The Weirdest Thing

SPECIAL EPISODE!!: Frisky Business and the New Mexico Burlesque Festival

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:59:02 -0000

Welcome to a very special episode of The Weirdest Thing Podcast! Burlesque performer and producer Frisky Business joins Amelia and Scotty to talk about the upcoming New Mexico Burlesque Festival (February 12-14 a the historic Kimo Theatre in Albuquerque). Frisky talks about the history of burlesque, discusses their own journey from being a fan to becoming performer, and the three cover topics like inclusivity, rebelliousness, and imagination in this unique art form.

Follow Frisky on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/friskybusinessxo/

For more information on the New Mexico Burlesque festival--including workshops and the lineup--go to https://nmbfproductions.com

Follow the New Mexico Burlesque festival on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nmburlesquefestival/

For more information on the history of burlesque, check out the Burlesque Hall of Fame at https://burlesquehall.com

Check out Cleveland based performer/burlesque educator Bella Sin at http://www.bellasincle.com

TWT Pocket Size #25: "His & Hers"

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:30:00 -0000

Netflix's new limited series "His & Hers"--starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal and based on the 2020 novel by Alice Feeney--is one of the hottest things on streaming right now. It seems like everyone is talking about it (those twists!). But the series has divided critics and viewers alike: is this "quality" TV (taut suspense, powerful performances, an eye toward social issues), or is this just...well, "trash"?

Or could it possibly be both? Amelia and Scotty weigh in.

"Martha was right!"

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:22:47 -0000

What happens if you discover something so diabolical, so terrifying, and so frankly preposterous that it cannot possibly be true? What if nobody--not your friends, not your family, not the press, not even the entire nation--believes you? Are you simply crazy? Do you need professional help? Maybe even involuntary commitment?

What happens when you're proven to be right?

This is what happened to Martha Mitchell. She was the wife of John Mitchell, former attorney general under Richard Nixon. This week Scotty tells Amelia about "the Martha Mitchell effect," i.e. what happens when a person's seemingly outlandish "delusions" are revealed to be true. Aside from Martha's tale, they look at fictional examples--particularly the works of writer Ira Levin ("Rosemary's Baby," "The Stepford Wives")--and the harrowing true story of a would-be police whistleblower in New York City.

Sometimes they really are out to get you.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for both "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Stepford Wives."

Check out the "Slow Burn" podcast on Spotify for more about the Watergate coverup: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ON0PNRRNs9zWEAy2YPeAc?si=7b41733260ca4044

Watch the trailer for "The Martha Mitchell Effect" documentary on Netflix: https://youtu.be/0SYWxQ62AUM?si=mPnlW9feiwNMjHAh

Watch the trailer for the series "Gaslit" on Starz: https://youtu.be/5SxnbpGngtI?si=nsZeJdKBeWRlrmZi

Listen to the "This American Life" episode "Right to Remain Silent," about Adrian Schoolcraft: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/414/right-to-remain-silent

Check out Ira Levin's books on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8050.Ira_Levin/

TWT Pocket Size #24: 2025 Odds and Ends

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:30:32 -0000

From a celebrated "Star Wars" series to some true-crime documentaries, Scotty and Amelia use this Pocket Size episode to touch on a few of the pop-culture items they didn't manage to get to in their 2025 wrap-up.

A tribute to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:30:52 -0000

Filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner were more than just another Hollywood couple--they were passionate activists and progressive power brokers. In this episode, Scotty and Amelia celebrate their lives, their work, and their considerable influence. They also delve into two of Rob's most popular films: 1984's "This is Spinal Tap" and 1995's "The American President."

Their loss is a terrible tragedy, but hopefully this episode is a small reminder of just some of the joy that they provided.

2025 Wrap-up!

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:30:59 -0000

We're closing out another year at The Weirdest Thing Podcast, so Scotty and Amelia are here with a look back at some of their most significant pop-cultural events of 2025. There are TV shows like "Dying for Sex" (Hulu) and "Death By Lightning" (Netflix), movies like "28 Years Later" and "Wicked Part 2," ruminations on Leonardo DiCaprio's squinty face, new possibilities for superhero movies, and more!

Note: Scotty and Amelia recorded this episode before the tragic death of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. They will return after the New Year with a tribute to the legendary filmmaker and activist.

TWT Pocket Size #23: Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore: Kids on Adventures!

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:30:54 -0000

On this (admittedly beefy) Pocket Size episode, Amelia and Scotty present a bit of a companion piece to their earlier "Teenage Hijinks!" episode with another entry in their ongoing series about Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore, by looking at the uniquely 80s subgenre of "Kids on Adventures!" flicks.

To that end, they consider three specific entries: 1985's "Goonies" (directed by Richard Donner), 1987's "Monster Squad" (directed by Fred Dekker), and -- perhaps the greatest of them all -- 1986's "Stand By Me" (directed by Rob Reiner). And, of course, no discussion of this particular grouping of movies would be complete without a few words on Steven Spielberg's 1982 classic "E.T.: The Extraterrestrial."

"We are holding our own."

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:41:03 -0000

Gordon Lightfoot cemented her in the public consciousness, but the tragedy behind the song was very real. This November marked the 50th anniversary of her sinking, as well as the 29 lives that were lost one stormy night on Lake Superior. On this episode, Amelia tells Scotty and the listeners about the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

TWT Pocket Size #22: Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore: Sci-Fi Blockbusters!

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:10:56 -0000

Yes, yes, Scotty and Amelia know that there's no shortage of science fiction movies to be found at the multiplex or on your streaming platforms. But there's a particular type of one-shot, grown-up sensibility sci-fi blockbuster that has become increasingly rare, and they've decided to take a look back at two shining examples: Steven Spielberg's 1977 classic "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and James Cameron's 1989 underwater epic "The Abyss."

"Spootnik!"

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:30:00 -0000

Not all heroes wear capes...or even walk on two legs. This week Scotty tells Amelia and the listeners about the early days of the Space Race, and some of its non-human pioneers (and sacrifices) in the name of "progress." There was Albert II, a rhesus macaque monkey who became the first mammal to travel into space. There was Ham, a chimpanzee who flew aboard the Mercury-Redstone 2 rocket. And, of course, there was little Laika, a stray dog from the streets of Moscow who entered into orbit and the history books.

Not all of these furry astronauts survived their flights into the Great Unknown. But they live on forever in our hearts.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode talks about animal death.

TWT Pocket Size #21: Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore: Adult Shenanigans!

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:30:29 -0000

Amelia's back! Having returned from parts unknown, she and Scotty return to their series on Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore by considering the "adult shenanigans!" subgenre...i.e. movies about legitimate grownups getting up to, well, shenanigans. To that end, they look back at three movies from their youth: 1987's "Three Men and a Baby" (starring Tom Sellick, Ted Danson, and Steve Guttenberg), 1988's "Big Business" (starring Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler), and 1989's "Troop Beverly Hills" (starring Shelley Long).

The night-owl reporter Tom Waits said it best: "I don't want to grow up..."

"Chemical reactions."

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:27:58 -0000

Welcome back! Sort of. Amelia remains in an undisclosed location, so in this episode of A Weirdest Thing Podcast, Scotty invites his good friend/real-working-screenwriter Ellen Huggins onto the show to talk about their grad-school days in Boston, their time in the film-industry trenches, the importance of geek "third spaces," writing sexy thrillers for Lifetime and Tubi, what goes into a Hollywood pitch, the awesomeness of the movie "Ghost," and more.

"Only a mother could love you..."

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:30:53 -0000

Spooky Season continues as Scotty and Amelia do a deep dive into the new Netflix series "Monster: The Ed Gein Story." They discuss the infamous legacy of "The Ghoul of Plainfield," and then talk about their mixed feelings about the series itself--from its uneasy handling of the true crime elements of the story, to its somewhat more successful attempts at grappling with Gein's impact on the horror genre through three iconic cinematic villains: Norman Bates (from "Psycho"), Leatherface (from "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre"), and Buffalo Bill (from "The Silence of the Lambs").

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for "Monster: The Ed Gein Story."

CONTENT WARNING: This episode describes Gein's crimes in...grisly...detail. Listener discretion advised.

"Unsolved Mysteries, hosted by Roberta Flack."

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:30:47 -0000

Amelia is officially moving us into Spooky Season with one of the most infamous mysteries from the September 11 tragedy: the strange disappearance of Dr. Sneha Anne Philip on September 10, 2001. Was she one of the many unidentified victims of the terrorist attack? Or is there more to the story? Amelia tells Scotty what is known--and still unknown--about Doctor Phillip's life and this case.

TWT Pocket Size #20: Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore: Romantic Comedies That Are Actually Comedies

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:30:37 -0000

Have y'all noticed how NOT funny most modern romantic comedies are? Amelia and Scotty have. So they look back at the romcoms of their youth and highlight two of their favorites--1987's "Overboard" (starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell) and 1993's "So I Married an Axe Murderer" (starring Mike Myers and Nancy Travis)--and discuss how these films exemplify a unique blend of romance and (yes) comedy that, well, you just don't see anymore.

"Fairies in the beck!"

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:30:24 -0000

We've got a very non-spooky episode to get y'all gently primed for Spooky Season. Scotty gives a very quick primer on the history of "spiritualism," and then tells Amelia about how one of the movement's most famous adherents--Sir Arthur Conan Doyle--allowed himself to be adorably hoodwinked by a pair of quite imaginative young girls.

Yes, this is the story of the Cottingley Fairies.

TWT Pocket Size #19: Movies They Just Don't Make Anymore: Teenage Hijinks!

