The Big Bad Boot
The podcast about the weird state you wish you were from, hosted by the weird siblings you wish you had.
Episodes
Episode 50: Caleb & The Bayou Strangler
Your favorite siblings are back with another doozy of a Louisiana true crime case. Ronald Dominique, aka “The Bayou Strangler," terrorized the Louisiana bayou and the suburbs of New Orleans from roughly 1997 to 2006. Join us as Caleb gives us all the gruesome details of his spree and eventual capture in 2006.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings Y
Episode 49: Kati & The Legend of Jayne Mansfield (WE BACK)
Buckle up. For real! Your favorite podcast siblings are back from maternity leave and coming in hot with a new Louisiana legend. In this episode, Kati tells the tragic tale of the life and death of Jayne Mansfield. Jayne was a Playboy bunny, award-winning actress, and Hollywood’s quintessential blonde. But she was also a genius with some very interesting friends. Learn how she met her untimely dem
BIG BAD MOMMA!
WE WILL SEE YOU IN JULY!MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhead?_t=8oqxAI2KWcs&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/kati_the_redhead/Caleb:https://www.tiktok.com/@blaine4377?_t=8oqxCQ8t5T9&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/caleb.blaine/
Episode 48: Caleb & The “Other” Baton Rouge Serial Killer, Sean Vincent Gillis
If you’re from Louisiana, you’ve most likely heard of Derrick Todd Lee who terrorized young women from Baton Rouge to Lafayette in the late 90’s. But did you know there was another serial killer operating in Baton Rouge at the same time? Join your favorite siblings as they unpack the horrific tale of Sean Vincent Gillis and his crimes. #louisiana #louisianatruecrime #batonrouge #derricktoddleeMERC
Episode 47: Kati & The Curious Case of Edna Lester
Buckle up, buttercups. In this episode, Kati explores the cold case of Edna Lester. Decades have passed since the brutal slaying of a young New Orleans mother whose story was buried by silence. What really happened? Why can’t her family get any answers? This episode is supported in part by “After the Devil is Dead”, a new independent documentary focusing on Edna’s case. #Louisiana #truecrime #loui
Episode 46: Down the Road Special: Kati & The List Murders, Part Two
This case is so crazy, it’s worth breaking the rules for! Join your favorite siblings on their first “Down the Road Episode”, as Kati tells you her favorite true crime case. This is Part One of the story of the infamous family annihilator, John List. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhe
Episode 45: Down the Road Special: Kati & The List Murders, Part One
This case is so crazy, it’s worth breaking the rules for! Join your favorite siblings on their first “Down the Road Episode”, as Kati tells you her favorite true crime case. This is Part One of the story of the infamous family annihilator, John List. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhe
Episode 44: Kati & The Truth Behind “Dead Man Walking" Part 2
What if you received a letter from an inmate on death row? Would you write back? That’s the choice that Sister Helen Prejean made… and it ultimately changed her life. In Part One of this two-part series, Kati tells you the real story behind the hit book and movie “Dead Man Walking”, which were inspired by real murders committed in Louisiana. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.co
Episode 43: Kati & The Truth Behind “Dead Man Walking"
What if you received a letter from an inmate on death row? Would you write back? That’s the choice that Sister Helen Prejean made… and it ultimately changed her life. In Part One of this two-part series, Kati tells you the real story behind the hit book and movie “Dead Man Walking”, which were inspired by real murders committed in Louisiana. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.co
Episode 42: Polite Outlaw: Eugene Bunch, the Gentleman Who Robbed Trains
In this special live episode, Kati tells the curious true story of Eugene Bunch—a train-robbing outlaw with surprisingly strict manners. Driven by a midlife crisis, Eugene turned to robbing trains, but with one unusual rule: he only stole from men and never from women. Equal parts strange, darkly funny, and fascinating, this episode explores how a personal breaking point turned into a life of crim
Episode 41: Kati & The Curious Case of Kate Townsend, NOLA’s Lady of the Night
