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Astonishing Legends

463 episodes — Page 3 of 10

S1 Ep 22S1 Ep22: Bunny in a Tuxedo

In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly bizarre family tale spanning generations. Taylor shares her mother's childhood encounter with a giant, tuxedo-clad bunny rabbit residing in her friend's shower—a story echoed by her own childhood sighting of a similar figure. Could this be a family secret, a shared hallucination, or something far more uncanny?Púca

Mar 25, 202530 min

A Scared to Death Timesuck with Dan Cummins

This week, we welcome master storyteller, podcaster, and comedian Dan Cummins, creator of the hit shows Timesuck and Scared to Death. Known for his deep dives into historical mysteries and the supernatural, Dan brings scholarly research paired with sharp wit. We’ve long admired the quality and depth of his work, which often parallels our own. Our conversation spans his paranormal encounters, the eerie legend of Rasputin, and a bizarre experience he had that mirrors one of Scott’s — with coincidences too strange to ignore. We’ll also explore Dan’s unique path into podcasting, his prolific creative output, and his passion for the unexplained. Plus, Scott shares a story from his recent visit to the Rhine Institute in Durham, where he learned about cutting-edge research into human bioluminescence.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Mar 23, 20251h 29m

S1 Ep 21S1 Ep21: A Call From Beyond

In tonight’s Dead Letter, we explore a mysterious phone call received by long-time listener Michelle in the 1980s. The caller identified himself as "Uncle Bill," a relative she had never known, leaving a lasting impression on her and her family. Her parents' stunned reaction to the call adds to the unsettling mystery.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Call_(The_Twilight_Zone)https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/last-call-3/

Mar 18, 202532 min

S1 Ep 20S1 Ep20: The Haunted Firehouse

Due to an error last week, this Dead Letter Office didn't make it to the main feed so here it is now! There's a NEW one tomorrow too! In tonight’s dead letter, we explore the chilling tales of paranormal activity at a haunted firehouse, as recounted by volunteer firefighter Ken Sanner Jr. Ken details a series of unsettling events, from flickering lights and moving objects to disembodied voices and unexplained shadows—even a heavy metal door mysteriously opening on a windless day. There’s something more than meets they eye going on at this place, but what?

Mar 17, 202523 min

Battle of Los Angeles

On the night of February 25, 1942, less than three months after Pearl Harbor, Los Angeles was gripped by fear as air raid sirens wailed and a total blackout stretched to the Mexican border. Powerful arc lamps lit up the sky, and anti-aircraft guns fired wildly as reports of enemy aircraft flooded in — some claiming planes crashed down across the city, though no wreckage was found. Even military leaders couldn’t agree on what had happened. Some dismissing it as a false alarm, while others insisted non-U.S. aircraft were present. Eyewitnesses, including trained military observers, described seeing strange, slow-moving objects — one even shaped like a butterfly — and estimating anywhere from 1 to 25 of these aircraft. Decades later, declassified documents suggested the military misled the public, with one army chief allegedly reporting to President Roosevelt that the craft were likely of interplanetary origin. This week, we travel back to 1942 to sift through the conflicting reports, from that night and beyond, to help theorize the true nature of the so-called "Battle of Los Angeles."Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Mar 9, 20252h 8m

S1 Ep 19S1 Ep19: Not of this Earth

In tonight’s dead letter, we explore a listener’s astonishing story connecting to the infamous USS Nimitz Tic-Tac UFO incident. Mike recounts childhood encounters with doppelgangers and later, his ex-wife's dream of grays influencing her pregnancy. Their son even refers to a "space dad," adding another layer to this already unbelievable tale. We were shocked to get a dead letter directly connected to such a major UAP event, and it has some wild implications about how far-reaching and multi-faceted a UAP encounter can be.

Mar 4, 202539 min

S1 Ep 18S1 Ep18: The Co-Worker's Gift

In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly astonishing story from listener Gus about his daughter Tara. Tara's coworker, on her last shift before college, revealed he could see spirits and described three surrounding Tara – her deceased grandparents and grandmother, accurately detailing their names, causes of death, and even the months they passed. Then he made a startling observation about Gus himself. There are those that think that all psychics are con artists or expert cold readers, but does this story fit that mold?

