Bodies are piling up in the strange town of Springfield, and forensic pathologist Jonathan Spacer intends to find out why. But, Jon isn’t without his own secrets… He can talk to the dead, for starters. A full-cast serial fiction podcast for mature audiences. Available now on all podcast apps. Find us on Patreon for premium content, including bonus episodes and early access: https://www.patreon.com/HowIDied
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Jon visits the Springfield Corp. Facility with Levant, uncovering the shocking truth that the corporation caused the 1989 storm and conducted unethical human experiments on a global scale. Jon confronts Mike, a ghost struggling with his deteriorating memory and complicity. Despite Levant's manipulative attempts to recruit Jon, he refuses to join their morally bankrupt endeavors, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict over the future of humanity.
Following a tense confrontation with Dr. Kim, Jonathan Spacer investigates a new murder in the woods, discovering the victim is a ghost and part of the "Subsequentium" cult. As Sheriff Crowley takes over the case, Jonathan learns the killer, "Joy," is manipulating him and preparing to target a police officer, intensifying the hunt for the elusive serial murderer.
Dr. John Spacer, a former pathologist, contacts the DA about homicides linked to a doctor at Springfield General, while Maureen Levant, a deceased acquaintance, reveals her involvement in covering up corporate secrets and "accidents." The episode introduces Will, a newly deceased man, whose unexplained heart attack becomes central to uncovering the truth behind the Vanderbilt family's fortune and its ties to the mysterious Springfield Corp's "Bubble Project." As John unravels the method behind Will's death, the extent of the conspiracy and the personal betrayals become clear.
Sheriff Crowley brings Jon Spacer to a defunct meatpacking plant, revealing that his "arrest" is actually a consult on a horrific new crime scene linked to Vincenzo Candor. As Jon uncovers evidence of a human butchery operation, he learns the connection to the mysterious "purple body killer" and the tragic fate of a missing woman, Kate Geller, who died at the plant. The episode delves into the dark secrets of a widespread criminal network and builds a surprising bond between Jon and Crowley.
Following a tense confrontation with Sheriff Crowley at the morgue, Jon discovers he can speak with ghosts, encountering the victim Maureen Levant. Through a risky eavesdropping on her autopsy and direct conversation with her spirit, Jon unearths the killer's unsettling methods and uncovers Springfield Corp's dark involvement, including a shocking connection to the District Attorney, William. This revelation deepens the mystery and puts Jon in further peril.
Pathologist Jon Spacer, who can communicate with the dead, finds himself entangled in a dangerous investigation when he's blackmailed by a serial killer to deliver bodies. Suspecting a cover-up within the local hospital, Jon partners with the sheriff's department. His latest "pickup" is a young man named Conrad, whose accidental death adds another layer to Jon's perilous quest for the truth, forcing him to breach ethical boundaries.
Jon, a mortician, prepares a body for viewing, only to find the deceased, Leo, is a ghost with a complex past. Leo reveals his suicide, his role as a whistleblower in a patient abuse scandal at the local hospital, and his belief that Dr. Kim betrayed him. As Jon unravels the truth, he connects Leo's stepson's death to a serial killer and helps Leo convey a final, poignant apology to his ex-wife.
Jon Spacer returns to the hospital in his new role, tasked with transporting bodies for a funeral service, where he encounters the ghost of Troy Penner. As Jon guides Penner to accept his death, they uncover the mysterious circumstances of Penner's heavy metal poisoning, leading Jon to investigate potential suspects while navigating his own past with his former colleagues and a larger conspiracy. The episode delves into Jon's unique ability to communicate with the dead and his commitment to helping them find peace.
Driven by curiosity, Jon delves into the enigmatic Springfield Corp, initially seeking answers about a past accident. His investigation leads him to a mysterious contact who reveals the company's deep involvement in researching coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and a failed project known as "the bubble" designed to mitigate their effects. Despite claims of good intentions, Jon uncovers evidence of a significant cover-up surrounding the incident and the company's true operations.
Tasked by Sheriff Crowley to find dirt on pathologist Jon Spacer, Deputy Mendez investigates the seemingly too-effective doctor. While observing Spacer and reviewing his history, Mendez uncovers past psychiatric struggles. The investigation leads to a confrontation and a final report, ultimately revealing deeper issues within the department itself and shaping future roles.
Crowley brings Jon an unexpected piece of evidence – a body potentially linked to past cases. As Jon examines the body, he uncovers disturbing findings suggesting a serial killer is conducting experiments and attempting to replicate the effects seen in previous purple body victims. His investigation leads to a dramatic confrontation and shocking accusations against Dr. Kim, culminating in Jon being fired as he pursues a dangerous truth about the Springfield Corp and the connected deaths.
In a mandatory therapy session, Jon is resistant but prompted to discuss his relationships, past cases, and mental health history. The therapist links his current struggles to childhood trauma, including his mother's death and subsequent abuse. The discussion also covers the violent incident with Curtis, Jon's justification, and the therapist's focus on helping him find meaning and accept failure. The session is interrupted, leading Jon to discover concerning information about the previous pathologist.
Jon, Crowley, and Mendez investigate the Skewer Steakhouse, linked to missing women and potential human trafficking/cannibalism. While searching, Jon encounters the ghost of Amber, one of the victims, who recounts the horrifying events she and her friend Kate endured. The investigation delves into the disturbing possibility of a wider network and a rare disease connected to the case, leading Jon to pursue a medical angle while grappling with the emotional toll.
