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Dark History

Dark History

By: Audioboom Studios
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About this listen

 Bailey Sarian, known for her massive success with “Murder, Mystery & Makeup,” has taken her true crime expertise to new heights with her podcast Dark History, where she proves history doesn’t have to be boring. This award-winning series, delves into the untold stories of history—from psycho dictators to shocking corporate scandals—that were never covered in school. With its gripping drama, Dark History consistently tops the charts in the history category, solidifying Bailey as a powerhouse in both the true crime and history spaces.Audioboom Social Sciences True Crime World
Episodes
  • 190: The Mysterious Cult Leader Who Inspired Jonestown - Father Divine

    190: The Mysterious Cult Leader Who Inspired Jonestown - Father Divine
    Nov 26 2025
    Hi, friends! Happy Wednesday!

    What if I told you that one of the most influential... and mysterious cult leaders in American history is someone most people have never heard of?

    And that Jim Jones himself, yes Jonestown Jim Jones, got many of his ideas from same guy?

    Today, we’re diving into the wild and complicated story of Father Divine—the charismatic leader behind the Peace Mission Movement, a man who inspired millions, shaped pieces of the civil rights era, built entire communities from the ground up… and also demanded unwavering loyalty that crossed more than a few lines.

    This isn’t your typical cult story. It’s part spiritual revolution, part empire-building, part “wait, WHAT?!” And somehow still a chapter of American history no one talks about. And we should because it brings up an interesting question...

    Where’s the line between a movement that helps people… and one that controls them? And at what point does something become a cult?

    Let’s get into the Dark History of Father Divine.

    And when you're done... go check out my MMM episode about Jonestown: https://audioboom.com/posts/8164237-jonestown-massacre-apocalyptic-cult-who-was-jim-jones

    ________

    FOLLOW ME AROUND
    Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v
    Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR
    Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6
    Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV
    Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY
    Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og
    Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3IVnO7N
    Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d
    Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian

    RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: cases4bailey@gmail.com
    Business Related Emails: bailey@underscoretalent.com
    Business Related Mail: Bailey Sarian 4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300 Burbank, CA 91505

    ________

    This podcast is Executive Produced by: Bailey Sarian and Joey Scavuzzo
    Head Writer: Allyson Philobos
    Senior Writer: Katie Burris
    Research provided by: Xander Elmore
    Additional research by: Dr. Thomas Messersmith
    Special thank you to our Historical Consultant: Poulomi Saha, Professor at UC Berkeley who writes and teaches about our cultural obsession with cults.
    Director: Brian Jaggers
    Edited by: Julien Perez
    Additional Editing: Maria Norris
    Hair: Angel Gonzalez
    Makeup: Nikki la Rose

    ________

    Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. That’s Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY.

    For a limited time, visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code DARKHISTORY at checkout. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.

    MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to MASTERCLASS.com/DARKHISTORY for the current offer.

    Get started today at StitchFix.com/darkhistory to get $20 off your first order—and they’ll waive your styling fee. That’s StitchFix.com/darkhistory.

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    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 189: The Wicked Truth Behind Hollywood’s Favorite Movie - The Wizard of Oz

    189: The Wicked Truth Behind Hollywood’s Favorite Movie - The Wizard of Oz
    Nov 12 2025
    Hi, friends! Happy Wednesday!

    You’ve seen The Wizard of Oz... the ruby slippers, the Yellow Brick Road, the flying monkeys… But you've also heard rumblings of some dark rumors, haven't you?

    Well, behind all that glitter and Technicolor magic was a nightmare of toxic makeup, real fires, starvation diets, terror in Munchkinland and a studio system that nearly killed a teenage Judy Garland.

    In today’s episode of Dark History, let's follow the (bloodsoaked?) yellow brick road backstage to uncover the shocking truth behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic movies.

    From the Tin Man’s near-death experience to the Witch catching fire on set (literally), to asbestos snow and all sorts of horrible abuse — this is the wicked story of The Wizard of Oz that MGM never wanted you to hear.