Feb 25, 202525 min

The Baldoon Mystery with Dr. Rick Fehr

In the fall of 1829, a Scottish settlement was thrown into turmoil by an invisible tormentor whose nightly mischief escalated into arson. Despite constant watch and attempted exorcisms, flames erupted repeatedly in one targeted home until its terrified occupants fled, only to see it burn to the ground. Seeking refuge in a neighboring house, they were again assailed by eerie noises, flickering blue candle flames, strange embers, and the sulfuric scent of brimstone. More disturbingly, unseen forces pelted them with lead balls and slugs—harmless but relentless. Unable to endure the torment any longer, the villagers summoned a witch doctor in hopes of banishing the fiend once and for all. This week, we are joined by local expert Dr. Rick Fehr for a deep dive into the origins of this legend.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Feb 23, 20252h 23m

S1 Ep 17S1 Ep17: Peripheral Presence

Listener Chloe’s Dead Letter starts out talking about the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard. One of the earliest topics on the main show here at Astonishing Legends. It quickly transitions to her visit to the Edinburgh underground vaults and an unsettling experience she had there on a ghost tour.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Toldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Kirkyardhttps://astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2016/12/8/ep-003-greyfriars-kirkyard-halloween-special?rq=greyfriarshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Vaults

Feb 18, 202526 min

Seth Breedlove - Small Town Monster

This week, we’re delving into the world of cryptids and unexplained phenomena again with Seth Breedlove, founder of Small Town Monsters. Celebrating 10 years of documenting America’s legends, 2025 promises to be their most ambitious year yet with four new projects. We'll discuss Dawn of the Dogman, exploring Michigan’s mysterious Dogman, and The Kinderhook Creature, a chilling tale from New York's Hudson Valley. As well as upcoming projects on the eerie Bennington Triangle and the harrowing Siege of Ape Canyon. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these fascinating legends and how Small Town Monsters continues to push the boundaries of cryptid filmmaking. Plus, Seth shares some of the most unusual encounters he's had along the way.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Feb 17, 20252h 7m

S1 Ep 16S1 Ep16: The Underwater Trip

In tonight’s dead letter, Jonathan, a self-described skeptic and psychonaut, recounts his experience taking DMT that led to an encounter with an omniscient entity, sparking a discussion about the nature of reality and the potential for interdimensional beings. The guys talk about similar experiences, highlighting the parallels between Jonathan's psychedelic journey and sober encounters reported by others. What could altered states of consciousness reveal about our universe?The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where your stories die to be told!

Feb 11, 202514 min

S1 Ep 15S1 Ep15: Voices in My Ear

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In tonight’s dead letter, listener Nicole recounts a chilling experience of hearing a male voice in her head during a protection ritual. This unsettling event is similar to Tess's experience at the Sallie House, and it highlights the unpredictable nature of opening oneself to the unseen. One must take precautions when engaging with the paranormal without full awareness because whether you believe any of this at all or not, we’ve heard a lot of stories from folks who had lasting side effects from crossing paths with the unknown. Listener discretion is advised due to some explicit language.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Feb 4, 202520 min

S1 Ep 14S1 Ep14: It's Ok Karl

This week's Astonishing Dead Letter Office features a heartwarming story of a benevolent haunting at their family's camp in Gorham, New Hampshire. After the death of listener Karl’s father's friend Andy, the family began experiencing strange occurrences at the camp, including a deformed screen door that appeared to have Andy's face imprinted on it and a streetlight that would repeatedly go out but turn back on when someone addressed Andy. Not all hauntings are terrifying. Some are comforting.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Jan 28, 202510 min

The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2

This week on Astonishing Legends, we conclude our two-part exploration into the enigmatic disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. Last week, we chronicled his vibrant life and career, culminating in his mysterious 1913 journey into Mexico. This week, we delve deeper, examining the turbulent backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and how it might have played a role in his vanishing.Was Bierce a casualty of the conflict, caught in the crossfire? Or, as some suggest, did he become a victim of Pancho Villa himself? We explore these theories, considering his known disdain for aging and his fascination with unsolved mysteries, mirroring themes throughout his own macabre writings. A missing letter and conflicting accounts spark questions about hidden agendas and the possibility of a meticulously planned exit. While the Grand Canyon suicide theory persists, we weigh the evidence and consider alternative explanations, including the intriguing, if improbable, fringe theories involving crystal skulls and ancient ruins in the Paquimé region of Mexico. Ultimately, we're left to ponder whether Bierce's disappearance was a carefully crafted narrative, a tragic accident, or something far more extraordinary. Join us as we uncover the clues and confront the enduring puzzle of Bierce's final act.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Jan 26, 20251h 49m