Put on your best frock or pantaloons and hop in the BBB Time Machine! Kati takes us back to 1800’s New Orleans with the tale of Kate Townsend, one of the city’s most infamous brothel owners.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhead?_t=8oqxAI2KWcs&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/kati_the_
Episode 40: Caleb & The Legend of Papa Noel
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! Caleb takes you on a journey of Cajun Christmas Culture with the tale of Papa Noël. He’s Santa Claus in Louisiana, known for delivering gifts via a pirogue that’s pulled by alligators instead of reindeer.Get some merch before the new year!https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With th
Episode 39: Echoes of an Unfinished Story: The Kathryn Simpson Interview, Part 2
In Part 2 of this powerful two-part special, Caleb speaks with Kathryn Simpson, daughter of Kimberly Womack, whose 2008 homicide remains unsolved. Kathryn shares more insight on the questionable investigation, the unfamiliar world of politics and law enforcement, and how she’s using her mom’s legacy to help others. Her voice brings listeners into the heart of a family still searching for answers n
Episode 38: Echoes of an Unfinished Story: The Kathryn Simpson Interview, Part 1
In Part 1 of this powerful two-part special, Caleb speaks with Kathryn Simpson, daughter of Kimberly Womack, whose 2008 homicide remains unsolved. Kathryn shares vivid memories of her mother, the day everything changed, and the early missteps that allowed the case to go cold. Her voice brings listeners into the heart of a family still searching for answers nearly two decades later.MERCH:https://th
Episode 37: Grunches, Munches, and Caleb’s Mystery Bombshell
This week on The Big Bad Boot, Kati dives deep into one of Louisiana’s creepiest urban legends — The Grunch of New Orleans East. From eerie encounters to the dark folklore surrounding this elusive creature, she takes you on a wild ride through one of the state’s most chilling tales.Meanwhile, Caleb has been itching to drop a major announcement, and this episode is the moment you’ve all been waitin
Episode 36: Kati and Louisiana’s Infamous Drive Thru Daiquiris
Grab your straw and join Kati as she explores the origin of one of Louisiana’s most unique quirks, the drive thru daiquiri shop. You’ll laugh and learn about Davis Ervin, owner of “The Daiquiri Factory” - the state’s first establishment to serve frozen alcoholic beverages via a drive thru window. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had H
Episode 35: Kati & Madam CJ Walker, America’s First Female Self-Made Millionaire
Join your favorite siblings as they explore the life and legacy of Louisiana’s own, Sarah Breedlove… aka Madame CJ Walker. Learn how this pioneer in women’s hair care went from working on a plantation in Delta, Louisiana to one of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.
Episode 34: Kati & Willie Francis,The Boy Who Was Executed Twice
Join your favorite siblings as they tell the story of the boy who was “put to death twice”. In 1946, one of the strangest capital punishment cases in American history came before the Supreme Court. The state of Louisiana sent a 17-year-old boy to the electric chair for the second time. This is the story of the double execution of Willie Francis.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores
Episode 33: Jean Lafitte: Swashbuckler,Smuggler, or America’s First Patriot?
In this episode, Caleb dives into the life and legend of Jean Lafitte — the pirate who somehow became America’s first patriot. From smuggling in the swamps to cutting deals with generals, Lafitte blurred the line between outlaw and hero. Was he a savior of New Orleans or just the best businessman on the bayou? Grab your rum, hoist your flag, and sail with us into the wild story of Louisiana’s most
Episode 32: THE BIG BAD BOOT GOES BACK TO GNARLY BARLEY
Join your favorite southern siblings for another rowdy live episode at Gnarly Barley Brewing! Kati & Caleb explore the life, legend, and lore of New Orleans’ Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau. Grab a seat, crack open a cold Jucifer, and settle in for another spooky Louisiana tale! MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https:/
Episode 31: Caleb & The Sultan's Palace of New Orleans
This one’s got drama written all over it. In this episode of The Big Bad Boot, Caleb tells the wild legend of the Sultan’s Palace, the French Quarter mansion that dripped with wealth, rumor, and excess. In the 1800s, a man claiming to be a Turkish sultan moved in with a harem, piles of gold, and enough decadence to keep the neighbors buzzing.But one stormy night, the party ended in a blood-soaked
