ENCORE! Shane needed a break, but we'll be back with a regular episode next week. In the meantime, if you need to chat or decompress, join our Discord community: MFFI DISCORD Warning: if you're not a fan of dark humor, feel free to skip this episode. We won't judge you! For our fellow twisted weirdos...enjoy.  "The Darwin Awards salute the improvement of the human genome by honoring those who accidentally remove themselves from it in a spectacular manner!"   IN THIS EPISODE: History of the Darwin Awards Wendy Northcut, opportunist Death By: Self-shooting demonstration - Clement Vallandigham Radish - Sir William Payne-Gallwey Slow car - Bridget Driscoll "Wearable" Parachute - Franz Reichelt Unbreakable-window test - Gary Hoy The North Sentinel Island natives are restless - John Allen Chau Beard sabotage- Hans Steininger Gurney mishap- Edward Juchniewicz Rattlesnake catch - Joe Buddy Caine Segway daredevil- Jim Heselden Cockfight revenge - Jose Luis Ochoa Cockroach-eating contest - Edward Archbold ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  https://midnightbonus.weebly.com/midnight-merch.html  ~ CONTACT: Leave an audio message: https://www.podpage.com/midnight-facts-for-insomniacs/voicemail/popup/?from=https://www.podpage.com/midnight-facts-for-insomniacs/ ~ Leave a voicemail or shoot us a text with comments, suggestions, or feedback: +1 (408) 596-4603 ~ Email: mailto:[email protected] ~  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightfactsforinsomniacs/     ~     ~ KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, AND SLEEP IS OVERRATED ~

Hey Insomniacs, we have something very special for you today. We're bringing you an episode of one of our favorite podcasts! AHC (Asshole Court) is a show in which three lifelong friends--Buddy, Mikey, and Randy--examine the life of a public figure who may or may not be a giant asshole. They assign a preliminary score based on what they already know of the person, and then they delve into the details of his or her life, and at the end they determine the celebrity's final score (rated from 1 to 11: Mr. Rogers to Hitler). Subjects have included Steven Seagal, Connor McGregor, Joe Rogan, Alex Jones, Kanye, Harvey Weinstein, Tom Cruise, Diddy, Andrew Tate, and even Dolly Parton (spoiler alert: not an asshole.) Since you're presumably a fan of OUR show, we know you enjoy laughing and learning, so we're confident you're going to love AHC. We hope you'll give them a listen, and include asshole court in your regular podcast rotation. Thanks so much for being an insomniac, and we'll be back next week!

In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website  

BEGONE, FOUL DEMON!! NO LONGER SHALL YOU BEDEVIL THE INSOMNIACS OF THE MIDNIGHT MASSES (Apologies for the caps lock, but Satan doesn't respect lowercase.) What's the difference between a demonic vexation, an infestation, and an oppression? How many demons do you have to host to become Legion? And is the Pope really on Twitter? Join the boys for a deep-dive into hellfire and brimstone in this examination of the disturbing history of exorcism and demonic possession.   ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:  Ancient exorcisms in Babylon Demonic possession in the Bible Relevant Biblical passages Jesus, demons, and exorcisms Judas Mark 5: My name is Legion The Pope on Twitter Official Exorcist of Indiana, Father Vincent Lambert Demonic entry points and doorways Sexual abuse and demonic possession The International Association of Exorcists Infestations, Vexations, Obssessions, and Subjections The Exorcist, the movie Peter Blatty, Linda Blair, Roland Doe/Robbie Mannheim Cultural impact of the film Discernment Qualifications to receive an exorcism The ritual itself Notable cases of possession Jason Dalton and the Uber Demon The Tanacu exorcism ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Shane's Comedy Schedule and Info ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript   ~ KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, AND SLEEP IS OVERRATED ~  

In the shadowy alleys of Victorian London, a sinister figure lurked, leaving a trail of terror that has baffled historians for over a century. Join Shane and Duncan as they delve into the chilling tale of Jack the Ripper, unraveling the gruesome details of his infamous crimes and exploring mysteries that continue to haunt the annals of true crime. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website  