S1 Ep 13S1 Ep13: Swami Mystery Talking Board

In tonight’s chilling episode, Nina shares her unsettling experience with a vintage Swami Mystery talking board. After acquiring this antique off-brand Ouija Board, she suffers a severe concussion and begins having vivid, disturbing nightmares featuring mysterious figures and ominous symbolism. Always think twice when messing around with talking boards!The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Jan 21, 202523 min

The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 1

Ambrose Bierce, famed author of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, vanished without a trace in 1913 at the age of 71. Bierce had a long and storied career, having been a soldier in the Civil War, a journalist, and a successful author. He was known for his dark humor and cynical outlook. In part one of this two-part series, we delve into the mystery of Bierce’s disappearance and explore the enduring fascination with this literary enigma. Was it a suicide, a murder, or something even stranger? Join us as we try to unravel the strange case of Ambrose Bierce.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Jan 19, 20251h 41m

S1 Ep 12S1 Ep12: Stained

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a chilling overnight investigation at 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire – the infamous home of the Black Monk of Pontefract. A long standing Poltergeist we covered on our main show in a three part series back in late 2018. We delve into our listener's unsettling experience during a séance and Ouija board session, culminating in a terrifying solo venture into the house's most haunted bedroom. We explore the oppressive atmosphere, the sensation of being watched by lifeless dolls, and the lingering effects on the people that were there. Join us as we revisit one of Britain's most notorious haunted houses through the eye and ears of our listener, Eric.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Jan 14, 202515 min

2025 Next Episode Announcement!

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A very important announcement about our next episode!

Jan 11, 20251 min

S1 Ep 11S1 Ep11: Hatman Assault

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a series of chilling encounters with mysterious entities that have haunted our listener, Alan, for years. He had unsettling experiences with sleep paralysis, including a confrontation with a shadowy figure wearing a fedora and a static-like being delivering phantom punches, in a rare case of someone being actually physically assaulted by a shadow being.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Jan 7, 202516 min

S1 Ep 10S1 Ep10: Grimacing in the Woods

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a perplexing childhood encounter that has lingered in our listener's memory for over three decades. It ranks up there with one of our favorite topics on the main show, Sam the Sandown Clown. Sit back as we explore the bizarre sighting of a life-sized Grimace, the beloved McDonald's character, mysteriously appearing at the edge of the woods behind our listener’s home, possibly beckoning her to join him on some bizarre adventure in another reality.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Dec 31, 202412 min

S1 Ep 9S1 Ep9: The Irrcenraq

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a chilling series of events in the remote Alaskan town of Dillingham. We explore the eerie parallels between the legendary Mothman and the Yupik culture's mysterious Irrcenraq beings. Our listener shares his haunting personal experiences with unexplained phenomena, including shadowy figures, strange phone calls, and dancing balls of light. As 15 people die in rapid succession in this small community, we delve into the unsettling connections between these deaths and the appearance of otherworldly entities. Join us as we navigate the murky waters between folklore and reality in this remote Alaskan town.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Dec 24, 202425 min

The Astonishing Legends All-Star Holiday Special V

It’s the fifth Year of our annual Astonishing Legends Holiday Special, and we’re back with our crew from last year. We all love getting together this time of year to look back on everything that went right or wrong over the past 12 months and consider what parts of our collective reality have eroded and what parts have solidified. Join us as we celebrate the friendships we've built along the way and the joys of working together across the paranormal and real spectrum. It’s a perfect way to kick back, relax, and embrace the holiday spirit with us. So grab your favorite drink and cozy up as we share some fun tales and look ahead to what 2025 has in store. Everyone’s welcome!Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Dec 23, 20242h 24m

S1 Ep 8S1 Ep8: Uninvited Guests

In tonight's Dead Letter, Scott and Forrest explore a chilling account from Holly in North Hollywood. Her story involves mysterious glowing orbs of different colors appearing in her bedroom, a malfunctioning fire alarm, and an unsettling experience with an intrusive thought and sleep paralysis. The eerie events, potentially linked to a creative slump and solitude, culminate in a startling connection to an object in her room. What’s at play here?The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Dec 17, 202420 min

“The Program” with Director James Fox

Tonight, we welcome documentary filmmaker James Fox to discuss his latest thought-provoking film, 'The Program,' which explores recent developments in UFO and UAP disclosure. Fox shares valuable insights gleaned from his extensive interviews with military officials, politicians, and eyewitnesses. These interviews touch on controversial topics such as alleged crash retrievals of unidentified craft and encounters with non-human intelligences.During our conversation, we delve into the obstacles Fox faced due to government secrecy and examine the intriguing role that private corporations may play in controlling UAP information. Fox emphasizes the cornerstone of his investigative approach: the importance of credible witness testimony coupled with rigorous on-site field research.We also revisit the compelling 1996 Varginha incident in Brazil, which Fox investigated in his previous film 'Moment of Contact,' and discuss the implications of recent congressional hearings on UAPs.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Dec 15, 20241h 22m

