Last Update on the Left - Episode 15 - Casey Anthony Revisited

Episode 671: Gary Ridgway : Redux Part I - Wrong Way Gary

Jul 3, 20261h 34mSummary

In this episode, the hosts of Last Podcast On The Left return to the subject of Gary Ridgway, the infamous Green River Killer, for a comprehensive three-part redux. Having previously covered the case when the show was in its infancy, the hosts aim to provide a more nuanced and thoroughly researched account, utilizing new information and deeper analysis that was not available during their original series. The discussion explores Ridgway’s upbringing in a volatile household in Salt Lake City, marked by parental abuse, developmental struggles, and the classic signs of the McDonald triad, including arson and animal cruelty. The hosts analyze the environment of the Seattle-Tacoma area during the 1980s, specifically the area known as the "Strip," which provided a fertile hunting ground for Ridgway’s prolific killing spree. Beyond the simple narrative of a "missionary" killer motivated by hatred, the hosts examine his complex, contradictory psychological state, his necrophilic tendencies, and his attempts at attention-seeking behavior. They also provide insight into why crime patterns have shifted in modern times, contrasting the serial killer era of the late 20th century with contemporary investigative advancements.

Side Stories: Meatballs & Murder

Jul 1, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of Side Stories, hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson curate a selection of bizarre and unsettling headlines, aiming for what they jokingly describe as a lighthearted, "uplifting" news cycle. The duo opens the show with a reflection on their recent live performances in Canada, leading into a discussion about the grim historical reputation of London, Ontario, as a hotspot for serial killers. The conversation shifts to a series of strange news reports, including the discovery of a deceased infant at the Electric Forest music festival, which prompts a dark comedic dialogue about the realities of large-scale event security. The hosts also pivot to international stories, highlighting the emergence of a vigilante figure in Jalisco, Mexico, dubbed "Batman," who has been targeting suspected thieves, as well as a group of female vigilantes taking up arms to protect their communities. Finally, they cover a somber family tragedy in Mechanicville, New York, where a grandmother was implicated in a fatal incident involving her own family members, prompting a discussion on the complexities of domestic custody disputes and the darker side of family dynamics.

Episode 670: Father's Day w/ Stephen King & Joe Hill

Jun 26, 20261h 6mSummary

In this special Father’s Day episode of The Last Podcast on the Left, the hosts welcome literary titans Stephen King and his son, Joe Hill. The conversation offers a candid and humorous look into the lives of one of horror’s most famous families. The hosts explore the unique dynamic of the father-son duo, discussing their collaborative writing process, which Joe Hill compares to "hanging on for dear life" as his father dictates the pace of their projects. Beyond their work, the trio reflects on the influence of 20th-century horror culture, the evolution of the Dark Tower series, and the inspiration drawn from classic Western cinema. The episode touches on the role of family in their creative lives, specifically the vital editorial influence of Tabitha King, whom both authors cite as their primary sounding board. Interspersed with personal anecdotes about fan interactions and the complexities of writing iconic characters, the discussion provides a warm, insightful look at the intersection of professional success and familial bonds, all delivered with the signature irreverent humor that listeners of the podcast have come to expect.

Side Stories: Maternal Instict

Jun 24, 20261h 19mSummary

In this episode of Side Stories, the hosts delve into the disturbing and complex true crime case of Taylor Parker, the subject of the documentary Maternal Instinct. Parker, a woman who maintained a long history of pathological lying and malingering, went to horrific lengths to sustain a fabricated pregnancy. This culminated in the brutal murder of her friend, Reagan Hancock, from whom Parker surgically removed a baby in a delusional attempt to pass the child off as her own. The hosts analyze Parker’s background of manipulation, noting how her compulsive need for attention and validation led her to escalate from minor deceptions to irreversible violence. Beyond the harrowing crime, the discussion drifts into a characteristically eclectic mix of topics. The hosts explore the potential of using prediction markets to bet on celebrity relationships, specifically the longevity of Tom Holland and Zendaya’s marriage, and share their latest musical obsessions, ranging from African funk to Cambodian records. The conversation also touches on the etiquette of wearing soccer jerseys as streetwear and the odd realities of modern personal finance.

Episode 669: Anton LaVey Part IV - Old Wizards Die Hard

Jun 19, 20261h 48mSummary

In Episode 669 of Last Podcast On The Left, the hosts continue their deep dive into the life of Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey. This installment focuses on the unlikely and fascinating friendship between LaVey and iconic entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. during the 1970s. The discussion begins with the 1973 TV movie Poor Devil, which featured Davis in a role that piqued the interest of the Church of Satan. The hosts detail how LaVey, along with Diane Hegarty and Michael Aquino, successfully courted Davis, eventually bestowing upon him an honorary warlock degree. The narrative highlights the contrast between the public's perception of Satanism and the reality of the pair’s friendship, which often involved sober, intellectually curious conversations rather than the wild debauchery one might expect. Throughout the episode, the hosts analyze LaVey’s insecurities as a former carny navigating Hollywood, his rivalry with actor Christopher Lee, and the eventual strain placed on his relationship with Davis due to pressure from Frank Sinatra. Through anecdotes and archival correspondence, the episode provides a nuanced look at the intersection of occultism and celebrity culture in the 1970s.

