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    Creepy History

    These are the creepy and weird stories that make history great, the ones you wish they taught you in school. Unexplained phenomenon, real life zombies, bank robbers dressed like Santa, haunted dolls, spontaneous human combustion... it's all here. Every week we tell two stories, plus share a creepy cocktail. Join us and dive into the weird and creepy stories you love to hear! New episodes every Thursday. Hosted by Fraser & Jennifer Coffeen. Twitter: @CreepyHist Instagram: @CreepyHistPod
    en-us31 Episodes

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    Episodes (31)

    3.7 - The Brides in the Bath and the Rosenhan Experiment

    3.7 - The Brides in the Bath and the Rosenhan Experiment

    Today's creepy tales start off with Jen's account of George Joseph Smith, and his rather ominously named "brides in the bath". Don't listen to this one before your bath! Then Fraser takes us inside a 1970's social experiment titled The Rosenhan Experiment, with a bit of a twist at the end. For our cocktail, we are embracing the  fall season with a nice Brandy Alexander. Pour yourself one and join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Brandy Alexander
    1 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao
    1 oz. Cream
    1 oz. Brandy
    Pour into a shaker with ice and shake
    Strain into a glass
    Top with nutmeg (freshly grated if you can find it)
    Enjoy!


    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    3.6 - The Sleeping Sickness and Whatever Happened to Lord Lucan

    3.6 - The Sleeping Sickness and Whatever Happened to Lord Lucan

    Get cozy from some disturbing tales for the fall season. Starting us off is Fraser's story of the sleeping sickness that swept through Europe. Then Jen has a classic tale of mysterious murder titled Whatever Happened to Lord Lucan?  For our cocktail this week, we warm things up with the Hot Buttered Rum. Pour yourself one, get close to the fire place, and join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Hot Buttered Rum
    2 t Brown Sugar
    1 T Unsalted Butter (softened)
    1 splash Vanilla
    1 dash Cinnamon
    1 dash Nutmeg
    1 dash Allspice
    2 oz. Dark Rum
    4 oz Hot (not boiling) Water
    Put everything except the rum and water in a mug and muddle
    Pour in rum
    Pour in water
    Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick
    Enjoy!


    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)


    3.5 - The Bennington Triangle & Michael Taylor

    3.5 - The Bennington Triangle & Michael Taylor

    This episode, Jen starts off with the mysterious and unsolved disappearances surrounding the Bennington Triangle. Yes, Bennington Triangle. Then Fraser dips into the world of demons and exorcisms with the Michael Taylor murder.  For our cocktail this week, it's the Exorcist - a perfect drink to keep that Halloween spirit going just a bit longer. Join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Exorcist Cocktail
    1 1/2 oz. Tequila
    3/4 oz. Blue Curacao
    3/4 oz. Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
    Pour everything into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass with ice.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    3.4 - Carl Tanzler's Corpse Bride and The Witchfinder General

    3.4 - Carl Tanzler's Corpse Bride and The Witchfinder General

    It's the third annual Creepy History Halloween episode! Get in the spirit of the season with Jen's truly disturbing tale of Carl Tanzler and his corpse bride, followed by Fraser taking us back to the days of witch-mania with Matthew Hopkins, The Witchfinder General. Our cocktail this week is a sloe gin fizz, so pour yourself one and come join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Sloe Gin Fizz
    2 oz. Sloe Gin
    1 oz. Lemon Juice
    3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
    1 Egg White
    Prosecco
    Pour sloe gin/lemon/syrup/egg into a shaker without ice
    Shake
    Add ice and shake again
    Strain into a glass with ice
    Top with prosecco
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    3.3 - The King of Quacks and Ravenser Odd

    3.3 - The King of Quacks and Ravenser Odd

    Halloween draws ever nearer, so what better time to curl up with a little Creepy History? Jen starts off with the mysterious tale of The King of Quacks, before Fraser takes us to the forgotten land of Ravenser Odd. Our cocktail this week is the classic Gimlet, so pour yourself one and come join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Blood Orange Bourbon Sour
    2 1/2 oz. Gin
    1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
    1/2 oz. Lime Juice
    Pour all into a shaker with ice
    Shake, and strain into a glass with ice
    Garnish with a lime slice
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    3.2 - Elizabeth Bathory & The Kentucky Meat Shower

