The Grim Cities

Today we mark an incredibly special milestone for The Grim Cities. We’ve officially hit 50 episodes!  5-0…holy shit! 🤯 We are so incredibly grateful to all of our listeners, new and old, who have supported us along the way and who have motivated us to keep publishing content. We’ve been so well received and we could not be more thankful. 🥰 So to celebrate this momentous occasion, we give you an extra long episode filled with multiple horror headlines, a grave robbery, and even a recent discovery from Harvard outlined by Dan that will absolutely chill you to your core! We may just be sending you to an early afterlife with this episode y’all…

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Today’s episode starts off with another tale from Dan’s trip to Ireland years ago. He just doesn’t know how to let things go does he?! 🙄 And then Madeline and Dan analyze some of the worst - or best, depending on who you ask - April Fools’ Day pranks over the years. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and even scream. Some of these pranks go a wee bit too far…

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There is SO much to unpack in today’s episode…things are crazy as hell right right off the bat when Madeline finds out that she sleeps in a VERY concerning and downright creepy manner. And things just unravel further from there, as Madeline and Dan incorrectly try to guess when an iconic Minnesota institution was erected. And of course, no one expected that location to be haunted. But here we are! Oh boy….

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As Madeline gears up for a family trip into the heart of Indiana, a large chunk of the continental US prepares for the upcoming solar eclipse. On April 8th, 2024 North America will become a prime viewing location for this incredible phenomenon. If you want to experience it in all its glory, draw a straight line from Mazatlán, Mexico to Montreal, Canada and you’ll be able to visualize the path of totality. Be careful though, as strange things are rumored to occur during an eclipse…from poisoned food to possible pregnancy complications, does the eclipse possess unique powers? Listen and find out.

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As we get excited for the drunken debauchery of St. Paddy’s Day, Dan shares some fun memories from his time in Ireland. From ghost tours to a familial curse, his best judgement was not on display… Madeline then presents us with a compelling quiz to see just how well each of us would fare if we found ourselves in a real-life horror film. Best of all it originates from a BuzzFeed article, so you know it was crafted with the utmost attention to detail and edited for accuracy. 🤣

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Are you tired of horror films being snubbed for major categories at the Oscars? Or even worse, not being considered at all? So are we. This week we’re facing that problem head on by raising awareness of some of the most prolific horror movies of all time that were able to break through that Oscar curse and actually take home some shiny metal. 

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Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @TheGrimCities or email us at thegrimcitiespodcast@gmail.com!

Pick up some merch today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-grim-cities/

In a continuation from last week’s episode, we delve further into the infamous life of H. H. Holmes and the plethora of crimes he committed. Polygamy, failure to pay his contractors, and bringing his victims across both state and country lines…he did it all! Plus, listen until the end to find out how he was buried. ⚰️

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Where do serial killers come from, and what makes them different than the rest of us? Why do they gravitate toward violent behavior and vile thoughts? How do they justify their actions time and time again? In today’s episode Madeline and Dan dive into the early life of H. H. Holmes to uncover what life events led him to become America’s First Serial Killer.

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With Groundhog Day just recently passed, we’d like to dive further into the history of the mystical cryptid that has been predicting the longevity of our winters for decades. How did this groundhog get his powers, where did he come from, and why can he tell us with such certainty how many more weeks we can expect to endure the frigid temperatures that plague us? Discover the answers to these and so many more questions in today’s episode!

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Today is an incredibly special day! And why is it so special you ask? Because we are OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING OUR MERCH STORE!!! That’s right, you can finally get your hands on some sick-ass Grim Cities products and become the envy of all your friends. Show off your pride, share your love for the pod, and purchase some items.

Also exciting is the topic we have lined up for y’all today! We explore one of the country’s most haunted cemeteries, and it’s a measly three hours north in our beautiful state of MN. Just be sure to not let your pets leave your sight…it may just be the last time you ever see them. Buhl, here we come!

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This week we’re celebrating our 40th episode! And what a better way to memorialize the occasion, than taking a good ol’ stroll down memory lane? Today we’re looking at some of our past episodes through the eyes of fellow locals who have shared their own experiences online as they relate to a few topics we’ve covered. The Grim Cities is over the hill; so let’s get some fresh perspectives!

