On December 2, 2010, Phoebe Handsjuk spent a day home at the apartment she shared with her boyfriend in Melbourne, Australia. It had been a rough week for her. By the end of the day, Phoebe's body would be found in a lower level garbage room of the apartment building, where investigators say she managed to fit down an extremely narrow garbage chute from the 12th floor. Officials ruled her death a suicide, but Phoebe's family has questions regarding the suspicious nature of her death and the lack of policework done to investigate properly. 

On December 2, 2010, Phoebe Handsjuk spent a day home at the apartment she shared with her boyfriend in Melbourne, Australia. It had been a rough week for her. By the end of the day, Phoebe's body would be found in a lower level garbage room of the apartment building, where investigators say she managed to fit down an extremely narrow garbage chute from the 12th floor. Officials ruled her death a suicide, but Phoebe's family has questions regarding the suspicious nature of her death and the lack of policework done to investigate properly.

Phoebe Handsjuk

You might think the only thing going on at Denver International Airport is people heading out on vacation. Think again. Because when it comes to DIA, there might be more going on than meets the eye. 

You might think the only thing going on at Denver International Airport is people heading out on vacation. Think again. Because when it comes to DIA, there might be more going on than meets the eye.

Conspiracies of the Denver International Airport

Shirley Dermond

In May of 2014, Georgia couple Russell and Shirley Dermond were invited to a party at a friend's house, but failed to show up. Days later, friends became worried after no contact was made with the couple, both in their 80s, since then. When someone went to check on them, they found Russell's decapitated body in the garage and Shirley was missing. What happened on that day is still a mystery and one of Putnam County's most baffling cold cases.

In May of 2014, Georgia couple Russell and Shirley Dermond were invited to a party at a friend's house, but failed to show up. Days later, friends became worried after no contact was made with the couple, both in their 80s, since then. When someone went to check on them, they found Russell's decapitated body in the garage and Shirley was missing. What happened on that day is still a mystery and one of Putnam County's most baffling cold cases.

The Murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond

Ryan Widmer

Sarah and Ryan Widmer

It's a cold, desolate place. Not many people go there. But it's natural beauty and potential for science make it an almost haven for some people. However, for the lucky few that get to go, rigorous physical and psychological testing is often required. They sometimes spend months on end in darkness and isolation, with only a few other humans around for thousands of miles. And sometimes mysterious things happen, or crime - this week were talking about what it's like living on Antarctica.

It's a cold, desolate place. Not many people go there. But it's natural beauty and potential for science make it an almost haven for some people. However, for the lucky few that get to go, rigorous physical and psychological testing is often required. They sometimes spend months on end in darkness and isolation, with only a few other humans around for thousands of miles. And sometimes mysterious things happen, or crime - this week were talking about what it's like living on Antarctica.

Antarctica

On December 9, 2019, Whakaari, an active volcano off the coast of New Zealand, erupted. This was not like other eruptions from Whakaari. A popular tourist destination for adventurers, 47 people were on the volcano at the time of eruption. The aftermath was devastating to all involved. 

On December 9, 2019, Whakaari, an active volcano off the coast of New Zealand, erupted. This was not like other eruptions from Whakaari. A popular tourist destination for adventurers, 47 people were on the volcano at the time of eruption. The aftermath was devastating to all involved.

Whakaari/White Island Volcano Eruption

Mark Kilroy

It was supposed to be a fun spring break trip - in 1989, Mark Kilroy and his friends from college went to South Padre Island, Texas, to party and have fun. During a short trip across the border into Mexico one night, Mark got separated from his friends - and was never seen alive again. His family and friends suffered an excruciating 4-week search for Mark, until his body was found on a Mexican ranch - along with evidence of a cult that practiced human sacrifice. 

It was supposed to be a fun spring break trip - in 1989, Mark Kilroy and his friends from college went to South Padre Island, Texas, to party and have fun. During a short trip across the border into Mexico one night, Mark got separated from his friends - and was never seen alive again. His family and friends suffered an excruciating 4-week search for Mark, until his body was found on a Mexican ranch - along with evidence of a cult that practiced human sacrifice.