Why do we wear costumes on Halloween? When did pumpkins and candy get involved? And how the heck do you pronounce "Samhain"? Listen to find out... ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Celtic Festivals, Gaelic Origins Samhain and Beltane Fairies (The Aos Si) Bonfires, Livestock, Leaps Liminal Celebrations The Romans and Feralia Pomona Apple Bobbing?  Feast of All Martyrs Pope Boniface IV Pope Gregory III All Saints Day (All Hallows Day) Feast of All Souls All Hallows Day/Evening Allhallowe'en Souling and Allhallowtide Soul Cakes Souling Plays Guising Mischief Night Jack O'Lanterns  Stingy Jack Turnip Lanterns Trick or Treating Candy Corn Pet Costumes Calorie Counts ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript   ~ KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, AND SLEEP IS OVERRATED ~      

Welcome, insomniacs, to another dive into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully unsettling. Tonight, we’re exploring the twisted mind behind some of the most bizarre and influential horror ever written: the one, the only, H.P. Lovecraft. Get ready for dark family secrets, eldritch horrors, cosmic dread, crippling phobias, hateful philosophies, and a peek into the life of a man who gave the world nightmares. Buckle up; this one’s going to get weird. ~ In this episode:  Biography  Style/influences The Cthulu Mythos  ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website  

Get ready to embark on a globe-trotting journey through time and across continents to uncover the secrets of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the stunning expanse of the Great Wall to the architectural marvels of Machu Picchu and Petra, from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, delve into the history, mysteries, and controversies surrounding these modern marvels. As always, Shane and Duncan are your snarktastic tourguides, explaining why these sites were chosen, the stories they tell, and the incredible feats of engineering and artistry that brought them to life. ~ In this episode: Machu Picchu Christ the Redeemer The Great Wall of China Petra Chichen Itza The Taj Mahal The Roman Colosseum ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website  

Prepare for a silly, whirlwind tour of the most epic bucket list in history: the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From engineering feats that defied logic to legends that refuse to die, Shane and Duncan break down what made these wonders so…well, wonderful. (Or sometimes not.)  ~ In this episode: The Great Pyramid of Giza The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Statue of Zeus at Olympia The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus The Colossus of Rhodes The Lighthouse of Alexandria ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources

Unlock the gates to some of the most bizarre and extreme prisons on Earth. From the rotating madness of “squirrel cage” jails to a Norwegian island where inmates roam free; from an overcrowded powder-keg that erupted into a shocking massacre to the grim horrors of North Korea’s Camp 14, join Shane and Duncan as they uncover the bizarre and chilling realities of incarceration around the globe. ~ In this episode: "Squirrel Cage" (Rotary Jail) Bastøy Island Carandiru Massacre Cebu "Dancing Jail" ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources

In our high-tech interconnected world, a single software glitch can spiral into global disaster. Tune in this week to discover the hidden stories, the dramatic consequences, and the lessons learned from these monumental failures. From software glitches that crippled planes and healthcare devices, to power failures that left millions in the dark, Shane and Duncan uncover the human errors and systemic flaws behind some of the most infamous tech failures. ~ In this episode: Y2K CrowdStrike The Northeast Blackout of 2003 Therac-25 The Morris Worm ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources

Rapper/artist Alfred Banks joins the show to debate the 5 greatest animated TV series of all time! Check out Alfred and his recent project SaxKixAve HERE   What's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord... ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon:  PATREON ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram  

Prepare to unravel the twisted history of "The Devil's Rope,” and discover how a simple invention sparked fierce conflicts that transformed the American West. ~ In this episode: The Homestead Act of 1862 Fence Dilemmas  Leonce Eugene Grassin-Baledans, Michael Kelly, Lucien B Smith Henry M. Rose Joseph F. Glidden, Isaac L. Ellwood, Jacob Haish The "Winner" Haish and "S Barb" Wire John Warne Gates, aka "Bet a Million Gates" Frying Pan Ranch The Law of the Open Range Ranchers vs. Cowboys The Fence-Cutting Wars Nipping Blue Devil Gang and the Javelinas Barbed Wire and the Telephone ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources  

