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The Grim Cities

The Grim Cities

By The Grim Cities

Frights, terrors, haunts, and spoops; two Minnesota friends explore paranormal history in the Twin Cities and beyond. Starring Dan Laschansky, Madeline Ramirez, and a host of entities.

New episodes every Wednesday. Available on all of your favorite podcasting platforms!
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Episode 028 - The Red-Light District

The Grim CitiesMay 17, 2023

00:00
37:01
Episode 028 - The Red-Light District

Episode 028 - The Red-Light District

Spring is upon us, and that means many of you are freshening up your look for the good weather. May I suggest getting your haircut with a cryptid? This may also help you pick up a new hot lover as we travel to one of the world’s most notorious sex work hotspots. You guessed it…Amsterdam! This week we learn that a good time may not be the only thing lurking in those private rooms. So get your cash ready and brace yourself for a wild night!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

May 17, 202337:01
Episode 027 - Who Are Your Hosts, and What Are Their Ghosts? Pt. 2

Episode 027 - Who Are Your Hosts, and What Are Their Ghosts? Pt. 2

In this week’s episode there’s a hostile takeover of Demon Dookies. It’s scary, it’s unsettling, and there may be no way to stop them. So, before we all pass away from an unexpected and undignified death, listen and learn a bit more about your favorite podcast hosts. Otherwise…good luck out there…

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Mar 22, 202354:46
Episode 026 - The Grey Lady at Willard Library

Episode 026 - The Grey Lady at Willard Library

In this week’s episode, a ventriloquist doll is on hand to be your doting valentine for the month of February. That is, if you accept his proposal. Otherwise you could try your luck with the severed limb that emerged from a hot spring. And if neither of those options tickle your fancy: how about a ghost who follows you home? Yeah, shit gets real in this episode…

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jan 11, 202343:11
Episode 025 - Toast with a Ghost at Brinton Lodge

Episode 025 - Toast with a Ghost at Brinton Lodge

A toilet paper debate starts off this week’s episode, before Madeline and Dan pivot to a potentially gruesome rivalry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But all of that pales in comparison to the horrors that await visitors in this southeastern Pennsylvania mansion. Luckily you’re able to buy a pint when you step through the doors, because you’ll need something to dull your senses…

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jan 04, 202341:14
Episode 024 - Who Are Your Hosts, and What Are Their Ghosts?

Episode 024 - Who Are Your Hosts, and What Are Their Ghosts?

In today's episode we inquire about a very important, very illusive topic: ourselves! Madeline and Dan take turns answering pertinent questions that explore both their interests and their fears. From their first horror-related memory to scary theme music that really gets their skin crawling, this episode lays it all out on the table. Tune in to get closer than ever before to your favorite podcast hosts!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Nov 09, 202238:48
Episode 023 - Chase on the Lake

Episode 023 - Chase on the Lake

Welcome back everyone! Okay, so it's official; we got renewed for a second season...by ourselves! It's been a little while, but we're back behind the mic and we couldn't be more excited to be bringing you fresh n' freaky content for you to lose sleep over. Today we're visiting a tantalizingly tranquil resort on the shores of a northern Minnesota lake. But don't let the cute facade and fun lake activities fool you. This hotel has a dark side, overrun by  ghosts in the middle of a familial spat and the aftermath of a pneumonia death. And that's just the beginning. So go ahead, jump in as we kick Season 2 off with a BOO!!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Sep 21, 202254:29
Minisode - Introducing: The Skylark Bell

Minisode - Introducing: The Skylark Bell

Hello listeners. Madeline and Dan are out this week researching some real spooky shit for y'all! As we work to pump out new episodes, we highly recommend you take some time to check out The Skylark Bell podcast. Go ahead, get immersed in a harrowing and curious tale centered in the spooky town Pocket. What secrets await your discovery?

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Aug 03, 202205:05
Episode 022 - Scry and Psychomanteum

Episode 022 - Scry and Psychomanteum

We're putting our thinking caps on and learning some new words today. What was supposed to be a regular 'Word of the Month' segment has become more of a word of the season. BUT! The wait has been worth it because today we're learning a lot about reflective surfaces, calling the dead, and...scrotums? Well...just take a listen for yourself.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jul 27, 202201:08:11
Episode 021 - The Most Haunted Bars in the Midwest

