Podcasts > Morbid > Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

By Morbid Network | Wondery

Dive into the eerie world of true crime with Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart in the latest installment of Morbid, a podcast that straddles the line between dark humor and morbid curiosity. In this episode, the co-hosts unveil their plan to expand their podcast universe with a new spin-off focused on the cult classic, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Fans of Morbid are also shown appreciation for their support on platforms like Patreon, which aids in enhancing the podcast's quality, while the pair carry on engaging with their audience through active social media channels and valuable feedback surveys—even in the absence of Facebook.

As the episode progresses, the narrative delves into the somber updates of the Golden State Killer's proceedings, discussing the intricacies of legal statutes. The conversation then transitions into a harrowing exploration of ancient torture devices, allowing listeners to peer through the darkest corridors of history. With a blend of factual recounts and visceral reactions—including interjections from Speaker C—Ash and Alaina reimagine awful medieval punishments and their portrayal in modern media, whilst teasing future content that ventures into the supernatural realm of vampirism. As the episode wraps, the hosts maintain their commitment to creating an immersive listener experience, punctuated by a candid slice-of-life moment involving a mailman's unexpected cameo.

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

1-Page Summary

Podcast Development and Listener Engagement

New Spin-Off Announcement: Diving into "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"

Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart start their latest episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast with exciting news: they're launching a new spin-off podcast dedicated to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which will be available on popular platforms such as Amazon Music.

A Show of Gratitude: Recognizing Patreon Contributions

The co-hosts take a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude for their supporters on Patreon, particularly their inaugural backers John Bialecki and Jacinta Edmonds. Their contributions are set to enhance the podcast, focusing on better audio quality through the purchase of new equipment like superior microphones—one of which was recently borrowed from Ash's nephew Aiden.

Staying Connected: Social Media and Listener Participation

Despite Alaina's recent decision to deactivate her Facebook, the duo encourages fans to stay connected through the podcast's active social media presence on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. At the end of the podcast, Ash invites the audience to partake in a brief survey on Wondery's site, stressing the importance of listener opinions and feedback.

The Golden State Killer: Charges Beyond the Statute of Limitations

The episode takes a serious turn with an update on the Golden State Killer, Joseph D'Angelo, who faces additional murder charges. This chilling case update reflects on the judicial boundaries, such as the statute of limitations that hinder charges for D'Angelo's alleged sexual assaults.

Delving into Darkness: Exploring True Crime Updates

The podcast episode reveals a blend of sharp humor and deep dives into true crime, a mix that has become a signature of Kelley and Urquhart's style. In their informative yet conversational tone, they broach topics as varied as time travel and historical crime.

Delving into the Past: Historical Crime and Punishment

The Cruel Instruments: Ancient Torture Devices Unveiled

Ash and Alaina review horrific historical torture devices like the brazen bull, emphasizing its chilling sound effect resembling a bellowing bull, and they address the dark irony of its creator, Perilous, being its first victim. The notorious Iron Maiden is also analyzed, leading to discussions on its actual existence and the skepticism surrounding it.

Torturous Tales: From Medieval Devices to Modern Media

Discussions delve into the broader implications of these gruesome devices. They recount brutal practices from medieval Scotland and look at cinematic portrayals of sadistic practices, drawing connections to their persistence in popular culture.

Scottish Horrors: The Glasgow Smile and Beyond

Moving geographically, the co-hosts touch upon the Glasgow smile and infamous saw torture of Scotland, evoking almost unimaginable scenes from the past. They explore the macabre fascination with public executions and the concept of torture as entertainment throughout history.

The Psychology of Pain: Connecting Medieval Techniques to Modern Horror

The conversation extends to the psychological toll these methods inflicted, as well as their physical torture. The emotive reactions from another voice, referred to as Speaker C, punctuate the historical discussions with expressions of shock and dark humor.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Features and Collaborations

From the Past to the Paranormal: Teasing Vampirism and Future Topics

A glimpse into future podcast content includes hints at exploring themes like vampirism. The hosts also share their admiration for Aaron Mankey's podcast "LORE," which discusses similar dark historical events.

Royal Encounters: Vampires of the Austin Court

An upcoming feature will include a discussion with Logan and Daily South from the Vampire Court of Austin, promising to delve into the alluring topic of vampirism further.

