Madeline and Dan have some riveting content to share with you all, and each other, this week! We jump in right away with not one, but TWO movie trailers for upcoming films that are causing unparalleled excitement in our Grim Cities family. The first trailer hails from a movie by the director of Madeline’s favorite horror flick – Barbarian –, Zach Cregger. The second trailer reunites Dan with one of his favorite horror franchises from childhood. And both movies are set to be released this summer!...
Jun 04, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Madeline starts today’s episode off by once again traumatizing Dan with a video that makes him question all of his life choices that lead to this very moment. Things get even wilder when we regale the listeners with a real-time account of a murder that took place in the Australian Outback of Larrimah. And for our main story today, we discus a small unassuming bridge in a rural area near Henderson, Minnesota. Visitors say that crazy eerie things occur when driving over the bridge…which makes sens...
May 14, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 15
We are re-releasing one of our favorite episodes our FIRST season! Learn more on how you can communicate with spirits as we finalized a new episode on Spiritualism!
May 07, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Madeline and Dan dust off the cobwebs from a long Minnesota winter, and attend to some much neglected housekeeping items for The Grim Cities. Beginning with an email from a devoted fan that was sent months ago - our apologies - we update our listeners on all the behind the scenes shit that has been swept under the rug. We also find out that we’re sitting strong at #5 on FeedSpot’s list of Top Minnesota History Podcasts at the time of recording. How exciting?! We couldn’t be more proud. https://p...
Apr 09, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Today, Madeline and Dan mourn their thwarted plans to attend the live recreation of the Insidious universe. But in reality, it may likely have been for the best…listen to the crazy tales from those who endured the show in Detroit to find out why. And then we take a field trip to the White House to see which famous entities may be lurking just down the halls of this iconic landmark. Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and ...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 13
As the Oscars approach this Sunday, Dan and Madeline decided to re-release a fan-favorite: Horror at the Oscars! Listen as we dive into the horror movies that beat the odds and won coveted recognition from The Academy. Fingers crossed we can add The Substance to that list this Sunday! Merch Available: www.bonfire.com/shop/the-grim-cities Instagram: @thegrimcities X: @thegrimcities Facebook: @thegrimcities
Feb 26, 2025•38 min
Did you know that the Lincolns were heavily involved in the world of Spiritualism? Yes, those Lincolns…as in the 16th President of the United States and his wife Mary Todd. Today you’ll learn how they went through a whirlwind of change and grief, potentially turning to Spiritualism to make sense of it all. But before we jump into any of that we have to discuss something super important: Madeline and Dan are going to a live stage show based on the Insidious universe. It sounds absolutely terrifyi...
Feb 05, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Today we revisit the infamous Dating Show episode with Cheryl Bradshaw, as Dan confirms that she did indeed pick Rodney Alcala as the winner of a second date. But that second date did not come to fruition, consequently and most certainly saving Cheryl’s life. He then reads some more real-life close encounters with serial killers from the Reddit community. It happens way more often than any of us think… Then, Madeline shares some super exciting news in the world of horror as it relates to the Osc...
Jan 29, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Dan cheated this week and looked ahead one day on the horror trivia calendar…blasphemy! But it was worth it because we learn another interesting fact about Buffalo Bill for the second day in a row. Madeline keeps the trend going by sharing another heart-pounding tidbit about a modern serial killer who used a hit game show to find his victims. But most importantly, today we’re introduced to three of the most influential women of the Spiritualism movement: the Fox sisters. Were they naturally gift...
Jan 15, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Madeline starts us off today by taking the listeners deep underground through a series of tunnels underneath the United Kingdom. From a bomb shelter to music venues, these tunnels have seen a lot of action. Dan shares a list of the best horror movies from 2024, as suggested by the prolific horror film critic and author Gretchen Felker-Martin. He even touches on her most famous book, which both Madeline and Dan agree they have to read ASAP. And for the main story: Midnight Mass of the Dead…and ye...
