Horrible Humans in History
Horrible Humans in History is a podcast that looks at the worst people from the past, from famous historical villains to lesser-known figures. Each episode tells stories of murder, deceit, and cruelty that sound so far-fetched they are hard to believe, but they are all real. The show digs deep into history to uncover the horrible things these people did and the dark chapters they left behind.
Episodes
Episode 75 - Hermine Braunsteiner
In this gripping episode of Horrible Humans in History we uncover the full, astonishing life of Hermine Braunsteiner Ryan — the ordinary Austrian woman who became one of the most feared Nazi concentration camp guards, known as the "Stomping Mare" of Majdanek. From her humble Catholic upbringing in 1920s Vienna and frustrated dreams of becoming a nurse, to her voluntary service at Ravensb
Episode 74 - Herod the Great
Herod the Great was one of the most powerful and feared rulers of the ancient world. Rising from an outsider family with strong Roman connections, Herod fought his way to the throne through war, political alliances, and ruthless violence. Best known from the biblical story surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, Herod became infamous for his paranoia, executions, and alleged order to kill the child
Episode 73 - Pedro Rodrigues Filho
Pedro Rodrigues Filho, known as Pedrinho Matador, was one of Brazil’s most notorious serial killers, claiming over 100 victims throughout his life. Born into a violent home, he committed his first murders at just 14 years old and went on to target criminals, gang members, and even his own father. Much of his killing took place inside prison, where he claimed to be delivering justice. Despite being
Episode 72 - HHH Year 2 Review
Once again join Angela and her special guest, her husband, Tony for our two year anniversary show! In this episode we rank the most horrible humans from all of the episodes from the second year of the Horrible Humans in History podcast and reveal our choice for the most horrible human that we have covered during our first two years.
Episode 71 - Helene Jegado
Helene Jegado was a 19th-century French domestic servant who used her role as a cook to poison the people around her with arsenic. Operating in rural Brittany during a time of limited medical knowledge, she was able to evade suspicion for years as victims died from mysterious illnesses. Eventually, patterns of death led to investigation, exhumation, and arrest. Convicted of multiple murders, she w
Episode 70 - Charles Manson
This episode traces the life of Charles Manson from a neglected and unstable childhood through years in reform schools and prison, where he learned manipulation, developed a fixation on control, and nurtured dreams of fame through music. After his release in 1967, he exploited the vulnerability of disillusioned young people in California’s counterculture to build the Manson Family, using charisma,
Episode 69 - Ghezo
This episode explores the rise and reign of Gezo, the powerful and deeply controversial King of Dahomey, tracing his life from a violent royal childhood through a calculated coup and into decades of war, terror, and exploitation. It examines how Gezo modernized Dahomey’s military, broke free from foreign domination, and built a fear-based state funded largely by the Atlantic slave trade, while ord
Episode 68 - Irma Grese
In this episode of HHH, we explore the chilling rise of Irma Grese — one of the most infamous female perpetrators of the Holocaust. Born into poverty and emotional turmoil in rural Germany, Irma’s troubled childhood and early exposure to Nazi ideology helped shape her rapid transformation from farm girl to feared SS guard. We follow her teenage radicalization, her ambition-driven entry into the co
Episode 67 - William Palmer
In this episode of HHH, we dive into the chilling true story of William Palmer, the Victorian doctor infamously known as “The Prince of Poisoners.” Born into respectability, Palmer built a double life fueled by gambling addiction, mounting debt, and calculated betrayal. We explore his troubled upbringing, reckless young adulthood, suspicious family deaths — including his wife Ann, his brother Walt
Episode 66 - Mao Zedong - Part 2
Mao Zedong rose from a rural childhood to become one of the most powerful — and destructive — figures of the 20th century. As the founder of the People’s Republic of China, Mao reshaped an entire nation through revolution, ideology, and absolute control. But his grand social experiments, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, led to catastrophic famine, widespread violence,
Episode 65 - Mao Zedong - Part 1
Mao Zedong rose from a rural childhood to become one of the most powerful — and destructive — figures of the 20th century. As the founder of the People’s Republic of China, Mao reshaped an entire nation through revolution, ideology, and absolute control. But his grand social experiments, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, led to catastrophic famine, widespread violence,
Episode 64 - Queen Ranavalona I