Episode 30: Kati & The Leper Colony of Carville
Lock and load, Brides of Christ—this one’s a fun one. In this episode of The Big Bad Boot, Kati dives into the fascinating history of Carville, the once-hidden leprosarium nestled along the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana. For over a century, this secluded community was home to patients diagnosed with Hansen’s Disease, but it was far more than just a hospital. From its founding by the Dau
Episode 29: A Kiki with Big Brother’s Rachel Swindler
Kati & Caleb sit down with reality tv star, Rachel Swindler on location at Cate Street Seafood Station. Pull up a chair, because she’s spilling all the tea: what it was REALLY like in the Big Brother house, dating a world-famous Elvis impersonator, her journey from Vegas to Louisiana, and more! We promise you’ll love her just as much as the sibs do!Rachel Swindler:https://www.instagram.com/rac
Episode 28: Kati & The French Quarter Butcher
In this episode of The Big Bad Boot, Kati takes us back to 1920s New Orleans, where a pair of steamer trunks—and what was found inside—shocked the French Quarter to its core. When two dismembered bodies turned up in a train station baggage room, police followed a twisted trail of jealousy, deceit, and cold-blooded murder. At the center of it all: a cunning woman with secrets as heavy as the trunks
Episode 27: Caleb & The Ghost of Baton Rouge
Caleb unpacks the chilling story of Derrick Todd Lee, a smooth-talking man who lived a double life in plain sight. For years, women in and around Baton Rouge were going missing or turning up murdered, but no one suspected the quiet man next door. As fear spread through the city and suspicion fell in all the wrong directions, Lee kept slipping through the cracks. It’s a haunting look at trust, fear
Episode 26: Caleb, The Murder Upstairs and Bourbon Below
Caleb takes us to post-Katrina New Orleans to unravel one of the city’s most shocking crimes. Zack Bowen, a charismatic bartender and Iraq War vet, seemed to be rebuilding his life alongside Addie Hall, an artist known for her free spirit. But behind their French Quarter romance was a slow spiral into paranoia, trauma, and violence. What began as a survival story ended in horror, when Zack’s suici
Episode 25 : Kati & The Heel String Gang of Angola Prison
Kati takes us inside the gates of Angola to uncover the rise of the Heel String Gang—a group of inmates who ruled with fear, cunning, and chaos. In a prison already known for its brutality, this crew carved out a name for themselves in whispers and headlines alike. It’s a dark, tangled piece of Louisiana history that still echoes through the cellblocks.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checko
Episode 24: THE BIG BAD BOOT IS DARK SIDED WITH MARGUERITE PERRIN
In this special episode of The Big Bad Boot, reality TV legend Marguerite Perrin—yes, that God Warrior—joins Kati and Caleb for a wild ride through her life, fame, and unapologetic fire. From her unforgettable outbursts on Trading Spouses to what life’s been like since the cameras stopped rolling, Marguerite holds nothing back. It’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s every bit as iconic as you’d expec
Episode 23: Kati & The Beauty and the Bloodshed
This week on The Big Bad Boot, Kati tells the story of Toni Jo Henry, the one-time beauty queen whose life of hardship and high hopes ended in murder. After marrying a boxer with a troubled past, Toni Jo found herself tangled in a desperate plan that would shock Louisiana. Her charm captured headlines—but it couldn't save her from the gallows...MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkouts
Episode 22: Caleb and Unsolved Case of The Jefferson Davis Parish 8
In this episode, Caleb dives into the chilling case of the Jeff Davis 8—eight women found dead in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, between 2005 and 2009. Their stories are tangled in a web of small-town secrets, police corruption, and unanswered questions. Was it the work of a serial killer, or something even darker? Join us as we explore what really happened in the swamps of Jennings.MERCH:http
Episode 21: Kati & The Angel of Death
In this episode of The Big Bad Boot, Kati takes the reins to uncover the chilling story of Annie Crawford, a New Orleans woman whose kindness masked something far more sinister. With a trail of suspicious deaths in her wake, was she a grieving widow, a cunning killer, or something in between?MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:
Episode 20: Caleb, The Mortician and the Millionaire
