The Dark Oak

By Just Us Gals Productions

Attention all shiver-seekers! The Dark Oak is a weekly thrill and chill inducing mystery podcast. Every Wednesday, Stefanie and Cynthia will present to you a true tale of the supernatural, the macabre... more

· True Crime

4.6

5454 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Dark Oak:

How many episodes does The Dark Oak have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

The Dark Oak episodes:

October 10, 2025 Episode 126: The Disappearance of Patricia Spencer and Pamela Hobley - An Oaktober Fest Special
On October 31, 1969, Patricia Spencer (16) and Pamela Hobley (15) vanished from Oscoda, Michigan. Both skipped school and were last seen walking along River Road, possibly heading to a homecoming game or Halloween party. Patricia was vibrant and family-oriented; Pamela was rebellious, recently engaged, and rumored to use drugs. Initially considered runaways, police later concluded they were likely abducted while hitchhiking and murdered. A motorist’s report of giving them a ride and a 1985 tip about their murder near a barn were ignored until 2010, when Chief Mark David reopened the case. Searches yielded no evidence, and a 2013 person of interest led nowhere. Theories link the case to serial killer Rodney Alcala (due to a photo resembling Pamela) and the Oakland County Child Killer, but neither fully fits. The case remains unsolved, with no bodies or closure.

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 1min
October 02, 2025 Episode 125: Psychic Detectives - An Oaktober Fest Special
When faced with an unsolved case, sometimes authorities are willing to think outside of the box.... but consulting a psychic???? While some police agencies and investigators claim to have received valuable information from psychics in real cases, there is a general skepticism within law enforcement and the public due to a lack of concrete evidence and the potential for public ridicule. However, psychic detectives have been featured in numerous television shows and media, providing captivating narratives of how paranormal phenomena could be used to solve true crimes. In honor of Oaktoberfest, this episode is a compilation of cases where psychics were able to provide detailed information that ultimately helped solve real true crime cases.
Sources:
Cahn, L. (2024, July 11). 20 mysteries actually solved by psychics. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/list/mysteries-solved-by-psychics/
The Yale Daily News. (2012, November 10). Dead men tell tales in trial for 28-year old murder - Yale Daily News. Yale Daily News. https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2002/02/11/dead-men-tell-tales-in-trial-for-28-year-old-murder/
https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Top-50-13250472.php
Wiki, C. T. U. M. (n.d.). John DeMars. Unsolved Mysteries Wiki. https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/John_DeMars
Call, M. (2021, October 2). BELVIDERE MAN GETS LIFE PLUS 20 FOR HAMMER KILLING. The Morning Call. https://www.mcall.com/1989/10/07/belvidere-man-gets-life-plus-20-for-hammer-killing/

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 10min
September 25, 2025 Episode 124: The Disappearance of Tara Calico
Tara Leigh Calico, a 19-year-old college student, vanished on September 20, 1988, during a 35-mile bike ride on New Mexico State Road 47. Known for her active and organized nature, she left with her mother’s pink Huffy bike and a Sony Walkman. When she didn’t return by noon, her mother, Patty Doel, found her Boston cassette tape on the roadside and alerted police, who responded swiftly. Scattered Walkman pieces suggested Tara marked her trail, but her bike was never found.

Witnesses reported a suspicious light-colored 1950s Ford truck with a camper shell trailing Tara. Barron Freeman and Ishmael Delarosa described a sinister driver, but police dismissed Delarosa’s account. In 1989, a Polaroid in Florida showed a bound woman resembling Tara, though analyses were inconclusive. More photos later surfaced, adding mystery.

Declared dead by homicide in 1998, the case saw unproven claims in 2008 of teens accidentally killing her. A 2013 task force, 2019 FBI reward, 2021 search warrant, and 2023 suspect identification yielded no charges. Theories include abduction by locals or a serial killer like David Parker Ray, but no evidence confirms this. Tara’s parents died without answers; her father’s 2002 death was ruled a homicide after a robbery-induced heart attack. The case remains an active FBI kidnapping investigation.