Queen Ranavalona I ruled Madagascar for more than three decades through fear, isolation, and uncompromising authority. Rising from relative obscurity after the sudden death of her husband, she seized the throne by eliminating the rightful heirs and consolidating power with ruthless efficiency. Her reign was marked by violent suppression of Christianity, devastating military campaigns against coast
Episode 63 - Gary Ridgway
In this episode of HHH, we dive into the life and crimes of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer—one of the most prolific serial murderers in American history. We explore his troubled childhood, his escalating violence throughout the 1980s, and the decades-long investigation that struggled to identify him as he blended seamlessly into suburban life. From his disturbing methods and chilling confess
Episode 62 - Sawney Bean
In this chilling episode of HHH - Horrible Humans in History, we dive into the blood-soaked legend of Sawney Bean, the infamous Scottish cannibal said to have led a 48-member family of murderers who terrorized the countryside for decades. From his supposed beginnings as a petty criminal to the gruesome tales of ambushes, butchery, and a secret coastal cave filled with human remains, Sawney’s story
Episode 61 - Shiro Ishii
This episode explored the life of Shiro Ishii, from his privileged childhood in Japan to his rise as the leader of Unit 731, the Japanese biological warfare program responsible for some of the worst atrocities of World War II. We examined the early influences that shaped his worldview, the crimes and murders he oversaw, and the shocking post-war deal that allowed him to escape justice. Ishii’s leg
Episode 60 - Darya Saltykova
In this episode of History’s Horrible Humans, we dive into the chilling life of Darya Saltykova, the Russian noblewoman who terrorized her servants and murdered dozens of young women in the 18th century. From her privileged beginnings to her descent into sadistic cruelty, we explore how her crimes shocked Russia and led Catherine the Great to personally intervene. Through her arrest, public humili
Episode 59 - Samuel Little
In this episode of History’s Horrible Humans, we explore the life and crimes of Samuel Little, the man the FBI calls America’s most prolific serial killer. From his troubled childhood and decades of petty crime to his horrifying spree of strangulations across 19 states, Little’s story reveals the failures of a justice system that overlooked society’s most vulnerable. We trace his capture through D
Episode 58 - The Bloody Benders
In this episode of HHH, we explored the chilling tale of the Bloody Benders, America’s first family of serial killers. From their mysterious origins to their murderous reign in Kansas, we uncovered how their roadside inn became a death trap for weary travelers. We followed the investigation that exposed their crimes, the shocking discovery of bodies buried in their orchard, and the unanswered myst
Episode 57 - Geshe Gottfried
Gesche Gottfried was a seemingly devoted mother, daughter, and friend living in early 19th-century Germany, admired for her caregiving and piety. But under the surface lurked a serial killer who poisoned at least 15 people over more than a decade—making her one of Germany’s most notorious female murderers. This episode explores her troubled childhood, her series of arsenic-laced crimes, and the pu
Episode 56 - Henri Desire Landru
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we explore the chilling crimes of Henri Désiré Landru—the real-life French Bluebeard. A calculating con artist turned serial killer, Landru lured women through lonely hearts ads, promised them love, and then made them disappear without a trace. As France reeled from the horrors of World War I, Landru quietly built a deadly pattern of seduction, fraud,
Episode 55 - Gavrilo Princip
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we dive into the life of Gavrilo Princip—the 19-year-old nationalist whose assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 set off a chain reaction that led to World War I. We explore his humble beginnings in rural Bosnia, his radicalization through nationalist student movements, and the chaotic series of events that culminated in one of history’s m
Episode 54 - Nanny Doss
In this episode of HHH, we delve into the life of Nannie Doss, the so-called Giggling Granny who left a trail of bodies across the American South from the 1920s to the 1950s. From a troubled childhood and toxic marriages to a series of poisonings that shocked the nation, Nannie’s story challenges assumptions about what a serial killer looks like. Charming, cheerful, and cold-blooded, she confessed
Episode 53 - Pablo Escobar
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we dive into the life of Pablo Escobar – the infamous drug lord who ruled the Colombian cocaine trade with an iron fist. From his humble beginnings to his rise as the head of the Medellín Cartel, we explore his violent empire, ruthless tactics, and ultimate downfall. Discover how Escobar’s legacy continues to shape Colombia and the global drug trade,
