Naturally Off Topic

Naturally Off Topic

Welcome to Naturally Off Topic—the podcast where legends, conspiracies, true crime, twisted science, and eerie history collide in stories that are as bizarre as they are true(ish). I’m Megan: researcher, storyteller, chaos navigator, and your one-woman rabbit hole tour guide.

Episodes

May 1, 2025 49 mins

This week on Naturally Off Topic, we’re flipping the script with rapid-fire weirdness, wild escapes, unsettling legends, and head-scratching headlines—because some stories are too weird to share. From an escaped death row inmate whose life shaped U.S. law to ice cream trucks that doubled as drug fronts, this chaos cauldron is filled with eerie legends, ridiculous crimes, and facts that make you go, “wait… seriously?”

👁️ Eerie esca...

Mark as Played

What begins as a Cold War-era experiment quickly spirals into one of the internet’s most infamous and terrifying urban legends. In this solo episode, Megan takes you deep into the chilling tale of the Russian Sleep Experiment—breaking down the viral creepypasta, the real science behind sleep deprivation, and the eerie military research that makes this legend feel just a little too plausible.

 

Read more

Mark as Played

💰 A devoted mother, loving wife, and a fighter against cancer—or so she claimed. For 8 years, Amanda Riley convinced the world she was battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gaining sympathy, donations, and a platform in the process. But when an anonymous tip lands on an investigative reporter’s desk, Riley’s own words start to unravel her web of lies.

Join us this Thursday, 4/3, as we dive into the shocking story of Scamanda—the woman who ...

Mark as Played

Step into the shadows and unlock the secrets of one of history’s most mysterious and controversial organizations—the Illuminati. In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, Megan and Mariah explore the origins of this infamous secret society, from its founding in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt to the conspiracy theories that refuse to die.

Were the Illuminati truly disbanded, or did they retreat into the shadows, orchestrating world events fro...

Mark as Played

What happens when ordinary people are placed in positions of absolute power—or total submission? In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we take a deep dive into the Stanford Prison Experiment, one of the most infamous psychological studies in history.

Conducted in 1971 by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, this experiment was meant to simulate prison life—but it quickly spiraled out of control. From psychological breakdowns to disturbing abuses...

Mark as Played

Welcome to Naturally Off Topic, where we discuss legends, theories, conspiracies, and more—and today, we’re diving into the "more" part of our podcast.

After covering the chilling case of The American Nightmare, we decided to have a few drinks, hit record, and let the conversation go off the rails. This is Drunk Topic, where we revisit past cases, share our unfiltered thoughts, and see where the chaos takes us.

Was there more to Th...

Mark as Played

The chilling case of American Nightmare continues. In this two-part deep dive, we break down one of the most shocking true crime stories—where the victims became suspects, and the real perpetrator lurked in the shadows.

In Part 1, we uncovered the terrifying night Denise Huskins was kidnapped and how law enforcement dismissed it as a hoax. Now, in Part 2, we reveal the truth: Who was behind the abduction? How did Denise escape? And...

Mark as Played

In this two-part deep dive, we unravel the chilling case known as the American Nightmare. What started as a terrifying home invasion turned into a media-fueled spectacle, where the victims—Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn—were painted as the villains in their own story.

In Part 1 (February 27th), we break down the night of the kidnapping, the bizarre ransom note, and how law enforcement refused to believe Denise had actually been tak...

Mark as Played

In the grand finale of our Illuminati series, we dive deep into the most infamous conspiracy theories surrounding this shadowy secret society. From the alleged New World Order and hidden symbols in pop culture to the mysterious deaths of world leaders—could the Illuminati really be pulling the strings behind global events?

We’ll break down: 🔺 The New World Order – Is a global elite working toward one-world control? 👁️ The All-See...

Mark as Played

In part two of our Kennedy saga, Mariah takes us through the formative years of the Kennedy dynasty, leading right up to John F. Kennedy’s presidency. We explore their family dynamics, political ascension, and the ambitions that shaped a legacy of power.

Stay tuned! In just a couple of weeks, we’ll dive into the defining moments of JFK’s presidency and the lasting impact of his leadership. Don't miss this journey through histor...

