Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes
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Rainy Day Rabbit Holes explores unhinged history, wild scandals, and politicians behaving badly - those moments when history went completely off the rails. Funny, curious, and unapologetic, hosts Shea and Jody break down the past like a late-night hang with your besties who just happen to love history. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Proud member of MSW Media Network.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rainydayrabbitholespod/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/   Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/c/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast

  1. 2d ago

    Grit City After Dark: Beyond Ted Bundy

    What happens when the Ted Bundy story is told by someone who actually knew him? Shea and Ellicia are fresh from Grit City After Dark, a night of Pacific Northwest true crime at Tacoma's Spanish Ballroom featuring retired Tacoma detective Lindsey Wade, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Caroline Fraser, and Ted Bundy's cousin Edna Cowell Martin. Edna Cowell Martin, co-author of Dark Tide: Growing Up With Ted Bundy, offers a perspective dramatically different from the infamous mythology surrounding Bundy: what it was like discovering that someone she had known and loved within her family was capable of terrible crimes. Lindsey Wade, author of In My DNA, brings the investigator's perspective through her career with the Tacoma Police Department, including her work on cold cases. And Caroline Fraser, author of Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, zooms out to look at serial murder and the Pacific Northwest through a broader historical and cultural lens. Then the rabbit hole gets personal. Ellicia talks about her work as an assistant producer on Killing Theodore, a documentary project that has sought to move the conversation away from the mythology surrounding Ted Bundy and toward the people affected by his crimes. We're talking about cold cases, DNA, family secrets, true-crime storytelling, Tacoma history, and the uncomfortable question underneath all of it: How do we tell these stories without making the killer the most important person in the room? In this episodeTed Bundy and the mythology built around himEdna Cowell Martin and Dark Tide: Growing Up With Ted BundyLindsey Wade and Tacoma cold casesCaroline Fraser and MurderlandGrit City After Dark in TacomaEllicia's work as an assistant producer on Killing TheodoreVictims, families, investigators, and the ethics of true-crime storytelling Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Grit City After Dark: Beyond Ted Bundy

  2. Oct 28 ·  Bonus

    Oregon's Serial Killer Case: What's Changed?

    Oregon's Serial Killer UpdateWhen Jody and I first talked about this story back in 2023, it felt like something out of a true crime documentary that was still being written. At the time, several women had been found dead across the Portland area, rumors of a serial killer were spreading everywhere, and investigators were publicly saying they had no reason to believe the cases were connected. A lot has changed since then. In this bonus episode, I take a step back and walk through the entire story from the beginning, from the disappearances that first raised concerns to the growing list of indictments prosecutors have now filed against Jesse Lee Calhoun. What started as a handful of seemingly unrelated cases has evolved into one of the most significant homicide investigations Oregon has seen in years. As always, it's important to remember that these are allegations. Calhoun has pleaded not guilty, and the case has not yet been decided in court. A Story We Couldn’t Stop Thinking AboutThis case has been in the background of the podcast almost from the beginning. When we first mentioned it, nobody knew whether the deaths were connected. Some people thought the serial killer theories were overblown. Others were convinced something bigger was happening. Looking back now is fascinating because we get to see how the investigation unfolded in real time and how dramatically the public understanding of the case changed over the past few years. From Wildfires to Murder ChargesOne of the most surprising parts of the story has nothing to do with the investigation itself. Years before his name became tied to these allegations, Jesse Lee Calhoun was one of the inmates who helped fight Oregon's devastating 2020 wildfires. His service earned him clemency and an early release from prison. Today, prosecutors allege he is connected to the deaths of six women across the Portland metropolitan area, transforming what was once a local mystery into a case being followed throughout the Pacific Northwest. What We Cover in This EpisodeHow the story first landed on our radarThe disappearances that started the investigationWhy rumors of a serial killer spread so quicklyThe evidence timeline prosecutors have laid out so farThe indictments announced between 2024 and 2026Why one alleged victim's body has never been recoveredWhat happens next as the case moves toward trialA Final ReminderThis is still an active criminal case. The charges discussed in this episode are allegations made by prosecutors and have not been proven in court. Jesse Lee Calhoun has pleaded not guilty, and the outcome will ultimately be decided through the legal process. If you've been following this case since we first covered it years ago, this episode brings everything together in one place and catches you up on where the investigation stands today. Stay curious, and we'll see you down the next rabbit hole. Want an ad-free version of this episode? Join our Patreon. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Oregon's Serial Killer Case: What's Changed?

