This week I delve into some of the controversies surrounding the Guinea Pig films. This tangled web involves copycat killers, famous Hollywood actors, snuff films, the FBI, and a healthy dose of hobby drama. The Guinea Pig films: are they real snuff films, did they inspire real murders, and did a phone call from Charlie Sheen launch an FBI investig…

During the first season of Mount Molehill there were a lot of episode topics that, for one reason or another, just didn’t work. In this episode, we take a look back at some of the topics that didn't quite make the cut. Why is the fake blood in giallo films so weird looking? Why don't we eat goose for Christmas anymore? Who invented the lawn? Thanks…

This week I’m trying to understand how and why clowns became scary and I’ll be looking at one clown in particular to help me find the answers: Jean-Gaspard Deburau, who in 1836 was tried for the murder of a young boy. What does this little-known incident from the 19th century have to tell us about our relationship to clowns today? Special thanks to…

This week I’m doing things a bit differently. On this episode of Mount Molehill, I provide a brief update on my search for the Pancho’s Mexican Buffet jingle, and attempt to solve some minor, media-related mysteries from my childhood in real-time. This episode of Mount Molehill was written, produced, and edited by Chris, with music by myself. This …

This week I’m recounting the story of Alligator People for the Atari 2600. This is a story of ill-advised licensed merchandise, scrappy startups, and the collapse of an entire industry. Alligator People: how did it get made, how was it lost, and how was it rediscovered? Show Notes: Addams Family Values Videogame Rebate Offer Promo (YouTube) Evil De…

This week I’m trying to figure out why my Star Trek subtitles contain a cryptic call to action about something called Clearway Law. What is Clearway Law and why does someone need to stop them? Let’s make a mountain out of this molehill. Show Notes: What is the Clearway Law Controversy About? About Clearway Law (YouTube) Clearway Law Alistair Vigier…

This week I delve into the cryptozoological mystery of the Bird of Washington, a sea eagle first described by famed American ornithologist John J. Audubon in 1826. Is it real, or is it a hoax, and if it is, why would one of America’s most beloved naturalists lie about its existence? Show Notes: The Lochness Horror Trailer (YouTube) John James Audub…

This week we have a lost media mystery. I’m searching for a missing jingle for the once popular but now nearly-defunct Texas restaurant chain, Pancho’s Mexican Buffet. Does anyone else remember it? Who made it? Why can’t I find it anywhere? Does it even really exist? Show Notes: Dalworth Carpet Cleaning Ad - 1994 (YouTube) Pee Wee's Big Adventure -…

Welcome to Mount Molehill, a podcast where even the smallest mysteries become mountains. Each episode I tackle a different low-stakes mystery that’s been stuck in my craw. Mysteries that you didn’t even know were mysteries, mysteries that I might need your help to solve. Season 1 of Mount Molehill premieres on July 24th. Mount Molehill is written, …