Don't Look Now
279 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsWhat could an Engineer and an Archaeologist have to talk about? Listen to us discuss history, mysteries, science, culture and art. The world is vast and episode by episode we learn about the way the world works.
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Episodes
174 - Unsolved Mysteries
June 14, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThe TV reality/mystery/true crime series Unsolved Mysteries has run for 15 seasons across multiple networks and streaming services. Come learn the origins of the show and some of the mysteries that were solved due to its impact.
173 - The Pursuit of Happiness
June 07, 2022 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBOn today's podcast we discuss the history of happiness. How have both the definition of and search for happiness changed through history? How has it become one of our most primary drivers in decision making when a few hundred years ago it was rarely a consideration. Come take a listen and learn about the pursuit of happiness.
172 - Were You Raised by Wolves?
May 31, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBFeral children have appeared throughout history in cultures around the world. We discuss some famous cases of children literally raised by wolves, or monkeys, or just terrible parents.
171 - The Sodder Family Mystery
May 24, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBOn Christmas Eve 1945 tragedy struck the Sodder family home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Fire swept through the home in the wee hours of the night and the house burnt to the ground in just 45 mins. The parents and four of nine children made it outside, five of the youngest perished in the fire... or did they? No remains were ever found and there were sightings of the children after the fire. Was it simply a tragedy, or was the fire simply set to cover up their kidnapping? Take a list...
170 - Jessie James
May 17, 2022 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBMost people have heard of the old west outlaw, Jessie James. However, how much do you really know about him? Take a listen and learn about the wild west Robin Hood.
169 - The Beale Ciphers and Treasure
May 10, 2022 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBThe Beale Papers were a text published in 1885 that contained three ciphers that supposedly relay the location, content, and ownership of a treasure hidden in the mountains of Virginia. Over the years only one cipher has been decoded through the use of the Declaration of Independence as a book key. This cipher noted the content of the treasure. However, no one has successfully decoded either of the other two which most importantly denote the treasure's location. Is the treasure real? Ar...
168 - Beyond the Haunted Heartland
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBIn the tradition of one of our favorite childhood books, Haunted Heartland, come tales of creepiness and hauntings from around the globe. Creepy dolls in Mexico, a deceased thespian in Australia, and a haunted tavern in the US to name a few. Pull up a chair and listen to some wide ranging ghost stories.
167 - The Gates to Hell
April 26, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThere are local legends across the globe and across cultures about locations that are gateways to hell. We discuss some examples including a local legend familiar to people in NW Kansas.
166 - The Disappearance of Zebb Quinn
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBWe discuss the strange case of the disappearance of Zebb Qinn, a teenager from Ashville, NC that mysteriously disappeared in 2000 after leaving work with a co-worker to go look at a used car for sale. Quinn's car was found four days later, parked with the headlights on, with drawings in lipstick on the back window, and various items not belonging to him inside it, most notably a Labrador puppy that was later adopted by a policeman. 17 years after his disappearance, the co-worker he left wit...
165 - The Swing of the Pendulum
April 12, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBWe discuss one of the highly overlooked physical measurement devices, the humble pendulum. Used for everything from telling time, to defining the length of a meter, determining the gravity of the earth, and serving as a horrific torture device in Edgar Allen Poe's fiction, the pendulum has a long and proud history. Come check it out.
164 - Hail Mary
April 05, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBWe discuss the Marian apparition of Fatima, Portugal in 1917, as well as other famous sightings of the Virgin Mary. From May to September 1917 three children claimed to see Mary in the hills near Fatima, Portugal. They say she spoke to them and revealed three secrets. What were those secrets and how does the Catholic Church categorize miraculous sightings? Find out in this week's episode.
163 - Po-tayto Po-tahto
March 29, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBCome learn about the history of the common spud, from it's original cultivation in the Andes to it's spread to Europe where it cured famine. How did the potato go from a poisonous tuber that could only be consumed with detoxifying clay to one of the five largest staple foods in the world? Listen in and find out.
