Phoenix, AZ | We dive into conflicting confessions, courtroom chaos, and the question that won’t die: Did Winnie Ruth Judd act alone? Or was “Happy Jack” Halloran neck-deep in the horror? From drainpipe letters to marionette films, this story only gets weirder. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcitypod 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcitypod 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: darkcitypodcast.bsky.social 🎥 TikTok: tiktok.com/@darkcitypod 🌎 Web...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Phoenix, AZ | Three bold, trailblazing women share a quiet Phoenix duplex, until one boards a train to Los Angeles with the other two dead and hidden in her luggage. In 1931, Phoenix was a little-known desert town of 50,000, but this brutal, baffling case put it on the map and continues to raise questions nearly a century later. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcitypod 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcitypod 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: ...
Jun 26, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Carver, AZ | It wasn’t on the map. Then it was. This desert mystery begins in 1983 with a park ranger’s call that was quietly buried. The story only gets weirder from there. Audio Attribution: Mysterious flute.mp3 by Almusic34 is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License Record scratch sound by kwahmah_02, via Freesound.org. The Witch and the Snitch by Dor Ben Lulu, Amitai Mann Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcitypod 🪡 Threads: threads.net/...
Jun 02, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Before we hit the heat of Phoenix…. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: darkcitypodcast.bsky.social 🎥 TikTok: tiktok.com/@darkcitypod 🌎 Website: www.darkcitypodcast.com ✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com Background Music: The Witch and the Snitch by Dor Ben Lulu, Amitai Mann Have ideas or suggestion? We would love to hear from you! Send us a text via th...
May 30, 2025•2 min
Alhambra, CA | Famed music producer Phil Spector‘s enraged reaction stunned police when they showed up to his castle to find actress Lana Clarkson dead in his foyer. But even more shocking was the story Phil Spector and his defense team told at his murder trial, especially when compared to the forensic evidence. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: darkcit...
Apr 10, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Alhambra, CA | What’s the story behind Alhambra’s castle on the hill? Wrensmoor Castle stands like a stately gift from the past, modeled after the grand châteaus of the Pyrenees, the homeland of its original builder, Sylvester Dupuy. Behind its stately facade is a layered history shaped by opulence, challenges, and moments of dark intrigue. From hidden passages to a séance room, the castle has seen it all—including the downfall of legendary music producer Phil Spector, who once called it home. T...
Apr 04, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Wood Island, Maine | Wood Island is so haunted, even bestselling horror writer J.D. Barker won’t stay the night - and he’s here to share how its chilling history inspired his upcoming book, Something I Keep Upstairs. Just as the Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining (and J.D. shares a terrifying story from his own stay there!), Wood Island’s dark past—plagued by disease, starvation, vanished bodies, and eerie paranormal activity—laid the foundation for his latest novel. Most chilling...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Los Angeles, CA | What did Christa Helm know that got her killed? Or was she the victim of a jealous rage? On February 12, 1977, Christa was brutally stabbed to death in a quiet West Hollywood neighborhood. The night she was murdered, she carried a personal diary filled with high-profile names, secrets, and scandals—one that mysteriously vanished and has never been found. Decades later, her killer remains unknown. The eerie coincidences surrounding her death are just as numerous as the people wh...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Los Angeles, CA | How does a cafeteria owner in 1930s Los Angeles, dedicated to providing affordable meals for all, become the driving force behind exposing and dismantling corruption? Today we are joined by Robert Petersen, host of the podcast The Hidden History of Los Angeles, to talk about Clifford Clinton—a man who took on the city’s power structure and won, but whose own personal life tells a far more complicated story. You can check out Robert’s podcast The Hidden History of Los Angeles at...
Feb 17, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Los Angeles, CA | Was Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle a scapegoat or a villain? Did George Reeves take his own life, or was there something more sinister at play? In this episode, we dive into two of Hollywood’s most infamous tragedies—Arbuckle’s scandalous trial that destroyed his career and Reeves’ mysterious death that still fuels conspiracy theories. Decades apart, both cases captivated the public and left behind more questions than answers. And even though Arbuckle received an official verdict and ...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles is burning, and the impact is personal. We delve into the current status of the devastating fires, discuss the factors that made them so catastrophic, and explore what they mean for the city's future. Linked Resources/How to Help: California Wildfires: Palisades and Eaton Fires (AP) L.A. Wildfires: Help and Resources List (KCRW) Mental Health Support for Fire Victims (LAist) How to Help L.A. Fire Victims (LAist) Wildfire Awareness Post on Instagram (PBS SoCal) Linke...
