Detroit Strange
by Alex Suriano, Jessica Cooper
Jess and Alex explore and celebrate the strange and unusual history of Detroit with a side of humor. They tell stories, share a cocktail, and have some laughs while discussing the great and sometimes ooky spooky city they love.
Episodes
-
Ep. 151 - There's Something About St. Aubin (St. Aubin st Massacre continued & the other St. Aubin St Massacre)
In this episode Jess & Alex catch up on the tree that almost took out Alex's house, some watches, and life. Then Jess continues on with more information about the St. Aubin Street Massacre, before telling Alex about the OTHER St. Aubin street massacre. Was Benny Evangelista only Benny…
more -
Ep. 150 - Rewind! (The Detroit Occult Murders Revisited)
Our time off went a little longer than planned, but, we're back! And, we're re-visiting and oldie but a goodie - The Detroit Occult Murders (ep.4) with a slightly deeper dive. What happened to Benny Evangelist and his family? Who are the suspects? And what motives may they have had? Stick around...
-
Ep. 149 - ROAD TRIP to Roll Down (How Jerry Selbee found a loophole in the lottery)
Jess & Alex catch up, talk about parades, trips to NYC, & trash food. Then Jess tells Alex the story of how Jerry Selbee found the loophole in the lottery, created an llc, and played for nearly 10 years pretty much professionally. How much did he win? What was the loophole? And what does a group…
more -
Ep. 148 - A Real Turkey (Henry Ford)
Alex and Jess catch up after a few weeks off. They chat a little and then Alex tells Jess about the man behind the cars - Henry Ford, diving into the good, but mostly the bad and the ugly. What publication did he put out for near a decade? How did he have a large influence over WWII? And what was...
-
Ep. 147 - Croakie's Utopia Party Island Inc P2 The Sequel (Dog Lady Island & The Dogman of Michigan)
This week Jess and Alex briefly chat about a few pieces of housekeeping. Then Jess does a double header and brings two stories for the dogs (can't resist the chance for a pun.) First up she tells Alex about Dog Lady Island just off the coast of Monroe, MI. How many uses has the island had? Who…
more -
Ep. 146 - We Love a Recommendation (82 Alfred Street & Only Lovers Left Alive)
Alex and Jess catch up in general and end up talking about the movie Bros a bit. Then Alex tells Jess about 82 Alfred Street, and surprises her with a movie watch, why? Because 82 Alfred street was one of the main filming locations for the movie "Only Lovers Left Alive." Why was that house…
more -
Ep. 145 - A Collage (St. Andrews Hall, The St. Andrews Society, John Sinclair, & The Fifth Estate)
Join us this week and Jess & Alex catch up a little. The Jess tells Alex a story about The history behind St. Andrews Hall, and a few sides journeys into the history of some of the people who have been a part of it's history. Who built the hall? Who was one of the first people to book musical…
more -
Ep. 144 - So Many Rhymes (May & Nay Ford - Not the Automobile Fords)
Alex & Jess talk about Autumn, and go over some Pumpkin Spice items that just shouldn't exist. Then Alex tells Jess about May Denton, aka May Ford, married to Nay Ford. What put May in the papers? What did she have to say about all of it? And how is "Kansas City Ed" involved? Tune in to find out!...
-
Ep. 143 - Your Uncle in the Furniture Business (The Murder of Harvey Leach)
"You've got an uncle in the furniture business" was a popular jingle in the 1970's around Metro Detroit well known from the Joshua Doore commercials. But what happened to owner Harvey Leach the day before his wedding? And how does it have some (possible) deep connections to another cold-case from...
-
Ep. 142 - Alex Was There With His Phonograph (The Detroit Stock Market)
After a little time off, Alex & Jess catch up a bit and talk about trips and things they've watched. Then Alex tells Jess about the Detroit Stock Market. How long did it last? How did it get it's own building? And what led to it's end? Tune in to find out! staystrange Email us your interesting...
-
Ep. 141 - ACTUAL ROAD TRIP (Marshall, MI)
This is a bit different from our regular episodes - After years we've finally done it, completed an ACTUAL road trip. Recording on it didn't work out but we've got some ookies and some spookies from Marshall, MI to share with y'all. Things got pretty busy, but we didn't disappear! We're back for...
-
Ep. 140 - Pasta Salad Season (Michigan LGBTQ History Pt. 3)
This week join as Alex finishes his three part episode about Michigan's LGBTQ History. But first Alex and Jess talk summer picnic foods & create "Reiteration roundup." Then Alex tells Jess the last part of his three part series about Michigan's LGBTQ History. Covering the '80s through to 2022…
more -
Ep. 139 - Gaily Speaking (Michigan LGBTQ History Pt.2)
Alex & Jess warm-up with some vocal exercise, talk "Murder She Wrote," & about psychic abilities. Then Alex continue to tell Jess Part II of his 3 part series of Lesser known LGBTQ Events & Figures in Michigan's History. How did one man gain 6 million followers, and then get arrested? What...
