Morbid: Episode 695 - Linda Hazzard & Starvation Heights (Part 1) Summary

Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 695 of Morbid, titled "Linda Hazzard & Starvation Heights (Part 1)," hosts Alayna and Ash delve into the chilling true story of Dr. Linda Hazzard and her notorious fasting clinic, Starvation Heights. This episode explores the life of a woman whose quest for innovative health treatments led to one of the most horrifying chapters in medical history.

Early Life and Influences (00:00 - 09:00)

Linda Laura Burfield, born on December 18, 1867, in Carver, Minnesota, was the eldest of seven children. Her upbringing in Star Lake Township under the guidance of vegetarian parents, Susanna and Montgomery Burfield, profoundly influenced her future. Montgomery, a former Civil War corporal, believed firmly in the capabilities of the local county doctor, whose dubious medical practices left the Burfield children in chronic poor health due to ineffective and harmful treatments like mercury-laden "blue mass pills." Linda later reflected, "I now know what... this powerful boys poison did irreparable injury to my intestines" (12:10).

Marriage and Personal Struggles (09:00 - 17:00)

At 18, Linda was married to Irwin Perry, a man 14 years her senior. The marriage was tragically short-lived, primarily due to the sudden death of Linda's father, Montgomery, in a logging accident shortly after their union. This loss plunged Linda into deep depression, undermining her marriage and her ability to focus on her family. By 1898, Linda filed for divorce, alleging abandonment by Irwin, though Greg Olson, author of Starvation Heights, suggests the abandonment narrative was possibly fabricated by Linda herself to pursue her ambitions.

Discovery of Fasting and Medical Aspirations (17:00 - 23:00)

Post-divorce, Linda pursued a career as a fasting specialist, influenced by literature such as Dr. Edward Dewey's Gospel of Health. She adopted Dewey's extreme fasting methods, including the controversial use of enemas, which she termed "internal baths." Linda's divergence from Dewey's teachings, such as her insistence on aggressive enemas, highlighted her unique yet dangerous approach to health. By 1903, Linda had rebranded herself as Dr. Linda Burfield, leveraging a legal loophole in Washington state to practice alternative medicine without formal medical credentials.

Marriage to Sam Hazard and Legal Troubles (23:00 - 35:00)

Linda married Sam Hazard in November 1903 under suspicious circumstances. Sam, already married to Viva Fitzpatrick, engaged in bigamy, which eventually led to his arrest and conviction for the crime. Linda aggressively defended Sam, even attempting to discredit Viva through legal manipulations and personal antagonism. Quotes from the episode illustrate Linda's ruthless tactics: "We are naming the drinks. I won't tell you what the drinks are named yet because that'll be, like, a fun surprise" (05:35) and "You're a cunt" (52:08). Despite Linda's efforts, Sam was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for bigamy, further tarnishing Linda's reputation and highlighting her manipulative nature.

Establishment of Wilderness Heights and Rising Controversy (35:00 - 47:00)

After relocating to Seattle in 1906, Linda established Wilderness Heights, also known ominously as Starvation Heights. Her clinic promoted strict fasting regimes, where patients were allowed minimal food intake for extended periods, often supplemented with enemas and aggressive physical treatments. The episode recounts the tragic death of Lenora Wilcox in 1907, who starved to death under Linda's care, sparking public outcry and increased scrutiny. Despite growing criticisms, Linda faced minimal legal repercussions, receiving only a $50 fine for practicing medicine without a license in 1908.

Notable Patient Cases and Increased Scrutiny (47:00 - 56:00)

The deaths of patients like Blanche Tindall in 1909, a pregnant woman who starved to death, intensified public concern. Tindall's death was officially attributed to toxemia and pregnancy, a claim Linda vehemently contested by declaring it due to "organic imperfection" (52:05). Additionally, Viola Heaton's case, where her husband filed for manslaughter after she died under Linda's treatment, further exposed the dangers of Linda's practices. These incidents highlighted the lethal consequences of Linda's fasting methods and the failure of early 20th-century regulations to protect vulnerable individuals from medical malpractice.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2 (56:00 - End)

As the episode concludes, Alayna and Ash reflect on Linda Hazzard's relentless pursuit of her misguided medical ideals, which led to numerous deaths and legal battles. The hosts hint at deeper investigations into Linda's manipulative control over her patients and the dark legacy of Starvation Heights, setting the stage for Part 2 of the story.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I now know what... this powerful boys poison did irreparable injury to my intestines" (12:10) – Linda Hazzard
• "You won't do it. Challenge accepted." (04:34) – Alayna discussing her upcoming book event
• "You're a cunt." (52:08) – Linda Hazzard in response to death certificate accusations

Key Takeaways

• Manipulative Leadership: Linda Hazzard's control over her patients and aggressive defense of her husband highlight her manipulative nature.

• Lack of Regulation: The early 1900s saw insufficient laws to curb medical malpractice, allowing individuals like Linda to operate lethal clinics with minimal oversight.

• Tragic Consequences: The stringent fasting methods led to multiple deaths, underscoring the dangers of unregulated alternative medicine practices.

Looking Forward

The episode sets the foundation for exploring the full extent of Linda Hazzard's atrocities and the eventual downfall of Starvation Heights in the upcoming Part 2. Listeners can anticipate a deeper dive into the legal battles, personal vendettas, and the societal impact of Linda's actions.

Final Thoughts

Episode 695 of Morbid offers a harrowing glimpse into the life of Dr. Linda Hazzard and her deadly health practices. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, Alayna and Ash shed light on a dark period where desperate individuals fell victim to harmful medical practices under the guise of revolutionary treatments.

Listen to Morbid on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to uncover the full story of Linda Hazzard and the tragic legacy of Starvation Heights.