Grigori Rasputin was many things: a wandering mystic, a spiritual advisor to the Russian royal family, and according to persistent rumors, extremely difficult to kill. Was he actually a holy man with healing powers, or just a manipulative con artist who helped bring down an empire? Most of what you think you know about Rasputin is wrong…but the truth is still pretty wild. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Cha...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 309
Who would be in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord ... ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon: PATREON ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! Midnight Merch ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~ Instagram...
Jun 26, 2025•23 min•Ep. 307
The first episode covered the origins; now it’s time for the bloodbath. In part two of the Zizian cult series, Shane and Duncan unpack the chilling details of the group’s most violent acts: samurai swords, parricide, and a vegan warlord with delusions of grandeur. From the calculated murders to the dramatic downfall, this is the story of how an online ideology turned into a real-world body count. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus cont...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 306
Who would be in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord ... ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon: PATREON ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! Midnight Merch ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~ Instagram...
Jun 12, 2025•25 min•Ep. 304
They preached compassion, practiced anarchy, and packed a samurai sword. In this episode, Shane and Duncan uncover the bizarre rise and explosive downfall of the Zizian cult—a fringe vegan collective turned militant commune. From utopian ideals to armed standoffs, it’s a tale of charisma, control, and a tugboat full of red flags. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episod...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 303
From creatures that soar through moonlit skies with uncanny precision to those that hunt the forest in utter darkness, discover the fascinating adaptations that make these animals masters of the night. Warning: Episodes may be irreverent, ridiculous, and/or mildly unhinged ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an...
May 22, 2025•48 min•Ep. 300
Join Shane and Duncan for a journey through the kaleidoscopic world of psychedelics... Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy/molly), and LSD (acid)--once the darlings of counterculture--are now the focus of cutting-edge research into innovative therapies for anxiety and depression. In this irreverent host-swap episode, delve with Duncan into the science, the scandals, and the stories that make these substances both fascinating and formidable. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minio...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 297
Sometimes the most dangerous place to be is on the clock. This week, Shane and Duncan explore workplace events so disastrous that they reshaped industries and regulations worldwide. From the Texas City explosion that turned a harbor into a war zone, to the gas leak that exposed thousands to lethal chemicals, these aren’t just tragic accidents; they’re cautionary tales. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat w...
Apr 24, 2025•48 min•Ep. 292
Surviving a plane crash is one thing, but cutting off your own arm to escape a boulder? Whole different level. In this follow-up episode, Shane and Duncan are back with more jaw-dropping true stories of survival against impossible odds. First up: the haunting ordeal of the sailors of the USS Indianapolis, who were left floating in shark-infested waters after one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history. And finally: Aaron Ralston’s infamous, grisly, panic-inducing solo hike gone wrong. These...
Apr 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 291
Stranded in the Andes. Lost in the jungle. Trapped in the desert with nothing but a questionable grasp of hydration. History is packed with jaw-dropping survival stories—some inspiring, some terrifying, and a few so ridiculous they strain credibility. In this episode, Shane and Duncan dive into the wildest tales of human endurance, sheer luck, and occasionally, just really poor life choices. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content o...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 288
It was the war to end all wars…until it wasn’t. In 1914, a tangled mess of alliances, ancient grudges, and questionable facial hair decisions erupted into one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. From the assassination that lit the fuse to the bizarre weapons and plot twists, this episode unpacks the chaos, carnage, and sheer absurdity of World War I. Strap in for a deep dive into the Great War—where history meets hilarity, and no mustachioed monarch is safe. ~ Support the show by becomi...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 285
Gloves on, mouthguards in—this week, Shane and Duncan are stepping into the ring to throw hands with the Sweet Science. How did a sport that started as an all-out brawl become a highly regulated, multi-billion-dollar industry? Who was the first true boxing superstar? And why do boxing matches always seem to spark as much controversy outside the ring as inside it? Lace up, listen in, and get ready for a heavyweight history lesson. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Mania...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 282
For years, an enigmatic online puzzle known as Cicada 3301 has baffled cryptographers, hackers, and conspiracy theorists alike. Was it a recruitment tool for a top-secret organization? A test designed by rogue intelligence agencies? Or just the most elaborate internet scavenger hunt ever devised? Join Shane and Duncan as they dive into the mystery, decode the clues, and attempt to unravel one of the internet’s greatest unsolved riddles. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, o...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 279
From ancient dice games to high-tech slot machines, the allure of risk and reward has shaped human behavior for centuries. In this high-rolling episode, unravel the history and psychology of gambling—how it started, why our brains are wired for it, and what keeps us coming back for more. Is it luck, skill, or just pure delusion? Place your bets and tune in for a deep dive into the science of chance, the origins of casinos, and the sneaky tricks that keep gamblers hooked. ~ Support the show by be...
Jan 30, 2025•48 min•Ep. 276
Join Shane and Duncan as they dig their claws into the captivating history and evolution of our feline friends. From the revered temple cats of ancient Egypt to the superstition-shrouded mousers of the Middle Ages, and finally to the pampered companions of today, the duo traces the journey of cats through time. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply curious about humanity’s most mysterious semi-domesticated animal, this episode will leave you feline fine. Get ready to unravel the secret lives of c...
