown.html
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Dudley 
    • https://www.geni.com/people/Sir-Edmund-Dudley/6000000011433991119
    • https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/connecticut/dudleytown-ct
    • https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/5objau/my_dudleytown_story/ 

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    46 min
  • Where Did They go??: The Lost Colony of Roanoke

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach has the history and theories on the Lost Colony of Roanoke!

    As the episode unfolds, we uncover the history of the founding and disappearance of Roanoke Colony. Founded in 1587 on Roanoke Island off the coast of present-day North Carolina, the colony was intended to be England's first permanent settlement in the New World. Led by John White, the colonists were left on the island to establish a foothold while White returned to England for supplies. However, when he returned in 1590, the colony had vanished without a trace. The only clues left behind were the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post and "CRO" etched into a tree, leaving historians and archaeologists with centuries of unanswered questions.

    We’ll explore the most popular theories surrounding Roanoke's mysterious disappearance, from assimilation with nearby Indigenous tribes to the possibility of starvation, disease, or conflict with other European settlers. And then, there are the wilder ideas: were the colonists abducted by aliens, taken by witches, or possibly eaten?!

     Join us as we sift through historical records, folklore, and modern research to piece together what may have happened to the Roanoke colonists and why their story still captures our imaginations today. 

    References:

    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roanoke,_Virginia
    • https://www.thelostcolony.org/#:~:text=In%201587%2C%20117%20English%20men,no%20sign%20of%20the%20colonists.
    • https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/roanoke-colony.htm
    • https://www.britannica.com/story/the-lost-colony-of-roanoke
    • https://historycollection.com/lost-colony-roanoke-8-theories-mysterious-island-inhabitants/
    • https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-the-lost-colony-of-roanoke/
    • https://www.history.com/news/archaeologists-find-new-clues-to-lost-colony-mystery
    • https://www.buzzfeed.com/christopherhudspeth/5-theories-about-what-actually-happened-to-the-lost-colony
    • https://www.quora.com/Where-did-the-word-%E2%80%9CCroatoan%E2%80%9D-appear-in-the-AHS-series-besides-My-Roanoke-Nightmare-What-was-the-significance-then

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    52 min
  • Paranormal Postcards 3: More Eerie Tales From Our Listeners

    Welcome to the Oddity Shop, where the Bizarre is Always on Sale!  This Week we are opening the doors and sharing YOUR stories back to you

    Ever wondered if your mind holds the key to bending reality? Join us at the Oddity Shop as we unravel a chilling tale about a person who experienced an uncanny moment of telekinesis during a lucid dream. This bizarre story opens up a rabbit hole of fascinating discussions about the extraordinary capabilities of the human mind, touching upon lucid dreaming and astral projection.

    Prepare for a whirlwind of unexplained phenomena and synchronistic encounters that push the boundaries of reality. From a mysterious arm that appeared to save a listener from a fall to eerie coincidences during a medical training class, our stories question the very fabric of our existence. Are these experiences mere coincidences, or do they suggest a deeper, spectral intervention? 

    As we wrap up our 3rd paranormal postcard episode with a playful nod to #DamnJesus, we express our gratitude to our listeners and encourage them to keep the eerie tales coming. Remember, whether it's a spooky story or you just need someone to listen, we're here for you—minus the complaints, please!

    CALL IN OR WRITE IN TODAY!

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    27 min
  • Trash TV Takes Tragic Toll: The Jenny Jones Show

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara has a story about some trash TV that lead to a deadly outcome.

    Ever wonder how reality TV and talk shows have evolved over the decades, and what they say about us as a society?

    Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we reminisce about iconic reality TV shows like Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives, while also educating our younger listeners on the history of talk shows dating back to the 1950s. 

    In a more somber discussion, we revisit the tragic 1995 Jenny Jones Show episode and the Netflix documentary "Trial by Media: Talk Show Murder." We examine the consequences of ambush revelations and the societal pressures surrounding sexual identity, reflecting on the moral responsibilities of media producers as we discuss the horrific death of Scott Amedure.  As we draw parallels to today’s performative social media culture, we express our heartfelt appreciation for our supportive Patreon community, reinforcing the importance of mental health support and the power of connection.

    References:

    • https://www.netflix.com/watch/81025114?trackId=255824129
    • https://www.voxbliss.net/jonathan-schmitz-now/
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jenny_Jones_Show
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Scott_Amedure
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk_show#History
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_panic_defense
    • https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/art-of-the-interview/ambush-interview 
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revealing_Same_Sex_Secret_Crush 

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    1 hr 4 min
  • The Dybbuk Box: Horrifying Haunted object, or Confirmed Fake?!

    Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach is finally covering the story of the famed Dybbuk Box

    Things take an eerie turn as we unravel the chilling saga of the notorious Dybbuk box. This infamous antique has a dark reputation for leaving a trail of mysterious and unsettling events behind it. From Kevin Mannis' initial discovery of the box full of bizarre items like wheat pennies and locks of hair, to the spine-tingling experiences faced by its various owners, we trace the journey of this haunted object from Manis, to Jason Haxton, and Finally Zac Bagans . The box’s tale is filled with strange smells, nightmares, and a shadowy presence, turning it into a media sensation and a symbol of both fascination and fear.

    We wrap up with a critical lens on the controversy surrounding the Dybbuk box. Is this object truly possessed, or are its stories fueled by collective belief and commercial interests? We dissect the narratives that have elevated the box to paranormal fame, questioning the thin line between myth and reality. As we ponder the authenticity of such hauntings, we're reminded of the importance of skepticism and responsibility in storytelling, especially when facing the paranormal.

     Join us for a thought-provoking exploration that challenges the boundaries of folklore and fact.

    References:

    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dybbuk_box
    • https://tmn.truman.edu/blog/features/local-legends-three-haunting-stories/
    • https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/the-dibbuk-box/
    • https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/31-days-of-halloween/the-legend-behind-dybbuk-boxes/
    • https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-Dibbuk-Box-Where-is-it-Now
    • https://jewitches.com/blogs/blog/the-deal-with-the-dybbuk?srsltid=AfmBOopZC3H1G-VNvi68i2PKJUqHihVQaParA8jBUf13ktPo2v2uZI_F
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dybbuk
    • https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/dibbuk-dybbuk
    • https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalEncounters/comments/iujws8/my_experience_with_a_dybbuk_box/
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hhNi7Rc30E

    It Can't Be People! 

    Click above - Get your copy now!

    Support the show

    The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
    616.320.4935

    JOIN US ON PATREON:
    Click Here!
    Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

    Visit our Website to learn more!
    Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
    www.OddityShopPodcast.com

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

    49 min

About Oddity Shop

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Oddity Shop Podcast — your weekly dose of creepy, odd, weird, strange, and downright bizarre stories from around the globe.

Each week, your curators Kara and Zach open…