Stuff You Should Know

Dive into the eerie legend of La Lechuza, a witch owl shrouded in mystery! Discover how this haunting figure lures victims by mimicking a crying baby and serves as an omen of death. From its origins as a wronged woman turned spirit to its modern role punishing abusive men, the lore takes many forms. Explore urban legends, pop culture references, and even real-life sightings that sparked chaos. Finally, hear how La Lechuza has transformed into a symbol of protection for women and children!

Delve into the controversial topic of appeasing Hitler and the motivations of the UK and France to avoid another world war. Explore how the Treaty of Versailles fueled German grievances and enabled Hitler's rise. Unpack key moments like the Munich Agreement and the remilitarization of the Rhineland. Discover the shifting public opinion and political dynamics in Britain and France. Reflect on the critical missteps that allowed Hitler to gain power, and ponder the lessons from history and alternative outcomes.

Discover the truths behind Area 51, from its strategic location near Las Vegas to its role in historic spy plane projects like the U-2 and SR-71. Josh and Chuck explore how tales of aliens arose, particularly through Bob Lazar's controversial claims. They dissect popular conspiracy theories, differentiate Area 51 from the Roswell incident, and share insights on modern perimeter security and worker commutes. Ultimately, they reveal that the real focus of Area 51 is classified military technology, not extraterrestrial visitors.

In 1922, a remote Bavarian farm became the haunting scene of a gruesome unsolved murder where six individuals were brutally killed. The unsettling events began with a maid quitting after hearing eerie noises, leading to mysterious footprints in the snow. When concerned neighbors investigated, they discovered a grisly crime scene and unanswered questions. Prime suspects emerged, including a neighbor with suspicious behavior and theories about a possible involvement of supernatural forces. This chilling mystery remains a captivating enigma in true crime history.

Join Josh and Chuck as they plunge into the infamous DB Cooper heist, a daring, unsolved airline hijacking from 1971. They dissect Cooper’s bold demands, the peculiar mix-up with parachutes, and the frantic crew response. Discover the unique challenges in the manhunt and the odd search methods deployed. With thrilling stories of suspicious suspects and modern forensics, they explore how this legendary case reshaped air travel security. Will we ever know the truth about Cooper's fate?

In 1912, a gruesome night in Villisca, Iowa saw eight people murdered in their sleep, raising questions about a mysterious killer. Explore the victims' identities and the brutal crime scene details that shocked a small town. Suspects range from a local businessman with motives to a traveling preacher with suspicious behavior. Theories suggest a serial killer may have roamed the Midwest, linking various murders through eerie patterns. The case remains unresolved and captivates true crime enthusiasts to this day.

In 1982, seven people mysteriously died in Chicago after consuming Extra-Strength Tylenol, leading to national panic. The hosts explore how a trusted medication became a poison and discuss the chaotic aftermath as authorities linked the deaths to cyanide-laced capsules. They detail the rapid collapse of victims and the shocking discovery of tainted bottles in stores. As fear spread and copycat incidents emerged, investigators raced to uncover the truth, suspecting a mad poisoner acting randomly. The gripping story sets the stage for a deeper investigation.

Dive into the chilling Chowchilla school bus kidnapping, America's largest abduction case. Learn about the tense day in 1976, the ingenious escape led by brave children and their bus driver, Ed Ray. Delve into the kidnappers' flawed plans and the community's frantic response. Discover the kidnappers' backgrounds and the shocking details of how law enforcement eventually caught them. Reflect on the emotional aftermath for survivors and how they coped with trauma while the town rallied in support.

The podcast delves into the chilling aftermath of the Chicago Tylenol murders, exploring how the panic spread and impacted global safety standards. Key topics include Johnson & Johnson's crisis response and the introduction of tamper-proof packaging. The discussion profiles various suspects, such as Roger Arnold, who later became a convicted killer, and James Lewis, whose extortion letter led to a tangled investigation. Despite numerous inquiries, the case remains unsolved, leaving a haunting legacy on the victims' families.

Explore the chilling tale of the infamous Bloody Benders, a family who lured unsuspecting travelers to their Kansas homestead in the 1870s. Discover their sinister methods as hosts reveal gruesome discoveries at Drum Creek and a trap door that leads to a cellar of secrets. Tales of eyewitness escapes and the subsequent manhunt highlight the dark fascination with this unsolved mystery. With modern investigations into their identities and cultural references, this story captivates and horrifies, leaving lingering questions about the Benders' fate.