Malice in the Mitten

In this episode of Round Robin, we pay homage to comedy icon Catherine O’Hara before diving into the kinds of conversations that only happen when you slow down and get curious. We talk about the things in life that shouldn’t work — but somehow do. The episode closes with a thoughtful question: if you could experience one extraordinary moment just once, what would it be? 
#RoundRobinPodcast #CatherineOHara #PopCultureConversations #CuriousMinds
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston 
Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mullligan and Todd Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original music created for Round Robin by Tracy Preston
 

Michigan true crime, told with care.Malice in the Mitten explores criminal cases from across Michigan with restraint, accountability, and respect for victims and communities.

Deep underground, long before safety regulations or daylight reached the mines, workers spoke of something else down there with them.
In this episode of F-Bomb Friday, we explore the legend of the Tommy Knockers—small, unseen beings said to live inside the walls of mines, warning some workers of collapse while driving others toward paranoia, obsession, and madness.
Are the knockers protectors… or something far older and more dangerous?
This story sits at the crossroads of folklore, labor history, and psychological horror—where exhaustion, isolation, and belief blur into something terrifyingly real. From whispered warnings to relentless tapping no one could explain, the Tommy Knockers became part of mining culture in Michigan.
This is not a monster story.It’s a story about what happens when the earth watches back.
#FBombFriday #TommyKnockers #FolklorePodcast #DarkFolklore #FolkHorror
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston
Featuring Todd Preston
Story researched and written by Todd Preston
Music created for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston
Sources:
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gh-tommyknockers/
https://www.rockngem.com/tommyknockers-mining-folklore-legends/
https://magazine.cim.org/en/in-search/knock-knock-whos-there/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocker_(folklore)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_mine
https://mythlok.com/knockers/
https://www.wheninyourstate.com/michigan/9-michigan-pasty-facts-every-yooper-should-know/
https://www.cousinjacksemporium.com/cousin-jacks-blog/cornish-knockers

On Halloween afternoon in 1981, eleven-year-old Karl Heikell left his home in Calumet, Michigan — and never returned.
What followed was a search filled with conflicting sightings, unanswered questions, and rumors that spread through a small Upper Peninsula community desperate for answers. From abandoned mine shafts to the discovery of Karl’s belongings and remains nearly a year later, investigators struggled to determine what truly happened.This episode examines the known facts, the documented theories, and the haunting uncertainties surrounding the disappearance of Karl Heikell — a case that remains unsolved more than forty years later.
Told with care and restraint, this story honors Karl and the family still seeking answers.
#MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #UnsolvedCase
Researched and written by Rebecca Hiers
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston
Featuring Christine Mulligan
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original music created for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Sources:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62bf1e95c67a302bc68441b6/t/65638054ae435d45ec379d2d/1701019733931/petitiontodeterminecauseanddateofdeathindisaster-220409163513-rotated.pdf
https://amwfans.com/thread/13064/unknown-karl-heikell-killer-michigan
https://www.miroadtrip.com/locations/tamarack-mine
https://www.halloween1981.com/archive
https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/michigan-librarian-dedicated-41-year-old-halloween-cold-case-n1300369
 

In this episode of Round Robin, the conversation spans the globe and lands squarely in Michigan. We talk about world population trends and what it means to live on a planet of more than eight billion people, then pivot to some of the weirdest and most wonderful buildings in the Great Lakes State — from mushroom houses to pickle-shaped landmarks.
We also celebrate Michigan firsts that helped shape the world, and spotlight incredible local creators and community builders in Lansing!  
#RoundRobinPodcast #MichiganPodcasts #LocalVoices #CommunityStories
#GreatLakesState #MidwestPodcasts
Hosted & Produced by Tracy Preston - Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan, Angela Hoefer and Todd Preston
Original Artwork by Todd Presston
Original music created for Round Robin by Tracy Preston

In 1914, the Holy Cross Orphanage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula became the center of disturbing allegations — cruelty, punishment, and children who never seemed to leave.
Locals have long whispered about laughter in empty halls… crying behind locked doors… and shadowed figures in the upper windows of the abandoned building.
In this episode of F-Bomb (Fables, Fiction, Folklore & Frights), we explore the reported history of the Holy Cross Orphanage, allegations of mistreatment, and the lingering stories of hauntings tied to the children who once lived — and possibly suffered — there. Is it folklore? Is it residual energy? Or is something still hiding in the walls?
#FBombPodcast #MichiganFolklore #HauntedMichigan #UpperPeninsula#GhostStories
Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston
Story researched and written by Todd Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original music created for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston
Sources:
Holy Family Orphanage – Wikipedia (history & facts)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family_Orphanage
Holy Family Orphanage on Roadtrippers (history + haunted lore)https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/marquette-mi/points-of-interest/holy-family-orphanage
The 10 Scariest Ghosts That Haunt Michigan’s Shores (includes Holy Cross Orphanage)https://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/top-10/10-scariest-ghosts-haunt-michigans-shores
Haunted Places in Michigan — Holy Family Orphanage includedhttps://otenews.com/haunted-places-in-michigan/
Abandoned, Haunted Orphanage Now Apartments (KalamazooCountry.com)https://kalamazoocountry.com/abandoned-haunted-orphanage-in-marquette-is-now-an-apartment-building/
From Tragedies to Triumph – Holy Family Orphanage History & Storieshttps://witl.com/ixp/691/p/from-tragedies-to-triumph-the-holy-family-orphanage-marquette-michigan/