Enhancing The Listener Experience: Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms

Ash and Alaina close the episode by promoting the Morbid podcast's availability through Amazon Music and Wondery Plus on Apple Podcasts. They reflect on their unplanned moment during recording—a spontaneous interruption by a mailman—showing the authentic ambiance that their podcast offers.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Patreon is a platform where creators can receive financial support directly from their audience. Supporters on Patreon often contribute through monthly subscriptions to help creators sustain their work and improve the quality of their content. This support can fund various aspects of a creator's projects, such as equipment upgrades, production costs, and exclusive perks for patrons. Recognizing and thanking Patreon supporters is a common practice among creators to show appreciation for their contributions and to foster a sense of community and loyalty.
  • The judicial boundaries related to the Golden State Killer case pertain to legal limitations, like statutes of limitations, that can prevent certain charges from being brought due to the passage of time since the alleged crimes occurred. These limitations can impact the prosecution of crimes, especially in cases where significant time has passed between the criminal acts and their discovery or investigation. In the context of the Golden State Killer case, these boundaries may have influenced the charges that could be pursued against the accused perpetrator, Joseph D'Angelo.
  • The brazen bull was an ancient Greek execution device shaped like a hollow bull where victims were locked inside and roasted to death. The Iron Maiden was a medieval torture device resembling a standing metal coffin with spikes on the inside, used to impale victims when closed. Both devices were designed to inflict excruciating pain and instill fear in those witnessing the punishment. These devices are infamous examples of the cruel and inventive ways humans have inflicted suffering on one another throughout history.
  • Medieval torture practices were brutal methods used to extract confessions or punish individuals, often involving devices like the brazen bull and Iron Maiden. These devices inflicted extreme pain and suffering, with the psychological impact being as significant as the physical harm. Popular culture often portrays these practices in a sensationalized manner, emphasizing their gruesome nature and historical significance. Such depictions in media contribute to a macabre fascination with the darker aspects of history and human cruelty.
  • The Glasgow smile is a gruesome form of facial mutilation where the victim's mouth is cut from the corners towards the ears, creating a forced and terrifying smile. Saw torture involves using a saw-like instrument to inflict pain and suffering on a victim, often resulting in severe injuries or death. These brutal practices were historically used as methods of punishment or torture, showcasing the extreme cruelty of certain periods in history. The mention of these practices in the text highlights the dark and macabre aspects of historical crime and punishment.
  • Medieval torture methods inflicted severe physical and psychological pain on victims. The psychological impact included long-lasting trauma, fear, and mental anguish. These methods aimed to not only physically harm but also mentally break individuals. The psychological toll often led to lasting emotional scars and profound suffering.

Counterarguments

  • The decision to launch a spin-off podcast dedicated to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" might not appeal to all listeners, especially if they prefer the true crime focus of the original podcast.
  • While Patreon support is crucial, it's important to ensure that the podcast remains accessible to those who cannot contribute financially.
  • Social media engagement can be positive, but it can also lead to negative interactions or feedback that may affect the hosts or the show's direction.
  • Discussing ongoing legal cases like the Golden State Killer can be complex and may require careful consideration to avoid legal issues or the spread of misinformation.
  • The blend of humor with true crime topics might be seen as insensitive by some listeners, particularly those closely affected by the crimes discussed.
  • Reviewing ancient torture devices and discussing their historical context can be fascinating, but it might also be disturbing or triggering for some audience members.
  • The focus on Scottish historical horrors and torture might not be of interest to all listeners and could be perceived as overly gruesome.
  • Exploring the psychological impact of medieval torture methods is important, but it should be done with sensitivity to avoid sensationalizing the suffering of individuals.
  • Future content on vampirism and paranormal topics may alienate listeners who prefer the true crime aspect of the podcast.
  • Collaborations with other podcasts and guests can be enriching, but there's a risk that the original voice and style of the podcast could be diluted.
  • While the podcast's availability on platforms like Amazon Music and Wondery Plus is convenient, it may exclude listeners who use other platforms or cannot afford subscription services.
  • Authentic ambiance, such as unplanned interruptions during recording, can be charming, but some listeners might prefer a more polished and professional production.

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

Podcast Development and Listener Engagement

New Spin-Off Announcement: Diving into "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"

Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart start their latest episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast with exciting news: they're launching a new spin-off podcast dedicated to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which will be available on popular platforms such as Amazon Music.

Fans are welcomed to join in the discussions, promising an interactive and in-depth analysis episode by episode, coupled with a playful tone.

A Show of Gratitude: Recognizing Patreon Contributions

The co-hosts take a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude for their supporters on Patreon, particularly their inaugural backers John Bialecki and Jacinta Edmonds.

They highlight how listener contributions will go towards better audio quality, mentioning the potential purchase of new microphones like the superior one Ash is currently using, kindly borrowed from her nephew Aiden.

This gesture of family support and plans to invest in podcast enhancements underscore their commitment to improving listener experience with the he ...

