That's Disturbing - True Crime Podcast

The real cost of a broken education system. Our interview with investigative journalist and author Chris Papst explores his powerful book. Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Public Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future. Chris shares what led him to investigate the Baltimore school system, the eye-opening findings from his research, and the real stories behind the data. We talk abo...

In Part 1 of our deep dive into the infamous Texas Cadet Murder, we begin with the life and tragic death of 16 year old Adrianne Jones, whose 1995 murder in Texas would eventually become one of the most shocking true crime cases of the decade. Who was Adrianne? What happened on the night she disappeared? And how did investigators begin piecing together a case that initially left more questions ...

Dorothy Stratten had everything Hollywood promised: beauty, fame, a Playboy Playmate of the Year title, and a career that seemed ready to explode. But behind the glamorous photoshoots and rising celebrity was a relationship marked by jealousy, control, and obsession. In this episode of That’s Disturbing, Daphne and Gayle dive into the true crime story of Dorothy Stratten, her rapid rise from a ...

In this episode of That’s Disturbing, Daphne and Gayle are diving into James Dean’s infamous Porsche 550 Spyder, better known as Little Bastard, and the seriously creepy legend that followed it after Dean’s fatal crash in 1955. So buckle up, because this one has Hollywood, tragedy, a possibly cursed car, and just enough weirdness to make you never look at a vintage Porsche the same way again. A...

In this episode of That’s Disturbing, Daphne and Gayle sit down with author Mark Mustian to talk about his novel The Boy With Wings, a story that blends history, memory, mystery, and the darker corners of human experience. Mark takes us behind the inspiration for the book, the real history woven throughout the story, and the characters and ideas that brought it to life. We also talk about the s...

For months, Dorothy Jane Scott received terrifying phone calls from an unidentified stalker who seemed to know her every move. Then, on May 28, 1980, Dorothy vanished from a hospital parking lot while helping a sick coworker, and her abandoned car was later found burning nearby. Years after her disappearance, Dorothy’s remains were discovered, but her killer was never identified. Even more dist...

In this episode, we sit down with author Barry Maher to discuss his wildly original book, The Great Dick and the Dysfunctional Demon. We dive into the strange mysteries, dysfunctional characters, dark humor, and unexpected chaos behind the story we get the inside scoop on what inspired Barry to create a world that is equal parts bizarre, clever, and completely unforgettable. From demonic disast...

Black Sam Bellamy wasn’t your average pirate. Known as the “Robin Hood of the Sea,” he was charming, stylish, surprisingly merciful, and also responsible for capturing more than 50 ships before meeting a very dramatic end aboard the Whydah. In this episode, we’re diving into the true crime, strange mysteries, and legendary love story surrounding one of history’s most successful pirates, because...

In this episode of That's Disturbing, we're diving into one of the most baffling missing person cases we've ever covered: the story of Hannah Upp, a woman who disappeared under incredibly unusual circumstances not once, not twice, but three separate times. From surviving mysterious disappearances to later vanishing without a trace, Hannah's case has left investigators, friends, and family searc...

This week, we’re stepping into the seriously unsettling world of haunted paintings apparently, even wall decor can have issues. Inspired by an episode of Supernatural, because of course it is! We’re diving into creepy stories of mysterious paintings, cursed artwork, and portraits rumored to bring bad luck, strange energy, and full-blown nightmare behavior to anyone who owns them. Because appare...

In Part 2 of our Black Dahlia deep dive, we’re getting into the chaos after Elizabeth Short’s murder: the letters, the package of her belongings, the suspects, the theories, and the disturbing way the press turned Beth into a scandal instead of a victim. From Mark Hansen and Marvin Margolis to George Hodel, Leslie Dillon, the Zodiac connection, and the rumors about her sexuality, this case beco...

Deep inside Central Park’s winding, woodsy Ramble once hid a little cave with a big reputation and trust us, she was not just sitting there being cute and geological. Known as Ramble Cave, or sometimes Indian Cave, this hidden Central Park spot started as a mysterious little feature tucked into the park’s romantic design. But over time? Oh, she got weird. Dark corners, crime, creepy city legend...

