True Weird Stuff

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Vanished Aug 08, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Vanished

In 1768, Owen Parfitt was a crippled, old man sitting on his front porch like usual. When his sister returned to bring him inside, he was gone. It was impossible that he'd left on his own, and no one had seen a thing. Every search turned up empty-handed, and Owen Parfitt was never seen again. Was he kidnapped? Was he a victim of the supernatural? The disappearance of Owen Parfitt remains a mystery to this day.

Human Livestock Aug 01, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Human Livestock

In the 20th century, the American Eugenics Society promoted its ideas of "racial betterment" through publications, lectures, and even at state fairs. Entire families would jump at the chance to be scrupulously evaluated at these exhibits. The prize for winning these "Fitter Family" contests? Being deemed worthy of passing on your genes to improve the white race.

People Chow Jul 25, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - People Chow

Webster Edgerly was the creator of a social movement known as Ralstonism. His self-promoted pseudoscience was based upon his advocacy of racial eugenics and strict health and hygiene habits. That's why in 1902, Edgerly's Ralstonism movement would end up partnering with popular food brand Purina, whose whole-grain cereal Edgerly considered to be the perfect food for his faithful followers.

The Hobo King Jul 18, 2025

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The Hobo King

In the decades before the Great Depression, it was common for folks known as hobos to wander from town to town searching for work, dangerously hopping on and off moving trains to reach their next destination. A man named Jeff Davis believed that hobos deserved a chance to care for themselves, and in 1913, he opened a hotel where hobos would provide for each other in exchange for lodging. This concept spread across the country, and Jeff Davis would become known as The Hobo King.

Revisiting Sea Demon Jul 11, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Revisiting Sea Demon

You’re at the beach, standing at the water’s edge. Shielding your eyes from the sun glaring off the water, you gaze out at the far horizon. Did you see it? Was it a trick of the light or was it...a fin? You’re about to hear a shark tale unlike any other. One that makes Jaws look like Finding Nemo. This is the terrifying true story of...the Sea Demon.

Revisiting We The People Jul 04, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Revisiting We The People

In honor of the 4th of July, here's the episode we did about Gouverneur Morris, the man who coined the term "We the People."

Nazi Farm Part 2 Jun 27, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Nazi Farm Part 2

In Nazi Farm, Part 1 we discussed the origin of Colonia Dignidad, the Nazi religious cult established by Paul Schäfer in Chile. In this episode, we dive deeper into Colonia Dignidad's relationship with Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet. Schäfer's alliance with Pinochet's regime led to Colonia Dignidad becoming a place where Pinochet's enemies would be brutally tortured...or worse.

Nazi Farm Part 1 Jun 20, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Nazi Farm Part 1

Paul Schäfer was a Nazi who, after World War II, would go on to become a minister. When Schäfer was accused of abusing two young boys at his orphanage, he fled to Chile and started a community called Colonia Dignidad. Though this 53-square-mile compound looked peaceful on the outside, Colonia Dignidad was a horrific nightmare. Violence, abuse, forced separation of families, and an alliance with a Chilean dictator were just a few of the ways Paul Schäfer maintained control over his Nazi cult with an iron fist.

Order of the Pug Jun 13, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Order of the Pug

The rise of Freemasonry in 18th century Europe led to conflict within the Catholic Church. Their disdain of these secret fraternal orders led to Pope Clement XII banning Catholics from joining them. However, that didn't stop a group of Catholics from creating their own secret society, one based on loyalty, trustworthiness, steadfastness...and wearing a dog collar. This group was known as the Order of the Pug.

Revisiting A Killer Pool Jun 06, 2025

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Today's True Weird Stuff - Revisiting A Killer Pool

With Sheri feeling under the weather this week, we thought it'd be a good time to re-release the first episode of True Weird Stuff. Sheri shares the details of growing up with a neighbor down who was as nice as could be...until the day he snapped and went on a killing spree.

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