Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes
True Crime & Paranormal
About
Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes is a true crime and conspiracy theories podcast about the people who take belief too far and the deadly consequences that follow. Hosted by Vanessa Richardson, two weekly episodes unpack real stories of murderous cults, criminal cover-ups, mass manipulation, and twisted conspiracies. From Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate to CIA mind control experiments, presidential assassinations, and the Octopus Murders. This is true crime at the intersection of faith, fear and manipulation. Follow now for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is a Crime House Original, powered by PAVE Studios.
Episodes
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: The Missing Scientists
Vanessa Richardson examines the cases of thirteen individuals linked to American scientific and defense research who have died or disappeared since 2022. The episode explores both solved cases and those that remain mysteries, while address…
- The Case Files History Left Unsolved | Hidden History with Dr. Harini Bhat
Clinical pharmacist Dr. Harini Bhat investigates unexplained historical events, including mass hysterias and medical oddities, on the podcast Hidden History. Each episode treats these phenomena as active case files to explore the limits of…
- CRIME: The Bigfoot Murders
Journalist David Holthouse investigates a 1993 report of triple murder on a California cannabis farm, where the claim that Bigfoot was responsible masked a darker reality of violence and greed. This episode explores Holthouse's search for…
- CULT: The Golden Dawn
Vanessa Richardson explores the origins, beliefs, and internal power struggles of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a 19th-century occult society. The episode highlights the organization's influence on mysticism and its notable member…
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: The Mothman
Vanessa Richardson examines the origins and reported sightings of the Mothman in 1960s Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The episode explores various theories surrounding the creature and its debated connection to the 1967 collapse of the Sil…
- CRIME: Aimee Semple McPherson
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1926 disappearance of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, her claims of kidnapping, and the subsequent investigation that questioned the validity of her account. This episode explores the public reaction and…
- CULT: Patty Hearst & the SLA
Vanessa Richardson examines the history of the Symbionese Liberation Army, focusing on their origins, ideology, and the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. The episode explores the group's evolution from a fringe movement into a case involving coe…
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's infant son, exploring the investigation, the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, and lingering historical debates regarding the case.
- CRIME: The Saint Who Became a Monster, Gilles de Rais
Vanessa Richardson explores the life of Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century French commander and ally of Joan of Arc who was later accused of horrific crimes. The episode details the investigation, trial, and allegations of murder and abuse tha…
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: The Priory of Sion
Vanessa Richardson explores the origins of the Priory of Sion, a secret society that claimed to protect a hidden bloodline tied to Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. The episode examines the documents behind these claims and whether the orga…
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: The Beast of Gévaudan
Vanessa Richardson examines the 18th-century killings in Gévaudan, France, attributed to a mysterious beast. The episode explores the history of the attacks, the official response, and various theories ranging from rogue animals to human p…
- CRIME: Freeway Rick Ross
Vanessa Richardson explores the rise of drug trafficker Freeway Rick Ross and the allegations connecting his operations to CIA-backed activities in Nicaragua, as covered in Gary Webb's Dark Alliance investigation.
