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Curious Cousins OK Podcast

Curious Cousins OK Podcast

By Curious Cousins OK

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-cousins-ok-podcast/subscribe All things Kooky and Spooky in the Sooner (or Cowboy) state! Native Oklahomans and cousins, Jess and Tiff, explore all the dark history, paranormal, and true crime in their home state.
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Ep 83 Franklin Delano Floyd pt 2

Curious Cousins OK PodcastMay 03, 2024

00:00
50:29
Ep 83 Franklin Delano Floyd pt 2

Ep 83 Franklin Delano Floyd pt 2

This week Tiff wraps up the gruesome and horrific life of crime of one Franklin Delano Floyd. Last week, we left off where Franklin was awaiting trial on a burglary and assault case out of OKC. But what Franklin does while released is the true stuff of nightmares. September 12, 1994 would be a day many students at Indian Meridian Elementary School in Choctaw remember to this day. That is the day that Floyd waltzed into the school and kidnapped, not only the school principal, James Davis, but also Floyd’s “son” Anthony Michael Hughes. Even though Principal Davis would be found alive, Michael would never be seen, dead or alive, again. You read that right…Michael has never been found. 


But that is only the tip of this episode’s iceberg. When the truck Floyd stole from Principal Davis that day in September is auctioned off, authorities receive a very peculiar phone call…It seems Floyd abandoned the truck without cleaning out some pretty convincing evidence. Meanwhile, while unusual and disturbing photos are being investigated in Kansas and Oklahoma, the skeletal remains of Cheryl Ann Commesso were discovered on the side of a highway in Florida. What could these two stories possibly have in common, you ask? Commesso was a known coworker and friend of Floyd’s deceased wife and Michael’s mother, Tonya Hughes…aka Sharon Marshall…aka Suzanne Sevakis. 


As this knot of lies, abuse, crime, and evasion from police starts to unravel so does the truth behind just who Tonya is, and how depraved Franklin was. 


Listener Discretion is advised. This is part 2 of a 2 parter over Franklin Delano Floyd. 


Sources:

May 03, 202450:29
Ep 82 Franklin Delano Floyd pt 1
Apr 26, 202401:01:46
Ep 81 University of Oklahoma Spooks
Apr 19, 202456:17
Ep 80 I-40 Bridge Diaster
Apr 12, 202401:00:10
Ep 79 Tracey Nielson

Ep 79 Tracey Nielson

Most 21st birthdays are celebrated with fun filled evenings of pub crawls and fun times. At 21, most of us were more worried about where everyone was going Thursday night. No one plans for their 21st birthday to be their last birthday. But for one coed, that’s exactly what it was. Tracey Diane Neilson, born on January 5, 1960, was a woman known for her vibrant personality. She excelled in academics and sports, and exhibited a passion for life. She went on to join Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Oklahoma State University, where she met her future husband, Jeff Neilson, a pre-med student. They married in July 1980, and moved to Moore so Jeff could attend medical school; Tracey transferred to the University of Oklahoma. In the newlyweds’ apartment, on her 21st birthday, January 5, 1981, Tracey was found horrifically stabbed over 20 times. Despite extensive investigations by authorities, including a task force and technological advancements years later, her killer and motive remained elusive. Details emerged about YEARS LATER, but no conclusive leads were generated. Jeff Neilson and Tracey's family continued to seek closure, offering various rewards over the years for any information leading to the apprehension of her murderer. 


Jess’ case this week is an unsolved, cold case. For any information regarding Tracey Neilson's murder, contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 800-522-8017 or email tips@osbi.ok.gov.



Sources:

https://oklahomacoldcases.org/tracey-neilson/

https://www.koco.com/article/sister-osbi-continue-to-have-hope-in-solving-40-year-cold-case-of-slain-woman/35172339

https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/could-missing-key-chain-be-key-solving-travey-neilsons-murder-n394676

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65142250/tracey-diane-neilson

https://morbidology.com/who-killed-tracey-neilson/

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/columns/2015/07/10/osbi-officials-release-evidence-in-34-year-old-moore-homicide/60735812007/

https://medium.com/@jennbaxter_69070/the-horrific-murder-of-tracey-neilson-46c2e27f0040


Apr 05, 202443:58
Ep 78 Pale Crawlers
Mar 29, 202431:33
Ep 77 Lucille Mulhall

Ep 77 Lucille Mulhall

It is a bold statement to say that one woman changed the course of rodeo history in Oklahoma, but if anyone fits that description, it is Lucille Mulhall.