Join Shane and Duncan as they expose a trio of scandals that rocked the gaming community. From the hidden sex scene that transformed a popular game into a salacious sensation, to digital treasure chests that blur the lines between gaming and gambling, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening journey into the dark side of the industry. ~ In this episode: Hot Coffee (Grand Theft Auto) Loot Boxes (Battlefront 2) Gamergate ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources  

Well if it isn’t the consequences of our actions. The spread of humans around the globe has accidentally—and sometimes intentionally—led to the introduction of non-native species to vulnerable habitats. And when an animal or plant arrives at a new location, it’s going to do what a critter instinctively does: devour other plants an/or animals; breed, spread disease, and breed some more, all while viciously competing for local resources. It’s a tale as old as time; species gonna species.    From felines to amphibians, from vines to hogs, join Shane and Duncan as they explore the most destructive invasive species in history, and explain how the clumsy human efforts to fix our own mistakes often makes the consequences much, much worse…   ~ In this episode:   Cats The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Feral Swine Kudzu Cane Toads ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources  

Get ready to plunge into the adrenaline-pumping history of roller coasters, amusement parks, and theme parks. From ancient Russian ice slides to the stomach-churning steel giants of today, discover the twisted tales behind iconic rides and learn about the masterminds who turned thrills into a global phenomenon. Buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the podcast at all times, it’s going to be a bumpy ride… ~ In this episode:   Medieval Festivals Pleasure Gardens Dyrehavsbakken Brakemen A.C.E: American Coaster Enthusiasts Vauxhall The White City Coney Island Russian Mountains (Sliding Mountains) Nicolas Beaujon and the Promenades Aeriennes Centrifugal Railways Lamarcus Adna Thompson, Father of the Rollercoaster The Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway Mauch Chunk Gravity Railroad The Cyclone Tubular Steel The Matterhorn The Formula Rossa The Kingda Ka Disney ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources  

Join Shane and Duncan as they venture into the dark and baffling world of dangerous viral trends. From laundry detergent consumption to milk-crate balancing, uncover the psychological allure, societal impact, and potentially lethal consequences of these hazardous internet fads. ~ In this episode:   The Saltine Challenge The Cinnamon Challenge The Tide Pod Challenge The Salt and Ice Challenge The Milk Crate Challenge The Skull-Breaker Challenge The Sleepy Chicken Challenge ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript      

Prepare for an eerie, unsettling journey through the silent streets of the world’s abandoned ghost towns. From a city frozen in time by the Chernobyl disaster to the slavery-staffed coal mines of Hashima Island; from the jungle experiment known as Fordlandia to a reputedly–haunted western settlement that boomed and busted with the tides of gold fever, Shane and Duncan embark on a thought-provoking reflection on the impermanence of human settlements and the enduring stories they leave behind. ~ In this episode:   Pripyat (Ukraine) Fordlandia (Brazil - Amazon Rainforest) White Oaks (New Mexico) Verosha (Cyprus) Oradouer-sur-Glane (France) Plymouth (Montserrat) Hashima Island, aka "Battleship" Island (Japan) ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Where is the line between activism and extremism? In this furry, feathered, fanged episode, MFFI tackles one of the most divisive and controversial organizations of modern times: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  PETA’s relentless pursuit of a singular goal has sparked global debate, controversy, scandal, and plenty of eye-rolling. From extortion tactics to undercover operations, from legal victories to losses in the court of public opinion, MFFI explores all of the drama, ethical dilemmas, and cultural shifts caused by PETA's aggressive fight for animal welfare. Follow along as Shane and Duncan wrestle with their own conflicted viewpoints and attempt to answer the age-old question: Do the ends actually justify the means?  *WARNING: Episode includes descriptions of animal abuse ~ In this episode:   The World Before PETA Tactics and Controversy The Vegan Society of 1951 Peter Singer and "Animal Liberation"  Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco PETA-Lingo Guiding Principles The Breakthrough: Silver Springs Campaigns and Successes Ag-Gag Laws Controversies Unhappy Meals PETA and Euthanasia Conclusions ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

