Alie Ward

Discussion thread: OLD TIMEY POISONS episode is published!

Added 2025-10-29 20:51:10 +0000 UTC

**This episode is up and ready to hear wherever you get podcasts.**

We’re rounding out Spooktober with a look back at vintage forensics and Historical Toxicology with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Deborah Blum who authored “The Poisoner’s Handbook.” She is a delight and her love for chemistry and history is contagious.

Also Aqua Tofana, arsenic, old lace, Mr. Yuck, plant toxins and so much more. Did you listen? What did you think?

Also for your Spooktober gatherings, I invite you to enjoy your Podmother Jarrett’s 22 versions of the Monster Mash in genres from monks to the Beastie Boys to Dylan to Phoebe Bridgers. Challenge: play it in the background and see how long it takes people to realize they’re ALL the Monster Mash. It’s so weird and fun. He just released it as the album “Jarrett Sleeper Plays the Monster Mash” and Apple may not have it up yet but Spotify does:

https://open.spotify.com/album/05mmQliwAR65Gi5mi6FXdj?si=tDbikR-6TPasS88TOFe6AA

Send to anyone who might enjoy it. I think the Darkwave version is my favorite but let me know yours in the comments.

Okay you pumpkins, beware of candy-hungry skellies.

-Your Alie Ward