Lucille Mulhall, born in 1885, grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma, showing remarkable talent in riding horses and roping at a very young age. Despite her desire to focus on ranch work, her mother insisted she attend school. Lucille's skills with horses and roping led to her becoming a renowned cowgirl, excelling in competitions and eventually performing in Wild West shows alongside notable figures like Will Rogers and Tom Mix. She even gained national attention when Theodore Roosevelt invited her to his inaugural parade.


As Lucille's career blossomed, she traveled extensively, winning competitions and gaining recognition as a skilled horsewoman. She faced challenges, including a decline in her career due to a controversial incident in a Chicago show. Despite setbacks, she continued to break barriers for women in rodeo, establishing herself as a pioneer in the sport and opening doors for future female competitors. So saddle up with Jess as she brings us the remarkable, glass-ceiling shattering COWGIRL Lucille Mulhall!


Sources:

Mar 22, 202436:04
Ep 76 Gary Alan Walker
Mar 15, 202459:07
Ep 75 Spiro Mounds

Ep 75 Spiro Mounds

This week, Jess take us to one of Oklahoma’s oldest Native American sites. Spiro Mounds is a significant prehistoric Native American site, evolved from a small village to a key center during the Mississippian Culture era. The site consisted of twelve mounds, ceremonial spaces, and a support city for Caddoan-speaking leaders. Notable for its wealth and artifacts, especially from the burial mound Craig Mound, Spiro Mounds attracted interest but faced looting in the 1930s. Efforts in the 1930s and later by the University of Oklahoma and Works Progress Administration involved excavations that revealed rich burials, artifacts, and the site's historical importance.

But we are here for the kooky and spooky this week! The Spiro Mounds site, aligned with the equinox, showcased remarkable artifacts, including effigy pipes and treasures unearthed in the Great Mortuary Mound. While celebrated for its archaeological richness, the site also carried eerie legends of phantom wagons, mysterious occurrences, and a rumored curse akin to King Tut's tomb. Despite challenges like looting and destruction, ongoing efforts by various institutions aim to preserve and repatriate artifacts. So follow along, or go visit, if you dare…


Sources:

Mar 08, 202439:50
Ep 74 Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher

Ep 74 Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher

As we close Black History Month, Tiff gives the story of Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, born in Chickasaw on Feb 8, 1924. Dr. Fisher was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement in Oklahoma. Her parents, survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, played a significant role in the Black community. Despite Oklahoma's segregated laws, Ada aspired to become a lawyer and challenged the system by applying to the University of Oklahoma's law school in 1946. Represented by Thurgood Marshall, she fought a three-year legal battle that resulted in the landmark case Sipuel v Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. This case led to the mandate that Oklahoma must provide Ada Fisher with the same educational opportunities as other citizens.

After finally being admitted to the University of Oklahoma's College of Law in 1949, Ada faced continued discrimination but persevered. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for future African American students at OU and across the nation. Despite the challenges she faced, Ada went on to graduate from OU Law in 1952 and later earned a master's degree in history. Throughout her career, she worked as a law practitioner, faculty member at Langston University, and ultimately retired as the assistant vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher's legacy of courage and determination in the face of adversity continues to inspire many, and she was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 1996.


Sources:


Mar 01, 202439:50
Ep 73 Disappearances of Charlotte Kinsey & Cinda Pallett

Ep 73 Disappearances of Charlotte Kinsey & Cinda Pallett

Since 1907, the annual State Fair of Oklahoma has attracted visitors from near and far. But in 1981 two 13-year-old friends, Cinda Pallett and Charlotte Kinsey, went missing from the fairgrounds. They were last seen accepting a job offer to help a male carnival worker unload stuffed animals from a truck. Despite extensive search efforts, including eyewitness reports and suspect descriptions, the girls were never found. The prime suspect, a known predator with a history of violence, was charged but the case was eventually dismissed due to lack of physical evidence. The mystery of Charlotte and Cinda's disappearance remains unsolved, haunting their families and investigators to this day. Follow along as Jess details the accounts from witnesses, family members, and detectives, all who worked tirelessly to find closure on this case. 

