"The Bloody Benders" of Labette County, Kansas

 What a CreepSeason 30, Episode 3The Murder of Kirsten Costas(The Inspiration for the 1994 TV  Movie Death of a Cheerleader)In the idyllic suburb of Orinda, California, the summer of 1984 was marked by the shocking murder of 15-year-old Kirsten Costas. A popular high school student, Kirsten, was killed by her classmate Bernadette Protti from Miramonte High School. Motivated by jealousy and social pressure, the crime revealed the darker aspects of affluent adolescent life. The murder went unsolved for months, and when the killer was finally found, it shocked the community. I contend that this case was one of the first crimes to highlight the insecurities of Generation X. The incident inspired the made-for-TV film "A Friend to Die For" (1994), later retitled "Death of a Cheerleader." Starring Kellie Martin and Tori Spelling, the movie explored themes of peer pressure, envy, and the price of popularity, giving the case a haunting cultural resonance that still lingers today.Trigger Warning: MurderSources for this episode:The Campo ClawKirsten Costas Wikipedia CNNDiscovery +MurderpediaThe Los Angeles TimesRanker Yahoo NewsPeople MagazineInquisitorScreen RantThe New York TimesThe CinemaholicThe San Francisco ExaminerBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsTwitter: https://twitter.com/CreepPod @CreepPodFacebook: Join the private group! Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez created our logo. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a Creep (Replay!) Season 20, Episode 7George Washington and the Tale of Ona JudgeGeorge Washington is the “Father of Our Country” and one of American history's most revered Founding Fathers. We heard tales of how brave he was and that he could not tell a lie. He also famously refused to create a fiefdom with the office of President, which means we are not stuck with someone in office unless they are duly elected. Like many white people of his time, he enslaved people. This is a fact, and though not unusual in his peer group--it's not a great look for a person who is enshrined all across the United States. People want to downplay his racism and evil acts.Listening to Bill Maher and Elon Musk minimize his actions made us realize we need to dive into one of the first President’s most heinous acts by talking about badass Ona Judge. An enslaved woman who escaped from the President’s home and remained free despite his relentless pursuit of her. This woman is an American hero whom everyone who truly believes in liberty and freedom needs to learn about and memorialize her contribution to history. Trigger Warning: Racism and slaverySources for this episode: Twisted Philly PodcastGeorge Washington WikiDaily MailOney Judge WikiDrunk History with Jen Kirkman Mt. Vernon.or Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of the Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar Erica Armstrong Dunbar at SMUBlack Heritage Trail videoThe White House Historical AssociationThe National Park ServiceZinn Education ProjectBeyond the Bell Tours (Philadelphia)Museum of the American RevolutionOna Judge’s 1845 interview with The LiberatorHistory.com The Fugitive Slave ActsNew York Times 2015 op-ed https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/opinion/george-washington-slave-catcher.html?searchResultPosition=3Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsTwitter: https://twitter.com/CreepPod @CreepPodFacebook: Join the private group! Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez created our logo. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 30, Episode 2The story of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sånchez's weddingLet’s talk some crap about the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sånchez and their celebrity-filled guest list.Sources for this episode:ABCNewsAP NewsDaily BeastFortuneInstagramEva LongoriaEntertainment TonightLeonardo DiCaprioJezebelLos Angeles MagazineNew York TimesPeople MagazineReutersVanity FairVarietyVoxWikipediaJeff Bezos Lauren SånchezBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 30, Episode 1“The Murder of Spider Sabich by Claudine Longet”In the glamorous but turbulent world of 1970s Aspen, ski champion Vladimir "Spider" Sabich was a star athlete with movie-star looks and a lifestyle to match. A member of the U.S. Ski Team and 1968 Olympian, he became a professional skiing sensation and a fixture of Aspen's social scene. In 1972, he began dating French singer and actress Claudine Longet, the ex-wife of crooner Andy Williams. Their relationship was passionate but volatile, marked by frequent arguments and jealousy. On March 21, 1976, Sabich was fatally shot in the bathroom of his home by Longet, who claimed the shooting was accidental and occurred while he was showing her how to use a .22-caliber pistol. Sabich, just 31 years old, died en route to the hospital.What happened during his trial is the stuff of legend! Sources for this episode EBSCOSnowBrains BlogTahoe Quarterly Wikipedia Spider SabichWikipedia Claudine LongetTime magazine All That is Interesting The Crime Reel on YouTubeGQThe Colorado SunThe Denver PostNBC News January 1977Andy Williams and Claudine Longet sing “Let It Be Me” (1969)Trigger Warnings: Murder Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 10: Dave Portnoy and Barstool SportsDave Portnoy is the founder of Barstool Sports, which Media Matters describes as “a cesspool of bigotry basking in the backlash against political correctness. Under the pretense of sharing funny videos and embracing a boys-will-be-boys mentality, Barstool has successfully normalized a culture of harassment, misogyny, and rampant misinformation.”On his website, podcasts, and videos, Portnoy shares