Shows
Crimes of the BasquelandsHeadgames (Part 1)This week, Julie and Douglas take us to the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, where an ordinary favour between friends sets off a chain of events no one could have seen coming. In part one of this two-part episode, we unpack the early days of the investigation and the strange details that first caught the authorities’ attention.2025-05-2654 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 10Julie and Douglas are joined by special guest and friend of the pod, Goyo, to share short crime stories in the Basquelands.2025-01-191h 02
Crimes of the BasquelandsBadoo is badJulie and Douglas explore the dark side of dating apps with a murderous story of deadly attraction.Content warning: this episode contains sexual themes and extreme violence2024-07-231h 09
Crimes of the BasquelandsBBK Live Music Festival Special!This week out professional music festival goes Tom comes go give us the Do's and Don'ts for when coming to Bilbao for our biggest music festival, a very fun chat with a very good friend sprinkled with anecdotes of mini crimes, but emphasis on the fun music experience of a festival in the basque mountains in summer. Enjoy!2024-07-061h 02
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Death of Helena Jubany (Part 2)In the second instalment of this two-part episode into the mysterious death of Helena Jubany, Julie and Douglas continue to delve into the police investigation. 2024-06-171h 31
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Death of Helena Jubany (Part 1)The Helena Jubany case is a notorious and mysterious murder that took place in Sabadell, Catalonia, in December 2001. Helena Jubany, a young librarian, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. In this first episode, Julie and Douglas go through the case's background and the investigation's initial stages. Stay tuned for episode two to hear the rest of the story!2024-06-031h 13
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 9Welcome to Crimes of the Basquelands podcast, in today’s episode we discuss a number of farmers protests in the Basque Country, some trouble with marihuana dealings in the US and ambulance workers back in the Basque Country, join us on a review of some the crime news surrounding the Basque Country and it’s descendants round the world in this Txikisode.2024-05-201h 43Crimes of the BasquelandsSpain Stole My Baby! (Part 2)This week, Julie, Douglas and special guest Goyo return to the sofa to finish the story of the stolen children. Nearly four decades after the death of dictator, Francisco Franco, and the onset of democracy in the Spanish state, hundreds of Basque women robbed of their children and Basque children who have been robbed of their identities seek justice - at least those whose suspicions were strong enough, who were ready to fight for the truth and who had the tools and support to do so. In this episode, Julie and Goyo take turns telling individual stories of the...2024-05-071h 25Crimes of the BasquelandsSpain Stole My Baby! (Part 1)This week, Julie and Douglas are joined by a special guest to tell an in-depth true crime tale. Nearly four decades after the death of dictator, Francisco Franco, and the onset of democracy in the Spanish state, hundreds of Basque women robbed of their children and Basque children who have been robbed of their identities seek justice - at least those whose suspicions were strong enough, who were ready to fight for the truth and who had the tools and support to do so. This is part one of a two-episode story so stay tuned for the second half...2024-04-011h 08
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Ensanche Circus Theatre of BilbaoWe follow the tribulations of the ancestor to the cinema, a circus theatre's fate and the challeneges of health and safety rules from the beggining of the 1900s to today. Hear about how Bilbao came together once again in face of tragedy and showed the word how to deal with tragedy. Come listen to the touching scenes of times gonebye.2024-03-161h 58
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Ensanche Circus Theatre of BilbaoThis is the tale of the the Ensanche Circus Theatre of Bilbao where a tragedy occurs that saddens the city, many loose too much and people are lost, but heroes are born, as well as a community reafirms itself. A look back in time to a time before the talkies and perhaps better health and safety laws... 2024-03-041h 57
Crimes of the BasquelandsFinger FoodIn this episode, Julie and Douglas are back in the USA. In 2005, a shocking incident at a fast-food chain involving a supposed gruesome discovery in a chili dish led to widespread media attention and significant financial repercussions for the company. This is not a tale for the squeamish! 2024-02-191h 02
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 8In our 8th instalment of one of our favourite formats, this Txikisode includes an update on a gruesome suitcase that was discussed in a previous episode. Also, we go through a family accident in San Francisco CA; a weird casino scam in Biscay and Alava; human trafficking in San Sebastian and not to be left behind, even Pamplona features in today's episode to include all four Basque capitals in the southern Basque Country. Come discover what the good and the bad people have been up to, and all the weird ways they connect to the Basque Country. 2024-02-081h 13
