Dawn of Mantis: True Crime, Mysteries and More
378 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsJoin longtime friends Joe and Ivan on a comedic journey through the mysteries of true crime. Since 2002, Joe and Ivan have been crafting comedy bits and skits together, honing their unique style. With their producer and co-host, Sam, at the sound processing helm, the trio dives into the depths of true crime mysteries, as well as music, history, and various other topics, with a twist.
Joe and Ivan's comedic banter adds levity to even the darkest of subjects but always with a respectful approach. Their motto: Victims are never the subject of the joke; instead, the focus is on the perpetrators, pointing out irony and puns along the way. So buckle up and get ready to laugh, cringe, and ponder the mysteries of the human psyche with Joe, Ivan, and Sam on Dawn of Mantis!
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Episodes
DOM Ep105 - The Not So Sunny Day....
December 04, 2020 16:31 - 1 hour - 164 MBDawn of Mantis: Episode 105 - The Not So Sunny Day, The story of Sesame Street's Northern Calloway.
DOM Ep.104 - Thanksgiving Smash & Grab
November 26, 2020 22:44 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBBroadcasting from our NEW location! In studio at RedBeard Sound and joined by our new crew member, RedBeard himself, Sam Duncan!We're serving up a Thanksgiving dish of murder and massacres, and we're not talking about the Turkey......as well as a few other smash and grab stories, finishing the episode off with a story we like to call "Pornocopia". (Subject Matter Begins @ 7:20) Support the Show.
DOM 103 - The Disappearance of Ada Constance Kent
November 13, 2020 20:44 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBDawn of Mantis Episode 103: The disappearance of Ada Constance Kent. A reclusive former actress vanished in 1939 and was never seen alive again. For a decade her disappearance remained a mystery, until one day her remains were finally found, right where everyone had been looking all along. Or... were they her remains? and.... had they really been there the whole time? Listen to the evidence and decide for yourself in this one of a kind case. (Subject Matter Begins @ 7:50) Support the Show.
DOM Ep102 - The Tragic Cases Of The Shelton Family
November 06, 2020 21:51 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBEpisode 102: In tonight's episode we cover a truly unique case, even in the true crime community. Just a few years after losing her husband in a car wreck, Marcia Shelton's 12 year old daughter Debbie disappeared. Sixty-five days later she was finally found, but not in the way that Marcia had hoped. Then, just over three decades later, the impossible seemed to happen again- another daughter, Victoria, came up missing. So buckle up as we traverse this rollercoaster of a case. A special thanks...
101 - Halloween Special Episode- Ronald "the Candy Man" O'Bryan
October 30, 2020 12:28 - 2 hours - 85.4 MBIn 1974 Ronald O'Bryan perhaps starts a decade long paranoia by tampering with Halloween candy but there's more to the story because the victim isn't probably who would you guess. Support the Show.
100- The Sacrifice Of Leroy Carter Jr
October 23, 2020 13:30 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBWe dive into the strange and perhaps the occult as we talk about the circumstances of the discovery of the body of Mr. Leroy Carter Jr. in the early 80s. Support the Show.
99 - The Golden Era Contactees Part 5 George Van Tassel
October 23, 2020 13:22 - 1 hour - 50.3 MBPart 5 of our early UFO contactee coverage concludes with the interesting tales of George Van Tassel and his adventures with the otherworldly. Support the Show.
98 - The Golden Era Contactees Part 4- Buck Nelson
October 11, 2020 00:31 - 1 hour - 82 MBBuck Nelson was an interesting man to say the least. Without his UFO tall tales we feel he'd be interesting. We go through his rise to fame as an early contactee and Joe even puts his spin on what his voice likely sounded like as he tells the story. Support the Show.
Machine Man
October 10, 2020 22:00 - 4 minutes - 9.52 MBThis track was written by Joe in memory of his friend and former bandmate, Jeff Elmer. He played bass with NighTTrain and was a fantastic guy. This was recorded by RedBeard Sound Studios by Sam Duncan.
Empty Inside by Joe and Ivan
October 03, 2020 18:00 - 6 minutes - 5.67 MBWe recorded this track better than 3 years ago and forgot it existed. Here ya' go, check it out.
