The Something Wicked Podcast

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?

We’re as high as Harry Kane’s voice went after England overcame adversity at the Azteca but can we stop Haaland? VAR and Infantino are doing their best to ruin it all but at least Brazil and Ladyboy Ronaldo have been sent packing.

We dissect the over-saturated world of rushed-out, ghost-written celebrity autobiographies, where pun-heavy titles are obligatory and there's more filler than Katie Price's face. Another reason to hate Christmas.