Who Did What Now • Katie Charlwood

In a suspenseful episode of "Who Did What Now," hosts Advertisement and Katie Charlwood delve into the chilling story of Thomas Higgins' untimely demise, unmasking the dark deeds of Margaret Higgins and her sister Catherine Flanagan. The seemingly unfortunate death takes a shocking turn when Thomas's brother Patrick grows skeptical of the unusual life insurance policies held by Margaret, his brother's widow. What begins as a grieving family's tragedy soon becomes a riveting tale of deception, greed, and murder, as the investigation into the insurance policies unfolds, revealing a calculated plot to poison for profit.

As the episode unfolds, listeners are drawn into the grim world of 19th-century Liverpool where Catherine and Margaret, known infamously as the "Black Widows of Liverpool," prey on the vulnerable. Our hosts unravel the meticulous strategy the sisters employed, exploiting burial societies for financial gain. But their criminal endeavor does not go unnoticed; arsenic, the grim reaper's assistant, becomes their damning evidence. With detailed accounts of the sisters' capture, trial, and ultimate fate, this chapter of "Who Did What Now" presents an enthralling look into one of history's notorious insurance fraud schemes and its harrowing conclusion.

Dive into the myth-laden life of Queen Maeve in the landmark 100th episode of "Who Did What Now," where Katie Charlwood and her daughter explore the hauntingly blurred lines between history and legend in Ireland. This episode delves into the provocative tale of Queen Maeve, examining the indistinct certainty of her existence—a topic that is as fascinating as it is esoteric. Reflect on the complexities of Irish mythology and history as Charlwood navigates us through the enigma of a figure who has beguiled generations.

Experience the vicissitudes of Maeve's storied life from her fiery youth as a princess to her turbulent relationships and political marriages, each ending in calamity. The episode uncovers the dramatic nature of her encounters, from disastrous marriages to a fateful affair that leads to assassination. Charlwood also gives an account of the legendary beauty that held men captive, setting the stage for the ultimate feud over a prized bull that epitomizes Maeve's ambition and battle prowess. Ending with the unusual demise of this storied queen, the podcast paints the portrait of a woman whose influence reverberates through Irish folklore.

Dive deep into a dark chapter of Irish history with the latest episode of "Who Did What Now," featuring Katie Charlwood as she uncovers the appalling narrative of the Magdalene Laundries. These institutions, originally conceived as havens for the vulnerable, morphed into oppressive workhouses where countless women and girls were subjected to inhumane treatment and slave-like labor. The episode sheds light on the struggles of individuals such as Maureen and Marina Gambold and Mary Merritt, whose testimonies echo the agony of thousands who have yet to receive recognition for their enduring hardships.

This devastating tale of abuse, ignored by those in power, points to the weighty silence of the Catholic Church, which managed these laundries, and the complicity of the Irish government, which benefited and contributed to the continued operation of these brutal establishments. Katie Charlwood underscores the survivors' ongoing quest for justice and the broader societal implications of these revelations, urging for increased awareness and action that might prevent history from repeating such injustices. "Who Did What Now" casts a critical spotlight on the need for transparency and accountability, striking at the heart of collective amnesia surrounding the grievous legacy of the Magdalene Laundries.

Dive into the tempestuous world of piracy with "Who Did What Now" as Katie Charlwood unveils the untold stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two formidable women who defied the norms of the 18th century to become key figures in the Golden Age of Piracy. In a time when the sea was thought to belong to men, Charlwood expertly navigates through history to bring us the tales of these female pirates, their tumultuous lives, and their complicated relationships with the infamous Calico Jack Rackham.

From Anne Bonny's escape from scandal in Ireland to Mary Read's ventures disguised as a man in military service, the episode stitches together a narrative that covers their partnership in crime, their exploits of rebellion and thievery under Calico Jack's command, and their final valiant stand against the law. Discover the fate that befell these audacious women after their capture—their trials, imprisonment, and the shrouded mystery surrounding their ends. Join Charlwood in exploring the swashbuckling saga that is Anne Bonny and Mary Read, whose legacies are carved into pirate lore.

Dive into the storied past of Marlene Dietrich in the latest episode of "Who Did What Now," featuring speakers like Katie Charlwood, who unravel the compelling saga of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures. The episode meticulously charts Marlene's journey from her privileged yet turbulent childhood in Berlin, through her rise to stardom in the roaring '20s of Germany, to her eventual reign as a Hollywood luminary and femme fatale. Listeners will travel back in time to witness the inception and evolution of a career that defied expectations and shattered boundaries in a male-dominated industry.

The episode also sheds light on the lesser-known facets of Dietrich's life, illustrating her impactful contributions during World War II and her unyielding stance against the Third Reich. As Marlene's career transitions from the silver screen to captivating stage performances, her personal trials, from romantic entanglements to health struggles, paint a picture of resilience. The narrative concludes with a reflective look at her sequestered final years in Paris, cementing her standing as an indomitable spirit within a century marked by immense social and political change.