Arcane Carolinas

Join Charlie and Michael for the first half of the 2025 Spooky Season Kickoff, recorded live at Arcana Durham in front of an enormously enthusiastic crowd of friends and community members! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Sea and Land (referenced in the episode) Upcoming Live Appearances: NEVERMORE Film Festival (Carolina Theatre of Durham, February 27 & 28) - Michael solo - come on out to see some awesome horror films, buy books, and get Arcane Carolinas swag at this internationally renowned horror film festival! Ret-Con (Durham, March 6th-8th) - Michael solo - hang out with friends old and new at one of the finest fandom conventions in the region! Michael will be recording a couple of times with guest host Tally Johnson! Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Happy Halloween! Join Charlie and Michael around Charlie's kitchen table to celebrate what we love about this season and tell a couple of spooky stories! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - November 13) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Just in time for Halloween, did you know the North Carolina legislature once included an accused werewolf? Join Michael and Charlie on a historical deep-dive into one of the more surprising political history stories in the state! And, as a bonus minisode, join Charlie, Michael, and Tally Johnson as they talk about Fairy Stones from the Blue Ridge Mountains! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - November 13) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

One of the Carolinas' most interesting phenomena--and most easily experienced for one's self--is that of Gravity Hill. Ride along with Charlie and Michael as we take a roundabout route to discussing this fascinating legend! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - November 13) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Have you ever walked into a room and smelled a phantom's cigar? Join Charlie and Michael for the true and tragic history--and subsequent haunting--surrounding a fireman and a firehouse in Charlotte, NC! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Did you know the Cape Fear River has a centuries-old mermaid legend--and it kinda-sorta ties to our favorite Revolutionary War villain? And have you heard the vicious tale of the Santer? Join Charlie and Michael live from Durham's beautiful South Regional Library as they dive deep into the waters of myth, folklore, and newspaper archives! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Battleship North Carolina has a distinguished history as part of the Allied victory in World War Two, and for decades has served as a living museum and monument to that effort and to the technological innovations in its design. But it's also one of the most haunted places in the Carolinas! Come aboard for a deep dive discussion with Charlie and Michael about one of the Carolinas' most iconic locations! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

What's that sound racing down the road outside at night? Could it be the ghost of a horse in search of its fallen rider? Join Michael, Charlie, and special guest Tally Johnson for a deep dive into the history behind a local legend, a couple of quick companion stories from Tally, and a surprise eye-witness account from the convention audience! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

We've discussed the Grey Man of Pawley's Island, SC, and the other Grey Man of Pawley's Island, SC, and we've discussed Theodosia Burr, the Grey Lady of South Carolina, so now it's time to talk about the other Grey Lady of South Carolina! Join Michael and Charlie on a deep-dive into the multiple histories funneling into one of the Palmetto State's more obscure legends! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Behold the return of an old "friend"! Recorded live at Ret-Con 2025 Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Charlie and Michael on a deep-dive into the bizarre world of primate agression, recorded live at Ret-Con 2025! OUT NOW: Arcane Carolinas Volume 3 by Charlie Mewshaw! Foreword by Jason Tapp of SpookyCLT! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Spooky Season Kickoff @ Arcana Durham (September 11, 2025) Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

What's big, weird, and extremely niche? The Grafton Monster, that's what! Join us for the first of a THREE-PART live episode recorded at Ret-Con 2025! Also, a couple of tickets got returned by some folks who can't make it on Thursday, September 11, for the Arcane Carolinas Spooky Season Kickoff, so grab 'em while you can if you want to go! OUT NOW: Arcane Carolinas Volume 3 by Charlie Mewshaw! Foreword by Jason Tapp of SpookyCLT! Links: Arcane Carolinas Vol. 3 (Charlie's newest entry in our series of nonfiction volumes!) Children of Solitude (Michael's latest horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Spooky Season Kickoff @ Arcana Durham (September 11, 2025) Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) SplatterFlix Film Series (Durham, NC - October 10 & 11, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be selling books and giving away AC swag!) Book Ferret (Winston-Salem, NC - early November, dates TBD) - Michael solo (he'll be doing a reading and signing books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Just a quick reminder for folks who may not see the Facebook posts: our Spooky Season Kickoff is at Arcana in Durham, NC, on September 11! Tickets are free, and there are only a handful left. It'll also be a launch party for Arcane Carolinas Volume 3! Get your Spooky Season Kickoff tickets here!

