WILDCIDE

In June 2017, a horrifying discovery on the Caldwell Ranch, a secluded Idaho property, unraveled a chilling web of deception, infidelity, and murder. Three bodies—Cheryl Baker, Nadja Medley, and her teenage daughter, Payton—were found under a tarp in an abandoned shed, along with three lifeless dogs. All were killed execution-style. The connection between the victims? A man by the name Mike Bullinger. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered the tangled threads of Mike's history: a pattern of manipulation, domestic violence, and betrayal. What ensued next was an all-out manhunt stretched across three states, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, involving the FBI, the US Marshalls, the National Park Service and local authorities. The former pilot and survivalist vanished into the wilderness, leaving behind a white Ford Focus near Grand Teton National Park and countless unanswered questions. Did Mike Bullinger flee to escape justice? Or did he meet his end in the vast, unforgiving wilderness he knew so well? This episode delves into the dark complexities of the case, exploring the lives of the victims, Cheryl, Nadja and Payton, Mike Bullinger’s shadowy past, and the eerie possibilities of what became of him. Is he hiding in plain sight—or has the forest swallowed his secrets forever?

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

ABC4 News. (2021, January 17). ​Suspect remains at large two years after the murders of three Utah women.​ ABC4 News. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.abc4.com/news/suspect-remains-at-large-two-years-after-the-murders-of-three-utah-women/

Idaho News. (2019, February 19). ​Investigation Discovery to spotlight Caldwell triple homicide, Gerald Bullinger case.​ Idaho News. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://idahonews.com/news/local/investigation-discovery-to-spotlight-caldwell-triple-homicide-gerald-bullinger-case

Idaho Statesman. (2017, June 21). Dead bodies at Idaho home: Owner wanted on felony warrant. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article157378034.html

Idaho Statesman. (2017, August 8). Remaining two victims ID'd in Caldwell triple murder. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article166066922.html

Idaho Statesman. (2017, July 29). Last victims identified in triple homicide on Idaho farm. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article165568297.html

Investigation Discovery. (n.d.). Gerald "Mike" Bullinger on the run: Living a double life. In In Pursuit with John Walsh. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/id-shows/on-tv0/in-pursuit-with-john-walsh/articles/gerald-mike-bullinger-on-the-run-living-double-life

Lowe, E. (2019, June 23). Triple homicide investigation continues 2 years later. The Spectrum. https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/06/22/triple-homicide-investigation-continues-2-years-later/1539711001/

Mitchell, M. (2023, July 6). Murder suspect still not located after 6 years. Jackson Hole Radio. https://jacksonholeradio.com/murder-suspect-still-not-located-after-6-years/#h-the-triple-murder-case-in-idaho

Press, A. (2017, July 3). Utah victim in Idaho triple slaying was retired teacher. KBOI. https://idahonews.com/news/local/utah-victim-in-idaho-triple-slaying-was-retired-teacher

Sokmensuer, H. (2018, August 17). Married murder suspect charmed single mom - then confrontation with wife led to triple slayings. People.com. https://people.com/crime/mike-bullinger-murder-wife-girlfriend-idaho-house/

Standard-Examiner. (2021, April 18). Gerald Mike Bullinger. Standard-Examiner. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.standard.net/gerald-mike-bullinger/article_62f853cf-c795-5e4c-b7c9-b450f62c484c.html

Standard-Examiner. (2017, July 1). Friends remember Ogden teacher Cheryl Baker as an artistic, kind woman. Standard-Examiner. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.standard.net/police-fire/friends-remember-ogden-teacher-cheryl-baker-as-an-artistic-kind/article_674938d9-d357-5758-abc1-d737dc57fc3f.html

For decades, Melissa Kim Corter has studied various forms of darkness. She speaks, writes, and teaches about fascinating subjects such as:

* Death

* Narcissism and Psychopathy

* Shadow Work

* Dreams & Nightmares

* Psychology of shadow in fairytales

* The benefit of horror and psychological thrillers for mental health

* Hauntingly beautiful things

* Jungian perspectives on death

* Parallels between true crime and personal development

Bailey and Chelsea sit down with the fabulous Melissa and pick her brain about Depth Psychology. What is it? Do we have a dark side of the mind? Why are people so obsessed with True Crime and are those of us who are have ‘darker minds’ than others? What do Nightmares actually mean? Can any normal person be capable of heinous things? Hang out with us as we have the coolest, darkest conversation with Melissa. You DO NOT want to miss this.

