Welcome, inquirers, new and old! Have you ever wanted to venture into the fascinating yet eerie worlds of morbid history, but didn't know where to start? You're in the right place! In this episode of "Our Grand Past," join Sophia and Maia in their Morbid Time Machine as they explore the chilling tales of Krampus, the sinister counterpart to Santa Claus in various cultures.

Delve into the rich folklore and historical origins of this "evil Santa," who traditionally punished naughty children during the festive season. Discover intriguing anecdotes and cultural exchanges, including Sophia's personal experiences with Sinterklaas and the reflections on holiday traditions from around the world.

Whether you're familiar with Krampus or hearing about him for the first time, this episode promises a captivating journey through spine-tingling legends and the darker side of holiday folklore. So, stay curious and prepare to uncover the startling truths behind some of history's most unsettling yet fascinating narratives. Don't miss out on next week's two-part exploration into vampires and vampirism!

Join Sophia and Maia as they journey through the peculiar history of holiday greeting cards. Uncover the surprising, and at times spooky, origins of this cheerful tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Explore how these festive staples evolved from hand-painted novelties featuring endearing family portraits to bizarre and morbid motifs that amused and shocked their recipients.

Dive into the social customs of the 1800s, the impact of the penny post law, and the curious allure of the macabre imagery including dead birds and whimsical creatures. Whether you’re intrigued by historical quirks or simply love the spirit of the holidays, this episode offers a fascinating look at how our ancestors celebrated the season with a touch of the unexpected.

Welcome to another episode of Our Grand Past, where Sophia and Maia take you on a spine-chilling journey through history's creepiest ghost stories and legends. Join us as we revive the old tradition of telling ghost stories during the Christmas season. Listen as we recount chilling encounters, including famous ghosts like Bloody Mary and the haunting Bell Witch of Tennessee.

Explore tales from the Appalachian Mountains, discover the eerie story of the Bell family, and hear about personal ghostly experiences that will surely send shivers down your spine. Are you brave enough to venture into these morbid tales of history? Tune in to uncover the mysteries that await in this thrilling episode.

In this episode of Our Grand Past, Sophia and Maia take you on a captivating journey through the evolution of kidnapping laws in America. From the historical roots in English common law to the landmark cases that led to significant changes in federal legislation, discover how this heinous crime has been perceived and prosecuted over the centuries.

Delve into the infamous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., which galvanized the nation and led to the enactment of the Lindbergh Act, a pivotal moment in the history of American law. Then, explore the heartbreaking story of Amber Hagerman, whose tragic fate inspired the nationwide Amber Alert system, a crucial tool for the safety of missing children today.

Join us in our Morbid Time Machine as we shed light on some of the most influential kidnapping cases and their impact on legal practices. Stay tuned as we continue to unearth history's most perplexing tales.

Join hosts Sophia and Maia as they navigate the chilling waters of morbid history in this gripping episode of "Our Grim Past." Delve into the forgotten tragedy of the Empress of Ireland, a shipwreck that claimed more passenger lives than both the Titanic and RMS Lusitania.

Discover the fateful events of May 29, 1914, when the Empress of Ireland collided with the SS Stornstad in the fog-shrouded St. Lawrence River. Uncover the harrowing stories of bravery and sacrifice from survivors and those who perished.

Explore the aftermath of the disaster, its impact on maritime safety, and why this monumental tragedy was overshadowed by the looming shadow of World War I. Join Sophia and Maia as they pay tribute to this poignant piece of history and invite listeners to ponder the untold stories of the past.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=12391

https://www.worldhistory.org/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland/

https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/empress-of-ireland-disaster/empress-of-ireland-crew-stories

Contact us: Email: ourgrimpast@gmail.com Instagram: @Ourgrimpastpodcast

Over a hundred years ago, Iowa was shaken by one of its most notorious crimes - the Villisca Axe Murders. In this episode of Our Grim Past, hosts Sophia and Maia, along with guest speaker Cadence, take you on a journey through time to dissect this haunting event. From the mishandling of evidence to the main suspects, discover the chilling details that continue to baffle historians and enthusiasts alike.

Join us in our Morbid Time Machine as we explore the eerie parallels with other unsolved axe murders, discuss the potential involvement of a serial killer, and examine the possible motives of various suspects, including Reverend George Kelly. Whether you're a long-time inquirer or new to the world of morbid history, this episode promises to satisfy your curiosity with its deep dive into one of history's most perplexing mysteries.

Welcome to Our Grim Past, where each week we unravel the darker sides of history, from shipwrecks to scandalous figures. Prepare to be captivated as we uncover the most unsettling stories from our past. Tune in and discover what secrets the Villisca Axe Murders hold!

Visit to learn more

https://murderhouse.com/

Contact us: Email: ourgrimpast@gmail.com Instagram: @Ourgrimpastpodcast

Join Sophia and Maia as they unravel the intriguing and dark history of the Habsburg family, a royal dynasty that dominated European aristocracy from the 15th to the 20th century. Despite their vast empire and influence, the Habsburgs are remembered for their peculiar downfall, driven by generations of inbreeding.

Step into our Morbid Time Machine and explore the family's rise to power, their territorial conquests, and the chilling consequences of their desperate attempts to preserve their bloodline. Discover the genetic mutations and health issues that plagued their descendants, leading to the eventual extinction of their male line.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to the world of strange historical tales, this episode promises to captivate with stories of power, intrigue, and the lessons learned from the past. Don't miss this fascinating dive into one of history's most notorious families.

https://www.tiktok.com/@welcometothepeasantparty/video/7304158410507914538?_r=1&_t=8rE9wXVwr1P

The Habsburg Study

The Role of Inbreeding in the Extinction of a European Royal Dynasty | PLOS ONE

Contact us: Email: ourgrimpast@gmail.com Instagram: @Ourgrimpastpodcast

Born Herman Webster Mudgett on May 16, 1861, the man better known as H.H. Holmes has become infamous as America's first serial killer. Join hosts Sophia and Maya, along with special guest Cadence, as they delve into the chilling details of Holmes' life, his notorious "Murder Castle," and the gruesome crimes that marked his dark legacy.

In this episode, the trio explores Holmes' troubled childhood, marked by abuse and a morbid fascination with anatomy, leading to his transformation into a highly intelligent yet dangerous individual. Discover the shocking parallels between Holmes and the legendary figure Bluebeard, and how Holmes' cunning allowed him to elude capture for so long.

Travel back in time with us to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where Holmes found many of his victims, and learn about the intricate design of his murder castle, equipped with trap doors, gas chambers, and hidden staircases. We also unravel Holmes' cunning insurance scams and the eventual unraveling of his deadly schemes.

Join us on this gripping journey through one of history's most twisted tales, and stay tuned for more fascinating stories from our grand past. Don't miss out on next week's episode about the enigmatic Habsburgs!