We know plenty of legends based on and built around real people, from the Hunter of Purgatory Mountain to Lavinia Fisher to Hezekiah Jones. But how often do we see a legend spring up around a person as events unfold? Join Charlie and Michael for the summer road trip episode about a notorious driver and a couple of legend-encrusted vehicles! Links: Children of Solitude (Michael's new horror novel!) Upcoming Live Appearances: Spooky Season Kickoff @ Arcana Durham (September 11, 2025) Killer Pride (Williamsburg, VA - September 26-28, 2025) - Michael solo (he'll be on panels and in the vendor room selling books) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Charlie for two AC Case Files interviews regarding strange experiences, one on the coast of North Carolina and one on the streets of Pittsburgh, PA! Links: Children of Solitude (Michael's new horror novel!) Grafton Monster Fest Upcoming Live Appearances: PBO Pride (maybe? - Michael solo - June 6 & 7, 2025) Grafton Monster Festival (Charlie Solo - June 13 & 14, 2025) ConGregate (Michael solo - July 11-13, 2025) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Salem Black River Church near Maysville, SC, is one of the oldest churches in South Carolina and has a rich history as a place of worship and community. From it sprang many other local institutions and activists of tremendous importance also. But the Internet holds that today it is a place of disturbing phenomena from hauntings to monsters. Is any of that true? Go creepin' around with Michael and Charlie as we talk about why no one should trespass at Salem Black River Church! Links: Preorder Michael's next book! Upcoming Live Appearances: Carolina Cryptids @ Durham South Regional Library - Michael definite, Charlie tentative (April 8, 2025) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 23-25, 2025) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Bertie County, NC, is a place of rural beauty--and possibly of an angry ghost engaged in some questionable parenting from beyond the grave! Join Michael and Charlie for a deep dive into the history of one of the state's oldest counties, a fun spooky legend, and the many ways this legend connects to the history of the community where it's set. Links: Sign up for pre-order info for Michael's next book! Upcoming Live Appearances: Flyleaf Books - Michael solo (January 9, 2025) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Nevermore Film Festival - Michael solo (February 28-March 2, 2025) South Carolina State Library - Michael solo (March 13, 2025) Durham South Regional Library - Michael definite, Charlie tentative (April 8, 2025) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 23-25, 2025) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Late on a rainy, foggy night, as you drive through the early settlement of Jamestown, NC, a young woman may flag you down in hopes of refuge from the weather and a ride to her home. This is a familiar legend in the Carolinas, but it isn't unique. Is there real history behind this instance of the well-known tale of a hitchhiker from beyond? And just how common is this story? Join Charlie and Michael for a fun discussion full of surprises and deep research! Links: Charlie's visit to Lydia's Bridge HWA NC Reading at Flyleaf Books on 1/9/25 Michael's novel Perishables Michael's novel Servant Sovereign Arcane Carolinas on BlueSky Upcoming Live Appearances: Flyleaf Books - Michael solo (January 9, 2025) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Nevermore Film Festival - Michael solo (dates not yet announced) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Look, up there in the sky! It's a drone! It's an alien! It's... live-action folklore in the making! Join Charlie and Michael for a quick, informal chat about the wave of "drone"/UFO/UAP sightings being reported (and sometimes recorded, and maybe sometimes manufactured) nationwide! Originally this was the intro to the next episode, but we went on long enough we thought this deserved to be its own thing. Happy holidays, and thanks for listening! Links: "Drone sightings in Wilmington cause concern following reports in New Jersey" (WECT) "FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New Jersey amid sightings, notice threatens 'deadly force' for 'imminent security threat.'" (6 ABC, Philadelphia, PA) Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Nevermore Film Festival - Michael solo (dates not yet announced) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Now that Spooky Season for 2024 has drawn to a close, and Michael and Charlie have gotten a bit of a rest, let's... rewind time to the start of Spooky Season! Join Charlie, Michael, and an enthusiastic crowd as we talk about three fun and spooky stories and places from the Carolinas and beyond! Note: if you listen to the show with kids, the jokes in this are a little more risque than usual, so take that into account! Links: Photos from the Cabe Lands in Durham, NC Hiking info and map for the Cabe Lands in Eno State Park michaelgwilliamsbooks.com Lost Monster Files on Discovery Upcoming Live Appearances: South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Nevermore Film Festival - Michael solo (dates not yet announced) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