Visit Melissa Kim Corter's website: Click Here

A Little About Our Guest:

In 2009, Melissa Kim Corter received her bachelor’s degree in psychology while continuing to study with various Indigenous elders’ mentors. In 2019, she returned to school to work on a Ph.D. in depth psychology with an emphasis on Jungian archetypal studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is currently writing her dissertation on psychopathy and the Western Shadow.

Melissa has completed various intensive trainings in ecotherapy, the psychology of fairytales, forensics, shamanic studies, and shadow work. Weaving depth-psychological practices with a shamanic sensibility. For years, she has studied with an elder in southern Arizona who practiced a Peruvian lineage of Shamanism, who taught her soul retrieval, journeying, and many other practices. In addition, Melissa also worked with a second medicine woman in Sedona, Arizona, for five years; she was also a naturopathic physician and healer.

​Her work sometimes makes people uncomfortable as it draws on and celebrates the dark and misunderstood dimensions of the personality. Melissa's unique writing style blends depth psychology with creative and symbolic forms found in film, fairy tales, and forensics. After twenty years as a certified hypnotherapist and consultant, she specialized in the dark night of the soul, psychopathy, and encounters with darkness, so naturally, these themes imbue her writing. 

​Melissa has been published in multiple books, one solo, and a few privately published books, and various compilations. She is a clinical certified hypnotherapist and advanced Yoga Nidra practitioner with over two decades of experience leading thousands of clients and students through various guided practices. Many of her clients have learned how to utilize EFT tapping in a way that works for them with my unique technique. She has over 30 certifications, including body-based healing, Yoga Teacher Training, somatic healing, trauma work, advanced intuitive development and mediumship, and more. 

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

In this episode, we unravel the chilling tale of William “Bill” McGuire’s murder in what became known as the infamous “Suitcase Murder.” Bill, a U.S. Navy veteran and father of two, was last seen on April 28, 2004. Days later, his dismembered body was discovered stuffed in three separate suitcases that had washed ashore in Chesapeake Bay. Suspicion quickly centered on his wife, Melanie McGuire, a New Jersey fertility nurse, after investigators uncovered a trail of damning evidence. Through questionable forensics, scandalous secrets, and courtroom drama, we explore the chilling twists of a seemingly normal middle-class couple that unraveled into a nightmare of betrayal, mystery, and murder. Hang out with us as we also explore the dark side of the human mind, exploring how ordinary people can cross the line into unimaginable violence.

Tune in on Friday 11/15 to listen to the Interview with Dr. Melissa Kim Corter as she sheds light on the ‘The Dark Side of the Mind’, the unsettling depths of the human psyche, and the thin veil between normalcy and darkness.

Meghan Sacks and Amy Schlosberg’s Podcast about Melanie McGuire's Case: https://directappealpodcast.com/

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

 Dooley, Sean and Yamada, Haley. (2020, September 26). 'Suitcase killer' Melanie McGuire defends her innocence from inside prison. ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/suitcase-killer-melanie-mcguire-defends-innocence-inside-prison/story?id=73099717

History.com Editors. (2020, September 23). *Human remains found in suitcase near Virginia Beach*. History. Retrieved from [https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/human-remains-found-in-suitcase-near-virginia-beach](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/human-remains-found-in-suitcase-near-virginia-beach)

New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. (2007, April 23). *Attorney General issues reminder that new gun law takes effect May 1* [Press release].Retrieved from [https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases07/pr20070423a.html](https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases07/pr20070423a.html)

**State v. McGuire**, No. A-2432-09T1 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. Aug. 23, 2011). Retrieved from [https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/nj-superior-court-appellate-division/1559582.html](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/nj-superior-court-appellate-division/1559582.html)

