Dark City: Uncovering History Hiding in the Shadows – Details, episodes & analysis

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Dark City: Uncovering History Hiding in the Shadows

Dark City Productions

Society & Culture

History

True Crime

Frequency: 1 episode/13d. Total Eps: 44

Dark City uncovers the real, gritty, and often hidden stories behind the places you think you know. From true crime and dark history to paranormal encounters and urban legends, every episode is a tour of the secrets, scandals, and mysteries hiding in the shadows. Season 2: Phoenix is now streaming, with occasional detours to places with stories too good to wait.

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Feedback or listener tales you would like to share? Drop me a note at info@darkcitypodcast.com! I would love to hear from you.

Genres: Travel, History, True Crime, Paranormal, Culture

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
06/11/2025
#90
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
24/10/2025
#100
🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
16/10/2025
#84
🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
07/10/2025
#63

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http://www.darkcitypodcast.com
8 shares
https://spiritofarizonatours.com/
4 shares
https://freedomofmind.com/
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/alacarala
44 shares
https://www.instagram.com/paulosbrighi
19 shares
https://www.instagram.com/authornicolestrickland
1 share

https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2321516/open_sms
44 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 73%

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19. CULT: Synanon's Degeneration from Addiction Treatment to Violent Cult Pt 1

Season 1 · Episode 19

Thursday, September 19, 2024 • Duration 30:17

Santa Monica, CA | How does a group once celebrated for its success treating heroin addicts become a violent cult? Founded in 1958 by Charles "Chuck" Diederich, Synanon initially presented itself as an innovative and promising program for those struggling with addiction. However, beneath its acclaimed exterior lay a deeply flawed foundation. Despite praise from the media and endorsements from prominent figures - including one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century - Synanon was always rotten at the core. You’ll be shocked by the methods Synanon used to treat drug addiction, all while enjoying public recognition.

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🔎 Want to see how deep this story really goes? Here’s the full set of sources we used:
Books, Documentaries, Podcasts
-Hassan, S. (2015). Combatting cult mind control. Freedom of Mind Press.
-HBO Max. (n.d.). Synanon Fix [Documentary series]. https://www.hbomax.com/shows/synanon-fix/a27b5e0a-68eb-48e2-baa6-2b0f01d5b8be
-Janzen, R. (2001). The rise and fall of Synanon: A California utopia. Johns Hopkins University Press.
-Kubler, K. (Director & Executive Producer). (2024). The program: Cons, cults, and kidnapping [Documentary film]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/81579761
-Paramount+. (n.d.). Born in Synanon [Documentary series]. https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/born-in-synanon/
-That’s So Fcked Up. (2024, April 17). TRENDING TOPIC: Synanon—drug rehab turned dangerous cult [Audio podcast episode]. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-fcked-up/id1508752329?i=1000652758034
-The Sunshine Place. (2022). [Audio podcast]. Team Downey; Wink Pictures. Audacy. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/all

Websites & Articles
-https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/sexual_orientation/events_cle/troubled-teen-industry-multi-series/
-https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/resources/newsletters/childrens-rights/five-facts-about-troubled-teen-industry/
-http://khanna.house.gov/media/press-releases/khanna-merkley-cornyn-tuberville-and-carter-introduce-bipartisan-legislation
-https://lamag.com/lahistory/synanon-cult
-https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-29/synanon-rattlesnake-mailbox
-https://www.law.upenn.edu/live/news/15963-the-troubled-teen-industrys-troubling-lack-of
-https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2007/08/cult-spawned-tough-love-teen-industry/
-https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/18/the-shadow-penal-system-for-struggling-kids
-https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/opinion/troubled-teens-industry-regulation.html
-https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/01/business/media/david-mitchell-dead.html
-https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/arts/television/synanon-love-has-won-documentary.html
-https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-peak-experience/202209/maslow-and-the-utopian-vision
-https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-synanon-fix-review-2024
-https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/bay-area-family-rescued-children-synanon-19402428.php
-https://www.teenvogue.com/story/this-1970s-cult-inspired-abusive-teen-rehabilitation-methods-still-used-today
-https://time.com/6962417/synanon-fix-true-story-hbo/

-https://web.archive.org/web/20080430083101/

Have ideas or suggestion? We would love to hear from you! Send us a text via this link.

