Episode 131

"White House Boy" Roger Dean Kiser tells us the story of his personal hell. To him, this world which anyone would consider a living hell was just normal everyday life. The way he describes this upbringing is so brutally honest and matter-of-fact, that it will chill your soul. Hundreds of other "White House Boys" have told the tale of the same experience, yet for over a century the institutional torture and sometime murder of children has been taking place right under our collective noses, and only now is this story coming to light. When you hear this story, just keep reminding yourself that you live in America, a country by the people and for the people. You may have to try extra hard to remind yourself because it will be easy to forget. This actually happened. It happened right here, in this country, and the worst part is there is no justice for the victims, not even the ones who are still living. It's absolutely sickening, and a wake up call for anyone who cares enough to listen.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

12 Helmi 20141h 11min

This is the conclusion to a two part saga involving the organized abduction and abuse of children and ritualistic murders by satanic cults allegedly headed by the top levels of government at a mysterious all-male retreat known as Bohemian Grove. We tell the tale of what has become to be known as The Franklin Coverup and follow the trail of young Johnny Gosch and several other youngsters who were persecuted by the very system that was supposed to protect them, all for sharing their nightmare with us. Witness intimidation kept this story under wraps, but some individuals took the fall while countless others probably got away with outright murder.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

5 Helmi 20141h 1min

Imagine a criminal conspiracy and cover-up so so massive in scale, involving the highest levels of government and industry, that it threatens the very fabric of the American system. Now imagine that the crimes of this criminal syndicate are so horrible, so horrendous, that the mere mention of them would be frowned upon in polite society, and the very idea of such a conspiracy being possible would be laughable and downright absurd. Yet, in September of 1982, the unexplained disappearance of a 12-year-old boy named Johnny Gosch, set a series of events into motion that would have earth-shattering ramifications to this day. In this episode of Sword and Scale, we'll delve into Part 1 of a series titled The Massive Cover-Up one of the strangest and most outrageous criminal conspiracy theories ever told, including audio from many of those who witnessed the story unfolding firsthand. We're also delve into all the bizarre side-stories that spin off like fractals into their own mysterious endings. The show concludes with a viral video that made headlines last week. In keeping with the theme, it is that of a sexual abuse victim named Jamie that decided that if the law wasn't going to help her, perhaps YouTube and the outrage of millions could. You won't want to miss this clip.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

29 Tammi 201454min

On Friday, October 5th 2012, 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway disappeared on her way to school. This is the story of what happened to her and how the suburban city of Westminster coped with the aftermath, including the perpetrator's chilling confession. We warn you, some of the details are quite disturbing and not intended for all audiences. We also examine how common child abductions are in the United States and cover some of the week's most eye-catching headlines.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

22 Tammi 201453min

It's really true that Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. This week we examine the fascinating topic of female serial killers, including the tale of Belle Gunness - a woman who makes Ted Bundy look like an amateur. Although the town of La Porte, Indiana has been made famous by the bizarre events that happened there over a hundred years ago, many have never heard of this woman or her series of cold and calculated murders on a pig farm. We're joined by Bruce R. Johnson, a local expert on the Belle Gunness story, along with Director/Producer of Belle Gunness: The Movie and The Gunness Mystery, Stephen Ruminski. We also chat with local librarian Mary Hedge about La Porte's unusual relationship with the Gunness case. Sword and Scale highly encourages you to support our guests. If you're a fan of Sword and Scale, we're certain you'll enjoy The Gunness Mystery on DVD. To order it, please visit http://www.thegunnessmystery.com/. Also, be sure to check out the La Porte County Historical Society's website for all the wicked little details surrounding this story, and if you want to dig deeper there's always our new friend Mary Hedge at The La Porte County Public Library. Also, if you're into that sort of thing, a horrifying collection of photos related to the Belle Gunness case is available at Murderpedia. If you're interested in the Belle Gunness Story, check out Sword and Scale Staff Writer's profile: Did Belle Get Away With Murder?Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

15 Tammi 20141h 1min

Psychopaths are all around us. Who are they? What are they? What makes them feel no empathy for other human beings, seeing them only as objects to manipulate and control? In Episode 2 of Sword and Scale, we examine these questions and hear from one of the world's leading neuroscientists in this field Professor James Fallon, who is not only an expert in the field of psychopathy, but also exhibits many of the traits of a psychopath himself. We also hear from actual psychopaths in their own words, including a chilling interview conducted of a serial sex offender by Dr. Anna Salter. Also, we'll play part of the final interview of one of the twentieth century's most infamous serial killers: Ted Bundy. The lack of empathy or remorse in their voice as they share the details of their horrific actions will probably turn your stomach, unless of course you're also a psychopath. Very special thanks to James H. Fallon, Professor Emeritus, Anatomy & Neurobiology School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

8 Tammi 20141h 8min

In this debut episode of Sword and Scale, author Janice Holly Booth tells the story of Bruce Blackman's slip into the dark depths of schizophrenia and the horrible result it caused to him and his family. This tale is based on the true events that occurred in Coquitlam, British Columbia on January 18th, 1983. This story is chilling, and in the wake of events like the Aurora Movie Theater shooting, more relevant than ever. This close knit family missed all the signs of trouble brewing and it had drastic consequences. Very special thanks to Rachel Mallory, Ph.D., R. Psych for her medical insight and assistance with this broadcast.Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com

1 Tammi 201456min