Take On the World Podcast
by Take On The World
Get ready to Take On the World! Join John and Mike D along with other hosts Deb Doughtery, Lexi, and Nathan Blaze for an exciting podcast that covers conventional historical topics as well as the unique and odd ones. From cryptids to true crime, serial killers to pop culture, Take On the World has something for everyone. Plus, add in personal stories, some fun and a little bit of beer, booze and brevity – you won't want to miss out on this bi-weekly adventure!
Episodes
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TOTW Episode 159 - WWII’s Ultimate Fake-Out: The Ghost Army’s War of Illusions
What if the enemy’s biggest threat was an army that wasn’t really there? In this episode of Take On The World, we explore the incredible story of the WWII Ghost Army—artists, designers, radio operators, sound engineers, and soldiers who used inflatable tanks, fake radio traffic, booming sound...
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TOTW Epi 158 - Philadelphia’s Basement Nightmare: The Gary Heidnik Case #GaryHeidnik
Behind the headlines of Gary Heidnik’s horrific crimes are six women whose stories deserve to be remembered. In this episode, we examine the Philadelphia kidnappings that left Sandra Lindsay and Deborah Dudley dead and four women fighting to survive—and how Josefina Rivera’s courageous escape...
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Reading’s Industrial Art Revival: Inside Goggle Works #GoggleWorks #ReadingPA
Before Goggle Works became a place where people melt glass, throw pottery, and discover that clay has a personal grudge against beginners, it was one of Reading’s great industrial success stories. This episode follows the 130-year journey of Thomas A. Willson & Co.—from early optical lenses and...
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Episode # 155 The Day Philadelphia Bombed Its Own Neighborhood #MOVEBombing #Philadelphia #MOVE
On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia became the site of one of the most disturbing events in American urban history when police dropped a bomb on a residential rowhouse occupied by the radical group MOVE. What followed was a fire that raged out of control, destroying over 60 homes and killing 11 people,...
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Episode 154: Hot Rods vs. Rat Rods: Chrome, Rust, and a Whole Lot of Attitude! #hotrod #ratrods
Hot rods were born from speed, backyard ingenuity, and young gearheads turning cheap old cars into fast, rebellious machines—but rat rods took that same spirit, dragged it through a junkyard, and gave it a punk-rock attitude. In this episode, we dig into the Southern California roots of hot...
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Take On The World Ep. 153: The Coolest and Hottest Places in Pennsylvania #PennsylvaniaMysteries
What kind of state gives you underground ice in July and a town that’s been on fire since the Kennedy administration? In this episode, Mike D and John travel into the weird side of Pennsylvania, where summer heat somehow creates giant icicles inside the legendary Coudersport Ice Mine — a 40-foot...
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TOTW Episode 152 : Ghosts in the Thornbush: The Real Tsavo Lion Story
In this episode, we dive into the chilling true story of the man‑eating lions of Tsavo, the infamous pair of maneless males that stalked railway camps in Kenya in 1898 and dragged workers from their tents at night. We walk through the Uganda Railway project, John Henry Patterson’s desperate hunt,...
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TOTW Episode 151 : The Pinkertons Exposed: Heroes of Justice or Corporate Enforcers?
The Pinkertons were pioneers of modern detective work, helping shape criminal databases, undercover investigation, and Civil War intelligence. But their legacy is far more complicated than just crime fighting.In this episode, we dig into the rise of Allan Pinkerton, the Baltimore Plot, the hunt…
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Take On The World Podcast – Episode 150: Behind the Mic
To celebrate 150 episodes, John and Mike D pull back the curtain and invite listeners into a more personal side of Take On The World. Joined by former co-hosts Deb Dougherty and Nathan, the crew shares stories, laughs, and reflections from their time on the show—along with a few surprises along…
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Epi 148 The Molly Maguires: Terror, Truth, or Setup?
In this episode, we head into Pennsylvania’s coal country to unravel one of the most debated stories in American labor history—the Molly Maguires. Were they a secret society fighting back against brutal working conditions, or a label used to crush Irish immigrant miners? We dig into the Pinkerton...
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Epi 147 - The Iron Backbone: Pittsburgh, Bethlehem, and America’s Industrial Revolution
Most companies unknowingly kill their own growth by ignoring the untapped power of regional industry hubs—and Pennsylvania’s steel industry is the prime example that proves it. Johnny and Mike D unpack the fascinating rise and fall of America’s steel giants, revealing how Pittsburgh and Bethlehem...