    ________

    FOLLOW ME AROUND
    Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v
    Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR
    Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6
    Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV
    Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY
    Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og
    Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3IVnO7N
    Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d
    Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian

    RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: cases4bailey@gmail.com
    Business Related Emails: bailey@underscoretalent.com
    Business Related Mail: Bailey Sarian 4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300 Burbank, CA 91505

    ________

    This podcast is Executive Produced by: Bailey Sarian and Joey Scavuzzo
    Head Writer: Allyson Philobos
    Senior Writer: Katie Burris
    Research provided by: Xander Elmore
    Director: Brian Jaggers
    Additional Editing: Julien Perez and Maria Norris
    Hair: Angel Gonzalez
    Makeup: Nikki la Rose

    ________

    Get started today at StitchFix.com/darkhistory to get $20 off your first order—and they’ll waive your styling fee. That’s StitchFix.com/darkhistory

    The best way to cook just got better. Go to HelloFresh.com/DARKHISTORY10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. That’s HelloFresh.com/DARKHISTORY10FM to Get 10 Free Meals + free breakfast for Life.

    Shop my favorite pajamas at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list - the SKIMS Holiday Shop is now open at SKIMS.com.

    Check out squarespace.com/DARKHISTORY for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use OFFER CODE: DARKHISTORY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 188: The Mass Murders That Set The Stage for Hitler

    188: The Mass Murders That Set The Stage for Hitler
    Nov 5 2025
    Hi friends. Happy Wednesday.

    Today’s episode is personal. It’s painful. And it’s important. We’re talking about the Armenian Genocide... a chapter of history that millions experienced, yet many still deny or have never been taught.

    I’ve always known I wanted to cover this story because of my family history. But every time I tried, it never felt like the right moment. The truth is… there is no “right moment.” The right thing is to remember, to learn, and to honor those who lived through it... and those who didn’t.

    In today's episode, we'll look at how the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire was targeted, how the genocide was carried out under the chaos of World War I, the stories of survival and resistance, and why recognition of these events is still debated today.

    History isn’t always pretty. But understanding it helps us recognize injustice when we see it... and stop it before it happens again.

    And before I go... I mention a couple sources in the episode that I wanted to link in the description box. Here they are:

    https://inogs.com
    https://www.ted.com/talks/umit_kurt_ugly_history_the_armenian_genocide

    ________

    FOLLOW ME AROUND
    Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v
    Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR
    Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6
    Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV
    Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY
    Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og
    Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3IVnO7N
    Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d
    Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian

    RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: cases4bailey@gmail.com
    Business Related Emails: bailey@underscoretalent.com
    Business Related Mail: Bailey Sarian 4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300 Burbank, CA 91505

    ________

    This podcast is Executive Produced by: Bailey Sarian and Joey Scavuzzo
    Head Writer: Allyson Philobos
    Senior Writer: Katie Burris
    Additional Writing: Jessica Charles
    Research provided by: Coleen Smith
    Additional Research provided by: Sevag Kechichian
    Special thank you to our Historical Consultant: Ümit Kurt, Professor of History and an affiliated member of the Center for Study of Violence at the University of Newcastle, Australia
    Director: Brian Jaggers
    Additional Editing: Julien Perez and Maria Norris
    Hair: Angel Gonzalez
    Makeup: Roni Herrera

    ________

    This holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that’s clean, strategic, and multifunctional. And don’t miss out on their limited-edition holiday sets – they won’t be here for long and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

    Also, as a treat for our listeners, you’ll get a free Cool Gloss on your first purchase when you use code DARKHISTORY at checkout.

    Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code DARKHISTORY at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you.

    Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. That’s Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
All stars
Most relevant
It’s her storytelling ability, I started watching her YouTube channel a year or two ago and when she started a podcast I was thrilled! Dark History is shocking, intriguing and entertaining. It’s also not altogether surprising we weren’t taught these topics in school!

Just love Bailey Sarian!

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Thank you sooo much for all of this info, your voice is awesome, storytelling is amazing & I listen to you everywhere!
Such a good head noise silencer! Thank you!

Love the YouTube, fb vids, but podcasts r awesome for multi tasking!

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I started by watching Bailey's Murder Mystery Makeup so had to try this podcast out when it began. I love it! so much dark, juicy, history goss I didn't know!

All the things I didn't know

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.