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Wake Up and Smell The Cyanide

Wake Up and Smell The Cyanide

Written by: Diana and Chris
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About this listen

Searching for a true crime podcast that’s as bold as a morning brew and twice as lethal? Look no further.

Wake Up and Smell the Cyanide serves up the darkest chapters of criminal history with a side of sharp wit. We dive deep into the twisted minds, macabre methods, and bone-chilling mysteries that leave a permanent mark. From cold cases that defy logic to the most notorious figures in the shadows, we explore the stories that most people are too afraid to tell.

Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just starting your descent into the dark side, grab your favorite mug and settle in. It’s time to wake up and face the facts—sometimes, the truth is a bitter pill to swallow.

 True Crime
Episodes
  • Murder, Margarine, & Maternal Instinct

    Murder, Margarine, & Maternal Instinct
    Feb 13 2026

    Caldrons, Curses, and Corrosives

    From the soap vats of Correggio to the imperial courts of Rome, these women turned domestic life into a deadly art form. This episode explores the dark legacies of Leonarda Cianciulli and Locusta of Gaul, two notorious figures who proved that the most dangerous weapon isn't always a blade—sometimes, it’s a tea cake or a poisoned fig.

    In this episode, we explore:

    • Leonarda Cianciulli (The Soap-Maker of Correggio):
    • The Mother’s Curse: How a childhood hex led Leonarda into a world of superstition and human sacrifice.
    • The Macabre Recipe: The gruesome details of how she processed three neighbors into soap and "crunchy" tea cakes to protect her son during WWII.
    • Locusta of Gaul (Rome’s First Serial Killer):
    • Imperial Assassin: How an ancient herbalist became the go-to poisoner for Emperors, serving the deadly whims of Agrippina and Nero.
    • The Professionalization of Poison: A look at Locusta’s state-sanctioned "school of poisoning" and her role in the downfall of Roman royalty.
    • A Shared Legacy: Comparing the motivations of these two women—one driven by maternal mania, the other by cold, political ambition.

    Note: This episode includes graphic descriptions of historical crimes and may not be suitable for all listeners.

    🆘 Mental Health & Support Resources

    If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

    In Canada:

    • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or Text 9-8-8 (24/7, bilingual, trauma-informed support).
    • Wellness Together Canada: Call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741.
    • Shelter Safe: Visit sheltersafe.ca to find a local women’s shelter and support hotline.
    • Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous Peoples): Call 1-855-242-3310 (24/7).

    In the USA:

    • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988.
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788.
    • RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

    International:

    • To find a crisis center in your country, please visit: The International Association for Suicide Prevention

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    56 mins
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