97 - The Golden Era Contactees Part 3- Howard Menger
October 01, 2020 20:24 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBWe talk about Howard Menger and his extra-terrestrial encounters that he claims he had throughout his entire life. Where were these aliens from? Was it Venus, Mars, or somewhere else in the cosmos? Mr. Menger himself seems to have been unsure as to their origin from time to time. Support the Show.
96 - The Golden Era Contactees Part 2- George Adamski
September 26, 2020 02:17 - 2 hours - 86.7 MBWe continue our coverage of the golden era of UFO and alien sightings talking about George Adamski and the tales he told. Support the Show.
95 - The Golden Era Contactees Part 1- George Adamski
September 20, 2020 03:06 - 2 hours - 107 MBThe earliest American pop-culture era of UFO visitation and it had a somewhat different take on the subject. Before Betty and Barney Hill there was a time that the characters telling tales of alien contact were as interesting as the stories themselves. This time we talked about one early contactee and his story. George Adamski was his name and he was a hoot. We cover that and chase a few other rabbits. Support the Show.
Giving In
September 14, 2020 02:34 - 3 minutes - 3.65 MBAn original track written and recorded by Joe! Enjoy!
94 - Where on Earth is Joe Pichler?
September 11, 2020 12:35 - 2 hours - 94.7 MBIn early 2006 child star turned young adult suddenly vanishes. As the investigation carries on little evidence is found. Joe goes the way of Madonna and we bash social media some more. Speaking of, make sure you find us on Twitter @DawnOfManits. :D Support the Show.
93 - The Sterling Hall Bombing
August 28, 2020 12:31 - 2 hours - 101 MBIn August of 1970 a bomb was detonated in an UW-Madison building injuring three and killing one young researcher. One of the bombers still to this day is on the loose. Support the Show.
92 - The Legend Of Dogboy
August 21, 2020 15:23 - 2 hours - 84.2 MBMysterious happenings have been reported in a house in a small Arkansas town for years. The house does have a confirmed history of traumatic events that only add to the story. Does "bad" energy exist and has it taken hold of this property? Plus we pose the question, "when is your earliest memory?" We re-visit simulation theory and Ivan reaches out to the engineers and inventors listening to help with a project that could save lives. Support the Show.
91 - Smash And Grab- AstroNut, Cheerleader Mom Assassin, Murder She Stupidly Wrote
August 14, 2020 13:20 - 1 hour - 53.1 MBThis week we talk about a few interesting stories that Joe ripped from the entrails of the inter-webs. We cover the the fate of a faux Sasquatch, a cheerleader mom hit man plot, a murderer that thinks they are Angela Lansbury, and a case we like to call, "Houston We Have an Astro-Nutt!" Support the Show.
DOM Covers: Turn The Page by Joe
August 09, 2020 12:59 - 5 minutes - 4.99 MBJoe, by listener request, covers the great Bob Seger hit!
90 - The Afterlife According To... (Part 2)
August 07, 2020 22:56 - 3 hours - 137 MBWe continue our discussion on how various religions prepare for and explain the afterlife. We talk about the beliefs of the Native Americans, followers of Judaism, Scientology and more. Later we dive down the simulation hypothesis rabbit hole and Ivan attempts to draw a parallel from that to Showbiz Pizza. Support the Show.
89 - The Afterlife According To... (Part 1)
July 30, 2020 15:36 - 1 hour - 71 MBWhat happens after death? Where do you go if anywhere? We discuss how various religions prepare for and explain the afterlife. In this episode we briefly explain those ideas from the early Egyptians to modern religions such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and more. It's not an in depth look yet more of an overview mixed with various other commentary. Support the Show.
88 - Accidental Movie Deaths Part 3 - 1983 to present
July 28, 2020 00:58 - 2 hours - 105 MBThis concludes our coverage of accidents resulting in deaths, or in many cases near deaths, of cast and crew. We pick up where we left off last time with the mid 80s on to more recent flicks. That and, as always, more random blathering from Joe and Ivan. Support the Show.
87- Accidental Movie Deaths Part 2- 1970 To 1983
July 09, 2020 14:25 - 1 hour - 79 MBWe continue our talk about accidents on movie sets. We also talk about the supposed curses around the filming of the movies The Omen and The Exorcist. All that and more. The power of the Mantis compels you to listen to this week's episode. :D Enjoy! Support the Show.