On stormy nights the spectral figure of a woman in blue dashes through the darkness to climb the stairs of the old Rear Range Light on Hilton Head Island. Why is her mission so vitally important she continues it from beyond the grave? Join Michael and Charlie as they dig deep into folklore and history in search of another Shady Lady haunting one of the Carolinas' most iconic locations! A content warning up front: this episode is about a ghost story associated with a massively destructive hurricane, and there may be folks in our community who don't want to hear about a massively destructive hurricane right now. If so, skip this episode, we'll have another new one out on Wednesday of this week! Link: American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene Efforts Register & Vote: North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: "From Frankenstein to Firefly: Genre-Blending for Stronger Stories" at the NC Writers Network Fall Conference - Michael solo (November 2, 2024) Orange County Public Library - Michael solo (November 9, 2024) Morganton Public Library - Michael solo (November 23, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Links: michaelgwilliamsbooks.com Lost Monster Files on Discovery Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

It's been a little over four years, and Charlie's new show Lost Monster Files is about to premiere, so we think it's a good time to re-introduce ourselves to folks who might be new to the show. And while you're at it, take a dive into a legend shared by more than one of the indigenous peoples of the Carolinas as Charlie tells the tale of the Catawba River Runner! If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see this on Facebook, there's a link in the show notes for this episode. We hope everyone is safe and we're thinking of them all the time. Michael will also donate all royalties from Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 for the rest of 2024. Another reminder: the deadlines to register to vote are looming. Please check the links below if you need any information on voting, especially if you need to vote absentee or if you're unsure what to bring with you when you vote. Hurricane Helene has disrupted many people's lives, including displacing people, so if you're not sure what the status of services and travel in your community will be a month from now (a very real possibility) and voting is a priority for you, start planning now. Link: American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene Efforts Register & Vote: North Carolina voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina voter registration South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: "Writing Through the Dark" in Pittssboro, NC - Michael solo (October 20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Links: Michaelgwilliamsbooks.com Lost Monster Files press release Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Did you hear the story of that video game that drove that kid mad? It happened just one town over! My cousin's friend told me he heard about it at summer camp! Join Charlie and Michael for a deep-dive into the history of an urban legend straight out of the arcade age: Polybius, the original killer app! But is there any truth behind this story? There just might be! If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see this on Facebook, there's a link in the show notes for this episode. We hope everyone is safe and we're thinking of them all the time. Michael will also donate all royalties from Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 for the rest of 2024. Another reminder: the deadlines to register to vote are looming. Please check the links below if you need any information on voting, especially if you need to vote absentee or if you're unsure what to bring with you when you vote. Hurricane Helene has disrupted many people's lives, including displacing people, so if you're not sure what the status of services and travel in your community will be a month from now (a very real possibility) and voting is a priority for you, start planning now. Link: American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene Efforts Register & Vote: North Carolina voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina voter registration South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Ret-Con 2024 - Charlie & Michael together (February 21-23, 2025) Links: "The Heroes of America in Civil War North Carolina" Civil War in the North Carolina Quaker Belt "William W. Holden and 'Disloyalty' in the Civil War" "Heroes of America" (NCpedia) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