The Cult Murder of Mark Kilroy

Welcome to Helltown, Ohio! It's now your average ghost town from the Wild West. Boston, Ohio was once home to a thriving  community until they were told they no longer owned their homes and were forced to leave. What moved in to what became known as Helltown would give anyone chills. 

Welcome to Helltown, Ohio! It's now your average ghost town from the Wild West. Boston, Ohio was once home to a thriving  community until they were told they no longer owned their homes and were forced to leave. What moved in to what became known as Helltown would give anyone chills.

Helltown, Ohio

As one of the first luxury apartment buildings on New York City's Upper West Side, the building now known as the Dakota has had a long history. Many know of the Dakota's most recent history, most famously the site of the murder of John Lennon, who lived there at the time - but as with many older historical, unique buildings, the Dakota soon gained a reputation of being haunted. In this episode, we'll talk about some of the spirits of the Dakota. 

As one of the first luxury apartment buildings on New York City's Upper West Side, the building now known as the Dakota has had a long history. Many know of the Dakota's most recent history, most famously the site of the murder of John Lennon, who lived there at the time - but as with many older historical, unique buildings, the Dakota soon gained a reputation of being haunted. In this episode, we'll talk about some of the spirits of the Dakota.

The Spirits of the Dakota Building

It was a story that only Agatha Christie could write. But in this mystery, she was the main character. 

It was a story that only Agatha Christie could write. But in this mystery, she was the main character.

The Disappearance of Agatha Christie

Your go-to for ghost stories, true crime, aliens, the unsolved and everything else in the dark .

Love y’all

Omg I love this podcast! Especially now being forced to work remotely due to this Covid epidemic. Listening to you two go back and forth about the lore and  info you come across is amaze balls.. Love you both please do more Texas episodes we have tons of freaky legends here ❤️

From Sam// DALLAS TX

Just what I need

The Darker Side of Life Podcast

They come a-knockin' when you least expect it. You open your door to find kids standing on your doorstep or maybe they're outside your car. They ask to come in to use your phone or for a ride somewhere. It seems like a harmless request, right? They why do you feel terrified standing in front of these children? And what is wrong with their eyes? We're talking about the mysterious Black Eyed Kids. No one knows exactly what they are or what they want, but one thing is known: don't let them in. 

They come a-knockin' when you least expect it. You open your door to find kids standing on your doorstep or maybe they're outside your car. They ask to come in to use your phone or for a ride somewhere. It seems like a harmless request, right? They why do you feel terrified standing in front of these children? And what is wrong with their eyes? We're talking about the mysterious Black Eyed Kids. No one knows exactly what they are or what they want, but one thing is known: don't let them in.

Black Eyed Kids

It was a prison on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. It held those who couldn't be held in other prisons. It's reputation for being inescapable was so large it was commonly referred to as "The Rock."  But that doesn't mean nobody ever tried. In 1946, a group of inmates almost did in what became known as the Battle of Alcatraz. And in 1962, three men did leave the island, and their whereabouts have been unknown ever since. Join Dana and Kristen as they discuss two of the biggest escape attempts from Alcatraz.

It was a prison on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. It held those who couldn't be held in other prisons. It's reputation for being inescapable was so large it was commonly referred to as "The Rock."  But that doesn't mean nobody ever tried. In 1946, a group of inmates almost did in what became known as the Battle of Alcatraz. And in 1962, three men did leave the island, and their whereabouts have been unknown ever since. Join Dana and Kristen as they discuss two of the biggest escape attempts from Alcatraz.

Alcatraz

He had a hook for a hand. The call is coming from inside the house. Bloody Mary. Everyone grew up hearing urban legends. But where exactly do these stories come from? Are they true stories or folktales passed down through generations to warn us about something? Take a trip across the country with The Darker Side of Life to learn about top urban legends in several states and decide for yourself if there are truths to these twisted tales. 

