The "Killer Clown" likely contributed to people's fears of makeup-wearing jesters. But the truth is, John Wayne Gacy's personas, "Pogo" or "Patches," didn't harm a soul. It was the successful suburban businessman hiding in plain sight who was preying on young men and boys. This is the second episode in our 5-year anniversary special, looking back on the seri ... Show More
Aug 24
The Greek Robin Hood Who Kidnapped Billionaires and Escaped Prison in a Helicopter
In the craggy peaks of Greece, a modern outlaw proves that you can rob a bank, kidnap a billionaire, and still be the most beloved man in the mountains. This is the story of Vassilis Paleokostas: the 'Robin Hood' who treats his hostages like guests and uses a helicopter as his pr ... Show More
40m 36s
Aug 17
Stanley Alpert, the Kidnapping Victim Who Outsmarted his Captors
Kidnapped on his 38th birthday by criminals who think every federal prosecutor is secretly wealthy, a calm-under-pressure lawyer survives a chaotic 25-hour ordeal—part hostage crisis, part absurd comedy—by befriending his captors. Sources for this episode include: The Birthday Pa ... Show More
30m 57s
Aug 2025
The Serial Killer Clown: John Wayne Gacy
In this episode, we take a look at the disturbing case of John Wayne Gacy, one of America's most notorious serial killers. Known as the "Killer Clown," Gacy was responsible for the deaths of over 30 young men and boys during the 1970s. We cover the key facts, timeline, and how he ... Show More
39m 43s
Jul 2022
102 - John Wayne Gacy: The Demonic Killer Clown
John Wayne Gacy was many things - an abused son, a husband, and father, an honored member of the United States Junior Chamber, and a respected businessman. But behind his charming facade, John Gacy was also responsible for the rape, torture, and murder of 33 young men. In this ep ... Show More
3h 19m
Nov 2019
S1 Ep2: John Wayne Gacy, The Killer Clown
A local businessman, socialite, and Democratic precinct captain, known to spend his weekends entertaining children as a clown -- but over the course of six years, John Wayne Gacy kidnapped, tortured, and brutally murdered 33 young men and boys in and around Chicago, Illinois. 27 ... Show More
49m 51s
Oct 2022
EP. 86 ILLINOIS - John Wayne Gacy (PT. 1): Who WAS The Killer Clown?
It was the 1970s, and young men who had their whole lives in front of them started going missing around the greater Chicago area. While some disappeared while looking for a job in the city, or hanging out near the Greyhound bus station, or walking along the roads outside of Chica ... Show More
1h 20m