S1 Ep 7S1 Ep7: Paralyzed with Fear

In tonight’s Dead Letter, Melinda recounts her terrifying paranormal experiences after moving into her sister's basement apartment. The encounters escalated from unexplained night terrors to sleep paralysis and eventually the sighting of a shadowy entity with horns and white eyes. She felt physically manipulated, frozen in fear. Despite initially keeping the events to herself, she eventually confided in their sister, leading to a priest's intervention that seems to have brought an end to the haunting.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Dec 10, 202413 min

The Long Strange Trip of the Tromp Family

We all know family road trips can be fun, bonding experiences that generate fond memories, but they can also be filled with tension and frayed nerves—although perhaps not to the degree experienced by the Tromp family of Silvan, Australia. In August 2016, Mark and Jacoba Tromp and their adult children Riana, Mitchell, and Ella embarked on a perplexing journey of around 1000 miles that captivated the country. They abruptly left their home, abandoning their phones and credit cards. What followed was a five-day saga of mystery and confusion. The family’s erratic behavior, including apparent paranoia and separation, led to a nationwide search. The incident, dubbed the “Tech-Free Family Road Trip,” sparked widespread speculation about mental health, shared psychosis, and the pressures of modern life on their successful farm. During this family travel season, we work to dissect what happened and why. Was this bizarre odyssey a contagious emotional meltdown, or was there an actual threat to their safety as the parents initially thought? Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Dec 8, 20241h 57m

S1 Ep 6S1 Ep6: The Shadow Person and the Pendulum

In our latest Dead Letter episode, we dive into the spooky world of pendulums and shadow entities! Krystal shares her haunting experience with a pendulum she bought in 2020, which seemed to bring a shadowy presence into her home. This mysterious entity appeared while she was in the zone, working on creative projects. Things got intense when it started showing up where she sleeps, leading to a cleansing ritual to drive it out. Tune in to hear the full story and our thoughts on the connection between creativity and the supernatural.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Dec 3, 202411 min

S1 Ep 5S1 Ep5: Something's Watching

Tonight we delve into the chilling experiences of a seasoned hunter in the same eerie region of central Pennsylvania a former guest of our main show encountered something unexplained. Jordan recounts his encounters with unseen threats that left him unnerved. His tale echoes the unsettling possibility of something lurking in the woods and an inexplicable sensation of being watched. Tune in to hear his personal astonishing legend, and remind yourself to trust your instincts when the wilderness turns silent.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Nov 26, 202418 min

The Ghost Ship Carroll A. Deering

In 1921, a five-masted schooner emerged from the mists off North Carolina's treacherous coast - a floating tomb devoid of life. Eleven souls had vanished without a trace, leaving behind an eerie tableau of abandonment. Tonight we delve into this chilling mystery and attempt to unravel a web of bizarre clues: inexplicably damaged equipment, missing shoreboats, and whispers of aberrant crew behavior from passing ships. Was it a bloodthirsty mutiny? Ruthless pirates? A clandestine rum-running operation gone awry? Or perhaps something far more sinister lurking in the depths of human nature - or beyond? The Carroll A. Deering is a haunting mystery, reminding us that some secrets of the sea may never be fully uncovered, leaving our imaginations to run wild with unsettling possibilities.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Nov 24, 20242h 19m

S1 Ep 4S1 Ep4: Deployed Trickster

Tonight we dive into a chilling tale from a former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, who had mysterious encounters with a face-pressing entity in their deployment tent. This story shows how paranormal experiences can affect even seasoned soldiers.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Nov 19, 202410 min

S1 Ep 3S1 Ep3: It's Just Martin

In this episode, Scott and Forrest share a captivating story from a listener named Meagan about her family's experience with a friendly spirit named Martin. Since the late sixties, Meagan's family has lived with Martin, known for lighthearted antics like slamming doors. In fact, Meagan may not have even been born had Martin not stepped in when her mom was younger. Join them in the vault for this listener story about living with a ghost and the strange events that come along with that.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Nov 12, 202418 min