👏 Special thanks to our talented partners:
Paolo Sbrighi for Musical Composition (instagram.com/paulosbrighi/)
Mario Cintra for Logo Design (instagram.com/alacarala/)

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9. ROCKEFELLER IMPOSTER: The “Who’s Who” of “Who’s That?” Pt 2

Season 1 · Episode 9

Friday, May 24, 2024 • Duration 51:13

San Marino, CA | Christian Gerhartstreiter’s lies become more and more outrageous, yet the list of people he fools grows longer and longer. However, a secret that seemed to be long buried and forgotten will come back to haunt him, and eventually some form of justice will be served.

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

Our top sources for this episode include:
-Branson-Potts, H. (2013, August 15). Rockefeller impostor gets 27-to-life for San Marino man’s murder. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-aug-15-la-me-rockefeller-sentencing-20130816-story.html
-CBS News. (2023, May 28). AKA Rockefeller. CBS News. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/video/aka-rockefeller-1/
-Girardot, Frank C. “Becoming Clark Rockefeller: Murder, Love, Deception, and the Con Man Behind It All. WildBlue Press. Kindle Edition. 2023
-Hamilton, D. (2011, June 3). Book review: ‘The Man in the Rockefeller Suit’ by Mark Seal. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/books/la-et-book-20110603-story.html
-KPCC Archive. (2013, April 2). Fake Rockefeller murder trial: Key moments from the case. LAist. https://laist.com/news/kpcc-archive/old-killing-remains-mysterious-near-the-end-of-the
-Martinez, M. (2012, January 18). Man who posed as Clark Rockefeller faces murder charge. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/18/justice/california-gerhartsreiter-rockefeller/index.html
-https://sanmarinotribune.outlooknewspapers.com/2018/01/04/no-yawns-jann-sweden/
-Seal, Mark. “The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor”. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 2012
-Take Two. (2013, March 11). Unmasking the ‘Man in the Rockefeller Suit [Audio podcast episode]. LAist. https://laist.com/shows/take-two/unmasking-the-man-in-the-rockefeller-suit
-“Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack – Season 7, Episode 11 (Full Episode)” (FilmRise True Crime, n.d.) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73o08bTg7hU
-Vuong, Z. (2020, January 21). The true story of ‘Clark Rockefeller’; San Marino residents reminisce. Pasadena Star-News.

8. ROCKEFELLER IMPOSTER: The “Who’s Who” of “Who’s That?” Pt 1

Season 1 · Episode 8

Friday, May 17, 2024 • Duration 53:30

San Marino, CA | This story makes the Netflix series “Inventing Anna” look like amateur hour. The con artist that set up shop in the picturesque city of San Marino in the early 80’s fooled just about everyone he met. But the truth would eventually unravel after an unexpected find nearly a decade later in a neighborhood backyard.

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

Our top sources for this episode include:
-Branson-Potts, H. (2013, August 15). Rockefeller impostor gets 27-to-life for San Marino man’s murder. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-aug-15-la-me-rockefeller-sentencing-20130816-story.html
-CBS News. (2023, May 28). AKA Rockefeller. CBS News. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/video/aka-rockefeller-1/
-Girardot, Frank C. “Becoming Clark Rockefeller: Murder, Love, Deception, and the Con Man Behind It All. WildBlue Press. Kindle Edition. 2023
-Hamilton, D. (2011, June 3). Book review: ‘The Man in the Rockefeller Suit’ by Mark Seal. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/books/la-et-book-20110603-story.html
-KPCC Archive. (2013, April 2). Fake Rockefeller murder trial: Key moments from the case. LAist. https://laist.com/news/kpcc-archive/old-killing-remains-mysterious-near-the-end-of-the
-Martinez, M. (2012, January 18). Man who posed as Clark Rockefeller faces murder charge. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/18/justice/california-gerhartsreiter-rockefeller/index.html
-https://sanmarinotribune.outlooknewspapers.com/2018/01/04/no-yawns-jann-sweden/
-Seal, Mark. “The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor”. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 2012
-Take Two. (2013, March 11). Unmasking the ‘Man in the Rockefeller Suit [Audio podcast episode]. LAist. https://laist.com/shows/take-two/unmasking-the-man-in-the-rockefeller-suit
-“Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack – Season 7, Episode 11 (Full Episode)” (FilmRise True Crime, n.d.) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73o08bTg7hU
-Vuong, Z. (2020, January 21). The true story of ‘Clark Rockefeller’; San Marino residents reminisce. Pasadena Star-News.