This episode is the second half of our history deep dive into the Heroes of America, an anti-Confederate secret society that started in the "Quaker Belt" region of NC. If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see this on Facebook, there's a link in the show notes for this episode. We hope everyone is safe and we're thinking of them all the time. Michael will also donate all royalties from Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 for the rest of 2024. Another reminder: the deadlines to register to vote are looming. Please check the links below if you need any information on voting, especially if you need to vote absentee or if you're unsure what to bring with you when you vote. Hurricane Helene has disrupted many people's lives, including displacing people, so if you're not sure what the status of services and travel in your community will be a month from now (a very real possibility) and voting is a priority for you, start planning now. Link: American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene Efforts Register & Vote: North Carolina voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina voter registration South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: "The Heroes of America in Civil War North Carolina" Civil War in the North Carolina Quaker Belt "William W. Holden and 'Disloyalty' in the Civil War" "Heroes of America" (NCpedia) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Did you know a sprawling network of anti-Confederate organizers formed in the Piedmont of NC at the outset of the US Civil War? Join Michael and Charlie for a history deep-dive into a little-discussed corner of the reality of political organizing in the south during that era! Note: the sound is different on this one because we got to use an awesome podcasting studio and record face to face! Don't forget, Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 is out now! Register & Vote: North Carolina voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" voter registration North Carolina "One-Stop" early voting North Carolina voting by mail South Carolina voter registration South Carolina early voting South Carolina voting by mail Voting information for all states Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: "The Heroes of America in Civil War North Carolina" Civil War in the North Carolina Quaker Belt "William W. Holden and 'Disloyalty' in the Civil War" "Heroes of America" (NCpedia) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

From the Devil's Tramping Ground to ghost chickens in the US Capitol, what are our paranormal bucket list items? And what makes any given paranormal hotspot such a focal point for the strange in the first place? Join Michael and special guest co-hosts Gary Mitchel and Tally Johnson for the rest of our ConGregate 2024 conversation! And don't forget, Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 is out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: A Podcask of Amontillado Ret-Con Tally's books on Amazon DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics Track on Facebook Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

We've all heard of Route 66, but have you heard of Route 666? Did you know a phantom hotrod terrorizes a two-lane highway through South Carolina and North Carolina by night? Or have you seen the ghostly merchant in downtown Winston-Salem? Join Michael at ConGregate 2024 with special guest co-hosts Tally Johnson and Gary Mitchel to discuss these and other stories! And don't forget, Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 is out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Southern Gothic Festival in Camden, SC - Charlie solo (October 18-20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: A Podcask of Amontillado Ret-Con Tally's books on Amazon DragonCon American Sci-Fi Classics Track on Facebook Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

As the episode title says, and as we say in the episode, DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. IT IS ILLEGAL AND IT IS VERY EASY TO DIE THERE. PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT. Goat-human hybrids: science gone wrong? Or magic gone wrong? Join Charlie and Michael for a lively and hilarious discussion of a unique (or perhaps not so unique!) legend from Kentucky of a deadly railroad trestle and the mutant who stalks those who foolishly visit it. This was recorded live at Ret-Con 2024! And don't forget, Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 is out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Southern Gothic Festival in Camden, SC - Charlie solo (October 18-20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

