Fresh Hell Podcast

E235: Eugène Francois Vidocq

Today we are talking about the captivating life of Eugène François Vidocq, the enigmatic figure who transformed from notorious criminal to legendary detective. Join us as we delve into the shadowy alleys of 18th-century France, where Vidocq's daring escapes, dramatic encounters, and unexpected alliances paint a portrait of resilience and redemption. From his tumultuous youth in Arras to his maritime kidnapping, discover the story of one man's quest for redemption amidst a world of crime and ...

E235: Eugène Francois Vidocq (Part I)

Today we are talking about the captivating life of Eugène François Vidocq, the enigmatic figure who transformed from notorious criminal to legendary detective. Join us as we delve into the shadowy alleys of 18th-century France, where Vidocq's daring escapes, dramatic encounters, and unexpected alliances paint a portrait of resilience and redemption. From his tumultuous youth in Arras to his maritime kidnapping, discover the story of one man's quest for redemption amidst a world of crime and ...

E234: MURDER - Karl Hopf (part II)

This week Johanna talks about the German serial killer Karl Hopf, who poisoned several members of his family in a span of 5 years.

E233: MURDER - Karl Hopf (Part I)

This week Johanna talks about the German serial killer Karl Hopf, who poisoned several members of his family in a span of 5 years.

E232: Murder - Kellie Jean Poppleton

On December 2, 1983, Kellie Jean Poppleton, just 14 years old, was found lifeless on the desolate side of Kilkare Road in Sunol, California. Now, thirty-eight years later, her tragic death remains a haunting enigma, etched in the memories of those who seek answers. We talked to her sister, Amanda, who is still looking for answers, after all those years. If you have any information that could solve the murder of Kellie Jean Poppleton, please contact the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, call...

E231: Murder - Adriane "Addie" Hall (part II)

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans became the backdrop for a gruesome crime that shook the nation, Addie Hall's murder by her boyfriend Zack Bowen.

E230: MURDER - Adriane Hall (part I)

This week Johanna tells you all about the story of "Zack & Addie" who met shortly before hurricane Katrina made landfall in summer of 2005.

E229: A Fresh Hell Guide to Survival in Case of Disaster (part II)

This week we delve into the cataclysmic forces of nature, exploring the most devastating tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes in recorded history. Learn all about these harrowing tales of destruction as we tell you about the real-life encounters with these monstrous phenomena, highlighting the unparalleled power they unleash upon our planet. From the infamous 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to the ferocious Hurricane Katrina and the awe-inspiring Tri-State Tornado, we dissect the worst of their kin...

E228: A Fresh Hell Guide to Survival in Case of Disaster (part I)

In this crucial episode, we delve into indispensable safety guidelines for navigating the unpredictable realms of fire and earthquakes. We dissect emergency protocols, evacuation strategies, and essential preparedness measures, ensuring you're armed with life-saving knowledge. Join us as we explore the critical intersection of resilience, community safety, and disaster response in the face of these potentially catastrophic events.

E228: A Fresh hell Guide to Survival in Case of Disaster (part I)

In this crucial episode, we delve into indispensable safety guidelines for navigating the unpredictable realms of fire and earthquakes. We dissect emergency protocols, evacuation strategies, and essential preparedness measures, ensuring you're armed with life-saving knowledge. Join us as we explore the critical intersection of resilience, community safety, and disaster response in the face of these potentially catastrophic events.

E227: MURDER - Johann Arthold

Vienna in the middle of the post war era, still divided into four occupational zones by the Allied Forces! A police officer finds the body of the famous Chocolate King from Alsergrund: Johann Arthold. Soon a suspect is found in the 23 year old bar girl Adrienne Eckhard. Eckhardt presented a bizarre story involving a man named Konstantin Bertini as the true murderer. She claimed he had ties to drug trafficking, including morphine, and that he killed Arthold due to unpaid debts. Who was the r...

E226: Bloody Valentine's

Today we unearth the dark origins of Valentine's Day, an ancient tale of beheadings, forbidden romances, and the eerie echoes of the Roman festival of Lupercalia. Witness the haunting transformation from ancient rituals to the worldwide commercial embrace of modern Valentine's Day. Also, we will tell you about the infamous Valentine's Day Massacre, and the menacing legacy of Al "Snorky" Capone. Brace yourself for a journey through love's twisted corridors, where passion and peril intersect i...