Crimes of the BasquelandsMartín De Alzaga This week, Douglas tells a historical story set in what was to become Argentina in the 1800's and a Basque businessman who played an important role in its early development.2024-01-2227 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 7In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it. This week, Julie and Douglas discuss a road rage shooting in Texas, a selection of crimes that happened during Fiestas in the Basque Country, a mysterious and shocking case involving a body inside a suitcase in Bilbao and more...Content Warning: Discussions of violent crime2023-12-1829 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Death of Irene Garza (Part 2)Irene Garza, a young schoolteacher and beauty queen from McAllen, Texas, mysteriously vanished in 1960 after attending confession at a local church. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part One for the full context of this gripping two-episode saga. In Part Two, hosts Julie and Douglas continue to unravel the complexities surrounding Irene's case. The discovery of her lifeless body days later exposed a disturbing crime that remained unsolved for decades. Join us as we delve into the aftermath, exploring the impact on McAllen and the challenges faced in seeking resolution and closure for Irene Garza's tragic...2023-11-271h 16
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Death of Irene Garza (Part 1)This week, Crimes of the Basquelands uncovers Part One of the story surrounding Irene Garza, a schoolteacher and beauty queen from McAllen, Texas. In 1960, after attending confession at a local church, Irene's life took a dark turn. Days later, her lifeless body was discovered, revealing a grim and shocking truth. Join hosts Julie and Douglas as they unravel the details of Irene Garza's tragic story.Content warning: mentions of sexual assault and descriptions of extreme violence2023-11-0651 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe floods that sunk the fiestasIn this episode and in honour of the 40-year anniversary, Julie and Douglas delve into the harrowing events of the 1983 floods. This natural disaster which happened during Bilbao's "Aste Nagusia", was a celebration turned catastrophe.As the festive spirit swept through the city, an unexpected villain emerged—the relentless rainfall. Bilbao, caught in the grips of torrential downpours, witnessed the Nervion River swell beyond its banks. What began as a joyous occasion soon transformed into a disaster of epic proportions.Join us as we unravel the tale of nature's wrath, exploring the devastation that ensued and the city's struggle to...2023-10-231h 11
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 6In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.This week's lineup is quite the whirlwind: a shocking local femicide that hits close to home, kidnapped priests in Nicaragua, and believe it or not—a Basque eel trafficking operation! Join us for swift, punchy stories that'll keep you in the know on all things Basque and crime.Content Warning: The first story details gender-based violent crime2023-10-0943 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Fishman of LierganesIn this episode, Julie and Douglas transport you to 1650, to the village of Liérganes in Cantabria, Spain. After facing hardship after the passing of her husband, a Lierganes mother sends one of her sons, Francisco, to Bilbao to learn carpentry. Tragedy struck in 1674 when Francisco vanished while swimming in Bilbao's estuary. He was presumed drowned. However, in 1679, fishermen encountered a strange creature tangled in their nets in Cadiz's bay. What they found was astonishing—a young man with white skin, red hair, and fish-like features, including scales on his throat, spine, and gills on his neck. 2023-09-2557 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe Galerna of 1912In the riveting season finale of our podcast, Julie and Douglas turn their attention to a historic and heart-wrenching event that forever marked the Basque town of Bermeo. It was February 4, 1912, when Bermeo was struck by a catastrophic storm known as a “Galerna.”This devastating natural disaster left an indelible impact on the local people and their way of life. Join us as we unravel the chain of unfortunate events that led to this tragedy, and delve into the heroic efforts made by the community to support Bermeo and its resilient residents in the aftermath.Don’...2023-07-3156 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 5In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.This week, Julie and Douglas go though a handful of crimes from around the Basquelands, from our own Basque #FloridaMan to gold prospectors being killed in the forests of Colombia, come explore some tragedies with us, some not as grim the rest.2023-07-171h 18
Crimes of the BasquelandsThe cold case of Esther AreitioIn this week’s extended episode, Julie and Douglas are back to take you on a chilling true crime journey through the dark and disturbing events that unfolded in Vitoria-Gasteiz during the late nineties. This one’s a real nail-biter, so make sure to hang on to your txapela (that’s the Basque beret) because things are about to get intense.Get ready as we peel back the layers and dive deep into the unsettling details of each gruesome murder. But that’s not all—we’ll also delve into the background of the man believed to be responsib...2023-07-031h 32
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 4In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.In this week's Txikisode, Julie and Douglas delve into a series of rather somber stories from the Basquelands. From a shocking poisoning incident in Barakaldo to a distressing gender violence case in Deusto, and from a murder in Chile to a stabbing in San Juan de Luz, this episode ventures into the darker corners of recent events. Brace yourself, as the content is not for the faint-hearted—it's a st...2023-06-191h 52