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Epi 146 : The Great Raid : Bataan's Last Hero's The WWII Rescue Mission You Need to Know
In this mini episode of Take On The World, John and Mike D. take a look at the legendary Great Raid at Cabanatuan, a daring World War II rescue mission led by U.S. Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas. The discussion covers the brutal conditions endured by Allied prisoners, the...
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When Surrender Meant Death: The Bataan March : Episode 145 #bataandeathmarch
In this episode of Take On The World, John and Mike D revisit the Philippines to tell the full story of how the catastrophic 1942 defeat on Bataan ultimately connects to MacArthur’s triumphant return and the liberation of the islands. They walk through Japan’s early‑war strategy, the collapse of...
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Epi 144: Fear, Fun, and Folklore: Why Belsnickel and Krampus Still Haunt Christmas
In this conversation, John and Mike D ask why figures like Krampus and Belsnickel keep coming back in festivals, horror movies, reenactments, and memes. They argue that these dark Christmas characters survive because they let communities play with fear, teach moral lessons, and push back against...
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Episode 143 : Unit 731: Japan’s Secret WWII Horror – The Auschwitz of the East
Delve into the terrifying truth behind Japan’s covert biological warfare unit — an operation responsible for thousands of civilian deaths. John and Mike D expose the gruesome experiments, human suffering, and the postwar cover-up that shielded war criminals in exchange for their scientific data....
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Epi 142 Leyte Gulf: The Naval Brawl That Broke Japan’s Back
In this episode of Take On The World, we steam straight into the largest naval battle in history and the brutal campaign that led to Philippine independence. From the U.S. grabbing the Philippines in 1898, to MacArthur’s “I have returned,” to kamikazes, Taffy 3’s insane underdog stand, and the...
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Kursk: The Submarine Russia Couldn’t Save – TOTW Epi 141
This episode of the TOTW Podcast with hosts John and Mike D dives deep into one of the most infamous naval disasters in modern history: the sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk in August 2000. You break down what made the Kursk and its Oscar II–class sisters so massive and formidable, how a...
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Sports Glory, Iconic Foods & Military Roots: Pennsylvania Edition
In this exciting episode of the TOTW Podcast, hosts John and Mike D dive deep into the rich tapestry of Pennsylvania’s history and culture. They explore the unparalleled sports tradition found in teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Phillies, celebrating their iconic...
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Epi 139 Diving Into Danger: Byford Dolphin Accident, Saturation Diving & Unbelievable Stories
Join John and Mike D on this gripping episode of Take On The World (TOTW) as they dive deep into the infamous 1983 Byford Dolphin diving bell decompression accident—one of the most shocking tragedies in commercial diving history. Mike D shares firsthand diving stories, revealing both the dangers...
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Epi 137 UNBELIEVABLE! Talking Plasma, UFOs & UAPs EXPOSED by Insiders!
In this captivating episode, we delve into the mysterious world of Talking Plasma, UFOs, and UAPs, exploring the revelations brought forth by government whistle-blowers. Discover the secrets hidden within classified files and the stories of those who dare to speak out. Join us as we unravel the...
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Epi 137 Tragedy and Survival: Stories from the San Juan Mountains
In this gripping episode of Take on the World Podcast, we reflect on the recent tragedy that claimed the lives of two experienced elk hunters in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, discussing how these wild peaks are famed for both their breathtaking beauty and treacherous terrain. As elk season...
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Epi 136 Debate on the Deadliest Sharks | Resonator Guitars, Scuba Dreams & Shark Showdowns
In this episode of The TOTWPodcast, Mike D and John dive deep—literally and figuratively—into a wide range of topics, from the soulful sounds of resonator guitar playing to scuba diving bucket list adventures.But the real splash comes with our spirited debate: which sharks truly deserve the title...
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Live and Death on Devils Island | Epi 135 TOTW
Join us on the Take On The World Podcast as we delve into the dark and fascinating history of Devil's Island Penal Colony. Located off the coast of French Guiana, this infamous prison system was notorious for its harsh conditions, brutal treatment, and high mortality rate. From 1852 to 1953, it...
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The Great Escape from Alcatraz: Unraveling the Mystery | TOTW Podcast
Join hosts John and Mike D on the Take On The World Podcast as theydive into the fascinating history of Alcatraz and explore the mostinfamous escape from the Rock. In this gripping episode, we'lluncover the daring plan of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers,their ingenious methods, and the...
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Jack the Ripper Identified! CASE SOLVED???
Hey TOTW fans! Mike D and John are back with a mind-blowing update on our past episode about H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper. Remember when we talked about the possibility of these two infamous killers being the same person? Well, hold onto your hats, because new DNA evidence might just blow that...