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:30:45 -0000

Scotty and Amelia are starting a new series on the Pocket Size episodes of The Weirdest Thing. Thinking back to the movies of their youth, they realized there are entire subgenres of films that They Just Don't Make Anymore.

So this week they're taking on the first of those genres--the "Teenage Hijinks" movie--by looking at three examples in particular: "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987), "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), and "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead" (1991).

So remember: life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. TV rots your brains. And nobody leaves this place without singing the blues.

"Watch out for the quiet ones."

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:30:58 -0000

In our last full-sized episode, Scotty told the story of a real-life psychopath who inspired a notorious television character. Well, this week Amelia has her own tale of a notorious criminal mastermind who gave birth to a TV scammer.

Fans of HBO's "The Gilded Age" may not know that one of its characters is inspired by "the Queen of Ohio" Cassie L. Chadwick--aka Elizabeth Bigley--who around the turn of the 20th century perpetrated one of the most audacious cons in American history. Buckle up, because this one's a real doozy.

WARNING: Mild spoilers for "The Gilded Age."

TWT Pocket Size #18: Favorite Internet Videos

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:30:02 -0000

A jetpack pilot going splat. A naked German guy going...well, splat. An epic (and low-rent) prank involving a drone and a Halloween decoration. One of the greatest (faux) movie trailers ever. Here are just a few of Scotty and Amelia's favorite viral Internet videos of all time.

"We're not coming to kick the tires!"

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:30:00 -0000

While Scotty continues to maintain that David Simon's "The Wire" (2002-2008) is the greatest television show of all-time, NBC's under-seen but critically acclaimed "Homicide: Life on the Street" -- which ran from 1993 to 1999 and was based on Simon's 1991 nonfiction book "Homicide: A Year On the Killing Streets" -- is often seen is its spiritual predecessor. And, like "The Wire" after it, "Homicide" often took its gripping TV narratives from real-life.

One such fact-based storyline is that of season one's "Calpurnia Church," who was based on Baltimore's "Black Widow," Geraldine Parrish. On this week's episode, Scotty tells Amelia (and the listeners) the wild and dark tale of Parrish, and explains how bigotry and institutional incompetence in the police may have allowed a genuine monster to run amok for years in West Baltimore.

TWT Pocket Size #17: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:50:36 -0000

We lost a few real ones recently, including Chuck Mangione and Malcolm Jamal Warner. But Scotty and Amelia are gathering aboard the Crazy Train this week to pay tribute to the metal god himself, Ozzy Osbourne. They discuss his legacy both as a singer and as a man, and consider the triumph of his final concert mere weeks ago with Black Sabbath. No more tears, listeners! It's the Prince of F*cking Darkness!

"...Who's there?" It's Mike Bockoven!!

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:30:02 -0000

SURPRISE! In a follow-up to the last episode, where Scotty and Amelia discussed the brand-new horror novel "Come Knocking," author Mike Bockoven decided to crash the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the book, his previous hit "FantasticLand" (2018), his work as a journalist, writing, horror, theatre, the Internet, fan culture, and more!

WARNING: This episode contains moderate spoilers for both "Come Knocking" and "FantasticLand."

TWT Pocket Size #16: Reality Shows

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:30:54 -0000

For better or worse, as younger Gen Xers Scotty and Amelia came of age with the advent of reality television. So for this week's Pocket Size episode, they take on three of their favorite reality shows.

Scotty starts with the one that created the template by talking about those first three groundbreaking seasons of "The Real World," from 1992-1994...and then laments what could have been if the show had stayed on that track. Then Scotty and Amelia both wax poetic about "Top Chef," the haute cuisine of reality competition shows. Finally, Amelia talks about the sometimes rowdy, often bawdy, and downright important "RuPaul's Drag Race."

"Knock knock..."

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:30:03 -0000

In a rare book-related episode, Scotty and Amelia discuss the brand-new horror novel "Come Knocking" by Mike Bockoven, which--similar to the author's previous book "FantasticLand" (2018)--purports to be the journalistic account of a live performance-turned-"Lord of the Flies"-style massacre. Structured as a series of interviews with those involved, Bockoven's novel explores issues of toxic fandom, exploitation of actors, dark Internet subcultures, and more. Scotty and Amelia do a deep dive into the book, and Amelia gives her own perspective as a theatre artist involved in interactive performance.

WARNING: This episode goes into spoilers. If you haven't read "Come Knocking" yet, you might want to come back to this one later.

TWT Pocket Size #15: Favorite Heist Movies

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:30:14 -0000

On this week's Pocket Size episode, Scotty and Amelia discuss four of their all-time favorite heist movies: "Point Break" (1991), "Inside Man" (2006), "Reservoir Dogs" (1992), and "Sneakers" (1992). Anyone notice the Gen-X Baby theme going on?

WARNING: Massive spoilers for ALL of these films. If you haven't seen them already, what're you doing here?

"Sinister soda shenanigans!"

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:30:54 -0000

It may not be spooky season, but it is SWELTERING season...so Amelia's here to tell Scotty and the listeners all about the history of our favorite hot-weather drink: iced coffee. From its origins in the North African desert to its unique place in culture and its current dominance of the worldwide beverage market, there's much more to this unassuming steeped conconction than meets the eye.

TWT Pocket Size #14: The Liminal Space Hotel + Favorite Breakfast Foods

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:30:28 -0000

Scotty starts off this Pocket Size episode with a quick recap of his experience at 2025's StokerCon in Stamford, Connecticut...and truly the strangest hotel he's ever stayed at. Amelia and Scotty then move into a spirited discussion of their favorite breakfast foods--from the various forms that Eggs Benedict can take, to which kind of bagel serves as the best platform for a bagel and lox, to which restaurant makes the best carne adovada in Albuquerque, and more.

WARNING: We suggest you not listen to this episode when you're hungry, or if you don't want to hear your hosts gagging about runny eggs.

"You. F**king. Classist."

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:30:16 -0000

While Scotty was away exploring the Liminal Space Hotel at StokerCon this week, Amelia invited friend (and returning guest host) Elizabeth Dwyer onto The Weirdest Thing to talk about queering the rom-com canon. They discuss which literary and film classics could handle queer remakes, the importance of telling marginalized stories that de-center trauma, and ponder who the Queer Meg Ryan (Queen of Rom-Coms) will be!

They also discussed which queer or queer-coded characters they became aware of first, how problematic rom-coms can be in general, and how the rom-com genre really needs diversification across the board.

TWT Pocket Size #13: Scotty Reacts!! to "Hamilton: An American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)"

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:26:31 -0000

Amelia introduces Scotty to Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking "Hamilton: An American Musical" (2015). They talk about the show's music and its importance to theatre, to history, and to Broadway in general, and Scotty discusses his struggle with this popular art form. They spend a few moments at the end of the episode going over a few other musicals that have had an impact on them in various ways.

"Don't tell anyone you didn't do it!"

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:50:02 -0000

The son of a Mormon evangelist from Detroit. A reluctant blues balladeer from Cleveland. A pair of "nice Jewish boys" from New York City. Who would've thought these would have been just a few of the pioneers of the rude, rowdy, and often (fake) bloody musical genre known as "SHOCK ROCK?" Scotty is here to tell Amelia--and you--all about it.

CONTENT WARNING: This story has a few brief mentions of animal cruelty.

TWT Pocket Size #12: Amelia Reacts!! to David Bowie's "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (1972)

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:30:05 -0000

Scotty introduces Amelia to David Bowie's classic "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (1972). Through the course of their discussion, Scotty gives a bit of history on the importance of the British glam-rock movement of the early 1970s, and Scotty and Amelia explore Amelia's sometimes complicated relationship with certain singing voices.

"...A lot to chew on with this movie."

Fri, 23 May 2025 13:30:46 -0000

Amelia and Scotty take a deep dive into the new Prohibition-era vampire movie "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Wunmi Mosaku, and written/directed by Ryan Coogler. It should be no surprise that they both absolutely LOVED this one.

WARNING: Spoilers abound in this episode! You probably don't want to listen until you've seen the film.

TWT Pocket Size #11: Unexpectedly Great TV Characters

Wed, 14 May 2025 17:35:57 -0000

From a small-town mayor dealing with a nuclear apocalypse, a high-school librarian in a town overrun by vampires, a young Latina woman accidentally impregnated by her doctor, and a starship captain boldly exploring the galaxy--here are four characters who starkly elevate the TV shows in which they appear.

"Holy sh*tballs!"

Fri, 09 May 2025 13:30:11 -0000

We've got another WILD art-heist story this week. Amelia tells Scotty the tale of WIllem de Kooning's 1955 masterwork "Woman-Ochre," the...ahem...eccentric couple who (likely) boosted it from the University of Arizona Museum of Art, and the New Mexico antique-store owners who played an integral role in its eventual rediscovery.

TWT Pocket Size #10: "Hearts of Darkness"/"Every Little Step"

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:30:07 -0000

Scotty and Amelia dive into two of their favorite respective documentaries this week, specifically dealing with big egos, wild creative visions, and singular artistic ambitions. They start with 1991's "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse," which is about the making (and near unmaking) of 1979's "Apocalypse Now," and how the out-of-control production nearly drove director Francis Ford Coppola over the edge. They follow that up with 2008's "Every Little Step," which details the casting process behind the 2006 Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line," and how that process--cattle-call auditions, grueling rehearsals, brutal callbacks--reflects the storyline of the original 1975 musical.

"The Dark Side of the Rainbow."