7. CULT OR COMMUNE? The Source Family (It’s Totally A Cult)

Season 1 · Episode 7

Thursday, May 9, 2024 • Duration 41:17

Los Angeles, CA | The Source Family of 1970s Los Angeles had all of the trappings of a thriving commune with a flair for glamor. Running one of LA's earliest and most celebrated organic eateries on the Sunset Strip, it’s hard to see a darker reality lurking beneath the surface. But make no mistake, its leader, Jim Baker, had all of the characteristics of a cult leader, breaking his own rules and placing his members in life or death situations because of them.

Intrigued by this episode's references to Jack Parsons and Aleister Crowley? Check out Episodes 1 & 2 - Pioneering Rocketeer & Occultist in Pasadena: The Double Life of Jack Parsons!

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode:
-Baker, W. & Brian Solan (2022). My name was Mushroom: My life as a teenage runaway in the Source Family commune. Think It Publishing.
-Bernstein, R. (Host). (2023, December 20). The Source Family Commune w/ Wendy Baker [Audio podcast episode]. In IndoctriNation.
-Demopoulos, M., & Wille, J. (Directors). (2013). The Source Family [Documentary film].
-Linkletter, A., Jensen, B., & Vanek, J. (2019, January 9). Episode 22: The Source Family Cult [Audio podcast episode]. In The First Degree.
-Polcyn, G., & Richardson, V. (2019, December 31). Best of 2019: The Source Family Pt. 2: James Baker [Audio podcast episode]. In Cults.
-https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/06/child-marriage-california/
-https://www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/exploring-the-source
-https://la.eater.com/2013/5/13/6435783/the-source-las-first-spiritual-vegetarian-restaurant
-http://lifeinthesourcefamily.blogspot.com/2015/11/joining-source-family.html?m=1
-https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11990859/Inside-Source-Family-bizarre-1970s-Hollywood-sex-cult.html
-https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-19-ca-source19-story.html
-https://la.curbed.com/2013/5/13/10245880/the-respectable-la-houses-of-1970s-hippie-cult-the-source-https://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections/collections/american-religions-collection-https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-may-15-la-et-mn-source-family-documentary-20130511-story.html-https://lamag.com/news/yod-hair-a-qa-with-the-filmmakers-of-the-source-family-https://lamag.com/news/blood-sugar-sex-magick-a-new-documentary-about-the-source-family-https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89471347-https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/nyregion/the-source-family-a-concert-and-film.html-https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/01/movies/the-source-family-a-documentary-on-father-yod.html-https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/21/father-yod-the-1970s-cult-leader-whose-wild-psychedelia-was-more-suited-to-disneyland-than-dive-bars-https://www.library.ucsb.edu/news/american-religions-collection-https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-04-12/source-family-cult-l-a-father-yod-mark-ruffalo-rick-rubin-vegetarian-restaurant-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309411436888787984/-https://laist.com/news/la-history/source-family-restaurant-vegetarian-dinner-gratitude-kitchen-dec-5

6. HISTORY, LORE & HAUNTINGS: Griffith Park

Season 1 · Episode 6

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 • Duration 48:32

Los Angeles, CA | A wild mountain lion, the disembodied roar of a tiger, and a serial killer bear, oh my! And that’s just the wildlife of Griffith Park. It’s known for the Hollywood sign, its world-class observatory, countless places to hike or relax. Not so much for its long shady history of land owners mired in scandal, restless ghosts, and the unsettling discovery of dozens of human remains through the years. It’s pretty safe today, but you might just want to make sure you always hike with a buddy…and sanitize the picnic tables. We’ll tell you why!

