Episode 15: Secret Codes & Ciphers!

FINALLY! This episode has been a long time in the making. When one views massive, defunct sanitoriums like Waverly Hills, they're often associated with mad scientists performing torturous experiments and angry spirits in the afterlife. That is not, however, the case. Join us as we talk about tuberculosis and why the sanitorium movement was necessary. Also stick around for a history of Waverly Hills Sanitorium followed by a new segment that we like to call The Paranormal Fanny Pack. We'll tell you all about our overnight, private investigation of Waverly Hills and all of the spooky happenings!

Rock and Roll is a musical genre near and dear to the Idiots.  Do you know what actually happened the day the music died? Maybe you heard some 'rumors' about Fleetwood Mac, and you'd like us to clear them up for you! Join us  as we talk about the 27 club, the white lighter theory, and some urban legends and tragedies in the music world. 

Have you ever heard of the Molly Maguires? What about the Battle of Blair Mountain? Strikes, unfair wages, and raging tempers caused war to break out in the coalfields. One thing is for certain: these folks woke up and chose violence. Come and learn some dark history as the Idiots discuss these two (pretty much) wars. 

You wanted dark and terrifying, and we delivered! Mature content warning: the topics discussed in this episode are disturbing and graphic! Join us as we learn about the injustice of the Junko Furuta case, how Edison was a complete jerk, and why you should never take a break during an exorcism. Can Tessa retain her title as the Queen of Dark? Or will Josh or Ty usurp her and take the crown for themselves? Find out in this grim and gory episode!

Ever hear of Jonathan Swift's silver mines? What about hidden golden rabbits and clues within picture books? What about Colonel Benjamin Caudill's gold, or the ultimate quest for Atari glory? Join us as we tell you about some pretty neat treasure hunts and quests throughout time, and maybe even give you a little spoiler as to where we think some of these treasures are hiding!

Let us take you a few steps back in history to Italy under fascism, and the thumb of Mussolini. Come and listen to the stories of bold women like Nina, whom lived through death, war, loss, and great love, and her mother Adelasia (El Capitan), who was one of the greatest midwives Fonzaso, Italy ever saw. The Idiots take a little stop along the way to tell you about fascism, communism, and socialism, and what it was like to be a woman in a time not very friendly to women. In celebration of International Women's Day, we teamed up with author Jennifer Anton to help tell the stories of her grandmothers and discuss her upcoming novel "Under the Light of the Italian Moon". This one goes out to the strong women everywhere!

Ever wonder about the history of libraries? Throughout history, there have been some great libraries, great librarians, and great philanthropists that paved the way for library services worldwide. The Great Library at Alexandria was an ancient wonder of the world, but was destroyed in a fire.... wasn't it?? Andrew Carnegie donated a literal fortune to open public libraries throughout the world. Brave women used to brave the Appalachian landscapes on horseback or mule in order to deliver materials to underserved people. Come learn all about these things and more while we discuss one of our favorite topics: libraries. Also, enjoy a special interview with New York Times bestselling author, Kim Michele Richardson!

Crime doesn't take off on holidays! Listen as Josh and Tessa tell you about some murder cases that happened around the holidays; definitely no silent nights for these unfortunate folks. Also, Tyrell makes him return, and of course hilarity ensues! 

Did you know that historic Coney Island was once home to a sideshow exhibit of premature infants in  life-saving incubators? Ever hear of the Dionne quintuplets, who were conceived and born against all odds before fertility treatments were a thing? The survival of these little ones is nothing short of a miracle, and also a pretty entertaining (and in one case, sad) story. Join Tessa as she ventures solo into the past and tells you all about Dr. Martin Couney and his sideshow babies, and the Dionne Quintuplets.

Kentucky is full of rowdy folks that love to start feuds! Come join us for this episode as we tell you a little about some not-so-famous feuds in American History! From slicking to stealing pocket watches to cartoonish chases through the Appalachians, this episode has got it all (or at least enough to keep you well entertained)!