Episode 52 - Bonnie and Clyde
In this episode of HHH, we explore the wild lives of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow — two young lovers from Texas who became the most notorious outlaw couple in American history. From their humble beginnings and troubled youth to their bloody crime spree across the Midwest, and finally to their violent ambush and death, this is a story of desperation, daring, and deadly choices. We peel back the m
Episode 51 - Blackbeard
In this episode of HHH, we explore the legendary pirate Blackbeard. From his mysterious early life in England to his terrifying reign over the Atlantic, Blackbeard was a master of intimidation. We discuss his infamous blockade of Charleston, his use of psychological warfare, and his violent demise at the hands of the Royal Navy. Was he truly a ruthless killer, or was he simply playing a role? Tune
Episode 50 - Adolf Hitler
In this episode, we traced Hitler’s journey from his troubled childhood and World War I experiences to his rise through propaganda, mass manipulation, and economic turmoil. We explored his reign of terror, including war crimes and genocide, before ultimately witnessing his self-inflicted downfall as the world united against him. His life and actions left an indelible mark on history, a stark warni
Episode 49 - Fred and Rose West
In this episode of HHH, we delve into the horrifying crimes of Fred and Rose West. From their troubled childhoods to their gruesome murder spree, we explore how their house at 25 Cromwell Street became one of Britain’s most infamous crime scenes. We discuss their capture, Fred’s suicide, Rose’s conviction, and the lasting impact of their crimes. Tune in for a chilling deep dive into one of history
Episode 48 - Shoko Asahara
Shoko Asahara, born Chizuo Matsumoto, rose from a poor, visually impaired child to become the leader of the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo. He exhibited manipulative tendencies early in life, bullying classmates and running a fraudulent health business before transforming into a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. He orchestrated numerous crimes, including the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, which
Episode 47 - Top Horrible Humans in History
Join Angela and her special guest Tony for our one year anniversary show! In this episode we rank the most horrible humans from all of the episodes from the first year of the Horrible Humans in History podcast.
Episode 46 - Enriqueta Mari
Enriqueta Martí, known as the "Vampire of Barcelona," was accused of kidnapping and child trafficking in early 20th-century Spain. Born into poverty, she eventually turned to crime, running a brothel and allegedly engaging in horrific rituals. Her crimes remained hidden until a missing child led to her arrest in 1912, revealing a house of horrors. Though never convicted, she was killed i
Episode 45 - Valentine's Day Massacre
This episode delves into the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, one of the most infamous events in organized crime history. Explore the origins of Prohibition, its unintended consequences, and the rise of violent bootlegging empires in 1920s Chicago. The episode examines the bitter rivalry between Al Capone and Bugs Moran, leading up to the brutal execution of seven North Side Gang members on
Episode 44 - Atilla the Hun
In this episode of History’s Horrible Humans, we dive into the brutal life of Attila the Hun, the infamous warlord who terrorized the Roman Empire. From his ruthless rise to power and bloody conquests to his scandalous love life—including his almost-marriage to a Roman princess—Attila’s story is one of warfare, psychological terror, and strategic genius. We explore his mysterious wedding night dea
Episode 43 - Mabel de Belleme
Mabel de Belleme, known as the She-Wolf of Normandy, was a Norman noblewoman infamous for her cruelty and ambition. Born into a powerful family, she rose to prominence through strategic marriages and ruthless actions. Her life was marked by calculated murders, harsh rule, and constant conflict. Mabel’s reign of terror ended in assassination, but her legacy as one of history’s most notorious figure
Episode 42 - Albert Fish
Albert Fish was one of the most depraved killers in history. Born into a troubled family, his early experiences with abuse and neglect set the stage for a life of crime. From his first offenses to his horrifying murders and eventual capture, Fish’s story is a cautionary tale of unchecked mental illness and human depravity. His legacy remains a dark reminder of the depths to which a person can sink
Episode 41 - Liu Pengli
Liu Pengli, the prince of Jidong, was a member of China’s illustrious Han dynasty. But behind the royal facade was a man whose insatiable appetite for violence left a trail of fear, destruction, and death. From his privileged birth to his descent into madness, Liu Pengli’s story is a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness—even in those born into privilege.
