Profiles In Eccentricity

  This week Matt brings us  the tale of an unofficial American colonial expedition - then known as a filibuster - and how it’s original popularity led to some domestic and foreign legitimacy, before the man at the helm destroyed it all by through greed, tyranny, and enslavement.

Johann Unterweger, an Austrian criminal turned writer, is the topic of this episode. Unterweger, who became a star after being released from prison, continued his killing spree. The podcast explores his troubled upbringing, gruesome murders, and mindset, as well as delving into themes of humanity and justice.

Dive into the chaotic life of Timothy Leary, exploring his roles as a cult leader and drug dealer. Discover his encounters with infamous figures like Manson and Reagan, alongside the complexities of revolutionary language. The discussion on psychedelics delves into their regulation versus criminalization, reflecting on 1960s drug culture. Hear about Leary's glamorous prison life, his escape plans, and the absurdity of fame, all while balancing humor with the poignant aspects of his legacy and existential musings.

Dive into the fascinating life of Timothy Leary, once dubbed 'the most dangerous man in America.' Discover his transformation from a conservative upbringing to a psychedelic pioneer. Explore the chaotic 60s, where life at Millbrook and the phrase 'turn on, tune in, drop out' reshaped culture. Hear about the humorous misadventures in drug culture and the controversial prison experiments with psychedelics. Unravel the impact of consciousness expansion on society and the colorful interplay between art, rebellion, and mental health.

Matt delivers a maniacal portrait of a woman who left the Catholic church in Spain in the 16th century only to become a marauding menace to colonial South America, all while dressed as a man. She escapes death, incredibly meets family members a world away, and achieves glory and worldwide fame before death! Holy shit!

This week Johnboy shares the bizarre and tragic saga of a cultish stable of “pups” who’s “master” led them to drastically alter their bodies to cartoonish levels any way he wanted - from their muscles to their testicles - ultimately leading the greater queer community to shun the group before a member lost his life in pursuit of their insane fetish goals!

Ken 'Tokyo Joe' Eto, a Japanese-American, rose from internment camps to the heights of organized crime in Chicago, running gambling operations and executing rivals. The podcast explores his extraordinary survival after a shooting, disassembling The Outfit, witness protection, loyalty, and power dynamics within the mob.

This week Johnboy shares a documentary about a Brooklyn cop who moonlighted as a ninja crime fighter and focused on youth outreach during the heyday of gang violence in New York! 

Alvin “Titanic” Thompson, a true American scoundrel, hustled his way through various contests using his card talent and trickery. From high-stakes pool games to golfing scams, his eccentric life includes encounters with mobsters, marrying young girls, and outrageous gambling habits.

This week Johnboy treats the lads to the tale of a rich boy of the Victorian era that fancied himself a thespian and paid his way onto stage,finding audiences that were so amused and revolted by how terrible and unconventional the performances were that he became an overnight sensation! But does he know what a laughing stock he’s turned into as he becomes the subject of satirical plays himself?