The Dark Side Of

Renowned horror and mystery author Edgar Allan Poe achieved critical acclaim with his bone-chilling literary works, like “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.” But behind his writing’s success was a life filled with heartbreak, tragedy and death.

From the deaths surrounding Rosemary’s Baby to the curse of The Exorcist, supernatural scares and morbid accidents have plagued Tinseltown for decades. But modern Hollywood horrors are often due to something much more insidious. What’s really to blame when movie-making goes horribly wrong?

The 21st century has seen the evolution of haunted house fascination into pay-to-play scares, where bold visitors seek out rattling experiences to test their resolve in the face of terror.

It’s an injection of over-the-top luxury and a grueling marathon of showmanship. New York Fashion Week is a ritual, kept alive by devotion. But as the costs mount and relevancy declines, will it become a relic of an industry in constant flux?

Brands like H&M, Zara, Forever 21 and Fashion Nova draw in customers with the promise of trendy clothing on the cheap. But beneath the low price tag lurks a high cost to the environment, public health and garment workers around the world.

Throughout the ‘90s and 2000s, the world knew Alexander McQueen as the “hooligan of English fashion.” Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell and Rihanna all walked Hollywood red carpets in his glamorous gowns. But behind his masterful designs was a man who battled addiction, anxiety and depression.

Reality shows like America's Next Top Model and the broadcast of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show can offer an inside look at the glitz and glamor of modeling. They also promote narrow standards of beauty and mask a culture of sexual harassment and assault.

Modern day fairy tale, or nightmare of twisted proportions? Despite being the face of the fashion industry, a model’s life is not as glamorous or wealthy as it may seem. Body image disorders, sexual abuse, and racism run rampant in this line of work.

Blue jeans have long been heralded as an iconic American wardrobe staple. The lust for that perfect pair of jeans transformed not only an era, but an entire industry—and not necessarily for the better.

Their brands represent luxury and glamour, but both Coco Chanel and Hugo Boss sided with the Nazis during World War II—contributing information and designs to the party, and forever stitching hate into their legacies.

This week, we’re unraveling the fashion industry’s 19th century origins. Progress was everywhere… But with each apparently miraculous innovation came pain, illness—and even death.

Teenagers in the ‘90s came of age in a decade that’s a lot less charmed than we’d like to remember. A certain jadedness permeated adolescence, and lay at the root of everything from the bubbly irony of Clueless to the horrific massacre at Columbine.

In the mid-to-late ‘90s, collecting Beanie Babies was all the rage. But the cute stuffed animals belied the sketchy business practices of the company that produced them, and the sinister greed of the adults who invested in the fad.

Equipped with the talent of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Chicago Bulls dominated NBA basketball in the ‘90s. But their dynasty was plagued with vicious conspiracies, betrayals, and fractured teammate relationships.

In 1992, the brutal beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers sparked a chaotic uprising in Los Angeles. Two years later, the nation absorbed every detail of the trial of O.J. Simpson, which again highlighted the lingering tension and mistrust between police and the Black community.

Throughout the 1990s, much of America’s food was made by machines, flavored by labs, and kept safe from regulation by lobbyists. Add an explosion of fast-food marketing and fad diets, and consumer eating habits changed drastically—with dire consequences.

For the family of Queen Elizabeth II, the ‘90s were a disaster. The British monarchy received unprecedented scrutiny on everything from sex scandals to castle fires to Diana’s death at the end of the decade.

Since its origins in the U.K. back in the 1950s, pop music has developed quite the sugary-sweet reputation. But during the ‘90s, the underbelly of the candy-coated industry was rotting away—and endangering its young stars in more ways than one.

As rap and hip-hop experienced a meteoric rise in the ‘90s, an intense rivalry developed between East Coast rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur. Their feud, their diss tracks and their deaths still resonate decades later, showing how a “beef” between artists can turn deadly.

While Nickelodeon became a breakout network that would both excite and intrigue younger viewers, in its heyday, the channel had its fair share of grim moments. This included everything from the stomach-churning origins of its show props, to the decidedly mature themes of its animated series.