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:30:03 -0000

Scotty's been teasing this one for awhile. This week he delves into another rock-and-roll urban legend--and the history of his all-time favorite band--when he tells Amelia the story of Pink Floyd's 1973 album "The Dark Side of the Moon," and its strange (and disputed) connection to the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz."

TWT Pocket Size #9: 2025 TV Roundup: The Traitors/Yellowjackets/The Pitt

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:30:30 -0000

Well, it's no surprise Scotty and Amelia have a lot to say about the latest seasons of "The Traitors" (Peacock) and "Yellowjackets" (Showtime), but they're also boiling over with opinions on probably the best new show of 2025--HBO's surprise new medical drama "The Pitt."

WARNING: This episode is FULL of spoilers. If you want your ears to remain properly virginal on the respective shows discussed, the timecodes are listed below:

"The Traitors" discussion: approx. 2:30 to 15:00

"Yellowjackets" discussion: approx. 15:00 to 27:20

"The Pitt" discussion: approx: 27:20 to the end.

"Thanks, Mom..."

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:39:14 -0000

In this first episode of 2025, Scotty and Amelia speak briefly about the personal losses that kept them away from the podcast for the past few months, before paying tribute to the lives and bodies of work of two fallen icons of both Hollywood and New Mexico--Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer.

2024 Wrap-up: Part Two!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:27 -0000

From the feminist horror of films like Zoe Kravitz' "Blink Twice" and Anna Kendrick's "Woman of the Hour," to the Brat-era "girl pop" of Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter, Amelia and Scotty talk about some of the prevailing pop-culture trends they observed in 2024.

WARNING: Spoilers for "Blink Twice" and "Woman of the Hour."

TWTPocket Size #8: Pet Peeves

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:30:04 -0000

Flames! Flames on the side of my face! From online drama to grabby doorknobs, Scotty and Amelia go through just a few of the things that set their emotional pots to a boil.

2024 Wrap-up: Part One!

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:00:58 -0000

This year was...well, it sure was something, wasn't it? This week, Scotty and Amelia decided to focus on the positive and talk about what they loved from this epic brick-to-the-face of a year. From gigantic, empire-destroying sandworms to massive, genre-busting albums, they take you through some of their very favorite pop-cultural artifacts of 2024.

TWT Pocket Size #7: Comfort Watches

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:36:23 -0000

November was an upsetting month for most of us (for obvious reasons), so Amelia and Scotty decided to offer up a few of their favorite pop-cultural security blankets for your listening pleasure. Do you like watching burly dudes (and more than a few ladies) pound hot metal into swords then smack them into things to see if they'll break? Or maybe you'd rather laugh along with the trials and tribulations of a small-town parks and recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana?

Yes... these are their favorite comfort watches.

And prepare yourself for a very important The Weirdest Thing Podcast BREAKING NEWS update: THE MOST MYSTERIOUS SONG ON THE INTERNET HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED!!!!

Click here to listen to the original TWT episode about The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet: "Take My to the Pleasure Zoom!"

Click here to listen to the newly identified Most Mysterious Song on YouTube!: Most Mysterious Song REVEALED!!!

TWT Pocket Size #6: Favorite TV Pilots

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:00:36 -0000

In this not-so-pocket-sized Pocket Size episode, Scotty and Amelia break down a few of their favorite TV pilots of all time. These shows exposed us all to the terrifying mysteries of a distant island in the South Pacific and the uncanny creepiness of a logging town in the Pacific Northwest, took us into the hallowed hallways of the White House and an advertising firm in 1960s Manhattan, and more. And these are those initial episodes that hooked us and made us come back for more.

NOTE: Due to ... well, gestures broadly at the world ... Scotty and Amelia are going to take a little break for the rest of November. There will be this this and one more Pocket Size episode, but the next full-sized episode will come in December. Happy(ish) Holidays!

"Mountain devils."

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:08:28 -0000

Scotty takes us back a full hundred years to introduce Amelia and the listeners to a true North American icon. That's right... we're finally meeting the big hairy lunk himself--Bigfoot--with the story of the Ape Canyon Incident of 1924.

Don't tell Mothman, lest he get jealous...

TWT Pocket Size #5: Haunted Places

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:00:14 -0000

A particle accelerator haunted by the ghost of a pioneer woman...train tracks protected by the spirits of dead children...Amelia and Scotty close out spooky season with this Pocket Size episode about just a few of their favorite haunted places.

"Old timey sick burn."

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:00:28 -0000

We're coming up on the end of spooky season (technically, at least; Scotty might argue the point), and so Amelia is taking us out onto the high seas with a few harrowing tales of ghost ships. From a flash-frozen crew drifting through the arctic ice to a spectral South American party boat, this episode has it all...including perhaps the most famous confirmed ghost ship of all time.

TWT Pocket Size #4: Urban Legends

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:30:12 -0000

Creepy literary houses, terrifying true(ish) crimes, and one infamous Hollywood myth... Scotty and Amelia take you into a few of their favorite urban legends for this latest Pocket Size spooky season entry.

"Redrum..."

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:25:40 -0000

Scotty FAMOUSLY hates Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" (1980). He hates it so much, in fact, that he's never even bothered to ask Amelia what she thinks about it. This week they rewatch and discuss the filmmaker's take on the classic Stephen King novel, talk about how it works as a horror movie and as a film in general, and then tackle Mike Flanagan's divisive 2019 adaptation of King's bizarro sequel, "Doctor Sleep."

Will Scotty change his mind? Will Amelia add this film to her recent Favorite Scary Movies list? Will anyone ever come up with a better screen name than Scatman Crothers? Listen to find out.

WARNING: This episode contains COPIOUS spoilers.

TWT Pocket Size #3: Irrational Fears

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:00:15 -0000

Spooky season continues with this Pocket Size breakdown of a few of our more peculiar irrational fears, from submerged manmade objects to artifically dyed cake frosting.

"Eastern Bloc QAnon."

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:30:29 -0000

Spooky season continues on The Weirdest Thing. This week Scotty delivers four tales of uncanny automotive accursedness from around the world--from ghostly headlights signalling the presence of an undiscovered roadside fatality in the UK, to a malevolent VW Beetle haunting a famously deadly Malaysian highway. But the primary focus is the Black Volga, a (possibly?) demonic luxury car stalking various nations of the former Soviet Union and stealing away their children for unknowable and diabolic purposes.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode talks about various road disasters, and touches briefly upon sexual assault.

TWT Pocket Size #2: Amelia's Top 5 Scary Movies!

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:30:22 -0000

In our second Pocket Size episode, Amelia continues to celebrate spooky season with her list of her top 5 scary movies. These are all such bonafide, indisputable classics that even a horror dork like Scotty can brook no argument here.

WARNING: Again...these are all CLASSICS. So don't come complaining to us about spoilers.

"A legit necropolis."

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:30:24 -0000

Amelia kicks off Fall--and spooky season--with the story of the wild life, tragic death, and VERY strange after-death of Argentina's famed first lady Eva Perón. Evita's corpse was "missing" for nearly two decades, and Amelia unpacks the bizarre myths, outlandish rumors, and macabre urban legends that surround its extraordinary journey to its final resting place.

CONTENT WARNING: This story discusses terminal illness, abusive medical practices, and disturbing allegations of violations committed upon Perón's remains. Listener discretion advised.

Eva Perón died of cervical cancer at the age of 33. The Weirdest Thing Podcast wants to remind our listeners of all genders that September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM). Please get your HPV vaccine! For more information, visit the following sites:

https://foundationforwomenscancer.org

https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/gynecological-cancer-awareness-month/

https://igcs.org/gynecologic-cancer-awareness-month/

https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/index.html

https://www.aacr.org

TWT Pocket Size #1: Scotty's Top 5 Romantic Comedies!

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:30:38 -0000

Wait, what's happening? An episode on an off week? And on a WEDNESDAY?!?

It's fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes! Volcanoes! The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together...MASS HYSTERIA!

Actually, Scotty and Amelia have just decided they can't get enough of talking to each other on microphone...and that means talking to y'all, of course. So on the weeks where they're not doing a main episode, they've decided to keep the conversation going. About what, they don't exactly know. Trust them; they'll figure it out. Probably.

So welcome to the first episode of The Weirdest Thing...POCKET SIZE!

Consider these episodes a little research-lite pop-culture nugget to help get you through the rest of your week. Movies, music, TV, trivia, whatever subject they'll feel like yakking about on any given Wednesday, they'll be bringing it right to your earholes.

This week, Scotty's here to tell you about his top 5 favorite romantic comedies. See? It's not all murders and monsters with that guy (all right, all right..."The Princess Bride" DOES have the Rats of Unusual Size).

Enjoy!

"More snot!"

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:00:57 -0000

Scotty goes scatalogically nostalgic this week with the story of the rise and fall of one of the 1980s' most notorious pop-cultural phenomena: the Garbage Pail Kids (and, of course, their dark doppelgängers, the Cabbage Patch Kids). Do you like all things phlegmy, pukey, poopy, and designed to piss off your parents? Then this is the episode for you!

"Bureaucratic bullsh*terry."

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:45:37 -0000

Amelia takes us back to the tragic and infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese and explains how it contributed to the development of the emergency "911" telephone system--but she also talks about how the bureaucratic bullsh*ttery of this episode's title has lead to flaws which continue to plague that system to this very day. Plus, Scotty and Amelia spend a few minutes at the top of the episode talking about Aaron Sorkin's sometimes brilliant but often frustrating 2012 "West Wing"-followup "The Newsroom" (available to stream on Max). And Amelia gets Scotty excited about the upcoming Jason Reitman film "Saturday Night," about Saturday Night Live's debut episode.