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode:
-Autry Museum of the American West. (2024). Investigating Griffith Park [Museum exhibition]. The Autry.
-Bartlett, J. T. (n.d.). Griffith J. Griffith statue. Atlas Obscura.
-Cantrell, L. (2020, May 3). The tragic true story of Peg Entwistle, the actress who jumped to her death from the Hollywood sign. Town & Country.
-Desert Sun. (1963, April 26). Ivan the polar bear kills mate. Desert Sun, 36(226). California Digital Newspaper Collection.
-Hamel, J. (2019, September 12). The Tongva descendants: We originated here [Audio podcast episode]. In Curious Coast. KCRW.
-KCRW. (2020, May 20). Discovering Griffith Park with Casey Schreiner [Radio segment]. In Press Play with Madeleine Brand.
-L.A. Not So Confidential. (2022, February 27). Vintage case: Griffith J. Griffith & J. Paul Deriver (re-release) [Audio podcast episode].
-Lank, B. (2021, November 12). Legends, detention centers, and a gay in high and low lights from the 125-year history of Griffith Park. The Eastsider.
-Los Angeles Explorers Guild. (2021, October 6). Griffith J. Griffith statue.
-Lost LA. (2019, October 15). Griffith Park: The untold history (Season 4, Episode 1) [TV episode]. PBS SoCal/KCET.
-Meares, H. (2017, October 31). Ghost stories from Los Feliz. Curbed LA.
-Meares, H. (2019, October 16). The complex life of Griffith J. Griffith. PBS SoCal.-Meares, H. (Host). (2019, July 16). Murder at Rancho Los Feliz (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In Underbelly LA.-Rasmussen, C. (1994, January 3). For almost 100 years, Griffith Park, the… Los Angeles Times.-Schreiner, C. (2020). Discovering Griffith Park: A local’s guide. Mountaineers Books.-Tejeda, V. (2014, October 31). Is the Hollywood sign haunted? Vanity Fair.-The Real Los Angeles Tours. (2025, January 15). Griffith Park: LA’s greatest gift. The Real Los Angeles Tours.-Washington Post. (2016, March 28). 150 years of misfortune in L.A.’s Griffith Park: A curse, ghosts and now an unknown woman’s skull. The Washington Post.

5. HAUNTED: The Cecil Hotel, A True American Horror Story Pt 2

Season 1 · Episode 5

Thursday, April 25, 2024 • Duration 44:55

Los Angeles, CA | Was it a tragic accident, murder, or a paranormal force at work? Theories abound as to how Elisa Lam, a Canadian student visiting LA as part of her exploration of the west coast, died in the shocking and bizarre way she did during her stay at The Cecil. In Part 2, we delve into the details of what is arguably the most well known tragedy at the hotel. With this place being such a hot spot for every tragedy imaginable, we share the perspective that maybe a Realm Walker is to blame (yes, it’s as terrifying as it sounds, we’ll explain) and an important announcement about The Cecil's future.

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode:
-Batey, E. (2024, March 10). The Cecil Hotel, which inspired American Horror Story and two Netflix docuseries, is for sale. Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/cecil-hotel-los-angeles-for-sale
-Berlinger, J. (Director). (2021). Crime scene: The vanishing at the Cecil Hotel [TV documentary series]. Netflix.
-Bridge, A. (1994, July 2). Murderer's “final freedom”: The bizarre life of Jack Unterweger, poet and killer of prostitutes, ends at his own hand. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/murderer-s-final-freedom-the-bizarre-life-of-jack-unterweger-poet-and-killer-of-prostitutes-ends-at-his-own-hand-1417861.html
-Chaudry, R., & Marsh, E. (Hosts). (2022–2025). Rabia and Ellyn solve the case [Audio podcast series]. Parcast.
Discovery. (2019, August 1). The Cecil Hotel is known as LA's most haunted for many horrifying reasons. Discovery. https://www.discovery.com/exploration/Cecil-Hotel-LA-Haunted-Reasons
-Gerken, M. (2021, February 15). What you need to know about the Cecil Hotel in Netflix’s latest crime show. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/14/entertainment/cecil-hotel-netflix-trnd/index.html
-Los Angeles Times. (1944, September 8). Mother held after baby found thrown to death (p. 15). Los Angeles Times. Newspapers.com.
-Miller, J. (2015, March 9). About the time Sean Penn exchanged notes with a serial killer. Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/sean-penn-serial-killer-Perelman, D. R. (2022). Death at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. History PR.-Piedra, X. (2019, June 4). Hotel of horrors: The dark and terrifying history of L.A.’s Cecil Hotel. The Lineup. https://the-line-up.com/cecil-hotel-Price, A. (2023). Behind the door. William Morrow.-Romero, D. (2013). Elisa Lam video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TjVBpyTeZM-Roos, D. (2022, October 19). A short history of Skid Row. HowStuffWorks. https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/skid-row.htm-Russell, T. (Director). (2021). Night stalker: The hunt for a serial killer [TV documentary series]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/81025701-R.H. Stavis. (2018). Sister of darkness: The chronicles of a modern exorcist. Dey Street Books.-The San Francisco Examiner. (1960, June 12). BH Chief Anderson. The San Francisco Examiner. Newspapers.com.-Unknown author. (n.d.). L.A.’s “Suicide Triangle” and the dark history of DTLA hotels. Los Angeles Magazine. https://lamag.com/lahistory/l-a-s-suicide-triangle-and-the-dark-hi

