Show Notes
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 Smiling. ~~~ Follow us On Instagram @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmediapodcasts | @StickFigureProductions | @NoSmilingMedia On Twitter @QCODEMedia | @faceplantmedia | @StickFigurePro | @NoSmilingMedia ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Crime Waves
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?
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.
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.
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.
After the festival ends, we explore Todd Mission and Grimes County. And that’s when things really get weird.