162 - Archeological Hoaxes
March 22, 2022 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBWe discuss some famous/infamous hoaxes of archeology, from Ancient Egyptians in Spain with Hercules carvings, to ancient skulls in California, and figurines of people riding dinosaurs in Mexico. Come learn about some of the more dubious history of archeological science.
161 - Unidentified Flying Objects
March 15, 2022 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBSince the beginning of recorded time people have seen things in the sky that the could not readily identify. Weird atmospheric phenomenon, birds, meteors, sun dogs, and glories have mystified people since our beginnings. However, more recently people have begun to wonder if any of these strange objects are extra-terrestrial craft. We discuss the phenomenon of UFOs from mentions of crosses in the sky over a thousand years ago to claims of abduction today.
160 - Cultural Ills
March 08, 2022 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBToday we discuss cultural specific ailments or culture specific disorders. From delusions of constantly shrinking genitals, to spirit possession and random violent outbursts, we cover illnesses that are considered a recognizable disease in some cultures and bizarre in others.
159 - Forty Elephants, The Queens of Crime
March 01, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBWe discuss the so called Forty Elephants, an all female crime gang active in London from the 1870s to the 1990s. Specializing in high end retail shoplifting, they were known for dressing extravagantly, living glamorously, and making off with clothes and jewels hidden in secret pockets all through their clothes.
158 - The Great Chicago Fire
February 22, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBWe discuss the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Was the cow to blame and if not, why have people pinned the disaster on a poor Irish woman? Come learn about the background of the fire, what really happened, and what became of Mrs. O'Leary.
157 - Valentine's Day
February 15, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBWe discuss the history of Valentine’s Day and its traditions. From the Roman festival of Lupercalia, to the creation of Valentines cards and conversation hearts. Come join us on a journey through Valentine’s Days past.
156 - The End of the World as We Know It
February 08, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBWe discuss the collapse of societies. None of history's great cultures have stood the test of time. All fall eventually. What causes the collapse of a society or culture? You will find that the causes can be myriad, from poor harvests to exploding meteorites.
155 - The Sinister Hand
February 01, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBWe discuss a topic near and dear to about 12 percent of the world's population: left-handedness. This one goes out to all the southpaws, corrie-fisted, golly-handed, mollydookers, and cuddy wifters out there. Learn some history of left handedness from around the world and find out which of the afore mentioned terms drives Jeni nuts.
154 - The Haunted Mansion
January 25, 2022 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBThe Haunted Mansion is one of Disney's most famous rides. We discuss the history of the ride and it's backstory, both fictional and historical. Come learn about the Haunted Mansion.
153 - The Collyer Brothers
January 18, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBWhat do you get when you mix two eccentric brothers, hoarding, and paranoia? You get the sad yet fascinating case of the Collyer brothers. These two bachelor brothers became part of Harlem lore due to the sad, grizzly tale of the discovery of their bodies in their brownstone apartment that was filled with over 100 tons of trash and collected items.
153 - The Collyer Brothers
January 18, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBWhat do you get when you mix two eccentric brothers, hoarding, and paranoia? You get the sad yet fascinating case of the Collyer brothers. These two bachelor brothers became part of Harlem lore due to the sad, grizzly tale of the discovery of their bodies in their brownstone apartment that was filled with over 100 tons of trash and collected items.
152 - Fur Trade 2 - Electric Boogaloo
January 11, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBWe continue our segment on the American fur trade with the impacts of the trade on societies, the effect on Native American women, and the rise of the Metis people.
151 - The Beaver Wars
January 04, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBWe discuss the American Fur Trade, one of the earliest and most important economic trades between Europe and the natives and colonies in the New World. This trade resulted in multiple wars between native tribes, and constant rivalry between the French and English colonies.