Since this is still an open case, those with information regarding the case are asked to contact the Oklahoma State Police at 405-231-2121 or the Oklahoma City Police Department at either 405-297-1129, 405-297-1290, 405-297-1288 or 405-297-1000. Tips can also be called into the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-522-8017 or 405-427-5421 and the FBI’s Oklahoma City office at 405-290-7770.

Sources:


Feb 23, 202457:29
Ep 72 OSU Spooks

Ep 72 OSU Spooks

The Oklahoma State University System consists of six educational institutions in Oklahoma, including the flagship institute, Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. OSU, founded in 1890 under the Morrill Act, is a public land-grant research university. While known for its academic and athletic achievements, OSU is also known for its spooky tales and rumored hauntings. Various locations on campus, including fraternity and sorority houses, the Bartlett Center, Student Union, Edmon Low Library, Williams Hall, and Old Central, have reported paranormal activities. These sightings include apparitions, mysterious sounds, moving objects, and temperature fluctuations. Many of these stories involve tragic events or unexplained occurrences that have left a lasting imprint on the campus. But don’t take our word for it…just read the numerous articles OSU’s own library has collected on all the things going “bump in the night” around campus! 

Sources:

Feb 16, 202442:53
Ep 71 Kellyville Train Wreck of 1917
Feb 09, 202428:59
Ep 70 Eugene Monroe
Feb 02, 202446:19
Ep 69 Ghosts of UCO
Jan 26, 202441:46
Ep 68 Native Freedmen
Jan 19, 202401:05:21
Ep 67 Logan Tucker pt 3

Ep 67 Logan Tucker pt 3

This week, Jess wraps up the senseless and tragic case of Logan Tucker. Unfortunately, this case doesn’t have that nice, pretty wrap-up we like to see. Jess dives into the trial of Kathrine Rutan, reporting on witness testimony, forensics, and speculation…remember…there was, and still is, no body. Despite everything, a family was dramatically changed that day in late June of 2002. And today, that family, as well as the community of Woodward, are left with more questions than answers…still. Where is Logan? And why? If you have any information, I know the Woodward Police Department and Woodward County Sheriff's Department would love to hear from you. 

Listener Discretion is advised. 

Sources:

  • Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6

  • The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org

  • The Charley Project at charleyproject.org

  • “Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction

  • Talkswithholly.medium.com

  • “Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman

Jan 12, 202401:34:52
Ep 66 Logan Tucker pt 2

Ep 66 Logan Tucker pt 2

Continuing from last week, Jess dives into the investigation of Katherine Rutan and the disappearance of 6 year old Logan Tucker. The amount of stories this woman had to keep straight regarding the whereabouts of her child will just blow your mind! Investigator Monty Clems, with the help of not only the FBI, but the citizens of Woodward and other surrounding communities, made it his life mission to find the missing boy. Though Logan’s body was ultimately never located, an indictment of murder was served. This episode is a roller coaster of emotions, so buckle up cousins!  

Listener Discretion is advised. 

Sources:

  • Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6

  • The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org

  • The Charley Project at charleyproject.org

  • “Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction

  • Talkswithholly.medium.com

  • “Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman

Jan 05, 202401:04:20
Ep 65 Logan Tucker pt 1

Ep 65 Logan Tucker pt 1

This week, Jess brings us another listener request; the disappearance and murder of Logan Tucker. Logan went missing the summer of 2002 from his home in Woodward, OK. However, leading up to this disappearance, Logan’s mother reported Logan as being troubled and a danger to his family. Although no one seemed to be able to corroborate this, DHS was scheduled to pick Logan up for evaluation at a mental health facility. Yet, Logan was never picked up or placed in DHS’s care. After several weeks, and an uncle asking for a welfare check, it was discovered Logan was missing. When mother Katherine Rutan reported Logan as camping with another uncle, law enforcement became very suspicious. This tale is a roller coaster ride of stories…none of which could appear or seem to be true!

Listener Discretion is advised. 