Episode 021 - The Most Haunted Bars in the Midwest

Today we're headed to the bar to celebrate a momentous occasion: our podcast has officially reached the legal drinking age! 🍻That's right, no more kiddie cocktails and black x's on the hands, baby! In honor of this moment, we thought it would be perfect to highlight some of the Midwest's most haunted drinking establishments. From Anoka to Indianapolis, the ghosts are out in full force getting plastered. So crack open a cold one and take a shot with us. You'd best dull your senses for this episode!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jul 07, 202230:12
Episode 020 - The Soap Factory

Episode 020 - The Soap Factory

We start this week off by finally revealing the voting results of the two-sentence horror story competition between Madeline and Dan. The outcome was shocking to say the least! Then we dive into some scary history from a building that was supposed to produce a simple household staple. Urban exploring and animal slaughter are just the start of the wash cycle in this week's episode. So take a listen to find out what happens when a haunted house becomes real...a little TOO REAL!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jun 22, 202245:02
Episode 019 - First Avenue and 7th St Entry

Episode 019 - First Avenue and 7th St Entry

Today we take over a historic music venue with it's own...dark...history. Prince may not have been the only one to leave an impression on this concert hotspot. So listen closely, and you may just hear more behind the music!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jun 15, 202241:15
Episode 018 - Hibbing Greyhound Bus Museum

Episode 018 - Hibbing Greyhound Bus Museum

Welcome back everyone! We know a little bit of time has past since we were last together, but we're so excited to be back and to bring you more spooky-ass content. Haunted art museums, hide and seek with an apparition, and possible bus drivers that are actually...ghosts?! Oh yeah...we're back y'all! Dig in to another juicy episode now.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jun 08, 202229:47
Episode 017 - Athens Georgia VS. Athens Greece

Episode 017 - Athens Georgia VS. Athens Greece

We’ve got a lot coming at you this week, y’all! From stenches that just won’t go away, to mummified remains, to murdered lovers, this episode has it all. And this time around, we’re looking for some help from our listeners; we officially share our two-sentence horror stories and open up voting to everyone. The stakes are high, and the power is in your hands…use it wisely!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities! …and submit your votes there.

Apr 06, 202256:25
Episode 016 - Athens Ohio
Mar 09, 202231:24
Episode 015 - The Fens

Episode 015 - The Fens

Today we surprise Dan with a haunted place of which he is at the epicenter. That's right, we're traveling to an eerie marshland that stretches across much of the UK. It's best to avoid this area, as many people who venture in never make it out... If you do dare to enter this murky quagmire, just be sure not to eat the mushrooms 'cause you're gonna need your wits about you for the horrors that lie inside. Dan is going to have to channel his inner Demon Slayer for this one. Wish him luck!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Feb 23, 202240:54
Episode 014 - The Duluth Ashland Byway

Episode 014 - The Duluth Ashland Byway

Get ready for a double dose of frights, because we’re bringing you a twofer today! That’s right, we’ll be covering TWO topics in today’s episode. Why? Because we love y’all and you deserve a little something extra. So if you’re headed up to the North Shore any time soon, you might want to be careful where you book your stay... Haunted hotel rooms and an old 20th century tower? Sounds a bit sketchy to me.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Feb 09, 202232:21
Episode 013 - Forepaugh's Restaurant

Episode 013 - Forepaugh's Restaurant

I hope you don't have triskaidekaphobia, because today is our 13th episode! To mark the occasion, we are releasing an extra special episode and gracing your ears with something we haven't done before. We’ll discuss a local restaurant with a particularly dark past. And then…a surprise for all of our listeners! So, you don’t think the number 13 brings bad luck? Maybe not, but this episode might… Proceed with caution!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jan 27, 202228:21
Episode 012 - Minneapolis City Hall

Episode 012 - Minneapolis City Hall

Have you ever wondered what events led to the state of Minnesota's decision to abolish the death penalty? Or perhaps you're curious about the spirits that still linger to this day after their untimely death by execution. Well, the answers are a lot closer to home than you may realize. A statue at the entrance of the building in today's episode is said to bring good luck if you rub its toe. You might wanna do that before you listen to today's episode...there's a lot going on here.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jan 12, 202227:47
Episode 011 - Reina Sofia Museum

Episode 011 - Reina Sofia Museum

We're back! Happy new year to all of you. We hope it was filled with fun, friends, family, and FRIGHTS! Dan is officially in Spain, and apparently so are the ghosts. Today we talk about a Spanish national museum that has a long and rich history...of hauntings. Is it true that three nuns are buried beneath the entrance to the building? Listen to find out!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Jan 05, 202230:43
Episode 010 - Krampus

