Take On the World Podcast

Join us on the Take On The World Podcast as we delve into the dark and fascinating history of Devil's Island Penal Colony. Located off the coast of French Guiana, this infamous prison system was notorious for its harsh conditions, brutal treatment, and high mortality rate. From 1852 to 1953, it housed over 80,000 prisoners, including political figures like Captain Alfred Dreyfus and notorious escape artists like Henri Charrière...

Join hosts John and Mike D on the Take On The World Podcast as theydive into the fascinating history of Alcatraz and explore the mostinfamous escape from the Rock. In this gripping episode, we'lluncover the daring plan of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers,their ingenious methods, and the lingering questions surroundingtheir fate. From the prison's impenetrable reputation to the FBI'songoing investigation, we'll examine every ang...

Hey TOTW fans! Mike D and John are back with a mind-blowing update on our past episode about H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper. Remember when we talked about the possibility of these two infamous killers being the same person? Well, hold onto your hats, because new DNA evidence might just blow that theory out of the water! A researcher claims to have found a "100% DNA match" linking Jack the Ripper to a long-standing suspec...

Join John and Mike D on the Take On The World Podcast as we explore the infamous Aldershot Glasshouse and other military prisons in Great Britain. Discover the harsh realities of these correctional facilities, known for their strict discipline and rigorous training regimes. We'll delve into the history, purpose, and impact of these institutions on military personnel and society.From Aldershot to Colchester, we'll uncover th...

Join hosts John and Mike D on Take On The World Podcast as we dive into the wild tale of Robert Chesebrough, the eccentric New York chemist who transformed a greasy oil field byproduct into a global skincare phenomenon. From burning and cutting himself on stage to prove Vaseline's healing properties to consuming a spoonful daily, Chesebrough's incredible journey from Titusville's oil fields in 1859 to creating a produc...

In this gripping episode of the Take On The World podcast, John and Mike D dive into the chilling tale of Alfred Packer, Colorado's infamous "Cannibal of the Rockies." Join us as we unravel the harrowing story of survival, betrayal, and the mysterious events surrounding Packer's ill-fated expedition through the San Juan Mountains in 1874. Was he a desperate man trying to stay alive, or a calculated murderer with a sinister appetit...

In this episode of the Take On The World podcast, hosts John and Mike D dive into the fascinating and chilling story of John Leonard Orr, the infamous arson investigator turned serial arsonist. From his career in firefighting to the shocking revelation of his role in setting deadly fires, we explore the mind of a man trusted to protect but driven to destroy. Join us as we uncover the evidence that led to his capture, and the lasti...

In this episode of the TOTW Podcast, Mike D and Special Host and Retired professional broadcaster Deb Dougherty dive into the chilling history of U.S. presidential assassinations and near-misses. From the tragic deaths of Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy to the dramatic attempts on leaders like Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan, we explore the motivations, conspiracies, and cultural impacts surrounding th...

Mike D and John dive into their lifelong love of punk rock, impact, and evolution over the years. In this episode, they reminisce about pivotal bands, legendary shows, and personal stories from their past experiences in the punk scene, alongside discussions about modern punk influences and how the genre still resonates with them today. With an honest, nostalgic, and often humorous approach, Mike D and John share their passion for ...

Join us in this gripping episode of the TOTW Podcast as we uncover the chilling history of Rikers Island Prison. From its murky beginnings as a Civil War training ground to the trash fires and rat infestations that plagued the island, we delve deep into its sordid past. Learn about the island's original owner, the shocking inmate fight night controversies, and the disastrous flooding that only added to the prison's notorious reput...

In this episode of the Take On the World podcast, we dive deep into the life, legacy, and mysterious disappearance of one of America's most infamous labor leaders, Jimmy Hoffa. From his rise to power within the Teamsters union to the theories surrounding his vanishing in 1975, we explore the controversies, conspiracies, and the unanswered questions that continue to captivate the world. Was Hoffa the victim of organized crime, or d...

In this episode of Take On The World, we dive deep into the controversial and tragic events surrounding the Ruby Ridge standoff of 1992. Located in the remote mountains of Idaho, this intense confrontation between Randy Weaver, his family, and federal agents resulted in a deadly conflict that has since sparked debates about government overreach, survivalism, and the limits of personal freedom. Join us as we explore the timeline of...

TOTW took some time off, to regroup and recharge, but have no fear we are back in the saddle again. Tune in and find out where we have been and what we have been doing before we dive deep into our next topic. Is there a topic you would like us to cover? Let us know. Drop us a line and tell us all about it at takeontheworld411@gmail.com. We will take on almost any topic with Our Take On the World! Visit for links to all of our s...

Episode -124 Welcome back to *Take On The World with Host John and Mike*! Today, we're delving into one of Ohio's most perplexing mysteries: the Circleville Letters. Imagine living in a small town where anonymous letters filled with threats and accusations start flooding the community. That’s exactly what happened in Circleville during the late 1970s and 1980s. We'll introduce you to the key figures like Mary and Ron ...

Episode 123 🎙️ Welcome back to another mind-bending episode of Podcast Take On The World, where John and Mike D dive headfirst into the deep end of conspiracy theories! This time, we're donning our tin foil hats and delving into the mystery surrounding Fort Knox and its elusive gold reserves. 🕵️‍♂️💰 Join us as we sift through the layers of secrecy and skepticism surrounding one of the most heavily guarded vaults in the wor...

Episode 122 Part 2 of Bigfoot Cryptids and The Paranormal OH MY! Welcome back to the TOTW Podcast with John and Mike! In Part 2 of our special two-part series, we dive even deeper into the mysterious world of Bigfoot, Cryptids, and the Paranormal. Joined by our special guest Chase from the Barrel Aged Flicks Podcast, we continue our exploration with personal experiences, opinions, and intriguing discussions. In this episode, we n...

Welcome back to the TOTW Podcast with your hosts John and Mike! In this special two-part series, we're revisiting our very first episode where we delved into the mysterious world of Bigfoot, Cryptids, and the Paranormal. Joining us for this nostalgic journey is our special guest Chase from the Barrel Aged Flicks Podcast! In Part 1, we dive deep into the myths, legends, and sightings of Bigfoot, exploring the fascinating histo...

Discover intriguing and lesser-known facts about the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg with hosts John and Mike D on the TOTW Podcast. Dive into the heart of history as they unravel stories like the "Friendly Fire Incident" during Pickett's Charge and the pivotal role of the Signal Corps in battlefield communication. Learn about Robert E. Lee's lost battle plans and the astonishing scale of horse casualties, numberi...

Join hosts John and Mike as they delve into one of the most fascinating UFO encounters in history, the Falcon Lake Incident of 1967. Stefan Michalak's harrowing encounter with two mysterious crafts in the Manitoba wilderness left him with burns, nausea, and a lifetime of questions. Despite enduring skepticism and scrutiny, Michalak maintained the integrity of his story until his death. Dive deep into the details of this enigma...