46 episodes

Welcome, my darlings, to Rotten to the Core, the enchantingly sinister history podcast that weaves dark tales of humanity's most infamous characters and events. This award-winning podcast shall bewitch you with wickedly captivating stories of true crime and the shadowy corners of history, exploring the twisted desires that drive these Rotten souls to the brink of infamy.

Hosted by the delightfully devious queer monarch, Joshua Waters, Rotten to the Core invites you to embark on a wicked journey through the annals of time, unearthing the tantalizing secrets behind the most notorious figures and spine-chilling events that have left their mark on history's dark tapestry.

Join us, my precious listeners, as we unravel the forbidden stories that lurk in the shadows, revealing the true nature of those who have been cast as villains or misunderstood souls. With a spellbinding combination of cunning wit, devilish charm, and meticulous research, Rotten to the Core promises a bewitching auditory adventure that history enthusiasts simply cannot resist.

Rotten to the Core Black Label

    • History
    • 4.8 • 77 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Welcome, my darlings, to Rotten to the Core, the enchantingly sinister history podcast that weaves dark tales of humanity's most infamous characters and events. This award-winning podcast shall bewitch you with wickedly captivating stories of true crime and the shadowy corners of history, exploring the twisted desires that drive these Rotten souls to the brink of infamy.

Hosted by the delightfully devious queer monarch, Joshua Waters, Rotten to the Core invites you to embark on a wicked journey through the annals of time, unearthing the tantalizing secrets behind the most notorious figures and spine-chilling events that have left their mark on history's dark tapestry.

Join us, my precious listeners, as we unravel the forbidden stories that lurk in the shadows, revealing the true nature of those who have been cast as villains or misunderstood souls. With a spellbinding combination of cunning wit, devilish charm, and meticulous research, Rotten to the Core promises a bewitching auditory adventure that history enthusiasts simply cannot resist.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Ivan, You’re Terrible!

    Ivan, You’re Terrible!

    You never know what my mirror has in store for us, and today will be Super! When I started learning about our next rotten ruler, suddenly, a bright light fell from the sky and transformed me into a Super History Hero.

    The villain today is another rotten ruler, but this time he is from a country that is today still being ruled by a vyalaya sobaka: (flaccid dog.) This one ruled Russia from 1547 to his death in 1584, his name was Ivan, and he was literally known for how Terrible he was.

    Our mission for today is to discover all we can about Ivan and try to learn why Russia keeps being controlled by these rotten men.

    Find us on all podcasting platforms Rotten to the Core

    Support the show at http://Patreon.com/itsrottentothecore
    Visit us online at: Rotten to the Core

    Monthly Sponsors:

    http://LECTRICEBIKES.COM

    http://chime.com/asian

    Zocdoc.com/HIDDENSTAIRCASE

    Talkspace.com/OBSCURA

    • 15 min
    Caligula

    Caligula

    Now, I see nothing wrong with living for life's pleasures. I am not one to shy away from a good time, but our subject for the lesson today took it to the next level. We can either rule or have a good time. History has shown us that we can’t have both….at least not for long. The Universe doesn’t give with both hands: and the Roman Emperor Caligula is proof and point of that.

    Caligula is believed to have had sex with his own sisters, but he also sold them to other men for sex. He would take any other man’s wife and fornicate with her, then go back to the room in front of everyone and loudly brag about what he just did to her.

    He only ruled Rome for four years and it seemed that he had a great time while everyone else paid the price. Wash your hands and grab the penicillin, we’re learning all about another Rotten Ruler, Caligula!

    Find us on all podcasting platforms Rotten to the Core

    Support the show at http://Patreon.com/itsrottentothecore
    Visit us online at: Rotten to the Core

    • 20 min
    Hun, You Hear About Attila?

    Hun, You Hear About Attila?

    What would you do to be remembered long past your demise? Some try to accumulate as much wealth as possible to pass on to their family. Others wish to create something magnificent and long-lasting.

    The next few episodes will be all about several of history’s most rotten rulers and the horrible things they are remembered for.

    Starting off is a man who is still remembered for his brutality and blood-lust over 1500 years later. He was the leader of the Hunnic Empire from 434 - 453 ad. Come on down, Attila the Hun!

    Oh, Hun, you don’t know about Attila? Well, let me tell you.

    Find us on all podcasting platforms Rotten to the Core

    Support the show at http://Patreon.com/itsrottentothecore
    Visit us online at: Rotten to the Core

    Monthly Sponsors:

    http://LECTRICEBIKES.COM

    http://chime.com/asian

    Zocdoc.com/HIDDENSTAIRCASE

    Talkspace.com/OBSCURA

    • 21 min
    Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 2

    Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 2

    [Part 2] This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows. 

    It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event. 

    Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

    Part 1:





    Foul Play: Crime Series
    Music City 911

    Crimes from the East 

    Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 

    A Nefarious Nightmare 

    Crimelines 
    The Asian Madness Podcast 

    Part 2:





    Once Upon A Crime 
    PNW Haunts & Homicides

    The Trail Went Cold 
    Coffee & Cases

    Already Gone 

    Twisted and Uncorked 

    Mystery Inc 



    If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

    • 1 hr 13 min
    Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 1

    Deadly Devotion: Motherhood and Mayhem, Part 1

    This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows. 

    It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event. 

    Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

    Part 1:





    Foul Play: Crime Series
    Music City 911

    Crimes from the East 

    Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 

    A Nefarious Nightmare 

    Crimelines 
    The Asian Madness Podcast 

    Part 2:





    Once Upon A Crime 
    PNW Haunts & Homicides

    The Trail Went Cold 
    Coffee & Cases

    Already Gone 

    Twisted and Uncorked 

    Mystery Inc 



    If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

    • 1 hr 7 min
    From Mystery Inc: The Mystery at Airtight Bridge

    From Mystery Inc: The Mystery at Airtight Bridge

    Jinkies! Welcome to the Mystery Inc podcast, where we unmask the truth behind the spookiest mysteries! 

    In this episode, we're tackling the mystery at Airtight Bridge in Illinois. It's a place with a dark past, where strange things have been happening for decades. People have reported seeing ghostly figures walking along the bridge, strange noises, and even unexplainable accidents.

    Taking us on this spooky adventure are brother hosts, Shane and Josh Waters. They're experts in all things mystery, and they're not afraid of a little paranormal. 

    So grab your Scooby Snacks, turn off the lights, and join us on the Mystery Inc podcast. Who knows what we might find? Zoinks!

    You can find Mystery Inc here:
    Website, Apple, Spotify

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
77 Ratings

77 Ratings

Scout2855 ,

Love this Podcast!

I absolutely love this podcast!! Josh is so clever and funny. Plus his voice is so soothing. Keep up the good work!

Cindy Lou 16 ,

Rotten to the Core

Absolutely love this show and it’s host! So informative and Josh makes me laugh. Wish I had Josh as my history teacher. Hope this keeps going, always excited to hear new episodes.

sandymk5 ,

Great show!!!

Love listening to Josh. He’s a great storyteller. This is one of my favorites.

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