If you were scared we were never returning, fear no more! Your favorite podcast has returned for a riveting new episode just in time for some spooky summer fun. And what better way to dive back in than an adventure through a lovely nature reserve at the heart of the Twin Cities whose history shaped the very fabric of our state’s cultural identity. It’s a gorgeous park that offers stunning views of a wooded ravine cut through by Phalen Creek; however, it also carries the weight of a tumultuous past for hard working immigrants who tried their best to build a life for themselves despite the odds being stacked against them. But before we dive into all of that, let’s celebrate our return with some riveting Horror Headlines. Dan recounts his disturbing experience watching the 2025 cult classic horror film, ‘Together’, staring Dave Franco. And if a movie was able to make him uncomfortable, you know it must be WILD! But perhaps the most surprising thing of the week? Madeline reveals that she won a game of Scrabble for the first time in her life at a family get together over the holidays. She was out for blood, because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!

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Hey Grim Cities Family! It’s been a while. As you all know, Minnesota has been the subject of national attention as of late, and quite frankly things here in the metro area have been intense. This morning we released an official statement from the Grim Cities addressing the state of ICE operations in our city, what we’ve been up to, and a call to action for our listeners and the general public. Thank you so much for listening!

Another Special Re-release from Summer 2024! Refresh yourself on some of the haunted parks around the state!

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Happy New Year, everyone! We are re-releasing our New Year's Eve themed episode from 2023. Hear all about the dark history of Brinton Lodge and their annual ode to those who once (and may still) roam its halls.

It's a throwback episode! For the holidays, reacquaint yourself with the notorious Christmas legend Krampus!

We will be back with brand new episodes on January 6, 2026.

We really did one of our listeners dirty y’all…and we apologize. Listener Regina sent us multiple messages over the past year, but we never saw them as she was trapped behind the hidden message requests on Instagram. We begin today by clearing up all the confusion and giving Regina the air time that she deserves! Then Madeline talks through 5 paranormal games so risky that no one should ever play them. The consequences could be lifelong and quite dire. 😱 Our main story today reveals the origins of the Christmas tree. And just as so many modern traditions have before, the Christmas tree finds its roots in Pagan theology.

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Have you ever noticed how some superstitions are so ubiquitous that no one ever seems to question them? Where did they come from? Why do they persist? One such superstition is so widely recognized that it is considered a near-global phenomenon: knocking on wood. Today we discuss the origins of this peculiar practice and what it even signifies. But before we dive into all of that, Dan shares yet another horror festival that he knows the listeners will be champing at the bit to attend. And Madeline shows us THE scariest commercial ever produced… No joke.

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Madeline starts us off this week on a feisty note, when she airs out Dan’s dirty laundry. That’s right, Madeline catches Dan in a bold-faced lie that he swears was “unintentional”… We’ll let the audience decide. Then the two find out if they’d survive a horror film based off of their astrology signs. But most importantly today, we talk about Thomas Busby and his beloved seat at a local pub. After he was hung to death in the town square, he cursed anyone who dared to sit in it ever again. The chair now hangs suspended from the ceiling in the Thirsk Museum. Would you dare to sit in it?

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Dan recently discovered a new queer ghost hunting show that he cannot wait to share with everyone! And Madeline has a new Instagram account she's following. Then we explore an antique wooden object that is known to be haunted by a malicious spirit from Jewish folklore. This wine cabinet is said to be one of the most haunted objects on the planet, and it went up for sale in the early aughts on the popular e-commerce website, eBay. The events that unfolded following the sale of this Dybbuk Box can be tracked by a string unusual mental breakdowns. So pour a glass of wine (or two) because you’ll need a little something extra to calm your nerves for this episode! 🍷 Cheers! 🥂

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Madeline and Dan can’t help but begin this week by reminiscing about the serendipitous moment they were contacted by a senior producer at MPR and the emotional high that immediately followed. I mean, a live interview about this very podcast syndicated state-wide on a popular radio show…is this real life?! Turns out, it is! Furthermore, we get another listener email from uncle John who regales us the story of his anniversary weekend with aunt Sheila at a haunted Memphis bed and breakfast. And for our main story today, Madeline and Dan recount their exhilarating yet frightening night exploring a local cemetery. Huge shout out to the Pillsbury Club for their amazing graveyard tour! Check out this experience and many more on their website at minneapolistrolleytours.com. This episode is all about first hand experiences from your two favorite hosts, and we could not be more thrilled to share the excitement with you all! 

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