- CULT: Mark Kilroy & the Narcosatanists
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1989 disappearance of student Mark Kilroy in Mexico and the subsequent investigation into a violent cult known as the Narcosatanists. The episode explores the group's leader, Adolfo Constanzo, and their conn…
- CONSPIRACY THEORY: Gary Webb, the Reporter who Knew Too Much
This episode examines the career and life of investigative journalist Gary Webb, focusing on his controversial "Dark Alliance" series regarding the CIA and the crack cocaine epidemic, and investigates the events leading to his death in 200…
- CRIME: The Murder of Bob Lazar, Alien Engineer
Vanessa Richardson explores the claims of Bob Lazar, who alleged he worked on reverse-engineered alien spacecraft near Area 51. The episode examines his story, the controversy surrounding his background, and his impact on modern UFO discus…
- CULTS: The Raëlians with Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney from Sinisterhood
Vanessa Richardson explores the origins, teachings, and controversies of the Raëlian Movement, featuring guests Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney from Sinisterhood. The episode examines how founder Claude Vorilhon combined UFO beliefs…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: Area 51
Vanessa Richardson explores the history and mysteries surrounding Area 51, a secretive military base in Nevada linked to UFO reports and government cover-up theories. The episode examines the facility's origins as a Cold War testing site a…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Rosenberg Plot Pt. 2
In this second part of a two-part special, the podcast examines the courtroom proceedings of the Rosenberg trial. Vanessa Richardson and guest Carter Roy analyze the prosecution's strategy, the defense, and the testimony that led to a pola…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Rosenberg Plot Pt. 1
This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes examines the investigation into Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, an American couple accused of atomic espionage during the Cold War. The discussion covers the origins of the case and the earl…
- The Boggs-Begich Disappearance: Lost in Alaska
Host Vanessa Richardson examines the 1972 disappearance of Hale Boggs and Nick Begich, whose plane vanished over Alaska. The episode details the political careers of the congressmen, the massive search effort, and the conspiracy theories s…
- The 241 Plot: The Alaska Militia Conspiracy
Vanessa Richardson examines the 2011 case of Alaska militia leader Schaeffer Cox and the alleged 241 Plot. The episode discusses Cox's anti-government ideology, the federal investigation into his group, and the group's alleged plans for vi…
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory: The Fire That Exposed Everything
This episode examines the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a deadly industrial disaster in New York City. Vanessa Richardson explores the factors that led to the tragedy, subsequent investigations into labor violations, and the resul…
- Pullman: The Company Town Experiment
Vanessa Richardson examines the history of Pullman, Illinois, an 1880s company town established by George Pullman. The episode discusses the corporate oversight of the town, labor tensions, and the resulting Pullman Strike of 1894.
- The Georgia Guidestones
This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes covers the history and 2022 destruction of the Georgia Guidestones. Vanessa Richardson explores the monument's origins, the conspiracy theories surrounding it, and the cultural debate ov…
- Stonehenge
Vanessa Richardson explores the history and mysteries of Stonehenge, examining both archaeological evidence regarding its construction and the various conspiracy theories that surround the site.
- Italy’s JFK? The Assassination of Aldo Moro
Vanessa Richardson discusses the 1978 kidnapping and murder of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades. The episode explores the political context of the 'Years of Lead' and the government's refusal to negotiate during Moro's…
- Operation Gladio: The CIA’s Shadow Forces
This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes examines the history of Operation Gladio, a Cold War program that created covert stay-behind armies in Western Europe. Vanessa Richardson discusses the origins of these forces and allega…
- CRIMES: The 2001 Anthrax Attacks
This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes examines the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States. Host Vanessa Richardson details the timeline of the bioterrorism event, the investigation process, and the aftermath of the mail-b…
- CULTS: The Rajneesh Movement
Vanessa Richardson, along with Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole, discuss the rise and collapse of the Rajneesh Movement in Oregon. The episode examines how the group evolved from a pursuit of spiritual enlightenment into an organization c…
- The Rasmussen Coverup Pt. 2, with Carter Roy
In this episode, Vanessa and Carter Roy explore the decades-long investigation into the murder of Sherri Rasmussen. They examine the factors behind the delay in justice and the issues of law enforcement accountability involved in the case.
- The Rasmussen Coverup Pt. 1, with Carter Roy
Vanessa is joined by Carter Roy to discuss the murder of Sherri Rasmussen 40 years later. They analyze the early stages of the investigation, focusing on how initial assumptions and institutional factors may have impacted the search for th…
- CRIMES: The Unicorn Killer
Vanessa Richardson recounts the story of Ira Einhorn, a counterculture figure and activist convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Holly Maddux. The episode details Einhorn's public image, the subsequent investigation, and his years spen…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: Greenwashing (Pretending to Save the Planet)
In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Vanessa Richardson examines the history of greenwashing, from the Industrial Revolution to modern corporate sustainability claims. The discussion covers examples like the Volkswagen…
- CRIMES: The Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1981 attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II by Mehmet Ali Ağca. The episode explores potential extremist links, Cold War theories involving the KGB, and connections to the Secrets of Fátima.