E225: Lost in the Jungle (part III)

In this third and final part Johanna tells you everything about Yossi Ghinsberg's fight for survival in the Bolivian jungle, you'll hear all about his ordeal, his rescue and the fate of Markus Stamm and Karl Ruprechter.

E224: Lost in the Jungle (part II)

This week we talk about what happened to Yossi Ghinsberg, Kevin Gale, Markus Stamm and Karl Ruprechter, after they decided to turn around and had back to Asariamas. And why the group ultimately splits up right there, in the Bolivian jungle.

E223: Lost in the Jungle (part I)

In 1981 Yossi Ghinsberg, an Israeli adventurer, embarked on a perilous Amazonian expedition with companions Kevin Gale,Markus Stamm and a guide, Karl Ruprechter. The quartet navigated the dense jungle, facing challenges such as torrential rain, treacherous terrain, and wildlife encounters. Amidst the wilderness, the group aimed to discover uncharted territories, driven by a sense of exploration and adventure. As the journey unfolded, the team encountered both the beauty and brutality of the A...

E222: Kate Warne & the Murder of ”George Gordon”

Kate Warne, a pioneering figure in the field of private investigation, is best known as the first female detective in the United States. She was hired by Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, in 1856. This week Annie tells us about the case she and her fellow detectives solved in "Atkinson" Mississippi, involving the murder of bank teller George Gordon and a $130,000 theft. George's body was found in the morning, the detectives are certain: the victim must h...

E221: My Husband was kidnapped (Bonus Episode)

Annie & Johanna speak with Ingrid, from Hamburg, who shares the harrowing true story of her husband’s kidnapping

Special Episode: New Year - New Binge (part2)

The New Years holiday is a celebration of new beginnings. With that in mind, we know this collaboration will introduce you to several amazing new true-crime podcasts that will quickly become your newest true-crime binges as we enter 2024 because, let’s face it, we know that’s exactly what you needed! With tons of episodes each, investigative curiosity, and a focus on advocacy, these podcasts will live up to the theme of our collaboration (“New Year, New Binge”) because you’ll soon find yourse...

Special Episode: New Year - New Binge (part I)

The New Years holiday is a celebration of new beginnings. With that in mind, we know this collaboration will introduce you to several amazing new true-crime podcasts that will quickly become your newest true-crime binges as we enter 2024 because, let’s face it, we know that’s exactly what you needed! With tons of episodes each, investigative curiosity, and a focus on advocacy, these podcasts will live up to the theme of our collaboration (“New Year, New Binge”) because you’ll soon find yourse...

E220: MYSTERY - Slumlord Millionaire

This week we are taking a scathing look at how White Collar Crimes affect working class families, from putting presents under the Christmas Tree to the American Dream of home ownership

E219: The Clutter Family Murders (part II)

This week we are talking about the suspects in the Clutter Family Murders, the arrest of the killers Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, and the involvement of Truman Capote and Harper Lee in the case that led to the book "In Cold Blood"

E218: The Clutter Family Murders (part I)

In the quiet town of Holcomb, Kansas, the Clutter family's idyllic life was shattered on the fateful night of November 15, 1959. The brutal and senseless murders of Herb and Bonnie Clutter, alongside their two teenage children, shocked the nation. The killers, Perry Smith and Richard "Dick" Hickock, left behind a gruesome crime scene that would become the focal point of Truman Capote's groundbreaking true crime novel, "In Cold Blood." As the investigation unfolded, the small community grapple...

E217: The Halifax Explosion (part II)

In part 2 we conclude our coverage of the devastating explosion which destroyed Halifax, Nova Scotia in December 1917. We examine the heroic acts of survivors, why the military presence was crucial in the aftermath, and how the city coped with the growing number of dead.Also discussed are the tremendous impact of  Dr. Clement Ligoure, Dr. George Cox among others, and why Bostonians and Haligonians love each other a wicked lot.

E216: The Halifax Explosion (part I)

On 6. December 1917, the busy WWI port of Halifax, Nova Scotia was devastated by the largest man made explosion the world had ever seen. We discuss the devastation and heroism in the aftermath of this tragedy.

