In 1903, the quiet little town of Van Meter, Iowa, got a visit from something strange — an eight-foot, bat-winged, bulletproof, sulfur-smelling nightmare with a glowing horn. And no, this isn’t a rejected Marvel villain.

Jeremy and Traci dig into one of Iowa’s strangest cryptid tales — The Van Meter Visitor. From eyewitness accounts and old newspaper articles, to modern investigations, DNA tests on fur, and Expedition X’s field work — this story has it all. Was it a cryptid? An alien? A prehistoric throwback? Or just a big mosquito that took CrossFit too seriously?

Grab your pitchforks, your popcorn, and maybe some Febreze, because this one is equal parts creepy and hilarious.

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In this episode, Jeremy and Traci dig deep into the haunting details of the case — from the chilling surveillance footage and mysterious LinkedIn messages to the long list of theories and suspects. Was this a targeted attack? A personal grudge? A stalker? Or a meticulously planned professional hit?

We break down the evidence, explore theories, and share updates on the investigation — including the $150,000 reward still on the table. This case is as puzzling as it is tragic, and nearly a decade later, it remains unsolved.

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#MissyBevers #TrueCrimePodcast #ColdCase #UnsolvedMystery #TotalConundrumPodcast #JusticeForMissy #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastEpisode

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No adults saw it. But the kids’ stories matched — right down to the smallest details. Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Mack flew in to investigate, and what he found would make even hardened skeptics pause.

In this episode of Total Conundrum, Jeremy and Traci dig deep into one of the most compelling mass UFO encounters in history — from the strange landing and telepathic messages to the decades-later interviews that prove these witnesses never forgot what they saw.

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Join the Conundrum Crew as we revisit a case that asks: What happens when the only witnesses are children — and they all agree on what they saw?

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He was just eight years old when he killed for the first time… and no one noticed.

In this episode of Total Conundrum, Jeremy and Traci unravel the disturbing life of Carroll Edward Cole, a serial killer whose crimes went undetected for decades—despite confessions, hospital warnings, and chilling early behavior. From his traumatic childhood and early acts of violence, to the series of murders he claimed were part of a “moral mission,” Cole’s story is one of systemic failure, shocking misdiagnoses, and missed opportunities.

In this episode:

Stick around to the end for a tease of next week’s episode: The Ariel School UFO Incident, one of the most credible mass alien sightings ever recorded.

Got a weird hometown mystery? Visit us at totalconundrum.com or message us on socials—we love creepy listener stories!

In this chilling deep dive, Jeremy and Traci unravel one of America’s strangest and most documented cases of spirit possession: the story of Lurancy Vennum and Mary Roff, known as the Watseka Wonder.

We journey through the quiet streets of 19th-century Watseka, Illinois, into the lives of two families connected by tragedy, belief, and the beyond. From Lurancy’s terrifying seizures and trance states to the eerie return of Mary Roff’s spirit — and the emotional testing that convinced a grieving family they had their daughter back.

We also explore the haunting legacy of the Roff House itself, now an Airbnb where guests continue to report chilling encounters. Plus, modern investigations, séances, and what it means to be “possessed” — both then and now.

Are these echoes of grief, spiritual miracles… or something darker still lingering in the hallways?

Love this eerie journey?

Episode Title: The Butcher of Plainfield: Ed Gein’s Twisted Legacy – with John from Dairyland Frights

Episode Description:

This week on Total Conundrum, we’re digging up one of the darkest and most disturbing tales in true crime history: the story of Ed Gein — the real-life inspiration behind horror icons like Norman Bates, Leatherface, and Buffalo Bill. Joining us is John from Dairyland Frights, Wisconsin’s own master of the macabre, to walk us through the chilling case of the infamous “Butcher of Plainfield.”

Together, we unravel the twisted secrets buried in Gein’s farmhouse, explore the psychological torment that drove his grotesque acts, and take a fresh look at the crimes that shocked a nation. John brings his unique storytelling flair and bone-chilling detail to help us peel back the skin of the legend—quite literally.

Warning: This episode isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you love true crime, horror history, and a touch of the supernatural, you’re in for one gruesome ride.

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He left the lights on, the radio playing hymns, and walked out of his New Jersey mansion like nothing happened. But inside that house? A scene so disturbing it shocked the nation.

What happens when a suburban dad turns serial killer… and his house refuses to forget?

In this spine-chilling episode of Total Conundrum, Traci and Jeremy dive into the dual life of Herb Baumeister, a respected businessman who hid a dark secret behind the doors of his Indiana mansion. From mannequins by the pool to ghost voices and wet footprints, this isn’t just another murder case — it’s a lingering haunting.

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Real horror. Real hauntings. With your favorite dark-humor duo to guide you through it.

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A ghost that talks. A curse that kills. A legend that refuses to die.

In this episode, we dive deep into the terrifying true story of the Bell Witch—the entity that haunted a Tennessee family in the early 1800s, whispered their secrets, attacked them in their sleep, and may have even murdered John Bell Sr.

We cover:

And, of course, the chilling Kate Batts connection. Was she the vengeful spirit? Or was the Bell Witch something even darker?

Listen now… if you dare.

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“Vampire Anthems & Rock Operas with G Tom Mac”

In this electrifying episode of Total Conundrum, we’re joined by the legendary G Tom Mac—the voice, the mind, and the creative force behind Cry Little Sister, the haunting anthem that defined The Lost Boys. But his story doesn’t stop there. From working with KISS and Roger Daltrey to being sampled by Eminem on a Grammy-winning album, Gerard McMahon’s career is a genre-defying ride through rock, soul, and cinematic sound.

We talk about:

This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, inspiration, and vampire vibes you don’t want to miss.

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