He had a hook for a hand. The call is coming from inside the house. Bloody Mary. Everyone grew up hearing urban legends. But where exactly do these stories come from? Are they true stories or folktales passed down through generations to warn us about something? Take a trip across the country with The Darker Side of Life to learn about top urban legends in several states and decide for yourself if there are truths to these twisted tales.

Urban Legends

Happy New Year, listeners! What better way to jump into 2020 than to hear about the story of the Tromp family of Australia and their strange road trip. By all accounts, the Tromp family was a normal family. Mark and Jacoba lived and worked on the family farm in Silvan, Victoria with their three kids: Ella, Mitchell and Riana. But one day, the family suddenly fled their home, leaving behind phones, credit cards and passports. They feared for their lives. But what were they afraid of? Over the next few days, the family would travel hundreds of miles and spark a bizarre missing person's case that baffled Australia. The reason behind it still baffles many today: including the Tromp family. (Sources: Buzzfeed Unsolved, BBC.com "Tromp Family: The Mystery of a Tech-Free Road Trip Gone Wrong", The Daily Mail, Danelle Hallan "What Happened to the Tromp Family?")

Happy New Year, listeners! What better way to jump into 2020 than to hear about the story of the Tromp family of Australia and their strange road trip. By all accounts, the Tromp family was a normal family. Mark and Jacoba lived and worked on the family farm in Silvan, Victoria with their three kids: Ella, Mitchell and Riana. But one day, the family suddenly fled their home, leaving behind phones, credit cards and passports. They feared for their lives. But what were they afraid of? Over the next few days, the family would travel hundreds of miles and spark a bizarre missing person's case that baffled Australia. The reason behind it still baffles many today: including the Tromp family.  (Sources: Buzzfeed Unsolved, <a href="http://BBC.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC.com</a> "Tromp Family: The Mystery of a Tech-Free Road Trip Gone Wrong", The Daily Mail, Danelle Hallan "What Happened to the Tromp Family?")

The Strange Road Trip of the Tromp Family

Daniel LaPlante

Daniel LaPlante's crimes ran the gamut around towns in Massachusetts in the 1980s. Ranging from bizarre to horrifying, LaPlante terrorized families, messing with people's heads and leaving his mark where he went. He eventually escalated to events that would leave several victims in his wake. 

Daniel LaPlante's crimes ran the gamut around towns in Massachusetts in the 1980s. Ranging from bizarre to horrifying, LaPlante terrorized families, messing with people's heads and leaving his mark where he went. He eventually escalated to events that would leave several victims in his wake.

It first happened in 1959, when a group of Russian hikers died under mysterious circumstances. Few people know that it happened again, in 1993. Seven hikers set out on a long trip near Lake Baikal, when suddenly 6 of them died mysteriously, violently, and at the same time. Even with a lone survivor to recap the details, the mystery remains. Today we discuss the Buryatia Incident, otherwise known as Russia's other Dyatlov Pass incident. 

It first happened in 1959, when a group of Russian hikers died under mysterious circumstances. Few people know that it happened again, in 1993. Seven hikers set out on a long trip near Lake Baikal, when suddenly 6 of them died mysteriously, violently, and at the same time. Even with a lone survivor to recap the details, the mystery remains. Today we discuss the Buryatia Incident, otherwise known as Russia's other Dyatlov Pass incident.

Buryatia Incident: Russia's other Dyatlov Pass

Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? We've been asking that same question 76 years after a group of boys from the skeletonized remains of a woman on the grounds of Hagley Estate in Hagley, Worcestershire, England. And then, a year after, strange graffiti starting popping up with a name for the unknown woman. The theories of what happened to Bella and her true identity run the spectrum from the supernatural to the covert. Do you know who put Bella in the Wych Elm? 

Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? We've been asking that same question 76 years after a group of boys from the skeletonized remains of a woman on the grounds of Hagley Estate in Hagley, Worcestershire, England. And then, a year after, strange graffiti starting popping up with a name for the unknown woman. The theories of what happened to Bella and her true identity run the spectrum from the supernatural to the covert. Do you know who put Bella in the Wych Elm?

Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?

Jim Jones

It all started out seemingly well. A man named Jim Jones formed a church with progressive ideas of desegregation, helping the homeless and lifting up your fellow man. He called it The Peoples Temple.  Membership would reach into the thousands. But when Peoples Temple started receiving criticism from people who left the church, Jim Jones fled to Guyana with church members and formed a settlement. They named it after their leader: Jonestown. In Jonestown, what began as a religious movement and commune disintegrated into paranoia, abuse, murder and what would shockingly become the largest mass killing of American citizens until the September 11 attacks.

It all started out seemingly well. A man named Jim Jones formed a church with progressive ideas of desegregation, helping the homeless and lifting up your fellow man. He called it The Peoples Temple.  Membership would reach into the thousands. But when Peoples Temple started receiving criticism from people who left the church, Jim Jones fled to Guyana with church members and formed a settlement. They named it after their leader: Jonestown. In Jonestown, what began as a religious movement and commune disintegrated into paranoia, abuse, murder and what would shockingly become the largest mass killing of American citizens until the September 11 attacks.

Jim Jones and the Jonestown Massacre

It all started as a normal day on the Bell farm. But when John Bell shot at a creature in one of his fields, things started changing. Soon, his family would experience a haunting like no other. He had unknowingly awoken a spirit - one who promised to haunt him and his family until John Bell was dead. This is the story of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee

It all started as a normal day on the Bell farm. But when John Bell shot at a creature in one of his fields, things started changing. Soon, his family would experience a haunting like no other. He had unknowingly awoken a spirit - one who promised to haunt him and his family until John Bell was dead. This is the story of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee

The Bell Witch

Pearl Bryan

The nation was shocked when the body of a woman was found on a farm in the small town of Fort Thomas, Kentucky on February 1, 1896. The woman was a young socialite from Greencastle, Indiana named Pearl Bryan. She was well known in her hometown, the daughter of a big family that was liked and admired. But the events that would send her on a trip to Cincinnati would set something terrible into motion for Pearl. And when her murderers were captured and details of her killing emerged, it sent shock waves that still are felt today. Legends and folklore continue to live on 124 years after Pearl's murder. Many people still ask one question when it comes to Pearl Bryan. Listen to find out what that question is…

The nation was shocked when the body of a woman was found on a farm in the small town of Fort Thomas, Kentucky on February 1, 1896. The woman was a young socialite from Greencastle, Indiana named Pearl Bryan. She was well known in her hometown, the daughter of a big family that was liked and admired. But the events that would send her on a trip to Cincinnati would set something terrible into motion for Pearl. And when her murderers were captured and details of her killing emerged, it sent shock waves that still are felt today. Legends and folklore continue to live on 124 years after Pearl's murder. Many people still ask one question when it comes to Pearl Bryan. Listen to find out what that question is…

The Murder of Pearl Bryan

If you think what happened in Hungary was bad, wait until you hear this. In Renaissance Italy, Giulia Tofana was ultimately responsible for about 600 men who were abusive to their wives. However, she evaded capture for several years, and moved around hiding in plain sight with her poison that was so effective and sought after, it even had its own brand.

If you think what happened in Hungary was bad, wait until you hear this. In Renaissance Italy, Giulia Tofana was ultimately responsible for about 600 men who were abusive to their wives. However, she evaded capture for several years, and moved around hiding in plain sight with her poison that was so effective and sought after, it even had its own brand.

Side Note #5: Aqua Tofana

Early 1900s Nagyrev, Hungary, was a time of struggle for the women who lived there. Poverty was rampant, children were burdensome, and forced marriages meant abuse, neglect and strife. Divorce was forbidden, and to make it all worse, war came. Fed up with a life no better than that of a slave, one woman led others into "fixing" their problems .... with murder. 

