Episode 571: Lost Children of the Alleghenies

What led a group of nineteenth-century Americans to uproot themselves and embark on an arduous journey across the massive frontier? In Days On The Road, Sarah Raymond Herndon explores their motivations and experiences as they set out on the infamous pioneer trail from Missouri to Montana. Though driven by ambitions of finding fortune and opportunity, the voyagers encounter challenges at every turn—treacherous terrain, threatening wildlife, violent encounters, and devastating illnesses.

As Herndon recounts the expedition's trials, she ponders the strength and resilience these pioneers acquired in facing adversity together. This firsthand account transports readers into the dust-filled wagons, offering an intimate glimpse into how the West was forged by those determined to see their dreams realized amidst the often-punishing realities of frontier life.

Ghosted by Nancy French is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's challenging upbringing, long-lasting effects of abuse and trauma, and her experiences navigating the changing landscape of conservative politics.

French delves into her ancestral roots in the Monteagle mountains, her turbulent childhood marked by domestic violence and addiction, and how she overcame early abuse to find her voice as a speechwriter and political commentator. The author also recounts her disillusionment with the Republican Party during the Trump era and her harrowing investigation into systemic abuse at a prominent Christian camp—an effort that reopened old wounds but provided a path towards healing.

The Iron Triangle provides an unflinching, firsthand account of the Vietnam War from the perspective of American ground troops. Through vivid descriptions and personal narratives, author Douglas L. Edwards lays bare the physical and psychological toll of the conflict. Soldiers recount harrowing tales of grueling treks through dense jungles, constant danger from guerrilla attacks, the privations of camp life, and searing trauma from combat.

Equally candid are the soldiers' reflections on flawed leadership, wavering morale, and the growing sense of futility as the war dragged on. Interweaving intimate and often disturbing details, Edwards offers a raw look at the daily struggles endured by the American troops in Vietnam.

The Evil Within is a harrowing account that examines the profound grief and struggles of Darren Galsworthy, whose daughter Becky fell victim to a horrific murder at the hands of her stepbrother. Darren's journey explores Becky's troubled adolescence plagued by bullying and an eating disorder, her close-knit family ties, and the rippling impact of her untimely death on both her loved ones and the local community.

The narrative delves into the shocking betrayal and trial that ensnared Becky's stepbrother and his girlfriend, unveiling disturbing details about their meticulous planning of the crime. With unwavering resilience, the Galsworthy family channeled their pain into a pursuit of justice, honoring Becky's memory through acts of compassion and the establishment of a charitable foundation in her name.

In an emotionally charged episode of "Rotten Mango," Stephanie Soo and her co-host take listeners through the heart-wrenching details of the Sewol ferry disaster, where over 300 people, mostly high school students, tragically lost their lives on a trip to Jeju Island. The podcast examines the chronological events that lead to the ship's sinking, the failure of cargo securement due to overloading, and the consequent tipping point that set the stage for disaster. They discuss the immediate reactions, heroic acts of bravery, and the chilling farewell messages from students to their loved ones, painting a vivid and heartbreaking picture of the tragedy.

Beyond the recounting of that ill-fated day, "Rotten Mango" explores the depths of human error and systemic failures responsible for the calamity. The episode dissects the negligence of companies prioritizing profit over safety, the inadequate crisis response from authorities, and the incidents of regulatory lapses that contributed to the chaos amidst the crisis. With a focus on the psychological toll on survivors and the national mourning that followed, the podcast offers a profound reflection on accountability and the resilience of the human spirit. As they discuss the aftermath and the cultural response to the disaster, Stephanie Soo and her co-host challenge listeners to contemplate the societal behavior and leadership actions that can either hinder or help in moments of dire need.

In the aftermath of a harrowing plane crash, four survivors endure severe injuries and unbearable conditions in the Canadian wilderness. Into the Abyss by Carol Shaben is a riveting true account of their struggle for survival against the elements while awaiting rescue. The never-before-seen details reveal the astonishing acts of courage and teamwork that allowed these individuals to overcome extreme adversity.