  3. Oct 21

    The Smuggler's Inn: America's Strangest Border Story

    A backyard. Two countries. One unbelievable story.Most people think of the U.S.-Canada border as quiet, friendly, and uneventful. But behind a quirky bed-and-breakfast in Blaine, Washington, one of the strangest border stories in modern North American history was unfolding. This week, Shea sits down with author Reece Jones to discuss his new book Smuggler: Drugs, Gangs, and Refugees at America's Northern Border. What begins as the story of a roadside inn quickly turns into a tale involving smugglers, asylum seekers, Border Patrol agents, underground networks, and a Supreme Court case that continues to shape debates about federal law enforcement today. At the center of it all is Bob Boulay, the owner of the Smuggler's Inn, whose backyard quite literally sat on the international border. In This EpisodeThe Strangest Property in AmericaThe Smuggler's Inn wasn't just near the border. It was on it. Reece explains how Bob Boulay accidentally became a border innkeeper and found himself witnessing everything from drug trafficking operations to refugee crossings. What started as a simple real estate investment became one of the most important crossroads on the U.S.-Canada border. Why Refugees Chose CanadaA major theme of the conversation is the little-known history of asylum seekers traveling through the United States to reach Canada. Reece breaks down how changes to Canadian immigration policy unintentionally transformed the Smuggler's Inn into a destination for people fleeing persecution from places including Afghanistan and Turkey. The Supreme Court Case That Changed EverythingThe story eventually landed before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Egbert v. Boule. The discussion explores how one confrontation between a Border Patrol agent and Bob Boulay evolved into a legal battle with major implications for constitutional rights, federal accountability, and border enforcement. About Our GuestReece Jones is a professor of geography and environment at the University of Hawaii and the author of multiple award-winning books on borders, migration, and immigration policy. His latest book, Smuggler: Drugs, Gangs, and Refugees at America's Northern Border, was co-written with attorney Greg Boos. Learn more about Reece and his work: 🔗 https://www.reecejonesauthor.com/ More Rainy Day Rabbit HolesExplore more strange true stories and hidden history: 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/ Related episodes: 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/convergence-true-crime-and-corruption-in-the-windy-city 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/when-tylenol-turned-deadly Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    The Smuggler's Inn: America's Strangest Border Story

  4. Oct 19

    Jody Returns and Big Changes Ahead

    Jody's Back, Baby!Good news, rabbit holers: Jody is officially back. After taking time away to focus on family, travel, and life outside the studio, she's rejoining Shea behind the microphones. But this isn't just a welcome-back episode. It's a look at where Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is headed next and why the show is evolving. After three years of producing episodes, meeting incredible listeners, and building a community neither host expected, Shea and Jody are making some changes designed to keep the podcast fun, sustainable, and full of the stories they love telling. Why We're Changing ThingsWeekly episodes have been rewarding, but they've also been demanding. Rather than rushing to produce content every week, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is moving to a seasonal format. Starting in 2027, listeners can expect: Three themed seasons per yearSix episodes per seasonMore research and deeper storytellingGuest interviews between seasonsSpecial rabbit holes that don't fit into a larger themeThe goal is simple: better stories, less burnout, and more room for curiosity. A Sneak Peek at 2027The upcoming seasons are shaping up to be some of the most ambitious yet: Season One: VillainsCon artists. Grifters. Outlaws. Criminal masterminds. Strange and forgotten villains you probably haven't heard much about. Season Two: HeroesInventors, scientists, explorers, doctors, civil rights pioneers, and everyday people who accomplished extraordinary things. Season Three: Folklore & MysteriesCryptids, hauntings, strange legends, unexplained events, local lore, and the kind of weird stories that make perfect rabbit holes. Building a Bigger CommunityOne unexpected part of creating the podcast has been meeting listeners who became genuine friends. In this episode, Shea and Jody reflect on: Live events in TacomaMeeting listeners in personGrowing the Patreon communityWhy fan connections have become one of the most rewarding parts of podcastingThey also share ideas for future live events, listener involvement, and expanded Patreon perks. UFO Festivals, Men in Black, and Other Future ShenanigansThe hosts also discuss their growing involvement with the annual Men in Black Birthday Bash and plans being explored for the 80th anniversary of the Maury Island Incident in 2027. Expect: UFO-themed eventsCommunity gatheringsIndependent filmsLocal historyPlenty of tongue-in-cheek mystery and folkloreNo alien conversion required. Just curiosity. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more or to learn how you can join the Patreon! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Jody Returns and Big Changes Ahead