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They say there is always something new to discover in your own backyard. That is certainly the case in today’s episode, as Madeline and Dan first learn about a small island seated in the Mississippi River on the outskirts of Cottage Grove. Once home to the Mdewakanton tribe, what sort of entities now lurk amongst the wooded landscape? Whoever they are, we can tell you that they likely don’t want you there…

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Strap in y’all, ‘cause a lot is going down in today’s episode. We check in with one another to make sure we weathered Krampusnacht unscathed, Madeline gets a new calendar that will benefit ALL of us, and Dan tries to teach Madeline why her opinion about a certain heartthrob is just plain wrong. And that’s just the beginning…we’re diving back into the early 1900s mobster scene. It’s going to be a wild ride!

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Everyone wants a helpful assistant around the house to help with all the mundane chores, right? Lucky for you all, Madeline and Dan discuss some elf-like creatures from Nordic folklore that can take some stress off your plate. At least…most of the time. It’s a Christmas miracle! Or an omen… I guess you’ll have to listen and find out for yourself.

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In a first for The Grim Cities, Madeline and Dan are recording in front of a (very small) LIVE AUDIENCE! Who would have thought two other human beings would voluntarily subject themselves to the raw and unedited voices of your two notorious hosts. In today’s episode we listen to our first fan voicemail and follow-up on a haunted school in a small town. So join in the fun, live vicariously through others, and see what wonders await an in-person audience member.

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This episode is STACKED y’all! Madeline and Dan start off right away with not one, but FOUR horror headlines. 😱 They cover everything from unacceptable recording equipment standards (…terrifying) to a deck of cards that bring back bad childhood memories for Dan. And just when you think that much content would span an entire episode, we throw one of Madeline’s favorite scary stories at ya. It’s a tantalizing tale that will have you questioning what the actual fuck is going on?! Get hype.

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This week, Madeline and Dan continue their long overdue read-through of listener emails…they’re getting through it slowly but surely, okay?! Furthermore, they dip their toes back into the chilling waters of true crime. Listen and find out if a spunky group of small town residents can overcome the infamous might of one of the Midwest’s greatest mobsters!

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In today’s episode, Madeline and Dan take their first official field trip! To an actual physical location. They head to Duluth to tour an old ship and to experience all of the horrors trapped within its steel hull. So get ready to learn some local history while listening to Madeline and Dan scream and struggle for their lives…

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Madeline and Dan are awful planners and have a really bad habit of doing things super last minute… So if you have similar tendencies then we’ve got some super helpful halloween tips for you this year. And if you’re on top of everything in your life, well…then what are you doing taking our advice? Jot down some notes in today’s episode, or better yet, teach us how to be better. And while you’re at it, don’t accidentally fall into an alternate reality.

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AI has taken over nearly every corner of our daily lives. It can provide us with robust answers to our most specific questions, help us organize our daily lives, or even allow us to create stunning artwork without years of pursuing an art degree. But what happens when it goes rogue? Today we put on our cryptozoology⁠ gloves to uncover the creepy origins of the internet's first digital cryptid. And it's...unsettling.

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More UAPs are flying your way in this week’s episode. A continuation of last week’s discussion becomes more local. Madeline and Dan read some UFO reports from their home state of Minnesota. And let’s just say, some of them are…well...we’re not quite sure what cocktail of mind altering drugs some of these people are on. Get your binoculars ready, and keep your eyes peeled for unexplained shit!

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It's been a while since we've graced your listening holes, and for that we have a lot of ground to make up for. What better time to return than the first week of Spooky Szn?! 🎃👻🍂 And today really does get spooky, with real-life encounters from unidentified anomalous phenomena. Crazier yet? The United States military has now officially acknowledged the validity of video recordings from within their own ranks. Furthermore, today’s episode reveals another major breakthrough: Madeline finally overcomes a longtime fear! So it’s pretty safe to say that we’re starting the season off strong. Kicking extraterrestrial-ass and chasing UAPs, baby!