Episode 40 - Aileen Wuornos
Today we will explore the life of Aileen Wuornos, from her troubled childhood and descent into crime to her eventual capture and execution. We discussed the impact she left on society and the myths surrounding her story. Tune in to learn more of her chilling tale.
Episode 39 - Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid’s story is one of contrasts. He was a young man who made horrible life choices, leading him to a violent and tragic end. Yet, his legend has endured, with myths surrounding his life and legacy. From his troubled childhood to his rise as a notorious outlaw and his death at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid remains a symbol of the Old West—of rebellion, violence, and the
Episode 38 - Anne Hamilton-Birne
In this episode of Horrible Humans In History, we explore the disturbing rise and fall of The Family, an Australian cult led by the manipulative and delusional Anne Hamilton-Byrne. From her early life to the horrific abuse of children, to the eventual capture and death of the cult leader, this story delves into one of the most chilling cults in modern history. Tune in to learn how The Family preye
Episode 37 - Jorge Rafael Videla
In today’s episode of HHH, we dive into the dark history of Jorge Rafael Videla, the notorious Argentine general who led a brutal military dictatorship.
Episode 36 - Jeffrey Dahmer
In the late 1980’s through the early 1990’s gay men began to disappear in Wisconsin. No one would suspect the quiet unassuming Jeffrey Dahmer as their killer. Listen to the new episode of Horrible Humans in History to hear the eerie story of how Dahmer was able to kill seventeen men without raising suspicion.
Episode 35 - Salem Witch Trials
Tales of witches and their magical powers are scattered throughout history, but what happened in Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials was shocking even for the time. Learn more about the cruelty of a community that was supposed to be wholesome and religious, but quickly turned murderous.
Episode 34 - Ronald Clark O'Bryan
Every Halloween parents worry that some scary stranger will try to do something to the candy their children receive on Halloween night. In 1974 that fear was turned into a reality for one family when their child was poisoned by the Pixy Stix Killer. Learn more about this chilling tale in today's episode of Horrible Humans in History!
Episode 33 - Joseph Stalin
Come listen to the story of a man who regarded humans as a replaceable just like any other object. This was apparent in the 6-60 million people he is estimated to kill. Listen to the horrific tale of the worst dictator in history, Joseph Stalin.
Episode 32 - Clementine Barnabet
When a community is terrified because whole families of African Americans are being slaughtered and dark magic and voodoo are suspected, you know it will be a chilling story full of twists and turns. Did I mention our story takes place in the center of voodoo? Louisiana in 1911 and 1912. Learn more about the evil Voodoo Priestess Clementine Barnabet in todays episode of Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 31 - James P Watson
Fairytales can be terrifying when they turn into real life. The story of Bluebeard is the tale of a man who marries multiple women and then kills them. In the case of James P Watson, reality mimics fantasy. Listen to the creepy story of California's own Bluebeard.
Episode 30 - Dennis Rader
For the 30th episode of HHH join us as we discuss the sickening story of Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK Killer. This man appeared normal to many who knew him, but you won't believe how sick and twisted he really was.