  5. Oct 14

    Klondike Kate: Queen of the Yukon Gold Rush

    Klondike Kate, The Woman History ForgotRecorded live before a packed audience at McMenamins Elks Temple's Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, Washington, this episode follows the remarkable life of Kathleen Eloisa Rockwell, better known as Klondike Kate, one of the most colorful and influential figures of the Klondike Gold Rush. While history remembers theater magnate Alexander Pantages, few remember the woman whose talent, charisma, and financial support helped launch the beginnings of his empire. Tonight, we're fixing that. From Spokane to New York, from Chilean convents to Yukon dance halls, Kate's life was a whirlwind of adventure, scandal, romance, reinvention, and larger-than-life storytelling. Gold, Gambling, and the Queen of DawsonWhen news of gold discoveries in the Yukon ignited one of history's greatest stampedes, thousands of prospectors poured north through Seattle in search of fortune. Most failed. Klondike Kate, however, discovered there was often more money to be made entertaining miners than digging beside them. In Dawson City, she became a sensation. Known as the Rose of the North, the Darling of Dawson, and the Queen of the Yukon, Kate earned extraordinary sums as a performer while capturing the affection of an entire city. Unlike many of the boomtown celebrities of her era, Kate built a reputation for generosity, remembering names, helping struggling miners, and sharing her success with those around her. But fame and fortune would also bring her face to face with the ambitious young entrepreneur who would change the course of her life: Alexander Pantages. The Woman Behind the Pantages EmpireLong before the Pantages name became synonymous with legendary theaters across the West Coast, Alexander Pantages was a struggling newcomer chasing opportunity in the Yukon. Kate believed they were building a future together. She financed ventures, supported his ambitions, and helped fund the theater business that would eventually make him one of the wealthiest entertainment figures in America. While Kate toured and earned money, she continued investing in what she believed was their shared dream. Then she discovered he had secretly married another woman. The fallout led to a highly publicized breach-of-promise lawsuit, heartbreak, and one of the most dramatic chapters in Gold Rush history. Reinvention, Resilience, and Aunt KateMany stories would end there. Kate's didn't. After the spotlight faded, she reinvented herself repeatedly. She tried ranching in Oregon, survived financial setbacks, weathered failed relationships, cared for friends and strangers in need, and eventually became a beloved local figure known simply as "Aunt Kate." Far removed from the glamorous stages of Dawson City, she spent her later years feeding the hungry, helping neighbors, supporting firefighters, and turning kindness into her final act. By the time she passed away in 1957, Klondike Kate had lived more lives than most people could imagine. Showgirl. Homesteader. Philanthropist. Celebrity. Scandal. Legend. And somehow, after all of that, she also became the inspiration for Glittering Goldie from DuckTales. Not bad for a woman history almost forgot. In This EpisodeThe Klondike Gold Rush and the rise of Dawson CityHow Klondike Kate became the Queen of the YukonThe surprising origins of the Pantages theater empireAlexander Pantages and his complicated relationship with KateGold Rush entertainment and boomtown cultureKate's famous lawsuit against PantagesHomesteading in Central OregonAunt Kate's philanthropy and community workThe Hollywood adaptation that never quite happenedThe DuckTales connection to Klondike KateSpecial ThanksRecorded live September 16, 2026, at McMenamins Elks Temple Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, Washington. Special thanks to: McMenamins Elks TemplePACK (People for Animal Care and Kindness)Radio TacomaPretty Gritty ToursIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more strange and fascinating stories from the weird corners of history. Related EpisodesIf you enjoyed this journey into Gold Rush history, larger-than-life frontier personalities, and the strange world of the Yukon, check out these related Rainy Day Rabbit Holes episodes: Madame Mustache: The Wild West's Most Badass GamblerAnother legendary woman of the Gold Rush era who built a reputation in boomtowns where few women could thrive.https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/madame-mustache-the-wild-wests-most-badass-gamblerThe Sourtoe Cocktail ClubKlondike Kate spent much of her life in Dawson City, home of one of the world's strangest traditions: the Sourtoe Cocktail. Learn the bizarre history behind the infamous mummified toe.https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/sourtoe-cocktail-clubHugh Glass: The Man Who Refused to DieSurvival, hardship, and determination on the North American frontier. If you enjoyed the grit and resilience in Kate's story, this one is for you.https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hugh-glass-the-man-who-refused-to-dieLou Graham: Seattle's Powerful Madam & Secret PhilanthropistLike Klondike Kate, Lou Graham became a legendary woman of the Pacific Northwest whose charitable legacy often gets overshadowed by her colorful reputation.https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/19-lou-graham-seattles-powerful-madam-secret-philanthropistYou Might Also Like This Episode Because...Klondike Kate's story sits at the intersection of Gold Rush history, Pacific Northwest legends, forgotten women, frontier entrepreneurship, theater history, and larger-than-life personalities. If you're fascinated by boomtowns, colorful characters, and people who repeatedly reinvented themselves against impossible odds, these episodes make excellent companions to tonight's rabbit hole. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Klondike Kate: Queen of the Yukon Gold Rush