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Spring is upon us, and that means many of you are freshening up your look for the good weather. May I suggest getting your haircut with a cryptid? This may also help you pick up a new hot lover as we travel to one of the world’s most notorious sex work hotspots. You guessed it…Amsterdam! This week we learn that a good time may not be the only thing lurking in those private rooms. So get your cash ready and brace yourself for a wild night!

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In this week’s episode there’s a hostile takeover of Demon Dookies. It’s scary, it’s unsettling, and there may be no way to stop them. So, before we all pass away from an unexpected and undignified death, listen and learn a bit more about your favorite podcast hosts. Otherwise…good luck out there…

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In this week’s episode, a ventriloquist doll is on hand to be your doting valentine for the month of February. That is, if you accept his proposal. Otherwise you could try your luck with the severed limb that emerged from a hot spring. And if neither of those options tickle your fancy: how about a ghost who follows you home? Yeah, shit gets real in this episode…

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A toilet paper debate starts off this week’s episode, before Madeline and Dan pivot to a potentially gruesome rivalry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But all of that pales in comparison to the horrors that await visitors in this southeastern Pennsylvania mansion. Luckily you’re able to buy a pint when you step through the doors, because you’ll need something to dull your senses…

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In today's episode we inquire about a very important, very illusive topic: ourselves! Madeline and Dan take turns answering pertinent questions that explore both their interests and their fears. From their first horror-related memory to scary theme music that really gets their skin crawling, this episode lays it all out on the table. Tune in to get closer than ever before to your favorite podcast hosts!

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Welcome back everyone! Okay, so it's official; we got renewed for a second season...by ourselves! It's been a little while, but we're back behind the mic and we couldn't be more excited to be bringing you fresh n' freaky content for you to lose sleep over. Today we're visiting a tantalizingly tranquil resort on the shores of a northern Minnesota lake. But don't let the cute facade and fun lake activities fool you. This hotel has a dark side, overrun by  ghosts in the middle of a familial spat and the aftermath of a pneumonia death. And that's just the beginning. So go ahead, jump in as we kick Season 2 off with a BOO!!

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Hello listeners. Madeline and Dan are out this week researching some real spooky shit for y'all! As we work to pump out new episodes, we highly recommend you take some time to check out The Skylark Bell podcast. Go ahead, get immersed in a harrowing and curious tale centered in the spooky town Pocket. What secrets await your discovery?

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We're putting our thinking caps on and learning some new words today. What was supposed to be a regular 'Word of the Month' segment has become more of a word of the season. BUT! The wait has been worth it because today we're learning a lot about reflective surfaces, calling the dead, and...scrotums? Well...just take a listen for yourself.

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Today we're headed to the bar to celebrate a momentous occasion: our podcast has officially reached the legal drinking age! 🍻That's right, no more kiddie cocktails and black x's on the hands, baby! In honor of this moment, we thought it would be perfect to highlight some of the Midwest's most haunted drinking establishments. From Anoka to Indianapolis, the ghosts are out in full force getting plastered. So crack open a cold one and take a shot with us. You'd best dull your senses for this episode!

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We start this week off by finally revealing the voting results of the two-sentence horror story competition between Madeline and Dan. The outcome was shocking to say the least! Then we dive into some scary history from a building that was supposed to produce a simple household staple. Urban exploring and animal slaughter are just the start of the wash cycle in this week's episode. So take a listen to find out what happens when a haunted house becomes real...a little TOO REAL!

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Today we take over a historic music venue with it's own...dark...history. Prince may not have been the only one to leave an impression on this concert hotspot. So listen closely, and you may just hear more behind the music!

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Welcome back everyone! We know a little bit of time has past since we were last together, but we're so excited to be back and to bring you more spooky-ass content. Haunted art museums, hide and seek with an apparition, and possible bus drivers that are actually...ghosts?! Oh yeah...we're back y'all! Dig in to another juicy episode now.

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We’ve got a lot coming at you this week, y’all! From stenches that just won’t go away, to mummified remains, to murdered lovers, this episode has it all. And this time around, we’re looking for some help from our listeners; we officially share our two-sentence horror stories and open up voting to everyone. The stakes are high, and the power is in your hands…use it wisely!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities! …and submit your votes there.

