1h 27m - Oct 27, 2023
  • 23: The Strange Story of ’The Toronto Blessing’
    On January 20th, 1994, the congregation in The Toronto Airport Vineyard Church stood to pray…then all 120 of them fell to the floor, convulsing with tears of joy and uncontrollable laughter. It happened again the next night and the next. It carried on almost every night…for twelve years. Word spread across the world that God was at work, yet critics were horrified to see believers rolling in the aisles and roaring like animals. Was it a genuine miracle or group hysteria? I’m Peter Laws, and I’d like to invite you to church. Because tonight on Our Curious Past we explore ‘The Strange Story of The Toronto Blessing.’ Sources: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/43175162.pdf https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Main_Street_Mystics/JuokG3nJmAYC?hl=en&gbpv=0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCuFc0wpO2w https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2005/05/toronto-blessing-11-years-ago-this/ https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/2072/fo-statement-the-toronto-blessing-1996.pdf Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms: Our Curious Past Thank you! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E23 - 27m - Sep 29, 2023
  • 22: The Curious History of the Ouija Board
    I made a Ouija board in woodwork at school. Some of my friends said I was messing with evil but my teacher didn’t seem that bothered. Who had the right approach? Join me as I explore the life story of the ‘talking board’, which was wildly popular in the early 1900s, until something happened that would tarnish it’s reputation for good. This is the Curious History of the Ouija Board. Note: This episode has three bonus sections at the end.. Firstly, I’ve included an extra section on Ouija Board rivals. Secondly, I noticed some strange laughter in the background of my microphone track during the main episode - a sound that I didn’t notice at the time. I’ve included it so you can listen. What do you think? Finally, I needed some music that sounded like the Tubular Bells theme from The Exorcist movie. Since I don’t own the copyright for that, I grabbed my guitar and keyboard and came up with an improvised piece which evokes that film’s music. I’ve included it in this episode as a final bonus. Do find me on social media, and share your thoughts on the episode and Ouija boards in general. Find my links here: https://www.peterlaws.co.uk/linktree Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms: Our Curious Past Episode Sponsor: Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E22 - 37m - Aug 18, 2023
  • 21: The Man Who Stole Albert Einstein’s Brain
    Albert Einstein was one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. This Nobel Prize winning scientist famously developed the ground-breaking theory of relativity, and helped reshape our understanding of modern physics. He was such an advanced thinker that the world was in awe of his mind. Tonight, we will learn that this obsession would not stop with his death…far from it. Because for one doctor, it would become the obsession that would define, and then ruin, his life. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we hear the extraordinary story…Dr Thomas Harvey…The Man Who Stole Albert Einstein’s Brain. Episode Sponsor: Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Find us on all podcasting platforms: Our Curious Past Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E21 - 29m - Jul 21, 2023
  • 20: Thomas(ine) Hall - The Remarkable Life of an Intersex Person in 16th Century Virginia
    One of the most controversial topics in our culture today…is gender identity. In that debate people often say that ‘gender confusion’ is a modern phenomena, and that up until recently, it’s always been very clear a person can only ever be male or female There are, however, intriguing examples from history of people whose gender has caused confusion to others, and even lead to a court case. We see this in the fascinating and sad account we will look at tonight. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we explore the remarkable life story of ‘Thomas(in) Hall – An Intersex Person in 17th Century Virginia’. Help support our show through Patreon: Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon Episode Sponsor: “Go to Hellofresh.com/curious16 and use code curious16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!” Sources: https://uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com/blog/2023/04/17/thomas-in-hall-subverting-the-gender-binary-in-colonial-virginia/ https://wams.nyhistory.org/early-encounters/english-colonies/thomas-ine-hall/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/magazine/features/rights-of-intersex-children/ https://isna.org/faq/hermaphrodite/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E20 - 22m - Jun 8, 2023
  • 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    1h 16m - May 10, 2023
  • 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    1h 10m - May 9, 2023
  • 19: The Lady From the Black Lagoon: Milicent Patrick and the Sexism of Hollywood
    When it comes to the monster movies of classic Hollywood, we might picture Frankenstein's creature, The Wolfman or Dracula…but alongside them we often see another monster that had a huge impact on the pop culture of that era: The Creature from the Black Lagoon, with a stunning design by Universal Studios make-up artist Bud Westmore…but as the decades rolled by, a scandalous ommission became evident. That Westmore did not design this creature, but a woman did…and she led a remarkable life of talent, tragedy and stolen opportunities because of her gender. Tonight on Our Curious Past we give credit where credit is due, to the hugely talented, but largely unknown Lady from The Black Lagoon: Milicent Patrick. This episode also explores the sexist working systems of the Walt Disney Studio in it’s early years. Sources: This episode is based on various articles but mainly on the book ‘The Lady from the Black Lagoon’ by Mallory O’Meara. Episode Sponsor: Help support our show through Patreon. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Visit us online. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E19 - 17m - Apr 14, 2023
  • Deceptions & Resurrections, Part 2
    This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:
  • Crimelines
  • Rotten to the Core
  • Frightful
  • Mind over Murder
  • The Trail Went Cold
  • The Hidden Staircase
  • Hometown History
  • Part 2:
  • Wicked Deeds
  • Obscura: A True Crime Podcast
  • Hillbilly Horror Stories 
  • History Goes Bump
  • Judgy Crime Girls
  • Foul Play: Crime Series
  • If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    1h 8m - Apr 4, 2023
  • Deceptions & Resurrections, Part 1
    This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1:
  • Crimelines
  • Rotten to the Core
  • Frightful
  • Mind over Murder
  • The Trail Went Cold
  • The Hidden Staircase
  • Hometown History
  • Part 2:
  • Wicked Deeds
  • Obscura: A True Crime Podcast
  • Hillbilly Horror Stories 
  • History Goes Bump
  • Judgy Crime Girls
  • Foul Play: Crime Series
  • If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    1h 12m - Apr 3, 2023
  • 18: Murder in Paris...by Hypnotism? The Strange Case of Alexandre-Toussain Goufee
    A Parisian widower is lured to an apartment, with the promise of sex with Gabrielle Bompah. Hers is the last face he will see…but was she responsible for the killing, or did hypnotism drive her to it. Set against a growing debate in French psychiatry at the time, this is a murder case that would change the law of France… I’m Peter Laws, and today on Our Curious Past we explore Muder in Paris…by Hypnotism? The Strange Case of Alexandre Toussain Goufee. Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com Episode Sponsor: Sources: ‘Improper Suggestion' (Article) by Paul Chambers in Fortean Times Magazine: Issue 232, Feb, 2008 ‘The Gouffe Murder’ (Article), The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 7th Feb, 1891. https://the-line-up.com/gouffe-case-1889 https://victorianparis.wordpress.com/tag/the-gouffe-case/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E18 - 23m - Mar 17, 2023
  • 17: Was Fashion Model and Author Candy Jones a victim of CIA Mind Control?
    It’s New Years Eve, 1970, and in a lavish apartment block in New York City radio presenter 'Long' John Nebel gets married to the highly successful fashion model and entrepreneur, Candy Jones. Yet, during the reception Candy starts acting strangely, changing her posture and speaking in a lower voice. When it keeps happening, Nebel tries to hypnotise her…and his horrified at what he learns. Was his new wife Candy Jones, really a victim of a covert CIA mind control program? Discover the fascinating and mysterious life story of Candy Jones, today on Our Curious Past. Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com Episode Sponsor: Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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    E17 - 32m - Feb 17, 2023
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