The Black Dahlia is one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history, but how much of what you've heard is actually true? In Part 1 of our deep dive into the Black Dahlia case, we separate fact from fiction as we explore the life of Elizabeth Short, the young woman behind the headlines. Long before the world knew her as the Black Dahlia, Elizabeth was a daughter, a dreamer, and a w...

Heard of the Lead Mask Mystery? Us either, here it is short and unsolved but here it is.

This week on That's Disturbing, we're joined by award-winning investigative journalist, producer, and television creator Rob Rosen for a fascinating conversation that dives into true crime, wrongful convictions, paranormal investigations, and the media's role in shaping public perception. Rob is the creator and showrunner behind Reasonable Doubt, the groundbreaking true crime series that helpe...

This week on That’s Disturbing, mother-daughter duo Gayle and Daphne dive into one of the most infamous paranormal cases in history: the Enfield Poltergeist. What started as strange knocking sounds inside a small council house in England quickly spiraled into claims of flying furniture, levitation, growling demon voices, and terrifying paranormal encounters that would shock the world for decade...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into two of Appalachia’s creepiest stories: the disturbing Delilah McKenna creepypasta that’s been haunting the internet and the terrifying legend of Mothman. From glowing red eyes lurking over isolated roads to eerie Appalachian folklore that feels way too real, these stories have taken on lives of their own. We spiral into the unsettling story of Delilah Mc...

This week we’re diving into the bloody history of Poveglia, the infamous paranormal island near Venice that’s been called one of the most haunted places in the world. From plague victims dumped into mass graves, to abandoned asylum horrors, to terrifying ghost sightings and paranormal legends, this place honestly feels cursed. We also get into the creepy “vampire” burials discovered on the isla...

Before modern dating apps, there were “lonely hearts” ads, and one man used them to lure women to their deaths. Harry Powers, often called the Bluebeard Killer, was one of America’s first known serial killers. In the early 1930s, he targeted widows and vulnerable women through personal ads, promising marriage, stability, and a new life. Instead, he brought them to his property in Quiet Dell, We...

This week’s episode? Oh, just a light little story about mass child trafficking in America 😃 Buckle up & definitely grab the kleenex. We’re diving into the case of Georgia Tann the woman who didn’t just run an adoption agency… she basically built a whole black market baby pipeline and got away with it for years. Like, years years. Corruption is an understatment. We break down how the Georgia Ta...

Mirjana Puhar was a 19-year-old model who had just appeared on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21. After surviving war in Serbia and building a new life in the United States, she was just beginning her career when everything took a devastating turn. In February 2015, Mirjana Puhar was murdered in a triple homicide inside a Charlotte, North Carolina home, part of a larger 48-hour killing spree ti...

Think the Wild West was all cowboys and gold rush dreams? Think again. In this episode of we are diving into the chilling true crime story of the Bloody Espinosas often called Colorado’s first serial killers. Felipe and Vivian Espinosa carried out a brutal killing spree across the Colorado Territory, leaving fear and mystery in their wake. We break down the Espinosa murders, their possible moti...

In this episode of That’s Disturbing, we explore real cases of children who claim to remember past lives. Around the world, some kids have described previous families, homes, and events they seemingly had no way of knowing. We break down a few of the most well-known reincarnation cases involving children and the research that has investigated these unusual memories. Could these stories point to...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most controversial true crime cases in America, the story of Darlie Routier, a Texas mother convicted of brutally murdering her sons in 1996. The case shocked the nation after a viral graveside video showed Darlie spraying Silly String and laughing just days after the murders, footage prosecutors used to portray her as a heartless killer. But was the pub...

In this episode of That’s Disturbing, we break down the shocking murder of Merlin Santana, the young actor gunned down in Los Angeles after a false accusation spiraled into deadly revenge. What started as a lie became a setup. What should have been a confrontation became an execution. We unpack the timeline, the motive, and the disturbing chain reaction that ended in murder. Because sometimes… ...

In this episode, we’re talking about the self proclaimed Coast to Coast Killer, Tommy Lynn Sells, a man who drifted across the United States leaving absolute chaos behind him. No victim type. No consistent method. No warning. Just violence, randomness, and fear stretching from one coast to the other, or so he said. Gayle breaks down how Sells managed to evade capture for years, the disturbing d...