4. HAUNTED: The Cecil Hotel, A True American Horror Story Pt 1

Season 1 · Episode 4

Thursday, April 18, 2024 • Duration 42:51

Los Angeles, CA | The Cecil Hotel is often described as the most haunted place in Los Angeles, possibly the world. In its past century of existence, it has been the site of countless deaths, unsolved mysteries, and almost every category of crime you can think of. Even if you saw the Netflix series on The Cecil, you will still be shocked and surprised by the additional details and stories we found. The Cecil is located on the edge of one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, so is it just a victim of its geography? Or is there a darker force at work?

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode:
-Batey, E. (2024, March 10). The Cecil Hotel, which inspired American Horror Story and two Netflix docuseries, is for sale. Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/cecil-hotel-los-angeles-for-sale
-Berlinger, J. (Director). (2021). Crime scene: The vanishing at the Cecil Hotel [TV documentary series]. Netflix.
-Bridge, A. (1994, July 2). Murderer's “final freedom”: The bizarre life of Jack Unterweger, poet and killer of prostitutes, ends at his own hand. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/murderer-s-final-freedom-the-bizarre-life-of-jack-unterweger-poet-and-killer-of-prostitutes-ends-at-his-own-hand-1417861.html
-Chaudry, R., & Marsh, E. (Hosts). (2022–2025). Rabia and Ellyn solve the case [Audio podcast series]. Parcast.
Discovery. (2019, August 1). The Cecil Hotel is known as LA's most haunted for many horrifying reasons. Discovery. https://www.discovery.com/exploration/Cecil-Hotel-LA-Haunted-Reasons
-Gerken, M. (2021, February 15). What you need to know about the Cecil Hotel in Netflix’s latest crime show. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/14/entertainment/cecil-hotel-netflix-trnd/index.html
-Los Angeles Times. (1944, September 8). Mother held after baby found thrown to death (p. 15). Los Angeles Times. Newspapers.com.
-Miller, J. (2015, March 9). About the time Sean Penn exchanged notes with a serial killer. Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/sean-penn-serial-killer-Perelman, D. R. (2022). Death at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. History PR.-Piedra, X. (2019, June 4). Hotel of horrors: The dark and terrifying history of L.A.’s Cecil Hotel. The Lineup. https://the-line-up.com/cecil-hotel-Price, A. (2023). Behind the door. William Morrow.-Romero, D. (2013). Elisa Lam video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TjVBpyTeZM-Roos, D. (2022, October 19). A short history of Skid Row. HowStuffWorks. https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/skid-row.htm-Russell, T. (Director). (2021). Night stalker: The hunt for a serial killer [TV documentary series]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/81025701-R.H. Stavis. (2018). Sister of darkness: The chronicles of a modern exorcist. Dey Street Books.-The San Francisco Examiner. (1960, June 12). BH Chief Anderson. The San Francisco Examiner. Newspapers.com.-Unknown author. (n.d.). L.A.’s “Suicide Triangle” and the dark history of DTLA hotels. Los Angeles Magazine. https://lamag.com/lahistory/l-a-s-suicide-triangle-and-the-dark-history-of-dtla-hotels

3. SCANDAL: The Secret Lover in the Attic

Season 1 · Episode 3

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 • Duration 53:16

Los Angeles, CA | Is it possible to hide away a secret lover in an attic…for nearly a decade?? What starts as a daytime affair in the midwest between Dolly Oesterreich and Otto San Huber quickly escalates into Otto living in the attic of Dolly’s home. This arrangement lasts for years, even surviving a move to Los Angeles where Otto continues to live hidden in the attic of Dolly’s Silver Lake home. But when Dolly’s husband dies under highly suspicious circumstances, the LAPD investigates only to hit a dead end - until a series of really sloppy mistakes and years of elapsed time reveals what they could have never guessed.