-
Ep. 138 - Happy Pride Y'all! (Michigan LGBTQ History Pt. I)
Join Alex & Jess as Alex tells some stories about lgbtqia+ stories, and people throughout Michigan's history. staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out...
-
Ep. 137 - When You Can't Make Homemade (David Hahn, The Radioactive Boyscout)
Jess & Alex chat about Alex's new favorite at home activity, podcasts they enjoy, & Jess's now former dream of playing Blanche Devereaux in something. Then they settle in and Jess tells Alex the story of David Hahn also known as the Radioactive Boyscout. What did he build in his mom's shed to...
-
Ep. 136 - Indoor Bonfire (The Short Life of Hotel Pontchartrain)
Alex & Jess catch up on what their watching, Waffle House, and Andrew Garfield. Then Alex tells Jess about the short life of Hotel Ponchetrain that went from the hottest new hotel in town to shut down in 13 years. What made it shut down so quickly? Why was it the place to hear all of Detroit's…
more -
Ep. 135 - And He Ra-ah-an, He Ran so Far Away-ay-ay (The Gruesome Murder of Mariah Haney )
Warning: This episode contains descriptions of a very gruesome crime and scene Jess and Alex catch up and talk about hanging in the backyard in the summer, new shows they've watched, and if they think Carol Baskin's husband was fed to a tiger or not. Then Jess takes Alex on a Road Trip to...
-
Ep. 134 - We're Gonna Need a Bigger Building (The Lakeshore Global Building)
Alex & Jess catch up about what they've been watching, talk about camping, and make the decision to do some of the things they talk about doing. Then Alex tells Jess about the many identities of 7300 Woodward, otherwise known as the Lakeshore Building on Woodward. What 18 hold wonder did it once...
-
Ep. 133 - The Man Who Died Twice? (The Murder of Effie Phipps)
On this week's episode Jess and Alex catch up and talk about what they've been watching (some new things, and some rewatches,) and some updates about lingering questions from past conversations. Then Jess tells Alex about the wild ride that was the aftermath and murder of Effie Phipps. What lead…
more -
Ep. 132 - Crossword Enthusiast (Nina Housden & the Murder of Charles Housden)
Alex and Jess catch up on some things they've watched, Alex's new creative outlet, and their true feelings about public bathrooms. Then Alex tells Jess the chilling story of the Murder of Charles Housden by his soon to be ex-wife Nina. How was Nina caught? What terrifying things did she say...
-
Ep. 131 - Fruitland (Road Trip to The South Lyon Hotel & Other Ooky Spookies)
Jess & Alex catch up as usual. They chat about what they're watching, 90's trends they skipped, and Alex's new art class! Then they go on a little "Road trip" as Jess tells Alex about the South Lyon Hotel, and some of the ghosties that might exist there and elsewhere in South Lyon, MI. How was…
more -
Ep. 130 - The Lost Episode (The Wayne County Building)
WERE BACK!!!! After a few weeks off, Alex & Jess are back to catch up on what they've been watching. Then Alex tells Jess all about the old Wayne County Building that stands in the middle of downtown, but doesn't get used for much anymore despite it's grand appearance. How did the cities...
-
Ep. 129 - Michigan Princess (The Edwardian Era Gossip Column Sensation Clara Ward)
Join us as this week Jess & Alex recommend some shows and movies. Then Jess tells Alex the tale of Princess Clara - the Michigan Princess. How was she born into a lavish life? How did she save a prince from financial ruin? And how long did it take for her to fall in love with and run away a...
-
Ep. 128 - TKO (Joe Louis)
Alex and Jess talk about what they've been creating in their "chopped" kitchens during the last snow storm. while they sip on some sangria. Then Alex tells Jess about the life of Joe Louis. What age did Joe Louis start fighting at? How did he change the sport of golf? And how did the IRS screw…
more -
Ep. 127 - Friend Meet Cute (The Murder of Viola Luizzo )
This week Jess & Alex talk about Valentines day (because that's when it was recorded), reflect on their very minimal knowledge of all things Superbowl and Alex tells Jess a little about the cruise he just got back from. Then Jess tells Alex about 60's civil rights activist Viola Luizzo and her...