As the profound impact of the ordeal is gradually unveiled, the survivors find themselves on divergent paths of healing and advocacy. Ultimately, their lives and perspectives are forever transformed through remarkable personal journeys of change, wisdom, and self-discovery.

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.

Venture into the chilling world of unsolved mysteries with Ashleigh Kelly and Alaina Urquhart in the third episode of their gripping podcast, 'Morbid'. This particular episode pulls you into the timeless enigma of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine experienced Russian explorers met implausible tragedy. Our charismatic hosts weave an atmospheric narrative of the chilling event, unravelling the multi-layered complexities of deviated itinerary, unsettling autopsy reports, and hasty escape attempts that make the incident macabrely fascinating.

Beyond the investigation, versatile hosts Ashleigh Kelly and Alaina Urquhart build a palpable connection with their audience, inviting them to contribute topics and continue the discourse on social media. They affirm their commitment to crafting a deeply engaging and interactive true crime podcast that resonates with their listeners, taking the narrative from mere recitation to an immersive mystery-solving experience for their followers, ensuring 'Morbid' is more than just a podcast; it's a community of curious minds unfolding the world's most eerie enigma.

In The Waltham Murders, Susan Clare Zalkind takes a personal look into the unsolved homicides of three young men in Waltham, Massachusetts. Tied to these tragic events is her friend Erik Weissman, one of the victims whose life was cut short.

Zalkind guides readers through the investigation, examining potential connections to Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Ibragim Todashev, as well as allegations of police corruption. With firsthand accounts of the victims' families, she highlights how the Boston Marathon bombings and legal proceedings shaped the probe into these brutal killings.

Ghosted by Nancy French is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's challenging upbringing, long-lasting effects of abuse and trauma, and her experiences navigating the changing landscape of conservative politics.

French delves into her ancestral roots in the Monteagle mountains, her turbulent childhood marked by domestic violence and addiction, and how she overcame early abuse to find her voice as a speechwriter and political commentator. The author also recounts her disillusionment with the Republican Party during the Trump era and her harrowing investigation into systemic abuse at a prominent Christian camp—an effort that reopened old wounds but provided a path towards healing.

The Evil Within is a harrowing account that examines the profound grief and struggles of Darren Galsworthy, whose daughter Becky fell victim to a horrific murder at the hands of her stepbrother. Darren's journey explores Becky's troubled adolescence plagued by bullying and an eating disorder, her close-knit family ties, and the rippling impact of her untimely death on both her loved ones and the local community.

The narrative delves into the shocking betrayal and trial that ensnared Becky's stepbrother and his girlfriend, unveiling disturbing details about their meticulous planning of the crime. With unwavering resilience, the Galsworthy family channeled their pain into a pursuit of justice, honoring Becky's memory through acts of compassion and the establishment of a charitable foundation in her name.

Dive into the tangled web of American folklore with the "Last Podcast On The Left" as hosts Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ed Larson unpack the notorious Hatfield and McCoy feud with a balance of humor and historical insight. In an episode rich with quirky impersonations and cultural anecdotes, they debunk myths and explore the roots of this legendary conflict. Through a unique blend of storytelling and analysis, they elucidate the broader implications and personalities at the heart of the family war that persisted post-Civil War, shattering the simplistic narrative of a dispute over a single pig.

The episode takes you on a journey through the rugged landscape of Tug Valley, where resolute characters like "Devil Anse" Hatfield and Randall McCoy embody the fighting spirit of their kin. Beyond the feud's skirmishes and romances, the podcast delves into the broader socioeconomic impacts of industrial exploitation and how these historical conflicts mirror modern entertainment in reality TV. Join the hosts as they shed light on the volatile yet captivating dynamics of Appalachian heritage, ensuring that the tale of Hatfield and McCoy resonates with both historical depth and cultural relevance.