In this episode of The Big Bad Boot, Kati and Caleb unravel the bizarre true story of Bernie Tiede, the small-town mortician with a big heart—and an even bigger secret. When Bernie befriends the wealthy and widely disliked widow Marjorie Nugent, their unlikely companionship takes a dark turn. Was it devotion, manipulation, or something much stranger?MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkouts
Episode 19: Caleb & The German Coast Uprising
In this gripping episode of The Big Bad Boot, Caleb dives into one of the largest—yet often overlooked—slave revolts in American history: the 1811 German Coast Uprising. Fueled by the spirit of revolution and the unyielding fight for freedom, hundreds of enslaved people in Louisiana rose up against their oppressors in a bold and bloody attempt to reclaim their lives. What started as a secret rebel
Episode 18: Kati & The Yellow Fever Pandemic in New Orleans
Throw on your mosquito spray and get ready for Kati’s deep dive into the Yellow Fever epidemic of New Orleans. Travel back in time to learn how this deadly illness shaped the Crescent City’s culture and earned New Orleans the nickname “Necropolis”. Friendly warning: this episode does contain descriptions of bodily functions and sickness. Enjoy at your own risk.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcas
Episode 17: Kati & The Curious Case of Ramona Brown
In the early morning hours of Lundi Gras in 1984, the Brown family woke up to raging flames tearing through their home in the New Orleans neighborhood of Algiers. The blaze tragically took the lives of two of the Brown’s ten children. Initially, it was believed that three year-old Ramona had also died during the fire with her siblings. However, first responders were unable to find any trace of her
Episode 16: Jazz Land: Urban Legends and Explorations of New Orleans’ Abandoned Theme Park
Join Caleb as he ventures into the eerie and overgrown remains of Jazz Land, New Orleans' infamous abandoned theme park. Once filled with laughter and music, it now draws urban explorers chasing the thrill of navigating its crumbling rides and graffiti-covered relics. While Kati takes the backseat as this week’s "passenger princess," Caleb delves into the history of Jazz Land, the d
Episode 15: WELCOME TO OUR FIRST LIVE EPISODE Y'ALL!
Join your favorite siblings in their FIRST live episode at Gnarly Barley Brewing in Hammond Louisiana, presenting their newest flagship beer, DOUBLE JUCIFER!Come hang as Kati and Caleb talk about a family friendly side of the Rougarou. Thank you for supporting us!MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@k
Episode 14: Caleb and the Honey Island Swamp Monster
Join Caleb as he explores the mysterious landscape of the Honey Island Swamp and its most infamous resident, The Honey Island Swamp Monster. This episode’s got everything: government conspiracies, family lore, and a surprising theory about Kati’s secret identity. MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@k
Episode 13: Kati & Euzebe Vidrine, Louisiana’s First Convicted Serial Killer
In this episode, Kati and Caleb dive into the chilling story of Euzebe Vidrine, Louisiana’s first convicted serial killer. With their lively banter and sharp wit, they balance grim details with engaging conversation.Kati sets the stage with a vivid picture of early 20th-century Louisiana—charming yet shadowed by darkness. Caleb adds humor, quipping, “Vidrine wasn’t just a criminal; he was an overa
Episode 12: Kati & Clementine Barnabet, Louisiana's First Female Serial Killer
Uncover the chilling story of Clementine Barnabet, a notorious figure in early 20th-century true crime, as Kati explores the dark legacy and the mystery surrounding her crimes.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhead?_t=8oqxAI2KWcs&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/kati_the_redhead/Caleb:
Episode 11: Caleb & The Axeman of New Orleans
In this episode, Caleb dives into one of Louisiana’s most bizarre tales—the Axman of New Orleans. With his Harry Potter glasses on, he unpacks the infamous letter the Axman sent to the city, hilariously comparing it to a Robert Frost poem. Expect chills, laughs, and a side of Louisiana flavor as Caleb teaches us about the “Holy Trinity” (Word of the Day) of Cajun cooking (onions, bell peppers, cel
Episode 10: Caleb & Carlos Marcello & The New Orleans Mafia