In the morning on Sunday, July 26, 2020, A 911 call was placed by a resident of the Edge Apartments in Miramar, Florida. The resident was calling because she found a two-year-old little boy wandering around the parking lot of the apartment complex unaccompanied by an adult. She had no idea where he came from and couldn’t find anyone around responsible for the toddler. She told the operator that she had seen him between 8:00 and 8:30 that morning and that the little boy was barefoot and wearing only a diaper and a t-shirt. It wasn’t until almost 48 hours later that a family in Alabama recognized the toddler as the son of Leila Cavett. Early on in the investigation, it appeared that Leila traveled from Georgia to Florida with her son under puzzling circumstances. But where was Leila Cavett? Suspicion quickly centered on Shannon Demar Ryan, a self-described “witch” and “spiritual advisor” who was seen accessing Leila’s truck the day after her disappearance, using her debit cards and throwing what appeared to be blood-soaked towels in a dumpster. Despite surveillance evidence, Leila appeared to disappear into thin air. Leila Cavett’s family has been vocal in the search for justice, expressing frustration and heartbreak over the slow progress of the case. The FBI has continued to solicit information from the public, urging anyone with details about Cavett’s movements in Florida or her associations with Shannon Ryan to come forward. Authorities remain hopeful that further forensic evidence or witness statements could lead to finally finding Leila Cavett. Anyone who may have information on Leila’s case is asked to contact the Hollywood Police Department at (954) 764-4357 or 954-967-4411. Tips can be emailed or texted to [email protected]. You can also contact the Broward Crime Stoppers at www.browardcrimestoppers.org. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Leila Cavett, please call FBI Miami at 1-800-CALL-FBI or go to FBI.GOV/TIPS.

Leila is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 110 pounds. She has brown, shoulder-length hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo that reads “Kamdyn” on her right arm and a small tattoo of a Christian fish symbol on her right wrist. 

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

Shannon’s Facebook Video: Click HERE

CBS Miami. (2020, July 30). Police: Missing mom, Leila Cavett, last seen in Hollywood before her toddler found wandering in Miramar. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/police-missing-mom-leila-cavett-last-seen-hollywood-wandering-toddler-hollywood/

Kelly, T., & Mohan, N. (2020, July 29). Sisters concerned about missing mom whose son turned up in Miramar. WPLG. https://www.local10.com/news/local/2020/07/28/sisters-concerned-about-missing-mom-whose-child-turned-up-in-miramar/

Luperon, A. (2021, May 12). “witchcraft” teacher charged in alleged murder of missing mother, whose toddler son was found wandering alone. Law & Crime. https://lawandcrime.com/crime/witchcraft-teacher-charged-in-alleged-murder-of-missing-mother-whose-toddler-son-was-found-wandering-alone/

Sabovic, S., & Solomon, M. (2020b, July 30). Miramar police find missing mom’s truck in Hollywood. WPLG. https://www.local10.com/news/local/2020/07/29/hollywood-pd-taking-the-lead-on-case-of-missing-mom-whose-toddler-was-found-in-miramar/

Harris, C. (2020, August 6). Ga.. mom whose toddler was found wandering in Fla.. might have met man online before vanishing: Dad. People.com. https://people.com/crime/leila-cavett-might-have-met-man-before-disappearance/

Matter, B. (2022, October 29). Self-proclaimed witch arrested in Apprentice’s murder speaks from Broward Jail. WPLG. https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/10/29/self-proclaimed-witch-arrested-in-apprentices-murder-speaks-from-broward-jail/

Cavallier, A. (2021, May 12). Man faces murder charge in connection to disappearance of Leila Cavett 10 months after she went missing from South Florida. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/man-faces-murder-charge-connection-disappearance-leila-cavett-nearly-10-n1267151

CBS News Staff. (2021, May 12). Self-proclaimed “witch” Shannon Ryan charged with 2nd-degree murder in Leila Cavett’s disappearance. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/self-proclaimed-witch-shannon-ryan-charged-second-degree-murder-leila-cavetts-disappearance/

FBI Miami. (2020, August 20). FBI offers reward for information about missing person Leila Cavett. FBI. https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/miami/news/press-releases/fbi-offers-reward-for-information-about-missing-person-leila-cavett

Dolak, K. (2021, May 13). Self-proclaimed Florida “witch” charged with second degree murder of missing mom. Oxygen Official Site. https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/shannon-ryan-arrested-for-murder-of-leila-cavett-in-florida

Leila Cavett: Missing Person Case (arcgis.com)