  6. Oct 7

    Convergence: True Crime and Corruption in the Windy City

    A Murder Case Everyone Wanted to AbandonWhat do you do when witnesses vanish, evidence disappears, and corruption reaches into the courtroom itself? Former Cook County homicide prosecutor Gregg Owen faced exactly that challenge. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Gregg joins Shea to discuss his upcoming true crime book, Convergence, which chronicles an extraordinary double murder prosecution that unfolded during one of the most corrupt periods in Chicago's history. But Gregg's story is anything but ordinary. Before becoming a prosecutor, he spent years as a professional musician, sharing stages with legendary performers and living the life of a touring rock artist. Then one unexpected decision changed everything, launching him into a legal career that would place him at the center of murder trials, gang prosecutions, and one of the largest judicial corruption scandals ever uncovered in America. From Rock Stages to CourtroomsGregg recounts his unlikely transition from musician to prosecutor, including: Opening for legendary acts including The DoorsTouring during the late 1960s and early 1970sAttending law school while performing professionallyThe chance encounter that changed the course of his lifeWhy courtroom advocacy felt unexpectedly similar to being on stageYou'll also hear incredible firsthand stories from Chicago's music scene and Gregg's unforgettable encounter with Jim Morrison. Inside Chicago's Corruption EraThe conversation takes a darker turn as Gregg describes the realities of practicing law during one of Chicago's most infamous periods. Topics include: Operation GreylordJudicial corruption in Cook County courtsHow bribery influenced criminal proceedingsThe undercover FBI operation that changed everythingThe challenges prosecutors faced when pursuing justiceWhy some cases seemed impossible to winGregg explains how prosecutors learned to expect missing evidence, compromised witnesses, and unexpected obstacles before every major trial. The Story Behind ConvergenceAt its heart, Convergence is more than true crime. It's a story about perseverance, character, and refusing to abandon victims when the system fails. Gregg discusses: The double murder case that inspired the bookWhy victims remained central to the storyHow unlikely connections helped break the caseThe role integrity plays when doing the right thing comes at a personal costThe life lessons he hopes readers will take awayGregg Owen Links🌐 Website https://www.greggowen26th.com/ 📚 Books https://www.greggowen26th.com/books/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/greggowen26th/ 🎧 Convergence is available through major booksellers, Audible, Apple Books, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Related EpisodesIf you enjoyed this episode, check out: 📌 When Tylenol Turned Deadly https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/when-tylenol-turned-deadly 📌 Mayhem and the Mob: Grit City's Dark Past https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/29-mayhem-and-the-mob-grit-citys-dark-past 📌 Smooth Criminal: Roy Olmstead, Seattle's Good Bootlegger https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/36-smooth-criminal-roy-olmstead-seattles-good-bootlegger Key TakeawaysGregg Owen transitioned from professional musician to homicide prosecutor through an unexpected twist of fate.Convergence centers on a double murder case many believed was impossible to prosecute.Chicago's judicial corruption crisis inspired the events chronicled in the book.Operation Greylord became the largest judicial corruption investigation in American history.Missing evidence and reluctant witnesses nearly derailed a major murder prosecution.Gregg's music background unexpectedly helped him earn the trust of key witnesses.Courtroom advocacy shares surprising similarities with live performance.The book emphasizes perseverance when justice seems unattainable.Victims remain the emotional core of the Convergence story.Gregg believes a single decision can completely alter the course of a person's life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Convergence: True Crime and Corruption in the Windy City