Episode 29 - Miyuki Ishikawa
The demon midwife believed that she was actually doing a service for people by killing their unwanted babies, too bad she started charging for the murders, she might have gotten away with it. Learn more about her evil ways on today’s episode of Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 28 - The Lindbergh Kidnapping
The real life kidnaping story that sounds like it was written by a mystery writer took place in New York and New Jersey. A famous aviator’s son was taken in the middle of the night and it took police years to solve the crime. Tune in to hear the crazy tale of the Lindbergh Kidnaping case.
Episode 27 - Henry the VIII
Everyone has heard of the infamous King Henry VIII and how he treated his six wives. What if I told you, that isn’t what made him a Horrible Human in History? Learn more about his evil deeds in this weeks episode of HHH.
Episode 26 - Belle Gunness
Belle Gunness is the human version of a black widow. Listen to the story of a woman who would use other people and their untimely demise as a way to make loads of money. Hear her twisted tale on todays episode of Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 25 - Ivan the Terrible
Ivan the Terrible, a name that has been so properly mis- translated. He would start Russia on the course of death and destruction. Killing his people in brutal ways, learn why Ivan the Terrible was so…. Horrible (you thought I would say terrible didn’t you?)
Episode 24 - Tiberius
Listen to the story of Tiberius, the second emperor of Rome, to see how quickly a man can become a monster. The depraved way he spent his final days will blow your mind.
Mini Episode 2 - Fake Military
I'm out of the country again this week, but be ready for a fun and creepy episode about Tiberius next week! Here is another short fun, creepy story for you to enjoy while I am gone! I'll see you guys next week!
Mini Episode 1 - Dyatlov Pass
I'm out of the country this week visiting the area where my next Horrible Human lived! So, no full episode this week, but here is a creepy story to wet your appetite!
Episode 23 - Lizzie Borden
“Lizzy Borden grabbed an ax and gave her mother 40 wacks. When she’d seen what she had done, she gave her father 41” Come listen to the chilling tale of Lizzie Borden, the hatchet wielding murderer! Is she truly guilty of the crimes they claimed she committed? Decide for yourself!
Episode 22 - Ted Bundy
Everyone knows about the serial killer named Ted Bundy, but do you know his whole story? Listen to the bone chilling tale of one of the world's most notorious serial killers. The details of his murderous ways will blow your mind. Find out more on this episode of Horrible Humans in History!
Episode 21 - Franscisco Nguema
We have talked about the evil dictator Idi Amin, but what if I told you there was someone worse out there? Come listen to the horrible story of the little known dictator Francisco Macias Nguema, the Pol Pot of Africa! Learn about the evil deeds he committed as he slipped into madness on our next episode of Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 20 - Ilse Koch
We all know that Nazis are evil, but there is one woman who took their evils to the next level. Listen to the chilling tale of Ilse Koch, the Witch of Buchenwald, and the awful things she did that made her a Horrible Human in History.
Episode 19 - Marshall Applewhite
Would you ever join a church that preached that you were a space alien trapped in a human body? Well some people did. Listen to the crazy tale of Marshall Applewhite and his Heavens Gate followers. They would embark on a journey that most wouldn’t return from!
Episode 18 - Caligula
Rome had it's fair share of horrible humans to lead the Empire. In this episode we will talk about the worst of the worst, or is he? Learn more about the evil emperor Caligula, or should we say "little boots" and decide for yourself. Is he the worst of the Roman emperors? He is for sure a Horrible Human in History.
Episode 17 - Martha Rendell
Have you ever heard a story about an evil step-mother? Well, it turns out they are true! At least in the case of Martha Rendell, a real-life evil step-mother! Listen to this episode to hear about the evil step-mother who's story is even worse than any fairy tale.
Episode 16 - Eric Edgar Cooke
The quiet safe town of Perth, Australia was changed forever when a string of murders started happening. Eric Edgar Cooke, or the Night Caller, would go on a killing rampage that would haunt Perth to this day. Learn more in the latest episode of HHH!
Episode 15 - Vlad the Impaler
We have all heard the tales of Count Dracula, but what if I told you the real story was even more disturbing? Vlad the Impaler inspired Brahm Stoker with his evil ways of torture and execution. Come learn more about the sadistic man who inspired the most notorious halloween costume of our time.