In this chilling episode, we uncover the disturbing story of Heather Stephenson-Snell, a licensed psychotherapist turned ruthless stalker, who spiraled into an obsessive, 18-month campaign of harassment and terror. Dubbed the “Halloween Killer,” her fixation on her ex-lover and his new partner evolved from subtle psychological manipulation into overt, violent threats that left her victims in constant fear. As Halloween night drifted into the early hours of November 1, 2003, a red car pulled onto Holland Street in Radcliff. The driver stepped out, cloaked in an eerie white sheet and a Scream mask, blending her real-life horror with the chilling fiction of Halloween night. With each silent step toward her target’s home, Heather’s jealousy and rage came to a tragic climax, leading to the shocking murder of Robert Wilkie. This episode unravels the mind of a killer fueled by obsession, jealousy, and manipulation, exploring how her carefully controlled life as a therapist masked a dark, violent side. Join us as we dissect the psychology behind this brutal crime and discuss how unchecked obsession can lead to unthinkable tragedy.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

RESOURCES:

Contact Us | Stalking Awareness & Prevention | SPARC

STALKING: general infographic

Stalking FACT SHEET: Stalking Fact Sheet (Espanol: Hoja de datos del acecho)

References:

Rychlikova, M. (2022, February 19). “Halloween killer” fails in bid for early release from jail. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/19935737.halloween-killer-heather-stevenson-snell-fails-prison-appeal-bid/

Branigan, T. (2004, September 22). Psychotherapist jailed for Murder. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/sep/22/ukcrime.taniabranigan

BBC News. (2004, September 21). UK | england | manchester | masked woman jailed for Murder. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/3676892.stm

Manchester Evening News. (2013, January 21). Hallowe’en Killer jailed. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/halloween-killer-jailed-1124121

Ben-Halliday, R. (2021, June 10). The Killer Behind The Scream mask. Medium. https://hallidayreginald.medium.com/the-killer-behind-the-scream-mask-92624e9a6d91

York Press Staff. (2004, September 21). Scream mask murderer gets life. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878369.scream-mask-murderer-gets-life/?source=post_page-----92624e9a6d91--------------------------------

Lancashire Telegraph Staff. (2004, September 18). Regrets of woman accused of Murder. Lancashire Telegraph. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5818530.regrets-woman-accused-murder/

The Bolton News Staff. (2004, September 23). Inner demons that drove therapist to murder. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5818024.inner-demons-that-drove-therapist-to-murder/

The Times Correspondent. (2010, March 31). The woman hell’s angel, her gun and a murderous mistake. The Times & The Sunday Times. https://www.thetimes.com/article/the-woman-hells-angel-her-gun-and-a-murderous-mistake-0cx6nt0jkcb

The Bolton News Staff. (2004a, September 22). Unmasked - killer behind Halloween horror. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5818130.unmasked-killer-behind-halloween-horror/

Lancashire Telegraph Staff. (2004b, September 30). Killer’s ex-lover goes into hiding. Lancashire Telegraph. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5816958.killers-ex-lover-goes-hiding/

Mirror Staff. (2012, February 7). Haunted by the Halloween killer. The Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/haunted-by-the-halloween-killer-563528

The Bolton News Staff. (2004a, September 14). Rape claim at Murder Trial. The Bolton News. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5819318.rape-claim-at-murder-trial/

York Press Staff. (2004a, September 15). “I was raped by dog sitter.” York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878766.i-was-raped-by-dog-sitter/

Carroll, S. (2004, September 22). Inner demons of a vicious killer. York Press. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7878340.inner-demons-of-a-vicious-killer/

In this captivating episode, we sit down with renowned Salem Witch Trials historian and expert Richard Trask to explore the complex social, political, and religious factors that fueled one of history's most infamous events. Richard delves into the underlying causes of the witch hysteria that gripped 17th-century Salem, shedding light on how fear, superstition, and the Puritanical worldview created a perfect storm for the tragic trials. We’ll discuss the fascinating insights into key figures of the trials, including the accusers and the accused, and the role of gender, power struggles, and local rivalries in driving the deadly frenzy. This episode offers a deep historical analysis of how these trials unfolded, the lasting impact on American legal and cultural history, and the legacy of the witch hunts that continues to resonate today.

