The Story of Starvation Heights
Summary
Josh, Chuck, and Jerry discuss Linda Hazard, a notorious early 20th-century quack who killed patients through extreme fasting and enemas. The episode details how wealthy sisters Claire and Dora Williamson died or were nearly killed at her Seattle sanitarium, leading to a sensational murder trial. Despite being convicted of manslaughter, Hazard served little time, fled to New Zealand, and continued her dangerous practices until her own death from self-imposed starvation.
Topics discussed
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Intro: Retrograde recording and episode topic
Linda Hazard: The fasting specialist who killed patients
Linda's background and meeting Samuel Hazard
The Hazard sisters and their sanitarium in Seattle
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The theory of autointoxication and fasting
Early deaths and the move to Wilderness, WA
The death of Mrs. Williamson and growing suspicion
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Margaret Conway's death and the body mix-up
The investigation and arrest of the Hazards
The trial: Dora testifies against Linda
Linda's conviction and prison sentence
Linda's release, return to England, and death
Source book recommendation
Listener mail: Australian bush tucker
Outro and sponsors: Sky Pop, SimpliSafe, Nom Nom
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