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode.
-Carlson, J. (2016, February 22). “Hidden History” podcaster talks about L.A.’s most fascinating history. LAist. https://laist.com/news/entertainment/hidden-history-of-la-podcast
-Lardinois, A. (2021, April 13). The legend of Milwaukee’s most infamous love triangle. Milwaukee Magazine. https://www.milwaukeemag.com/the-legend-of-milwaukees-most-infamous-love-triangle/
-Nugent, A. (2016, June 7). The married woman who kept her lover in the attic. Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-married-woman-who-kept-her-lover-in-the-attic
-Petersen, R. (2016, July 13). Hidden history of LA: The murderous lover who lived in a Silver Lake attic [Audio podcast episode]. In Off-Ramp. KPCC. https://archive.kpcc.org/programs/offramp/2016/07/13/50452/hidden-history-of-la-the-murderous-lover-who-lived/
-Rabe, J. (2022, April 15). The murderous lover who lived in a Silver Lake attic: A true story. LAist. https://laist.com/news/entertainment/the-murderous-lover-who-lived-in-a-silver-lake-attic-a-true-story
-Rasmussen, C. (1995, March 20). “Bat Man” case: A lurid tale of love and death. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-20-me-44878-story.html
-Stingl, J. (2003, November 23). There was a wife who kept a lover in her attics [Final edition]. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
-The San Francisco Examiner. (1960, June 12). BH Chief Anderson. The San Francisco Examiner. Newspapers.com.

2. OCCULT: The Double Life of Rocketeer Jack Parsons Pt 2

Season 1 · Episode 2

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 • Duration 40:58

Pasadena, CA | In Part 1, we introduced you to Jack Parsons, pioneering rocket scientist by day, occultist by night. This week, we will detail the downright bizarre rituals he engages in as his occult obsession drives him to near madness. From getting caught up in a destructive love triangle with the founder of Scientology to losing his hard earned professional credibility, Jack’s life could not be filled with more drama. Even the abrupt and tragic end to his life will leave us asking the question - would a rocket scientist really do that?

Follow us for episode photos and more at:
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/darkcity.podcast
🪡 Threads: threads.net/@darkcity.podcast
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/darkcitypod
✉️ Email: info@darkcitypodcast.com

🐇 Go ahead, down the rabbit hole you go… Here’s the complete list of sources for this episode:
Britannica. (2025, July 29). Aleister Crowley: British occultist. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
-Cantrell, L. (2020, May 3). The tragic true story of Peg Entwistle, the actress who jumped to her death from the Hollywood sign. Town & Country.
-Carter, J., & Wilson, R. A. (2005). Sex and rockets: The occult world of Jack Parsons. Feral House.
-Chapman, J. (2022, June 17). A look back at Jack Parsons on the 70th anniversary of his explosive death: Part 1 of a 3-part series on Jack Parsons. Pasadena Now.
-Chapman, J. (2022, June 25). How Jack Parsons and the Suicide Squad created a ‘new paradigm in rocketry’. Pasadena Now.
-Chapman, J. (2022, July 2). Exploring the occult world of Jack Parsons. Pasadena Now.
-Crowley, A. (1987). The book of the law. Weiser Books.
-Jacobson, M. M. (2016, September 22). 6 Dark places Aleister Crowley performed his particular brand of magick. Atlas Obscura.
-Knowledge at Wharton Staff. (n.d.). MacDonald’s book and the secret history of the space race [Audio podcast episode]. In Knowledge at Wharton. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
-Palmer, D. A. (2016, December 15). Yes, Pasadena has a ‘Millionaire’s Row’ filled with stately homes from a bygone era. Pasadena Star-News.
-Pendle, G. (2006). Strange angel: The otherworldly life of rocket scientist John Whiteside Parsons. Mariner Books.-Pendle, G. (2015, January 2). The occult rocket scientist who conjured spirits with L. Ron Hubbard. Vice.-Polcyn, G., & Richardson, V. (Hosts). (2022, May 31). Jack Parsons (Ordo Templi Orientis Pt. 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Cults. Parcast.-Rasmussen, C. (2000, March 19). Life as a Satanist propelled rocketeer. Los Angeles Times.-Tedeschi, D. (2019, October). Was the FBI right to hound one of America’s foremost rocket pioneers? Smithsonian Magazine.-Vincent, A. (2017, February 17). Sex, rocket science, and Satanism: Meet NASA’s real hidden figures. The Telegraph.

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