Episode 010 - Krampus

The holidays are a joyous time of year filled with family, food, and good feelings...or are they? If you thought getting coal in your stocking was bad, just imagine what the naughty kids in these winter legends have to deal with. Today we discuss holiday folklore from around the world. And let's just say it gets quite dark. So I hope you behaved this year, or else you might get an unwelcome visit from one of these shady characters. You've been warned!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Dec 22, 202125:17
Episode 009 - Big Winnie Resort and General Store
Dec 15, 202128:13
Episode 008 - Haunted Lake

Episode 008 - Haunted Lake

We must be dehydrated... Because yes, we're talking about another body of water. Yes, this lake does actually go by the moniker 'Haunted Lake'. And believe you me, it definitely lives up to its name. We'd recommend not camping on the shores of this place.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Dec 08, 202121:07
Episode 007 - Red Wing

Episode 007 - Red Wing

Today we pick up where we left of last week, just a quick 10 mile jaunt north to Red Wing Minnesota. Who knew that the home town of a famed boot brand could also hold such paranormal surprises. Sinking ships and...a hotel morgue? You'll just have to tune in to find out.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Dec 01, 202136:32
Episode 006 - Lake Pepin

Episode 006 - Lake Pepin

Cryptid, who? We never knew her. Today we learn some new vocabulary and discuss our past education...which seems questionable at times with some of the things that come out of our mouths. Listen and get learnt with us! We might even discover some fun creatures along the way.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Nov 24, 202125:30
Episode 005 - Poveglia

Episode 005 - Poveglia

Today, The Grim Cities is taking its first field trip out of Minnesota. As the weather here begins to plunge into the depths of despair that is a Minnesota winter, we daydream about a warm secluded island in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. But is this place really the paradise we are hoping for? Put on your swimsuit and find out with us.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Nov 17, 202131:10
Episode 004 - A Mobster's Legacy

Episode 004 - A Mobster's Legacy

Think St. Paul is the boring twin city? ...THINK AGAIN! Grab a drink because, unlike today's story, we're no longer suffering through the times of prohibition. Corruption and ghosts and kidnappings, oh my! This one's a doozy.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Nov 11, 202136:22
Episode 003 - The University Of Minnesota

Episode 003 - The University Of Minnesota

In today's episode we go back to school! College debauchery, haunted walkways, and getting mysteriously locked out of your dorm room? Yeah, it's all in there. Join us as we reminisce about our alma mater, the University of Minnesota - Twin Cites.

We also touch on some heavy topics in this episode. If you or anyone you know is struggling, resources are available 24/7. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Nov 03, 202134:52
Minisode - Halloween Capital Of The World

Minisode - Halloween Capital Of The World

The event of the season is here - Happy Halloween, everyone! Join us as we discuss the Halloween Capitol of the World, located right here in Anoka, Minnesota - a city and a namesake less sinister and more festive than you would believe! Listen to this extra Minisode as a treat, let's forget the tricks! 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities! Stay spooky! 

Oct 31, 202107:06
Minisode - A Haunted Dairy Queen

Minisode - A Haunted Dairy Queen

Our release week continues with more bonus content specially tailored to send shivers down your spine! This minisode will have you second guessing what brings you joy and more importantly what that joy is worth to you. Bring your appetite...if you dare.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Oct 29, 202113:13
Episode 002 - Nopeming Sanatorium

Episode 002 - Nopeming Sanatorium

Let's go camping in a tent with tuberculosis! Wait...WHAT?! In our second full-length episode of The Grim Cities we travel back in time to the 20th century to explore a northern Minnesota location with a troubled past. Grab your ovilus and see what we discover along the way.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Oct 27, 202138:48
Minisode - The Witching Hour

Minisode - The Witching Hour

We're back at it again with another exhilarating minisode of The Grim Cities! You might not sleep well after this one...so just hope you don't wake up at 3:00am tonight. Also, your baby might be in cahoots with the devil? Listen to find out more.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Oct 22, 202110:18
Episode 001 - The Wabasha Street Caves

Episode 001 - The Wabasha Street Caves

Introducing our first full length episode of The Grim Cities! Gangsters, bootleggers, swing dancing...murder? The Wabasha Street Caves has it all; and a plethora of hauntings to boot. Strap in, sharpen your wit, and keep your eyes peeled.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities!

Oct 20, 202133:15
Minisode - The Witch's Hat

Minisode - The Witch's Hat

Our introduction to The Grim Cities Podcast is here! Come along for a special minisode about a local Twin Cites treasure - The Witch's Tower!

We'll be dropping more special content in the coming weeks as part of our launch as we gear up for our favorite holiday, Halloween! Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @TheGrimCities! 

Oct 18, 202108:07