107 episodes
Olympia Oddities Olympia Oddities
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- True Crime
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4.8 • 29 Ratings
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Tales of PNW based true crime, paranormal events, alien encounters, cryptid tales, and other oddities.
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Harstine Island John Doe
In today's episode, we cover our first ever John Doe case. In this listener submitted episode, we cover the mysterious Harstine Island John Doe. The unidentified man was discovered dead on the beach of Harstine Island in January 2022, and at the time of this recording, his identity is still unknown. Investigators tested a DNA sample, but no matches were found. Dental records and fingerprints are unavailable for this John Doe, so we hope that we can help spread the word and help this man reclaim his identity, and help his loved ones get some closure too.
Sources:
Shelton-Mason County Journal - Body found on Harstine Island Jan. 16 still unidentified, Feb 10th, 2022
KIRO 7 - Officials asking for help in identifying man found dead on beach, Jan 22, 2022
Facebook: Coroner Mason County, Washington - Dec 22nd, 2022
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Oregon's Exploding Whale
In November of 1970, a 45 foot long whale washed up on the beaches of Florence. When all local rendering plants turned down the carcass, ODOT got creative with their solution: explosives. The resulting exploding whale, complete with video, went viral across the world. We examine what led up to the events, a warning that wasn't heeded, and laugh so damn much.
Sources:
Wikipedia - Exploding Whale
The Oregonian - Exploding-whale engineer George Thornton has died at age 84, 2013
Offbeat Oregon - Exploding whale? It's a true Oregon tale
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Side Show: Year End Holiday Special
Delayed by some tech issues but not forgotten, our Year End Holiday special is finally here! In this Side Show episode we discuss our feelings on Dragula Titans, share some of our favorite holiday season tropes, Trista shares her strong feelings on A Christmas Story, chat about the National Finals Rodeo, have a few chair malfunctions, and discuss our favorite holiday songs, including how Dean Martin sounds like he's about to fall down your staircase and take our your lamp in his rendition of Silver Bells. We wrap up with a few holiday crimes courtesy of Steven! Happy New Year!
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The Disappearance of Cora Christmas McGuirk
In today's episode we discuss the 1991 disappearance of Cora Christmas McGuirk from Seattle, Washington. Cora was just 22 years old when she disappeared from her Seattle residence for a day, then returned home and asked a family member a question that was very alarming to them. Cora left, and she was never seen or heard from again. We explore the circumstances leading up to Cora's mysterious disappearance, and a possible connection this case may have to a very well known, very much hated serial killer of ours.
Sources:
Charley Project - Cora Christmas McGuirk
The Doe Network - Cora Christmas McGuirk
Seattle P.I - Martell's Story: Sophomore's path to stardom anything but smooth
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Nashville Bombing 2020
Steven takes the reins in today's episode and tells us all about a case near and dear to his heart, the Christmas Day 2020 bombing in Nashville, Tennessee. In this solo dive Steven covers the timeline of events, the man responsible and his possible motivations for the bombing, and how the community of Nashville came together after the attacks & and several natural disasters, to prove that they really do deserve the title, "the volunteer state". You're not gonna miss this one! A special thank you to Steven for researching, writing, and recording this episode while Trista takes some time off and works on her new podcast, Outlaw Women, which launches in early 2023. Trista will be back for our next recording, later this month, for our holiday special and final episode of 2022.
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Artis the Spoonman
Today we tell you all about a Seattle legend that became a worldwide legend, with the help of a few musicians. That's right, we're talking about THE Spoonman. Now a Port Townsend resident, you used to be able to catch Artis at Pike Place, with his mat of assorted tools laid out in front of him while he slapped and smacked the spoons across his body to make his music. Part performance art, part musical performance, it was really something to see. We talk about Artis's childhood and how he discovered his special spoon playing talent, how his path crossed ways with Frank Zappa, and later Soundgarden, discuss how the song Spoonman came to be, Trista geeks out really hard over everything, and we wrap it up by talking about where Artis is now, and what he's up to.
TW: brief suicide attempt mention
Sources:
Wikipedia - Artis the Spoonman
Wikipedia - Spoonman
Seattle PI - 'Spoonman' stunned by death of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell
Port Townsend Leader - PT's Spoonman tied to Seattle
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Customer Reviews
A great PNW show!
We really love these guys and can’t wait to meet them at PNW True Crime Fest. If you’re not already listening to them it’s a great show so get on it!
Ok boys ranch
I was there I saw that place first hand. The rocks that were t he own at Chris were actually broken pieces of brick behind the basketball court. Frankie also had that happen to him by nick. My saving grace was I had cigarettes. That I gave to him. I wasn’t there a full day before I ran away. I was there from 10/93 until 08/94. The kiwans are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The place was run down. And the kiwans would come around and talk to us condescendingly. Arrogant out for their own image pieces of crap.
I adore this podcast
The host is so charming. I feel like I’m having a conversation with a friend every time I listen