In the premiere episode of Darkly Speaking, we’re diving into the mysterious death of Elisa Lam — a case that captivated the internet and continues to raise questions more than a decade later.

In 2013, 21-year-old Elisa checked into the Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles — a building with a long, disturbing history of violence, tragedy, and unexplained events. But shortly after arriving, she vanished.

What followed was a chilling sequence of events: unsettling elevator footage that showed Elisa acting strangely, a rooftop water tank, and a discovery that sparked worldwide speculation.

Her death was ruled accidental. But between the contradictions in the timeline, the bizarre behavior caught on tape, and the hotel’s dark reputation — many believe there’s more to the story.

Was it a mental health crisis? A tragic coincidence? Or did something far stranger unfold within the walls of the Cecil Hotel?

We’re breaking down the timeline, the theories, and the disturbing details that still don’t sit right.

TW: This episode includes discussion of mental illness, death, and potentially distressing circumstances. Listener discretion is advised.

Hosted by 🎙️: Alex Kern

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🖤 ABOUT DARKLY SPEAKING 🖤

Welcome to Darkly Speaking — where true crime, the paranormal and the crazy strange and unexplained converge.

Every Monday, host Alex Kern unpacks stories that challenge our understanding of what’s real — from unsolved disappearances and psychological unravelings to encounters with the unexplained.

Think: true crime, the paranormal, and everything in between. If you’re drawn to the strange, the hidden, or the stories that won’t sit quietly — you’re in the right place.

Expect immersive storytelling, a dose of dark curiosity, and the occasional rabbit hole you didn’t plan to fall into.

Because in the darkest corners of our reality… truth gets weird.

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🎧 LISTEN ON: Available wherever you get your podcasts! ⁠

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Email us your stories! → Darklyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER

This podcast explores real cases and sensitive subject matter.

Listener discretion is advised.

All research is grounded in publicly available sources and cited to the best of our ability. Opinions are those of the host unless otherwise stated.

Copyright Disclaimer:

Some audio/visual materials used may be protected under copyright law and are included under “fair use” for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.