The watch the "Saturday Night" trailer, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ9O_tl5Npk

"IHOP steak."

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:01:21 -0000

This week Scotty and Amelia discuss two deeply beloved films...well, beloved by them, at least. These are movies that received a shocking amount of (at best) apathy or (at worst) hatred from fans and critics at the time of their release. But your cohosts have taken them into their homes and hearts like abandoned puppies in a snowstorm.

Scotty's pick is the 1997 film "The Rainmaker," based on the novel by John Grisham, starring a fresh-off-the-apple-truck Matt Damon, and co-written and directed by a then down-on-his-luck Francis Ford Coppola. Critics didn't hate the movie, but audiences largely didn't care. Scotty, however, has seen it at least fifteen times.

Amelia's pick is the 2004 film "The Village," written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix--and widely seen as the movie where fans began to turn on the auteur director who had been so praised just a few years before for his smash hit "The Sixth Sense" (1999). Many people will tell you this film is a pretentious mess. Amelia is prepared to fight those people.

SPOILER WARNING: We go deep into the plots of these movies--so if you haven't seen them in awhile, fair warning.

"Not trauma porn."

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:23:19 -0000

Scotty pays tribute to one of his favorite actors -- the recently departed Donald Sutherland -- with this episode's story about the making of the 1973 horror classic "Don't Look Now," along with his review of the film and Sutherland's performance (spoiler: he's a pretty big fan). And Amelia kicks things off with an impromptu endorsement of her new favorite brand of kombucha!

SPOILER WARNING: Scotty tries to avoid major plot details for "Don't Look Now," but there are a few minor reveals along the way.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses the death of a child.

"Ah-WOOO-GA!"

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:12:21 -0000

This week Amelia takes us through the always fascinating, sometimes bizarre, and occasionally even bloody history of a few of history's most famous dresses. From Queen Victoria's wedding dress in 1840 through the baffling internet phenomenon of "The Dress" in 2015, this episode explores how these dresses became not just fashion sensations, but generational icons destined to be remembered for decades--or even centuries--beyond their time.

"Bullying seamen."

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:16:36 -0000

We've got another short episode this week. Scotty brings you the tale of an Edwardian-era Clash of the Titans, when the burgeoning legend of escape artist and illusionist Harry Houdini was very nearly undone by an eager young gym owner--and future horror writer--named William Hope Hodgson. Plus Scotty and Amelia UNAPOLOGETICALLY discuss the recent casting announcement for season three of The Traitors.

"The Sausalito Tapes."

Fri, 24 May 2024 11:30:53 -0000

This week Amelia takes us through the ups and downs and jaw-dropping drama (and, man, do we mean DRAMA) behind the creation of Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album "Rumours." You want breakups? Epic temper tantrums? Brutal lyrical takedowns disguised as love songs about dogs? How about literal MILES of cocaine? We've got all that for you, and more.

So how did a band going through such catastrophic turmoil create such an enduring--and undeniably awesome--classic? You've got the questions, and Amelia has the answers.

"Dedicated oddballs, glamazons, and creatures of the night..."

Fri, 10 May 2024 11:15:27 -0000

This week Scotty does a deep dive into the history of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and describes how it went from smash stage hit to cinematic flop to perhaps the most beloved cult film of all time. He and Amelia conclude with a conversation about the more positive aspects of fan culture, and how it can provide a refuge for folks who've been otherwise excluded from the mainstream.

"A golden ear."

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:30:41 -0000

This week Amelia presents a bit of an amuse-bouche of an episode, with her story about the history of "the Wilhelm scream" and how it became perhaps the most recognizable sound effect in movie history. Scotty and Amelia also reminisce fondly about a few of their not-so-glamorous experiences on movie sets over the years.

To watch a compilation of clips of the Wilhelm scream, click here: https://youtu.be/Zf8aBFTVNEU?si=G0nt1Jzr6vPhtwzd

To hear the full original recording of the scream, click here: https://blog.freesound.org/?p=1515

"Great Story! -- Our 100th Episode"

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 10:33:07 -0000

HELLO, boils and ghouls! We made it to 100 episodes! And in celebration, we've got yet another WEEEIRD story for you this week! Your GhouLunatic host Scotty takes his partner Amelia deep into the rat-infested catacombs of 1950s horror comics, where rotting corpses rise from the grave and the putrid stench of pearl-clutching U.S. Senators threatens to bring down an entire industry of writers, artists, and misfit FREAKS!

Would you like us to stick around for another 100 episodes? Well, kiddies...be careful what you AX for...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

"The Hipster Effect."

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:38:47 -0000

This week Amelia talks about the concept of generations--from Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway's storied "Lost Generation," all the way up through today's "Zoomers" and Generation Alpha. And she and Scotty use irrefutable science and logic to determine which of the previous century's many generations is, in fact, the best (spoiler alert: it's obviously Generation X).

"Ramon Raquello and His Orchestra..."

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:00:47 -0000

Don't adjust that dial (actually do, because Scotty kind of screwed up the level on his audio track )...this week's episode is about an alien invasion. Or so Orson Welles would have you believe. That's right; Scotty is bringing you the story of Mercury Theatre on the Air's infamous 1938 broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds," the "panic" it created, the headlines it generated, and he finally answers the eternal question: was Welles a total genius, a massive douchebag, or maybe both at the same time?

WARNING: Scotty really did kind of mess up his audio track. It's not terrible, but his voice is a teensy bit distorted. So maybe don't turn your headphones up to 11.

"Booze terrorism."

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:40:20 -0000

In the first episode of our new one-story-a-week format, Amelia takes us on an exploration of Tiki culture--from its well-meaning (if questionable) origins to its more dubious evolution over time. And she poses the ever-important question: is it possible to responsibly Tiki in this day and age?

"F.T.S.O.D."

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:52:26 -0000

Break out your popcorn buckets, because Scotty and Amelia are going back to the movies this week with a special Oscars episode. They start off with some strong opinions about two of this year's big Best Picture contenders: Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" and Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction." They follow that up with some, er, maybe less strong opinions about Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers" and Celine Song's "Past Lives." They close out with a few thoughts on "Godzilla Minus One" and "Saltburn," two films that got some serious Oscar buzz but came up short on nominations.

SPOILER WARNING: There are moderate spoilers in this episode, particularly for "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Saltburn."

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"A threat to the patriarchy."

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:15:16 -0000

This week Scotty reviews a pair of documentaries about two seminal bands who coincidentally share the same morbid name, while Amelia relates the story of the inspiring life and work--and the infuriating death--of Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta. They conclude with some more Oscar talk; Scotty finally shares his thoughts on "Barbie" and talks about "The Zone of Interest," while they both rave about "Society of the Snow."

CONTENT WARNING: Amelia's story discusses sexual assault, violence against women, murder, and suicide.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Germanism and gloom..."

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:53:52 -0000

Happy 2024, everyone! For our first show of the new year, we have a couple wildly different stories for you. Amelia tells the tale of how one guy stole an idea and turned it into one of the biggest fast-food chains in the world. Meanwhile, Scotty details the sad life and strange death of Edgar Allan Poe. Since we're coming into Awards Season, we also spend a few minutes at the beginning talking about the movies "Oppenheimer" and "The Iron Claw."

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Sushi on the bagels."

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:27:08 -0000

Happy holiday season, everybody! We've got a couple wildly divergent stories for our final episode of 2023. Scotty talks about the strange--and disturbing--rise of Andrew Dice Clay, and how the comedian became trapped within the ugly confines of his own character. Amelia provides a refreshing glass of egg nog, however, with her discussion of the origins of some popular Christmas traditions. We also spend a few minutes at the end talking about our favorite Christmas songs.

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story deals with racism, misogyny, and homophobia, and features language the listeners may find objectionable.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"All the coyotes..." (with Shannon C.F. Rogers)

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:00:02 -0000

This week Scotty and Amelia welcome author/longtime friend Shannon C.F. Rogers onto the pod to discuss her new novel "I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom" (2023, Feiwel & Friends), named one of the "20 Best Books to Read in July" by Kirkus Reviews and one of "The Best New YA Books of July 2023" by Paste Magazine.

We also talk about fan fiction,"The Animorphs," grief, growing up in New Mexico, the teenage mind, "Breaking Bad," and more. And Shannon even brought the WEIRD with the story of a terrifying creature from Filipino folklore. This was a fun, wide-ranging conversation, and we hope you enjoy it!

You can find Shannon online at: https://www.shannoncfrogers.com https://www.instagram.com/shannon.cf.rogers/ https://twitter.com/shannoncfrogers

You can order your copy of "I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom" at: https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-d-rather-burn-than-bloom-shannon-c-f-rogers/18675104?ean=9781250845665

You can pre-order her next novel "Eighteen Roses" (July 2024) here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/eighteen-roses-shannon-c-f-rogers/20209385?ean=9781250845733

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"If it's for science, it's fine..."

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:23:56 -0000

We're closing out spooky season with a couple spooky-adjacent stories this week. Scotty talks about the bizarre and ultimately deadly story of the "Hammersmith Ghost," and Amelia takes us through the history of one of Disney's most popular rides: the Haunted Mansion.

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"Have you checked the children?"

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:22:41 -0000

Spooky spooky! We're back with some more Halloween-month content for you. This week we dive into two movies, "When a Stranger Calls" (1979) and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (1997). We talk about the urban legends that inspired them (the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-house and the tale of the Hookman, respectively), along with their possible connections to true stories.

SPOILER WARNING: We don't hold anything back on either film, so might want to watch them before listening to this episode.