The Lake Worth Monster with Lyle Blackburn

On the night of July 10, 1969, John Reichart was fishing near Greer Island on the shores of Lake Worth, about ten miles from Fort Worth, Texas, while his wife Linda sat in their car reading a book. Moments after John finally hooked a large catfish, he heard his wife screaming in terror and turned to see something moving around on top of the car. As he raced to help, this thing was now on the ground and next to the passenger window, appearing to try to get at Linda. John instinctively lunged at this creature, shoving it away from the car while getting a good look at it. He described it as massive and standing on two legs, horns on its head, covered with white hair and what seemed like shiny fish scales; some kind of human-animal hybrid he said was "half man, half goat." The Reicharts weren't the only witnesses to this scary scuffle as two other couples parked nearby also saw the entire horrifying incident. Almost forty people claimed to have seen the same beast the next night, with sightings continuing for months afterward, generating news coverage and a police investigation. Our friend, author, musician, and intrepid cryptid hunter, Lyle Blackburn, once again deftly and comprehensively investigates one of the strangest and most disturbing creature encounters in Texas and U.S. history in his latest book, Lake Worth Monster: The True Story of the Greer Island Goatman. Please join us as we welcome Lyle to discuss the particulars of a brute so bizarre it makes a plain old Bigfoot seem ordinary by comparison. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Nov 10, 20241h 58m

S1 Ep 2S1 Ep2: Black-Eyed Kids and Bad Luck

In this episode, Scott and Forrest tackle a creepy listener story about Black Eyed Kids that took place during the height of the pandemic. The story follows a woman who encounters a strange boy in a red hoodie in the dark, leading to some serious bad luck afterward. Join us as we break down this unsettling encounter and its impact on the storyteller’s life.The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Nov 5, 202414 min

S1 Ep 1S1 Ep1: Depends Who’s Looking

Welcome to the premiere episode of the Astonishing Dead Letter Office, a new weekly show from the creators of Astonishing Legends. For over a decade, you’ve been sending in your strange and unexplainable experiences.In this first episode, "It Depends Who's Looking," we explore a chilling haunted house story from Jeff, former manager of the still popular Instagram account Harlow and Sage. Jeff and his wife encounter escalating paranormal activity in their new home, from mysterious noises to ghostly apparitions. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Oct 29, 202420 min

Your True Halloween Stories III

Once more unto the breach of Halloween, dear friends, once more, as we drift dreamily into some of our listeners’ most eerie encounters! We begin tonight’s fearsome festivities with an account from Kamal, who discovered some ghostly confirmation in “Grandma’s Photo Album.” Listener Holly and her nephew are visited both day and night by a little girl they could consider “Our Imaginary Friend.” Next, while on deployment in East Africa with the Army National Guard, Zac and his fellow soldiers make “Contact in the Desert” with an otherworldly being. While giving a tour at the historic and haunted Belleview-Biltmore Hotel in Florida, Joseph gets spectrally tackled, giving him the “Groundskeeper Willies.” Damon’s story shows that even when you unwittingly stare into the void, “The Void Stares Back.” And finally, when listener Alison is supernaturally harassed and goaded to “Wake up, Ali!” she learns that we thankfully have champions in the spiritual warfare between good and evil. Please join us for our spooky season tradition, where the most astonishing thing is our listeners and their actual experiences. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Oct 28, 20243h 12m

The Entity Part 2 with Xavier Ortega

In part 2 of our series on The Entity, we delve deeper into the story of The Entity and the horrific experiences of Doris Bither. We’ll explore previously undisclosed details of her life and the paranormal phenomena witnessed in her home by a large team of researchers from UCLA, as told by the only person in the world who’s been in touch with Bither’s family, Javier Ortega. We’ll examine the aftermath of the haunting, its profound effects on the Bither family, and the challenges they faced long after the initial investigation concluded. Going beyond the well-known narrative, we’ll explore Doris's later years and the enduring psychological impact on her family. Astonishing Legends has always strived to be the ‘Podcast of Record’ on the topics we cover, and this one is no different. Join us as we unravel the untold continuation of The Entity Haunting, seeking not just the truth of what happened but a deeper understanding of how the investigation into it may have done more harm than good.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Oct 20, 20241h 48m