Episode 14 - Amelia Dyer
Killers are generally known to be evil, so what is worse than a killer? Someone who kills babies and does it for profit. Listen to the newest episode of HHH now and learn about the evil actions of Amelia Dyer and her Baby Farm.
Episode 13 - Genghis Khan
A brilliant military leader or a brutal genocidal maniac? That is what we will try to unravel about Genghis Khan in this next episode of Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 12 - King Leopold II
Portrayed as a holy saint who fought the evils of the slave trade. King Leopold II was a man that despite his strong words against slavery, turned an entire nation into his own personal slaves. Learn about the barbaric way he treated the people of the Congo in our newest episode of Horrible Humans in History!
Episode 11 - Credonia Mwerinde
The leader of a doomsday cult in Uganda, Credonia Mwerinde would make her prophecies of the apocalypse happen one way or the other. Even if it meant murdering her entire congregation. Listen to the crazy tale of the rise and fall of her "church."
Episode 10 - Jack the Ripper
Do you think you know the whole story of Jack the Ripper? Think again. He has haunted the pages of history since 1888. It's time to explore the details of this phantom killer and the mysteries that surround his identity. Join us on the 10th episode of HHH!
Episode 9 - Pol Pot
One man carried out his vision to create a perfect society, but it quickly turned into a nightmare for the people of Cambodia. Pol Pot would kill two million people in the short three years he dominated the country. Tune in to see how his atrocities he committed against his own people, and what makes him a Horrible Human In History.
Episode 8 - Delphine Lalorie
It is hard to imagine a way to make slavery worse than it is, but Delphine Lalorie was able to make life a living nightmare for her slaves. She would unleash her sadistic desires on her innocent slaves. Her evil actions were only discovered after a house fire. Tune in to learn more of the details of this Horrible Human in History.
Episode 7 - Ed Gien
Although this tale isn't about a serial killer, the truth about the crimes that Ed Gien committed will make your skin crawl. Listen now to hear about the man who inspired many of pop cultures most famous horror films and books.
Episode 6 - Jim Jones
Don't drink the Kool-Aid as we dive into Jim Jones and his People's Temple. We'll explore the jungle prison he called "Heaven on Earth." Listen, and find out how his charismatic personality drove over 900 people to kill themselves.
Episode 5 - Elizabeth Bathory
Countess Dracula is a mythical creature who drains the blood from young women. What if I told you that Countess Dracula was based on a real person? Elizabeth Bathory was a sadistic murder who tortured people for fun. Even the rumors of her evil didn't touch the horror that women experienced in her castle. It's time to learn about the first serial killer ever written about in history!
Episode 4 - Rasputin
Sift through the myth and the legends to find the truth about the mysterious man known as Rasputin. Claiming to be a holy healer, Rasputin would gain control over the Russian Czar and Czarina. Eventually he pronounced a curse on the Romanov family that would prove fatal for both him and the Romanov dynasty. Come learn the real story of the legendary Rasputin.
Episode 3 - Idi Amin Dada
In our third episode of HHH we will learn about the ruthless dictator Idi Amin Dada of Uganda. To many, he was a jolly giant who could relate to the people of his nation. But behind the smiles and dancing was a heartless man in search of power and control. Fear and death were his weapons of choice when controlling his people. Join us and find out why he is today's Horrible Human in History.
Episode 2 - Jolly Jane Toppan
In this episode of HHH we are introduced to Jane Toppan. Receiving her nickname Jolly Jane because of her happy and helpful disposition, it was the perfect disguise for her sinister nature. Killing those she swore to help, come with me as uncover the twisted life and mind of Jolly Jane. Find out what truly makes her one of the Horrible Humans in History.
Episode 1 - H.H. Holmes
In this first episode of Horrible Humans in History we will be diving into the monstrous life of America's first serial killer, H. H. Holmes. We will run though the childhood that started him on the path of becoming a killer. We will explore the mysteries surrounding his Murder Castle, a building built to trap and kill his victims. And we will see the mistakes he made that eventually lead to h
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