The Grim Curriculum

True Crime & Paranormal

About

Welcome to The Grim Curriculum, a Canada based podcast, with hosts Charlotte and Dina. Join us as we chat about True Crime, Cryptids, Historic Events, and a whole lot more. If it’s macabre and nightmarish, we want to discuss it. Join us every Saturday for a new episode. Be sure to listen with the lights off.

Episodes

  • The Night Stalker - Richard Ramirez Part One

    The Grim Curriculum begins its 200th episode series on Richard Ramirez, the "Night Stalker," with Part One focusing on his early life, family history, and the disturbing influences that shaped him before he turned 18.

  • Horrific Asylums of the Past

    This episode delves into the history of horrific asylums, highlighting institutions like Philadelphia State Hospital and Danvers State Hospital where patients faced neglect and mistreatment. It also examines Nellie Bly's undercover investi…

  • Love Has Won - An Internet Cult

    The Grim Curriculum explores the Love Has Won cult, led by Amy Carlson, also known as "Mother God." The episode details the group's origins, blending New Age beliefs with online devotion, and examines the disturbing reality behind their pu…

  • Lizzie Halliday - “The Worst Woman on Earth”

    This episode explores the life of Lizzie Halliday, a woman known for a history of violence and suspicious deaths of her husbands. It details her significance as the first woman in the United States sentenced to death by the electric chair.

  • Let's Not Meet

    The Grim Curriculum's 'Let's Not Meet' episode features real-life unsettling encounters shared on Reddit, exploring stories where individuals faced potentially dangerous situations.

  • Monster of the Miramichi: Allan Legere: Part 2

    This episode covers the violent crime spree of Allan Legere after his escape, the ensuing terror in the Miramichi area, his attacks on vulnerable people, and his eventual apprehension and sentencing.

  • Monster of the Miramichi: Allan Legere: Part 1

    Part One of "Monster of the Miramichi" examines the early life of Canadian serial killer Allan Legere, also known as the "Monster of the Miramichi." The episode traces his childhood in Miramichi, highlighting early warning signs and the es…

  • The 1917 Halifax Explosion

    This episode details the 1917 Halifax Explosion, a catastrophic event triggered by the detonation of the SS Mont-Blanc munitions ship. It covers the lead-up to the disaster, the aftermath, and the acts of bravery shown by the city's inhabi…

  • Peter Stumpp - The Werewolf of Bedburg

    This episode examines the legend of Peter Stumpp, the "Werewolf of Bedburg," a 16th-century German man accused of serial murder, cannibalism, and lycanthropy. It delves into his purported confession under torture and execution, questioning…

  • The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel - Part 2

    This episode revisits the case of Anneliese Michel, detailing the series of exorcisms she underwent, the physical effects, and the trial that followed. It also touches upon the contemporary occurrence of exorcisms.

  • The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel - Part 1

    This episode details the exorcism of Anneliese Michel in 1970s West Germany. When her condition worsened, it was interpreted as demonic possession, leading the Church to perform rituals instead of seeking medical intervention.

  • EVEN MORE Lesser know Cryptids

    The Grim Curriculum explores lesser-known cryptids, including the Skrimsl from Iceland, the Mantis Man from New Jersey, and the Sheepsquatch of Appalachia. Hosts Dina and Charlotte also discuss Šumske Dekle and the UB-85 Monstrosity, concl…

  • The Last Man Hanged in Alberta - Robert Raymond Cook

    This episode discusses Robert Raymond Cook, the last man executed in Alberta. Convicted of his father's murder in 1959 based on circumstantial evidence and a coerced confession, Cook maintained his innocence until his execution by hanging…

  • Michael Alig A.K.A. The Party Monster

    This episode covers the 1990s Club Kids scene in New York, focusing on Michael Alig. It details his rise, the culture of excess and drugs, and the 1996 murder of fellow club kid Angel Melendez, examining the consequences of fame and addict…

  • Hadden Clark - Part Two: When the Rot Is Revealed

    This episode details the arrest and investigation of Hadden Clark following a murder, focusing on his uncooperative behavior and the eventual emergence of the persona 'Kristen' which exposed the truth behind his crimes.