    3.2 - Elizabeth Bathory & The Kentucky Meat Shower

    It's fall, and season 3 rolls on. After a brief debate on the history of creepy train movies, Fraser starts this week with the true story of The Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory, who may or may not be the most prolific serial killer in history. Then Jen gets weird with the Kentucky Meat Shower, which is one you should just listen to and will leave you scratching your head. The cocktail this week is the Blood Orange Bourbon Sour, so pour yourself some blood (sort of) and come join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Blood Orange Bourbon Sour
    1 oz. Blood Orange Juice
    2 oz. Bourbon
    1 oz. Simple Syrup
    1 oz. Lemon Juice
    1/2 oz. Lime Juice
    Pour all into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass with ice.
    Garnish with a cherry and slice of blood orange.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    3.1 - The Impossible Murder & The Colorado Cannibal

    3.1 - The Impossible Murder & The Colorado Cannibal
    Season 3 is upon us, and we missed you dear listeners. To kick off the season, Jen takes the lead and tells us about the 1930's murder of Julia Wallace, known in crime circles as The Impossible Murder. Then, Fraser has the truly weird tale of Alferd Packer (Alfred? Maybe?), aka The Colorado Cannibal. For our cocktail this week, it's a White Russian riff known as the Colorado Bulldog. Pour yourself one, and join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Colorado Bulldog
    1 oz. Vodka
    1 oz. Kahlua
    1 oz. Whole Milk
    1-2 oz. Coke
    Pour everything except the coke into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass with ice.
    Pour the coke in. "Pour in slowly to avoid curdling."
    Stir.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.11 - Vlad Dracula & The Trick or Treat Murder

    2.11 - Vlad Dracula & The Trick or Treat Murder

    Happy creepy Halloween! Time to celebrate your favorite holiday and ours with two Halloween themed tales. Fraser starts things off with the true story of a man you might have heard of: Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula. You may think you you know his story, but the truth is more complicated than you think. Then, Jen takes us to Halloween night 1957 for the weird tale of the Trick or Treat Murders. For our cocktail this week, it's a bloody New York Sour. Dig into that candy bag, pour yourself a cocktail, and join us!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    New York Sour
    2 oz. Bourbon
    1 oz. Lemon Juice
    1/2 oz. Maple Syrup
    1 oz. Red Wine
    Pour everything except the wine into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass with ice.
    Pour the wine in over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top.
    Garnish with a lemon twist.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.10 - The Ring Story & The Werewolf of Ansbach

    2.10 - The Ring Story & The Werewolf of Ansbach

    We are leaning into the Halloween spirit with a pair of extra creepy tales this week. Up first is Jen as she continues her theme of the true stories behind your favorite scary movies. This week: The Ring (or Ringu for you fellow J-Horror purists). Then, Fraser tells us all about the macabre Werewolf of Ansbach - with bonus werewolf tales for good measure. Our drink is a Between the Sheets, so mix one up and join us! 

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Between the Sheets
    1 oz. Cognac
    1 oz. White Rum
    1 oz. Triple Sec
    1/4 oz. Lemon Juice
    Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a glass.
    Garnish with an orange twist.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.9 - The Altamont Concert Disaster & The True Story of Jaws

    2.9 - The Altamont Concert Disaster & The True Story of Jaws

    It's the Halloween season, and to get in the spirit, we've got some creepy tales for you. First up, Fraser takes us back to the 60's for a tale of murder and some seriously bad vibes at the free Rolling Stones concert at Altamont. Then, Jen reminds you to stay out of the water with the true stories that helped inspire Jaws. Our drink this week is Mick Jagger's personal favorite: the tequila sunrise. Fix one up and enjoy!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Tequila Sunrise
    1 1.2 oz. Tequila
    3/4 oz. Orange Juice
    3/4 oz. Grenadine
    Pour the tequila and OJ in a glass over ice. Stir.
    Add the grenadine by pouring in over the back of a spoon.
    Garnish with orange slice and cherry.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.8 - Burke and Hare & Eva Peron's Body

    2.8 - Burke and Hare & Eva Peron's Body

    We're back! And we missed you. Creepy History returns with new episodes every Thursday. This week, Jen starts us off with one of her all-time favorite party stories: famous body-snatchers Burke & Hare. Then Fraser tells of the twisted and weird journey of the corpse of Eva Peron. For our cocktail, it's the unofficial drink of Argentina, the Fernet con coca! Spoiler: it's... well, it's a thing.  Join us, pour yourself some fernet, and see what you think!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Fernet con Coca
    2 oz. Fernet
    6 oz. Coke
    Just pour over ice and stir. That's it. 
    Enjoy?