E215: MYSTERY - The Disappearance of the Beaumont Children (part II)

This week we are talking about Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont, three siblings who disappeared without a trace from Glenelg Beach near Adelaide, Australia, on January 26, 1966. We will be discussing theories, clairvoyants and the main suspects in this case, that remains one of Australia’s most infamous unsolved mysteries.

E214: MYSTERY - The Disappearance of the Beaumont Children (part I)

This week we are talking about Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont, three siblings who disappeared without a trace from Glenelg Beach near Adelaide, Australia, on January 26, 1966. The case remains one of Australia's most infamous unsolved mysteries, with numerous theories and investigations over the years yielding no conclusive answers. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement and the community, the fate of the Beaumont Children remains unknown, making their disappearance one of the most hau...

E213: MURDER - Natalee Holloway Update

On Halloween 2023, convicted murderer Joran van der Sloot left the United States for his prison cell in Peru, after finally confessing to the murder of Natalee Holloway. This update will catch you up with where things stand now.

Special Episode: When Darkness Calls (part II)

This Halloween, thirteen true crime podcasts (including Fresh Hell Podcast) come together to share dark and disturbing stories. From haunted houses to serial killers, these tales will send chills down your spine and keep you up at night. Join us for this special 2-part Halloween episode entitled "When Darkness Calls" as we explore the darkest corners of humanity. But be warned: these stories are not for the faint of heart. When darkness calls, how will YOU respond? Listener discretion is advi...

Special Episode: When Darkness Calls (part I)

This Halloween, thirteen true crime podcasts (including Fresh Hell Podcast) come together to share dark and disturbing stories. From haunted houses to serial killers, these tales will send chills down your spine and keep you up at night. Join us for this special 2-part Halloween episode entitled "When Darkness Calls" as we explore the darkest corners of humanity. But be warned: these stories are not for the faint of heart. When darkness calls, how will YOU respond? Listener discretion is advi...

E212: Halloween Special 2023

It's time for our annual Halloween episode, where we share our listener's stories of the unexplained, the weird, the inspiring, and of course, the spooky...

E211: MACABRE - El Campo Santo

This week Annie talks about El Campo Santo, the historic cemetery located in Old Town San Diego. The cemetery dates back to the early 19th century and was used for the burials of prominent figures and residents of Old Town San Diego. Is the place really haunted by it's own past? Let's find out

E210: Pet Wall of Fame Halloween Edition - Crows

Today we talk about why we love a murder-when it’s a murder of crows! We look at the Raven & Crow through history, and shed light on the occasionally dark past of these brilliant birds. From Canada’s beloved Canuck the Crow, to the Ravens at the Tower of London, we’ll tell you everything about these dark beauties.

E209: Take Me Home, Haunted Roads

Today we discuss the history of the infamous A3 motorway in Croatia, where talented young Macedonian singer Todor ‘Toše’ Proeski among others were tragically killed…   We ponder the terrifying Melon Heads on Jeremy Swamp Road in Connecticut, USA    In Hong Kong, we visit Tuen Mun Road, possibly one of the most haunted roads in the world.   Finally to Northern Ireland and the Dark Hedges, made popular by Game of Thrones, what’s the true, haunting history behind this hauntingly beautiful stretc...

E208: MURDER - Ilona Faber

This week Johanna talks about an infamous Austrian cold case, the murder of a young model...Ilona Faber, that happened on 14. April 1958. Her body was found in the center of Vienna, buried hastily in a flower bed, behind a War Memorial.

E207: MURDER - Robert A. Coombes (part II)

In the conclusion of this horrific case, we discuss the murder known as ‘The Plaistow Horror,’ and discuss the possible reasons for this terrible crime, and question what we know about criminal reformation.

E206: MURDER - Robert A. Coombes (part I)

In 1895 13 year old Robert Allen Coombes committed a crime in London’s East end that the horrified media dubbed ‘The Plaistow Horror.’ Today, in part 1, we discuss Robert’s early life, as well as the shocking murder of Florence Dennis at the hands of the ‘Southend Murderer,’ James C. Read, a case Coombes was fascinated with as a child.

E205: MURDER - Sadie Hassard

Today Annie takes us to the beautiful village of Brewster on Cape Cod Bay, in the late 1800s, and tells us the terrible story of the murder of Sadie Hassard after being stalked and murdered by a rejected suitor.