In today’s supersized praise-worthy episode, MFFI uncovers the scandalous stories behind the rise of megachurches and explains how a few ambitious, unscrupulous grifters turned piety into profit and faith into a financial formula. From the pulpit to the bank vault, explore the controversial rise of these religious empires and the charismatic leaders who plunder the pockets of their congregations. ~ In this episode:   Just How Mega is a Megachurch?  Gigachurches The Business of Faith Lakewood and Joel Osteen The First Megachurch (1861): Charles Spurgeon and the Metropolitan Tabernacle The First American Megachurch: Foursquare Aimee Semple McPherson The Prosperity Gospel Oral Roberts Vanco Payments Kenneth Copeland, Demon-Face World Changer's Church Creflo Dollar and Project G650 The United States Inquiry in the Tax-Exempt Status of Religious Organizations Deep Dive: Hillsong Church Frank Houston and the Hills Christian Life Center Brian Houston, Ned Flanders of Evil Geoff Bullock, Darlene Zcheck, and the Hillsong Band "The Church I See"  The Rise and Fall of Carl Lentz and Hillsong NY Accusations and Confessions The Fall of Frank and Brian ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Duncan takes the reins! It's been a long time coming, but another host swap episode is finally here. This week Duncan officially ran out of excuses and agreed to play the role of "MFFI Dungeon Master" for an episode full of orcs, backstabbing, wet sand, orcs, battle tactics, critical hits, and orcs.  Did we mention orcs? ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website

Here there be dragons! But not the fun kind… How are wizards, ghouls, and dragons connected to the civil war? What does “AYAK” stand for? And what the hell is a Kleagle? Join MFFI for a journey equal parts ridiculous and horrific as Shane and Duncan shed light on one of the darkest chapters of America’s past. From its secretive inception to its infamous reign of terror, explore the history and lingering legacies of the Ku Klux Klan. ~ In this episode:   December 24, 1865, Pulaski Tennessee  Civil War, Slavery, and Reconstruction Racist Pranksters The Prescript of the Klan Grand Cyclopses, Nighthawks, Ghouls, and Kleagles AYAK and AKIA Grand Wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest The Enforcement Acts The Birth of a Nation Ulysses S Grant William Joseph Simmons and the 2nd Coming of the Klan Stone Mountain, Georgia, Thanksgiving 1915 Ku Klux Klan, Multilevel Marketing Company (Pyramid Scheme) Hiram Wesley Evans Stages a Coup DC Stephenson Undermines the Klan The Rise of Klan Mark III Civil Rights Movement The Modern Klan ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Back by popular demand, and dumber than ever: The Darwin Awards. One of MFFI's most popular episode topics returns, this time with a modern twist...  ~ In this episode:   Mike Warner: Death By Boofing David Reston: Death By Viper Brian Joplin: Death By Supermanning Muhammad Niaz: Death By Miracle Phillip Contos: Death By Irony Unidentified Angry Wheelchair Man: Death by Road Rage Unidentified Angry Terrorist: Death By Untimely Text ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Unlock gripping true stories that defy the confines of steel and stone in this tunneling, plotting, unshackled episode of MFFI.   ~ In this episode:   Alcatraz, aka The Rock Joseph Bowers: The First Attempt John Paul Scott: The First "Success" Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe: The First Unknowns Escape from Alcatraz: The Most Famous Frank Morris John and Clarence Anglin Alan Clayton West The Plan The Escape The Aftermath Jaouquin Archibald Guzman Loera  "El Chapo" The Sinaloa Cartel First Incarceration and Escape: Puente Grande Second Incarceration and Escape: Altiplano Third Incarceraton and No Escape: Florence Superman (ADX Florence) ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