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Inside the Glasshouse: Britain's Notorious Military Prisons | TOTW Podcast 133
Join John and Mike D on the Take On The World Podcast as we explore the infamous Aldershot Glasshouse and other military prisons in Great Britain. Discover the harsh realities of these correctional facilities, known for their strict discipline and rigorous training regimes. We'll delve into the...
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The Bizarre Story of Vaseline: How One Chemist's Crazy Experiments Changed Skin Care Forever! : 132
Join hosts John and Mike D on Take On The World Podcast as we dive into the wild tale of Robert Chesebrough, the eccentric New York chemist who transformed a greasy oil field byproduct into a global skincare phenomenon. From burning and cutting himself on stage to prove Vaseline's healing...
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Episode 131 TOTW The Cannibal of the Rockies: Alfred Packer's Chilling Tale
In this gripping episode of the Take On The World podcast, John and Mike D dive into the chilling tale of Alfred Packer, Colorado's infamous "Cannibal of the Rockies." Join us as we unravel the harrowing story of survival, betrayal, and the mysterious events surrounding Packer's ill-fated...
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Episode 130: The Twisted Tale of John Leonard Orr – Arsonist Fire Investigator | TOTW Podcast
In this episode of the Take On The World podcast, hosts John and Mike D dive into the fascinating and chilling story of John Leonard Orr, the infamous arson investigator turned serial arsonist. From his career in firefighting to the shocking revelation of his role in setting deadly fires, we...
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TOTW : 129 The Dark History of U.S. Presidential Assassinations and Attempts
In this episode of the TOTW Podcast, Mike D and Special Host and Retired professional broadcaster Deb Dougherty dive into the chilling history of U.S. presidential assassinations and near-misses. From the tragic deaths of Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy to the dramatic attempts on…
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Echoes of Punk Rock: Revisiting the Past and Present TOTW : 128
Mike D and John dive into their lifelong love of punk rock, impact, and evolution over the years. In this episode, they reminisce about pivotal bands, legendary shows, and personal stories from their past experiences in the punk scene, alongside discussions about modern punk influences and how…
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Past, Present and Future of Rikers Island Prison | TOTW Podcast
Join us in this gripping episode of the TOTW Podcast as we uncover the chilling history of Rikers Island Prison. From its murky beginnings as a Civil War training ground to the trash fires and rat infestations that plagued the island, we delve deep into its sordid past. Learn about the island's...
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The Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa | Take On the World Podcast
In this episode of the Take On the World podcast, we dive deep into the life, legacy, and mysterious disappearance of one of America's most infamous labor leaders, Jimmy Hoffa. From his rise to power within the Teamsters union to the theories surrounding his vanishing in 1975, we explore the...
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Episode 126 TOTW What Happened at Ruby Ridge
In this episode of Take On The World, we dive deep into the controversial and tragic events surrounding the Ruby Ridge standoff of 1992. Located in the remote mountains of Idaho, this intense confrontation between Randy Weaver, his family, and federal agents resulted in a deadly conflict that has...
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Episode 125 Back in the Saddle again
TOTW took some time off, to regroup and recharge, but have no fear we are back in the saddle again. Tune in and find out where we have been and what we have been doing before we dive deep into our next topic. Is there a topic you would like us to cover? Let us know. Drop us a line and tell us all...
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### Secrets in the Mail: Unraveling the Circleville Letters Mystery
Episode -124 Welcome back to *Take On The World with Host John and Mike*! Today, we're delving into one of Ohio's most perplexing mysteries: the Circleville Letters. Imagine living in a small town where anonymous letters filled with threats and accusations start flooding the community. That’s...
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Ft Knox Gold Gone? Or is that just a conspiracy theory!
Episode 123 🎙️ Welcome back to another mind-bending episode of Podcast Take On The World, where John and Mike D dive headfirst into the deep end of conspiracy theories! This time, we're donning our tin foil hats and delving into the mystery surrounding Fort Knox and its elusive gold reserves....
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Bigfoot Cryptids and The Paranormal OH MY! PART 2
Episode 122 Part 2 of Bigfoot Cryptids and The Paranormal OH MY! Welcome back to the TOTW Podcast with John and Mike! In Part 2 of our special two-part series, we dive even deeper into the mysterious world of Bigfoot, Cryptids, and the Paranormal. Joined by our special guest Chase from the Barrel...
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Bigfoot Cryptids and The Paranormal OH MY!
Welcome back to the TOTW Podcast with your hosts John and Mike! In this special two-part series, we're revisiting our very first episode where we delved into the mysterious world of Bigfoot, Cryptids, and the Paranormal. Joining us for this nostalgic journey is our special guest Chase from the...
