Explore the intriguing life of Marie Antoinette, one of history's most misunderstood figures. This episode delves into the many myths surrounding her, including the infamous "Let them eat cake" story, and uncovers the truth behind her life in the court of France. Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the complexities of Marie's political marriage, her personal struggles, and her role in the events leading up to the French Revolution. Was she really to blame? Tune in to unravel the mysterie...
Mar 11, 2025•28 min•Ep. 22
Welcome to this unique episode of Our Grim Past. Today, hosts Sophia and Maia take an unexpected detour from their planned discussion on the Winchester House to explore diverse and intriguing topics ranging from religious history and the role of giants to historical misconceptions and the Black Death. Join them as they hop into their Morbid Time Machine, taking listeners on a journey through complex layers of history. Along the way, they delve into religious texts and share stories that highligh...
Mar 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 21
Join Sophia and Maia on an enthralling journey through history as they unravel the mysteries surrounding London's most infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. In this episode, they explore the recent breakthrough in the 200-year-old case with new DNA evidence that finally points to his true identity. Dive into the chilling details of the murders, the infamous letters to the police, and the societal uproar that captivated Victorian London. As they venture into the past, Sophia and Maia discuss n...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min•Ep. 20
In 1892, the quiet town of Exeter, Rhode Island, was shaken by the mysterious death of Mercy Brown. Her untimely end sparked fears of the supernatural. What role did she play in the spread of a deadly illness? Explore the eerie events that gripped a community as we dive into the story of Mercy Brown.
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, join Sophia and Maia as they journey into the rich mythology surrounding Cupid, moving beyond his popular depictions on Valentine's Day. The duo explores Cupid's intricate love story with Psyche, his mysterious origins, and the differences between Cupid and his Greek counterpart, Eros. Through captivating storytelling and intriguing historical insights, discover why Cupid's tale is one of the most enchanting and enduring myths in history.
Feb 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 18
Imagine living in the shadow of a mountain, unaware that beneath the surface, a cataclysm was brewing. Mount Vesuvius, a dormant giant, awakened in 79 AD, sending destructive flows racing towards Pompeii, Herculaneum, and beyond. Although the eruption instantly erased thousands of lives, it also sparked the discovery of remarkable archaeological treasures centuries later. Join Sophia and Maia in their Morbid Time Machine as they delve into the eruption's historical impact and unearth the morbid ...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 17
In this captivating episode, Sophia and Maia journey through the shadows of the Paris Catacombs, a place where history and mystery intertwine beneath the bustling city streets. Join them as they unravel the fascinating stories of these ancient tunnels, from their origins as Roman quarries to their rebirth as a storied resting place for millions. Explore the legends and ghostly tales that have emerged from the Catacombs' depths, where the bones of six million people form haunting archways and tun...
Jan 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 16
Join Sophia and Maia in a riveting exploration of the world of piracy through time. This episode dives into the legends and realities of notorious pirates such as Blackbeard and Henry Morgan, offering fascinating insights into their lives and the roles they played in history. Discover how piracy influenced the colonization of the Caribbean and the rise and fall of maritime power between the 1500s and 1700s. The hosts also delve into the nuances of pirate democracy and ethics, clarifying common m...
Jan 21, 2025•20 min•Ep. 15
Join Sophia and Maia in this intriguing episode of 'Our Grim Past' as we delve into the life of Mary Mallon, famously known as Typhoid Mary, the first documented asymptomatic carrier of a disease. Discover how this Irish cook unknowingly spread typhoid fever to multiple affluent families in early 1900s America, and the ensuing challenges she faced when the truth came to light. We explore the historical context that led to her notoriety, the societal and scientific misunderstandings of her time, ...
Jan 14, 2025•22 min•Ep. 14
In this captivating episode, hosts Sophia and Maia embark on a journey through the intriguing concept of vampirism, blending history with psychological insights. They explore vampirism not just as a legendary creature, but as a real-life phenomenon known as Renfield Syndrome, where individuals exhibit a compulsive need to consume blood. Delve into the psychological underpinnings of clinical vampirism, where traumatic experiences and personal delusions can lead to a deep-seated obsession with blo...
Jan 07, 2025•18 min•Ep. 13
Join Sophia and Maia as they embark on a captivating journey through the mystical realm of vampires. Explore the enthralling tales of these nocturnal creatures as they dive deep into the rich history, legends, and cultural interpretations of vampires from around the world. From Bram Stoker's classic Dracula to unexpected modern twists, discover how vampires have enchanted literature and media across the centuries. Learn about their eerie origins, the folklore that kept societies on their toes, a...