Come along as Caleb explores the complicated, yet fascinating history of New Orleans' most infamous mobster, Carlos Marcello. Diversions include: Smokin’ and jokin’, bloody hams, electric knives during Thanksgiving, Caleb's goozle, not doing drugs and staying in school, & 23 pounds of #grass THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!MILK AND HONEY BEAUTY BARhttps://www.facebook.com/MilkandHoneyHamm
Episode 9: Kati & Gary Plauche, A Father's Revenge
Join Kati as she tells a complicated tale of justice. Today's episode is the story of the murder of Jeff Doucet by Gary Plauche, when a father sought revenge on his son's abuser on live television. Diversions include: the proper shape for crispy chicken nuggets, 90’s TV infomercials, and more!Thank you to our sponsor!https://www.lawgroup.biz/Sources:An article written by Tim Brinkoff on
Episode 8: Kati & Ruby Bridges, A Civil Rights Icon
Join Kati, along with Caleb, as they dive into the courageous journey of a six-year-old girl who forever changed the face of American education. Explore Ruby Bridges' brave stand against segregation in 1960, her resilience in the face of adversity, and the lasting impact her story has on the fight for equality today. This episode isn’t just history—it’s a testament to the power of one voice,
Episode 7: Caleb & Charity Hospital
Join Caleb as he wades through the murky waters of Charity Hospital during Hurricane Katrina. Diversions include: the beauty of a Chili's Triple Dipper and a surprising word of the day. Thank you to our episode sponsor Gnarly Barley! Learn more here:https://gnarlybeer.com/https://www.instagram.com/GnarlyBarleyConnect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_th
Episode 6: Caleb & The Kingfish, aka Huey P. Long
Join Caleb as he explores the life and legacy of one of Louisiana's most infamous politicians, Huey P. Long. Diversions include: an age-old conspiracy, underground speakeasies, an alleged urine incident at Ponchartrain Beach, and Papa Kelly's electronic ingenuity.Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhead?_t=8oqxAI2KWcs&_r=1https://w
Episode 5: Kati & The Oven Crypts of New Orleans
Join Kati on a spooky adventure as she explores New Orleans' famous cemeteries, focusing on the eerie above-ground "oven" crypts. Along the way, enjoy diversions like Caleb’s humorous musings on a probable death by mule, Kati’s burial preferences, and the shocking discovery a homeowner made while digging to build a pool. Tune in for a fascinating mix of New Orleans history, cemetery
Episode 4: Kati & The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde
Join Kati as she delves into the tragic stories of the country’s most infamous criminal couples, including the legendary Bonnie and Clyde, and their untimely demises in the beloved Boot. Along the way, enjoy intriguing diversions like Caleb’s impressive knowledge of car history, Bonnie’s unique found poetry, and more. Tune in for a captivating mix of true crime, history, and fascinating side notes
Epsiode 3: Caleb & Madame La Laurie
Buckle up and join Caleb as he recounts the sordid tale of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, one of New Orleans’ darkest figures. Along the way, enjoy diversions on the brilliance of Kathy Bates and Caleb’s humorous research breakdown. Tune in for a mix of unsettling history and candid moments in this captivating episode.Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the
Episode 2: Kati & The Myrtles Plantation... Debunked?
Join Kati as she takes you to St. Francisville, Louisiana, to uncover the mysteries of one of America's most haunted locations, The Myrtles Plantation. Along the way, she explores topics like the appeal of living in a haunted house, the unusual names people give their children, and her dream of inheriting a chicken farm fortune. Tune in for a blend of spooky history and lighthearted diversion
Episode 1: Caleb & Aunt Julia Brown
Welcome to the first official episode of The Big Bad Boot! Join Caleb as he explores the haunting story of "The Ruddock Swamp Witch," Aunt Julia Brown. Along the way, expect interesting side notes on pet alligators, charbroiled oysters, and more. Tune in for a deep dive into Southern folklore and local history in this engaging episode.Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:
Welcome to The Big Bad Boot | Trailer
The podcast about the weird state you wish you were from, hosted by the weird siblings you wish you had.MERCH:https://the-big-bad-boot-podcast.checkoutstores.com/Connect With the Siblings You Wish You Had Here:Kati:https://www.tiktok.com/@kati_the_redhead?_t=8oqxAI2KWcs&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/kati_the_redhead/Caleb:https://www.tiktok.com/@blaine4377?_t=8oqxCQ8t5T9&_r=1https://www.in
