The Morbid Curiosity Podcast

A history podcast for the morbidly curious. From serial killers to ghosts, ancient remains to obscure medical conditions, let us satisfy your curiosity.

(Some episodes may not be appropriate for children. Listener discretion is advised.)

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100 episodes
Updated July 5

Episodes100

Newest first

July 5 · 30 min
Plants That Light
Glowing plants and mushrooms are a staple of science fiction and fantasy environments, but did you know these fantastical elements are based on real organisms? This episode should be called glowing non-animal organisms but that doesn't really roll off the tongue. We discuss fungi, moss, algae and plants that glow, using bioluminescence and other unique mechanisms.
May 29 · 33 min
Escaping the Spanish Inquisition
CW: Discussions of Religious persecution, and brief descriptions of torture, execution, and abduction. This episode also discusses an area that is currently experiencing violent political strife. During the Spanish Inquisition, an era of intense persecution of the Jewish communities of Europe, one woman was able to provide shelter and escape to hundreds of Jewish people fleeing persecution. Her name was Doña Gracia Mendes Nasi. Using her vast fortune, intelligence and cunning, she was able to make her own escape, and then assist others in the Jewish community fleeing from the Inquisition.
April 29 · 32 min
The Bunyip
Water demands respect - it's life-giving, but also extremely dangerous. It's no wonder that tales of dangerous water creatures exist in cultures all over the world and throughout time. One such creature is the Bunyip, whose origins lie with multiple ancient oral traditions of Australian First Peoples. In this episode, we'll discuss these origins, the way the bunyip changed with the arrival of Europeans and after, and the many sightings of this elusive creature.
March 30 · 32 min
Body Farms
CW: Discossions of death, crime scenes, and decompostion Human Taphonomy Facilities, nicknamed Body Farms, are locations where donated human corpses are left to decay in order to study the process of decomposition. This research aids crime scene investigators and forensic anthropologists in determining cause and time of death, both of which can make or break a criminal case. Let's discuss how these facilities came to be and what goes on behind the razor wire fences. Get Ad-Free Episodes: Join the Patreon
February 26 · 33 min
The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation is known as the most haunted hotel in America, hosting a very prominent ghost of an enslaved woman named Chloe. Does the history hold any truth to the stories? Let's discuss! CW: Enslavement, violence, racism and murder.
January 30 · 29 min
Toxic Mushrooms
Mushrooms. So cute. So tasty. So very toxic. Humans have loved and feared mushrooms since before written history. In this episode, Hallie discusses the tumultuous history of this relationship, and a few of the most deadly mushrooms in the world. For patrons of the MCP, this episode is ad-free and extended. Join the MCP Patreon community
Dec 18, 2025 · 26 min
Krampus - The Christmas Demon
Originally posted in Dec. 2022, lets dive back into Krampus. Without much effort, the layers of the Christian holiday of Christmas can be peeled away to reveal its origins in more ancient pagan traditions from across Europe. One of the ancient folkloric characters that has managed to survive by tooth and claw is Krampus. Lets talk about Krampus, the Christmas demon.
Nov 26, 2025 · 30 min
The Valley of Headless Men
The Nahanni region in Canada's Northwest Territories has a nickname - The Valley of Headless Men - because several decapitated bodies have been discovered over the years. Most of these were found during the goldrush and while some suggest foul play, there is also talk of strange beasts and spirits in the valley. Let's explore these legends.
Nov 9, 2025 · 32 min
What's a Clyster? Obsolete Medical Terminology
Originally published for patrons on Jun 28, 2023. Let's take a casual dip into the world of medical terminology: its history, how diseases are named, colloquial names and out of date terms for disease, and fancy words for mundane conditions.
Oct 28, 2025 · 31 min
Dracula: The Myths That Made the Vampire
Vampire folklore is ancient, but with the publishing of Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1897, that lore changed forever. The terrifying, grotesque creature became suave and charming, then continued to evolve into the seductive creature of the night we know today. In this episode we examine that transition, as well as the origin and evolution of Dracula's vampiric powers.
Oct 14, 2025 · 29 min
Baba Yaga
Originally published on Patreon on April 9th, 2025 'Baba Yaga is a powerful witch who terrorizes all who enter the deep forest from her hut on bird's legs, it's fences strung with human bones. In this episode, Hallie discusses her origins, the strange duality of her character, and shares several Baba Yaga folktales.'
Sep 22, 2025 · 32 min
Defended By Disease
Did you know that disease has been used to help people? In this episode we're going to discuss several cases in which disease, or disease research, was utilized to protect people from great harm. All of these cases occurred during World War 2, and were carried out by physicians doing their best to protect those targeted by The Third Reich, also known as the Nazis.
Sep 8, 2025 · 31 min
Fear
Originally published for MCP Patrons of Feb 15, 2025. 'In this episode, Hallie explores the physiological and psychological aspects of fear, how these reactions may have developed in our human past, and how they both benefit and burden us today.'
Aug 25, 2025 · 35 min
Discovering King Tut
In November of 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter discovered an ancient Egyptian royal tomb, the first ever to be found in tact. It belonged to a little known pharaoh named Tutankhamun. This discovery stands as one of the most amazing archaeological finds of all time. But who was Tutankhamun and why was his richly furnished tomb so hidden and so small?
Aug 11, 2025 · 30 min
Head Transplants (MCP Remastered)
Originally released in Apr 24, 2017 with the title 'Getting Ahead in Life' Modern medicine seeks to find ways to ease the struggle for those affected by disease and disability. One of these that went from science fiction to actual scientific possibility is head transplantation, transplanting the head of one individual onto the body of another. This remaster includes more research, better music and higher quality vocals.
Jul 15, 2025 · 40 min
The Salem Witch Trials - Afflicted & Accused
Originally released for Patrons on Sep 26, 2024 In this episode, Hallie dives into the web of social factors that likely drove the Salem Witch trials. The bewitched girls, called the afflicted, were from one faction in town, while the accused were from another. Is this a coincidence? Probably not.
Jul 1, 2025 · 35 min
The History of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures, but throughout history, it was thought to be caused by demonic possession, angry gods and evil spirits. In this episode we discuss what Epilepsy is, and its medical and social history.
Jun 14, 2025 · 33 min
Changing Fortunes: A History of Highgate Cemetery
Originally released for Patrons on Feb 13, 2023. "Highgate cemetery was one of the first large garden cemeteries built during the industrialization of London. Over the years it's had its ups and downs, from being a sought-after luxury cemetery to an abandoned, overgrown haunt of tramps and adolescents. It was even the scene of a possible vampire sighting. In this episode we discuss the history of Highgate."
May 30, 2025 · 31 min
Buried Alive: Taphophobia & Safety Coffins
Between the late 18th and early 20th century, the fear of premature burial was intense. This fear was spurred by both real incidents and magnification of the issue by newspapers and public interest groups. Many inventive ideas arose to deal with the issue, one of which was the security coffin. In this episode we discuss where this fear came from and the many devices created to aid the mistakenly buried.
May 13, 2025 · 36 min
Jack the Ripper: Evidence and Suspects
This episode is part 2 of a 3-part series, originally published on May 18th 2023. "In this episode, we discuss the evidence from the Jack the Ripper case, including, letters, photos, and personal accounts from the Metropolitan and City of London police. We also dive into the many suspects that have been proposed over the years, which range from escaped asylum inmates to royalty."