How powerful is a singularity? Can anything escape from an event horizon? Do black holes “suck”? Dive into the cosmic shadows with Shane and Duncan as they unravel the mind-warping, gravity-bending science behind black holes. ~ In this episode:   Sagittarius A* Primordial Black Holes John Michell Dark stars Gravitationally Completely Collapsed Objects John Wheeler Cygnus X-1 Event Horizon Telescope Messier 87 Supernovae Red Giants, White Dwarves, Blue Supergiants Einstein and General Relativity Gravity Nuclear Forces and Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle Quantum Entanglement Hawking Radiation/Evaporation Sanduleak −69 202 Event Horizon Singularity Photon Sphere Accretion Discs Time Dilation TOE (Theory of Everything) String Theory Spaghettification ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript            

Follow Shane and Duncan along the twists and turns of the double helix as they unravel the history of genetics and DNA profiling. From Watson and Crick to the Human Genome Project, from Green River to the Golden State Killer, learn how genetic material holds the key to solving seemingly unsolvable crimes and curing formerly incurable diseases.  ~ In this episode:   Deoxyribonucleic Acid: The "Blueprint for Life" The Structure of DNA Nucleotides: Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine, Guanine Sugar Phosphates Friedrick Miescher Photo 51 Rosalind Franklin Watson and Crick The Eagle Pub Nature Magazine DNA Sequencing Frederick Sanger The Human Genome Project DNA Profiling Jeffrey Glassberg Alec Jeffries Murderer Colin Pitchfork: The First Success Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism The Green River Killer: Gary Ridgeway The Golden State Killer: James D'Angelo Junior CODIS: The Combined Data Index System Touch-DNA The Pitfalls of Partial DNA Successes ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript          

What do blood, sweat, tears, and fingerprints have in common? They can all be used to solve crimes. In this episode of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs, Shane and Duncan explore the fascinating world of forensic science, and debunk some of the most ridiculous Hollywood myths. Crime doesn't pay, but it sure makes for a great episode… ~ In this episode:   A short history of forensics Pre-forensics Trial by combat Cruentation Eureka! Archimedes and water displacement The Theory of Discernable Uniqueness Likelihood Ratios Fingerprints Dermal Ridge Skin Turing Patterns Whorls, Loops, and Arches The Henry Classification System Dermatoglyphs Adermatoglyphia Dactyloscopy Johann Christoph Andreas Mayer Jean Evangelista Purkyne Henry Faulds The Loupe The first success: Francisca Rojas Paul Jean Coulier and iodine fuming IAFIS: Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System Blood Spatter Michael C. Hall and Dexter Morgan Herbert MacDonell The [Basement] Laboratory of Forensic Science The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts Debunking: The 2009 report by the National Academy of Sciences Splatter vs Spatter ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Which nautical tragedy represents the largest loss of life in non-combat American Navy history? Are there any undiscovered shipwrecks in American lakes? How much treasure would you get to keep if you could find the most valuable shipwreck that still hasn’t been discovered? Prepare for a journey through maritime history’s darkest waters, as Shane and Duncan delve into four chilling tales of ships lost at sea…   ~ In this episode:   USS Cyclops Flor de la Mar Le Griffon SS Waratah ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Join Shane and Duncan as they attempt to navigate the sensitive topic of Native American mythology, exploring the elusive world of talking coyotes, giant turtles, divine peace pipes, and the cosmic dance between gods and mortals.  ~ In this episode:   Debunking "Spirit Animals" The "Noble Savage" Keep America Beautiful and the Most Famous Tear on TV Iron Eyes Cody (Espera de Corti) Native American Philosophies on Nature Indigenous History in the Americas Creation Myth - The Great Turtle (aka Turtle Island) The Chitimacha and the The Great Spirit Coyote and the Permanence of Death ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Christmas comes early this year with the bonus re-release of one of our favorite episodes exploring the strange, pagan, occasionally twisted origins of the Christmas holiday. How is Santa Claus connected to cannibalism? Which Christmastide holiday commemorates the slaughter of children? How should you decode the cryptic numerology message 20+C+M+B+22? And what's with all of those airborne reindeer?  Welcome to Ghosts of Christmases Past, in which Shane and Duncan explore how tree-worship and animal sacrifice evolved into the bizarre, festive, highly commercialized holiday we know today. So whether you're feeling the Christmas spirit or just feeling jaded and grinchy, grab a cup of heavily-spiked eggnog, get cozy by the yule-log, and join the boys as they unpack the fascinating pagan history of Christmas. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Christmastide Christmas Eve The Feast of Saint Stephen, Protomartyr Childermas, The Feast of the Holy Innocents Herod the Great The Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, Octave of the Nativity, Solemnity of Mary The Feast of the Holy Family 12th Night, Epiphany Eve Chalking the Door Saturnalia The Holiday of Yule Yule Boar, Yule Goat, Yule Log Anglican Revelers vs. Puritan Grinches The Story of the Nativity December 25th Becomes the Arbitrary DOB Christenmas, Christ Mass, and Xmas Christmas Trees Saint Nicholas of Myra, aka Saint Nick, aka Nicholas the Wonderworker Sinterklaas  Christmases Around the World Reindeer Thomas Nast Haddon Sundblom and Coca-Cola   ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript    

