In this episode, hosts Maia and Sophia delve into the intricate history of Plagues, specifically the Black Death. They make connects back to their recent two part series on vampires and the undead, and compare the Black Death to other diseases during the time of its prime. Sophia makes note of religious connotation to the public's response, as well as the strange health and safety measures people took. Together, the two of them piece together bits and pieces about the history of this plague, and question the strange occurrences around it.

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In the second installment of reviewing a special lecture about the undead, hosts Maia and Sophia are once again joined by special guest Cassidy to talk about their thoughts and findings on the topic. In this episode our hosts focus on how people misinterpreted body decomposition, and how that impacted rituals for the dead and burials. They also reflect on their own experiences with supernatural experiences, and look towards opening the discussion on the Undead mythology in the modern day. 

In this episode our hosts Sophia and Maia are joined by special guest Cassidy to debrief a history lecture they all attended about the misunderstandings of decomposition, and how that led to the mysterious beginnings of the “Undead”. They explore the origins of the mythology surrounding undead creatures, and dive into how mass illness pushed people towards believing in a supernatural reason behind the deaths of thousands. Through discussions of the seemingly unnatural occurrences happening to the dead (although they can now be explained through science) our hosts continue the curiosity about how and why different cultures created their own versions of the “Undead”- and the consequences behind that.

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A concise deep-dive into the Titan submersible tragedy, the viral June 2023 coverage, and the new documentary’s behind-the-scenes revelations — from safety failures and whistleblower warnings to lingering questions about Stockton Rush’s choices.

Hosts Sophia and Maia recap the film, examine evidence and testimony, and explore how ambition, regulation gaps, and overlooked engineering warnings converged in a fatal outcome. Join the Morbid Time Machine for a clear, thoughtful look at what really happened.

Hosts Sophia and Maia revisit a lecture on Serena Zabin's The Boston Massacre, A Family History, exploring how personal relationships between Bostonians and stationed British soldiers complicate the familiar story of the March 5, 1770 event. Rather than a straightforward massacre, the episode examines propaganda, local ties, trials, and the gray areas behind historical narratives.

Through anecdotes, historical context, and reflections on how history is taught, the hosts unpack how this pivotal incident was shaped by neighbors, families, and political motives — and why human stories matter in understanding the past and the importance of looking at the past when planning for the future. 

Hosts Sophia and Maia return after a long break to catch listeners up on busy summers, college majors, campus jobs, and hobbies—from kayaking and camp counseling to Lego builds and book nooks. They discuss changes to their podcast format, upcoming campus recordings and events, and tease a future episode on the Boston Massacre lecture.

Join them for casual conversation, behind-the-scenes updates, and a preview of what’s coming next on Our Grim Past.

Explore the intriguing life of Marie Antoinette, one of history's most misunderstood figures. This episode delves into the many myths surrounding her, including the infamous "Let them eat cake" story, and uncovers the truth behind her life in the court of France. Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the complexities of Marie's political marriage, her personal struggles, and her role in the events leading up to the French Revolution. Was she really to blame? Tune in to unravel the mysteries of Marie Antoinette's legacy.

Welcome to this unique episode of Our Grim Past. Today, hosts Sophia and Maia take an unexpected detour from their planned discussion on the Winchester House to explore diverse and intriguing topics ranging from religious history and the role of giants to historical misconceptions and the Black Death. Join them as they hop into their Morbid Time Machine, taking listeners on a journey through complex layers of history. Along the way, they delve into religious texts and share stories that highlight how history is often stranger than fiction. Don't miss this fascinating adventure filled with tangents, laughs, and learning opportunities.

Join Sophia and Maia on an enthralling journey through history as they unravel the mysteries surrounding London's most infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. In this episode, they explore the recent breakthrough in the 200-year-old case with new DNA evidence that finally points to his true identity. Dive into the chilling details of the murders, the infamous letters to the police, and the societal uproar that captivated Victorian London.

As they venture into the past, Sophia and Maia discuss notable suspects, including the now-identified Aaron Kosminski, and ponder over the intriguing theories that have persisted over the years. The episode, sprinkled with pop culture references to Sherlock Holmes and depictions in media, offers a fascinating look at how Jack the Ripper's story has permeated history and culture. Whether you're a newcomer or a morbid history enthusiast, this episode promises to engage and enlighten. Stay curious, for the past holds secrets waiting to be discovered!

In 1892, the quiet town of Exeter, Rhode Island, was shaken by the mysterious death of Mercy Brown. Her untimely end sparked fears of the supernatural. What role did she play in the spread of a deadly illness? Explore the eerie events that gripped a community as we dive into the story of Mercy Brown.