Early 1900s Nagyrev, Hungary, was a time of struggle for the women who lived there. Poverty was rampant, children were burdensome, and forced marriages meant abuse, neglect and strife. Divorce was forbidden, and to make it all worse, war came. Fed up with a life no better than that of a slave, one woman led others into "fixing" their problems .... with murder.

Angel Makers of Nagyrev aka the Hungarian Husband Killers

The plan to rob the bank was a simple one - go in, steal the cash, hurt no one and escape via the getaway car parked strategically in an alley. It should have been an easy job. But for Marshall Ratliff and his three accomplices, a shot through a window caused complications that would turn their easy plan into a complicated mess that took many lives and would become a legendary story in West Texas. 

The plan to rob the bank was a simple one - go in, steal the cash, hurt no one and escape via the getaway car parked strategically in an alley. It should have been an easy job. But for Marshall Ratliff and his three accomplices, a shot through a window caused complications that would turn their easy plan into a complicated mess that took many lives and would become a legendary story in West Texas.

Santa Claus Bank Robbery

Terrance Williams

Felipe Santos

In 2003 and 2004, Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos went missing in separate incidents in a Southwest Florida city. It wasn't until their families persisted in the investigation when it was discovered their disappearances had a common connection - the last person to see them alive was a Naples police officer, who was later fired from the force after having lied to investigators about the case. Does he know more that he isn't saying? 

In 2003 and 2004, Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos went missing in separate incidents in a Southwest Florida city. It wasn't until their families persisted in the investigation when it was discovered their disappearances had a common connection - the last person to see them alive was a Naples police officer, who was later fired from the force after having lied to investigators about the case. Does he know more that he isn't saying?

The Disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos

The Darker Side of Life brings you a special kind of episode this week with not one, but two stories. In episode 4, Dana and Kristen explore two very different but equally intriguing tales coming out of Georgia while on their annual road trip. First up, Dana takes us back to the summer of 1887 in rural Georgia when the silence was disturbed by the sounds of one of the most heinous mass murders in the state's history. Tom Woolfolk, the lone survivor, was the primary suspect, and all the evidence pointed to him. But did he commit these crimes or was his version of events true? And then, Kristen heads to 1980s Atlanta where an elderly couple's house started experiencing things out of a horror movie that to this day leave investigators scratching their heads. But don't leave after the stories! Stick around for a game of "would you rather?" with a twist. 

The Darker Side of Life brings you a special kind of episode this week with not one, but two stories. In episode 4, Dana and Kristen explore two very different but equally intriguing tales coming out of Georgia while on their annual road trip. First up, Dana takes us back to the summer of 1887 in rural Georgia when the silence was disturbed by the sounds of one of the most heinous mass murders in the state's history. Tom Woolfolk, the lone survivor, was the primary suspect, and all the evidence pointed to him. But did he commit these crimes or was his version of events true? And then, Kristen heads to 1980s Atlanta where an elderly couple's house started experiencing things out of a horror movie that to this day leave investigators scratching their heads. But don't leave after the stories! Stick around for a game of "would you rather?" with a twist.

Adventures in Georgia: Bloody Woolfolk and the Atlanta Bleeding House

Sixty years ago, nine hikers embarked on a winter trek in the far northern Ural mountains in soviet Russia. They never returned home. When searches found the site, they were greeted not by the hikers, but by a mysterious and morbid scene that people are still trying to make sense of today. The bodies found were frozen a mile away from the tent, some barefoot and with only light clothing on and some had unexplained severe injuries. In the first part of a two part episode, we discuss the Dyatlov Pass incident and the mystery that survives to this day.

Sixty years ago, nine hikers embarked on a winter trek in the far northern Ural mountains in soviet Russia. They never returned home. When searches found the site, they were greeted not by the hikers, but by a mysterious and morbid scene that people are still trying to make sense of today. The bodies found were frozen a mile away from the tent, some barefoot and with only light clothing on and some had unexplained severe injuries. In the first part of a two part episode, we discuss the Dyatlov Pass incident and the mystery that survives to this day.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Part One

Renee Hartevelt

Issei Sagawa

It's an act mostly unheard of today, but was once a more common practice. While the notion of eating another human disgusts many, one man said he has felt the desire his entire life. One day in 1981, Issei Sagawa murdered his friend Renee Hartevelt, keeping her body in his fridge for days as he gradually ate her. He was arrested shortly after her killing, but what happens next will infuriate you. 

