Some stories are too disturbing – or too fresh – for dramatization.
Adam reveals two chilling true stories he chose not to cover in his upcoming Shadow Play series: the disturbing case of Ed Gein, and the mysterious death of Elisa Lam. Plus, an update on the new podcast feed and the resurrection of the “inane ramblings” archive.
First, a look at the true story of Ed Gein, the real-life killer who inspired Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Adam shares what made him walk away from scripting the episode – despite the uncanny parallels to Norman Bates and his infamous “mother.”
Then, the strange case of Elisa Lam, a Canadian student whose bizarre behavior on hotel security footage went viral before she was tragically found dead in a rooftop water tank – eerily echoing plot details from the horror film Dark Water. Adam recounts his personal visit to the infamous Cecil Hotel in L.A. and reflects on the strange coincidences and conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around the case.
Also in this episode:
-
The evolution of Magical Mystery Media into a “Lore”-style experience for film fans
-
Why Shadow Play is being written like a TV season – with rich research and sound design
-
Where to find the archive of older, off-topic episodes: the new feed, Magical Mystery Radio: Inane Ramblings from the Fringe
Content warning: Discussion includes graphic details of true crime, mental illness, and disturbing real-world events.
- Season Finale: Field Guide to SPIRITED AWAY, GILLIGAN’S ISLAND Real?, BBC Spaghetti Tree Hoax, EXORCIST-CIA Connection, Hollywood Star Secrets, 13 WOMEN - October 28, 2025
- THE EXORCIST: Faith, Fear, and the True Story Behind Hollywood’s Most Haunted Film - October 21, 2025
- THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE and The REAL Possession of Anneliese Michel - October 14, 2025