Side Stories: Disclosure Daze w/ Alaska Thunderfuck 5000

Jun 17, 20261h 16mSummary

In this episode of Side Stories, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging conversation that blends pop culture critiques, internet mysteries, and bizarre news headlines. The discussion kicks off with a lighthearted but candid chat about personal grooming, before transitioning into an analysis of internet phenomena, specifically revisiting the unsettling case of Smart School Boy Nine. The hosts express skepticism regarding the entity's recent attempts to rebrand and re-emerge online, framing it as a desperate bid for attention from a figure who has long been a source of public curiosity. The episode also covers the strange and chaotic nature of recent daredevil news, including the tragic accidents involving base jumpers and free solo climbers. The hosts debate the motivations behind these extreme stunts and lament the loss of the spectacle and showmanship that once defined such feats. Finally, the conversation shifts to a critique of Steven Spielberg’s latest project, with the hosts arguing that the legendary director has become disconnected from modern discourse on extraterrestrial disclosure, suggesting that his recent work fails to capture the complexity and gravity of the current conversation surrounding the topic.

Episode 668: Anton LaVey Part III - The Devil's Rain

Jun 12, 20261h 38mSummary

In this installment of the deep dive into the life and influence of Anton LaVey, the hosts explore the theatrical and often chaotic expansion of the Church of Satan during the late 1960s. The episode highlights LaVey’s transition from private occult curiosity to a public performance artist, utilizing his Black House in San Francisco as a hub for both provocative rituals and sensationalist press opportunities. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the intersection between LaVey’s Church and the rise of the Manson Family. The hosts detail how Susan Atkins, before becoming a central figure in the Tate-LaBianca murders, briefly participated in a LaVey-produced ritual known as The Witch’s Sabbath. This connection serves as a lens to examine the cultural atmosphere of the era and LaVey’s specific brand of cynical showmanship. The hosts also analyze the origins of LaVey’s infamous black masses, uncovering how he drew inspiration from pulp magazines and fictional occult tropes to build his organization’s signature aesthetic, ultimately blending genuine belief with calculated, shock-heavy performance art and personal sexual fetishes.

Side Stories: Fake Children

Jun 10, 20261h 26mSummary

In this episode of Side Stories, hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson dive into an eclectic mix of pop culture, conspiracy theories, and true crime-adjacent news. The hosts open with a lighthearted but intense debate over the social implications of the handlebar mustache, with Henry and Ed humorously dissecting what specific fashion choices say about a person's personality and professional credibility. The conversation then shifts to the strange, persistent conspiracy theory suggesting that Michael Jackson allegedly visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island not as a participant, but as a rescuer attempting to save children from exploitation. The hosts examine the resurfacing of this rumor in light of the Michael Jackson biopic and recent document releases. They also touch upon the historical parallels involving J.M. Barrie and the dark patterns often found in the lives of public figures linked to children. Finally, the episode pivots to a more somber topic: the string of disappearances involving high-level scientists. The hosts discuss the case of Melissa Casius and others, exploring the unsettling similarities in their final movements and the professional pressures surrounding their work in top-secret fields.

Episode 667: Anton LaVey Part II - Paint It Black

Jun 5, 20261h 43mSummary

In this second installment of their deep dive into the life of Anton LaVey, the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left explore the foundational myths and early career path of the man who would eventually found the Church of Satan. The episode scrutinizes LaVey’s elaborate personal lore, specifically his claims of working as a big cat handler in the Clyde Beatty Circus and his purported brief romantic entanglement with Marilyn Monroe. The discussion highlights how LaVey used his time as a calliope player and carnival performer to study human behavior, performance, and the mechanics of illusion. The hosts emphasize how these experiences—and his later, questionable claims of working as a crime scene photographer for the San Francisco Police Department—shaped his philosophy of Satanism as an antidote to societal hypocrisy. Rather than focusing on historical accuracy, the episode centers on LaVey as a master of self-mythologizing, analyzing how he synthesized fringe aesthetics, showmanship, and a "me-first" worldview to build his persona. It is an engaging look at how one man transformed a collection of tall tales into a enduring, polarizing cultural legacy.

Side Stories: Tootsie

Jun 3, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Side Stories, hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson return from their live shows in Rochester, New York, to dive into their usual mix of pop culture updates and true crime commentary. The pair shares a lighthearted discussion about their recent travels, their surprising appreciation for the hospitality in Rochester, and their humorous, ongoing struggle to let go of old sports rivalries. The conversation eventually pivots to the heavy, real-world case of Mackenzie Shirilla, the subject of a recent documentary. The hosts analyze the chilling details of the crash that led to Shirilla's conviction, criticizing the manipulative defense strategies presented at trial and discussing the unsettling behavior she exhibited before and after the event. They reflect on the dangers of the modern influencer mentality and the permanent consequences of poor decision-making at a young age. Between these serious topics, the hosts also touch on viral internet phenomena, including the musical talents of the Mu Yun brothers and a bizarre, breath-related anecdote about competitive eater Joey Chestnut. It is a characteristically candid and chaotic episode that balances dark societal observations with the hosts' signature comedic banter.