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"The Scottyist thing you've ever Scottyed..."

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:13:07 -0000

We're leaning hard into spooky season this week. Amelia talks about the grisly origins of the infamous "The Girl with the Green Ribbon" story, while Scotty takes us through the making and ignominious release of the "cursed" horror movie "Incubus," the first film ever made in the constructed Esperanto language.

CONTENT WARNING: Our stories this week touch on murder, execution, and suicide.

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"Cluedo!"

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:53:46 -0000

To really kick off the start of spooky season, we're easing in and going only lightly creepy this week with the histories of two murdery/eerie board games. Scotty kicks things off with the creation of the Ouija Board, and Amelia takes us back into the billiard room with a candlestick and the origin story of the game "Clue." We also spend a few moments at the beginning talking about the documentary series "Shiny Happy People," and we have a ton of fun at the end dream-casting our perfect "Clue" movie remake.

CONTENT WARNING: The "Shiny Happy People" discussion touches on misogyny and child abuse.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Debunk the debunktions..."

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:30:48 -0000

In an interesting role reversal, Amelia is the one who goes super dark this week with her story about the enduring mystery of the "Atlanta Blood House." Meanwhile, Scotty takes us back to Seattle with the infamous "Lexicon of Grunge" hoax.

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"Everyone wants to go to The Sewer!"

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:35:17 -0000

This week Scotty talks about how a down-on-his-luck Detroit musician became a cultural icon on another continent without him even knowing about it, and Amelia explores the very strange and twisty tale of "Miranda Grosvenor," the "Sweet Talker to the Stars."

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Kuzka's Mother..."

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:48:49 -0000

Welcome to another episode that only makes sense in the land of The Weirdest Thing. This week Amelia talks about the history of some of our very favorite cocktails... which she'll need to combat the stress dreams caused by Scotty's story about the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear weapon ever created. Mix yourself a drink and join us to watch the world burn!

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"Thank you, Puritans! You d**ks..." (with Elizabeth Dwyer)

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:30:14 -0000

Scotty's got family in town this week, so Amelia brought in actor/screenwriter and longtime friend Elizabeth Dwyer to guest host. They talk about the movies "Striptease" (1996) and "Hustlers" (2019), and how the cinematic depiction of sex work has evolved over time. And is it true that all you youngs have decided you don't want sex scenes at all anymore, period? Amelia and Elizabeth have thoughts.

CONTENT WARNING: Lots of sex talk this week. If you've got kids in the car with you...earmuffs!

To order Shannon C.F. Rogers' acclaimed new YA novel "I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom," click the link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-d-rather-burn-than-bloom-shannon-c-f-rogers/18675104?ean=9781250845665

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"I WILL survive..."

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 21:33:00 -0000

We're back with another yin-yang episode this week. Scotty goes grim with the story of South Africa's Boesmansgat sinkhole and the tragic death of cave diver Dave Shaw, and Amelia lightens(??) things up with an examination of changing beauty standards of the industrial era and how Coco Chanel and Josephine Baker turned tanning into a thing.

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story deals with drowning and all sorts of underwater unpleasantness.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Fun and such."

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 17:25:00 -0000

Happy (continued) Pride Month! This week Amelia talks about the importance of "Bob Damron's Address Book" to pre-Stonewall gay culture, and Scotty continues his exploration of the life and work of author, filmmaker, queer icon, and shameless Hollywood gossip-monger Kenneth Anger.

To read Anger and filmmaker Stan Brakhage's cuckoo-bananas correspondence, go to: https://www.desistfilm.com.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"Literary softboi."

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:00:20 -0000

Happy Pride, everyone! This week Scotty presents Part 1 of his exploration of the life and career of author, filmmaker, and queer icon Kenneth Anger. Meanwhile, Amelia invites us all to experience the disaster bisexual dumpster fire that was Hans Christian Andersen.

To watch Kenneth Anger's "Fireworks" (1947) in its entirety, go to: https://vimeo.com/425202939

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"P*ssy propulsion."

Fri, 26 May 2023 11:43:44 -0000

In one of the stranger episodes we've done, Amelia talks about erotic performance artist, sex columnist, and celebrated burlesque dancer Honeysuckle Divine, while Scotty goes full tinfoil hat with the Nibiru Cataclysm Hypothesis and the very real possibility that there's a ninth planet lurking somewhere at the far reaches of the solar system.

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The first ever Weirdest Thing AMA!!

Fri, 12 May 2023 09:31:26 -0000

Welcome to the very first (and maybe only) Weirdest Thing ask-me-(us)-anything! After soliciting questions from our listeners, Scotty and Amelia talk about the genesis of their friendship, how the podcast got started, why softball is (maybe) a sexist sport, and the most embarrassing thing Scotty ever saw Amelia do. Nothing was off limits!

Link to watch "SEND" (2010), the first short film Scotty and Amelia worked on together: https://vimeo.com/16763539

Link to the "Horror from the High Desert," Scotty's new horror podcast: https://linktr.ee/horrorfromthehighdesert

Link to tickets for Duke City Repertory Theatre's "Bard Crawl: A Midsummer Night's Dream": https://www.dukecityrep.com/shows

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

"You wanna see something really scary?" (with Rebecca Rowland)

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:53:28 -0000

Amelia is out of town this week, so horror writer and editor Rebecca Rowland is back for another impromptu edition of A Weirdest Thing! This week she and Scotty talk about some of their earliest influences–from the movie "Time Bandits" (1981), to the darkest episode of The Smurfs and the grislier work of Clive Barker–and how it all informed their development as horror writers.

To buy Rebecca's novella "Shagging the Boss," go to https://www.filthyloot.com/product/shagging-the-boss-rebecca-rowland/

To pick up her new anthology "American Cannibal," go to https://rowlandbooks.com/american-cannibal

To pre-order the upcoming "Table for 3" anthology anthology and help support the Houston Food Bank, go to https://www.amazon.com/Table-Anthology-Holly-Rae-Garcia-ebook/dp/B0C2QKDZ68/

S8E7 - "Slenderman Barbie."

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 08:00:41 -0000

Scotty's here to bum everyone out this week with the story of the Hartford Circus Fire of 1944 and the enduring mystery of "Little Miss 1565." Luckily Amelia is on hand to cheer us all up with a deep dive into the history of Barbie, one of the most revolutionary and iconic toys of all time. Plus, the inevitable spoiler-free discussion of the second season of Showtime's "Yellowjackets."

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story covers a LOT of death, including that of children.

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S8E6 - "Flying guillotines, basically."

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:20:57 -0000

RIOT!! This week we delve into two of the dumbest music-inspired free-for-alls in recent history. Amelia details the infamous "Disco Demolition Night" at Chicago's Comiskey Park in 1979, and Scotty goes into the story of the Metallica/Guns 'N' Roses Stadium Tour of 1992 and its resulting "Battle of Montreal."

CONTENT WARNING: This week we talk about racism, sexism, and homophobia, and there are a few brief mentions of child abuse.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

S8E5 - "Go touch some grass..."

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:20:49 -0000

Plans changed at the very last minute and we decided to do another impromptu movie episode, inspired by our viewing of "Cocaine Bear." This week we compare that film to last year's "The Menu" and talk about horror comedies in general. Also: a classic Amelia Ampuero Weirdest Thing rant!

WARNING: MASSIVE SPOILERS!! If you have not seen either "Cocaine Bear" or "The Menu," you should wait until you get a chance to catch up with them before listening to this episode.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes some discussion of suicide.

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S8E4 - "The amygdala hijack phenomenon..."

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:00:25 -0000

This week Scotty goes through the history of the "jump scare," and Amelia details some past and current food trends that have helped shape society.

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S8E3 - "Ptooey on all this warlock naysaying..."

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:17:37 -0000

In this return to THE Weirdest Thing podcast, Amelia talks about the fascinating history of the T-shirt, while Scotty takes us through the making of one of the biggest cinematic debacles of all time.

S8E2 - "A sexy, silly goose..." (with Danielle Robertson)

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 08:00:58 -0000

Welcome to the return of A Weirdest Thing podcast! This week Amelia takes the reigns along with guest host/friend-of-the-pod Danielle Robertson. Inspired by Duke City Repertory Theatre's upcoming Bard Crawl, Amelia and Danielle take two classic (?) teen movies–"10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) and "She's the Man" (2006)–and explore how they hold up as adaptations of William Shakespeare ("The Taming of the Shrew" and "Twelfth Night" respectively).

For more information on Bard Crawl, go to https://www.dukecityrep.com/shows.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

S8E1 - "Stalin's 'O' face..."

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:05:28 -0000

Welcome to 2023! To celebrate the new year (and Friday the 13th), we're coming at you hot and hard this week with a few infamous curses. Scotty talks about three cursed tombs–including that of Egypt's Tutankhamun–while Amelia discusses the Superman curse. Plus some fairly extensive geekery around comic-book movies in general.

CONTENT WARNING: Amelia's story mentions suicide.

NOTE: When Scotty refers to Warren Beatty in relation to 1978's "Superman," he OBVIOUSLY meant Ned Beatty. He knows. You don't need to @ him.

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S7E7 - "Meat landscape."

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 16:25:44 -0000

This week we decided to talk about two holiday season movies that manage to not be about Christmas. Scotty chose the classic animated film "An American Tail" (1986), which has become a bit of a Hannukah tradition for many Jewish families. Meanwhile, Amelia chose "Knives Out" (2019), a movie that is rapidly becoming the "'Die Hard' of Thanksgiving."