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 23min
September 18, 2025 RE-RELEASE The Mysterious Death of Tina Watson
Imagine looking at your scuba diving vacation photos and seeing the figure of a woman laying lifeless on the bottom of the ocean floor....
When Gabe and Tina Watson go on their scuba diving honeymoon, Tina drowns and only Gabe comes home.
Was it a tragic accident or did Gabe drown his wife?

Sources:
O’Loughlin, T. (2017, July 15). Husband admits killing wife in scuba death on Great Barrier Reef. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/05/man-guilty-manslaughter-wife-scuba-death
Crimes, C. (n.d.). Tina Watson. Chilling Crimes. https://www.chillingcrimes.com/blogs/news/tina-watson
Facts About The Death Of Tina Watson And Her "Honeymoon Killer" Husband's Trial (ranker.com)
Stephens, C. (2018, June 26). The chilling story behind this photo - the last image of 26-year-old Tina Watson. Mamamia. https://www.mamamia.com.au/tina-watson-death/
...more
58min
September 10, 2025 Episode 123: Where is Ben Tyner?
When a riderless working horse was found frightened and alone on the side of a logging road, the ranching community in Merritt, British Columbia immediately knew that something was very wrong. It was quickly determined that the horse belonged to 32-year-old cowboy, Ben Tyner. A huge search and rescue team immediately went into action but the only clue as to what may have happened was a broken reign. Ben was likeable and had no known connection to the criminal world, yet the Royal Canadian Mounted Police eventually announced they believed Ben was the victim of foul play. It's been 6 years since Ben was last seen and his family is still hoping and praying for answers and closure.

Sources:
https://shows.acast.com/truenorthtruecrime/episodes/missing-ben-tyner

https://www.merrittherald.com/nicola-ranch-awarded-angus-breeder-of-the-
year-2022/

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 20min
September 03, 2025 Episode 122: The Galapagos Affair
The Galapagos Affair is a gripping tale of idealism, conflict, and mystery set on the remote Floreana Island in the Galapagos during the early 1930s. In 1929, Dr. Friedrich Ritter and Dore Strauch, both disillusioned with modern life, left their spouses in Germany to pursue a solitary, Nietzsche-inspired existence on Floreana, building a home called Friedo and living as vegetarians. Their dream soured as Dore’s multiple sclerosis worsened and Friedrich’s harsh demeanor strained their relationship. In 1932, the Wittmer family—Heinz, Margret, and their frail son—arrived, seeking a healthier life, but were met with hostility from Friedrich and Dore. Tensions escalated with the arrival of the flamboyant Baroness Eloise von Wagner and her lovers, Rudolf Lorenz and Robert Philippson, who planned to build a hotel, Hacienda Paradiso, and clashed with the others by seizing a vital freshwater spring and intercepting their letters. A 1934 drought intensified conflicts, and in March, the Baroness and Philippson vanished after Margret claimed they left for Tahiti—a story doubted due to no recorded ship and their belongings remaining. Lorenz, a suspect, disappeared with a Norwegian fisherman, their bodies later found on Marchena, likely from dehydration. In November, Friedrich died after eating contaminated chicken, officially an accident, but conflicting accounts from Dore and Margret suggest possible foul play. Dore returned to Germany, publishing Satan in Eden, while the Wittmers stayed, later opening a successful hotel. The 2014 documentary The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden and the 2024 film Eden explore this unresolved mystery, leaving questions about murder, betrayal, or escape in a paradise turned sinister.

