The Something Wicked Podcast

Like everyone else, we’re weighing on the Russell Brand verdict as well as the mystery ‘celebrity’ who’s desperately seeking a high court injunction to prevent damning stories coming out. What is it with these ego-driven maniacs who can’t keep their hands to themselves and why does this story keep repeating itself?

This Halloween, we revisit the television event that apparently traumatised a nation. As if that's not enough, we also attempt to contact the late, great Derek Acorah from beyond the grave. What secrets (and lies) will he tell us?

Following the botched execution of Christa Pike, we delve into the grim world of state-sanctioned murder, exploring the various methods, last words and final meals. Then it’s on to history’s most sadistic and innovative punishments, from 'flaying' and 'slow slicing' to the horror of 'scaphism' and 'blood eagle wings'.

Sundays as a kid were synonymous with shows like 'The Waltons' and 'Little House on the Prairie', teaching us about family values and being good. 'The Wonder Years' came along later and 'That's Life' spanned two decades. Meanwhile, Bill Cosby was hiding his true nature behind the upstanding Cliff Huxtable, doing his stupid little dance in his Fred Talbot sweater.

We examine some of Britain’s most baffling unsolved murders, where the perpetrators have somehow got away with it. Was the mysterious ‘Mr Kipper’ who met estate agent Suzy Lamplugh on the day she disappeared someone already known to the police? And could the foster father of 13-year-old Billie-Jo Jenkins really have bludgeoned her during a three-minute window of opportunity?

We look at faded fame and track down the familiar names we just don’t see any more. Maybe they've finally got a 'proper' job or become a bad-tempered recluse. Or are they still flogging their celebrity status online or in demeaning daytime telly ads and panto?

We celebrate the Oscar-sweeping classic, featuring one of cinema’s great battles: Jack Nicholson’s rebellious McMurphy versus Louise Fletcher’s chilling Nurse Ratched. With an outstanding ensemble cast, we explore the film’s long road to production and its enduring themes of freedom, conformity and institutional control.

We explore the strange world of doppelgängers—from celebrity lookalikes and historical doubles to bizarre claims that famous musicians have been secretly replaced by their uncanny twins.

Nobody was crying for Argentina at the end of the World Cup Final but why did England act like they were defending The Falklands all over again, choosing to park HMS not-so-Invincible?

From Hootie & The Blowfish and Counting Crows to the whole Yacht Rock genre, we look into those bands people often love but would think twice about wearing the T-shirt. Is the ridicule justified or is it just performative musical snobbery?