Mark as Played

In the first installment of our Kennedy saga, we delve into the powerful and controversial legacy of America's most famous political dynasty. Drawing from Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, we uncover the secrets, scandals, and the impact of their influence. From political triumphs to personal tragedies, this episode begins an in-depth exploration of the Kennedy family like never before.

Tune in now to uncover the ...

Mark as Played

Join Megan for this mini-episode as she unravels the mysteries surrounding the Freemasons—a secretive society steeped in history and symbolism. Discover their origins, influence during the Enlightenment, and the enigmatic meanings behind their famous symbols and handshakes.

Megan also takes you on a journey to Portugal, recounting her visit to Quinta da Regaleira, a stunning estate shrouded in intrigue. From walking down the Initia...

Mark as Played
January 2, 2025 75 mins

In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we delve into the perplexing disappearance of Maura Murray, a case that has haunted investigators and captivated true crime enthusiasts for nearly two decades. Maura, a 21-year-old nursing student, vanished on a cold February night in 2004 after her car was found abandoned on a rural New Hampshire road. What led her to that desolate spot, and why did she disappear without a trace?

We'll walk ...

Mark as Played
December 19, 2024 59 mins

Get ready to dive into the chilling legend of Krampus, the horned, fearsome anti-Santa who stalks the streets every December 5th. In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we peel back the layers of folklore to uncover the ancient roots of Krampus in Alpine traditions, his connection to St. Nicholas, and his transformation into a modern-day cultural icon. From the eerie parades of Krampusnacht to his resurgence in pop culture, this i...

Mark as Played

Step into the chilling and grotesque world of Albert Fish—also known as the Gray Man, the Brooklyn Vampire, and the Boogeyman. Born in 1870, Fish’s life was a descent into unfathomable darkness, marked by abuse, psychological trauma, and unspeakable acts. From his tortured childhood at St. John’s Orphanage to his horrifying crimes involving the abduction, torture, and murder of children like Grace Budd and Billy Gaffney, Fish's dep...

Mark as Played

This week on Naturally Off Topic, we explore one of the most harrowing and unimaginable true crime cases in history: the kidnapping and 24-year imprisonment of Elisabeth Fritzl by her father, Josef Fritzl.

In this episode, we delve into Josef Fritzl's background, his calculated construction of a hidden cellar, and the chilling events that led to Elisabeth's imprisonment. We also examine her life in captivity, her remarkable strengt...

Mark as Played

For our very first mini-episode as Naturally Off Topic, we’re taking you along on our recent road trip! 🚗🌄 From eerie roadside attractions to surprising discoveries, we’re spilling all the fun, weird, and mysterious things we’ve encountered so far. Join us for a casual chat full of laughs, chills, and a few conspiracy theories along the way!

#NaturallyOffTopic #MiniEpisode #RoadTrip #SpookyAdventures #NewPodcast

Mark as Played

In Part 2 of our Ed and Lorraine Warren series, we delve into their most spine-chilling cases, including the infamous Annabelle doll and the haunted Conjuring House.

Learn the terrifying details behind the doll that inspired multiple horror films and the Perron family’s experiences that formed the basis for The Conjuring. We’ll explore the Warrens’ investigations into these cases, their encounters with malevolent forces, and the re...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we explore the fascinating lives of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the pioneers of modern paranormal investigation. From their humble beginnings to their rise as the world’s most famous demonologists, we delve into the experiences that shaped their careers and their most notable cases.

Discover how Ed's early encounters with the supernatural and Lorraine's clairvoyant abilities led them to a life de...

  • Mark as Played

    In this episode of Naturally Off Topic, we take a deep dive into the world of Bigfoot—the elusive giant of legend. From its origins as a cryptid to modern sightings, we explore why this mysterious creature continues to captivate imaginations worldwide. 👣

    But the story doesn’t stop there. We also examine the curious case of Andrew Dawson, whose viral videos of a supposed “giant” on a mountaintop stirred up controversy and conspirac...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      24/7 News: The Latest

      The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

      Crime Junkie

      Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.