Dec 31, 2024•27 min•Ep. 12
Welcome, inquirers, new and old! Have you ever wanted to venture into the fascinating yet eerie worlds of morbid history, but didn't know where to start? You're in the right place! In this episode of "Our Grand Past," join Sophia and Maia in their Morbid Time Machine as they explore the chilling tales of Krampus, the sinister counterpart to Santa Claus in various cultures. Delve into the rich folklore and historical origins of this "evil Santa," who traditionally punished naughty children during...
Dec 24, 2024•21 min•Ep. 11
Join Sophia and Maia as they journey through the peculiar history of holiday greeting cards. Uncover the surprising, and at times spooky, origins of this cheerful tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Explore how these festive staples evolved from hand-painted novelties featuring endearing family portraits to bizarre and morbid motifs that amused and shocked their recipients. Dive into the social customs of the 1800s, the impact of the penny post law, and the curious allure of the maca...
Dec 18, 2024•18 min•Ep. 10
Welcome to another episode of Our Grand Past, where Sophia and Maia take you on a spine-chilling journey through history's creepiest ghost stories and legends. Join us as we revive the old tradition of telling ghost stories during the Christmas season. Listen as we recount chilling encounters, including famous ghosts like Bloody Mary and the haunting Bell Witch of Tennessee. Explore tales from the Appalachian Mountains, discover the eerie story of the Bell family, and hear about personal ghostly...
Dec 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 9
In this episode of Our Grand Past, Sophia and Maia take you on a captivating journey through the evolution of kidnapping laws in America. From the historical roots in English common law to the landmark cases that led to significant changes in federal legislation, discover how this heinous crime has been perceived and prosecuted over the centuries. Delve into the infamous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., which galvanized the nation and led to the enactment of the Lindbergh Act, a pivotal mome...
Dec 03, 2024•21 min•Ep. 8
Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the chilling waters of morbid history in this gripping episode of "Our Grim Past." Delve into the forgotten tragedy of the Empress of Ireland, a shipwreck that claimed more passenger lives than both the Titanic and RMS Lusitania. Discover the fateful events of May 29, 1914, when the Empress of Ireland collided with the SS Stornstad in the fog-shrouded St. Lawrence River. Uncover the harrowing stories of bravery and sacrifice from survivors and those wh...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 7
Over a hundred years ago, Iowa was shaken by one of its most notorious crimes - the Villisca Axe Murders. In this episode of Our Grim Past, hosts Sophia and Maia, along with guest speaker Cadence, take you on a journey through time to dissect this haunting event. From the mishandling of evidence to the main suspects, discover the chilling details that continue to baffle historians and enthusiasts alike. Join us in our Morbid Time Machine as we explore the eerie parallels with other unsolved axe ...
Nov 22, 2024•37 min•Ep. 5
Join Sophia and Maia as they unravel the intriguing and dark history of the Habsburg family, a royal dynasty that dominated European aristocracy from the 15th to the 20th century. Despite their vast empire and influence, the Habsburgs are remembered for their peculiar downfall, driven by generations of inbreeding. Step into our Morbid Time Machine and explore the family's rise to power, their territorial conquests, and the chilling consequences of their desperate attempts to preserve their blood...
Nov 12, 2024•22 min•Ep. 6
Born Herman Webster Mudgett on May 16, 1861, the man better known as H.H. Holmes has become infamous as America's first serial killer. Join hosts Sophia and Maya, along with special guest Cadence, as they delve into the chilling details of Holmes' life, his notorious "Murder Castle," and the gruesome crimes that marked his dark legacy. In this episode, the trio explores Holmes' troubled childhood, marked by abuse and a morbid fascination with anatomy, leading to his transformation into a highly ...
Nov 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 3
Step into the morbid time machine with Sophia and Maia as they explore the dark and fascinating world of grave robbing in the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover the legal loopholes that allowed for the possession of bodies, and delve into the stories of infamous grave robbers who fueled the demand for cadavers in medical schools. In this episode of "Our Grim Past," Sophia and Maia discuss the distinctions between grave robbing and body snatching, revealing the grim realities of a time when corpse...
Nov 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 2
Have you ever wanted to go down a rabbit hole of fucked up history but you don’t know where to start? What about hearing a weird snippet of history and wanting to learn more about it? Us too! Every Week, Our Grim Past allows listeners to take a deep dive into the weird, morbid, and messed up side of history.
Nov 03, 2024•9 min