If you’re into real possession stories, historic paranormal cases, and unexplained mysteries that still don’t have answers, this one is for you. Listen while Daphne tells us about America’s most chilling true paranormal story, blurring the line between science, belief, and the unexplained. In this episode, we dive into the Watseka Wonder, one of the most famous and disturbing possession cases i...

Step into postwar Canada’s most jaw-dropping true crime scandal as we unpack the twisted tale of Evelyn Dick, the housewife-turned-headline who shocked Hamilton, Ontario and the world. In this episode, Daphne dives headfirst into the Evelyn Dick murder case—a story packed with dismemberment, courtroom drama, and suspicious lovers Was Evelyn Dick a cold-blooded killer, a master manipulator, or a...

New Orleans is still one of the most vampire-obsessed cities in the world. What’s real? What’s just a story? And why do these legends refuse to die? In this episode, we talk about where New Orleans vampire myths actually came from—and why they’ve lasted so long. Daphne breaks down the story of an ageless vampire said to span centuries and continents, the legend of the Casket Girls, and how real...

Let’s dive into one of the most chilling cases in true crime. The charming photographer who appeared on The Dating Game while hiding one of the darkest criminal histories in America. In this episode we will unravel the darkness surrounding “The Dating Game Killer” Rodney Alcala—piecing together the secrets, the victims, and the chilling gaps that still haunt the case. https://abcnews.go.com/U...

If you’ve ever looked back at your teenage years and thought, “Wow, life was messy… but at least we all made it out,” the Clear Lake murders will hit you right in the chest. It’s one of those stories that sticks, not because of the violence alone, but because of how deeply human—and deeply tragic—it really was. https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/viewDetail.action?sid=07188577 https://en...

Think the Biltmore Estate is just a fancy mansion with pretty gardens? Think again. We are going to peel back the velvet curtains on America’s biggest home. Join us as we sip some imaginary champagne with George and Edith Vanderbilt, spill the tea on their Gilded Age drama, and poke around the halls where ghosts supposedly still throw parties. From hidden passages and mysterious deaths to the w...

Do you want to build a nightmare? You've heard of Let It Go... but what if Elsa refused to? In this episode, we dive into the viral haunted Elsa doll that wouldn't stop singing, wouldn't stay gone, and honestly-might be one of the creepiest modern-day hauntings out there. From strange returns to unexplainable behavior, this is one toy that definitely didn't come to play. https://www.esquire.com...

Hey there, ghost story enthusiasts! 👻 Welcome to "The Greenbrier Ghost," where Daphne will delve into the haunting tale of Zona Heaster Shue, a ghost who took justice into her own hands—or should we say, her own spirit? If you love true crime, paranormal tales, or just a good mystery, you won’t want to miss this one! Join us on this captivating journey as we uncover how the Greenbrier Ghost bro...

In the quiet hills of Central City, Colorado, lies one of the states most haunted cemeteries-and a dark legacy forged in the nearby Gold Rush mines. In this chilling episode Daphne and Gayle talk about mining disasters, tragic love tales and ghost stories. From fatal mining accidents to the Lady of the Columbines, every grave tells a story of greed, grief, and lingering spirits. If you want to ...

We need a break from murder and death. Although even in legends and mythology you still get murder and death but, it's a little less gut wrenching. Daphne did this great episode on Sirens. It's full of history, mystery, legends and myths, from all over the world.If you want more on Sirens, Daphne will bring us all the scary stories. Being the start of spooky season that's what we need. SCARY, S...

Wrapping up this sad case. We hate an unsolved. There should always be justice for the victims and their families. In the second part we look into the man who claimed to be responsible for 11 of the 30+ victims found in the area known as the Texas Killing Fields. This guy at very least is total POS but probably is responsible for some of the killings. https://txtruecrimeblog.com/blog-archive/e...