In May of 1979 31-year-old nurse and mother Jane Snow was driving north with her two young sons toward a new beginning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
She stopped at the Loon Lake rest area near Grayling — a familiar halfway point.
She never made it home.
Stabbed 22 times in broad daylight, with no robbery, no assault, and no witnesses, Jane’s murder remains unsolved nearly five decades later.
Who killed her — and how did they disappear without being seen?
In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, we share a powerful narrative written by Rebecca Hiers, honoring Jane’s life and the questions that still linger.
If you have information about this case, contact the Michigan State Police, Grayling Post at 989-348-5449.
Michigan true crime told with care.
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston
Featuring Christine Mulligan.
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original music created for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Sources:
https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092913320/13D4A2BD7956458FPQ/2?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&hide_duplicates=2&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=60&val-base-0=%22jane%20snow%22%20rest%20area%20murder&docref=news/13B156E745C91440
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22778293/jane-snow
https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092926532/79BF2E5466BC410CPQ/9?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers
https://www.proquest.com/hnpmichigancollection/docview/2092926532/79BF2E5466BC410CPQ/9?accountid=12091&sourcetype=Newspapers
 
https://websleuths.com/threads/mi-jane-snow-31-otsego-county-15-may-1979.230064/page-2
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1387693/11171207/transcript
https://listverse.com/2015/09/21/10-creepy-unsolved-rest-stop-mysteries/
https://www.amazon.com/Unexplained-Michigan-Mysteries-Gary-Barfknecht/dp/1933272066
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/escanaba/escanaba-daily-press/1979/05-21/page-10
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/escanaba/escanaba-daily-press/1984/05-19

From ancient love potions and mandrake root to modern red flags and relationship psychology, this episode of Round Robin explores the strange things humans have done — and still do — in the name of love.
Were love potions real? Did people actually drink them? What’s the difference between harmony and chaos when it comes to attraction? And are we chasing chemistry… or control?
Plus, a bold movie recommendation: Gerald’s Game on Netflix — a psychological thriller that challenges power, consent, and survival in relationships.
Love has always been complicated. We just have better lighting now.
#RoundRobinPodcast #LovePsychology. #LoveHistory #AttractionScience #ModernDating #GeraldsGame
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan and of course my husband Todd Preston!
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston

In the mid-1800s, tragedy struck the Beeson family of Niles, Michigan. After the death of infant grandson Job Withrow Beeson, grief and rumor began to surround the Beeson Mansion and its private mausoleum.
Was it truly cursed — or was it simply a family shaped by Victorian mourning and loss?
In this episode of F-Bomb, we explore the documented history of Strother Beeson, the family crypt, and the folklore that grew from sorrow.
This is a tale of grief, legend, and the thin line between tragedy and haunting.
#FBombPodcast #MichiganFolklore #BeesonMansion #VictorianEra #HauntedHistory#MidwestLegends #NilesMichigan
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston.
Story Written and Researched by Todd Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Original score created exclusively for F-Bomb to refelct the era and emotional tone of this episode by Tracy Preston
Sources:
Beeson Mansion haunted place overview – Real Haunted Houses (history, mansion and infant’s mausoleum) Beeson Mansion Haunted Place Overview
“Most Haunted Places in Michigan” (Beeson Mansion mentions haunted grieving mother) 10 Most Haunted Places in Michigan
Michigan paranormal legend details including deposition ritual & lantern accounts Michigan Legends & Folklore – Ghosts of Michigan’s Past
Article on crypt and gruesome details of the ritual with eyes falling out Rock‑a‑Bye Baby: Weirdness in this Niles Mausoleum
The Grave Talks – Haunted Beeson Mansion and the Spirits That Remain (Part 1) The Grave Talks Part One (Podcast)
The Grave Talks – Haunted Beeson Mansion and Spirits That Remain (Part 2) The Grave Talks Part Two (Podcast)

In 1938 Dollar Bay, Michigan, Wilfred and Loria Pichette confessed to killing Marian Doyle — claiming she was possessed by devils. After multiple family tragedies, economic hardship during the Great Depression, and a scandal involving a pregnant housekeeper, the brutal murder shocked the Upper Peninsula and drew national headlines. Featuring courtroom testimony from a seven-year-old child, this Michigan true crime case explores delusion, domestic violence, religious extremism, and mental illness inside a small mining town.
Story Researched and Written by Rebecca Hiers
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan
Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Sources:
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1930/02-17/page-4
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-31/page-7
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-27/page-1
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-24/page-1
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-26/page-2
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/ironwood-daily-globe/1939/02-15/page-14
https://access-newspaperarchive-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/us/michigan/ironwood/daily-globe/1938/10-31/page-1
https://uplink.nmu.edu/_flysystem/repo-bin/2022-08/nmu_65931.pdf
https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_dfd81815-8f8f-428e-80e5-bbfeef4bddd9/
https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_df64a0fc-86d7-4971-b2b0-ad1dc97d2764/
https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_8738f136-0508-43df-96c5-7ca4c04d64b9/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-71963-0_19
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-G18M-99HD?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A7T72-3WMM&action=view&cc=1968530&lang=en&groupId=
https://michigan.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_75581e4f-a8a0-4c91-a1a9-970bdff1c808