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Discover The Untold Secrets Of Gettysburg: Totw Podcast Exclusive
Discover intriguing and lesser-known facts about the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg with hosts John and Mike D on the TOTW Podcast. Dive into the heart of history as they unravel stories like the "Friendly Fire Incident" during Pickett's Charge and the pivotal role of the Signal Corps in…
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The Falcon Lake Incident: Canada's Most Intriguing UFO Encounter | TOTW Podcast
Join hosts John and Mike as they delve into one of the most fascinating UFO encounters in history, the Falcon Lake Incident of 1967. Stefan Michalak's harrowing encounter with two mysterious crafts in the Manitoba wilderness left him with burns, nausea, and a lifetime of questions. Despite…
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NASA's Historic Moon Mission: Odysseus Rover's Journey to the Lunar South Pole 🌕
Dive into the groundbreaking mission that's rewriting lunar exploration history! NASA, in collaboration with Intuitive Machines, launched the Odysseus rover on a mission to the moon, marking the first privately built vehicle to land on the lunar surface since 1972. Despite a minor setback during...
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Bang ZOOM To the Moon Elon #NASA launches first #MissionToTheMoon since 1973
Bang ZOOM To the Moon Elon #NASA launches first #MissionToTheMoon since 1973 Short from our 4/4/24 Podcast about the recent mission to the moon. Support the Show by checking out Coffee Bros Coffee You will not regret trying this coffee. Visit for links to all of our socials....
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TOTW Podcast Epi 117 The Unsolved Mystery of Hinterkaifeck: A Haunting Tale of Murder and Intrigue
Join us in this chilling episode of the TOTW Podcast as we delve into the enigmatic case of Hinterkaifeck, a small farm in 1920s Germany where a series of strange occurrences culminated in a gruesome tragedy. In the winter of 1921, the Gruber family and their maid began experiencing eerie...
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Murder of a Family - A Short from 3/28/24 Full Podcast on the Hinterkaifeck Murders.
#Hinterkaifeck #UnsolvedMystery #TrueCrime #Podcast #murdermystery Support the Show by checking out Coffee Bros Coffee You will not regret trying this coffee. Is there a topic you would like us to cover? Let us know. Drop us a line and tell us all about it at [email protected]. We will...
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🎥 **Episode 116: Echoes of the 27 Club - Unraveling the Mysteries**
Join us in this compelling episode of TOTW Podcast as we delve into the enigmatic phenomenon known as the 27 Club. This infamous club refers to a group of influential musicians who tragically passed away at the young age of 27, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate the world. From...
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Preview Of Tuesday's Podcast: The Hidden Truths Behind Fame And Creativity - 27 Club Exposed
This is a short from our podcast on the 27 Club being released at 12 Noon on 3/21/24 #27club #musiclegends #TOTWPodcast #musichistory #culturalphenomenon Visit for links to all of our socials. https://linktr.ee/totwpod We are a proud part of the Deluxe Edition Network .... Check out The Other…
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Episode 115 Ultimate Cringe Alert! TOTW Pod Special: Unveiling the Most Insane Wrestling Injuries 😱💥
Get ready to cringe, laugh, and gasp in disbelief as Mike D, your favorite TOTW Pod host, teams up with the hilarious Matt from Reel Drunks, the nostalgic Joe from Generation Mixtape, and the always-entertaining Scott Sebastian McKool. In this special episode, they dive headfirst into the world…
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Lock Up Epi 12 - Inside Pelican Bay: Shadows and Stories of California's Toughest Prison
Explore the depths of Pelican Bay State Prison, an imposing institution in Crescent City, California. From the stark realities of the Security Housing Unit (SHU) to the notorious history that plagued its early years, witness the complexities of this formidable facility. Ddelve into the stories of...
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Episode #115 TOTW Podcast: Unveiling the Military Trial of Fitz John Porter - A Historical Odyssey
🎙️ Join us on a riveting journey through history with the latest episode of the Take On The World Podcast! In this installment, we delve deep into the military trial of Fitz John Porter, a captivating and controversial event that left an indelible mark on the annals of military justice. 🔍…
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About this show
Get ready to Take On the World! Join John and Mike D along with other hosts Deb Doughtery, Lexi, and Nathan Blaze for an exciting podcast that covers conventional historical topics as well as the unique and odd ones. From cryptids to true crime, serial killers to pop culture, Take On the World has something for everyone. Plus, add in personal stories, some fun and a little bit of beer, booze and brevity – you won't want to miss out on this bi-weekly adventure!
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Take On The World
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