Armed with new information, Jon heads to confront Dr. Kim but gets trapped in an elevator with Lily, a patient grappling with illness. Their forced proximity leads to an intimate conversation about secrets, mortality, and the nature of the afterlife, including Jon's shocking ability to see ghosts. After their release, Jon faces Dr. Kim, only to realize his leverage might be gone, raising questions about betrayal and a missing person.
Suspended and seeking answers, Jon Spacer follows Greg Picker to the abandoned Springfield facility after hearing Greg's news report about seeing a ghost there. Jon encounters Mike, the facility's enduring phantom, and presses Greg for details about his sighting. Their conversation at the site reveals a potential connection between the facility's past experiments, residual energy, and the unusual behavior and visibility of ghosts in the area.
Jon returns to the hospital with a new purple body and investigates its connection to the mysterious "storm shock" cases, performing an autopsy on Bianca that reveals strange internal damage and a link to the 1989 event. Meanwhile, Dr. Kim brings Jimmy's body, dead by self-immolation, and Jon speaks with his ghost, uncovering abuse and the shocking truth that Roger Benoff faked his death. As Jon faces suspension over missing evidence, Bianca reveals Kim's unexpected past connection to Roger.
A new victim matching previous cases is found, prompting an investigation at the scene. The pathologist, Jon Spacer, encounters the ghost of the victim, Bianca, who provides unsettling details about her death and contradicts initial time of death estimates, suggesting a new killer may be active. The episode delves into past case mishandling, emerging conspiracy theories involving local institutions, and the mysterious connection between Bianca and previous victims.
Jon attends a difficult therapy session, reflecting on his recovery, past actions, and the confusion surrounding his relationship with Amelia. He's interrupted by Curtis, the ghost he killed, leading to a tense argument about Curtis's refusal to move on and Jon's feelings about the past. Jon is then called to a bizarre crime scene where a dismembered body is found in a wet vacuum, and he must verify the strange confession of the victim's wife.
Dr. Kim asks Jon to help with a fake case involving Jimmy, a patient with Cotard Syndrome who thinks he's dead. The plan is to perform a mock autopsy to help Jimmy confront his delusion through roleplay. During the 'exam,' Jon discovers unexpected evidence, leading to a confrontation with Dr. Kim about potential abuse on the psychiatric ward. The episode ends with Jon finding his old recordings missing and Sheriff Crowley arriving.
Jon receives a high-profile case involving a suspected suicide, complicated by the family's doubts. As he begins the autopsy, the ghost of the deceased girl appears, shedding light on her life and reasons. Meanwhile, Jon's strained relationship with Sheriff Crowley intensifies during a mandatory therapy session with Dr. Kim, exploring trust issues and past trauma.
Sheriff Crowley and Jon Spacer investigate a horrifying crime scene at 662 Smith Lane following a previous terrifying discovery. Upon entering the house, they find a severely decomposed body and signs of prolonged confinement. Venturing into the dark basement, they encounter unexpected movement and chaos, leading to further gruesome discoveries and a tense conflict over the identity of a rescued shackled man.
Forced into therapy after killing his attacker, Jon struggles to process his trauma and his relationship with death. His session is interrupted by a new case involving a young boy, Keaton James, brought in after a supposed bike accident. During the autopsy, Jon discovers signs of long-term abuse and realizes he can communicate with Keaton's spirit, using this connection to uncover the horrific truth of the boy's life and location.
Jon Spacer returns to the hospital prematurely following a report of a body, encountering the ghost of Curtis and a confrontation with Sheriff Crowley. Investigating the new victim, Clay, with Curtis's unwelcome assistance, Jon uncovers details about Clay's life, transition, and the mysterious circumstances of their death, leading to a realization about the killer and a decision to pursue justice outside the standard procedure.
Sheriff Crowley visits Dr. Spacer during physical therapy, providing updates on the ongoing investigation into the recent hospital homicide. They discuss the circumstances of the killing, Spacer's claim of self-defense, and Crowley's skepticism regarding his actions. The episode culminates with news of Spacer's conditional release under the sheriff's watchful eye.
Two years after surviving a tragic train massacre, Haven Otomo tries to rebuild her life. She finds herself pulled into a potential homicide investigation led by Detective Victor Blossom, whose own case involving a suspected suicide-by-train takes an unexpected turn with a strange discovery linking to Haven's past.
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This bonus episode serves as a follow-up to the Season 1 finale, offering a brief clip from the show's narrative. The host discusses Patreon exclusive content, including over 10 bonus mini-episodes and a new mini-series from Sheriff Crowley's perspective, while also teasing expectations for Season 2.
In the explosive Season 1 finale, Dr. Jon Spacer continues his audio log detailing his investigation into missing case files and suspicious deaths linked to the mysterious Springfield Corporation. His findings lead him into a tense encounter in the morgue where he must confront a man demanding answers about seeing ghosts, revealing Jon's own secret ability. The episode culminates in a violent struggle with dramatic consequences, followed by a preview of the companion miniseries, Crowley.
In this bonus episode, Jon delves into past recordings and notes to connect the strange occurrences in town. He investigates electronics malfunctions near the Springfield Corporation, potentially linked to geothermal flares. By examining events from 1989, the "bubble project," and historical data, he attempts to understand the root cause of the town's apparent curse, "storm shock," erratic behavior, and increased deaths.
Jon and Sheriff Crowley investigate the bizarre death of a man found wrapped in twine at a refinery, immediately clashing over their differing investigative styles and authority. While Jon examines the body, he speaks with the victim's ghost, who reveals details about his life and presence at the refinery. The case takes another turn when a young man arrives at the scene and confesses to the murder, further entangling the ongoing strange events happening in town.