his garbage takes on politics, tells his rape jokes, and drops the n-bomb, among other things. He’s also been accused of sexual assault multiple times and of filming women without their consent. What a creep.Sources for this episode:Business InsiderDaily DotDaily MailDeadspinEaterThe GuardianHuffington PostMedia MattersNBC NewsNPRPolitical Research PoliticsPortnoy.GovBeef.comWikipediaWikipedia for “bro culture”Trigger warning: Sexual assault, harassment, misogyny, and racismBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 9“The Bloody Benders”The Bloody Benders were a family of serial killers who operated a small inn and general store in Labette County, Kansas, during the early 1870s. They are considered one of America’s first known serial killer families.The Benders lived along a remote stretch of the Osage Trail (later part of the Santa Fe Trail), where they ran a waystation for travelers. Guests who stayed at the Bender property were sometimes never seen again.Sources for this episode People Library of Congress Blog Humanities KansasKCTC TVA&E Kansas Alumni GroupKWCH-TVThe Wild West Extravaganza YouTubeHell Comes to Play by Lee Ralph Hell’s Half Acre by Susan Janusas Kansas History Kansas Reflector Legends of the West podcast Wikipedia Trigger Warnings: Murder and incestBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 8Suge KnightSuge Knight is the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records. He was a central figure in gangsta rap's commercial success in the 1990s. But he is probably better known for being an absolute menace these days. He’s been arrested over a dozen times, ranging from assault and robbery to weapons possession and witness intimidation. He’s currently serving a 28-year sentence in prison for a fatal hit-and-run in 2015. He’s a bully and a creep. Sources for this episode Billboard BiographyThe Daily BeastLos Angeles TimesPeopleRolling StoneVibeVibeWikipediaThe WrapList of Hip Hop Non-Profits:The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy has a podcast! https://hiphopcansaveamerica.com/Social Works Chicago: Celebrity endorsement: Chance the Rapper, Hip Hop for Change The Hip  Hop Museum: Hip Hop Public Health, Hip Hop Caucus:Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 7Former CEO & Founder of LululemonChip Wilson, the founder and former CEO of Lululemon Athletica, has been involved in several controversies over the years, primarily due to his public statements and views on body image, diversity, and labor practices.  His issues range from concerns about body image and product quality to his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.Additionally, he has faced criticism for purchasing large areas of the Vancouver region, which led to increased rents and the displacement of artists and small businesses. The company's name also has origins that some consider to be racist.  While his actions and statements have many troubling aspects, it’s essential to acknowledge that he is Canadian, which implies a certain level of decency.He has also been a benefactor for his homeland, so he isn't 100% total  Creep—there might be some opportunity for growth!Wilson was diagnosed with a subtype of muscular dystrophy called facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy at age 32. He has donated 100 million Canadian dollars towards researchSources for this episode:Lululemon and the Future of Technical Apparel by Chip Wilson (2024)ABC News CBCCBCBNN BloombergBusiness InsiderFinancial PostGlobal News PeopleScripps News TODAY show The IndependentThe StreetThe ChronicleVancouver SunVancouver is Awesome WikipediaTrigger warning: Racism and fat-shaming. Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 6Gerard DepardieuGerard Depardieu is an actor who has appeared in more than 250 films and is one of the biggest stars in France. He was recently convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a movie set, for which he got an 18-month suspended sentence and a $32,000 fine to be paid to each victim. Plus, he must register as a sex offender. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. He’s a creep who has been accused by more than 20 women of sexual assault and harassment. Sources for this episode Associated PressAssociated PressAssociated PressEuronewsThe Guardian The Hollywood ReporterThe New York TimesTime MagazineVanity FairWikipediaTrigger warning: Sexual assault and sexual harassmentNon-Creep! History Hit: “Five Heroic Women of the French Resistance” by Sarah RollerBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud

What a CreepSeason 29, Episode 5“The Cotton Club Murders”This week’s episode covers the 1983 murder of Roy Radin, a theatrical producer with ties to a planned film called The Cotton Club. At the time, director Francis Ford Coppola and producer Robert Evans were developing the film, a period crime drama loosely inspired by the original club. Radin was found murdered execution-style in a remote canyon in California. The killing was eventually tied to a tangled web involving cocaine-fueled ambition, mob connections, and a bitter feud over money tied to the movie’s production. One of the key figures implicated was Karen Greenberger, a drug-addled femme fatale with ties to organized crime.Trigger Warnings: Murder and sexual assault.Sources for this episode:Roy Raydin WikipediaWondery Hollywood & CrimeAll That is InterestingGolden Globes UPIVultureThe 1980s: The Deadliest DecadeLos Angeles Times 1991New York Times 1983Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on Apple PodcastsFacebook: Join the private groupBlueSky Instagram @WhatACreepPodcastVisit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreepEmail: [email protected] We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud