Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX
QCODE
Season 2 of Crime Waves tells the story of The Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest — and rowdiest — ren fair in the nation. A place where reality and fantasy are blurred. You may think it’s all tights and turkey legs, but what if we told you that the festival has a dark side, too? Over the years, this ren fair has been the scene of murders, assaults, and other assorted crimes. We went to the fair to investigate this place where people live out their carnal fantasies and figure out just exactly how that could become so dangerous. But we didn't expect...
Introducing: SIGHTINGS – A New Weekly Series from QCODE & Reverb Exploring the World’s Most Mysterious and Unexplained Phenomena
From Roswell, to Amityville, to Loch Ness and beyond — step inside the world’s most mysterious supernatural events. From Reverb and QCODE comes new original series SIGHTINGS. Each week we'll unlock a thrilling story that immerses you in the action, followed by a mind-bending discussion that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s impossible.Episode one dives into the Kelly-Hopkinsville Alien Encounter. Invasions are many families' worst nightmares. But what happens when the invaders ar
Oct 2, 2024 • 38:49
Preview: Dungeon Masters - The Players Handbook | Episode 1
It’s 1979. Famous private Investigator, William Dear, begins his quest. Dallas Egbert, a genius young student, has gone missing from Michigan State University. Can Dear track him down, or is something more sinister at play?This episode contains graphic language.~~~All episodes will be available for free, but QCODE+ subscribers get early, uninterrupted access to new episodes along with episode commentary. Learn more at https://qcodemedia.com/qcodeplus. ~~~Dungeon Masters is produced by QCODE and
Aug 19, 2024 • 35:35
OUT NOW! Dungeon Masters
Dungeon Masters takes a behind-the-curtain look into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, told through the lenses of the creator of the game, Gary Gygax, played by Wil Wheaton and of private investigator, William Dear, played by Jon Hamm, a swashbuckling tough guy in 1979. Gygax guides the audience through this incredible true story as our Dungeon Master, as we follow Dear on his quest to find Dallas Egbert, a Michigan State student, who supposedly disappeared in the steam tunnels under his Universi
Aug 12, 2024 • 2:49
A Health to the Company | Episode 9
In the series finale, we try to help one of our sources find answers — and we’re met with a microcosm of the issues at play here. Then it becomes even clearer how hard it’s been for anyone to find answers. What will it take for this place to change? Can it? ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On X @QCODEMedia | @face
Jul 1, 2024 • 36:48
Hillbilly Game of Thrones | Episode 8
After finding several people with behind-the-scenes knowledge of the ren fair, we uncover a toxic environment that’s led to alleged mistreatment and abuses, lawsuits, and a place that has transformed into a dangerous, profit-driven spectacle.~~~Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling.~~~Follow usOn Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMediaOn x @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia |
Jun 24, 2024 • 43:03
Change of Venue | Episode 7
In 2019, one patron’s life was turned upside down in the ren fair campgrounds. What ensued was a legal case that — while not criminal in nature itself — helps us better understand just how “ren fair Disneyland” keeps becoming a crime scene. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia
Jun 17, 2024 • 35:03
Dali Meets Hobby Lobby | Episode 6
As we return from the gonzo ren fair trip with our heads still spinning, we dig deeper into the king’s past — now from afar. The image we get from our investigations is very different from the picture of an almighty ruler that he portrays publicly. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On X @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmed
Jun 10, 2024 • 35:34
Ever Seen a Mad Hog Charge You? | Episode 5
After the festival ends, we explore Todd Mission and Grimes County. And that’s when things really get weird. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFigurePro | @NoSmilingMedia ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 3, 2024 • 38:27
Royal Pursuit | Episode 4
An attempt to find the king of the fair — who is also the mayor of the town — exposes an intricate web of festival and municipal politics. Sean slowly begins to see a community that is tightly woven by secrecy and fear, where speaking out against its ruler comes with unseen risks. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia
May 27, 2024 • 34:53
The Poison Witch | Episode 3
