Hollywood's Bad Girl: The Tragic Tale of Frances Farmer
Caroline Fraser recently mentioned the tragic tale of Frances farmer in her new book "Murderland" and it is such a great story that I just needed to share this episode again!
With special guests Laura & Stephen from the Midday Movies Podcast! Make sure to check them out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midday-movies/id1715523597
This episode of the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Podcast delves into the life of Frances Farmer, a Hollywood starlet known for her rebellious spirit and tragic struggles with mental illness. From her early years in Seattle to her rise in Hollywood, Frances's story is one of defiance against societal norms and the pressures of fame. The conversation explores her controversial trip to the Soviet Union, her institutionalization and the brutal treatments she endured, and her lasting legacy, including a connection to Kurt Cobain. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health and the societal expectations placed on women.
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When Tylenol Turned Deadly
The end of pain....forever
This conversation delves into the chilling events surrounding the Tylenol murders of 1982 and the subsequent Excedrin poisonings in 1986. It explores the tragic deaths caused by cyanide-laced capsules, the investigations that followed, and the impact these events had on product safety regulations in the United States. The discussion highlights the key figures involved, including Stella Nickell, who was ultimately convicted for product tampering, and the broader implications for consumer safety.
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Who Was Tacoma’s Millionaire Magician Ray Gamble?
South Sound Magazine recently featured the Elephant House, the former home of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, in an article, and mentioned our podcast. We thought we would rerelease this episode for you all to explore!
Check out the article! https://www.southsoundmag.com/features/tacoma-elephant-house-history/article_01883564-0abe-4ce3-a95a-308b7c9d2473.html
This episode explores the life of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, through the insights of historian Michael Sullivan. The conversation delves into Gamble's early life, his entrepreneurial ventures, his passion for collecting elephants, and his contributions to the local magic scene. The discussion also touches on the importance of historical preservation in Tacoma, the impact of Gamble's legacy, and the cultural significance of his story in the context of the city's history.
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The Watts Family Ghosts
This week, we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite pod-friends: Ani from Audibly Haunted.
This episode delves into the haunting story of the Watts family murder case, exploring the chilling events surrounding the disappearance of Shannan Watts and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the true crime aspect, revealing the sinister actions of Chris Watts, who ultimately confessed to the murders. The conversation then shifts to the paranormal elements that emerged following the tragedy, including eerie occurrences in the Watts home and Chris's haunting experiences in prison. The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of this horrific crime and the emotional echoes it leaves behind.
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What Lurks Along the Iron Goat Trail?
In 1910, two trains—one passenger, one mail—were trapped for nearly a week in a brutal Washington blizzard near Stevens Pass. When lightning struck Windy Mountain, a half-mile-wide avalanche thundered down, sweeping the trains and the town of Wellington into the abyss. Nearly one hundred lives were lost in what remains the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history.
Today, the site is known as the Iron Goat Trail, a scenic hiking path shadowed by eerie tales of ghost lights, disembodied voices, and icy cold spots where the dead once lay. Shea and Jody take listeners on a chilling journey through tragedy and folklore—laughing, theorizing, and debating whether these stories are history, hauntings, or both.
From spectral lanterns to phantom whistles, they explore why the spirits of Wellington refuse to rest—and why hikers still say they’re not alone on the mountain.
🎧 Dive into this haunting tale and explore more at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.Support the show, unlock ad-free episodes, and get bonus content at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.
Special thanks to our Mistress of Marketing and Wizard of Websites, Letha Davis. If you love our site, imagine what she can build for you. Visit lethadavis.com to start your own magical website journey.
Looking for a funny podcast that makes history wild, weird, and unforgettable?
History Unhinged: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is the best history podcast for fans of outrageous true stories, ridiculous history, and unfiltered humor—with the occasional dip into true crime.
Hosts Shea and Jody dig up the strangest moments in American history, with a special love for the Pacific Northwest and the rest of Western North America. From haunted ghost towns and scandalous figures to bizarre disasters and a sprinkle of true crime, no rabbit hole is off-limits!
History doesn’t have to be boring—especially when it’s filled with laughter, chaos, and jaw-dropping stories they didn’t teach in school.
Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!
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Ireland