That’s Effin Weird

In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we're going back to the infamous 2016 creepy clown craze and asking how it all started. One of the earliest widely reported incidents came from Green Bay, Wisconsin, where a mysterious clown known as "Gags" was photographed under a bridge—only for that particular appearance to later be revealed as a horror-film marketing stunt.

From there, things got weird FAST. Reports spread throughout the United States, with some involving alleged attempts to frighten or lure children, while other reports turned out to be hoaxes, pranks, or unverified sightings. Police departments began receiving calls, schools issued warnings, arrests were made, and social-media rumors sometimes caused people to go searching for clowns themselves.

Then the phenomenon crossed the border into Canada and eventually jumped across the Atlantic into the United Kingdom. British police reported incidents involving people dressed as clowns frightening children, while some reports involved weapons or physical confrontations. Authorities also warned that dressing as a clown to intimidate people could result in criminal charges.

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference: ‘Creepy Clown’ sightings: Why the epidemic is spreading across Canada and the U.S. | Globalnews.ca

Killer Clown Hysteria: How a Viral Trend Sparked Global Fear - Illuminating Facts

Students After the clown: https://x.com/AddiCarson/status/783164393504792577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E783164393504792577%7Ctwgr%5E2be707f75472164dbb0f20daa0624038b78e27be%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fglobalnews.ca%2Fnews%2F2990008%2Fcreepy-clown-sightings-why-the-epidemic-is-spreading-across-canada-and-the-u-s 

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In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we take a deep dive into Flock Safety cameras, automated license plate readers, and the growing surveillance infrastructure across the United States.

Flock cameras are designed to photograph vehicles and capture information such as license plates, vehicle characteristics, the time and date, and the camera's location. Flock says its system is intended to provide investigative leads for things like stolen vehicles, missing people, and criminal investigations—and says searches are restricted, logged, and controlled by the agencies that own the data.

But there are bigger questions.

If cameras can record where a vehicle was at a particular time and location, what happens when those records are combined across different communities and jurisdictions? Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue that networks of automated license plate readers can create detailed records of people's movements and raise significant civil-liberties concerns.

We'll look at how Flock cameras actually work, what information they collect, who can access that information, how long data can be retained, and how agencies can share information with other agencies. We'll also examine Flock's stated privacy safeguards and the concerns raised by critics about the potential for these systems to become something much larger than simply finding stolen cars.

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference: Axon AI Era Plan - Axon.com

Legal Hub | Flock Safety Terms, Policies & Agreements

USA: Flock Safety's alleged involvement in mass surveillance by federal agencies raises privacy and due process concerns - Business and Human Rights Centre

Trump bought Axon stock before ICE sought $220 million Taser deal

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Amazon is one of the biggest companies on the planet, but behind the boxes, warehouses, streaming services, and one-click shopping is a history filled with controversy, strange stories, and questions worth digging into. In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we take a closer look at the rise of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and the massive empire that started as an online bookstore.

We’ll also explore some of the stranger stories surrounding the company and its people, including the $10 million fraud case involving former Amazon employee Kayricka Wortham, as well as a more recent case involving Georgia business owner Brittany Hudson and allegations of nearly $10 million in fraud.

And then things get even more interesting as we head into space. Why was Katy Perry aboard Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin flight? What was really behind the highly publicized celebrity space mission, and why did it generate so many conspiracy theories and questions online? The April 2025 flight was a real Blue Origin mission, but the controversy surrounding its purpose, price, publicity, and connection to Bezos created plenty of material for speculation.

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference:

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What exactly is an “Alpha Male” program, and what happens when young men are challenged to become stronger, more disciplined, and more responsible?

In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we take a closer look at Modern Day Knights, an organization focused on helping boys and young men develop confidence, leadership, discipline, accountability, and a stronger sense of purpose. We explore what these programs actually teach, why parents and participants are drawn to them, and whether the lessons being taught really translate into everyday life.

We’ll also look at the bigger conversation surrounding modern masculinity, fatherhood, mentorship, and the growing popularity of programs designed to help young men find direction in a changing world.

Are these programs creating stronger men—or are there deeper questions we should be asking? Join us as we take a closer look at the world of Alpha Male programs and Modern Day Knights.

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference: Where the Term Alpha Male Really Came From - ScienceInsights

Squire Program 2026 - Sign Up Form

MDK Project: Application to Greatness

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In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we take a deep dive into the Lindsay Clancy trial, one of the most disturbing and closely watched criminal cases to reach a Massachusetts courtroom.

Clancy is accused of killing her three young children—Cora, Dawson, and Callan—in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023, before attempting to take her own life. She has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility.

After roughly five weeks of testimony, the case has now gone to the jury. Prosecutors and the defense presented dramatically different interpretations of Clancy's mental state, the events leading up to the deaths, and what she understood at the time.

The defense argues that Clancy was experiencing postpartum psychosis and severe mental illness, including hallucinations and delusions, and therefore should not be held criminally responsible. Prosecutors acknowledge that she suffered from mental-health problems but argue that she understood what she was doing and deliberately carried out the killings.

As of this episode, the jury has not reached a verdict and is scheduled to resume deliberations Monday.

⚠️ This episode discusses the deaths of children, mental illness, suicide, and disturbing criminal allegations. Listener discretion is advised.

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference: Lindsay Clancy trial – Prosecution rests. Recap so far 

Who Is Lindsay Clancy? All About the Trial of the Duxbury Mother Accused of Killing Her 3 Children

Lindsay Clancy trial: Prosecution begins its rebuttal after defense rests case | CNN

The Patrick Clancy Conspiracy Theories Are Rooted in the Harsh Realities of Motherhood | WIRED

As jurors deliberate in the Lindsay Clancy trial, here are key moments they may be considering

Yes, Male Postpartum Depression Is Real

 

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Dolly Parton is one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world—but behind the big hair, rhinestones, country hits, and larger-than-life personality, there are some surprisingly strange, mysterious, and downright weird stories surrounding the legend.

In this episode of That’s Effin Weird, we're taking a different look at Dolly Parton and exploring some of the lesser-known stories, unusual rumors, bizarre moments, and mysteries that have followed her throughout her incredible life and career.

From the mysterious stories surrounding her early life and family, to strange rumors about her appearance, unexpected encounters, unusual projects, and the countless myths that have developed around one of America's most famous entertainers, we're separating fact from fiction and asking: Why is there so much mystery surrounding Dolly Parton?

We'll also look at some of the stranger pieces of Dolly's world—including her connection to the infamous Dollywood, unusual stories from her career, and the surprising ways she has influenced people far beyond country music.

Is there really something mysterious hiding behind the Dolly Parton image—or is the truth simply stranger than the rumors?

Host: Stevenson Longbotom

Guest: none

Reference: Some People Actually Think Dolly Parton Was Flashing “Satanic” Hand Symbols While Asking For Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Firstborn Child | Whiskey Riff

Dolly Parton debunks rumor that her husband doesn't really exist

Latest Dolly Parton Cancellation Attempt Caused By False ‘Threads’ Post - Saving Country Music

The “Name that Shall Not be Named” – QC Voices

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