Too Close to Home Podcast

103: Josef Fritzl, Part 1 - Another Dingaling Is Out

He was a Nazi sympathizer, a genius engineer, had a penchant for indecent exposure, and was also responsible for the incestuous imprisonment of his own daughter Elisabeth for 24 years. In part 1 of this series, we explore Josef Fritzl's humble beginnings in Amstetten, Austria; we look at his childhood, early adult life, and initial criminal behavior which were precursors for the horrors to come. Strap on your hosen and dirndls, and open your ears to schlager and the sound of music... It's about to be a bumpy ride.

102: Giovanni Bugatti - Worst Doctor Ever

We are stepping back into history for a quick little jaunt through the Papal States. More specifically, discussing umbrella maker and Mastro Titta (master of justice)... Giovanni Battista Bugatti. During his 68 year tenure, he was responsible for the execution of 514 "patients", and he kept a meticulous account of his justice-doling opportunities. It's time to look at executions through the eyes of a pious and empathic executioner.

101: The Donner Party, Part 3 - The Party’s Over

When good manners break down and desperation is rampant, a reprieve in the form of rescue parties finally start trekking across the snow to save the devastated pioneers; however, some of the worst horrors have yet to come. While some are initially rescued, some too weak to continue are resigned to wait for further relief or their deaths… some of which come about “unnaturally” due to vapid hunger. We also discuss the fates of the survivors, from the adopted Donner daughters, to the Reeds and Breens, to the ghoulish Lewis Keseberg. We hope you’re hungry for part 3 of this series… but not too hungry!

100: 100th Special

Hello friends! As we wrap up a crazy year, and celebrate our 100th episode, we take a look back at some of our favorite and most popular recordings. You will also be treated to some updates involving the Delphi murder case and the release of the Alaskan Avenger! We couldn't do any of this without the support and love of our listeners, and we are so blessed to be able to spread the sickness. Here's to 100 more episodes! To all our friends and family... Prost, Sláinte, Na Zdorovie, Salud, and happy holidays!

99: The Donner Party, Part 2 - We’re Donners, Not Dahmers

When we last left our fateful crew, they found themselves in the midst of a great salt desert. With supplies and water running low to non-existent, and oxen scattering off in all directions, things only get worse for the Donner party as they rejoin the trail and tensions rise. A moment of hope descends quickly into dread as an unexpected snowfall blocks off a pivotal pass over the mountains. Along the makeshift encampments surrounding Truckee Lake, and within the Forlorn Hope's camp of death... winter has come for our pioneers!

98: The Donner Party, Part 1 - Pioneer Gangsters

It's time to load up on your oxen and food supplies, because we are hitting the trail to manifest our destiny! While most people know at least some details about the fateful Donner family, there is far more to this journey than meets the eye. In part 1 of this series, we explore how the massive wagon train came to be, and the trials and tribulations which led to a splinter group which took the road less traveled... a decision which they will soon come to regret.

97: The Murder of Bob Crane, Part 2 - Becky Is On The Case

In part two of this wild sexcapade journey gone horribly wrong, we dive headfirst into the investigation of Bob Crane's death. From woefully amateur coroner and police work to John Carpenter's gift (or curse) of gab, we look at how the investigation went cold as quickly as it began. Many years later, a fresh investigation and subsequent trial hoped to shed new light on his mysterious murder. With the perpetrator not determined, it will take a television news anchor and new DNA evidence to finally get answers... or will it bring a whole host of new questions?

96: The Murder Of Bob Crane, Part 1 - Hogan’s Hero

He was an eclectic radio personality, a saboteur of the Nazi regime, a sex addict and pornographer... and his mysterious death still leaves lingering questions to this day. We are discussing the eponymous hero of Hogan's Heroes himself: Bob Crane! His career, and subsequent relationship with John Carpenter, led him all across the United States, to many sex-fueled nights, and to his infamous death. Was this perpetrated by John Carpenter himself? Or perhaps his widow had something to gain?