Sources:
The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came To Eden (2013)
Documentary, biography, crime. (2014, July 25). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2960450/
Jared, J., & Jared, J. (2025, September 1). The Galapagos Affair- the unbelievable true story behind the movie. Happy Gringo Travel. https://happygringo.com/blog/the-galapagos-affair/
Minster, C. (2025, April 29). The Galapagos Affair. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/unsolved-murder-mystery-the-galapagos-affair-2136125

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 47min
August 27, 2025 Episode 121: The Death of Jaleayah Davis
After a night out with friends, 20-year-old Jaleayah Davis is found dead in the middle of a busy highway. A bizarre crime scene, suspicious friendships, a missing key ring and violent injuries that don't add up....was her death the result of a horrific accident or something more sinister?

Sources:
Jaleayah Davis - Case Documents and Details - Gavin Fish. (2024, February 24). Gavin Fish. https://gavinfish.com/cases/jaleayah-davis/
Mile Higher. (2020, March 5). Murder or tragic accident?: The Jaleayah Davis Case - Podcast #104 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ISDwjXaBU
Mysteries, M. S. (2024, May 17).
The case of Jaleayah Davis. Mountainstatemysteri. https://www.mountainstatemysteriespodcast.com/post/the-case-of-jaleayah-davis

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 6min
August 20, 2025 Episode 120: The Death of Dr Gilbert Bogle and Margaret Chandler
In 1963 Chatswood, Sydney, Dr. Gilbert Bogle and Mrs. Margaret Chandler, both married to others, were found dead near the Lane Cove River after a New Year's Eve party. Their partially nude bodies suggested a romantic encounter, but no cause of death was found, with poisoning suspected due to purple blood. Despite extensive testing, no toxin was identified. Police ruled out suspects, including Chandler’s husband, and theories of Cold War secrets. A 2006 documentary suggests hydrogen sulfide from the polluted river caused the deaths, as it can be fatal at high concentrations and explain the blood discoloration. Questions remain about who covered the bodies, with theories pointing to a greyhound trainer or witnesses avoiding detection. The case remains unsolved.

Sources:
Burns, B. (2023, April 11). In 1963, Margret and Gilbert snuck off to Sydney’s ‘lovers’ lane’. The next day, they were found dead. Mamamia. https://www.mamamia.com.au/dr-bogle-and-margaret-chandler/
Murphy, D. (2016, September 2). New twist in Gilbert Bogle nd Margaret Chandler murder mystery. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/new-twist-in-gilbert-bogle-and-margaret-chandler-murder-mystery-20160901-gr6it3.html
Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes — EXACTLY RIGHT. (n.d.). EXACTLY RIGHT. https://www.exactlyrightmedia.com/buried-bones

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 3min
August 13, 2025 Episode 119: What Happened to Mateusz Kawecki?
When 30 year old Mateusz Kawecki left his home in Germany to witness the birth of his first child, he checked in with his father and advised him he had been delayed due to bad traffic. Unfortunately, days went by and Mateusz never arrived and was never heard from again. Five months after he disappeared a mysterious discovery in the barn of his family home would leave even more questions unanswered. What happened to Mateusz Kawecki? Did he leave on his own accord or was he taken against his will? Today's episode will ask these questions and more.

Sources:
https://blockowisko.wordpress.com/2020/04/27/ktokolwiek-widzial/
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/kf13vy/update_mateusz_kawecki_the_polish_man_who/
https://read.cash/@jibhadibi/mateusz-kawecki-strange-death-09a29af5
https://www.polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2018-11-25/szukali-go-pol-roku-cialo-znaleziono-tuz-obok-domu-panstwo-w-panstwie-o-sprawie-o-19-30/
StrangeOutdoors.com. (2024, November 23). The puzzling death of Mateusz Kawecki in Poland — StrangeOutdoors.com https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/strange-indoors/mateusz-kawecki#google_vignette
Weeknight Mysteries Podcast. (2024, October 31). bizarre death of Mateusz Kawecki [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRZpVL0oYzU