E204: We Don’t Know How to Name this One, Either...Enjoy!

Today we look back on some of the most interesting deaths in history. We discuss Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, his rule in Persia, now modern day Iran, and his violent death. We discuss the death of General John Sedgwick, Union army hero, on the battlefield at Spotsylvania. We’ll cover death by very long beard, and ponder the merits of laughing oneself to death in this macabre episode!

E203: Fresh Hell Pet Wall of Fame - Cats

In today’s, we look back at two of the most infamous cats in history. Simon the Shipcat, who was the only cat in history to ever receive the Dickin Medal for his outstanding bravery and the comfort he gave the crew of the HMS Amethyst in a dire situation.And another ship cat, The Unsinkable Sam, who survived not one, not two, but three ships sinking.  Join us as we show that cats indeed DO care!

E202: The Amityville Horror (part III) - The Aftermath

In our final episode on the Amityville Horror we discuss the investigation by the Warrens and do our best to answer the most common questions. We also try to debunk some of the popular rumors surrounding the house on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, NY. We'll discuss some of the most popular skeptical views on the haunting, and of course remember the real horror - the tragic murders of the DeFeo family   Please vote for us in the People's Choice Podcast Awards: www.podcastawards.com

E201: The Amityville Horror (part II): The Haunting

A year after the horrible murders of the DeFeo family, George Lutz and his family purchased the beautiful home on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, NY. Today we tell their true story as told by Jay Anson’s 1977 book, “The Amityville Horror.”

E200: The Amityville Horror (part I) - The DeFeo Family Murders

In 1974 a terrible crime rocked the town of Amityville, NY, when Ronnie DeFeo Jr murdered 6 members of his own family. In our 2ooth episode special we talk about their story

E199: MURDER - The Austin Axe Murders aka The Servant Girl Annihilator (part II)

The conclusion of the horrific and brazen attacks in Austin, Texas from New Year’s Eve 1885 to Christmas Eve, 1885. Among the murdered are Mollie Smith, Eliza Shelly, Irene Cross, Mary Ramey, Gracie Vance, Orange Washington, Susan Hancock and Eula Philips. More survivors would be forever haunted by these vicious attacks. We‘ll discuss these crimes in detail and talk about the theories of who the likely murderer was. Also discussed is the origin of the AKA for this series of murders, “The Serv...

E198: MURDER - The Austin Axe Murders aka The Servant Girl Annihilator (part I)

Austin 1885: a series of brutal crimes shock the growing city! The victims of the brutal crimes: predominantly young women who worked as servants in the area. This week Annie and Johanna talk about the city Austin, and the first victims of the Axe murderer, Mollie Smith, Clara Strand and Christine Martenson, Eliza Shelly, Irene Cross and Clara Dick. Please go to podcastawards.com and vote for us in the categories True Crime, History, Best Female Hosted & People's Choice

E197: MURDER - Oceana Snead(part II)

E196: MURDER - Oceana Snead (part I)

Oceana  Wardlaw Martin Snead, called Ocey by her family, was a young woman, an excellent student and well liked by the whole community. When she fell ill, everybody worried about her. Well, maybe not everybody! It was her own family who had sinister plans for the young mother of two, who died in 1909.

E195: MYSTERY - The Dechmont Woods Incident

In November, 1979, Robert Taylor, forestry worker and WWII veteran, experienced something terrifying in a clearing in the woods of Livingston, outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. This is perhaps the only UFO encounter formally investigated by police. Could there have been a reasonable explanation for what Bob Taylor experienced that day? Tell us what you think.

E194: MACABRE - Scary Tales

Is Hänsel & Gretel based on real historical events? Was Little Red Riding Hood once a way darker story? nd how did a cursed frog truly turn back into the prince? Today Johanna tells us just how horrifyingly gruesome these original tales were. Don’t let your kids listen to these old school fairy tales!

E193: Macabre - The History of Make Up

From poisonous eye drops and mouse fur eyebrows to leaded face powder...we'll dive into how, historically, you could remove your hair, your teeth and your life, all in one sitting!

E192: MURDER - The Pembroke Tragedy

Today we discuss the terrible, story of Charles Ayer, family annihilator. What led up to that snowy New Hampshire day in January, 1906 that would leave 8 members of a family dead?  We’ll tell you everything we know about this tragedy.