30 Morbid Minutes

Mortality skyrocketed during the Victorian Era, creating a culture obsessed with death and mourning. We explore the causes and the creepy customs and superstitions that developed during this period, plus the concept of a “good death.”

Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? What really is it? We dive into the scientific causes as to how and why sleep paralysis occurs. But is it all in our minds? Throughout the ages different cultures have crafted their own explanations for this terrifying nighttime phenomenon.

Over 200 climbers have lost their lives attempting to summit Mount Everest. The majority of the dead are still on the mountain, frozen in time, their bodies serving as both landmarks for aspiring hikers, and a solemn reminder of what can happen during a climb gone wrong. We investigate the dangers of climbing Everest, how human remains are brought down from the mountain, the tragic history of the Sherpa, and more.

Grave robbing is a crime that still occurs around the world today. We dig (pun intended) into the motivations of body snatchers and tomb treasure trawlers, and research classical and modern methods of deterrence used.

We discuss the last meals of death row prisoners in the United States. Where, when, and why the tradition started, how last meals have evolved, and what the standards and practices are today. Plus, some of the more unique and bizarre requests.

We explore the history of the Ouija Board; how it evolved from an otherworldly communication tool of Spiritualists and mediums, to a Hollywood phenomenon, to a bright pink party toy. Plus, we examine homicide cases where the Ouija Board has been used as a defense, and how the board actually works.

An estimated 200 people die every year while taking a cruise. As a result, ships and their crews have developed intricate systems, code words, and protocol in the event a passenger dies on board. Still, dire complications can arise out on the open water, and not all deaths are by natural causes…

Are near death experiences a glimpse into the afterlife or a complex neurological event? Perhaps both? We step into the light and explore our own mortality.

Exploring caves is a fun hobby and pastime for many, however, unforeseen accidents and environmental shifts can cause nightmare scenarios, and even death. In this episode we cover the tragic history of Utah’s now closed Nutty Putty Cave. Plus, we embrace the sting of the Existential Slap, and what it means to confront the end of life.

Doctors are notorious for their sloppy penmanship, but did you know that sometimes handwritten prescriptions are so illegible that it’s caused patients to get the wrong medication, causing adverse reactions and on the rare occasion, death? Plus, in the truest example of a kangaroo court, history is littered with cases of animals being tried in court like people, and on occasion, sentenced to execution.

Today we cover the alleged haunting and possession that plagued Latoya Ammon and her family, residents of the 200 Demons House, and the series of exorcisms that transpired. Plus, we’re on a mission of decomposition, as we break down the very real and very messy phenomenon known as exploding coffin syndrome.

In August 1912 while on a family camping trip, four-year-old Bobby Dunbar wandered away from his family’s tent, presumed dead or kidnapped. Almost eight months later, “Bobby” was found, but many remained suspicious of his true identity and the circumstances of his disappearance. Would you know if your child was replaced by a look-a-like? Plus, sometimes hearing voices in your head might save your life, not unlike the case of a woman who self-diagnosed her own brain tumor.