Join Shane and Duncan for an explosive tale of political intrigue, religious fervor, and a daring conspiracy that could have reshaped an entire nation.  ~ In this episode:   King Henry VIII and the Anglican Church Catholics vs Protestants "Bloody" Mary I of England Queen Elizabeth I King James VI and I Robert Catesby Thomas Wintour John Wright Guy Fawkes The Secret Police Priest Holes Elizabeth Stuart and the Extended Plot Parliament Delayed The Accidental Conspirator: Thomas Bates Robert Keyes Keeping it in the Family: John Grant, Christopher "Kit" Wright, and Robert Wintour Francis Tresham...Double Cross? The Baron Monteagle Letter Search and Seizure The Plot is Foiled The Final Stand at Holbeche House Executions Bonfire Night ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Last episode was just a warm-up. Swindle month continues, this time with actual influencers! These are the worst of the worst… ~ In this episode:   Yovana Mendoza (Rawvana) Belle Gibson The Liver King (Brian Johnson) ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

The internet is a dangerous place. Hold onto your wallet as MFFI takes you on a scamtastic tour of two of the most notorious online swindles of the last decade.  ~ In this episode:   Fyre Fest The 2017 GoFundMe Con ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Spooky season continues! A car that killed a star. A haunted doll. A vindictive painting. Are any of these items genuinely cursed? Not a chance.  But hey, it’s it’s going to be a wild ride. Join Shane and Duncan for a silly, skeptical romp through the darkest corners of the untamed internet. ~ In this episode:   James Dean’s Little Bastard Robert the Doll “The Hands Resist Him” ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Spooky season has arrived! Join Shane and Duncan for a trio of mind-bending mysteries: first, venture into the frozen enigma of Dyatlov Pass, then wander the eerie halls of the Cecil Hotel, and finally unravel the perplexing tale of the Somerton Man. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

From umbrellas that distribute rain to radios that print the news, here are the most useless pieces of technology ever foisted an unsuspecting public. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Radio Newspaper Xybernaut POMA Kerastese Hair Coach Umbrella Drone Vacuum Cleaner Shoes iSmell Amazon Astro ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

What's in a name? A lot, actually. Names are more than just labels; they carry meanings, stories, and histories that reveal our origins, cultures, and personalities. In this episode, you’ll learn about the ancient roots of some common and uncommon names, the trends and influences that have shaped naming practices over time, and the surprising ways that names can affect our lives. From the ancient annals of civilization to the latest naming trends, join Shane “Gift From God” Rogers and Duncan “Dark Skinned Warrior” MacEwan for an enlightening journey through the fascinating netherworlds of nomenclature. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Rapper, producer, all-around entertainment dynamo, and long-time member of the midnight masses Alfred Banks joins Shane and Duncan this week to generate a list of the most re-watchable movies ever. Can three opinionated guys from different generations find common ground? And what's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord...   Make sure to check out Alfred Banks over at Underdog Central! ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon:    PATREON   ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website