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't seen "Knives Out," you should definitely watch it before listening to this episode.

To get your tickets for the 6th Annual Ugly Sweater Revue, visit the Duke City Repertory Theatre website.

S7E6 - "ABSOLUTELY fireproof!"

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 17:18:00 -0000

We've got a couple morbid stories for you this (yuck) Black Friday. Scotty relates the wild, violent tale of the Bloody Espinosas of southern Colorado, while Amelia takes us deep into the mystery of "disaster ghosts."

CONTENT WARNING: This week's stories mention sexual assault, murder, plane crashes, and deadly fires. Happy Thanksgiving!

S7E5 - "...the boy that buys the beef."

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:30:59 -0000

Spooky Season continues here at the Weirdest Thing podcast! Amelia takes us on a tour of some of Hollywood's most haunted hotels, and Scotty details the sordid lives and extravagant crimes of Scotland's Burke and Hare.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode is full of murder.

S7E4 - "The goth kids have it wrong..."

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:25:00 -0000

Happy Spooky Season! This week Scotty talks about the New England vampire panics of the 18th and 19th century, and Amelia gives the true story behind the Winchester Mystery House. Plus some general musings about true crime and hauntings.

To read Scotty's short story "Basically Normal" in the Dark Matter Magazine Halloween Special, go to https://darkmattermagazine.shop/blogs/halloween-special-issue-2022. The issue is FREE to read online through Halloween!

To RSVP for the last weekend of "Opinionated Slut," go to https://www.dukecityrep.com/shows. The shows are being streamed live, so you don't even have to be in Albuquerque to see them! Amelia's final performance is Saturday, Oct. 29.

S7E3 - "Go past the smush smush..."

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:05:38 -0000

We're coming into your earholes this week with a couple major natural disasters. Amelia talks about the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the subsequent "Miracle of Hospital Juárez." Scotty describes the Great Peshtigo Fire of 1871, which remains the deadliest fire in U.S. history.

CONTENT WARNING: This week's stories both detail crushings, burnings, boilings, drownings, and just about any other horrible way you can think of to die. Proceed with caution.

S7E2 - "I'll show you the life of the mind!"

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 20:55:43 -0000

Scotty tried to claim we were being lazy this week, but Amelia violently disagreed. Either way, we have another research-free movie episode for you guys, where each of us picked a favorite film that we knew the other would probably never watch on their own. Scotty chose the Coen Brothers' 1991 black-comic Hollywood horror/noir Barton Fink, and Amelia selected Alfonso Arau's 1992 adaptation of Laura Esquivel's magical-realist novel Like Water for Chocolate.

As Amelia said: to know these movies is to know us.

WARNING: We go DEEP into spoiler territory with both of these films, so if you haven't seen them we suggest you take an afternoon to check them out before listening to this episode.

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S7E1 - "A sloppy three and a half..."

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 20:15:56 -0000

THE Weirdest Thing is back! And this week we're coming at you with a couple stories about conflicts within the entertainment industry. Scotty kicks things off with Van Morrison's "revenge album" against Bang Records, and Amelia does a deep dive into the infamous Comedy Store strike.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

S6E13 - "Hot garbage." (with Mandy Connor)

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:20:17 -0000

Welcome to the last episode of A Weirdest Thing! To close out this Amelia-less era, Scotty invited his Boston bestie Mandy Connor on to have a full-on horror-fan geek out. We cover our mutual love of Stephen King, our personal criteria for what makes "good" horror, books and movies that freaked us out as kids, Scotty's experience participating in the infamous "Grossout Contest" at KillerCon, and much much more. We also detail a shared haunting experience in Boston, and Mandy thoroughly freaks Scotty out with a terrifying story from her childhood that she'd never told him before.

Amelia is BACK! Stay tuned for the next episode of THE Weirdest Thing, coming to your earholes very soon!

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

S6E12 - "Bathtub of blood." (with Gwendolyn Kiste)

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:45:07 -0000

This week Scotty talks to Bram Stoker-winning horror author Gwendolyn Kiste about her life, work, and influences. We also discuss her upcoming historical horror novel Reluctant Immortals, and its examination of the "forgotten women" of both Stoker's Dracula and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.

Reluctant Immortals will be released on August 23! Click the link for more information: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Reluctant-Immortals/Gwendolyn-Kiste/9781982172350

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S6E11 - "Bless the teachers!" (with Lauren Poole)

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 09:30:53 -0000

This week Scotty and actor/comedian/rock star Lauren Poole have a wide-ranging conversation about everything from theatre, the best lessons ever learned from teachers, the enduring power of Korn, writing music, going viral, touring with indie legends, and (of course) Lauren's kickass band Prism Bitch.

Check out Prism Bitch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PrismBtch

Check out Scotty being an absolute creeper in the "Ya Ya" music video: https://youtu.be/YY95JSu8bkc

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S6E10 - "This means war!"

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:00:53 -0000

Welcome back to THE Weirdest Thing Podcast! This week we delve into two unexpected and very different conflicts. Scotty talks about the shocking Gombe Chimpanzee War of 1974 and its implications for our understanding of human behavior, while Amelia explores the Chocolate Wars and how they spurred innovations that changed how we make, eat, and market food to this day.

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story talks about animals murdering other animals.

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S6E9 - "Stain the White City with splattered carnage..." (with Sara Tantlinger)

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 08:30:01 -0000

This week Scotty welcomes celebrated author Sara Tantlinger onto the podcast to talk about poetry, writing horror, psychopaths, historical serial killers, and her Bram Stoker-nominated collection The Devil's Dreamland: Poetry Inspired by H.H. Holmes.

CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode talks about murder in many of its various forms.

Links: The Devil's Dreamland: Poetry Inspired by H.H. Holmes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946335274/

To Be Devoured (going out of print July 25!): https://www.amazon.com/Be-Devoured-Sara-Tantlinger-ebook/dp/B07R6ZXD9X/

Chromophobia (coming soon!): https://roosterrepublicpress.com/and-now-a-word-from-sara-tantlinger-from-the-intro-to-chromophobia/

https://saratantlinger.com

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S6E8 - "A blob of need..."

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:02:39 -0000

Amelia is BACK for an episode of THE Weirdest Thing Podcast! This week we cover two absolutely badass women in history. Amelia talks about Linda Coffee, the unsung hero of Roe Vs. Wade and the battle for reproductive rights, while Scotty discusses the too-short life and immense musical legacy of Mia Zapata, lead singer of The Gits.

CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode talks about sexual assault and murder.

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S6E7 - "The man who talked about his father." (with Danielle Robertson)

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 21:23:00 -0000

This week guest host Danielle explains how stand-up comedy has its roots in the racist history of minstrel shows and describes how one performer decided to push back, and Scotty talks about the particularities of Jewish humor and how it manifested in the famed "borscht belt" of the Catskills. Plus, a palate-cleansing clip of the incredible Moms Mabley! https://youtu.be/4h0t_teqE_E

CONTENT WARNING: This week we talk about racism, anti-Semitism, and suicide.

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S6E6 - "Words are spells..." (with Danielle Robertson)

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:15:59 -0000

This week Scotty welcomes actor/comedian Danielle Robertson on to talk about acting, improv, standup, and the unexpected ways that horror and comedy intersect.

Link to Amelia's reading of Scotty's short stories "In the Woods," "Mary," and "Mouse Trap," recorded after Duke City Repertory Theatre's performance of "Ghost, Ghost, Come Out Tonight" (Halloween, 2019): https://vimeo.com/718982673

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S6E5 - "Swimming a witch..." (with Rebecca Rowland)

Fri, 20 May 2022 07:00:31 -0000

This week we welcome our first guest host, horror author and editor Rebecca Rowland! Rebecca takes us through the Salem witch hysteria of 1692, while Scotty talks about the book Michelle Remembers and the beginning of the Satanic Panic. Plus a conversation about writing horror, editing, and the upcoming charity anthology Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice, co-edited by Rebecca and featuring a new story by Scotty.

CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode talks about child and animal abuse, torture, and executions.

Link to purchase Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice (release 5/22/2022):https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YNCL9L4/

Animal Rescue New Orleans: https://animalrescueneworleans.org

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S6E4 - "A Giraffe of Lions and Bears."

Thu, 05 May 2022 07:40:00 -0000

We're (hopefully, knock on wood) marking the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic with a couple stories about historical plagues. Amelia takes us deep into the gross and deadly 1854 Broad Street cholera epidemic of London, and Scotty talks about the infamous and bizarre "dancing plagues" of Europe.

This is Amelia's last show for awhile, recorded just before she departed for Barter Theatre in Virginia for the summer. Break a leg, Amelia!

CONTENT WARNING: Amelia's story talks about the physical effects of intestinal disease, along with other disgusting things.

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S6E3 - "Leave the iguana alone!"

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:20:40 -0000

We've got another odds-and-ends episode for you this week, where we talk about four of the lesser-known cryptids/bogeys from around the world.

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S6E2 - "Frank Sinatra's sweaty upper lip."

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 07:00:56 -0000

This week we talk about two horror movies that aren't horror movies, but actually are horror movies: John Frankenheimer's "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962) and Damien Chazelle's "Whiplash" (2014).

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S6E1 - "Paul is dead! Elvis lives!"

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:32:00 -0000

This week Scotty and Amelia dive into two of the greatest conspiracy theories in the history of rock music.

S5E4 - "The moneyed intruder at the gate..."

