Episode 561: Cryptid Towns

In the informative podcast 'Murder, Mystery & Makeup', Bailey Sarian delivers an engrossing study of Sylvester Matuska—a man whose unusual fetish for train disasters marked a notorious and dangerous path. Sarian unveils the obsessions and incidences which shrouded Matuska's life with great precision, from the discovery of his technical expertise and fascinations in childhood to his World War I experience, and consequent development of a sinister inclination towards train derailments and explosions.

Sarian takes listeners along an investigative journey as she probes Matuska's actions, painting a vivid picture of a man fascinated with devastation. Navigating through multiple complex turns in Matuska's life, the meticulously conducted episode also includes discussions about symphorophilia, legal perspectives, and the mystery surrounding his revenue. This intricate study presented with Sarian's unique touch of humor, offers a compelling insight into a perplexing psychological condition and a life marked by derailments - literal and metaphorical alike.

Best known as the general who led the Union to victory over the Confederacy in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant has been widely misunderstood by mainstream historians, argues biographer Ron Chernow. According to Chernow, the mainstream narrative characterizes Grant as an inept heavy drinker whose success in the Civil War stemmed primarily from a numbers advantage and whose Presidency was marred by corruption and the failure of Reconstruction. But in his comprehensive 2018 biography, Grant, Chernow seeks to correct this caricature by shedding light on Grant’s achievements as General of the Union, President of the United States, and a person fighting valiantly against an alcohol addiction.

In this guide, we’ll discuss Chernow’s assessment of Grant’s role in the Civil War, his accomplishments as President, and his struggles against unhealthy alcohol use. We’ll also dig deeper into the historical context of Grant’s life and examine accounts from other historians that complement Chernow’s biography.

Journey with comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura in their podcast, '2 Bears, 1 Cave', as they weave humor through a kaleidoscope of themes from personal development, self-awareness, and relationships, to unique health practices and thrilling tales of marine adventures. Bert shares personal struggles and growth, displaying his growing self-awareness and championing the power of therapy for informed decision-making and confidence building. The duo also delve into their approach to health, personal care routines, and non-traditional practices, examining their benefits and the skepticism surrounding them.

The podcast takes listeners on an adventure as the dynamic duo discuss their shared love for the ocean, detail exciting encounters with unpredictable currents and marine life, and even extend an open invitation to HGTV stars for a surfing trip. Not confining themselves to the seas, the comedians also share their unique reflections on life, humor, love, and mortality, leading to laughter-filled, yet potent discussions. Experience '2 Bears, 1 Cave' for a delightful blend of comedy, personal growth, and endearing candor.

Louie Zamperini was one of the brightest prospects for the 1940 Olympics in track and field. But when WWII started, his life would take a much different path. The story of Louie’s struggles as a young loner, a rising star, a Pacific POW, and a man trying to reclaim his life after years of torment is as unbelievable as it is inspiring. Through Louie’s tale, the depths of the human soul and will to survive are examined. As Louie spirals out of control because of trauma and becomes obsessed with a plot to kill the man who tortured him, he learns that a man is not defined by his history, but rather by the manner in which he seeks a future. Unbroken reaches into the heart of terror and shines a light on what it means to triumph.

A little girl growing up alone in the lush marshes of the North Carolina coast. A young woman who falls in love and experiences the anguish of a broken heart. A promise of marriage. A betrayal that leads to death. In Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens reveals these moments along Kya Clark’s journey to survive after her family abandons her as a child. Owens’s prose is as lush as the environment she describes, making you feel you are with Kya every step of the way. As Kya deals with discrimination and torment by the local townspeople, she must also navigate matters of the heart and decide if opening her heart is worth the risk when all she’s known is loss.

Dive into the energetic and enchanting universe of “The Broski Report with Brittany Broski” as Brittany herself takes you through an unforgettable blend of personal stories, celebrity encounters, and eerie tales. From the unforgettable excitement of Austin City Limits to playful daydreams of moving to Ireland as Hozier's neighbor, her narrative captivates with its spirited anecdotes. Brittany's experiences, including her whimsical costume ideas like transforming into a plus-size Kylo Ren, promise a journey through her unique and humor-infused lens. With every word, you'll find yourself a part of the spirited "Broski Nation," swept along by Brittany's vibrant storytelling and her audacious spirit.

In this episode, Brittany isn’t afraid to delve into the quieter moments of life either, reflecting on the solitary peace and occasional spooks of living alone in her 20th-century house. Real-life ghost stories from Texas' most haunted locales chill the spine while her personal connections to these tales add a touch of the supernatural to the everyday. Then, she switches gears to share heartwarming and poignant encounters with strangers, advocating for the priceless value of human diversity and connections beyond our social spheres. Join Brittany on a rollercoaster of emotions and insights, and take away her parting wisdom on nurturing relationships and seeking joy and safety in the adventures of life.

Fever 1793 details the yellow fever plague in Philadelphia a decade after the Revolutionary War through the eyes of young 14-year-old Matilda Cook. With great respect for historical accuracy and a keen voice, Laurie Halse Anderson describes the fear and decay that destroyed the nation’s capital and killed thousands of people in three months. Anderson’s keen attention to human emotions and connections lifts this coming-of-age story from the depths of darkness to the light of courage and survival.

In the gripping episode of "Rotten Mango," Stephanie Soo and her co-host dive deep into the chilling story of Abby Choi, a renowned Hong Kong model whose grisly murder stunned a close-knit community and ignited a firestorm of speculation and sorrow. As they analyze the events leading to Abby's disappearance and the subsequent discovery of betrayal and familial treachery, Stephanie uncovers the darker side of wealth's allure and the lengths to which greed can distort human nature.

With the once-revered sheriff's family at the center of a nexus of suspicion, "Rotten Mango" exposes the compelling dynamics of a luxury-addicted mindset against the backdrop of a beloved figure's altruistic legacy. As Stephanie takes listeners through the twists and turns of the investigation and the stark cultural reflections it has provoked, she pays homage to Abby Choi's spirit. This episode not only dissects a tragic tale but makes an impassioned plea for justice, leaving a poignant impact and a community's resolve to remember Abby's life, as opposed to the condemnable acts of her accused.