- CULTS: The Order of the Solar Temple
Vanessa Richardson explores the rise and fall of the Order of the Solar Temple, a spiritual group led by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret. The episode covers the cult's belief systems and the events that led to the deaths of 74 followers.
- CRIMES: The Tech Bro Murders
Vanessa Richardson examines the cases of Fahim Saleh, Bob Lee, and Pava LaPere in this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes. The episode explores the circumstances behind these deaths, analyzing the roles of personal relationshi…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Simulation
In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Vanessa Richardson examines Simulation Theory. The discussion covers the theory's origins in philosophy and science fiction, its popularity among modern thinkers, perceived evidence,…
- CRIMES: The Altamont Concert Riot
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1969 Altamont Speedway Free Festival, detailing the planning failures, security issues, and violence that led to the death of Meredith Hunter. This episode explores the event's significance as a turning poin…
- CULTS: The Manson Family
Vanessa Richardson examines the history of Charles Manson and the crimes committed by the Manson Family in 1969. The episode details Manson's background, the formation of his cult, and the events surrounding the Tate-LaBianca murders.
- CRIMES: The Vanishing Judge
This episode examines the 1930 disappearance of New York Supreme Court Justice Joseph Force Crater. The investigation explores the circumstances surrounding his vanishing, potential political corruption, and his lasting legacy in American…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Kids for Cash Scandal
Host Vanessa Richardson examines the Kids for Cash scandal in Pennsylvania, detailing how judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan accepted kickbacks to send juveniles to private detention centers. The episode covers the impact of the co…
- CRIMES: The Mysterious MI6 Codebreaker Death
This episode examines the mysterious death of MI6 codebreaker Gareth Williams, who was discovered dead in a padlocked sports bag in his London apartment. Vanessa Richardson explores the investigation, the lack of forensic evidence, and the…
- HOLIDAY SPECIAL: The New Year's Murders 2 with Carter Roy
This episode continues the investigation into the disappearance of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart, examining the controversial case against Scott Watson in New Zealand. It highlights the evidence, legal theories, and ongoing public skepticism s…
- HOLIDAY SPECIAL: The New Year's Murders 1 with Carter Roy
In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, hosts Carter Roy and Vanessa Richardson examine the 1998 disappearance of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart. The two-part special details the events leading to the pair's vanishing after a N…
- CRIMES: The Sodder Family
Vanessa Richardson examines the 1945 disappearance of five Sodder family children following a house fire. The episode reviews the evidence and theories surrounding this long-standing mystery.
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Dyatlov Pass Incident
Host Vanessa Richardson examines the 1959 Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine hikers died under mysterious circumstances in the Ural Mountains. The episode explores various theories, including military testing, UFOs, and environmental factor…
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Smiley Face Killers with Dr. Tristin Engels
In this crossover episode, host Vanessa Richardson and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels discuss the Smiley Face Killers theory. They examine the cases of young men found drowned near smiley face graffiti and explore whether these d…
- CULTS: Starvation Heights
This episode covers the story of Linda Burfield Hazzard, who claimed to cure diseases through fasting at her Starvation Heights sanitarium in the early 1900s. Her methods resulted in starvation and financial ruin for her victims.
- CONSPIRACY THEORIES: The Circleville Letters
This episode investigates the Circleville Letters, a series of anonymous, threatening letters sent to residents of Circleville, Ohio, in the 1970s. The mystery involves murder and blackmail, with a botched investigation leaving the case un…
- CULTS: NXIVM
This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes details the NXIVM cult, led by Keith Raniere. It began as a self-help movement for women but evolved into a manipulative organization involving blackmail and abuse, ultimately trapping m…