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 08:00:05 -0000

Happy 50th episode! This week Scotty talks about the infamous (and goofy as hell) legend of the Bell Witch of Tennessee, and Amelia explains how the Gilded Age's conflict between old and new money lead to the creation of New York's Metropolitan Opera . Plus a brief, spoiler-free discussion of the Netflix show "Inventing Anna" and some much needed Mötley Crüe appreciation.

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S5E3 - "What's wrong with suckling eroticism?!?"

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:20:45 -0000

Once again we're celebrating Black History Month and Women in Horror Month! Amelia takes us through the fascinating cultural and culinary history of soul food, and Scotty talks about author Anne Rice and her influence on both horror fiction and Goth culture.

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S5E2 - "F***ing Illuminati sh*t..."

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:10:19 -0000

This week we hop across the Atlantic to explore some interesting goings on in Europe. Scotty tells the chilling story of the Order of the Solar Temple, and Amelia tells the significantly less chilling story of the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story talks about suicide, murder (including child death), and some men generally being the worst.

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S5E1 - "Like, for real dead."

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:30:59 -0000

Happy New Year! To celebrate 2022, we've decided to go back a hundred years for our stories this week. Amelia delves into the shocking unsolved murder of Hollywood director William Desmond Taylor, and Scotty talks about the making (and near unmaking) of F.W. Murnau's classic film "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror."

CONTENT WARNING: There's a brief discussion of the Fatty Arbuckle scandal, which deals with sexual assault.

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S4E9 - The Weirdest Thing Afterschool Special Christmas Yuletacular!

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:00:12 -0000

This week Scotty and Amelia take on three "alt-Christmas" classics — Gremlins, Die Hard, and Edward Scissorhands — and determine whether they are, in fact, Christmas movies. ALL DECISIONS WILL BE FINAL!

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S4E8 - "Easy to steal, easy to hide..."

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:43 -0000

This week Scotty talks about the controversy that raged around the band Body Count's 1992 song "Cop Killer," and Amelia introduces us to "the first lady of graffiti" Lady Pink. Plus, our continuing discussion of/obsession over the Showtime series "Yellowjackets," and SEVERAL cameos from Amelia's dog Doña.

CONTENT WARNING: the Body Count discussion necessitates a look at the lyrics, which explicitly describe the murder of police officers.

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S4E7 - "Stuff your bird loosely."

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:07:00 -0000

Happy Turkey Day from The Weirdest Thing! This week Amelia explains where our Thanksgiving menu comes from, and Scotty talks about the myth of the Wendigo and the dubious history of "Wendigo psychosis." Plus we have a short, mostly spoiler-free discussion of the excellent new Showtime series "Yellowjackets."

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story discusses cannibalism and family annihilation.

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S4E6 - "Humbug Billy."

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:50:00 -0000

This week Scotty journeys back to the Old West to meet New Mexico's very first serial killer, and Amelia talks about some of the deadliest fashion statements in human history.

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S4E5 - The Weirdest Thing Afterschool Special Halloween Spooktacular!

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:20:45 -0000

Grab your s'mores and gather 'round the campfire, kiddies! Our good friends Chad Brummett and Abe Jallad join us this week to share some good old-fashioned personal ghost stories. Happy Halloween!

Links: "That's Some Scary Sh!t!": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzhE8PreAnJBt7ZrhePbjA Be sure to come see the premiere of the newest episode about The Painted Lady! Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10:30 p.m. at The Guild Cinema in Albuquerque. https://www.guildcinema.com/specialevents/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-drtfVyiuS0

"Gwendolyn la Mariquita Planea un Día de Campo": https://books.google.com/books/about/Gwendolyn_la_Mariquita_Planea_un_D%C3%ADa_de.html?id=jKeZzgEACAAJ

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S4E4 - "Death Chair In Readiness!!!"

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:30:00 -0000

Welcome to Spooky Season! This week Amelia tells the story of the murder of Grace Brown and the subsequent haunting of Big Moose Lake, and Scotty talks about the enduring mysteries surrounding the deadly Dyatlov Pass Incident of 1959.

S4E3 - "Malicious schadenfreude."

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:47:45 -0000

This week Scotty talks about the idea of open-air drug markets, including Zurich's infamous Platzspitz Park, and Amelia guides us through the fascinating world of "dark tourism."

SPOILER ALERT: Scotty roundly spoils season three of HBO's "The Wire." CONTENT WARNING: In this episode we talk about drug addiction, violence, suicide, and genocide.

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S4E2 - "Depression-era Photoshop."

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:48 -0000

This week Amelia takes us on a journey through the history of some of the most iconic photos of all time, and Scotty talks about a few of the most "haunted" paintings in recent years.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode mentions suicide and the aftermath of 9/11.

To learn more about "The Most Beautiful Suicide," go to http://www.codex99.com/photography/43.html

To visit Bill Stoneham's website, go to https://www.stonehamstudios.com

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S4E1 - "General awfulness..."

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:50:02 -0000

This week Scotty talks about the bizarre and tragic death of scientist Frank Olson and his connection to the CIA's infamous Project MKUltra, while Amelia discusses the court case Madrigal v. Quilligan and California's shameful history of forced sterilizations. Plus a bonus, mostly spoiler-free discussion of Nia DaCosta's new "Candyman" movie.

CONTENT WARNING: this week's episode includes mentions of suicide, animal death, medical and scientific abuse, and humans being generally terrible to each other.

Trailer for Netflix's docuseries "Wormwood" about Frank Olson: https://youtu.be/b01DL8DTUGM Link to the documentary "No Más Bebés" on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/nomasbebes

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S3E15 - "A perjurer of his own soul..."

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:59:34 -0000

This week Amelia takes us through some of the most fascinating and bizarre "locked-room" murder mysteries in history, and Scotty dives into the terrifying (just ask Amelia) urban legend of the "black-eyed children."

CONTENT WARNING: There are some moderately graphic descriptions of wounds, as well as a few mentions of infanticide.

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S3E14 - "Aunt Tillie, stop!"

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:42:22 -0000

On this week's episode Scotty takes us into the terrifying true story that inspired "The Exorcist," and Amelia talks about the infamous murders(?) at Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles.

CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode talks about suicide.

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S3E13 - "Confidently making mistakes."

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:05:18 -0000

This week Amelia discusses the various tragedies and absurdities surrounding the Curse of the Hope Diamond, and Scotty finishes off his series on baseball by talking about the Negro Leagues and the life and career of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige. Plus a quick discussion of the Cleveland Indians' name change to the Cleveland Guardians.

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S3E12 - "Murder lobbyists..."

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:12:24 -0000

This week Scotty talks about Shoeless Joe Jackson and the “Black Sox” scandal of 1919, and Amelia takes us deep inside Yellowstone National Park’s “Zone of Death.” Plus a brief discussion of Peacock’s new—and incredibly disturbing—limited series “Dr. Death.”

S3E11 - "They ain't gonna win no more!"

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:15:00 -0000

Take me out to the ballgame! This week Amelia tells the story of the Battle of Chavez Ravine and the controversy surrounding the construction of LA's Dodger Stadium, and Scotty takes us through the ridiculous history of baseball's most famous curses.

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S3E10 - "Some real 'pick me' energy..."

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:45:50 -0000

This week Scotty takes us through the wild tale of the infamous Philadelphia Experiment, and Amelia explores the fascinating–and disturbing–world of serial-killer groupies.

(CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode touches on issues of sexual abuse and violence.)

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S3E9 - "Welcome to Halifax!"

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:50:00 -0000

This week Amelia talks about the surprising reason behind a three-decade rise in violent crime, and Scotty discusses the disastrous Halifax explosion of 1917.

S3E8 - "The category is...!"

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:40:00 -0000

Happy Pride, everybody! In honor of this month's celebration, Scotty talks about heavy metal god/gay icon Rob Halford of Judas Priest, while Amelia takes us through the fraught but inspiring history of ball culture.

(CONTENT WARNING: This week's episode touches briefly on issues of sexual abuse.)

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S3E7 - "Kennedy solved!!"

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:45:04 -0000

This week Amelia tells the haunting and heartbreaking story of Japan's "tsunami ghosts," and Scotty introduces us to "the first artist to walk on the moon," Alan Bean.

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S3E6 - "Do eyelashes have feelings?"

Thu, 20 May 2021 17:15:00 -0000

This week Scotty explains how author/artist/filmmaker Clive Barker completely redefined the horror genre at the end of the 20th century, and Amelia talks about the shameful legacy of "yellowface" in both American film and theatre. Also, be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear Scotty get fact-checked in real time!

(CONTENT WARNING: This episode deals with themes of racism, as well as some sexually explicit content)

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S3E5 - "He sounds like a f***ing pill!"

Fri, 14 May 2021 14:35:02 -0000

Another biographical episode! This week Amelia takes you through the incredible life and even more incredible deeds of the unstoppable Dr. Margaret "Mom" Chung, and Scotty wrestles with the troubled life and complicated legacy of one of his literary heroes, horror author H.P. Lovecraft.

(CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of racism and suicide.)

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S3E4 - "Shhleeping with Shhtackelberg..."

Thu, 06 May 2021 08:40:00 -0000

We've got another musical episode for you! Scotty talks about blues legend Robert Johnson and whether or not he sold his soul to the Devil, and Amelia discusses Ludwig van Beethoven and the mystery woman behind his legendary "Immortal Beloved" letter.

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S3E3 - "Hysterical paroxysms!"

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:00:01 -0000

This week on The Weirdest Thing Amelia explains how concerns about female "hysteria" lead to one of the greatest inventions in human history, and Scotty talks about the bizarre life and even more bizarre death of "the Mad Monk" Grigori Rasputin.