Many people expected that the Internet would be one of the most radically impactful tools since the invention of the wheel—and they weren’t wrong. But while the web fulfilled its bright promises of a global person-to-person connection, it turns out this bond isn’t always friendly or cooperative.

Space has had militaristic ties since man had dared travel into the beyond. So it begs the question, what does it mean for the fate of all those living on earth if a militarized region eventually becomes weaponized?

Ever wanted to live farther away from society? Although government and private agencies are racing to visit our “red” neighbor, a trip to Mars would take nine months. When, and if, colonists land, they'll face inhospitable conditions unlike anything on earth.

A vacation house on the moon? It could happen. NewSpace is a global industry created by billionaire corporations to monetize the Milky Way. Tourism, colonization, and outsourced manufacturing are just a few of the ways these companies are hoping to capitalize on space.

It’s easy to ignore the fact that rocket launches have environmental impacts. After all, spaceships are constantly leaving the earth, and it’s admittedly a majestic sight to behold. But just how much pollution do they create outside the atmosphere? The answer could be deadly.

The Space Race and Civil Rights movements overlapped during the 1960s. But even after the Apollo program fulfilled its initial mission, future expeditions would remain a priority...and at a hefty—and controversial—price tag.

The United States learned collectively with the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986 that a big day in space exploration can, in mere seconds, turn from bad to tragic. But how many know that this disaster, and others like it, could've been prevented?

Since its inception in the 1950s, the nature of the Space Race has been to champion fortitude and mental stability for astronauts—which is quite a problem, granted that sending mankind into space poses an assortment of frightening health and mental hazards.

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of The Dark Side Of today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. Before man ever went into orbit, a host of other species were forced to make the dangerous, and often fatal voyage. And while America was championing the famed Mercury 7 astronauts, NASA was sidelining a slew of qualified females and other, non-white candidates…

If you enjoy the stories told in The Dark Side Of, check out this episode from our series Female Criminals: By 2004, Lisa Nowak’s friendship with Bill Oefelein had heated up into an extramarital affair. Despite knowing she was risking her marriage and job, Lisa didn’t care. She loved Bill. But when he tried to leave her for a younger woman, Lisa’s love turned into a dangerous obsession.

If you enjoy the stories told in The Dark Side Of, check out this episode from our series Female Criminals: All her life, Lisa Nowak dreamt of becoming an astronaut. She worked tirelessly in pursuit of this goal. And then in 2003, when space flight was just within her grasp, Lisa met fellow astronaut, Bill Oefelein. She had no idea that her relationship with Bill would soon make her risk everything.

As World War II drew to a close, the U.S. military began a covert process of trying to extricate Germany's most studious Nazi scientists—in order to bring them to America for contracts on our own nuclear projects.

When Apollo 11 reached the moon in 1969, the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was over. But what were the real motivations behind this arbitrary competition? And who actually reached those first milestones?

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! By 1932, budding Hollywood starlet Peg Entwistle had everything: money, a successful Broadway career, accolades, and undeniable charm. But none of that stopped her from throwing herself off the Hollywood sign, and plummeting to her death.

Love’s demise is inevitable. Death, divorce, or a nasty breakup comes to us all—bringing with it a world of pain, no matter which side you’re on. And for some, this loss can be deadly.

Though weddings can often be seen as the final leap on the quest for love, the slew of expectations that come with throwing such a celebration often forces couples to forgo their own needs to please family and friends.

It has existed for as long as human history, and yet it remains taboo. From government fines to public humiliation to murder—wandering outside your relationship has always been fraught with danger.

From Bonnie and Clyde to more modern iterations, the past century has seen a plethora of corrupt duos—pulling off stunts that range from stupid to lethal. For some lovers, the slogan “us against the world" gets taken to a whole new level.

As of 2011, it’s estimated that one out of every six women in the United States has been a victim of stalking. It’s a chilling behavior that can follow both casual dates and long term relationships alike. And stalkers don’t just terrorize victims—they wreak havoc on their families too.

It’s a date steeped in erotic history and obligatory mating rituals. For many it induces feelings of panic or loneliness. You can try to ignore it, but come February 14th, love will be in the air. Or sometimes, revenge.