Jan 08, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Did you know that the movie The Omen pre-dates its novelization? Madeline didn’t either, and today we both learn how many books there are in total across the series. Just in time for Dan to get called out for spreading misinformation about how many Omen movies have actually been made. Then, a new friend of the pod sends Madeline a link to a creepy tale of medical malpractice. And our main story today involves a skeleton horse that wanders the streets of Wales. What could it be up to? Pick up som...
Dec 25, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 8
There’s a ton of history to be analyzed in today’s episode. Dan starts off with a puzzling inquiry into why certain people are more attracted to horror than others. Then, Madeline teaches us how the common colloquialism of “saved by the bell” has a more sinister origin. And finally, we shift our focus to the movement of Spiritualism that rose to popularity in the 19th century during an especially tumultuous time in American history. Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-gri...
Dec 18, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 7
It’s been a few weeks, but we’re excited to be back! And we’re jumping right into the thick of things: Dan gets a new book from his parents who clearly support his deranged obsession with all things horror; Madeline does a full 180 and watches a movie that she, and frankly no one else for that matter, would have ever guessed she would watch. Furthermore, we explore the historic stories of what are believed to be real life vampires. Today we learn that you can never be too certain of what your la...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Tomorrow is the most sacred of days for The Grim Cities: Halloween is FINALLY upon us! Madeline and Dan celebrate by reminiscing about their favorite Halloween traditions. They also read some harrowing tales and short stories that are sure to have your heart pounding and your palms sweating. But first, the two share some current events in their personal lives that raise some eyebrows of their own. Is Madeline trying to abandon Dan in favor of another podcast? Has Dan found his one true love in a...
Oct 30, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 5
We start off today’s episode with a video that will make Madeline and Dan question reality. Did they really just see an inanimate object move on its own? Well, the whole country of Mexico seems to think it did! We then continue where we left off last week and discuss how the tradition of tomfoolery on Halloween stems from the old times of Celtic Druids. From spilling hundreds of bushels of corn to a full on bank robbery, there’s plenty of pranks to be had in this episode. Pick up some merch toda...
Oct 23, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 4
The Grim Cities is getting philosophical today, y’all! We begin by breaking down some common horror tropes and how they reflect the lived experiences of women in our society on a daily basis. All through the lens of a truly disturbing movie that leaves its viewers asking…what 👏🏻 did 👏🏻 I 👏🏻 just 👏🏻 see 👏🏻 ?! And if that subject matter is a bit to heavy for a Wednesday morning, we ease the tension by examining the Irish festival of Samhain that has influenced so much of our modern Hallo...
Oct 16, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Today’s episode is all about spooky season events happening all over the Twin Cities and greater metro area. From classic haunted houses to frights on the main stage, there’s sure to be something to satiate everyone’s preferred mode of celebration. Madeline and Dan highlight a few of their most anticipated attractions of the season. And the fun doesn’t stop there; we share several websites that dive into even more detail on the Cities’ happenings. So get ready for a packed month…there’s plenty t...
Oct 09, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Madeline and Dan dig up the microphones and unleash a new season of The Grim Cities just in time for Spooky Season. After catching up on what occupied their time over the summer months, the two jump right into a collection of horror headlines. And those headlines range from a playful music video to the scariest book ever written. Madeline and Dan then discuss their favorite Halloween candy before diving deep into the disappearance of a 1970s heiress. This season, The Grim Cities holds nothing ba...
Oct 02, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Today’s episode is a long time in the making and holds a special place in Dan’s heart. We’re diving deep into the town of Litchfield, MN where Dan’s family cabin is located. This area has a tumultuous history that ranges from wealthy recreation to conflict and death. We speak with a special guest, Dan’s aunt Jean, who shares her haunted experiences at the cabin and reveals the terrifying true tale of something unexpected that is buried 6 feet under the structure itself… Y’all are NOT ready for t...