Sources:

  • Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6

  • The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org

  • The Charley Project at charleyproject.org

  • “Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction

  • Talkswithholly.medium.com

  • “Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman


Dec 30, 202353:40
Ep 64 Dead Woman's Crossing
Dec 22, 202342:21
Ep 63 Black Kettle & the Washita Massacre

Ep 63 Black Kettle & the Washita Massacre

As Oklahomans, we are familiar with the stories of how the various Native people came to live and be associated with our state. In most cases, ok, probably all, the government swore peace and other provisions through various treaties with Native tribes. Today’s story is one of those. Enter Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne. Famous for stressing the importance of peace, and finding ways to live harmoniously with the ever growing population of white settlers, Black Kettle sought out ways to be nonviolent. Unfortunately, after several lies and broken treaties, many of his tribe members were frustrated. To gain the upper hand, and more land, and to simply rid the area of Natives, a one, Colonel George Custard would enter the scene, leading to one of Indian Territories deadliest battles; the Washita Massacre. Jess tells of the stories of a brave and peace-loving chief, simply trying to do what’s best for his people, all while battling an ambitious American government. 

Sources: 

  • “Little Known Tales in Oklahoma History” by Alton Pryor

  • “It Happened In Oklahoma” by Robert L. Dorman

  • Battle of the Washita

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=WA037#:~:text=Black%20Kettle%20and%20an%20indeterminate,rest%20were%20women%20and%20children.)

  • Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-washitabattlefield/

  • Washita Battlefield

https://www.nps.gov/waba/learn/historyculture/index.htm

  • Black Kettle

https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/black-kettle-1807-1868

  • Biography of Black Kettle

https://www.nps.gov/sand/learn/historyculture/black-kettle-biography.htm



Dec 15, 202345:07
Ep 62 Gregory Canatis
Dec 08, 202359:12
Ep 61 Wheelock Academy & Belle Isle

Ep 61 Wheelock Academy & Belle Isle

Now that autumn is winding down and winter is amping up, it’s time to get cozy and comfy…and listen to some ghost stories! This week, your favorite cousins tell you about the dark history and spirits associated with both the Wheelock Academy/Missions in Millerton and the Belle Isle in Oklahoma City. 

Like many Native American schools during the late 1800s and early 1900s, Wheelock started out with good intentions, but ended with several accounts of mental, physical, and emotional abuse. With this being done on children, you can only imagine the energies that remain around the campus.

Oklahoma City is home to many long-forgotten sites. Belle Isle seems to be one of the biggest sites of former glory in our capital city. Belle Isle started as a way to power our turn of the century streetcars, but ended up being the center of entertainment for those living and working in the city in the early 1900s. At its height in the 1920s, Belle Isle boasted not only the powerplant, but a lake, amusement park, restaurants, and numerous other pleasurable enjoyments for folks. However, when coal power was replaced with electricity and gasoline, the Belle Isle fell into disrepair. Numerous tragedies befell the area, which provides for several generations of ghouls and ghosts. 

So snuggle up! The chills may not only come from the colder weather…  

Sources:

Dec 01, 202343:21
Ep 60 Dust Bowl pt 2
Nov 24, 202333:02
Ep 59 Dust Bowl pt 1
Nov 17, 202344:30
Ep 58 Ethics w/Sirens Podcast
Nov 10, 202301:14:54
Ep 57 Lindley Hospital
Nov 03, 202301:15:54
Ep 56 Phyllis Jean Warren pt 4
Oct 27, 202301:13:46
Ep 55 Phyllis Jean Warren pt 3
Oct 20, 202301:00:28
Ep 54 Phyllis Jean Warren pt 2
Oct 13, 202301:02:60
Ep 53 Phyllis Jean Warren pt 1

Ep 53 Phyllis Jean Warren pt 1

Most of us cousins have read the American classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. But did you know that a real-life version of that story happened right here in Oklahoma?

North Tulsa today is seeing a revitalization of the area. In the past, it was known for its crime and poverty, but in recent years, the city has been making waves, trying to improve the area. But as far back as the 1950s, that area of Tulsa was looked down upon by the upper echelon of downtown and midtown Tulsa. When 11 year old Phyllis Jean Warren winds up missing and later murdered, residents thought it would be an open and shut case. However, not all things are what they seem. With hints of such famous cases as that which Author Harper Lee outlined in her novel, and real life cases, like the West Memphis Three, this case really highlights the prejudice of the times…and how in some cases, police don’t want to do the investigative work if they can find a fall guy.

Jess begins this 3 parter with background of the North Tulsa area and who both victims were; little Phyllis Warren and her “supposed” murderer Buck Youngwolfe. Strap in. This is going to be a bumpy ride!

Listener discretion is advised.   