From emotional fraud to financial ruin, romance has a long relationship with deceit. Nothing has made this pairing stronger than modern technological developments—making the innocent search for love chock-full of swindlers.

Since their inception in the 1960s, dating game shows have enthralled millions of viewers. And as the stakes have risen over the years with bigger and better trips and prizes, it’s no wonder we’ve remained hooked—despite the fact that they rarely lead to happily ever after.

Methods for finding your "perfect match" have become far more efficient in the 21st century with the invention of internet dating. While the rise of online matchmaking and app culture has opened up numerous doors for singles, it's also unleashed a minefield of unexpected pitfalls.

Dating is celebrated as the natural and necessary path toward love, stability, and family—all things that humanity has held dear for centuries. Complaints about a bad first date are usually tempered by the knowledge that it’s all worth it in the end...but the search for "the one" can have terrible consequences. 

In 1939, 16-year-old Judy Garland began filming The Wizard of Oz. As the film became a beloved classic, Garland battled with eating disorders and drug addictions she developed on-set.

Starting as an ominous warning from technology experts, public concern around the Y2K bug soon outstripped the initial predictions and grew into full-blown hysteria. Some even claimed that New Years Eve of 1999 would be the end of civilization.

The goat-like demon known as Krampus embodies the dark, unspoken truth of the year’s most cheerful holiday—that children will only be rewarded with candy and treats if they are good. Otherwise…they will be punished.

Christmas - a time for carols, presents, mistletoe and...animal sacrifice? This week, we explore the ancient pagan festival that led to many Christmas traditions we hold dear - and others that are best forgotten.

There is much more to the story of Hanukkah than eight nights of celebration and prayer. The actual history of the Maccabee rebellion and the creation of Hanukkah is a tale of war between Greeks and Jews, ending with thousands dead on both sides. 

On Christmas Eve in 1913, miners and their families were having a massive party in an Italian cultural hall in Michigan. Everything was fine until someone shouted, "fire!" Panic took hold, and in the end, a cruel ruse was discovered.

The day after Thanksgiving, millions of shoppers flock to malls and department stores to get discounts on all kinds of hot items. It’s the height of capitalism. While retailers make billions of dollars in sales, customers have been trampled, stabbed, pepper-sprayed or shot, all in the name of getting the best deals.

On Thanksgiving Day, 2009, 35-year-old Paul Merhige opened fire during a family gathering. He killed four people and injured two more in what’s come to be known by many as “The Merhige Family Slaughter.”

The history of the most American of all holidays is much like the country it is founded on: rustic, optimistic… and built on centuries of bloodshed. In reality, this mythologized 1621 meal was a harvest celebration that took place in between two horrible periods of callous genocide.

Most agree that we should respect those who have served in war. But few remember a time when the goal of November 11th was to prevent war altogether. Armistice Day, the original Veterans Day, has been twisted from a day honoring peace to one that glorifies fighting. 

Despite the dangers that lurk on Halloween, we send our children out to ask for candy from strangers. Unknowns who could have thoughts of mischief, or worse, on their minds...

Many know of Halloween’s ancient pagan origins, but few know the details. Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival, featured familiar traditions such as carving and costumes. But there was a potentially darker aspect—one that included human sacrifice.

Christmas. Valentine’s Day. National Dessert Day? The idea that consumerism drives the holiday season is nothing new, but the extent of the connection may run deeper than we realize. 

Though our favorite celebrations throughout the year are supposed to be a time of joy and love, they are often anything but. The pressures to travel, spend money, and take time off can have deadly consequences.

In 1933, Hungarian composer Rezso Seress and lyricist Laszlo Javor released "Gloomy Sunday," which soon came to be known as The Hungarian Suicide Song thanks to the 200 cases of suicide that were linked to the tune's release.

Breaking into the spotlight at the age of fifteen, Selena Quintanilla was constantly under the watchful eye of her strict father-turned-manager, stereotype-driven record labels, and possessive fans. Through it all, Selena willfully fought for control of her own life - and the consequences would turn deadly. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is.