Hey insomniacs, get ready to peel back the astroturf on sports scandals that are as cautionary as they are captivating. In this episode you'll learn about the Black Sox, who threw the World Series for a bribe, and the Vikings, who threw a sex party on a lake, and Rosie Ruiz, who threw away her dignity to "win" a marathon...and more. This is everything they don't teach you in PE class. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Rosie Ruiz and the 1980 Boston Marathon The 1919 Black Sox The 2005 Minnesota Vikings Sex-Boat Scandal Danny Almonte, the Not-So-Little League Pitcher The Spanish Basketball Team in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics  ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Strap in and prepare for liftoff as Shane and Duncan take you on a jet-fueled ride through the history of space exploration. From the Nazi origins of space-flight to the audacious Apollo missions that captivated the globe, from the unexpected launch of Sputnik to the Space Shuttle's triumphs and disasters, this episode unveils the pivotal moments, groundbreaking achievements, and tenacious spirit that propelled humanity's reach into the final frontier. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   The V-2 Rocket Wernher von Braun The R-7 Rocket ICBMs Sputnik Project Vanguard Sputnik 2 Laika Animals in Space Sputnik 3 The Vanguard TV-3 Failure Redstone Rockets Explorer 1 NASA and the NDEA John F. Kennedy We Choose to Go to the Moon The Apollo Program The Saturn V Rocket Apollo 11 A Small Step for (a) Man Apollo–Soyuz Mars Landings The Space Shuttle Columbia and Challenger Disasters The International Space Station SpaceX Blue Origin The Falcon 9 Rocket The Orbital Reef ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Why did humans first venture into the dark and mysterious depths of the ocean? What discoveries and dangers did they encounter along the way? And how will the ocean-exploring community regroup and flourish in a post Titan-submersible world?  Prepare for a deep dive into the history and current state of ocean exploration as Shane and Duncan reveal the fascinating stories of the pioneers, adventurers, and scientists who dared to brave the final frontier on Earth.  ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ ~ In this episode:   Pre-Boat Humans The First Boats Free Diving Diving Bells Diving Suits Atmospheric Diving Suits Submersibles Submarines SCUBA The Titan Disaster ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Prepare yourself for a wild ride, insomniacs, because we're diving headfirst into the realm of quirky sports, where ancient traditions meet bizarre modern-day challenges. Ever heard of Kok boru? It's like a game of "grab the goat" on horseback. Yeah, you read that right. How about the adrenaline-fueled sport of wife carrying? Who needs a gym membership when you can jog through obstacle courses with your spouse strapped to your back? So kick back, relax, and get ready to be entertained by the most bizarre sports you've never heard of... ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Calcio Storico Kok Boru Wife Carrying Hot-Pepper Eating ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

It's an AHC takeover! On this week's rowdy, irreverent, NSFW installment of After Midnight, all three guys from the AHC podcast join Shane and Duncan to come up with a definitive list of the top five biggest jerks in fiction. From Mr. Burns to Freddy Krueger to Zach Morris, which epic a**holes will make the list?    Thanks to Randy, Buddy, and Mikey for providing this week's hijinks; you can check the AHC podcast here: https://www.ahcpodcast.com/   What's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord... ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon:    PATREON   ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website