-
Ep. 126 - Road Trip back to Battle Creek (The Mysterious Murder of Daisy Zick )
Alex and Jess try to figure out sports theme songs, the canceled Adele concert, and pet insurance. Then Alex takes them back to Battle Creek to tell Jess about the mysterious death of Daisy Zick. Did the murder weapon come from the Kellog's factory where she worked? How many witnesses probably…
more -
Ep. 125 - A Kerfuffle (The Incident & Trial of Larry DeLisle)
In this episode Jess & Alex talk about living in their Comfy's (Blanket Sweatshirts,) Alex's fancy Lego set, and different forms of burial. Then Jess tells Alex about the tragedy that happened to the DeLisle family in 1989, and the bizarre trials and proceedings that followed. How did the media...
-
Ep. 124 - All the Flakes! (Kellogg Brothers Pt. 2/2)
Join this week for the second part of the Kellogg Brothers! Jess and Alex warm up sipping on some hot toddies, catch up a toddy, and then Alex continues telling all about the John Harvey Kellogg, his brother, and the eventual creation of Cornflakes. How far can a feud go? Tune in to find out!...
-
Ep. 123 - Road Trip: The Kellogg Brothers (Pt 1 of 2)
Alex and Jess chat a little and then Alex dives in to part 1 of a 2 part story. This week he tells Jess about the creation of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the upbringing of John Harvey Kellogg, and how he eventually ran the Battle Creek Sanitarium. What kinds of procedures was he a large...
-
Ep. 122 - I Think Therefore I Scam (Detroit's Chamelon, William Douglas Street Jr)
Happy 2022! We're back with a new story this week! First Jess & Alex chat about the end of 2021. Then Jess tells Alex about Detroit's Chameleon, William Douglas Street Jr. How did he perform 36 hysterectomies with no medical license? What were the reviews of his legal services? And what was the...
-
BONUS Episode - Cinema Strange - Scream
Bonus episode! This is a little different from our regularly scheduled show. Join us for a sneak peak at Cinema Strange, one of our patreon exclusive releases. In this episode Alex & Jess discuss the movie SCREAM. Alex has never seen it, and Jess is revisiting. Let us know what you think about…
more -
Ep. 121 - The You Can See Canada Center (Cobo/TCF/Huntington Hall, Center, Place)
Jess and Alex sip on some coffee and catch up a little. Then Alex tells Jess the wild history of formally Cobo Hall. Why was the name Cobo problematic? Why did the name change a 3rd time after less than 5 years? And exactly HOW MUCH did it cost to build? Tune in to find out! staystrange Email us...
-
Ep. 120 - Satanic Panic (The Murder of Stephanie Dubay, Satanic Panic, & The largest Satanic Temple)
This week Jess & Alex catch up for a bit while sipping on some Moscow Yules. Then Jess tells Alex a story starting with the Satanic Panic of the 80's & 90's. She then tells him about the terrible murder of Stephanie Dubay. And the story finishes with talking about the largest Satanic Temple....
-
Ep. 119 - Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right (The Brightmoor Neighborhood)
Jess and Alex talk about some weird jobs they had. Then they take a moment to recognize the tragedy that happened in Oxford, MI last week (6:40-14:00.) After they chat about a few shows they've been watching and Alex dives into a story. He tells Jess about the history and creator of the…
more -
Ep. 118 - Squabble, Squabble, Squabble (The History of Joseph Campau)
Jess and Alex catch up after thanksgiving, talk a few movies, and dive into their love of Joan Cusack. Then Jess tells Alex the story of the life of Joseph Campau. How did he gain his wealth? What did he carry with him everywhere? And why were there soooo many lawsuits against him? Tune in to…
more -
Ep. 117 - The Whole Ruth & Nothing But the Ruth (The Boroo Gang)
We start this week with a big thank you to all of our listeners and Alex tries to see how many languages he can say "thank you" in. Then Jess and Alex talk about Sting, various dead technologies, and when computers frustrate while sipping on some cranberry mimosas. Then Alex tells Jess all about...
-
Ep. 116 - It's a Collage! (The Hotel Yorba Triple Feature)
Jess and Alex talk about the Tchotchkes, Dolls, & the metaverse. Then Jess tells Alex about Hotel Yorba as a collage; it's history, The White Stripes, and the Disappearance of Phyllis Flynn, all before reading some google reviews of the hotel. staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit…
more -
Ep. 115 - The Paper Clip Department (J.L. Hudson's)
Join this week as Jess & Alex catch up, talk about what they've been watching, and the homework they got from Scaring is Sharing. Then Alex tells Jess about the history of J.L. Hudson's. Who started the store? What is happening to the old Hudson's site now? And just how many bathroom stalls were...