Jun 12, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Today we start off by talking about a new movie that seems to align a little too perfectly with one of Madeline’s interests… Let’s just say Dan is starting to not feel safe y’all! Also in this episode: Dead Man’s Hill? Dead Man’s Pond?! We really need to stop naming places this way if we’re trying to avoid active hauntings. C’mon people, let’s do better, be better! Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrim...
Jun 05, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Today we mark an incredibly special milestone for The Grim Cities. We’ve officially hit 50 episodes! 5-0…holy shit! 🤯 We are so incredibly grateful to all of our listeners, new and old, who have supported us along the way and who have motivated us to keep publishing content. We’ve been so well received and we could not be more thankful. 🥰 So to celebrate this momentous occasion, we give you an extra long episode filled with multiple horror headlines, a grave robbery, and even a recent discover...
May 08, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Today’s episode starts off with another tale from Dan’s trip to Ireland years ago. He just doesn’t know how to let things go does he?! 🙄 And then Madeline and Dan analyze some of the worst - or best, depending on who you ask - April Fools’ Day pranks over the years. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and even scream. Some of these pranks go a wee bit too far… Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrimCities or em...
Apr 17, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 21
There is SO much to unpack in today’s episode…things are crazy as hell right right off the bat when Madeline finds out that she sleeps in a VERY concerning and downright creepy manner. And things just unravel further from there, as Madeline and Dan incorrectly try to guess when an iconic Minnesota institution was erected. And of course, no one expected that location to be haunted. But here we are! Oh boy…. Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Be sure to follow...
Apr 10, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 20
As Madeline gears up for a family trip into the heart of Indiana, a large chunk of the continental US prepares for the upcoming solar eclipse. On April 8th, 2024 North America will become a prime viewing location for this incredible phenomenon. If you want to experience it in all its glory, draw a straight line from Mazatlán, Mexico to Montreal, Canada and you’ll be able to visualize the path of totality. Be careful though, as strange things are rumored to occur during an eclipse…from poisoned f...
Apr 03, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 19
As we get excited for the drunken debauchery of St. Paddy’s Day, Dan shares some fun memories from his time in Ireland. From ghost tours to a familial curse, his best judgement was not on display… Madeline then presents us with a compelling quiz to see just how well each of us would fare if we found ourselves in a real-life horror film. Best of all it originates from a BuzzFeed article, so you know it was crafted with the utmost attention to detail and edited for accuracy. 🤣 Pick up some merch ...
Mar 27, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Are you tired of horror films being snubbed for major categories at the Oscars? Or even worse, not being considered at all? So are we. This week we’re facing that problem head on by raising awareness of some of the most prolific horror movies of all time that were able to break through that Oscar curse and actually take home some shiny metal. Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrimCities or email us at t...
Mar 13, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ In a continuation from last week’s episode, we delve further into the infamous life of H. H. Holmes and the plethora of crimes he committed. Polygamy, failure to pay his contractors, and bringing his victims across both state and country lines…he did it all! Plus, listen until the end to find out how he was buried. ⚰️ Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!
Feb 21, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Where do serial killers come from, and what makes them different than the rest of us? Why do they gravitate toward violent behavior and vile thoughts? How do they justify their actions time and time again? In today’s episode Madeline and Dan dive into the early life of H. H. Holmes to uncover what life events led him to become America’s First Serial Killer. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!...
Feb 14, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ With Groundhog Day just recently passed, we’d like to dive further into the history of the mystical cryptid that has been predicting the longevity of our winters for decades. How did this groundhog get his powers, where did he come from, and why can he tell us with such certainty how many more weeks we can expect to endure the frigid temperatures that plague us? Discover the answers to these and so many more questions in to...
Feb 07, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/ Today is an incredibly special day! And why is it so special you ask? Because we are OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING OUR MERCH STORE!!! That’s right, you can finally get your hands on some sick-ass Grim Cities products and become the envy of all your friends. Show off your pride, share your love for the pod, and purchase some items. Also exciting is the topic we have lined up for y’all today! We explore one of the country’s most haunt...
Jan 31, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 13
