EPISODE · Sep 5, 2025 · 13 MIN
Self-Amputation, Hidden Homes, and Cars in the Chicago River
from An Americanist · host Carol Marks
TALK TO ME, TEXT ITStrange news dominates this Friday morning episode as we explore bizarre and disturbing stories that defy ordinary explanation. The most shocking report involves a UK vascular surgeon who was jailed after deliberately causing frostbite to his own legs with dry ice, leading to their amputation. This disturbing case of self-mutilation was motivated by a sexual interest in amputation and complicated by insurance fraud when he claimed the injuries resulted from sepsis. The story raises uncomfortable parallels to body integrity disorders and our society's approach to psychological disturbances.We also track the continuing manhunt for Travis Decker, the army veteran with survival expertise who allegedly murdered his three young daughters and has evaded capture for over three months. While bones were recently discovered during a grid search, they proved not to be human, leaving this tragic case unresolved with a $20,000 reward still offered for information.The episode covers two additional extraordinary stories: an Oregon man discovered living in a fully-furnished crawl space of a condominium complex, complete with stolen electronics and furniture; and dive teams finding nearly 100 cars mysteriously submerged in the Chicago River while searching for a couple who vanished in 1970. We wrap up with a lighthearted discussion about what we'd do if we won the current record-breaking lottery jackpot—would you keep working? Travel? Buy a new home?Subscribe to my YouTube channel where I'm creating quick videos during lunch breaks. Your support helps grow our community of curious minds who appreciate these strange-but-true stories that remind us just how mysterious our world can be.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to [email protected] and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from PixabayBlog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog
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TALK TO ME, TEXT IT Strange news dominates this Friday morning episode as we explore bizarre and disturbing stories that defy ordinary explanation. The most shocking report involves a UK vascular surgeon who was jailed after deliberately causing frostbite to his own legs with dry ice, leading to their amputation. This disturbing case of self-mutilation was motivated by a sexual interest in amputation and complicated by insurance fraud when he claimed the injuries resulted from sepsis. ...
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Self-Amputation, Hidden Homes, and Cars in the Chicago River
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