86- Accidental Movie Deaths Part 1- 1920 To 1970
June 30, 2020 03:15 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBThis time we look back through the strange history of filmmaking accidental deaths. We talk about the circumstances of these tragedies and their impact of the industry. Sadly actors, extras and even directors at times were in the wrong place at the wrong time and gave their life in pursuance of their art-form. Join us for part one as we go chronologically from the 1920s to the early 70s. Support the Show.
85- The Lead Masks Case of Brazil
June 25, 2020 14:25 - 1 hour - 52 MBIn the late summer of 1966, Miguel José Viana and Manoel Pereira da Cruz were found dead on the slopes of Vintém Hill in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Curios items were found on them including, perhaps most mysterious, a set of hand crafted lead masks covering their eyes. What happened to these two electronic technicians? We lay out some of the known details of the case as well as examine a few of the most popular theories. Support the Show.
84- The Tale Of The Toxic Lady
June 17, 2020 03:41 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBIn 1994 Gloria Ramirez is brought into the ER under quite mysterious circumstances. Her skin has an oily sheen, her blood smells of ammonia and she has numerous other anomalies that baffle everyone in the room. The staff begins to feel ill as they tend to her trying to save her life. What was it that contributed to her strange conditions that to this day have dubbed her the "toxic lady/woman?" Support the Show.
83- The Murder Of Lowell Badger
June 12, 2020 13:53 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBIn 2012 Lowell Badger of Sullivan County, Indiana was brutally murdered. We cover the details of the case hoping that someone, somewhere can provide information to bring the evil perpetrators to justice. This is a patron suggested episode. Visit our Patreon for more information. We also take a light hearted look at the good cop/bad cop dynamic in a short comedy bit at the beginning o the episode. Support the Show.
82 - Herbert Mullin- The Earthquake Killer
June 06, 2020 14:19 - 1 hour - 48 MBHerbert Mullin killed thirteen people in California in the early 1970s but HE feels he had a good reason. Thankfully he was saving us all from epic natural disasters. We cover the case and explain his logic in this episode. Support the Show.
82 - Herbert Mullen- The Earthquake Killer
June 06, 2020 14:19 - 1 hour - 95.9 MBHerbert Mullen killed thirteen people in California in the early 1970s but HE feels he had a good reason. Thankfully he was saving us all from epic natural disasters. We cover the case and explain his logic in this episode.
81 - The Locust Swarm Of 1875
May 30, 2020 02:54 - 1 hour - 68.4 MBThe Rocky Mountain Locust wreaked havoc on the western United States in the 1870s. sometimes described as “hell from above”, clouded the skies fiercely devouring the crops, tree leaves, and even fence posts. Support the Show.
80 - A World Without Sex
May 22, 2020 02:12 - 1 hour - 67 MBImagine, if you will, a world without sex. Minus the obvious survival of the human race factor, how would the world be better without the negative repercussions that stem from it? Join us for this thought experiment after a short fun look at numerology. Support the Show.
79 -Where On Earth Are Glen And Bessie Hyde?
May 15, 2020 16:29 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWe talk about the ill-fated Glenn and Bessie Hyde Grand Canyon scow boat expedition in the late 1920's. Support the Show.
78 - Where On Earth Is Rico Harris
May 07, 2020 23:39 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBFormer NCAA star Rico Harris mysteriously vanishes in October of 2014 in Yolo County California while traveling long distance. Details of the investigation raise more questions than answers. That case after we "mole" over a silly skit, we make sure All Wings are Considered, and Joe tells a grim tale about a triple homicide in which the aggressor's hand was forced as it was a matter of defending the defenseless. Support the Show.
77 - Smash And Grab with Cody Templeton
May 01, 2020 12:45 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBThis week Cody Templeton rejoins us and we discuss strange and mysterious stories. This one went off the rails early, REAL early, and we had a lot of fun. If you are in the mood for an offbeat episode, this one is for you! Support the Show.
76 - The Texas Bell Tower Shooting (Part 3- In The Crosshairs)
April 29, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBThe final part of our series on the Texas Bell Tower Shooting. This time we talk about the shooting itself. For 96 minutes Whitman unsuspecting people on campus. We detail these in chronological order and discuss how he was finally brought to justice. Support the Show.
75 - The Texas Bell Tower Shooting (Part 2- The Morning Of)
April 23, 2020 15:39 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBOn part two we talk about the hours leading up to the shooting. We read letters written by Whitman and also go through the timeline of the morning of the event. Support the Show.