This one sucks a lot. It is super sad and there's no resolution. WE LOVE THAT (not really)!!! The Texas Killing Fields is a big case with a lot of victims. In this episode we will focus on what was known as "The Eleven" it's a chunk of a what is definitely a much bigger s%#t show. This chunk is plenty to digest. Inspite of the awful and tragic story we hope you enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/...

So this one is super creepy. Our apologies, we had one of our dogs with us while we were recording and she's very loud lots of snorting and snoring happening. Then Daphne creeped me the f*&^k out and I lit some sage and the sage popped off like I've never seen sage pop off and we had to evacuate the recording space or risk dying of smoke inhalation. So this one ends abruptly. None the less GREA...

This is the one that over 100 years later is still up for debate. Roscoe Arbuckle and couple of his friends threw a party that would untimately lead to the death of Virginia Rappe and change Arbuckle's life forever. Alcohol, sex and fame make for great headlines. No exception here, during prohibition people still did as they always had, the taboo lifestyles of the rich and famous facinate the m...

In this episode, Gayle discusses the chilling 1964 murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner in Mississippi. What began as a search for justice turned into a symbol of hatred, cover-ups, and the long-term resilience of the civil rights movement. We unravel the timeline, the conspiracy, and the legacy left behind of these brave men against a cruel world....

Daphne fills us in on the sad conclusion of the life of Lloyd Avery II. From a life of privilege and opportunity to a downward spiral that ended in tragedy. We hope you enjoy... as much as you can while we discuss sadness and murder. https://www.10minutemurder.com/blog/the-real-story-behind-boyz-n-the-hoods-most-memorable-villain/ ID Death by Fame: S1 E6 “Life Imitates Art” https://www.thetru...

Lloyd Avery II was a good kid from a good neighborhood with a good family. One day he got cast in a very famous movie by his friend and this role totally changed his life, so much so he became the real life Knucklehead #2. Consumed by the streets of South Central LA and the allure of gang life, this is just the beginning of Jailbird's story, catch Part 2 for the rest!

Here we go again with two more wild stories from two states. First, we head to Arizona for the story of Slaughter House Canyon, the creepy legend that started back in the 1800's and has continued to live on. Then, to Alabama to hear the history of Maple Hill Cemetery and "The Dead Chilldren's Playground." This part of the episode is all based in fact which I think makes it all the more interest...

This apartment complex is as oppulent as it is eerie. It is situated in Manhattan's Upper West Side, with a view of Central Park, and has had famous residents such as John Lennon, Judy Garland, and Rosemary Clooney. If you're lucky enough to get a tour of the building, we hope you don't see the "creepy ghost"... but if you do, please do report back! And don't be one of those a**holes that creep...

So this one is really interesting. Daphne gives us an update on the infamous Alcatraz Escape from June of 1962. Pretty cool that there is new information about this escape by Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin. Who would have thought that after all these years there could be any more to report... but there is! It's funny how when you look for one thing it can lead you into somet...

I didn't know too many details about this one. Of course I'd heard about it like everyone else. When you dig into the facts it's about as crazy as you'd think... maybe even a little bit more. Some of the information is downright disturbing. Hope you enjoy. https://maamodt.asp.radford.edu/psyc%20405/serial%20killers/gein,%20ed.pdf https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ed-Gein https://allthatsinte...

In this one we travel back back in time and try to unravel the the mystery of the creepy slumber party "game" Bloody Mary. After a lot of research and deligent searching I was really not sold on the answer or at least what I found as to the actual inspiration for the "game". What I did find though was very interesting and of course disturbing. https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-story-...

Daphne takes us back to the quest for innocence for Johnny Frank Garrett who was put to death for the murder of Sister Tadea Benz. Another really bad case of the justice system just deciding what they think, selecting the evidence they present and calling it a day... super messed up! Daphne thank you for ALL your research into this and hopefully one day justice will truly be served, but we all ...

Why are they always so depressing... Daphne does not break the trend or disappoint with this case. The justice or injustice in the murder of Sister Tadea Benz, does not serve her or the man accused. https://murderpedia.org/male.G/g1/garret-johnny-frank.htm https://www.spreaker.com/episode/thou-shalt-not-kill-the-unholy-murder-of-sister-tadea-benz--51664340 https://www.newschannel10.com/story...