Today we surprise Dan with a haunted place of which he is at the epicenter. That's right, we're traveling to an eerie marshland that stretches across much of the UK. It's best to avoid this area, as many people who venture in never make it out... If you do dare to enter this murky quagmire, just be sure not to eat the mushrooms 'cause you're gonna need your wits about you for the horrors that lie inside. Dan is going to have to channel his inner Demon Slayer for this one. Wish him luck!

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Get ready for a double dose of frights, because we’re bringing you a twofer today! That’s right, we’ll be covering TWO topics in today’s episode. Why? Because we love y’all and you deserve a little something extra. So if you’re headed up to the North Shore any time soon, you might want to be careful where you book your stay... Haunted hotel rooms and an old 20th century tower? Sounds a bit sketchy to me.

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I hope you don't have triskaidekaphobia, because today is our 13th episode! To mark the occasion, we are releasing an extra special episode and gracing your ears with something we haven't done before. We’ll discuss a local restaurant with a particularly dark past. And then…a surprise for all of our listeners! So, you don’t think the number 13 brings bad luck? Maybe not, but this episode might… Proceed with caution!

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Have you ever wondered what events led to the state of Minnesota's decision to abolish the death penalty? Or perhaps you're curious about the spirits that still linger to this day after their untimely death by execution. Well, the answers are a lot closer to home than you may realize. A statue at the entrance of the building in today's episode is said to bring good luck if you rub its toe. You might wanna do that before you listen to today's episode...there's a lot going on here.

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We're back! Happy new year to all of you. We hope it was filled with fun, friends, family, and FRIGHTS! Dan is officially in Spain, and apparently so are the ghosts. Today we talk about a Spanish national museum that has a long and rich history...of hauntings. Is it true that three nuns are buried beneath the entrance to the building? Listen to find out!

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The holidays are a joyous time of year filled with family, food, and good feelings...or are they? If you thought getting coal in your stocking was bad, just imagine what the naughty kids in these winter legends have to deal with. Today we discuss holiday folklore from around the world. And let's just say it gets quite dark. So I hope you behaved this year, or else you might get an unwelcome visit from one of these shady characters. You've been warned!

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We must be dehydrated... Because yes, we're talking about another body of water. Yes, this lake does actually go by the moniker 'Haunted Lake'. And believe you me, it definitely lives up to its name. We'd recommend not camping on the shores of this place.

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Today we pick up where we left of last week, just a quick 10 mile jaunt north to Red Wing Minnesota. Who knew that the home town of a famed boot brand could also hold such paranormal surprises. Sinking ships and...a hotel morgue? You'll just have to tune in to find out.

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Cryptid, who? We never knew her. Today we learn some new vocabulary and discuss our past education...which seems questionable at times with some of the things that come out of our mouths. Listen and get learnt with us! We might even discover some fun creatures along the way.

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Today, The Grim Cities is taking its first field trip out of Minnesota. As the weather here begins to plunge into the depths of despair that is a Minnesota winter, we daydream about a warm secluded island in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. But is this place really the paradise we are hoping for? Put on your swimsuit and find out with us.

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Think St. Paul is the boring twin city? ...THINK AGAIN! Grab a drink because, unlike today's story, we're no longer suffering through the times of prohibition. Corruption and ghosts and kidnappings, oh my! This one's a doozy.

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In today's episode we go back to school! College debauchery, haunted walkways, and getting mysteriously locked out of your dorm room? Yeah, it's all in there. Join us as we reminisce about our alma mater, the University of Minnesota - Twin Cites.

We also touch on some heavy topics in this episode. If you or anyone you know is struggling, resources are available 24/7. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.

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The event of the season is here - Happy Halloween, everyone! Join us as we discuss the Halloween Capitol of the World, located right here in Anoka, Minnesota - a city and a namesake less sinister and more festive than you would believe! Listen to this extra Minisode as a treat, let's forget the tricks! 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities! Stay spooky!