When It's All Over
April 15, 2020 14:31 - 4 minutes - 6.03 MBJoe, with his daughter on keyboard, wrote and recorded an original tune in our studio. Please enjoy his 80s/indie creation exclusive for DOM fans!
74 - The Texas Bell Tower Shooting (Part 1: Charles Whitman)
April 15, 2020 14:22 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBIn 1966, a gunman seized the bell tower at the University of Texas and unleashed a reign of terror. On this episode we talk about the the shooter, his background and everything that may or may not have had to do with his motivations to commit this vile act. Support the Show.
73 - Preston Tucker And The Car Of The Future (Part 2)
April 09, 2020 14:36 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBAfter we hear from the D3500 guys, Terry and Timothy, we conclude telling the story of Preston Tucker and his ambitious endeavor to produce his futuristic automobile. SEC investigations, over-zealous features additions, and a swing in the court of public opinion all were limiting factors to his plans. Listen in and you decide what you think killed the Tucker 48. Support the Show.
Special Episode: DOM Comedy Bit Compilation 1
April 02, 2020 23:14 - 1 hour - 44 MBCheck out this compilation of our intro comedy bits. We hope you have as much fun listening to these as we did making them. If you are a straight-laced, staunchly serious individual who scoffs at tomfoolery and gallimaufry, you might want to skip this one. Enjoy! Support the Show.
72 - Preston Tucker And The Car Of The Future (Part 1)
April 01, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBAfter a short REVVED UP bit, we talk about Preston Tucker and his beginnings into the powerplant, aviation, and automotive industry. This ambitious individual wanted to create the CAR OF THE FUTURE but was the present ready for it? Join us for part one of his story and get your Corey Feldman and David Faustino fix at the end of the episode. Support the Show.
Episode 71.5- DOM Covid Talk
April 01, 2020 15:53 - 7 minutes - 5.17 MBJoe provides some perspective on Covid-19 on this short, special episode. Stay safe, everyone!Support the show
71- The Villisca Axe Murders
March 27, 2020 16:12 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis week we pull a dark, murder mystery episode out of the vault. In 1912 a family was murdered in a most gruesome fashion and causes chaos in the Iowa town called Villisca. Also check out where/when the TimeTwit is this week! Support the Show.
70 - The Missing Amazon Adventurers
March 18, 2020 15:08 - 1 hour - 54 MBDuring our break we re-visit an episode from the vault that, until now, was previously unavailable. Five separate expeditions into the Amazon end in tragedy as individuals mysteriously vanish. The only thing to link these parties was their guide. Did he have something to do with the disappearances or were there other circumstances at play. Support the Show.
69 - The Fouke Monster
March 11, 2020 12:30 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBAfter a short bit, we pull one of the old episodes out of the vault and talk about the Fouke Monster. This beast spawned the cult classic docudrama, The Legend of Boggy Creek in the early 1970s. Support the Show.
68 - The Story Of Serial Killer Jack Unterweger
March 04, 2020 15:16 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBAustrian Jack Unterweger was, for a time, a poster child for prisoner reform. People were rooting for him upon his release as he became what many felt "a completely changed man" and no longer a danger to society. What could go wrong? Support the Show.
67 - Who Was Lori Erica Ruff REALLY?
February 27, 2020 13:01 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBLori Ruff was married with a child yet few really knew anything substantial about her. When her husband attempted to learn about her past she recoiled and even did her best to keep her mother and father-in-law away from their own grandchild despite them, according to others close to the family, being caring individuals. Who was she really and what was in her past? (Subject Matter Begins @ 19:39) Support the Show.
66 - The Axeman Of New Orleans
February 20, 2020 13:02 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIn the late 1910s many in the city of New Orleans were terrified as an axe wielding madman roamed the streets. Who was the infamous Axeman of New Orleans? Support the Show.
65 - The Phantom Barber Of Pascagoula
February 13, 2020 22:19 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBImagine this... You just woke from a good night's sleep but something suddenly feels strange. You rush to the bathroom mirror and you realize your worse fear is has transpired. One of your lovely, flowing locks of hair has been severed and stolen! This very thing happened to multiple victims in Louisiana in the 1940s! Who was the Phantom Barber of Pascagoula and what caused their reign of terror via cosmetological sabotage? Support the Show.