  • Hadden Clark - Part One: The Beginning of Something Rotten

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum begins a series on Hadden Clark, focusing on his parents, family lineage, and the dysfunctional environment of his childhood. It questions the influence of nature versus nurture on his development.

  • Ruth Snyder: Love, Betrayal, and Old Sparky

    This episode covers the 1920s sensational case of Ruth Snyder, detailing her marriage, affair with Henry Judd Gray, the murder plot against her husband, and the infamous photograph taken at her execution.

  • The Top True Crime Cases of 2025

    This episode recaps the most significant true crime cases of 2025, covering updates on the Menendez brothers' parole hearings, Brian Kohberger's sentence, allegations against Victoria Goodwin, Yolanda Saldivar's parole denial, Morgan Geyse…

  • The Covina Christmas Massacre

    The Grim Curriculum's episode, "The Covina Christmas Massacre," recounts the events of Christmas Eve 2008 when Bruce Pardo murdered nine people before committing suicide. The episode explores the lead-up to the attack and its tragic afterm…

  • Interview: Krissi Atkisson - Daughter of Wilma June Nissen

    Krissi Atkisson shares her experience seeking answers about the unsolved murder of her mother, Wilma June Nissen. She details the frustrating process of dealing with law enforcement and her own efforts to find justice.

  • The Legend of Sawney Bean and his Scottish Cannibal Clan

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum examines the Scottish legend of Sawney Bean and his cannibal clan, discussing the tale's origins, historical context, and enduring presence in folklore. The description notes that if the legend were true…

  • UNSOLVED: The Keddie Murders

    The Grim Curriculum discusses the unsolved Keddie Murders, a quadruple homicide that occurred in a California cabin in April 1981. The episode covers the known facts, theories, and includes insights from James Dawson of The Manson Archives.

  • UNSOLVED: Wilma June Nissen

    The Grim Curriculum discusses the unsolved 1978 disappearance of Wilma June Nissen. The episode details her life, the discovery and identification of her remains in 2006, and highlights the continuing mystery surrounding her fate and the r…

  • Dennis Nilsen: Part Three – The Kindly Killer

    This episode concludes the series on serial killer Dennis Nilsen, detailing his final victims, relocation to Cranley Gardens, and the investigation that exposed his crimes. It also touches on his controversial trial and lengthy prison life.

  • Dennis Nilsen: Part Two – The Kindly Killer

    This episode continues the series on serial killer Dennis Nilsen, discussing his initial murders and the disturbing escalation of his behavior. It explores his unusual lack of enjoyment in killing and the warped sense of control and obsess…

  • Dennis Nilsen: Part One – The Kindly Killer

    This episode begins a series on serial killer Dennis Nilsen, dubbed "The Kindly Killer." Part one focuses on his unsettling early life, including his isolated childhood and time in the army, laying the groundwork for his disturbing future.

  • Grim Encounters 8

    This episode of Grim Encounters features listener-submitted scary stories covering haunted locations and unsettling camp experiences. The hosts also share personal paranormal accounts.

  • Ivan Milat - The Backpacker Killer: Part 3

    The Grim Curriculum finishes its exploration of serial killer Ivan Milat, covering the investigation that led to his arrest, the evidence found, his prison behavior, and his death. The episode also touches upon new and unsolved cases linke…

  • Ivan Milat - The Backpacker Killer: Part 2

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum continues its series on Ivan Milat, Australia's Backpacker Killer. Part 2 details the victims and the timeline of Milat's crimes up to 1993, exploring the increasing fear among backpackers.

  • EP171: Ivan Milat - The Backpacker Killer: Part 1

    The Grim Curriculum begins a series on Australian serial killer Ivan Milat, focusing on his violent family history, large chaotic childhood, and early warning signs in this first episode.

  • Episode 170: The Smurl Family Haunting

    This episode covers the Smurl family haunting, detailing their reported paranormal experiences and the involvement of investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The discussion also touches on the case's link to the Conjuring universe.

  • Episode 169: The Poisonous Legacy of Daisy de Melker

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum covers the true crime case of Daisy de Melker, South Africa’s “Black Widow.” The investigation into her life revealed a pattern of poisonings connected to the deaths of her husbands and son.