Welcome, insomniacs, to a captivating late-night rendezvous with the fascinating world of deviant subcultures. Grab your oversized plushie, dust off your fedora, slip into your favorite anime cosplay, or don your tracksuit—it's time to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our world, one subculture at a time. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Furries Bronies Pervy Otaku Gopniks ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Hail Satan! In the latest 1980s-throwback episode of MFFI, Shane and Duncan explain how sensationalized accusations and false memories led to the persecution of innocent people, the destruction of families, and the rise of a new form of religious extremism.   So turn off the lights, grab your crucifix, and take a trip down memory lane to experience the most notorious episode of mass hysteria since Salem: the Satanic Panic. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:    Historical Precedent The Red Scare Anton Lavey and the Satanic Bible The Rise of the Moral Majority Satanic Serial Killers Cults Mike Warnke and the Satan Seller Lawrence Pazder and Michelle Proby Michelle Remembers Hypnosis and Recovered Memories The Kern County Day-Care Cases The McMartin Preschool Trial The West Memphis 3 Paradise Lost  ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Part myth, part mayhem, and all leather-clad rebellion: welcome to the shadowy world of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.  In this week’s episode, Shane and Duncan explore the mystique and mysticism of a legendary biker gang, from the notorious riots and murders that publicly defined them to the fiercely-guarded code of honor that binds them. So grab a cup of coffee, or perhaps something stronger, and buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the turbulent history of the HAMC.  ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   Hells Angels: "Organized Crime Syndicate" Recent Convictions The Dutch Ban The Apostrophe Debacle Founding of the Angels Fontana, CA Otto Friedly The "Pissed Off Bastards" Frank Sadilek and The Death's Head Insignia Charters Corporate Angels Joining: "Han Around" to "Associate" to "Prospect" Top Rocker, Bottom Rocker, Full Patch One Percenters Hunter S Thompson, The Hells Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga 81 The Culture of the Hells Angels H.A. and Race Ralph Hubert “Sonny” Barger Altamont Meredith Hunter and Alan Passaro Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Laughlin Nevada 2002 ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript  

Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD! On this week's episode, Shane and Duncan delve into the dark and deadly world of medieval warfare to learn how people fought, killed, and survived in the Middle Ages. From the elegant and lethal longsword to the gruesome and gory morning star, explore the history and science behind some of the most fearsome and fascinating instruments of war ever devised. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   The 3 Criteria: Effectiveness, Cost, and Status Chain Mail Plate Armor The Water-Powered Triphammer War Horses Horse Armor: The Full Bard Peytrals, Chanfrons, Criniere, Caparisons The Helmschied Family Pre-Swords: Spatha and Gladius Knightly/Long Swords Sword Anatomy: Blade, Fullers, Cross Guards, Pommels Axes Axe Anatomy: Eye, Cheeks, Toe, Heel, Beard, Butt War Hammers Maces Lances Spears Bows: (Recursive, Long, Cross) Shields Seige Weapons: Trebuchets and Catapults ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript

Are you ready for a rousing tale of ghosts and gods and taboo brother-sister love? No, this isn't a new streaming series from HBO; this is MFFI's first episode covering the bizarre, freaky world of Japanese Mythology. Join the guys as they uncover the rituals, creation myths, and divine deities of Shintoism, an ancient religion that predates Japan’s recorded history. **NOTE: THIS EPISODE BEGINS WITH AN EXTENDED UPDATE TO THE PREVIOUS EPISODE. TO SKIP TO THIS WEEK'S TOPIC, JUMP TO 11:00** ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode:   AI Episode Update The Two Japanese Religions: Shintoism and Buddhism Kami (Spirits) Kegare (Impurity) Kiyome (Purity) Animism Shinkai (Shadow World) Torii (Gate) Priests and Priestesses Kami-dana (home shrines) The Four Affirmations: Family, Nature, Purity, Festivals (Matsuri) Buddhist Funerals The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki The Imperial Family (The Yamato Line) Takamagahara (The Plain of High Heaven) Kotoamatsukami (The Five Gods, Original Kami) The Zoka Sanshin: The High Creator, The Divine Creator, and the Central Master The Kamiyo-nayo (Paired Gods) Izanagi and Izanami  Creation of Japan With Amenonuhoka (The Heavenly Bejeweled Spear) Hiroku/Ebisu (The Leech Child) Yomi (Land of the Dead) Amaterasu (Kami of the Sun) Tsukuyomi (Moon Kami) Susanoo (Storm Kami) Jimmu, the First Emperor The Humanity Declaration Yokai/Mononoke (Shapeshifting Spirits) Nekomata (Cat/Demon Spirits) The Oni (Demon Yokai) Shuten-doji, King of Oni Raiko the Hero Hannya Masks The Bancho Sarayashiki (The Dish Mansion at Pancho) Okiku and Aoyama Tessan The Ring ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas.  And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word!  Midnight Merch  ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~  Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Transcript