Ep. 17: The Chuck E. Cheese Massacre

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12/27/23 • 42 min

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Wicked Wanderings

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Thirty years have passed since the Chuck E. Cheese tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, and yet the wounds remain as deep and painful as ever. Jess's sister Heather joins us to share her intimate connection to that fateful night on December 14, 1993, when Nathan Dunlap's quest for vengeance claimed the lives of four innocent people, including her friend. Together, we traverse the haunting memories, the loss felt by the community, and the haunting aftermath that forever altered the lives of those who survived.
With Heather's unique insights, we peel back the layers of Dunlap's psyche, attempting to understand the role his troubled history played in leading up to the massacre. Deliberating on his erratic behavior, the trial that followed, and his death penalty case, we engage in a profound discussion on the intersections of mental health, criminal justice, and the ultimate question of whether such a violent act can be attributed solely to illness or if there were other contributing factors. This episode shines a light on the complexities of a person's background and the long, difficult road of the legal processes that unfold in the wake of such crimes.
As we conclude the episode, our focus shifts to the delicate subjects of loss and the possibility of forgiveness. Remembering Sylvia through her own words on forgiveness, we honor the lives that were stolen and explore the emotional journey of those who have been left to pick up the pieces. Join us as we offer a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the power of a community united in grief and resilience. This is more than just a story of a crime; it's a testament to the lives it has touched and the ongoing struggle to find peace and closure.
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Wicked Wanderings is hosted by Hannah & Courtney and it's produced by Rob Fitzpatrick. Music by Sascha Ende.
Wicked Wanderings is a Production of Studio 113

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Ep. 16: Nellie Bly

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Hang on tight for an emotional roller coaster as we journey through the extraordinary life of Nellie Bly. We're about to embark on an exploration of her daring feat in the late 1800s. Posing as an insane woman, she secured admission into the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island, only to expose its horrifying conditions and the shocking maltreatment of its patients. The turmoil she underwent, the unthinkable stories she uncovered, and the public reaction to her revelations—you're going to hear it all.
As we delve deeper into the deplorable conditions within the asylum, your heart will wrench hearing about the physical torment, emotional abuse, and the sheer plight of the patients. Nellie Bly’s personal accounts, coupled with interviews, will paint a picture so vivid it will leave you disturbed, yet inspired by her courage. Get ready to experience a side of history that's as shocking as it is inspiring, because Nellie Bly’s journey is one you won't forget.

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Ep. 18: 1930's Mental Health

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As we close the curtains on our mental health series, Hannah and Jess take a solemn step back in time to the 1930s psychiatric care era, a time marked by chilling treatments and a blatant disregard for patient dignity. Immerse yourself in a conversation that exposes the horrific practices of scalding baths, invasive surgeries, and the removal of reproductive organs—all under the guise of 'curing' the mentally ill. Our episode is a powerful reminder of the misogynistic roots intertwined with these grim 'therapies' and a call to recognize these injustices to ensure they never repeat.
Venture deeper into the shadows with us as we scrutinize the harrowing history of lobotomies and electroshock therapy, where children were not spared from their traumatic reach. We'll dissect the tale of Phineas Gage, the infamous case that unlocked early insights into the brain's role in personality, and question the suspect success rates once touted by proponents of the lobotomy. Walter Freeman's transorbital lobotomy comes under our critical lens, as we grapple with the ethical abyss into which psychiatric care once plummeted.
But there is light at the end of this tunnel. Our final act brings us into the post-World War II landscape, where the advent of pharmaceuticals pivoted mental health treatment into new, albeit sometimes problematic, territory. We bear witness to the personal stories that illuminate the troubling history of overmedication and misdiagnosis, but also celebrate the strides made towards more humane treatment methods. From the compassionate care championed by the Quakers to the significant shifts in patient rights, we honor the journey towards a trauma-informed approach that respects and nurtures the whole person. Join us for this enlightening exploration of our past—and the future it has shaped—in mental health care.

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