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Podcast Development and Listener Engagement

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart are the hosts of the podcast mentioned in the text. They are known for their work on the Morbid: A True Crime Podcast. Ash and Alaina are launching a new spin-off podcast dedicated to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." They engage with their audience through interactive discussions and express gratitude to their supporters on platforms like Patreon. The duo emphasizes listener engagement through social media and feedback surveys.
  • Patreon is a platform where fans can financially support creators like podcasters through monthly subscriptions. Creators offer exclusive content or perks to their Patreon supporters in exchange for their contributions. This support helps creators cover production costs, improve content quality, and build a more sustainable relationship with their audience. It's a way for fans to directly support the creators they enjoy and help them continue creating the content they love.
  • Wondery is a podcast network known for p ...

Counterarguments

  • While the new spin-off podcast dedicated to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" may excite some fans, others might feel that the market is oversaturated with similar content, and the hosts could risk alienating listeners who are not interested in this particular show.
  • Making the podcast available on popular platforms like Amazon Music is convenient, but some listeners may prefer or be limited to other platforms that are not supported.
  • Inviting fans to join discussions for an interactive analysis is a positive step, but it may not appeal to all listeners, some of whom may prefer a more traditional, less interactive podcast format.
  • Expressing gratitude to Patreon supporters is important, but it's crucial to ensure that the content remains accessible and engaging for all listeners, not just those who contribute financially.
  • Improving audio quality is a commendable goal, but it should not overshadow the need for high-quality content, which is ultimately what retains listeners.
  • Enhancing the listener experience with community support is valuable, but there should be a balance to avoid over-reliance on the community for improvements that the podcast should be responsible for.
  • Maintaining an active soc ...

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

Crime Updates and Legal Reflections

The Golden State Killer: Charges Beyond the Statute of Limitations

The episode takes a serious turn with an update on the Golden State Killer, Joseph D'Angelo, who faces additional murder charges for the fatal shooting of Claude Snelling while attempting to kidnap Snelling's daughter. This newest accusation highlights the relentless pursuit of justice in this case.

While some of D'Angelo's alleged sexual assaults can't be charged due to the statute of limitations, the hosts share their aspiration for the survivors to receive some form of judicial recognition, reflecting on the complexities within the legal system.

Delving into Darkness: Explori ...

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Crime Updates and Legal Reflections

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, was a notorious unidentified serial killer and rapist who terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s. Joseph James DeAngelo was identified and arrested in 2018 as the suspected perpetrator of these crimes. His capture was a significant breakthrough in one of the most infamous unsolved cases in American criminal history. DeAngelo's arrest brought closure to many victims and their families after decades of fear and uncertainty.
  • The statute of limitations sets a time limit for prosecuting crimes after they occur. Once this time period expires, legal action can no longer be taken. The purpose is to ensure that cases are resolved promptly and to protect defendants from facing charges for old offenses. Different crimes and jurisdictions have varying statutes of limitations.
  • Judicial recognition for survivors of crimes involves acknowledgment and validation of the harm and trauma they have experienced through the legal system. This recognition can come in various forms, such as court proceedings that acknowledge the impact of the crime on the survivor's life. It aims to provide a sense of closure and justice for the survivor, even if certain legal limitations prevent full prosecution of the perpetrator.
  • A blend of sharp humor and deep div ...

Counterarguments

  • The pursuit of justice, while relentless, may also raise concerns about the potential for prosecutorial overreach or the ethical implications of revisiting cases many years after the alleged crimes occurred.
  • While the hosts' aspiration for survivors to receive judicial recognition is noble, it could be argued that the legal system's primary function is to adjudicate based on law, not to provide recognition or closure, which may be beyond its scope.
  • The blending of sharp humor with true crime topics might be seen as insensitive by some, as it involves real victims and their families.
  • The signature style of Kelley and Urquhart, while appealing ...

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

Delving into the Past: Historical Crime and Punishment

The Cruel Instruments: Ancient Torture Devices Unveiled

Ash and Alaina review horrific historical torture devices, including a horrifying use of rats in torture. Victims had rats driven to burrow into their bodies to escape heat, leading to fatal infections.

They describe the 'Cradle of Judas.' This often resulted in significant injuries, and many victims succumbed to death through blood loss or infection.

Torturous Tales: From Medieval Devices to Modern Media

They explore historical tales of torment, such as the harrowing story from the Church of Hadstock in Essex, where a Dane's skinned remains were publicly displayed on the church door as a chilling deterrent.

Another gruesome anecdote shared is that of a Viking who, after attempting to steal a bell from a cathedral, faced a similar fate of being flayed with his skin exhibited to prevent future thefts.