Crimes of the BasquelandsMontejurraIn this week’s special episode, Julie and Douglas are joined by our good friends Iñigo and Ramón to unravel a truly harrowing true crime tale. Picture this: it’s May of 1976, and the Carlist movement’s annual pilgrimage to the picturesque mountain Montejurra in Navarre, near Estella, takes a dark and deadly turn.This isn’t your typical historical narrative. This episode adopts a more conversational tone and a chaotic vibe that perfectly suits the turbulent story we’re about to share. The pilgrimage, intended to be a peaceful event, devolved into a violent clash betwee...2023-06-0542 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsKutxabank CabiecesIn this week’s episode, Julie and Douglas are about to take you on an enthralling journey as they dive headfirst into the mind-boggling Bilbao fraud case. This is the kind of true crime story that sent shockwaves through the entire city.Settle in for a longer episode, because we’re about to unravel a tangled web of high-profile individuals. Bankers, politicians, lawyers – you name it, they’re all part of this intricate network. But what’s the twist that kicks this case into high gear? It’s a curious check for €243,592.Join us as we sift throug...2023-05-221h 48
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 3In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.In this week's Txikisode, Julie and Douglas dive into various stories from the Basquelands. They discuss two recent femicides in Miami and Bilbao, shed light on the issue of contraband cigarettes in Navarre, explore allegations of corruption surrounding a Mayor in Nicaragua, and the intriguing tale of a Giant squid sighting in Gorliz. Join them as they navigate through a diverse array of headlines, offering insights into the multifaceted...2023-05-081h 29
Crimes of the Basquelands Zugarramurdi Witch TrialsIn this week’s episode, we’re shaking things up a bit as Douglas takes the lead with a fascinating historical crime story. Get ready to step back in time, all the way to the 17th century, as we dive headfirst into the riveting world of the Basque witch trials.But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill witch-hunt narrative. Douglas is about to provide us with a fresh perspective, one that will have us exploring the lives of not only the accused but also the inquisitors tasked with the weighty responsibility of seeking out witches.As we ven...2023-04-2438 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsTragedy at the school in OrtuellaIn this week’s episode, Julie and Douglas delve into a truly heart-wrenching and astonishing event that shook the foundations of the Marcelino Ugalde public school in Ortuella, Bizkaia, back in October of 1980. Join us as we unravel the details surrounding this tragic incident, examining the profound impact it had on the community and its lasting legacy.Content warning: this story involves the death of children and might not be suitable for all listeners. Listen with discretion.2023-04-101h 20
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 2In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.In this week's 'Txikisode', Julie and Douglas cover a pot bust, a baby napping scandal, and a story that reveals how your homeowners' insurance plays a role in pickpocketing. But there's more! A plutonium smuggling operation takes us to the prisons of Germany, a man hitches a ride on the bus and we find out how the courts can get involved when it comes time to name your baby...2023-03-271h 33
Crimes of the BasquelandsSacamantecas of Vitoria (Part 2)This week, Julie and Douglas are taking a time machine back to 1800s Vitoria-Gasteiz for the gripping second part of our story. We’re delving into the chilling escalation of De Garayo’s crimes—the infamous ‘sacamantecas’—and the pursuit that ultimately led to his capture and punishment.But here’s a friendly reminder: If you haven’t tuned in to episode 4 yet, we highly recommend going back and listening to the first part of our story. It’s the only way to fully immerse yourself in this captivating true crime tale.So, grab your headphones and pre...2023-03-131h 30
Crimes of the BasquelandsSacamantecas of Vitoria (Part 1)This week on our true crime podcast, Julie and Douglas are taking a trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz to uncover a chilling chapter in Euskadi’s history—a local rendition of a ‘Jack-the-Ripper’ case that unfolded at the turn of the 20th century. Meet ‘El Sacamantecas,’ the sinister figure who cast a dark shadow over the capital of the Basque Country, turning the quaint town into a hotbed of fear and paranoia.But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just a standalone episode; it’s the first part of a two-part series. Join us as we delve into the details of thi...2023-02-271h 04
Crimes of the BasquelandsTxikisode 1In our compact Txikisodes, Julie and Douglas tag-team to serve up quick doses of recent crime stories either unfolding in the Basque Country or intricately connected to it.In this week's Txikisode, Julie and Douglas explore a range of stories from the Basquelands. They cover a police officer arrested for drug trafficking, a robbery-murder case in Colombia, and a paraglider rescue operation, among other highlights.2023-02-131h 11
Crimes of the BasquelandsOperation AlepoIn this week’s thrilling installment of our true crime podcast, Julie and Douglas are back to explore a story that’s as riveting as it is unbelievable. Imagine what happens when you combine two “bad apples,” a staggering 95 kilos of speed, a Santander nightclub, and a brothel hidden away on the outskirts of a picturesque Basque town.Join us as we unravel the complex narrative of this true crime story, and prepare to be captivated by the myriad of players involved.So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let Julie and Douglas guide you thro...2023-01-3055 min
Crimes of the BasquelandsShaolin Monk of BilbaoIn today’s episode, Julie and Douglas are getting cozy and discussing the rise and demise of a popular martial arts instructor.Picture this: a self-proclaimed spiritual guru decides to set up shop right in the heart of Bizkaia’s capital (Biscay). At first, it’s just another dojo in the Basque city, but hold onto your “Txapela” because this tale takes a wild turn that no one saw coming.Join us as we unpack this shocking true crime story, tracing the unusual path of this pseudo-spiritualist sensei from obscurity to infamy. We’ll explore the charisma...2023-01-151h 11