It's an act mostly unheard of today, but was once a more common practice. While the notion of eating another human disgusts many, one man said he has felt the desire his entire life. One day in 1981, Issei Sagawa murdered his friend Renee Hartevelt, keeping her body in his fridge for days as he gradually ate her. He was arrested shortly after her killing, but what happens next will infuriate you.

Cannibalism: The Murder of Renee Hartevelt by Issei Sagawa

It was the OG of witch hunts in what would become the United States. Between January and October of 1692, hundreds of colonists in and around Salem Village and Salem Town were accused of one of the worst possible things you could be accused of: Witchcraft. There was no way to defend yourself as neighbors, friends and family pointed the finger at you and accused you of signing the Devil's book while your spirit tormented others. And at the center of it all was an unlikely group of accusers: Girls. Teenagers and children suddenly had the attention of everyone as they became the main people to point the finger. At the end of it all, 20 innocent people would be killed as "witches." To this day, it's a piece of history that still baffles many. Why did it happen? How did it happen? And how do we make sure it doesn't happen again? 

It was the OG of witch hunts in what would become the United States. Between January and October of 1692, hundreds of colonists in and around Salem Village and Salem Town were accused of one of the worst possible things you could be accused of: Witchcraft. There was no way to defend yourself as neighbors, friends and family pointed the finger at you and accused you of signing the Devil's book while your spirit tormented others. And at the center of it all was an unlikely group of accusers: Girls. Teenagers and children suddenly had the attention of everyone as they became the main people to point the finger. At the end of it all, 20 innocent people would be killed as "witches." To this day, it's a piece of history that still baffles many. Why did it happen? How did it happen? And how do we make sure it doesn't happen again?

The Salem Witch Trials

Lets get spooky. Come take a tour with us of what is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the United States: Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Once a tuberculosis hospital in Louisville, Kentucky during an outbreak of the “white plague”, Waverly Hills was not only a place to treat those suffering from the disease, but also a home for those who had to leave their life behind once they came to the hospital on the hill. Now, even decades after the hospital was shut down, many things still linger within it’s walls. Waverly has become the “holy grail” for ghost hunters and paranormal experts who come to explore the massive structure, hoping to catch glimpses of what haunts the halls. Join us to learn more about the spirits of Waverly Hills and even hear Kristen’s personal experiences from her multiple visits. 

Lets get spooky. Come take a tour with us of what is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the United States: Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Once a tuberculosis hospital in Louisville, Kentucky during an outbreak of the “white plague”, Waverly Hills was not only a place to treat those suffering from the disease, but also a home for those who had to leave their life behind once they came to the hospital on the hill. Now, even decades after the hospital was shut down, many things still linger within it’s walls. Waverly has become the “holy grail” for ghost hunters and paranormal experts who come to explore the massive structure, hoping to catch glimpses of what haunts the halls. Join us to learn more about the spirits of Waverly Hills and even hear Kristen’s personal experiences from her multiple visits.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

In 1959, nine hikers were found dead in the Ural Mountains in Russia after they failed to return from their trek. We're still trying to figure out what exactly happened to them sixty years later. In part two of this fascinating and maddening story, Dana and Kristen take a deep dive into some of the theories surrounding this case. Everything from avalanches to yetis is on the table. Be sure to listen to part one before venturing into the final part of this story. 

In 1959, nine hikers were found dead in the Ural Mountains in Russia after they failed to return from their trek. We're still trying to figure out what exactly happened to them sixty years later. In part two of this fascinating and maddening story, Dana and Kristen take a deep dive into some of the theories surrounding this case. Everything from avalanches to yetis is on the table. Be sure to listen to part one before venturing into the final part of this story.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Part Two

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!