In the conclusion of this series about the Affair of the Poisons, the increasing accusations against those in King Louis XIV's royal court become more sinister, shocking investigators and the king. With black magic, human sacrifice, witchcraft, priests admitting demonic practices, orgies, love spells and potions, aphrodisiacs, and black masses, this investigation could not have become stranger. (WARNING: sexual function is discussed in this episode, using the actual stories, taken from documents from the time)

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The Affair of the Poisons, Part 3 | Ep 14

The unknown. It lies at the root of all fear, and has inspired legends, superstition, folklore, customs, hysteria, and even murder throughout history. Still today we feel the shadowy presence of our ancestors' struggles to explain the mysterious in almost every facet of our lives. Whether it be in the form of religion, urban legends, pop culture, ghost stories, superstitious rituals, and so much more we are still just fighting to keep our monsters in the dark. Welcome to The Strange and Unusual Podcast.

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This week's headline was published by Escanaba Morning Press on July 6, 1911. In this episode, we get into Jersey Devil lore, a trolling Benjamin Franklin, a mysterious Irish creature, frozen hoof prints, a Philadelphia Dime Museum, a doctored kangaroo, and more!

Strange & Unusual Headlines |Catch Jersey Devil | Ep 84

Beginning in June, 1947, when a news article reached millions about a UFO sighting over Mt Rainier, flying saucer mania began, and lasted through the 1950s. Intensified by an alleged invasion of saucers over Washington DC, nuclear war, and the newly began Cold War, it was a time when the world feared that we may be overtaken by little, green men.

Invasion of the Flying Saucers | Ep 83

In this week's episode, listen to learn more about the fascinating female vampires of Southeast Asia

The Manananggals of the Philippines and other Female Vampires of Southeast Asia | Ep 82

This week I'm away on a birthday trip, so I'm re-releasing one of my favorite headline episodes.

RE-RELEASE: Strange & Unusual Headlines | Constant use of Ouija Board Drives Seven People Insane | Ep 81

For this installment, we cover chapter 12-16, when things really get dark

The Affair of the Poisons, Part 3 | Ep 14

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