Scottish Horrors: The Glasgow Smile and Beyond

The co-hosts elucidate the disturbing Glasgow smile, including its Scottish origins and notable depiction by the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' They relate it to the Black Dahlia case and discuss a lesser-known victim who survived similar mutilation.

They also discuss flaying, comparing the torturer's perverse satisfaction to the feeling of peeling skin from sunburn, referencing 'Game of Thrones' and an Australian case where a woman subjected her husband to flaying.

The Psychology of Pain: Connecting Medieval Techniques to Modern ...

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Delving into the Past: Historical Crime and Punishment

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The 'Cradle of Judas' was a torture device used in history where the victim was seated on a pyramid-shaped seat and lowered onto a sharp point, causing extreme pain and often leading to severe injuries or death. The name is derived from the biblical figure Judas Iscariot, known for betraying Jesus, linking the device to betrayal and suffering. This method was designed to inflict excruciating pain by impaling the victim, making it a cruel and brutal form of punishment. The Cradle of Judas was a harrowing torture method aimed at causing immense physical agony and psychological trauma to the individual subjected to it.
  • The Glasgow smile, also known as a Chelsea smile, is a gruesome form of facial mutilation where the victim's mouth is cut from the corners towards the ears, resembling a forced smile. It originated in Glasgow, Scotland, where it was infamously used as a form of punishment or intimidation by criminal gangs. The practice has been associated with gang violence and is a brutal method to mark or punish individuals in a terrifying manner. The Glasgow smile gained further notoriety through its portrayal in popular culture, including movies like 'The Dark Knight.'
  • Flaying is the act of removing the skin from a person's body. The comparison to peeling skin from sunburn is made to convey the sensation of pain and discomfort involved in both processes. Flaying involves a deliberate and often excruciatin ...

Counterarguments

...

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Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 13: Torture

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Features and Collaborations

From the Past to the Paranormal: Teasing Vampirism and Future Topics

In looking ahead, the hosts recount the dark centuries-old tale of Peter Stube, a serial killer from 16th century Germany believed to be a werewolf, whose barbaric punishment involved the removal of his flesh.

They also express their admiration for Aaron Mankey's 'LORE' podcast for its compelling narratives on macabre historical events, including stories like that of Peter Stube.

The discussion moves to consider a possible collaboration focused on a vampire couple known for their confident public embrace of their identities, as seen on MTV's 'True Life,' contemplating a project that would explore the concept of living authentically in the context of vampirism.

Royal Encounters: Vampires of the Austin Court

An upcoming feature will include a discussion with Logan and Daily South from the Vampire Court of Austin, promising to delve into the alluring topic of vampirism further.

Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart express excitement about their forthcoming conversation with these recognized figures within the Vampire Court. This special show, focusing on the captivating topic of vampirism, is expected to draw significant interest from the audience.

Enhancing The Listener Experienc ...

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Looking Ahead: Upcoming Features and Collaborations

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Peter Stumpp, also known as Peter Stube, was a German farmer accused of being a werewolf and a serial killer in the 16th century. His brutal punishment, known as "breaking wheel" execution, involved the removal of his flesh with red-hot pincers before he was beheaded and his body burned. Stumpp's case is infamous for its gruesome details and the belief in his supernatural abilities as a werewolf, making it a dark and macabre chapter in history.
  • Aaron Mahnke is the creator of the 'LORE' podcast, which explores dark historical tales and folklore. The podcast delves into macabre events, myths, and legends from various cultures, shedding light on eerie and mysterious stories. Mahnke's storytelling style captivates listeners with his detailed accounts of supernatural occurrences and historical mysteries. 'LORE' has gained a large following for its unique blend of history and horror, making it a popular choice for fans of the paranormal and the unexplained.
  • The Vampire Court of Austin is a community of individuals who identify with vampirism and engage in social and cultural activities related to the va ...

Counterarguments

  • The fascination with figures like Peter Stube may glamorize or sensationalize the violent history behind such tales, potentially overshadowing the tragic reality of the victims.
  • While 'LORE' is praised for its compelling storytelling, some listeners might find the podcast's interpretations of historical events too speculative or not sufficiently grounded in historical accuracy.
  • The idea of collaborating with a vampire couple from MTV's 'True Life' to explore authenticity might trivialize the experiences of those who identify with vampirism as a subculture or lifestyle.
  • The upcoming feature with the Vampire Court of Austin could be seen as endorsing a subculture that some people might find controversial or difficult to understand.
  • There is a risk that the conversation with the Vampire Court could focus too much on the sensational aspects of vampirism rather than providing a nuanced understanding of the community.
  • Promoting the podcast's availability on specific platforms like Amazo ...

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