About our Honored Guest:

Historian Richard Trask is a leading authority on the Salem witch-hunt of 1692. He serves as Town Archivist for Danvers (formerly Salem Village), Massachusetts, where he is custodian of all early town records, the Brehaut Witchcraft Collection, and tens of thousands of manuscripts. He is also curator of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead and he chaired the Salem Village Witchcraft Tercentennial Committee from 1990 to 1992. Trask has written numerous books and articles on Salem and two of his ancestors were hanged as witches.

TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE DANVER’S HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HELP FUND FURTHER RESEARCH, CONTINUED RESTORATION, AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE, CLICK HERE.

Resources:

The Ultimate Book/Resource List: Welcome to the Danvers Archival Center – Archives (danverslibrary.org)

Get Involved - Danvers Historical Society (danvershistory.org)

Danvers: Ask the Archivist (virginia.edu)

Richard’s Book: The Devil Hath Been Raised: A Documentary History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Outbreak of March 1692; Together With a Collection of Newly Located and Gathered Witchcraft Documents: Richard B. Trask: 9780963859518: Amazon.com: Books

In the second part of this witchy two-part episode, we connect the dots between Europe’s medieval witch hunts and the blood-soaked soil of Salem. Hang with us as Chelsea unravels the dark tale of the Salem Witch Trials, one of the most infamous episodes in American history. Journey back to 1692, where fear and suspicion gripped the Puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts, leading to a wave of accusations, hysteria, and brutal executions. We explore how mass paranoia, religious zealotry, and local politics set the stage for the persecution of dozens of innocent people. We take a look into the lives of the accused and the accusers, gaining insights into how superstition and fear turned neighbors into enemies. Prepare for a deep dive into the hysteria that claimed the lives of 20 people, leaving behind an enduring legacy of fear, scapegoating, and unchecked power. Tune in and uncover how the nightmare of witchcraft paranoia spiraled from ink on a page into an American tragedy.

**The interview this week will be pushed to next week- for the week of Halloween**

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

Institoris, H., Sprenger, J., & Richardson, I. (1974). Malleus Maleficarum. Caedmon.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. (2021, February 16). The Victims of the Salem

In the first part of this witchy two-part episode, Chelsea takes us into the dark origins of the Salem Witch Trials, unraveling the sinister influence of the Malleus Maleficarum, or The Witch's Hammer. This 15th-century text, written by the zealous Heinrich Kramer in 1487, wasn’t just a manual—it was a weapon. A weapon that empowered inquisitors to hunt down anyone suspected of witchcraft. A weapon that demonized women, especially those who didn’t fit society’s mold, igniting a firestorm of fear and violence that spread like wildfire across Europe. This text sanctioned the torture and execution of these so-called witches, embedding misogyny and fear deep into the cultural psyche. The ‘witch hysteria’ crossed the Atlantic and laid the groundwork for one of the darkest episodes in American history—the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. A perfect storm made up by superstition, religious extremism, and a society on edge, teetering on the brink of political collapse. As these forces collided, the lines between truth and fear blurred, and innocent lives were sacrificed.  

**The interview this week will be pushed to next week- for the week of Halloween**

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

Institoris, H., Sprenger, J., & Richardson, I. (1974). Malleus Maleficarum. Caedmon.

In part two of this wild two-parter episode, we are right back into the shadowy world of Norwegian black metal. In part one, we delved into the notorious and influential history of Mayhem, the band that laid the foundation for Norway’s black metal scene. We talked about how after Dead’s suicide, Mayhem’s popularity soared. Arguably, this tragedy was the first domino to fall in the chain reactions in Norway that included violence, arson, murder, and a further tumble into black metal chaos. In part two, we will focus on the notorious beef between Euronymous (the ‘Godfather’ of Black Metal) and Varg Vikernes aka ‘Count Grishnackh’. This led to a shocking wave of church burnings that swept across Norway in the early 1990s, igniting a firestorm of controversy and fear. Tied to the burgeoning black metal scene, these acts were fueled by a mix of anti-Christian sentiment and a desire to reclaim pagan heritage. As musicians and fans alike embraced a darker aesthetic, the line between artistic expression and criminal behavior blurred. Two shocking and tragic murders catapulted the black metal scene into the public eye. This dark chapter raised questions about identity, rebellion, and the consequences of extreme ideology, forever marking the legacy of Norwegian black metal.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

Cameron, Dr. J. A. (2023, October 13). Black Metal Church burnings: A historical view. Stained Glass Attitudes. https://stainedglassattitudes.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/black-metal-church-burnings-a-historical-view/

Campion, C. (2005, February 20). Chris Campion on Metal’s maddest: Mayhem. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/feb/20/popandrock4

Godfrey, A. (2019, March 22). “before you know it, it’s not a big deal to kill a man”: Norwegian Black Metal’s murderous past. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/22/before-you-know-it-its-not-a-big-deal-to-kill-a-man-norwegian-black-metals-murderous-past#:~:text=It%20has%20been%2011%20years,Varg%20Vikernes%2C%20AKA%20Count%20Grishnackh.

