Ohio has a lot of problems, and apparently for the people of Lake County, melon heads are one of them. Ben explores the bizarre legend behind Dr. Crowe and his big-headed buddies.

Steve takes a look at Troy Leon Gregg, a hitchhiking killer who escapes his death sentence… technically. It's a not-so-heartwarming story that reminds us that karma is as karma does.

This week, Ben takes a look at a serial killer John George Haigh, who was much more confident in his modus operandi than he should have been.

Steve has the story of the Somerton, aka the Tamam Shud case. When a body is found on Somerton beach, the only thing a mysterious as his death is his identity.

If your rice import empire falls to ruin, there's really only one thing left to do: Declare yourself Emperor of the United States of America. It's a pretty sweet gig for the honorable and fair Emperor Norton.

When 21 year old Canadian college student goes missing, a mysterious security video surfaces that has the whole world asking, "What happened to Elisa Lam?" The only thing more ominous than her disappearance is the sordid history of the hotel itself.

Religion works best when you make it up to fit your needs. Unfortunately, the LeBaron's apparently just needed a reason to marry multiple women… and also to murder people at will.

Steve takes a look at the life and legends of "Stagecoach" Mary Fields, the freed-slave turned whiskey-drinkin, nose-punching jack of all trades who, underneath her tough exterior, really did have a heart of gold.

When the working day is done, girls just wanna have… murder? This week, the Nonessential Podcast talks lady-killers. Steve discusses Martha Marek. But first, Ben tells the story of Russian countess Darya Saltykova. These woman had very different motivations, but the results were the same.

This week, we discuss Elmer McCurdy. He may have been an alcoholic, and he may have been the worst robber in the West, but his story proves that sometimes success is in the eye, or cadaver, of the beholder.

We also recount the tales of Bjorn Ironside and his viking mentor Hastein. While their track-record was more hit than miss, their greatest hit was also their biggest miss. Fortunately for them, viking culture was less about who you killed and more about how many.

This week, Ben takes a look at Yukio Mishima, a talented author and actor whose dreams were to become a martyr. He may have skipped a few steps, but—well, you'll just have to listen to find out how that went for him.

Steve discusses American inventor John Keely, who managed to harness the newly theorized etheric forces (and later, vibratory symphony) to create a clean, water-fueled engine that would revolutionize the world. At least, that's what he led his investors to think.

We try something new this week, as Ben performs a reading of Dkingsbury's #creepypasta masterpiece, 'Ronald McDonald House.' I'm lovin' it, and we hope you do too.

Steve takes a look at the "doctor" John R Brinkley, whose contribution to the world of medicine involved some very sensitive goat parts. He built an empire, but as they say, pride comes before the fall.

This week, Ben delves into the weird history of the werewolf myths. From magic moonbeams and a serial killing hermit, to a wild game recipe that would make even Guy Fieri blush, the legend of the Lycan is a weird one.

Next, what happens when a wanna-be gangster extorts an average Joe into killing a problematic business associate? It doesn't end well. But hiring more amateur hit-men can only make the situation worse. This week, Steve proves that justice is blind... and stupid.

On the Nonessential Podcast this week, Ben's topic sucks!... your blood. We explore the origins and particularly unparticulars of vampires.

Next, Steve recounts the harrowing Antarctic expedition lead by Douglas Mawson. The scientific endeavor may not have succeeded as planned, but did prove that just when you think you're at rock bottom, they can always get worse.

Suit up, strap in, and hold on: It's a wild one.

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