The Fruit Machine

When you think of deadly weapons, is a car on that list? This week’s episode is all about how deadly the humble automobile can be.First, Benton relays the classic Texas tale of David Harris being run over by his wife Clara in a furious rage. Then, Anna tells the tragic story of Gregory Biggs, who was struck by Chante Mallard's car resulting in a completely avoidable fatality. Finally, the two watch an episode of City Confidential, profiling the murder of Yvonne Martins.Our TV doc this week is Season 3: Episode 14 of City Confidential, “Betrayal on the Big Island”.

Did you always feel safe in college? You’d be surprised about the dangers on campus that you wouldn’t see coming.First, Benton relays the tragic story of Trang Ho, who was murdered in her bedroom by an obsessive roommate at Yale. Then, Anna tells of the mysterious death of Faith Hedgepeth in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Finally, the two watch an episode of Forensic Files II, profiling the death of Annie Le at Harvard.Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 3 of Forensic Files II, “The Green Pen”.

Have you ever wondered how a chatbot may be influencing you? This episode is for you! First, Benton tells the tale of a notorious murder/suicide in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Then, Anna relays the story of a young man who committed suicide after getting too close to an AI companion. Finally, the two watch a documentary discussing the murders of Nehida Bristy and Zamil Limon.Our TV doc this week is Season 2: Episode 35 of On the Case With Chris Stewart.

Have you ever wondered what makes a true coverup? That is the theme of this week's episode, and these governments sure do go to great lengths!First, Benton tells the tale of the biological and chemical research lab Unit 731. Then, Anna relays the embarrassing tale of Canada's LGBTQ Purge and the Fruit Machine. Finally, the two watch a documentary profiling the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.Our TV documentary this week is the 1989 NOVA special, "Back To Chernobyl." 

Sometimes when the spirit of the land is angered, they say a curse could find its way into your life! First, Benton tells the tale of the legendary Curse of the Pharaohs and the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb. Then, Anna shares the story of Lake Lanier, and why you should always be careful when swimming in a creepy debris field. Finally, the two watch an episode of Cursed Films, profiling the cursed movie set of The Exorcist.Our TV doc this week is Season 1: Episode 1 of Cursed Films, “The Exorcist”.

Do terrible people still find each other and do even more terrible things? You’ll find out soon! This week’s episode also examines shared delusions among family members that you wouldn’t see coming.First, Benton tells the tale of the 2007 mass suicide in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Then, Anna tells two stories of family members who spread schizophrenic delusions to each other. Finally, the two watch a documentary episode of Crimes That Shook Britain, profiling the Moors Murders.Our TV doc this week is Season 6: Episode 5 of Crimes That Shook Britain, profiling Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.

Have you ever wondered what makes an assassin tick? That is the theme of this week's episode, and these guys are all over the place.First, Benton tells the tale of John Hinckley Jr.'s quest to woo Jodie Foster by assassinating President Reagan. Then, Anna relays the tragic tale of President Kennedy's assassination by Lee Harvey Oswald. Finally, the two watch a documentary profiling the mafia hitman Richard Kuklinski, also known as the Iceman.Our TV documentary this week is The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer on HBO.

Better keep an eye on that au pair! This episode is all about nannies who definitely don't reduce the parental workload. First, Benton tells the tale of Christine Banfield's murder by her husband and nanny.  Then, Anna shares the horrible crimes of Yoslyn Ortega. Finally, the two settle in for a British documentary, profiling the notorious trial of Louise Wooodward.Our TV doc this week is What Actually Happened In The Trial of Louise Woodward.

Have you ever wondered where people go when they disappear? We do, too! For Episode 117, we dive into mysterious disappearances that just have no explanation. First, Benton tells the tale of Blimp L-8, whose two crew members disappeared from without a trace near San Francisco, and Anna relays the tragic story of the missing Sodder children. Lastly, the two enjoy a classic episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, profiling the disappearance of Brian Shaffer.Our TV doc this week is the Jan 21, 2025 Episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, "Where's Brian?".

Have you ever wondered how safe it is to be a beauty queen? Then episode 116 is for you, because they get murdered, too! First, Benton tells of the complicated murder of Russel Douglas. Then, Anna relays the story of the stalking murder of Nona Dirksmeyer. Finally, the two watch a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the murder of local beauty queen Tana Wooley.Our TV doc this week is Season 4: Episode 11 of Cold Case Files(first story), "Beauty Queen Killer".