When 

Sources:


Oct 06, 202336:32
Ep 52 RSU & Eskridge Hotel
Sep 29, 202344:29
Ep 51 Bonnie & Clyde
Sep 22, 202301:05:05
Ep 50 Flora Quick & Earnest Lewis

Ep 50 Flora Quick & Earnest Lewis

We’re baaaaaaccccckkkkk!!

Hey cousins! After a month off, Jess and Tiff are ready to hit the trails running, bringing our favorite cousins the darkest of histories, kookiest of spooks, and thrillingest of true crimes…all from here, the Sooner State.

So strap into Season 2. We kick it off going back to where it all began…OUTLAWS!

In this two parter, Jess starts us out by diving into one of Oklahoma’s first law-breaking couples; Flora Quick, aka Flora Mundis, aka Tom King, and her very brief, but thrilling lover Earnest “Killer” Lewis. Being horse thieves at the end of the 19th century/beginning of the 20th century was a “hangin” offense in the Oklahoma and Indian Territories. But somehow, our lovely lady was able to escape prosecution SEVERAL times. One short stay in jail brought the star crossed lovers together, bonding over plans for future robberies. But all wasn’t meant to be, and a single failed train holdup signaled doom for the fast friends. 

Source Material: 

  • “Wild Women of the West: Flora Mundis” by Chris Enns from cowgirlmagazine.com, July 27, 2022

  • “Outlaw Tales of Oklahoma” by Robert Barr Smith

  • “100 Oklahoma Outlaws, Gangsters, and Lawmen” by Dan Anderson & Laurence Yadon

  • “Flora Quick aka Tom King” by Marshall Trimble from truewestmagazine.com, August 31, 2015 


Sep 15, 202351:31
Ep 49 Girl Scout Murders pt 4

Ep 49 Girl Scout Murders pt 4

Part 4 of the Girl Scout Murders

Your favorite cousins have reached the end of their deep dive into the Girl Scout Murders of Camp Scott. Our emotions have literally reached the limit. This case pulls at heartstrings, it causes us to get irrationally upset, and in the end, it devastates us knowing these 3 young girls had their whole lives ahead of them…hopes…dreams…

This episode will cover everything AFTER the trial of Gene Leroy Hart. We will discuss a lot of opinions…please note…they are OUR opinions. We would love to hear your thoughts too! 

Also, this is our season 1 finale! We are going to take off the rest of August and some of September. Please stay tuned to our socials (fb, ig, twitter/x?). We will stay active and let you know when season 2 will drop. 


Thank you so much for supporting us in our Beginning Era! You all have simply been just the best! We hope to keep you all entertained, informed, and a part of our family. Bigger and better things are planned for season 2. We love you all! Thank you!!

Curious Cousins OK is written and produced by Jess Burnett and Tiff Murray

Cover Art is by Jess Burnett and Tiff Murray

Our intro/outro music is It Comes to This by Moments

Ad music is Skittles and Lobsters by Dresden, the Flamingo

All our source material is linked in each show’s show notes.      


Sources:
The Camp Scott Murders by CS Kelly; OK’s Most Notorious Cases by Kent Frates; Remembering Camp Scott by OSU; Abandoned OK.com; Campscottmurders.com; girlscoutmurders.com; The Horrifying Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders Remain Unsolved 45 Years Later by Cat McAuliffe for Ranker.com; Tulsa World; New York Times; Shattered Justice by JD Morrison

Aug 11, 202301:01:41
Ep 48 Girl Scout Murders pt 3
Aug 06, 202301:22:21
Ep 47 Girl Scout Murders pt 2
Jul 28, 202352:37
Ep 46 Girl Scout Murders pt 1
Jul 21, 202301:13:10
Ep 45 Ft Reno & Labadie Mansion
Jul 14, 202301:09:26
Ep 44 Krebs Mining Accident & Cold War OK
Jul 07, 202301:25:35
Ep 43 Nannie Doss pt 2
Jun 30, 202341:45
Ep 42 Nannie Doss pt 1

Ep 42 Nannie Doss pt 1

Most people probably have warm, fuzzy feelings about their grandmas. Your favorite cousins do! Her warm, tasty cookies…nice, loving hugs…Never does the thought of POISON cross people’s minds when reminiscing about little, old grannies. Or maybe it does…Perhaps if you were a member of Nannie Doss’s family that’s exactly what you’d think! 

This week’s episode Jess tackles the Giggling Granny herself. The original Black Widow. The Lonely Hearts Killer. Lady Bluebeard: Nannie Doss.