  7. Sep 30

    How the Atomic Age Changed Metal Forever

    Did Nuclear Testing Change Every Piece of Steel on Earth?What if one of humanity's biggest technological achievements accidentally altered the materials we use every day? In this Rabbit Hole short, Shea welcomes back her brother Jason to uncover a bizarre scientific mystery involving nuclear bombs, radioactive contamination, sunken warships, and some of the most sensitive scientific instruments ever built. The story begins with the first atomic bomb test in New Mexico in 1945. While the world focused on the dawn of the nuclear age, very few people were thinking about steel. Yet the radioactive particles released by atmospheric nuclear testing would eventually become a problem for physicists attempting to detect incredibly rare events deep within the universe. Why Scientists Needed Old WarshipsModern radiation detectors are designed to identify signals so faint they can be overwhelmed by even the smallest amount of background radiation. As scientists improved these instruments, they discovered that steel produced after atmospheric nuclear testing contained tiny traces of radioactive contamination. The solution seemed almost unbelievable. Researchers began seeking out pre-1945 steel, material produced before the atomic age. Some of the largest supplies of this steel could be found in battleships, cruisers, and other vessels that had sunk during wartime. Shea and Jason explore how old shipwrecks became valuable resources for scientific research and why these forgotten relics of history took on an unexpected second life helping researchers study the fundamental nature of the universe. The Amazing Quest for Ultra-Clean MaterialsThe conversation goes even deeper into the world of low-background physics. From underground laboratories to copper grown atom by atom in mines, scientists have developed remarkable methods to create materials with incredibly low levels of radiation. The lengths researchers go to eliminate contamination can sound like science fiction, but they're essential for experiments searching for dark matter, rare particle interactions, and phenomena that could redefine our understanding of physics. Along the way, Shea and Jason discuss: The Trinity nuclear test and the beginning of the atomic ageHow atmospheric nuclear testing spread radioactive particles worldwideWhat "low-background steel" is and why it matteredThe surprising value of pre-war shipwrecksThe ethics of salvaging wartime gravesitesUnderground copper production for ultra-sensitive experimentsHow scientists eventually learned to manufacture cleaner materialsWhy the atomic age permanently changed precision measurementFact vs. FolkloreFact: Atmospheric nuclear testing introduced measurable radioactive contamination into the environment. Fact: Scientists used pre-1945 steel in certain low-background physics applications. Fact: Modern techniques allow researchers to manufacture extremely low-radiation materials without relying on historic shipwrecks. Folklore/Oversimplification: Every modern scientific instrument depends on steel recovered from sunken warships. While ship steel was used in some applications, modern science is not dependent on salvaging wrecks. Key TakeawaysAtmospheric nuclear testing left a detectable signature in many post-1945 industrial materials.Ultra-sensitive detectors must account for even minuscule sources of radiation.Pre-1945 steel became valuable because it predated atmospheric nuclear testing.Sunken warships provided large supplies of low-background steel.Some scientific experiments search for events so rare they may occur only a handful of times.Researchers have grown ultra-pure copper underground to reduce contamination.Modern manufacturing can now create materials comparable to historic low-background steel.Advances in physics often require solving unexpected engineering challenges.The atomic age altered how scientists think about background radiation.History can influence scientific measurements decades after an event occurs.Related EpisodesIf you enjoyed this episode, check out: The Travis Walton Incident: The Most Famous UFO Abduction in Americahttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/travis-walton-the-most-famous-ufo-abduction-in-americaJapan's Oldest UFO Mystery (Utsuro-bune)https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/japans-oldest-ufo-mysteryHold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poophttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hold-my-sake-japan-made-alcohol-out-of-moth-poop-5-minute-fridayConnect With Rainy Day Rabbit Holes🌧️ Website: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com 🎟️ Live events, merch, episodes, and more: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Stay curious, and we'll see you down the rabbit hole. 🐇🕳️ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    How the Atomic Age Changed Metal Forever