Syd Barrett's creative vision propelled Pink Floyd from the underground into the mainstream. But the demands of fame quickly became too much. Eventually, he was cast out of the band he helped create, and sadly didn't get the help he needed until late in life.

A Compton gang-member turned record producer, in the early 1990s Suge Knight built an empire on violence and intimidation. From Vanilla Ice's deadly experience on a 15-story balcony to the murder of Tupac Shakur, few who enter Knight's orbit escape unscathed.

Over the last two decades, Korean pop music has achieved international success. But the highly polished songs and dance routines are often the products of exploitation behind the scenes. Many management companies have a history of locking idols into lengthy contracts, taking control of their lives, and even verbally and physically abusing performers.

During his lifetime, Elvis rocketed to unprecedented fame. But living as the King came at a terrible cost. While millions screamed for him onstage, he struggled to find people to relate to in his private life. In the late 1970s, his loneliness, isolation, and drug problems eventually led him to an early grave. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is.

Johnny Cash's outlaw image made him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. But it wasn't just an act, and for decades he struggled with the consequences of drug use, depression, and his own personal dark side. Parcasters - This week on Serial Killers we take a look at Anna Marie Hahn, who killed with one goal in mind: insurance money. Don’t miss this riveting episode! 

One of the genre's first crossover R&B and Rock 'n' Roll stars, Wilson wowed audiences on-stage from the early 1950s to the mid 1970s. But Wilson was beholden to his passions for drugs, sex, and rage - vices that would destroy him. Sponsors! Upstart -  Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

When Prohibition went into effect in 1920, New York City's nightlife was thrust underground. Liquor production was taken over by bootleggers. Clubs were taken over by mobsters. And jazz musicians played on the bandstand, with guns literally pointed at their backs. Parcasters - On tomorrow’s episode of Mythology, we take on the legendary Odyssey, bringing the incredible journey to life! Subscribe to MYTHOLOGY today to hear the most notable stories in human history as you never have before.

When Amy Winehouse passed away in 2011 at the age of 27, she joined a select group of hyper talented musicians who passed away at that young age. But it is not the year 27 that is cursed, but rather a music industry that preys on an individual’s weaknesses and encourages them to be destructive.  Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is.

In 1939, 16-year-old Judy Garland began filming the Wizard of Oz. While the film would become a beloved classic, Judy would go on to struggle with eating disorders and drug addiction she developed on-set, before her afflictions would lead to her tragic demise. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Sponsors! Away - For $20 off a suitcase, visit AwayTravel.com/DARK and use promo code DARK during checkout!

One of Hollywood's first child stars, Shirley Temple began her career in 1931 when she was only three years old. She then spent the rest of her youth performing in unsafe conditions, fending off unwanted sexual advances, and even accused of stealing a dead child's soul.  Parcasters - This week on Survival we cover the experiences of two brothers in the Civil War, and the way their lives changed in an instant. Tune in today on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals!

In the 1940s, the Red Scare had everyone on high alert, as whispers of Communist conspiracies swept through Hollywood. When Edward Dmytryk was wrongfully accused of a Communist agenda, he would soon learn that one false move would lose him absolutely everything. Parcasters - Indira Gandhi was gunned down by members of her own security staff. Why was she targeted, and what was the impact? Find out today on Assassinations, available now on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals!

In 1930s Hollywood, Howard Strickling and Eddie Mannix were two of the most powerful men in town. From arranging secret adoptions to covering up murder, they were more than just MGM’s managers, they were The Fixers. Sponsors! Veestro - Visit TryVeestro.com/Dark and try the 6 most popular Veestro meals for just $49! Plus get free shipping on all orders!

In 1921, Arbuckle was the king of Hollywood. The highest-paid actor of the day, surpassing even the likes of Charlie Chaplin. But one booze-filled, wayward hotel party would leave Arbuckle accused of murder, as every friend he had in town abandoned him to a media feeding frenzy.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code DARK to get three cups FREE in your first box! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

By 1932, budding Hollywood starlet Peg Entwistle had everything: money, a successful Broadway career, accolades, and undeniable charm. But none of that stopped her from throwing herself off the Hollywood sign, plummeting to her death. Parcasters - Bob Champion was an accomplished jockey when we was diagnosed with cancer, his journey gives a new meaning to getting back on the horse. Listen to this new episode of Survival on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts!