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.7 - Sawney Bean & The Girl Who Died Twice

    2.7 - Sawney Bean & The Girl Who Died Twice

    This week, Fraser takes us back to the caves of Scotland for the... true story? Legend? The STORY of Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean, and his cave-dwelling brood. Then Jen digs into the world of premature burial with the sad story of Rufina Cambaceres, the girl who died twice.  For our cocktail we have the eggnog-esque Atholl Brose. Make yourself some oat water and enjoy!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Atholl Brose Recipe
    2 spoons Honey
    1 1/3 oz Scotch
    1 oz Oat Water
    1/6 oz Drambuie
    1/6 oz Amaretto
    1/3 oz Half and Half
    To make the oat water, put 3 T oatmeal in half a mug of hot water. Let sit for 15 minutes, then strain and reserve the liquid.
    Put honey, scotch, and ice in a shaker. Stir together until honey is dissolved.
    Add all other ingredients to shaker.
    Shake to mix. Strain into a glass with no ice.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.6 - King Tut's Curse & Early Medical Malpractice

    2.6 - King Tut's Curse & Early Medical Malpractice

    This week, Jen kicks things off by telling us the facts behind the curse of King Tut's tomb - we'll leave you to decide if the curse is real or not. Then Fraser takes us to 18th century London for a look at the not very sanitary state of surgery at that time, and a famously botched stone removal. For our cocktail, we have the light and refreshing sherry cobbler. Perfect for summer! Pour yourself a glass, sit back and enjoy.

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Sherry Cobbler Recipe
    4 oz Sherry
    0.5 oz simple syrup
    3 orange slices
    Fresh seasonal berries, mint, and more orange slices to garnish
    Add sherry, syrup, orange slices, and ice to a shaker. Mix.
    Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice (seriously, FILLED)
    Add berries, orange, and mint to garnish. Serve with a straw.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.5 - The Death of Poe & Mary Toft and Her Rabbits

    2.5 - The Death of Poe & Mary Toft and Her Rabbits

    If you're like us and you just can't get enough Poe, no worries! We've got you covered as Fraser details the unexplained mystery of the Death of Edgar Allan Poe. After that, Jen brings us what might be our weirdest story to date: Mary Toft, also known as the woman who gave birth to rabbits. Yes, rabbits. Get ready for this one. For our cocktail we bring you the classic Sidecar. Pour yourself one and enjoy!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Sidecar Recipe
    1.5 oz Cognac
    0.5 oz Cointreau
    0.5 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
    Sugar for the rim and orange peel twist to garnish
    A note: this is a very alcohol forward drink, so it's worth getting higher quality ingredients.
    Wet the rim of your glass and push rim into sugar to garnish.
    Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass without ice.
    Add orange twist to garnish.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)  

    2.4 - Edgar Allan Poe & The Mignonette and The Dyatlov Pass Incident

    2.4 - Edgar Allan Poe & The Mignonette and The Dyatlov Pass Incident

    It's all very X-Files this week, with a pair of unexplained mysteries. Jen is up first with an intriguing question: did Edgar Allen Poe's Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym predict the future? Hear the strange case of The Mignonette and decide for yourself. Then Fraser tells us the Russian tale of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, and how the team behind Frozen (yes, Frozen) helped solve the mystery. The cocktail this week is a fun one - the Harvey Wallbanger. Buy that giant bottle of Galliano and enjoy!

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Harvey Wallbanger Recipe
    1.5 oz Vodka
    4 oz Orange Juice freshly squeezed
    0.5 oz Galliano
    1/2 lime freshly squeezed
    Orange slice and cherry to garnish
    Mix vodka and OJ in a glass with ice.
    Pour in the galliano over the back of a spoon.
    Garnish.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.3 - The Jonestown Massacre and The Soap-Maker of Correggio

    2.3 - The Jonestown Massacre and The Soap-Maker of Correggio

    Welcome to episode 3 as we tackle some of our most intense stories to date. First, Fraser tells us about Timothy Stoen and how his battle for custody led to the tragic Jonestown Massacre. Then Jen lightens things up with the gruesome serial killer Leonard Cianciulli, better known as the Soap-Maker of Correggio. Have an amaretto stone sour and get ready for this one! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Amaretto Stone Sour Recipe
    1.5 oz amaretto
    1.5 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
    1.5 oz sweet & sour mix
    Orange slice and cherry to garnish