Thousands see the fair as a place for fantasy and freedom. But a closer look at the crimes of power that’ve occurred here reveals a more sinister story: One of pain and suffering, as the victims hope for answers while the fair appears unmoved. Warning: This episode contains traumatic events and discusses aggression against women and trans people. Listener discretion is advised. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow
May 20, 2024 • 36:34
Stars, Hide Your Fires | Episode 2
Expectations are quickly overthrown the moment Sean steps through the gates of the ren fair. As day gives way to night, it becomes clear that — in this place dedicated to one man’s quest for freedom — trouble can find you easily. But what kind of trouble, exactly? Please note that this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. ~~~ Crime Waves: Renaissance, TX is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smi
May 13, 2024 • 45:55
Mad Kingdom | Episode 1
The Texas Renaissance Festival may host half a million patrons indulging in whimsy and fantasy each year, but it also has a seedy underbelly. After journalist and Peabody Award winner Sean Cannon hears about the kingdom’s dark side from a colleague, he’s plunged into a gonzo journey to understand how these things could happen at a place that its eccentric owner likens to Disneyland. Please note that this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. Listener disc
May 13, 2024 • 44:08
Coming 5/13 - Season 2: Renaissance, TX | Trailer
Season 2 of Crime Waves tells the story of The Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest — and rowdiest — ren fair in the nation. A place where reality and fantasy are blurred. You may think it’s all tights and turkey legs, but what if we told you that the festival has a dark side, too? Over the years, this ren fair has been the scene of murders, assaults, and other assorted crimes. We went to the fair to investigate this place where people live out their carnal fantasies and figure out just exact
May 6, 2024 • 2:08
Cold Truth | Flying Pigs and Starry Skies | Episode 8
Once police receive a confession for Dr. Mallove’s murder, and the case seems like a slam dunk. But it might not be that simple. Meanwhile, cold fusion languishes in obscurity — until now. Maybe. A listener note: this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmil
Dec 18, 2023 • 48:32
Cold Truth | The Coldest Case | Episode 7
When Dr. Mallove’s murder case goes cold, authorities bring on a new team of investigators. As they re-examine evidence and find new leads, it looks like they’ve finally uncovered the true story behind the brutal crime. A listener note: this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFig
Dec 11, 2023 • 27:48
Cold Truth | The Driveway | Episode 6
Dr. Eugene Mallove’s body is found in the driveway of his childhood home. Some wonder if shadowy forces are at work in Dr. Mallove’s murder. Police frantically search for answers and catch a break in the case. Or so it seems. A listener note: this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @St
Dec 4, 2023 • 27:33
Cold Truth | Vindication?! | Episode 5
Dr. Mallove’s endeavors begin to falter, and an obsession with secretive inventors alienates him from his friends and colleagues. Then just as cold fusion receives an unexpected lifeline from the government, tragedy strikes. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFigurePro | @N
Nov 27, 2023 • 32:56
Cold Truth | Devil’s Tower | Episode 4
Dr. Mallove becomes the poster boy for cold fusion, befriends a sci-fi superstar, and receives funding for his infinite energy crusade. As he ventures further out into the fringes though, some wonder if he’s gone too far. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFigurePro | @NoSm
Nov 20, 2023 • 42:05
Cold Truth | Infinite Energy | Episode 3
After resigning from MIT in disgust, Dr. Mallove strikes out on his own with big hopes and dreams. He encounters the strange underbelly of the free energy world and meets a man whose death inspires conspiracy theories for years to come. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFi
Nov 13, 2023 • 41:01
Cold Truth | Fire From Ice | Episode 2
Digging deeper into the cold fusion drama at MIT, Dr. Mallove realizes that the treachery of his colleagues is worse than he could’ve imagined. Now he’s faced with a choice that will alter the course of his life. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFigurePro | @NoSmilingMedi
Nov 6, 2023 • 32:40
Cold Truth | Miracle or Mistake? | Episode 1
Free energy crusader Dr. Eugene Mallove’s murder continues to inspire conspiracy theories. But the real conspiracy begins 15 years before his death, when Dr. Mallove witnesses a suppression campaign against the budding science of cold fusion — a potential source of cheap, clean, near-infinite energy. A listener note: this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. ~~~ Crime Waves: Cold Truth is a collaboration of Faceplant and QCODE, in association with No Smi
Nov 6, 2023 • 43:18