After a childhood struggle with poverty, 16-year-old Lana Turner became a world famous movie star in 1937, praised for her grace, and talent. Her public life seemed like a fairy tale, but over the next 20 years, her private life was plagued with toxic relationships.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code DARK to get three cups FREE in your first box! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

Before Toddlers in Tiaras, there were the mothers of Vaudeville in the early 1910s, Rose Thompson Hovick had her dreams of stardom cut short, and became obsessed with turning her own children into stars. Parcasters - Theodosia Burr Alston is more than a character in a song from Hamilton! Find out about her life and mysterious disappearance this week on Gone! Available now at parcast.com/gone

Taylor's murder in 1922 and ensuing scandals about his sex life, involvement and drugs, and rumored mistresses was enough to cause a rift between Hollywood and the rest of the country, and send movie studios scrambling to cover up the culprit. Parcasters - Thank you so much for listening to our new show! 

Once envisioned as a Christian utopia, the land of Hollywood quickly evolved into a place of crime and debauchery. When the film industry infiltrated the quiet community in the early 1900s, it brought with it a world of chaos and anarchy. Wild enough that its impact would change our cultural history forever.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code DARK to get three cups FREE in your first box! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/DARKSIDE to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Female Criminals on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  If you enjoyed The Dark Side Of: Hollywood, you’ll love the story of the “Scandalous Screen Siren”: When one of the most famous entertainers in America couldn’t find another good role, she wrote one for herself. The result was a play titled “Sex,” and it became a Broadway smash in 1926 — but moral reformers couldn’t handle its heat, and took drastic action.

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Female Criminals on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  If you enjoyed The Dark Side Of: Hollywood, you’ll love the story of the “Scandalous Screen Siren”: When one of the most famous entertainers in America couldn’t find another good role, she wrote one for herself. The result was a play titled “Sex,” and it became a Broadway smash in 1926 — but moral reformers couldn’t handle its heat, and took drastic action.

When you think of fashion, you might think of a particularly stylish friend, or the latest “it” bag, or a haute couture runway. Fashion can be beautiful and intriguing—but it’s not just an innocent expression of beauty or creativity. It’s an industry. And it’s largely in the business of garnering as much profit as possible, whatever the cost to workers, consumers, or the planet.  For 8 weeks, starting August 24th, we’re discussing fashion’s darkest secrets, from the bone-crushing origins of the corset to the dirty impact of denim to the ugly underbelly of Victoria’s Secret. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts.

When you think of the 1990s, you probably think of your favorite cartoons, music groups, and wacky fruit snacks. And you probably think of them fondly. But all the nostalgia around the ‘90s has made us forget the rampant exploitation, violence, and tragedy that also characterized the decade. For 10 weeks, starting June 15th, we’re tackling The Dark Side Of: The ‘90s. It will be disturbing. Gripping. And, as always, it will feature the in-depth research you’ve come to expect from us. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts.

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of The Dark Side Of that you might have missed!  Once envisioned as a Christian utopia, the land of Hollywood quickly evolved into a place of crime and debauchery. When the film industry infiltrated the quiet community in the early 1900s, it brought with it a world of chaos and anarchy—wild enough that its impact would change our cultural history forever.

We are excited to announce our next season of The Dark Side Of will aim to uncover the most dastardly stories associated with the winter holiday season. Halloween candy tampering, psychological stress, overspending, and more will be covered this season on The Dark Side Of, starting Monday, October 7.

Follow us as we shine a light on the most beloved events, cultural touchstones, and institutions in history. The Dark Side Of will consist of miniseries covering Hollywood, the American Presidency, Music, Dating, Sports, and more! This Parcast Original will dive deep into the unknown and overlooked histories behind everything we hold most dear. The Dark Side Of... premieres Monday, May 20th.