Jan 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 274
From umbrellas that distribute rain to radios that print the news, here are the most useless pieces of technology ever foisted an unsuspecting public. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Radio Newspaper Xybernaut POMA Kerastese Hair Coach Umbrella Drone Vacuum Cleaner Shoes iSmell Amazon Astro ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Becom...
Jan 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 273
Have you ever wondered why we "turn a blind eye," "pull out all the stops," or "fly off the handle"? In this episode, Shane and Duncan dive into the quirky, surprising, and sometimes downright bizarre origins of the phrases we use every day. From ancient customs to historical mishaps, discover the stories behind the words—and how they’ve stood the test of time. Get ready to uncover the ‘writing on the wall’ about your favorite idioms and figures of speech! ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnig...
Jan 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 272
Merry Christmas, insomniacs! Here's a blast from the past. We hope you're having an amazing holiday season. How is Santa Claus connected to cannibalism? Which Christmastide holiday commemorates the slaughter of children? How should you decode the cryptic numerology message 20+C+M+B+22? And what's with all of those airborne reindeer? Welcome to Ghosts of Christmases Past, in which Shane and Duncan explore how tree-worship and animal sacrifice evolved into the bizarre, festive, highly commercializ...
Dec 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 271
Crack open the door on one of the world’s most intriguing and controversial faiths: The Jehovah’s Witnesses. Despite requiring members to give up holidays, patriotism, voting, birthday celebrations, popular music, any real chance of eternal life in heaven, and blood consumption (seriously), the church topped 8 million members in 2014 and continues to expand. From apocalyptic roots and bold predictions to relentless evangelical hustle, find out how a tiny group of contrarian Bible students gradua...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 269
PART 3! In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. INKY'S VIRAL MOMENT: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NFTxXk/ ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 266
PART 2! In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content o...
Nov 21, 2024•49 min•Ep. 263
ENCORE! Shane needed a break, but we'll be back with a regular episode next week. In the meantime, if you need to chat or decompress, join our Discord community: MFFI DISCORD Warning: if you're not a fan of dark humor, feel free to skip this episode. We won't judge you! For our fellow twisted weirdos...enjoy. "The Darwin Awards salute the improvement of the human genome by honoring those who accidentally remove themselves from it in a spectacular manner!" IN THIS EPISODE: History of the Darwin A...
Nov 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 262
Hey Insomniacs, we have something very special for you today. We're bringing you an episode of one of our favorite podcasts! AHC (Asshole Court) is a show in which three lifelong friends--Buddy, Mikey, and Randy--examine the life of a public figure who may or may not be a giant asshole. They assign a preliminary score based on what they already know of the person, and then they delve into the details of his or her life, and at the end they determine the celebrity's final score (rated from 1 to 1...
Nov 07, 2024•59 min•Ep. 261
In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at P...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 259
BEGONE, FOUL DEMON!! NO LONGER SHALL YOU BEDEVIL THE INSOMNIACS OF THE MIDNIGHT MASSES (Apologies for the caps lock, but Satan doesn't respect lowercase.) What's the difference between a demonic vexation, an infestation, and an oppression? How many demons do you have to host to become Legion? And is the Pope really on Twitter? Join the boys for a deep-dive into hellfire and brimstone in this examination of the disturbing history of exorcism and demonic possession. ~ Join the MFFI community and v...
Oct 24, 2024•49 min•Ep. 258
In the shadowy alleys of Victorian London, a sinister figure lurked, leaving a trail of terror that has baffled historians for over a century. Join Shane and Duncan as they delve into the chilling tale of Jack the Ripper, unraveling the gruesome details of his infamous crimes and exploring mysteries that continue to haunt the annals of true crime. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs ...
Oct 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 257
Why do we wear costumes on Halloween? When did pumpkins and candy get involved? And how the heck do you pronounce "Samhain"? Listen to find out... ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Celtic Festivals, Gaelic Origins Samhain and Beltane Fairies (The Aos Si) Bonfires, Livestock, Leaps Liminal Celebrations The Romans and Feralia Pomona Apple Bobbing? Feast of All Martyrs Pope Boniface IV Pope Gregory III All Saints Day (All Hallows Day) Feast of All S...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 255
Welcome, insomniacs, to another dive into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully unsettling. Tonight, we’re exploring the twisted mind behind some of the most bizarre and influential horror ever written: the one, the only, H.P. Lovecraft. Get ready for dark family secrets, eldritch horrors, cosmic dread, crippling phobias, hateful philosophies, and a peek into the life of a man who gave the world nightmares. Buckle up; this one’s going to get weird. ~ In this episode: Biography Style/influence...
Oct 03, 2024•59 min•Ep. 254
Get ready to embark on a globe-trotting journey through time and across continents to uncover the secrets of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the stunning expanse of the Great Wall to the architectural marvels of Machu Picchu and Petra, from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, delve into the history, mysteries, and controversies surrounding these modern marvels. As always, Shane and Duncan are your snarktastic tourguides, explaining why these ...
Sep 19, 2024•54 min•Ep. 251
Prepare for a silly, whirlwind tour of the most epic bucket list in history: the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From engineering feats that defied logic to legends that refuse to die, Shane and Duncan break down what made these wonders so…well, wonderful. (Or sometimes not.) ~ In this episode: The Great Pyramid of Giza The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Statue of Zeus at Olympia The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus The Colossus of Rhodes The Lighthouse of Alexandr...
Sep 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 248
