When William Morgan vanished in 1826, he left behind a manuscript—and a firestorm. This episode explores the man who took on the Freemasons, the mystery of his disappearance, and how his fate sparked America’s first third party.

Source Materials:

The Masonic Murder That Inspired the First Third Party in American Politics

One Man Exposed the Secrets of the Freemasons. His Disappearance Led to Their Downfall | HISTORY

Masons and American history: The 1826 kidnapping, allegedly by freemasons, that changed American politics forever.

Murder by Gaslight: William Morgan - Revenge of the Freemasons

Killed by the Freemasons? The Secrets of William Morgan - Historic Mysteries

In 1887, journalist Nellie Bly faked insanity to go undercover inside a New York asylum. What she witnessed—neglect, cruelty, and systemic abuse—became one of the most powerful exposés of the 19th century. This week, we dive into her daring investigation and the real conditions behind the walls of Blackwell’s Island.

Source Materials:

How Nellie Bly became a Victorian sensation and changed journalism forever | Vox

The woman who exposed 19th-century New York’s inhumane treatment of mental health patients | The Independent | The Independent

Nellie Bly: The Journalist Who Pretended To Be Insane To Get Into A Mental Asylum

Remembering Nellie Bly, Rabblerouser and Pioneer of Investigative Journalism

Ten Days in a Madhouse: The Woman Who Got Herself Committed

Nellie Bly: The Journalist Who Traveled Around the World in 72 Days | TheCollector

Nellie Bly - Story, Timeline & Facts

Biography of Nellie Bly, Investigative Journalist

Ten Days in a Mad-House.

Nellie Bly: Scourge of the Asylums and Globetrotter Extraordinaire - Historic Mysteries

George Chapman was a serial poisoner who murdered three of his wives — but some believe his crimes began years earlier as the infamous Jack the Ripper. In this episode, we explore Chapman's life, his shocking crimes, and the lingeringtheory that links him to the Ripper murders.

Source Materials:Casebook: Jack the Ripper - George ChapmanWho Was Jack The Ripper? Meet Seven Possible SuspectsCould Victorian Serial Killer George Chapman Have Been Jack the Ripper?Severin Klosowski aka George Chapman, Victorian Murderer - HeadStuffGeorge Chapman — Jack the Ripper, the most famous serial killer of all time — Crime Library