Jan 14, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Los Angeles, CA | Former LAPD homicide detective Steve Hodel once asked himself the unthinkable: Could his own father have killed Elizabeth Short? In this episode, we conclude the tragic story of Short’s 1947 murder with Steve Hodel, now a New York Times bestselling author, as he shares the chilling evidence that turned suspicion into conviction. Steve's investigation reveals a complex web of connections linking Dr. Hodel to the art world, the disturbing crime scene, and widespread corruption wi...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Los Angeles, CA | Join us for an audio tour of Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles’ most haunted locations and infamous crime scenes with James T. Bartlett, journalist and author of Gourmet Ghosts Volumes 1 & 2. From the lingering spirit of Marilyn Monroe to the poetic capture of a murderer, this journey will give you a new perspective on these iconic locations. To read more about James’ work and order Gourmet Ghosts (there are many more locations we could not cover in the episode!), visit hi...
Dec 19, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Los Angeles, CA | Elizabeth Short’s 1947 murder (also known as the Black Dahlia) still haunts Los Angeles. We press closer to the truth, tearing into the most gripping theories about who claimed Elizabeth Short’s life. *Note: Since the troubled teen industry came up at the beginning of the episode, we wanted to take the opportunity to share a few links on how you can help stop the abuses in this system: stopinstitutionalchildabuse.com and unsilenced.org . It's a cause we are passionate about and...
Dec 10, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Los, Angeles, CA | In the shadowy landscape of 1940s Los Angeles, one murder would captivate and horrify a nation. Elizabeth Short—forever immortalized as the Black Dahlia—represents more than just a gruesome crime. She was a young woman whose tragic end became a dark legend, a mystery that has haunted investigators and true crime enthusiasts for generations. We’re peeling back the layers of sensationalism and diving deep into the forensic details, cultural context, and shocking evidence that mi...
Nov 26, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Bridgeport, CT | With a remarkable range of witnesses—police, firefighters, religious leaders, and neighbors—reporting impossible events, this might be one of the most convincing cases of poltergeist activity. We are breaking from our current season on Los Angeles and taking a trip to 1974 Bridgeport, Connecticut to tell the story of the Goodin family haunting on Lindley Street. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkci...
Nov 15, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Long Beach, CA | This week, we’re back aboard the Queen Mary, diving into firsthand accounts of its paranormal activity with Nicole Strickland, author of Haunted Queen of the Seas: The Living Legend of the RMS Queen Mary . From her first visit, Nicole was captivated by the ship’s blend of rich history and paranormal intrigue. Despite its wartime tragedies and mysterious incidents, you may be pleasantly surprised—these spirits are more sociable and curious than menacing, adding depth to the Queen...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Whittier, CA | Whittier, California is a charming city with an intriguing blend of Quaker roots and a haunting past. Join us as Jacob Caputo, founder of Haunted Whittier Ghost Tours, uncovers the city's dark history through documented hauntings, disturbing true crimes, and the eerie legends of Turnbull Canyon. From its humble beginnings to its connection with the most sinister serial killer you have probably never heard of, Whittier's hidden history will surprise you. This episode offers just a ...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Tomales Bay, CA | What if the very institutions meant to rehabilitate and guide are the ones causing the most harm? Amidst egregious human rights abuses - mass sterilizations, institutionalized child abuse, violent threats and assaults on its critics - Synanon continues to get recognition from community leaders and tax dollars throughout most of the 1970s. What’s more shocking than that? Its many abusive practices are still very much alive today in the in the troubled teen industry. But there ar...
Oct 11, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Santa Monica, CA | How does a group once celebrated for its success treating heroin addicts become a violent cult? Founded in 1958 by Charles "Chuck" Diederich, Synanon initially presented itself as an innovative and promising program for those struggling with addiction. However, beneath its acclaimed exterior lay a deeply flawed foundation. Despite praise from the media and endorsements from prominent figures - including one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century - Synanon wa...