-
Ep. 114 - When the Coffee Date Doesn't Show (The Cold Case of Philip Traci)
Join this week, as Jess & Alex discuss how it can be Spooky Season whenever, Mandela Effects, and the delights that are Cyndi Lauper & Jeff Goldbloom. Then Jess tells Alex the story of the discovery of Phillip "Phil" Traci's body in 1984. How was the case grossly mishandled? Why was one of his…
more -
Ep. 113 - Prophet for Profit (Jeffrey Lundgren & his followers)
On this week's Detroit Strange, Jess and Alex talk about more information from last week's story about the Crouch Family, Getting Spooked, and "Classic" Thanksgiving Movies. Then Alex takes Jess on a road trip to Kirkland, Ohio to talk about Jeffrey Lundgren and his followers. Why did they choose...
-
Ep. 112 - It Was a Dark and Stormy Night (The Crouch Family Murders of Spring Arbor)
This week Jess and Alex talk about costume ideas, the perks of being millennials, and if flip phones will ever really make a come back...Then they sip on some Cinnamon spice Apple Cider and Jess takes Alex on a little Road trip just outside of Jackson, MI to tell him the story of the Crouch Farm...
-
Ep. 111 - Buried By Candle Light (Lady Bluebeard of Detroit, Euphemia Mondich)
This week Jess and Alex talk about being guests on "Scaring is Sharing" for their 50th episode! (Part of the Planet Ant Network) Then Alex tells a story of the Lady Bluebeard of Detroit, Euphemia Mondich. How many times was she married? How many survived? And what was the damning piece of…
more -
Ep. 110 - Same Architect! (A Tale of Two Spooks)
This week Jess & Alex meet mid-day to record and chat about what they've been watching in the past week and decide to sip on some hard ciders to get into the fall season. Then Jess tells Alex two stories about some buildings in the city with rumors of paranormal activity; St. Agnes Cathedral &…
more -
Ep. 109 - Since You've Been Gone (Michigan Ghost Towns)
This epsiode Alex and Jess chat about everyone's favorite internet website; snopes.com, the development of how news spreads on tik tok, and Reeses holiday shaped peanut butter cups. Then Alex dives in to tell Jess about 3 Michigan "Ghost Towns." What is Michigan’s Pompeii? Where is Michigan’s...
-
Ep. 108 - Pick Your Poison (The Dixboro Ghost)
Join Jess & Alex this week as they catch up about some strange things they've learned, using torches, and a few bad puns while sipping on some Fig Rosemary Cocktails. Then Jess dives in to tell Alex about the story behind, and continued lore of the Dixboro Ghost. Who was she? How did she die?…
more -
Ep. 107 - There’s Something about Lewen (The Crime of Sarah Elizabeth Lewen)
Join us this week as Alex and Jess talk a few movie recommendations and then Alex tells Jess all about the alias queen Sarah Elizabeth Lewen? What were some of her many crimes? What horrendous thing did she do that finally landed her in jail? And what career did one of the detectives from her…
more -
Ep. 106 - Detroit's Own Cecil Hotel (Hotel La Salle, The Shooting of Jerry Buckley, and Bloody July)
Join this week and Jess and Alex still can't stop thinking about pizza, chat quickly about what their watching, and sip on some Truly Punches. Then Jess tells many stories about what she's decided to call Detroit's version of the Cecil Hotel; The Savoy/Hotel La Salle/Hotel Detroiter/Carmel Hall....
-
Ep. 105 - It's Hip to Be Square (Detroit Style Pizza)
This week Alex and Jess talk about perscription drug ads, board games, and camping whil sipping on some Spicer's (#notsponsed) wine. Then Alex dishes up a saucy story about Detroit Style Pizza. Who came up with it? How are the pizza world championships involved? And how has it recently become a...
-
Ep. 104 - The Great Big Nincompoop (Augustus Woodward)
Join us this week as Jess and Alex talk a little about trips they had, the stars, and ideas for reality shows. Then Jess dives in and tells Alex all about the man behind the road; Augustus Woodward. How was he involved in early money laundering? Why was the street named after him? And what other...
-
Ep. 103 - That's a Big Building (The Ren Cen)
Welcome to episode 103! This week Alex and Jess talk about the party they had for their 100th episode, complete with karaoke contest. Then Alex tells Jess about the mammoth building that is well known in the Detroit skyline, none other than The Detroit Renaissance Center! What cutting edge 70's...
Topics in this show
About this show
Jess and Alex explore and celebrate the strange and unusual history of Detroit with a side of humor. They tell stories, share a cocktail, and have some laughs while discussing the great and sometimes ooky spooky city they love.
Hosted by
Alex Suriano, Jessica Cooper
Categories