  8. Sep 23

    Snake Oil and Opium Eaters

    Snake Oil, Opium Eaters, and the Original Wellness GriftersWhat do nineteenth-century snake oil salesmen, opium-laced medicines, and today's wellness trends have in common? More than you might think. In this special crossover episode, Shea from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes joins forces with historian Kenyon Payne, host of the Outcasts of the Earth Podcast, to explore the fascinating and often bizarre world of patent medicines, miracle cures, and the people who made fortunes selling hope in a bottle. Shea uncovers the story of Clark Stanley, the legendary "Rattlesnake King" whose famous snake oil liniment helped turn the phrase snake oil salesman into a permanent part of the English language. Along the way, she reveals the surprising truth about real snake oil, why it actually worked, and how clever marketing transformed a legitimate remedy into one of history's most famous scams. Then Kenyon zooms out to examine the rise of opium eating in the Victorian era. From laudanum and patent medicines to Civil War-era morphine addiction, she traces how nineteenth-century society wrestled with dependency, regulation, and the growing realization that not every miracle cure was as miraculous as advertised. Together, they discuss: The real origins of snake oil medicineWhy Chinese water snake oil actually had medicinal valueClark Stanley's rise from cowboy showman to national celebrityThe role of advertising in selling miracle curesOpium eating and laudanum use in Victorian societyHow addiction was understood in the nineteenth centuryThe Civil War's role in America's first opioid crisisThe birth of drug regulation and the FDAWhy human beings keep falling for miracle curesFact vs. FolkloreFact: Traditional Chinese snake oil was rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may have provided legitimate pain relief. Fact: Clark Stanley's famous snake oil preparation was eventually found to contain no snake oil at all. Fact: Many nineteenth-century patent medicines contained opium, morphine, cocaine, or alcohol. Folklore & Marketing: Cure-all tonics routinely claimed to treat everything from arthritis and sciatica to nervous disorders and general weakness. Still Relevant Today: Many of the marketing tactics used by nineteenth-century patent medicine companies remain recognizable in modern supplement and wellness advertising. About Our Special GuestKenyon Payne is the creator and host of the Outcasts of the Earth Podcast, a history podcast that explores people living on society's margins, forgotten stories, and overlooked corners of the past. From witches and moonshiners to the history of alcohol and intoxicants, Kenyon brings deep historical research and engaging storytelling to every episode. 🎙️ Listen to Outcasts of the Earth Podcast: https://www.ootepod.com/ Explore More from Rainy Day Rabbit HolesIf you love strange history, forgotten stories, weird science, folklore, mysteries, and the occasional ridiculous detour into humanity's stranger decisions, be sure to visit: 🌧️ https://rainydayrabbitholes.com You'll find full episodes, show notes, source material, and plenty of additional rabbit holes to explore. Support Both ShowsIf you enjoyed this crossover episode: ✅ Subscribe to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes ✅ Subscribe to Outcasts of the Earth Podcast ✅ Leave a review wherever you listen ✅ Share the episode with a fellow history nerd Because whether you're chasing snake oil salesmen, Victorian opium eaters, witches, moonshiners, or forgotten oddities from the past, there is always another rabbit hole waiting. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: https://rainydayrabbitholes.com Outcasts of the Earth Podcast: https://www.ootepod.com/ See you down the next rabbit hole. 🐇🌧️ Related Episodes You Might EnjoyIf this episode has you fascinated by miracle cures, questionable health trends, and the long history of people selling hope in a bottle, check out these related episodes from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: ☢️ Radithor: The Toxic Wellness Trend That Fooled AmericaBefore influencers were selling detox teas, entrepreneurs were selling radioactive water. Explore the shocking story of Radithor, the "health tonic" that promised energy, vitality, and wellness while slowly poisoning its customers. It's a perfect companion to our discussion of patent medicines, false advertising, and the origins of modern drug regulation. 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/radithor-the-toxic-wellness-trend-that-fooled-america ☢️ The Deadly Glow: America's Radium CrazeSnake oil wasn't the only dangerous fad promoted as a miracle cure. Dive into the bizarre world of radioactive beauty products, health remedies, and consumer goods during America's radium obsession. If you enjoyed learning how marketing often outpaced science, this episode is for you. 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/the-deadly-glow-americas-radium-craze 🐍 Snake Oil Never Died, It Just Went Online (Featuring Dark History)Think the age of snake oil salesmen ended with Clark Stanley? Think again. This episode explores how many of the same tactics used by nineteenth-century patent medicine peddlers are still thriving in the digital age. From miracle supplements to viral wellness claims, discover why snake oil never really disappeared, it just got better marketing. 🔗 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/snake-oil-never-died-it-just-went-online-featuring-dark-history Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Snake Oil and Opium Eaters
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Rainy Day Rabbit Holes explores unhinged history, wild scandals, and politicians behaving badly - those moments when history went completely off the rails. Funny, curious, and unapologetic, hosts Shea and Jody break down the past like a late-night hang with your besties who just happen to love history. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Proud member of MSW Media Network.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rainydayrabbitholespod/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/   Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/c/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast

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