On a spring-like December morning in 1954, dozens of school children, their teacher, and one exceptionally brave janitor had an encounter with what came to be known as The Monkey-Dog. Join Charlie and Michael for a discussion of one of the more obscure and fascinating stories out of Robeson County, NC, and a larger conversation about the distinction between a myth and a cryptid! And don't forget, Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2 is out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Southern Gothic Festival in Camden, SC - Charlie solo (October 18-20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Y'all, this story has it all: country music, 19th century sightings, the Brown Mountain Lights, electoral politics, multiple varieties of entrepreneurship, UFOs, aliens, illegal construction on federal land, trailbreaking, John Keel, curiosity shops, and traffic jams. We don't even know what else to say! Join Michael and special guest co-host Michelle at the Black Mountain Library in May, 2024, as they discuss a story of hope and horror on Brown Mountain and beyond! Out now: Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Southern Gothic Festival in Camden, SC - Charlie solo (October 18-20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: If your local library doesn't have these books, ask them about interlibrary loan! Black Mountain Library Lulu Belle & Scotty's "Brown Mountain Light" - YouTube.com Ralph Lael's The Brown Mountain Lights - NC Cardinal (NC public libraries) Wade Edward Speer's The Brown Mountain Lights - NC Cardinal (NC public libraries) UFO Related Entries Catalog entry for Ralph Lael - ufologie.patrickgross.org Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Lake Norman is sometimes referred to as North Carolina's only inland sea, and a review of its size and dimensions definitely back that up. But it's also a place where strange things are seen in, around, and sometimes over the water! Join Charlie and Michael for a chat about the upcoming spooky season and a discussion of Lake Norman as a locus of the strange! Out today: Arcane Carolinas: Volume 2! Pick it up now! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Southern Gothic Festival in Camden, SC - Charlie solo (October 18-20, 2024) South Carolina State Library in Columbia, SC - Michael solo (December 12, 2024) Links: The original YouTube video - (EXTREMELY SHAKY) A later news story - USA Today Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Do you love spooky tales such as the Boo Hag or the classic legend of The Rattlesnake Honeymoon? Do you love comic books and sequential art produced by folks right here in the Carolinas? Then check out this Arcane Carolinas Case Files episode where Michael interviews Fiona W. Dunn, co-creator and illustrator of Tarheel Tales of Terror! And, don't forget, we've got Arcane Carolinas, Volume 2 coming out on September 1st! You can preorder paperback and electronic copies now! AND we'll have some copies on hand for the Spooky Season Kickoff at Arcana on 9/26. Get your free ticket below! Upcoming Live Appearances: SPOOKY SEASON KICKOFF @ ARCANA DURHAM - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Links: Tarheel Tales of Terror on Facebook Verdancy on Tumblr Fiona W. Dunn at fionawdunn.art Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Michael here! I have no idea how to introduce this episode, honestly, because every time we say anything even remotely snarky about this episode's subject some piece of technology fails us: we had microphones go out in the middle of recording, our hosting provider ate the episode when it was supposed to go out, and even so small a thing as trying to add episode artwork caused me to lose the draft seconds before I would have clicked "publish." That said, I invite you to join us Charlie does a deep dive into the history and lore around Robert the Doll, star of stage and screen, and we discuss how such an item might come to hold powers beyond what one might expect. (Please, universe, just let me click "publish" and be done with this episode already. Yeesh.) Upcoming Live Appearances: ConGregate 10 - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) SAGA Professional Genre Writing Conference - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) HWA NC group reading at Moon Dog Meadery - Michael solo (August 13, 2024 - Durham, NC) Arcana Durham - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Links: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory (with live webcam!) No, I am not linking to the museum where they display Robert the Doll, I am tired of having every single step of editing and publishing this episode run into some sort of technical problem. Google it yourself IF YOU DARE Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Hitch up your waders and fetch your log-pokin' stick, as ride along as Charlie and Michael talk about Alabama's Bear Creek Swamp! Do you like ghosts? Do you like creepy dolls? Do you like finding horrible things? Then this is the place for you! Bear Creek Swamp has anything you could want, and plenty you might not! Tally Johnson's Books: Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands Creek Walking Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry Upcoming Live Appearances: ConGregate 10 - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) SAGA Professional Genre Writing Conference - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) HWA NC Group Reading (early August - Durham, NC - Details TBD) Arcana Durham - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Grab your stakes and garlic necklaces and come along as Michael and Charlie dig into the history and lore of a Charlotte neighborhood where it was said for many years a particular place only came alive at night! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) SAGA Professional Genre Writing Conference - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) Arcana Durham - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Michael and Charlie as they take a deep dive into a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War and the restless riding spirit who lingers from it still! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) SAGA Professional Genre Writing Conference - Michael solo (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) Arcana Durham - Michael and Charlie (September 26th - Durham, NC) Links: Hopewell Presbyterian Church SpookyCLT Charlotte Area Paranormal Society Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Charlie and two very special guests to hear tales of Bigfoot encounters in the Piedmont and learn about the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, NC, from Eric Odditorium! Upcoming Live Appearances: HWA NC Book Reading - Quail Ridge Books (March 26th - Raleigh, NC) Black Mountain Public Library (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) Arcana Durham (September 26th - Durham, NC) Links: Museum of the Bizarre (external site) Eric.Odditorium (Instagram) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Charleston, SC, has a reputation as a haunted city with a long and complex past. But what about newer, more contemporary sites? Can't they have ghosts, too? Pull a chair up to the table and join Charlie, Michael, and friend of the show Kevin as we dig in to the history and lore around one of the city's most famous restaurants! Don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) Arcana Durham (September 26th - Durham, NC) Links: Poogan's Porch Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, is one of the most adapted, sprawling, and elaborated upon legends in the entire catalogue of paranormal events in United States history. But which parts of it are verifiably real, and which parts of it are simply too much to believe? Go spelunking with Charlie and Michael as they argue with the disembodied voice of history to find out more about this world-famous case! Don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Black Mountain Public Library (possibly Michael solo) (early May - date TBD) Carolina Fear Fest (tentative--still being worked out) ConGregate 10 (Michael solo) (July 12-14, 2024 - Winston-Salem, NC) Arcana (late September - date TBD - Durham, NC) Research Partner: ParaSocial Investigations Links: Moss's Coach House Restaurant (Facebook) Tennessee Encyclopedia: Bell Witch "Who Was the Bell Witch?" (Atlas Obscura) "Year of the Witch: 1937 and the Return of the Bell Witch" (TennesseeHistory.org) "Tennessee Myths & Legends: Bell Witch" (Tennessee State Library & Archives) Green-Mountain Freeman: "The Tennessee Ghost" (Library of Congress) "The Bell Witch of Tennessee and Mississippi: A Folk Legend" (JStor) "Bell Witch lore spins dark tale, but could science explain it all?" (The Tennesseean) An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch (HathiTrust) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Michael and Charlie for a discussion of everything from dowsing for water to plugging a tree as they dive into Appalachian folk magic and traditional remedies! Don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Links: The Lumberton Report (arcanecarolinas.com) American Society of Dowsers (dowsers.org) Appalachian Dowsers (appalachiandowsers.org) NorthCarolinaGhosts.com Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Charlie, Michael, and a bunch of awesome people at Arcana in Durham, NC, for three tales: a ghost taunting the living on a stormy night; a rail project unearthing ancient history; and the death and resurrection of a rural community's resident witch! Published early by request, this live recording was the 2023 Spooky Season Kickoff from September, 2023. Have a safe, happy, and spooky holiday season! Links: Meherrin Nation (meherrinnation.org) NCSSM (www.ncssm.edu) Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Ease into the post-Halloween season by joining Charlie and Michael for a casual discussion of various types of ghosts and past episodes we've done about some of them! Links: Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry (Amazon.com) Sea Island Spirits (YouTube) WRAL Voters' Choice Awards (wral.com) Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Woohoo! An even 100 episodes! Join Charlie and Michael as they give updates on some previous episodes, their spouses join them for listener Q&A, and we hear some voicemails from friends. Now on to the next 100! Links: Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) (external site) Tally Johnson's books & info (Amazon) Alexandra Christian's books & info (Amazon) Strange Animals Podcast (external site) Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Did you know George Washington received a personal tour of Old Salem during his second term--and that doing so was politically controversial? Even more controversial is the possibility he encountered supernatural doom while there! PLUS, Michael and Charlie run a bracket to see who's the winner of Reasonable Ghosts! This episode was recorded live at ConGregate in July, 2023! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