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 10min
August 06, 2025 Episode 118: Christina Whittaker (Part 2 of 2)
In 2009, 21-year-old Christina Whittaker, a new mother from Hannibal, Missouri, disappeared after a night out with friends on November 13. She was last seen after being escorted out of Rookie’s Sports Bar around 11:45 p.m. for disruptive behavior, having been previously banned from the establishment. Witnesses reported her being heavily intoxicated, and after failing to secure a ride home from two other nearby bars, River City Billiards and Sportsman’s Bar, she was last seen leaving the latter, upset after a heated phone call. Her cell phone was found the next morning near Sportsman’s Bar by Danny Baker, a registered sex offender, raising suspicions due to his questionable connection to Christina and the timing of the discovery. No significant evidence was recovered from the phone.
Christina’s mother, Cindy Young, has been vocal about the case, believing her daughter may have been kidnapped and trafficked to Peoria, Illinois, a theory fueled by rumors involving Darcy “Bookie” Morris, a known criminal with a violent history, including a 2014 murder conviction. Some speculate Morris may have abducted Christina, possibly disposing of her body at a hog farm, though he denies involvement, claiming he was in Peoria for his daughter’s birth. Cindy insists Christina is alive in Peoria, possibly brainwashed and living among the homeless, though reported sightings remain unconfirmed. The Hannibal Police Department has conducted over 200 interviews but found no evidence of foul play, and no surveillance footage or solid leads have emerged.
A 2021 documentary, *Relentless*, explored the case, introducing new perspectives and theories, including Morris’s potential involvement and the questionable circumstances around Baker, who died before being fully interviewed. The documentary, discussed in a follow-up episode, challenges initial assumptions about the case. Despite extensive searches, including in areas known for crime, no trace of Christina has been found, and the police have largely stepped back, leaving the case unresolved.

Sources:
What happened to Christina Whittaker? (n.d.). Criminal. https://vocal.media/criminal/what-happened-to-christina-whittaker
Tempesta, E. (2021, August 2). Fascinating docuseries lays bare disappearance of Missouri mother. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9832853/Fascinating-docuseries-lays-bare-disappearance-Mississippi-mother.html
Synovacantrell, V. a. P. B. (2025, March 8). Difficult conversations around the disturbing case of Christina Whittaker. Synova Ink. https://synovaink.com/2024/10/16/difficult-conversations-around-the-disturbing-case-of-christina-whittaker/
Glen Ledbetter - Sippell, M. (2023, January 31). Relentless: What That Last Lead in Christina Whittaker's Case Tells Us. MovieMaker. https://www.moviemaker.com/relentless-finale-what-that-final-lead-in-the-christina-whittaker-case-tells-us/

Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
Patreon
The Dark Oak Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Youtube
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
...more
1h 11min

FAQs about The Dark Oak:

How many episodes does The Dark Oak have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

More shows like The Dark Oak

Missing by Crawlspace Media

Missing

3,300 Listeners

The Vanished Podcast by Wondery

The Vanished Podcast

15,323 Listeners

The Trail Went Cold by Robin Warder

The Trail Went Cold

3,149 Listeners

Already Gone Podcast by Nina Innsted

Already Gone Podcast

3,989 Listeners

Crimelines® True Crime by Crimelines True Crime

Crimelines® True Crime

4,237 Listeners

Gone Cold - Texas True Crime by Gone Cold Productions

Gone Cold - Texas True Crime

1,905 Listeners

Trace Evidence by Steven Pacheco

Trace Evidence

4,016 Listeners

MURDERISH by Cloud10

MURDERISH

3,443 Listeners

Last Seen Alive by Studio 222

Last Seen Alive

904 Listeners

Coffee and Cases Podcast by Cloud10

Coffee and Cases Podcast

612 Listeners

THEY DISAPPEARED by Host: Pat Draven

THEY DISAPPEARED

261 Listeners

Missing Persons by AbJack Entertainment

Missing Persons

471 Listeners

And Then They Were Gone by Little Monster Productions

And Then They Were Gone

849 Listeners

Where are they? by Where are they?

Where are they?

402 Listeners

Twisted Travel and True Crime by Twisted Travel and True Crime

Twisted Travel and True Crime

284 Listeners