  • Episode 168: Mary Toft - The Great Rabbit Hoax

    The Grim Curriculum podcast discusses the 1726 medical hoax of Mary Toft, an English woman who claimed to have given birth to rabbits, baffling doctors and the public.

  • Episode 167: The Infamous Cecil Hotel

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum discusses the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. It covers the building's history from its 1920s beginnings through its dark legacy of crime, tragedy, and mystery, and explores its status as an urban legend.

  • Episode 166: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 3

    This episode concludes the Yorkshire Ripper series, detailing how a hoax tape hindered the investigation, the arrest of Peter Sutcliffe by a single officer, his subsequent treatment in prison, and the lasting societal impact of his crimes.…

  • Episode 165: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 2

    This episode continues the examination of the Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. It covers how the murder of Jayne MacDonald shifted public and media attention, the fear experienced by women, and how the investigation was hampered by m…

  • Episode 164: Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper - Part 1

    Part 1 of a deep dive into Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, covers his abusive childhood, early attacks, and the societal atmosphere during his crimes. It also scrutinizes police missteps that prolonged the investigation and impacted…

  • Episode 163: Extra Credit 56 - The Crossover Episode

    This episode discusses a woman who contracted rabies from a dog scratch abroad, celebrates the life of LGBTQ icon Bunny Roger, and explores new developments in prosthetics and robotic skin.

  • Episode 162: The Murder of Fanny Adams

    The Grim Curriculum discusses the 1867 murder of Fanny Adams, an 8-year-old girl in Alton. The episode details the events of that day, the subsequent discovery, and the trial, highlighting its historical significance in Victorian crime han…

  • Episode 161: MORE Lesser Known Cryptids

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum covers additional lesser-known cryptids, including Mokele Mbembe, the NASA Gargoyle, Mapinguari, and Trunko, delving into associated folklore and alleged sightings.

  • Episode 160: The Hammersmith Ghost Murder Case

    The episode covers the 1804 Hammersmith Ghost murder case, where fear of a ghost resulted in a fatal shooting, raising legal questions that persist.

  • Episode 159: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters -Part 3

    This episode covers the final crimes of Fred and Rose West at 25 Cromwell Street, detailing the investigation led by DC Hazel Savage. It discusses Fred's death in custody, Rose's trial, and her subsequent life.

  • Episode 158: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters - Part 2

    This episode, Part 2 on Fred and Rose West, examines their disturbing marriage and the crimes committed at 25 Cromwell Street. It details their methods of luring victims and the increasing brutality, including a near escape by one of the v…

  • Episode 157: Fred and Rose West: A Marriage of Monsters - Part 1

    This episode details the beginning of the Fred and Rose West case, focusing on their dysfunctional childhoods and the violent, controlling relationship that formed between them.

  • Episode 156: Richard Chase - The Vampire of Sacramento - Part 2

    This episode of The Grim Curriculum discusses Richard Chase's final month in 1978, during which he murdered six people. It also touches on the role of community and law enforcement in his capture.

  • Episode 155: Richard Chase - The Vampire of Sacramento - Part 1

    This episode details the early life of Richard Chase, the 'Vampire of Sacramento,' highlighting his severe mental illness, violent behavior, substance abuse, and the systemic failures that contributed to his later crimes.

  • Episode 154: The Abduction of Travis Walton

    The Grim Curriculum podcast delves into the 1975 alien abduction case of Travis Walton, who disappeared in an Arizona forest and reappeared days later claiming he was taken aboard a UFO. The episode examines the details of the incident, th…

  • Episode 153: Andrea Yates

    This episode covers the Andrea Yates case, exploring her severe postpartum mental illness and the legal proceedings following the deaths of her five children. The description also includes editor notes on audio quality and ways to engage w…

  • Episode 152: Ed Kemper The Co-Ed Killer Part 3

    The third part of the Ed Kemper story details his murder of his mother and her friend, his confession to the police, and his sentencing to life in prison after being found sane at trial. He remains in prison to this day.

  • Episode 151: Ed Kemper The Co-Ed Killer Part 2

    This episode covers Edmund Kemper's murders of six Santa Cruz-area college students between 1972 and 1973. Kemper, posing as non-threatening, would pick up hitchhikers and then kill them, often engaging in necrophilia and dismemberment.