In this episode, we discuss the folklore surrounding the three most popular supernatural creatures: vampires, werewolves and zombies. All three can transmit (or infect) humans with their condition through a single bite, but what other similarities exists in their origins and lore, and why are these creatures still popular today?

Happy Halloween!

In the final part of this series, we discuss the tombs of ancient Egypt, from plain burials to monumental pyramids. We also talk about how they changed over time and who built these monuments.

How did mummification begin? Were only the pharaohs mummified? Who made mummies? In part 2 of this 3 part series, we answer all these questions and more as we explore the evolution of mummification in ancient Egypt. In the next part of this series, we'll talk about burials, tombs and pyramids.

In 1898, two lions began systematically killing and eating Indian workers building a British train line over the River Tsavo in Kenya. Their stealth and cunning made them incredibly difficult to stop. In this episode, Hallie discusses the 9-month incident, the downfall of the lions at the hands of Lt. Col. Patterson, and why the lions may have gone after humans in the first place.

In this third instalment of our toxic plants series, we discuss natural hallucinogens with a focus on those found in Central and South America. Where they come from, how they work and what they're used for.

To celebrate the winter holidays, the MCP presents a chilling tale of dread to break up all that holiday cheer. This year, Hallie reads The Shadow by Edith Nesbit. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

Tarrare was 18th century man who could eat almost anything, and did so in large quantities. That included live animals, wooden boxes, and feasts meant for 15 men. In this episode we discuss his life, and what might have been the cause of his condition.

In 1518, the city of Strasbourg was consumed by a strange epidemic: hundreds were struck by the irresistible urge to dance until they died. This incident of Dancing Mania was not the first, and no one knew the cause of such strange behaviour. In this episode, we discuss several incidents of dancing mania, as well as the theories - past and present - about its origin.

In the Victorian tradition of sharing Ghost stories around the holidays, the MCP presents The Ghost's Summons by Ada Buisson, a short horror story originally published in 1868.

In this episode, we discuss a biological phenomenon that has been mistaken for a supernatural experience for hundreds of years. People of the past believed demons, witches, or spirits were sitting on their chests while they slept, crushing them, but today this experience is known as sleep paralysis, and it's far more common than previously thought.

Bloodletting is an ancient treatment that persisted until the 18th century. One of the techniques used to let blood were leeches, blood-sucking worms. In this episode, we discuss both the history of bloodletting and these fascinating yet creepy creatures.

One of the most common types of magic in the ancient Graeco-Roman world were curses. These binding spells were placed on special tablets & figurines that have since been unearthed by archaeologists. In this episode, we discuss these curse tablets, & how they were made & used.

Every Halloween Hallie reads a creepy story to celebrate. This year The MCP presents The Cats of Ulthar by H.P. Lovecraft. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

On March 31, 1922, an entire family and their maid were murdered in their home, an isolated farmstead in Bavaria, Germany, known as Hinterkaifeck. The killer has never been discovered, and a web of mystery has been woven around the incident since it occurred. In this episode we discuss the case, the suspects, and try to separate fact from fiction.

In this episode, we discuss the Shuar, how tsantsas were made, and how trade in tsantsas impacted the Western perception of the Shuar.

After travelling west by covered wagon in 1846, the Donner Party became marooned in the snows of the Sierra Mountains. Even though a small group had made it out to find help, they were running out of food and strength. In this third part of this episode, we discuss the relief efforts as well as the aftermath of their ordeal.

The Donner Party travelled by covered wagon in 1846 toward California, but became marooned in the snows of Sierra Mountains. In the second part of this episode, we discuss the first half of their winter ordeal, including the struggle to survive and a desperate attempt to strike out in search of help.

South of Egypt lies Nubia, the ancient home of of the Kushite Kingdom. The Kushites built their own pyramids and even rose to rule Egypt at one point. In this episode we discuss the history of Kush and the many pyramid tombs they built in the red sands of Sudan.

The practice of footbinding - binding the feet tightly in order to change their shape - appeared sometime before the 10th century in Imperial China among noble women. As time passed, it became popular among women of all classes, despite the pain and debility it caused. In this episode, we discuss the process and the reasons why women continued this practice into the 20th century.

While The MCP is on summer break, we like to present short horror stories in place of our usual episodes. Without Further ado, please enjoy The Ebony Frame, a tale of supernatural obsession, by Edith Nesbit.