150 - The Life and Times of The Pox
December 28, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBIt might not be pretty, but it sure is interesting. We discuss the origins, history, and cultural implications of Syphilis. Once a horrifying disease that caused madness and disfigurement, The Pox was stigmatized in many cultures and many time periods. Come find out more as we discuss the uncomfortable topic of Syphilis.
149 - The Molly Maguires
December 21, 2021 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBThe Molly Maguires were an Irish secret society from the 19th century what were know for vigilantism against authority figures deemed to have wronged the people. The are most famous for their involvement in the labor conflicts over the conditions of immigrant laborers in late 19th century Pennsylvania. However, were the Molly Maguires really a threat or was their existence made up to excuse local bosses in crushing a new formed labor union? Check out this week's podcast and find out.
148 - Dr. Grover Krantz, Bigfoot Hunter
December 14, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBDr. Grover Krantz was an American anthropologist that was widely published on multiple topics. He also was an avid bigfoot hunter, both figuratively and literally, researching any traces of the possible animal and driving though the woods at night with a shotgun. Listen in and learn all about this highly colorful character.
147 - Universe 25 - Utopia Gone Wrong
December 07, 2021 05:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBJohn B. Calhoun was interested in looking at the effects of overcrowding on societies of mammals, so he created a mouse utopia, Universe 25. Universe 25 was an environment made with unlimited supplies of food and water with no predators, where the mice could live without stress and allow their population to grow without environmental restriction. What he found was an initial utopia with explosive population growth, but it eventually led to a complete collapse of the social structure of the...
146 - Natalie Wood
November 30, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBThe actress Natalie Wood, is synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood. Famous as a child actress she is sill known for her role in "A Miracle on 34th Street" and as Maria in "West Side Story". She was active from the 1940s until her untimely death by drowning under mysterious circumstances in 1981. We discuss her origins as Natalie Zacharenko, the daughter of Russian immigrants, her path from child star to adult in Hollywood, and what might have happened that final fateful night on he...
145 - Freud and Jung, Famous Frenemies
November 23, 2021 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBWe discuss the famous duo of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, founders in turn of Psychoanalysis and Analytical Psychology. Their relationship went from friends and compatriots to bitter rivals. What caused the rift and what did each of them contribute to the understanding of the human condition? Come find out!
144 - Stockholm Syndrome
November 16, 2021 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBStockholm syndrome is a phrase that gets used when people discuss traumatic situations like kidnappings or hostage situations. What is Stockholm Syndrome? Where did the name come from? Does it have an opposite? Discuss all of the above on this week's episode.
143 - Typhoid Mary
November 09, 2021 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBMary Mallon was an Irish born cook in early 20th century New York. She was the first know case of a healthy, non-symptomatic carrier of Typhoid in the United States and has since become known far and wide as Typhoid Mary. What hides behind the trope is a story that begs the question of just how much authority should public health officials have when it comes to forcible quarantine and detention. A topic very timely in today's pandemic backdrop.
142 - Chupacabras and Ray Cats
November 02, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBWe discuss a couple of interesting animals, the cupacabra, famed goatsucker of Puerto Rico and Texas. Is it an alien creature that sucks the blood of farm animals... or ugly coyotes. I bet you can guess which is more likely. We also discuss animals of the feline variety, the Ray Cat, genetically created to keep us safe from stored radioactive waste tens of thousands of years in the future.
141 - The Winchester Mystery House
October 26, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBThe Winchester Mansion, built more or less continuously by Sarah Winchester from 1886-1922 is a huge sprawling complex with with 40 bedrooms, 47 fire places, and quite a bit of surrounding mystery. With no master plan the house has strange dead ends, doors that open onto nothing, and stairways that go nowhere. It also is rumored to be filled with the spirits of those killed by the Winchester family's most famous product, the Winchester Rifle.