Heavy Consequence Staff. (2019, October 15). Mayhem’s Necrobutcher: I was on my way to kill euronymous myself. Consequence. https://consequence.net/2019/10/mayhem-necrobutcher-euronymous/

Monger, C. (n.d.). AllMusic is being updated.: Music Search, recommendations, videos and reviews. AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mayhem-mn0000335302#biography

Moynihan, Michael; Søderlind, Didrik (2003) [1998]. Lords of Chaos (2nd ed.). Feral House. ISBN 0-922915-94-6.

Mythic Imaginatio. (2022, February 5). Timeline of churches burned in Norway. Black Metal Chronology. https://blackdeathmetalhistory.wordpress.com/2022/02/05/timeline-of-churches-burned-in-norway/

Deburke321. (2020, July 12). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv2P1uxvlLs

Documentaries and films

• Det svarte alvor (1994), aired on Norwegian TV by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK).

In part one of this wild two-parter episode, we dive into the shadowy world of Norwegian black metal- a music scene that transcended mere sound to become a notorious subculture known for its aggressive music with dark, philosophical, and anti-religious ideologies. This chaotic story begins with the notorious and influential history of Mayhem, the band that laid the foundation for Norway’s black metal scene. The band members comprised of aliases like ‘Euronymous’, ‘Hellhammer’, and ‘Necrobutcher’, ‘Count Grishnackh’, along with others, together became a symbol of extreme ideology, shocking events, and underground rebellion. Most notably, is the tragic and disturbing death of Mayhem’s lead singer Per "Dead" Ohlin, the enigmatic frontman of Mayhem whose life and untimely death left an indelible mark on the Norwegian black metal scene. Dead’s obsession with death, the macabre events leading up to his passing, and the dark aftermath involving band members all contribute to a story that is as haunting as it was influential; forever changing the landscape of extreme music. As Mayhem’s notoriety grew, so did the lines between art and real-life violence, including arson, murder, and chaos. Don your corpse paint and join us as we uncover the myth, the music, and the madness behind Norwegian black metal.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 

Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References:

Cameron, Dr. J. A. (2023, October 13). Black Metal Church burnings: A historical view. Stained Glass Attitudes. https://stainedglassattitudes.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/black-metal-church-burnings-a-historical-view/

Campion, C. (2005, February 20). Chris Campion on Metal’s maddest: Mayhem. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/feb/20/popandrock4

Godfrey, A. (2019, March 22). “before you know it, it’s not a big deal to kill a man”: Norwegian Black Metal’s murderous past. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/22/before-you-know-it-its-not-a-big-deal-to-kill-a-man-norwegian-black-metals-murderous-past#:~:text=It%20has%20been%2011%20years,Varg%20Vikernes%2C%20AKA%20Count%20Grishnackh.

Heavy Consequence Staff. (2019, October 15). Mayhem’s Necrobutcher: I was on my way to kill euronymous myself. Consequence. https://consequence.net/2019/10/mayhem-necrobutcher-euronymous/

Monger, C. (n.d.). AllMusic is being updated.: Music Search, recommendations, videos and reviews. AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mayhem-mn0000335302#biography

Moynihan, Michael; Søderlind, Didrik (2003) [1998]. Lords of Chaos (2nd ed.). Feral House. ISBN 0-922915-94-6.

Mythic Imaginatio. (2022, February 5). Timeline of churches burned in Norway. Black Metal Chronology. https://blackdeathmetalhistory.wordpress.com/2022/02/05/timeline-of-churches-burned-in-norway/

Deburke321. (2020, July 12). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv2P1uxvlLs

Documentaries and films

• Det svarte alvor (1994), aired on Norwegian TV by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK).