This week, Steve tells the brief but corageous story of Zinaida Portnova. When nazis invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the fifteen year old witnessed as the occupying force assaulted her grandmother and stole her cattle. In response, Zinaida had a hand in, or directly, killed over 100 nazi soldiers. Check out the show to find out how this multi-talented teen fought for family and country. 

Source:

Zinaida Portnova - Wikipedia

Zina Portnova: Young Avenger and Real-Life Teenage Nazi Killer (hercampus.com)

This week, Ben takes a look at one of history's lesser-known extreme problem-solvers, Velma Barfield. When her first husband died tragically, it was a, well tragedy. But about the time her 6th lover died tragically, people started to suspect something more than bad luck. 

Sources:

The Shocking Crimes Of Velma Barfield, The "Death Row Granny" (allthatsinteresting.com)

Velma Barfield · Facing Controversy: Struggling with Capital Punishment in NC · UNC Libraries

This week, Steve saunters back over to the creepypasta well, and takes a long, cool sip of 'The Alien' by Cyanwrites. What happens when two cops are called to run perimeter on a mysterious government operation in the middle of the woods? You'll have to tune in to find out. 

Source: 

https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Alien 

This week Ben takes a look at three more creatures of Japanese mythology. This particular tour includes the not-so-uncommon tale of a seductive, vampric woman, a creature that seems too ridiculous to be threatening, and a really, really big foot. Check it out. 

Sources:

Nikusui – Yokai.com

Yamajijii – Yokai.com

Ashiarai yashiki – Yokai.com

Captain Henry Avery was known by many names. Or, at least four names. Henry Avery, Henry Every, Long John, Long Ben. In fact, his list of aliases may be longer than his pirate career. Check out this week's show to hear Steve badly butcher the story of what may have been the most successful pirate to ever set sail. 

Sources:

Henry Every - World History Encyclopedia

Henry Every: The King of Pirates - YouTube

Henry Every - Wikipedia

This week, Ben talks about Elegabalus: the ancient Roman emperor who had very little interest in being an ancient Roman emperor. He did, however, have an interest in carrying out his role as a high priest, a job he enjoyed thanks to the flamboyant, lavish lifestyle and constant religious orgies. 

Sources: 

Elagabalus: the cross-dressing religious fanatic who became emperor of Rome - History Skills

Elagabalus: The Hated Roman Emperor Who Was Killed And Mutilated! | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)

It was a good run, but this week, Steve goes back to the creepypasta well for inspiration, motivation, and pure entertainment. If you like police procedural existential horror dramas, check out A 911 Call Where Nothing Made Sense by My_Outlaw_. And if you don't like them, well, give us a listen anyway. 

Source:

A 911 Call Where Nothing Made Sense | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom

This week, Ben talks about William Fly's breif tenure as the captian of a ship formerly known as the Elizabeth Snow. He may not have been the most qualified pirate to sale the Atlantic, but luckikly for William, pirates don't need resumés. 

Sources:

William Fly: A Short-lived Pirate of the 1700s - Geri Walton

Nix’s Mate: The Gibbeting Site of Pirate William Fly - Boston Pirate Trail - PocketSights

The Pirate and the Gallows:An Atlantic Theater of Terror and Resistance | History Cooperative

This week, Steve looks at the story of Dina Sanichar, who was quite possibly the inspiration for The Jungle Book's Mowgli, as well as a number of other "feral children." Apparently child abuse and neglect has been rampant for quite some time. 

Sources:

Dina Sanichar, The Real-Life 'Mowgli' Who Was Raised By Wolves (allthatsinteresting.com)

Dina Sanichar - Wikipedia

8 Children Who Were Raised by Animals (treehugger.com)

He was a wild child. Really wild | World news | The Guardian

Amala and Kamala - Wikipedia

This week, Ben chronicles the life of the deadliest man alive: John Keehan, aka Count Dante. Founder of the Black Dragons school of karate, and inventor of the Poison Hands technique, Count Dante was a man perhaps two decades ahead of his time. Loved by some, hated by many, he was the perfect heel, and both the pride and shame of Chicago. 

Sources:

The Life and Death of the Deadliest Man Alive - Chicago Reader

Count Dante - Wikipedia