Sep 19, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Long Beach, CA | Unlimited champagne at brunch and unlimited ghostly encounters at night. We are diving (sorry for the super cheesy pun) into the Queen Mary's history: from its glamorous heyday as a floating palace to its secretive role during World War II to the restless spirits and scents that still haunt the ship today. Thank you so much for tuning in! We would be so grateful if you could leave us a rating and share the show with friends and family who might enjoy it. Follow us for episode ph...
Sep 04, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Los Angeles, CA | Imagine walking through downtown Los Angeles, oblivious to the forgotten graves beneath your feet. We’re unearthing the eerie history of Los Angeles cemeteries and graveyards where the headstones were moved, but the bodies… not so much. Did anyone learn anything from Poltergeist?? For decades, construction crews have periodically dug up surprise skeletons and more around LA. We’ll share some of the finds in Boyle Heights through Chinatown, and give you a preview of a deeper div...
Aug 19, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Denver, CO | Ever dreamed of sleeping in a real-life haunted house? This Denver mansion-turned-inn might make you think twice about that bucket list item. This week we are wrapping up our 2-part special on Denver with a deep dive into the haunted history of the Croke-Patterson Mansion, a notorious Denver landmark steeped in paranormal activity. We’ll explore the mansion's dark past and hear firsthand paranormal accounts in the neighborhood from former reporter and Denver tour guide Scott Carrico...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Denver, CO | Are the things hidden underneath Denver, Colorado driving many of the dark tales and sightings above ground? There are a whole host of conspiracy theories about what is really in the tunnels below Denver’s curiously large airport. Cheesman Park and its surrounding area in downtown Denver are the location of many accounts of terrifying paranormal activity. You won’t be surprised at all as to why when you find out what was/is still buried there. This is a special episode on Denver in ...
Jul 13, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Beverly Hills & Holmby Hills, CA | In this episode, we delve into the scandals surrounding the various owners of the Owlwood Estate in Holmby Hills as well as the mysterious murder-suicide cold case at the Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills. We also share eerie hauntings reported at Greystone, adding a supernatural layer to the estate's dark history. Join us as we navigate through these captivating and haunting stories from two of the Platinum Triangle's most infamous estates. We are pleased ...
Jun 29, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Los Angeles, CA | Why would a popular and accomplished preacher fake her own kidnapping? This is the tale of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who accomplished groundbreaking evangelical success and founded the Foursquare Church, only to have her credibility forever questioned once she emerged in the desert town of Douglas, Arizona in June of 1926, telling an unlikely story of being held captive during the previous six weeks. Thank you so much for listening to Dark City! We would love to hear from...
Jun 20, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Los Angeles, CA | How does a city surrounded mostly by desert secure enough water to sustain millions of people? With lies and deception. Through a combination of aggressive strategies, including lobbying and manipulation, several of LA’s leaders acquired the access and infrastructure to bring water from over 200 miles away to the city back in the early 1900s. It’s not quite like the 1974 movie Chinatown , but it’s close. LA’s quest to secure enough water for its ever-growing population is fille...
Jun 13, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Los Angeles, CA | Is it possible to hide away a secret lover in an attic…for nearly a decade?? What starts as a daytime affair in the midwest between Dolly Oesterreich and Otto San Huber quickly escalates into Otto living in the attic of Dolly’s home. This arrangement lasts for years, even surviving a move to Los Angeles where Otto continues to live hidden in the attic of Dolly’s Silver Lake home. But when Dolly’s husband dies under highly suspicious circumstances, the LAPD investigates only to ...
Jun 07, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Culver, City, CA | Doris Bither, a single mother of four, reports unsettling instances of paranormal activity and assault in her home. Join us as we delve into the chilling investigation by UCLA parapsychologists to uncover the truth behind these disturbing events. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: darkcitypodcast.bsky.social 🎥 TikTok: tiktok.com/@dark...
May 29, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 10
San Marino, CA | Christian Gerhartstreiter’s lies become more and more outrageous, yet the list of people he fools grows longer and longer. However, a secret that seemed to be long buried and forgotten will come back to haunt him, and eventually some form of justice will be served. Follow us for episode photos and more at: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast 🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod 🦋 Bluesky: darkcitypodcast.bsky.social 🎥 TikTok:...
May 24, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 9
