Episode 260: The Flatwoods Monster

A murderer? A conspirator? A profiteer? Flordelis dos Santos de Souza was many things to Brazil: A family minister. A Christian gospel singer. A member of Brazilian parliament. A symbol of hope in the community of Rio De Janeiro in the wake of the Candelária massacre mass shooting. This political figure made a name for herself even before being elected. Behind the scenes, her family ministry was a means for profit and eventually murder. Was Flordelis dos Santos de Souza a victim of her children’s actions or was she secretly the mastermind who plotted it all to take control? This week’s episode is Floredelis dos Santos de Souza. Check out our Patreon update episode on: Flordelis dos Santos de Souza Now a movie / documentary series on HBO Max: Flordelis: A Family Crime:  The haunting story of Flordelis, an acclaimed pastor and former member of the Brazilian parliament revered by many as a saint, accused of planning the death of her own husband, and her struggle to prove her innocence. Support Sinisterhood

14 Okt 202055min

Its website and Facebook streams lure in future members by preaching peace, love, and energy. But inside this tight-knit group, ex-members say they faced abuse and torture. Is their revered leader the one true Mother God bringing energy and peace to the world, or is she nothing more than a scam artist who’s found a new way to fund her lifestyle? Support Sinisterhood

7 Okt 20201h 43min

As one of the biggest pop stars in the world, the paparazzi’s cameras were trained on her as she struggled to maintain control of her life. Then she wound up in one of the most restrictive arrangements under the law. Her family and legal team said it was necessary, but fans believed their beloved icon was begging for their help on her social media pages. Then the movement finally found some traction - but what happens next? Support Sinisterhood

30 Sep 20201h 53min

Starting with her pigtailed debut, she rocketed to stardom as one of the biggest pop stars of all time. At first, all her dreams seemed to be coming true. But behind the scenes, things weren’t going so well for this icon. A divorce. A custody battle. Stints in the hospital for mental health reasons then finally, her rights were stripped away via an allegedly temporary legal mechanism. A decade later, the conservatorship remains. How could a pop legend end up with her every move controlled? Support Sinisterhood

23 Sep 20201h 22min

The gorgeous architecture and intricate stonework hide a century’s worth of abuse and horrors in this now-abandoned facility. At the height of its operation, the rooms and halls were filled with vulnerable and abused patients. Now closed, this asylum is supposedly occupied by otherworldly residents and has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. Support Sinisterhood

16 Sep 20201h 12min

Hey everyone! We're taking the week off, but we'll be back next week with an all new episode. We decided to re-release this episode since the new HBO docuseries "The Vow" has propelled this story back into the news. You can also head over to our Patreon for some bonus content like our weekly mixed bags and monthly minisodes. Thanks so much & keep it creepy! Self-Help. Personal Growth. Life-improvement. Multi-level marketing schemes promise riches, better lives, and unimagined happiness. But beneath the surface of this organization was a secret society that drained its members of money, personal autonomy, and even their lives. Support Sinisterhood

9 Sep 20201h 42min

Imposing and majestic, these stone slabs were placed mysteriously on a mountain in 1980 by an anonymous group. The words inscribed on them seemed innocent at first. But some theorized that the words actually have an evil meaning. Was this monument truly just an innocent marker meant to help humanity or was it inspired by a much more sinister purpose? Support Sinisterhood

2 Sep 20201h 11min

A horse is a horse, of course, but what if a horse could give you the answers to all of life's questions? One woman discovered her old black mare was something much more than met the eye and charged visitors for the privilege of consulting the beast. But were these customers getting the true answers they sought or just being taken for a ride? Support Sinisterhood

26 Aug 20201h 1min