A unique couple meet in 1920s Germany, and fall in love. Their relationship is fiery, but they become famous dancers, dazzling audiences in Germany…

Yet their commitment to their art will lead them both to a heartbreaking tragedy.

I’m Peter Laws and tonight I give you ‘Tears on the Dancefloor: The Tragic Love and Heartbreaking fate of Lavinia Schulz & Walter Holdt.

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Core Sources:

https://janreetze.blogspot.com/2010/12/the-mask-dancers-lavinia-schulz-walter.html

https://clasebcn.com/tips/lavinia-schluz-walter-holdt/

‘Empire of Ecstasy: Nudity and Movement in German Body Culture, 1910–1935’ by Karl Toepfer UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS, 1997.

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Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

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A plane crashes into the Amazon Jungle, on board are four terrified children who somehow survive the wreck. But their ordeal has only just begun. I’m Peter Laws and tonight on Our Curious Past we explore ‘Crashed in the Amazon Jungle: The Astonishing 40 Day Search for Four Lost Children’.

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To learn more details on this remarkable story, do check out my main source, this excellent and lengthy article by William Ralston.

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A woman moves into a house known to be haunted and one night encounters ghosts who tell her to visit a small village in England. When she gets there, she finds that everything the spirits have told her, comes true.

Was this a hoax, or did she have an authentic encounter with the supernatural like mane researchers into the case claim.

I’m Peter Laws and tonight on our Curious Past we dive into spooky supernatural encounter in Guided by Spirits? The Strange Case of the Snettisham Ghosts.

Visit us online.

Sources

‘Worlds Beyond' by Ian Wilson, 1986, Weidenfeld & Nicholson

https://www.edp24.co.uk/lifestyle/20711644.weird-norfolk-snettisham-ghost-asked-favour/

https://jamesmdeem.com/stories.ghost.goodeve.html

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Welcome listener, to Our Curious Past.

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Chavoret Jaruboon was paid by the Thai prison service, to single-handedly kill 55 people. That’s 54 men, and one woman. He did this during his 19 year career at the notorious Bang Kwang Prison, aka the Bangkok Hilton.


In Thailand, he was best known as ‘The Last Executioner’ before they switched over to lethal injection. But up to that point, Chavoret’s job was to carry out each killing with a submachine gun. What were the procedures for killing human beings on such a large scale? What sort of man was Chavoret, and how did he deal with such a challenging role.

How did he manage to square his spirituality with killing so many people…after all, he lived in a Buddhist country, that believes heavily in karma.

I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we explore a controversial career that is rarely discussed…as we meet Chavoret Jaruboon: The Man Who Legally Killed 55 People, Single-Handedly. Please note that this episode is also available as an audio podcast - search OUR CURIOUS PAST in your apps.

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NOTE: If you find this story interesting I do encourage you to buy a copy of Chavoret’s well written and gripping book, The Last Executioner. I used the English translation of the book as the prime source of this video. You can buy it here.

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In the late 1800s, the worlds of biology, photography and criminology came together to ask a tantalising question….might the human retina retain the final image a person sees before death…If so, with careful examination of the eyeball, surely this was a sure fire way of solving every murder…because the killers image would be imprinted in the victims eyes…if only investigators discovered the body within 24 hours.

Tonight, we explore one of the most fascinating theories in police work…a notion that gripped optometrist, photographers and detectives alike. I’m Peter Laws and this is The Final Witness: Can a Murder Victims Eyeballs Reveal Their Killer?

Episode Sponsor:

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Sources:

• Retinal Optography: Fact or Fiction?
• Optography
• How Forensic Science Once Tried to "See" a Dead Person's Last Sight
• Optopraphy: Preserving a Dead Person's Last Sight
• Dead Men's Eyes: A History of Optography
• How to develop a picture from a corpse's eye

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In the summer of 1990, Operation Blackbird was launched, to investigate the curious (and then growing) appearances of Crop Circles across the world. These mysterious, geometric shapes would appear in crops, prompting some to claim UFOs were at work, and others to cry 'hoax'.

