Episode 560: “Jolly Jane” Toppan: Angel of Mercy (Part 1)

Immerse yourself in the murky depths of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup," where Bailey Sarian uncovers the mystery of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Sarian paints a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where societal chaos, strained ethnic associations, poverty, and widespread prostitution rule the streets of Whitechapel, East London. As she narrates the gruesome killings that plagued the area, Sarian explores the chilling account of Mary Ann Nichols and the shockingly precise murder of Annie Chapman, stimulating speculations of an accomplice's involvement.

This gripping podcast by Bailey Sarian doesn't stop at the surface, delving deeper into the struggles of nineteenth-century criminal investigations. Sarian promises to unpack theories, mysterious letters, and potential suspects in future episodes, actively engaging listeners for input. Amid the thrilling narratives, Sarian intermingles reminders of her collaboration with Casetify and intriguing glimpses into her personal interests such as makeup experiments, creating a unique blend of mystery, history, and personal insights.

Join Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart as they venture into the shadowy psyche of Edmund Kemper, the notorious "Coed Killer," in "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast." With chilling precision, the co-hosts recount his brutal crimes and early displays of malcontent, painting a portrait of a disturbed individual shaped by an abusive childhood and societal missteps. By starting the episode with Kemper's own unnerving words, they construct an atmosphere that is both captivating and cautionary, ensuring listeners are acutely aware of the explicit and haunting journey ahead.

As they weave through Kemper's life—from his contemptuous relationship with his overbearing mother to his cunning double life that fooled even law enforcement—Ash and Alaina offer profound insights into the criminal mind. They dissect institutional failures and naivete that allowed Kemper to exploit the system, examine his impact on forensic psychology, and end with reflections on the precarious balance between normalcy and the hidden darkness within. This gripping episode not only lays bare the extremes of human behavior but sets the stage for future explorations of mystery, beginning with a teaser of the perplexing Dyatlov Pass incident.

In this episode of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup", host Bailey Sarian takes us on a captivating journey through time, unraveling the haze that surrounds the infamous figure – Jack the Ripper. In a unique blend of true-crime storytelling and makeup application, Sarian expertly navigates the gritty details of the Ripper's heinous crimes, with a special focus on his last known victim, Mary Jane Kelly. By shedding light on Kelly's tragic life and death, amidst her riveting makeover, Sarian redefines the true crime genre and presents a fresh perspective on one of history's most notorious serial killers.

Sarian not only delves into the complexity of this unsolved mystery, exploring various theories and suspects, but also highlights the challenges of the Victorian-era investigation, caused by the technology limitations at the time. This thoughtful analysis is rounded off by a compelling comparison to modern crime rates and techniques, including a discussion on the modern-day criminal, Derek Brown, who emulated Jack the Ripper, yet was ultimately caught. With this introspective look at crime past and present, Sarian's podcast not only entertains but makes for a thoughtful reflection on society's dark underbelly.