140 - Marie Laveau - Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
October 19, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBWe discuss Marie Laveau, the famed voodoo queen of New Orleans. From her beginnings as devoutly catholic hairdresser she rose to become an renowned herbalist, nurse, and of course practitioner of Voodoo. How much of the talk about her status of Voodoo queen is true, and why is her grave even more visited today than that of Elvis Presley? Tune in and find out.
139 - The Chinchorro Mummies
October 12, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBThe Chinchorro culture of South America created the world's first man made mummies roughly 7000 years ago, or 2000 years before the Egyptians. Listen in and find out about these ancient mummies, how and why they were made, and what is threatening their continued existence today.
138 - Ghosts Around the World
October 05, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBWe discuss traditions and lore concerning ghosts from cultures around the world. Listen in and find out about similarities shared in common (like "The Lady in White" and bad things happening at crossroads) and fascinating differences.
137 - The Bloody Benders
September 28, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBOften called America's first family of serial killers, the Bender family lived on the prairie of Kansas, not far from the famed site of "The Little House on the Prairie". However, their story is a bit more macabre than that of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Were the Benders indeed the blood thirsty band of depraved killers that they have been made out to be, or were they just scapegoated German immigrants who's spiritualist bent was unpopular with their neighbors?
136 - The Lost Treasure of Henry Plummer
September 21, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBHenry Plummer was an erstwhile Baker/Sheriff/Outlaw/US Marshall that ranged throughout the western US in the 1860s committing felonies or preventing them (depending on who's account you listen to). His treasure trove of ill-gotten gains is said to still be hidden somewhere in the American west with people still searching for it today.
135 - Br'er Rabbit and the Uncle Remus Tales
September 14, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBWe discuss the origins and meaning behind Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby and other tales passed down from enslaved peoples in the Americas and collected (and altered) in the Uncle Remus tales by Joel Chandler Harris.
134 - Ambergris - Whale Poop worth more than gold
September 07, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBWe discuss Ambergris, an oily stone like substance that washes up on beaches and is worth an insane amount of money. We discuss it's rather disgusting source and the world wide market that exists for this rare commodity.
133 - Reese's Pieces
August 31, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBTune in and find out the history behind Reese's Peanut Butter cups and ET's favorite candy, Reese's Pieces. They are both older than many think...
132 - Satanic Panic
August 24, 2021 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBWe discuss that strange period in the 80s and early 90s when fears of satanic cults spread across America. Tales of ritual cult abuse and satanic cults involved in murders with their influence spread by heavy metal music and involvement in Dungeons and Dragons were prevalent everywhere. Learn where the panic started and how it has transformed over time into a common conspiracy theory of today.
131 - Medieval Magic
August 17, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBWe discuss how magic was seen and "used" in medieval times before it was commonly seen as evil in western society.
130 - The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
August 10, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBWe discuss the seven canonical wonders of the ancient world: The Pyramids of Giza, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Light House of Alexandria, Colossus of Rhodes, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Were they all historically factual sites? What remains of them today? Answers in the podcast.
129 - Genghis Khan
August 03, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBWe discuss Genghis Khan, the first great ruler of the Mongol Empire and conqueror of most of the known world at the time. Was the formation of the empire a generally good thing that brought about a peace similar to the Pax Romana or was it a horrible blood letting that resulted in the deaths of millions? The answer is a bit of both.
128 - The Mason Murder
July 27, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThe story of William Morgan, the man who threatened to expose the secrets of the Freemasons and disappeared under very suspicious circumstances in 1826. His disappearance and presumed murder lead to a major anti-mason backlash movement in the United States.
127 - Lewis and Clark... not to be confused with Lois and Clark
July 20, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBWe discuss the famous Lewis and Clark expedition to map and explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase in 1803=06.
126 - The Boston Tea Party
July 13, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBOn December 16th 1773, colonists in Boston boarded ships at Griffin's wharf and proceeded to dump the cargo of tea into Boston Harbor. This act, The Boston Tea Party, has become an American cultural touchstone. We discuss the events leading up to the Tea Party and the event itself in our podcast.