Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: Episode "Bashin’" Summary

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
Podcast Description: From the creator of the hit podcast Lore, Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities offers a bite-sized storytelling experience. Each twice-weekly episode features two short tales that guide listeners through the unbelievable, unsettling, and bizarre.

Story 1: Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope

Overview:
Erin Menke introduces the inspiring and tragic story of Terry Fox, a determined young athlete from Canada's west coast whose battle with osteogenic sarcoma led him to embark on an ambitious cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research.

Key Points:

• Early Life and Athletic Drive:
  Terry Fox, an 18-year-old student-athlete at Simon Fraser University, was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma—a type of bone cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Terry's unwavering determination saw him face chemotherapy and hospital treatments with remarkable resilience.
  "Terry wasn't the tallest one on the court or the fastest on the track, but when it came to determination, no one had him beat." ([Erin Menke, 01:40])

• The Marathon of Hope:
  In 1980, Terry conceived the idea of running across Canada to raise $24 million for cancer research, symbolizing $1 per Canadian. Starting quietly in April with a symbolic dip in the Atlantic, he ran through diverse and challenging terrains, supported by donated meals and a modest camper van.
  "He started out quietly in April, taking a symbolic dip in the Atlantic. And then he ran along highways and unpaved back roads, through wind, rain, blistering heat, and even a snowstorm." ([Erin Menke, 03:20])

• Public Support and Growing Momentum:
  As Terry's journey progressed, media coverage amplified his mission, drawing cheering crowds and increasing donations. His relentless pursuit inspired thousands across Canada.
  "The Canadian news picked up the story, and pretty soon, cheering crowds were waiting for him at each new city on his route." ([Erin Menke, 04:15])

• Tragic Conclusion and Legacy:
  On September 1st, after 143 days and over 3,000 miles, Terry collapsed near Thunder Bay, Ontario, due to the return of cancer, which had metastasized to his lungs. Although he passed away nine months later at 22, Terry's legacy endures through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised over $800 million to date.
  "Terry passed away. He was just 22 years old. But his determination and grit ensured that his story would continue to spread." ([Erin Menke, 05:30])

• Impact Beyond Funds:
  Terry’s Marathon of Hope not only generated significant funds but also established a blueprint for large-scale charity runs, influencing how organizations mobilize resources for various causes.
  "His marathon of hope became a model for large scale charity runs, creating a blueprint for organizers to build attention and resources for all kinds of important causes." ([Erin Menke, 05:50])

Notable Quote:
"For almost five months he ran the equivalent of a marathon every single day and he did it on one leg." ([Erin Menke, 05:55])

Story 2: The Mystery of Bill Barilko and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Overview:
Erin Menke recounts the enigmatic disappearance of Bill Barilko, a promising Toronto Maple Leafs player whose vanishing coincided with a prolonged championship drought for the team, giving rise to legends and a lasting legacy in Canadian hockey.

Key Points:

• Historic Stanley Cup Victory:
  On April 21, 1951, Bill Barilko scored the decisive goal in the fifth overtime of the Stanley Cup final, securing the championship for the Toronto Maple Leafs—a team then enjoying a period of dominance with three Stanley Cups in the preceding four seasons.
  "A 24 year old forward named Bashan Bill Barilco sliding across the ice in Maple Leaf blue." ([Erin Menke, 07:36])

• Disappearance:
  Shortly after the victory, on August 25, 1951, Bill and his friend Henry Hudson embarked on a fishing trip in Henry's small plane, which never returned. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage or traces were found, leading to their presumed deaths.
  "Bill and Henry never return. The search went on for weeks, but nothing was ever found. It was as if the plane had just vanished into thin air." ([Erin Menke, 08:10])

• Extended Championship Drought:
  Following Bill's disappearance, the Maple Leafs experienced a significant downturn, failing to win the Stanley Cup for the next eleven years. This period became intertwined with the mystery of Barilko's fate, fostering legends that his absence cursed the team.
  "Eleven years after Barilco's game winning goal, the Leafs won the Cup. And they kept on winning. In the next six seasons, they took the Stanley cup home four separate times." ([Erin Menke, 09:05])

• Discovery and Legend:
  In 1962, the wreckage of the plane was discovered, bringing closure to the mystery. That same year, the Maple Leafs began their resurgence, winning the Stanley Cup once more. The story solidified Barilko's legacy, symbolizing both triumph and tragedy in hockey lore.
  "Bill was buried in his hometown in Timmins, Ontario. And finally, it seemed like the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans would have closure." ([Erin Menke, 09:40])

• Enduring Legacy:
  Bill Barilko's impact persists through retired jersey number, memorials, and cultural references like The Tragically Hip's song "50 Mission Cap," which commemorates his contribution and the enduring spirit of hope he embodies for the Maple Leafs.
  "Bill Barilco's legend has never faded. His jersey number five, was retired and it currently hangs in Toronto's Scotiabank arena." ([Erin Menke, 10:15])

Notable Quote:
"Bill Barilco was just 24 when he left his mark on Canadian hockey history, and he played only five seasons in total in the NHL. But over 70 years later, his presence is still felt right there on the ice." ([Erin Menke, 10:30])

Closing Remarks

Aaron Mahnke wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to subscribe and stay curious about the world’s myriad curiosities. He also mentions his other work, Lore, encouraging fans to explore more of his storytelling endeavors.
"I hope you've enjoyed today's guided tour of the Cabinet of Curiosities." ([Aaron Mahnke, 11:39])

Supporting Advertisements Skipped

The episode contains advertisements for WashablesOfAs.com and PayPal Open, promoting machine-washable sofas and business loans, respectively. Additionally, there is a segment supporting BetterHelp, a platform for connecting with licensed therapists.

Conclusion

In this episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, listeners are taken on a profound journey through the lives of two remarkable individuals—Terry Fox and Bill Barilko—whose stories of determination, tragedy, and legacy continue to inspire and intrigue. Through meticulous storytelling, the podcast highlights not only their personal struggles and achievements but also the lasting impact they've had on society and their respective fields.