UFOs have been in headlines this year, but it certainly isn't the first time. Join us for a deep-dive discussion of a major UFO flap in Robeson County, NC, nearly a half-century ago! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join us for a trio of tales! First, sit down with us live at GalaxyCon Richmond from spring of 2023 and hear the story of Richmond's most famous undead. Then, we have a talk with friend of the show Jerry Chandler as he tells us spooky stories about the Virginia State Capitol complex and surrounding areas. Then we cap off this super-sized episode with a second recording from GalaxyCon talking about a hare-raising local legend from Fairfax, VA. Enjoy! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! AWARD NOMINATIONS: WRAL Voter's Choice Award Nominations (open through October 8) Go to https://bit.ly/WRAL2023AC, then choose "Professional and Entertainment," then "Podcast" to nominate Arcane Carolinas! Upcoming Live Appearances: Join Charlie at the SC State Library (Columbia, SC - October 12, 2023 - 6:00 PM) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Lees-McRae College is an institution of higher learning in the highest-elevation county seat in the eastern United States. Join Charlie and Michael for a look at the ghost (or ghosts) haunting their dorms, archives, and graveyard! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! AWARD NOMINATIONS: WRAL Voter's Choice Award Nominations (open through October 8) Go to https://bit.ly/WRAL2023AC, then choose "Professional and Entertainment," then "Podcast" to nominate Arcane Carolinas! Upcoming Live Appearances: Join Charlie at the SC State Library (Columbia, SC - October 12, 2023 - 6:00 PM) Links: Ghost Stories & Folk Tales in the High Mountains (Lees-McRae College) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Join Charlie as he chats with show guests, vendors, and attendees at Carolina Fear Fest about their favorite local legends and spooky stories! Links to Wild Animal Encounters, The Spooky Twins, and Acme Comics below! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! AWARD NOMINATIONS: WRAL Voter's Choice Award Nominations (open through October 8) Go to https://bit.ly/WRAL2023AC, then choose "Professional and Entertainment," then "Podcast" to nominate Arcane Carolinas! Upcoming Live Appearances: Join Charlie at the SC State Library (Columbia, SC - October 12, 2023 - 6:00 PM) Links: Dan the Animal Man - Wild Animal Encounters (external site) The Spooky Twins (external site) The Spooky Twins (Instagram) Acme Comics of Greensboro, NC (external site) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

In past Spooky Seasons we've talked about two different versions of the Grey Man in South Carolina, but what about the Grey Lady? And is she the Grey Lady of South Carolina or of North Carolina? Or Virginia? Or New York? Join Charlie and Michael for a historical deep dive that turns into a series of ghostly legends and haunting tales, with everything from tragedy to political scandal to pirates on land *and* sea! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 28, 2023 - 8:00 PM) WRAL Voter's Choice Award Nominations (open through October 8) Go to https://bit.ly/WRAL2023AC, then choose "Professional and Entertainment," then "Podcast" to nominate Arcane Carolinas! SC State Library (Columbia, SC, October 12, 2023 - 6:00 PM) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]

Michael and Charlie sit down with a fun, friendly crowd at Carolina Fear Fest--and a few (literal) horror clowns--to talk about two legends of decidedly Luciferian origin: Satan's Bridge in NC and Hell's Gate Cemetery in SC! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 28, 2023) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram Arcane Carolinas on Tumblr Contact us! [email protected]