On the second night of Operation Blackbird, researchers were excited to see a crop circle emerge…but when they examined closer, the plot thickened. They found strange circular boardgame boards, in the centre of every circle, and then the next day, one of the researchers received a letter from the notorious UK dance band…the KLF.

Join me as I try to get to the bottom of this curious case, which involved me interviewing original witnesses, and gaining access to a handwritten letter supposedly by KLF front man, Bill Drummond.

Visit us online at itsourcuriouspast.com

Special Thank you for those that helped with this Episode:
Colin Andrews played by David Stephenson
George (Merlin) Vernon played by Owen Staton

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...1 eerie corn maze...
...9 haunting figures...
...9 spine-tingling tales...
...Will YOU find your way out? This holiday season, step into a labyrinth of shadows and suspense with Shane Waters as your guide. In this chilling collaboration, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 acclaimed true crime podcasts, each offering a dark tale and a life lesson to send shivers down your spine. This is not just a special episode; it's an immersive journey through a maze of twisted paths and unsolved mysteries. So, lift your lantern high and venture into 'Maze of Secrets'...
 ...but be warned...
 ...not everyone makes it to the end… Prepare to get lost in the stories, but find yourself in their lessons. It's an odyssey of crime, mystery, and eerie life lessons that you won't soon forget. This is Shane’s 5th holiday collaboration. If you dare to walk this twisted path with us, you're in for a night you'll never forget. Are you ready? Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

1. Frightful
2. Marooned
3. Rotten to the Core
4. Murder, She Told
5. Obscura
6. Crimelines
7. Once Upon a Crime
8. The Trail Went Cold
9. Foul Play: Crime Series

Listen to the other holiday collaborations here.

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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

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Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

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Our Curious Past

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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

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Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

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Our Curious Past

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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.

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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’.

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Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

Episode Sponsor:

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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/



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[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:

1. Foul Play: Crime Series
2. Music City 911
3. Crimes from the East 
4. Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 
5. A Nefarious Nightmare 
6. Crimelines 
7. The Asian Madness Podcast 

Part 2:

1. Once Upon A Crime 
2. PNW Haunts & Homicides
3. The Trail Went Cold 
4. Coffee & Cases
5. Already Gone 
6. Twisted and Uncorked 
7. 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.

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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:

1. Foul Play: Crime Series
2. Music City 911
3. Crimes from the East 
4. Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 
5. A Nefarious Nightmare 
6. Crimelines 
7. The Asian Madness Podcast 

Part 2:

1. Once Upon A Crime 
2. PNW Haunts & Homicides
3. The Trail Went Cold 
4. Coffee & Cases
5. Already Gone 
6. Twisted and Uncorked 
7. 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.

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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:

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Help support our show through Patreon.
Find us on all podcasting platforms.
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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:

1. Crimelines
2. Rotten to the Core
3. Frightful
4. Mind over Murder
5. The Trail Went Cold
6. The Hidden Staircase
7. Hometown History

Part 2:

1. Wicked Deeds
2. Obscura: A True Crime Podcast
3. Hillbilly Horror Stories 
4. History Goes Bump
5. Judgy Crime Girls
6. 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.

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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:

1. Crimelines
2. Rotten to the Core
3. Frightful
4. Mind over Murder
5. The Trail Went Cold
6. The Hidden Staircase
7. Hometown History

Part 2:

1. Wicked Deeds
2. Obscura: A True Crime Podcast
3. Hillbilly Horror Stories 
4. History Goes Bump
5. Judgy Crime Girls
6. 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.

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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:

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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/



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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

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…12 dates …
…14 love gone wrong stories…
…Will YOU be my Valentine?

This Valentine’s Day, prepare for a unique podcast experience! Shane Waters will introduce 14 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, love gone wrong true story to mix. It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Valentine event. 

Part 2 of 2.

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

In this Part 2 Episode:
1. Sirens
2. The Trail Went Cold
3. Method and Madness
4. True Crime Cases with Lanie
5. Crimelines
6. Love Murder
7. Foul Play: Crime Series

In the Part 1 Episode:
1. Murder She Told
2. True Crime Island
3. Hillbilly Horror Stories
4. Tapes from the Darkside
5. Coffee and Cases
6. Gone Cold – Texas True Crime
7. Live, Laugh, Larceny

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