    • Start by making the sweet & sour mix. To do so, combine 1 part sugar, 1 part water, 1 part fresh lime, 2 parts fresh lemon. Mix together, heat to boiling, stir until dissolved, and let cool completely.
    • Stir all ingredients into a glass and add ice
    • Add garnish to top

    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.2 - The Disappearance of Percy Fawcett and the Lost Roanoke Colony pt. 2

    2.2 - The Disappearance of Percy Fawcett and the Lost Roanoke Colony pt. 2

    It's an episode of disappearances here. First Jen takes us into South America with Percy Fawcett... never to return. Then Fraser returns to colonial America to wrap up the story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. For this week's Creepy Cocktail, we present another favorite of the American colonial days - the Stone Fence. Or more specifically, Martha Stewart's Apple Brandy and Cider, which is a sort of riff on the Stone Fence. Drink up! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    "Stone Fence" Recipe
    4 oz Apple Cider
    4 oz Applejack
    1 oz dry vermouth
    2-3 dashes orange bitters
    Orange twist for garnish
    Combine ingredients in a shaker over ice and shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Add twist to garnish.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    2.1 - The Roanoke Colony part 1 and Lady Con Artists

    2.1 - The Roanoke Colony part 1 and Lady Con Artists

    We are back for season 2! And yes, we missed you. To kick off our second season, Fraser presents part one of a two-parter looking at the lost Roanoke Colony, while Jennifer tells us the tale of three notorious female con artists, or, as Jen preferes, "lady con artists." All that, plus a Rattle-Skull to drink and to, well, rattle your skull. Join us! Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Rattle-Skull Recipe
    12 oz Porter
    1.5 oz Dark Rum
    3/4 oz Fresh Lime
    1/2 oz Brown Sugar Syrup
    Nutmeg to garnish
    To prepare the syrup, combine 2 parts brown sugar and 3 parts water in a small pot. Bring to boiling and stir for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until sugar is all dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.
    To serve, add porter to a glass, pour in other ingredients and stir gently. Add nutmeg to the top.
    Personal recommendation: skip the lime. If you want to go traditional, include it. But if you want an actually palatable drink, omit.
    Enjoy!

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    Creepy Short - Necropants

    Creepy Short - Necropants

    One word: Necropants. Join us for this special short episode as Jen tells us the story of Icelandic sorcery and necropants. Be warned: they are totally gross and weird. And gross. Catch up on season 1 now, and stay tuned for more special short episodes before season 2 debuts in March.

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)

    1.10 - Krampus and the Santa Claus Bank Robbery

    1.10 - Krampus and the Santa Claus Bank Robbery

    It's the holiday season, and Creepy History is wrapping up Season 1 with two creepy takes on Christmas. First up, Fraser tells us the origins and mythology behind Santa's creepy, evil assistant Krampus. Then, Jen takes us to Texas for the Santa Claus Bank Robbery and one of the wildest capers you will ever hear about. For today's Creepy Cocktail: Eggnog. And not just any Eggnog, it's the traditional Coffeen family Eggnog. Drink up, listen up, and be nice so Krampus doesn't stuff you in his sack.

    Follow us on social media: Twitter @CreepyHist and Instagram @CreepyHistPod.

    Eggnog Recipe
    6 eggs, whites and yolks separated*
    Beat whites until stiff
    Add 1 c powdered sugar to whites
    In separate bowl, whip yolks until frothy (a lot!)
    Fold whites into yolks
    Gently stir in:
    1 pt. whiskey**
    1 c. white rum**
    1 pt. milk
    1 pt. cream (or half and half)
    Stir all together in a punch bowl.
    Serve in individual glasses, and sprinkle on nutmeg.
    Enjoy!
    *Yes, you're eating raw eggs. No, it's not exactly safe. Consume at your own risk.
    **OK, I'm just giving you the recipe here, but let's be honest, this is a LOT of booze. I typically half this, and then adjust to taste.

    Credits:
    Fraser Coffeen (Twitter @FCoffeen)
    Jennifer Coffeen (Twitter @JenCoffeen)
    Music by Fraser and Charlie Coffeen (Instagram @CharliesKeys)