For information on PMDD, go to https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd

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S3E2 - "Pirate throuple."

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Ahoy, mateys! Welcome to The Weirdest Thing's maritime episode. Scotty talks about the Bermuda Triangle and the mysterious case of the Carroll A. Deering, and Amelia introduces us to badass lady pirate Anne Bonny!

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S3E1 - "Tickling the dragon's tail."

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:00:39 -0000

Welcome back! This week Amelia takes us deep into the history of lowrider culture, and Scotty tells the story of the infamous -- and deadly -- "demon core."

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S2E11 - "A Hollywood goodbye..."

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our second "odds and ends" episode of The Weirdest Thing! We've got six more stories for you this week, including a badass movie executive, one of the most dubious "paranormal" tales you could imagine, some freaky little kids, and a longish discussion of criticism and art.

Quick show note: We'll be taking a short hiatus for the next few weeks, but we will be back around the first of April!

Max Headroom New Coke ad: https://youtu.be/tpqgNhF8ApE Max Headroom "signal intrusion" incident: https://youtu.be/tWdgAMYjYSs Trailer for the series "Reframed: Classic Films In the Rearview Mirror": https://youtu.be/c24D8qRqZlw Trailer for the documentary "Disclosure": https://youtu.be/ysbX6JUlaEc Trailer for the documentary "Horror Noire" (featuring Tananarive Due from episode S2E6!!): https://youtu.be/BmyueIwsMlo Trailer for the documentary "The Celluloid Closet": https://youtu.be/JL_vrb4-6_0

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S2E10 - "Gender euphoria."

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:37:00 -0000

This week we have our very first special guest on The Weirdest Thing! In a followup to our "Brains!!" episode, Weirdest Thing theme song composer/performer Kane Distler joins us to talk about the nuances of trans identity, TERFs, "transmedicalism," online bullying, and the concept of "gender euphoria."

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode we discuss transphobia, sexual abuse, mental health, and suicidal ideation.

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S2E9 - "Take me to the Pleasure Zoom!"

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 13:55:00 -0000

Welcome to our NON-Murdery Musical Extravaganza! Scotty gets all choked up about Carl Sagan and the Voyager Golden Record, and Amelia introduces you to the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet.

To learn more about the Golden Record and its contents, go to https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/

To hear the Golden Record Playlist on Spotify, go to https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6pcuzwZSIw7OgL149bgJmZ?si=CvHovS5UQ0WDdLmVgttsuA

To hear the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet in full, go to https://youtu.be/zPGf4liO-KQ

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S2E8 - "...you kill the bogey."

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:25:00 -0000

It's another aviation-themed episode of The Weirdest Thing. Amelia tells the harrowing but also inspiring story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571... known to the world as the Miracle in the Andes. Scotty relates the absolutely bonkers tale of what happened to the crew of Federal Express Flight 705. These are stories about people doing WHATEVER it takes to survive!

CONTENT WARNING: This episode involves air disasters, cannibalism, and violence.

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S2E7 - "Monster Machine!"

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:45:00 -0000

Sorry for the delay! Scotty got knocked on his butt for a couple days by his COVID booster, but he's back in fighting shape now. We have couple creepy Los Angeles stories this week: Scotty talks about the infamous "Los Feliz Murder Mansion," and Amelia relates the odd and possibly supernatural history of the Knickerbocker Hotel. Plus a slightly spoilery discussion of the new Netflix documentary series "Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel" (don't worry, there's a timecode warning if you want to skip that part).

CONTENT WARNING: Both of these stories touch on issues of suicide, and Scotty's story describes an incident of family violence.

To see some amazing photos from inside the Murder Manson, check out Alexis Vaughn's amazing photo blog at http://www.lifeinmylens-photo.com/blog/2016/3/31/los-feliz-murder-mansion-january-2016

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S2E6 - "...a little Barnum & Bailey."

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:15:00 -0000

It's celebration time! February is both Black History Month and Women in Horror Month. Amelia tells the incredible story of Paul R. Williams, architect to the stars and the first black architect west of the Mississippi. Scotty takes you through some of his favorite women who write horror fiction, from the early Gothic era up to now.

Scotty would also like you to know that when he referred to "Robert W. Campbell's 'The King in Yellow,'" he meant "Robert W. Chambers." You don't need to email him. He's not stupid.

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S2E5 - "Three or four bites of decadence."

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 09:35:00 -0000

This was supposed to be a food-themed episode, but Scotty didn't read the rules. Instead, he tells us all about the Voynich Manuscript, possibly the most mysterious book in existence. Amelia (who did read the rules) takes us through some of our favorite foods' bizarre origin stories.

CW: We also have a discussion at the top of the show about the multiple abuse allegations regarding two celebrities.

Anyone interested in actually seeing the Voynich Manuscript for themselves should go to https://beinecke.library.yale.edu/collections/highlights/voynich-manuscript

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S2E4 - "Brains!!"

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 09:35:25 -0000

The human brain is a wonderful, mysterious thing. This week Amelia takes us on a deep dive into the bizarre world of mirror neurons, and Scotty relates his own personal journey with synesthesia. Plus, Scotty talks about getting his first COVID vaccine shot! All you New Mexicans who still need to sign up, go to https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org!

S2E3 - "Bad Trash..."

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Happy Inauguration Week! This week on The Weirdest Thing Podcast, Amelia and Scotty decide to lighten things up and talk about the genesis of two works of art they find inspirational. Scotty tells the story of how Stephen King's wife, Tabitha, rescued his first novel from the dustbin. Amelia describes the origin and composition of Sam Cooke's undisputed masterpiece. Plus, our gushing review of the new film "One Night in Miami..."

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S2E2 - "Thank a Roosevelt!"

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:45:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Welcome to the government overthrow edition of The Weirdest Thing Podcast! Amelia relates the tragic story of the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, and Scotty talks about an absolutely asinine plot to replace Franklin Delano Roosevelt with a fascist cabal in 1933.

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S2E1 - "Choose Dolly!"

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:10:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Welcome to the Mega Murdery Musical episode of The Weirdest Thing Podcast! This week Scotty takes you deep into the horrific tale of the Norwegian "black metal" murders, and Amelia gives you a primer on the fascinating history of murder ballads. Plus some solid Dolly Parton appreciation at the end!

CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story is particularly grim this week, and does include a fairly graphic description of a suicide. If you'd rather just skip to the somewhat less grim discussion of murder ballads, his story ends at about 1:33:35.

Also, for all you New Mexicans wanting to sign up for your COVID-19 vaccine, go to https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org!!

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S1E11 - "Don't holler!"

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Happy Hanukkah from The Weirdest Thing! This week our cohosts delve into the bloody deeds and bizarre death of gangster Dutch Schultz, and the absolutely badass life of "Queen of the Policy Rackets" Stephanie Saint-Clair. You'll also find out exactly what Scotty and Amelia think about the "Harry Potter" movies, Kubrick's "The Shining," and "Game of Thrones."

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S1E10 - "Equilatical triangle..."

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 09:00:18 -0000

Episode Notes

Welcome to the sleep deprivation edition! Our very tired cohosts discuss the many mysteries surrounding the ancient temple of Göbekli Tepe and tell the fascinating story of The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. Plus a long tangent about Whitey Bulger, the mafia, and HBO's "The Rat Pack."

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S1E9 - "The Government Mafia..."

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 12:00:21 -0000

Episode Notes

Our fearless cohosts discuss the tragic saga of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney, and the ghastly murders that gave birth to "The Amityville Horror."

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S1E8 - "Eat a d*** and churn some butter!"

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Welcome to the first ever "odds and ends" episode of The Weirdest Thing! Our cohosts tackle six short(?) stories in one sitting, including two unlikely cryptids and one of dumbest murder plots imaginable.

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S1E7 - "Preemptively disappointed..."

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0000

Episode Notes

In this aviation-themed episode, our cohosts delve into the many conspiracy theories surrounding the Denver International Airport, and recount the harrowing tale of the Gimli Glider.

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S1E6 - "Victorian pornography."

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:30:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Wherein our fearless cohosts discuss the controversy surrounding the 1932 film "Freaks," and the sad lives of Sara Baartman and Julia Pastrana. (CONTENT WARNING: Due to the subject matter of both stories, it was impossible to avoid some ableist language.)

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S1E5 - "Oops... TRIGGER WARNING."

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:30:00 -0000

Halloween is never over at The Weirdest thing! This week our fearless cohosts delve into Washington Irving's fascinating life and his "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," as well as the grisly tale of the Sawney Bean clan of Scotland. (CONTENT WARNING: Scotty's story touches on issues of incest, cannibalism, and other grim subject matter. Listener discretion advised).

S1E4 - "Engineering blah blah blah...

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

It's Infrastructure Week on The Weirdest Thing! Our fearless cohosts discuss two catastrophic and deadly engineering failures: the St. Francis Dam Disaster of 1928 and the Johnstown Flood of 1889.

S1E3 - "Ditches are deadly."

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:40:00 -0000

Wherein our fearless cohosts bring you two regional paranormal legends: New Mexico's very own La Llorona, and the infamous Mothman of West Virginia.

S1E2 - "Slutty for Satan..."

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

Wherein our fearless cohosts discuss the sad life of Empress Sisi of Austria and recount the alleged crimes of Countess Elizabeth Bathory of Hungary.

S1E1 - "You bougie bastards!"

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 07:41:44 -0000

Wherein our fearless cohosts discuss how the Mount Tambora eruption gave birth to the two greatest literary monsters, and how the Curse of The Scottish Play lead to the Astor Place Riot.