In part 1, Jess tells us all about Nannie’s background…all FIVE husbands, her children, and her grandchildren. Nannie moved around the USA, seeking out her ultimate fairytale romance. But did she find it here in Tulsa? Guess you better listen to find out!    


Jun 23, 202343:09
Ep 41 Grisso Mansion & Masonic Children's Home
Jun 16, 202301:06:36
Ep 40 Cherokee Bill and Judge Isaac Parker

Ep 40 Cherokee Bill and Judge Isaac Parker

It’s time to take it back to our roots! How about another episode dedicated to an infamous Oklahoma outlaw and the man who tried to bring them to justice?

Tiff dives into the infamous life of Crawford “Cherokee Bill” Goldsby. For only living 20 years, he lived a life you’d only think was possible through a Hollywood script. Jess then takes over covering the one, the only, Judge Isaac Parker…aka…The Hanging Judge. This judge sat on the bench of many infamous outlaws’ cases…sentencing many to hang high!

   

  


Jun 09, 202301:13:02
Ep 39 Patrick Henry Sherrill
Jun 04, 202301:07:59
Ep 38 Oklahoma Witchcraft w/Sirens Podcast

Ep 38 Oklahoma Witchcraft w/Sirens Podcast

Jess and Tiff are taking a break this week, but have we got a treat for you all!

In this episode, your favorite cousins teamed up with the Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast to talk about some DARK Oklahoma history. Did you know about 200 years AFTER the famous Salem Witch Trials, Oklahoma had at least TWO of their own? Tiff talks about the infamous Oklahoma Witchhunter himself, Mr. Solomon Hotema, a well respected, well rounded, Choctaw man. Suffering from, what one can now only believe to be trauma from the loss of a child, Hotema sought out the help of a medicine man. This medicine man told Hotema that witches were to blame for the death of his child, and many others (when in fact, it was an outbreak of meningitis). Believing this, Hotema and two others took the "law" into their own hands one afternoon. In another trial, Jess covers the horrific trial of an old Seminole or Miccosukee (part of the Creek Nation) woman. In a account largely from the school teacher at We-Wo-Ka Government Mission School, Jess retells of the horrors and inhuman treatment of the "prisoner" believed to be a witch. Several newspaper accounts boasted how much we as people had learned between the 200 years after the hysteria of Salem...but did we really learn anything? Or did history, like is typical, repeat itself?


May 26, 202358:06
Ep 37 Mayo Hotel & McBride House
May 19, 202301:20:23
Ep 36 Abandoned Hospitals
May 12, 202354:32
Ep 35 Death of Jake Hamon pt 2

Ep 35 Death of Jake Hamon pt 2

Jess concludes the soap-opera-like story of Jake Hamon and his lover Clara Smith Hamon. The ups and downs in this case will spin your head! But even more shocking…the conclusion of the trial..and the path lives take afterwards. Remember, Jake and Clara were lovers for 10 years when Jake’s wife’s cousin’s husband (take a breath now) became President of the United States. Jake, ever looking for his next means to elevate his status, dumped Clara to resume life with his wife and family. While breaking up at an Ardmore hotel, Jake suddenly stumbles down stairs with a bullet wound, stating it had been self-inflicted. But could that be? Was this couple known to get physical at times? And what were those marks on Clara’s neck?  Grab your ticket and some popcorn too (you’ll get this pun during the episode! lol) for the conclusion of this Hollywood-worthy tale. 

May 05, 202301:04:18
Ep 34 Death of Jake Hamon

Ep 34 Death of Jake Hamon

Time for an old-timey tale! Jess takes us back to the early 1900s, when Oklahoma’s wild west was being won! This week, Jess dives into the mysterious murder of Jake Hamon. Jake was a well-known Oklahoman…well-known as an attorney, politician, oil-man, and womanizer. Being married with two children didn’t stop ole Jake from having a TEN YEAR long affair with his shopkeeper turned business partner Clara Smith Hamon. But wait…her last name was Hamon too? How did that happen? And how did Jake end up shot at the hotel he was staying at, awaiting the arrival of his wife and children, so they could move to Washington DC because the OG Mrs. Hamon’s cousin was elected president (or at least the cousin’s husband was)? Check out part 1 of this 2 part, Jess-irific series. This story may just be too good for real-life! Wait…is that Hollywood calling???  

Apr 28, 202346:18