The Entity Part 1 with Xavier Ortega

Astonishing Legends finally tackles the infamous Entity haunting case from the 1970s, featuring an exclusive interview with researcher Xavier Ortega from GhostTheory.com. This is the story of Doris Bither, a single mother in Culver City, California, who was repeatedly assaulted by spectral entities in her home. Ortega shares new information from his interviews with Bither’s sons, providing unprecedented insight into the family’s experiences.For the first time, it’s revealed that the paranormal activity began after Bither attempted to communicate with entities through Ouija board seances. Listeners will hear about strange phenomena witnessed by multiple observers, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and physical attacks. Scott, Forrest, and Xavier will share details of spectral assaults in Part 1 of this series that most folks haven’t heard about. This is a deep dive into one of the most disturbing paranormal cases in American history, with new revelations that have never before been shared publicly.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Oct 13, 20241h 52m

Special Announcement on Hurricane Helene

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A special announcement regarding Hurricane Helene.https://reddit.com/r/ashevillehttps://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helenehttps://umcmission.org/United Way link updated from link in the announcement:https://www.unitedway.org/hurricane-helene#

Oct 1, 20243 min

American Bloodfalls with Tom Maxwell Part 2

In our conclusion to our two-part series on American Bloodfalls, we dive deeper into the mysterious phenomenon that baffled witnesses across 19th-century America. Our special guest, Tom Maxwell, guides us through more perplexing incidents of blood and meat raining from the sky, from the famous Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876 to the final recorded event in 1902. We examine the scientific analyses of the time, which often identified the fallen material as animal tissue yet failed to propose any reasonable theories about its origins. Tom helps us navigate the theories proposed over the years and why they fall short when confronted with eyewitness accounts and the scale of events. We’ll discuss connections to biblical accounts and consider how these events might reflect their time's cultural and spiritual climate. Then, of course, we’ll get to the theories, even though the mundane ones have been tough to identify with this legend. But yes, portals and UFOs will probably make the scene. Tom helps us grapple with how these occurrences challenge humanity’s modern, materialist worldview and why meat showers and bloodfalls seem to have ceased by the early 20th century. Even after all of this time, they continue to defy explanation. However, that won’t stop us from trying to figure it out.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Sep 29, 20242h 19m

American Bloodfalls with Tom Maxwell Part 1

Bloodfalls and meat showers - phenomena that sound more like biblical plagues than historical events. Yet, reports of these bizarre occurrences peppered the American landscape for over a century. From Alabama to Massachusetts, Tennessee to California, eyewitnesses sometimes described small red clouds followed by downpours of blood, flesh, and viscera. Some were subjected to the red rain on entirely cloudless days. While many saw divine judgment, skeptics suspected elaborate hoaxes. Scientists proposed numerous theories ranging from vomiting vultures to atmospheric anomalies, while newspapers spread the stories far and wide. But what really happened during these grisly events? Were they connected or separate phenomena with similar descriptions? And why did they seem to stop abruptly at the turn of the 20th century? Join us as we delve into this bloody chapter of American history with our special guest, Tom Maxwell, former frontman of the Squirrel Nut Zippers and bloodfall expert, for Part 1 of this 2-part series. Together, we'll examine not just what fell from the sky, but what these incidents reveal about 19th-century America - its people, its science, and its struggle to make sense of a rapidly changing world. From the fringes of meteorology to the depths of human nature, this is the strange, gruesome, and utterly captivating story of America's reign of blood and meat.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Sep 15, 20241h 55m

Special Announcements for Season 2 of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf!

Richard & Susan drop in with some important upcoming dates and announcements about all things RHPB, including a couple of SPECIAL UPCOMING EPISODES you’ll want to know about right away… Enjoy!

Sep 2, 202424 min

The Body on the Moor Part 2

The authorities may have finally learned of the man on the moor's identity, yet, as they say, this only raised many more questions than his real name answered. As police questioned his family, his neighbors, service providers, and even an ex-girlfriend, a picture of a pretty peculiar man emerged. "Neil Dovestone" went by the name David Lytton. However, even his legal name was perhaps a privacy screen to hide his emotions and past behind, as his given name was David Keith Lautenberg. Described as a kind and conscientious man, Lytton also led a very ascetic and minimalist lifestyle, adding to the mystery of his mindset. Those who knew him in England, even his partner at the time, Maureen Toogood, had no idea he had quietly moved to Pakistan after abruptly cutting off contact to live there for several years. Even with more pieces to the puzzle now in place, there's still no clue as to what led him to where he chose to end everything and why. Was it solely his doing, or was someone else involved? What seems likely is that his body was staged postmortem so it would be found in a more peaceful pose. Although you may think this story is "Case Closed," the official status from the UK courts is that it's still an "Open Conclusion." Join us once again for Part 2 as we learn more about a man whose life was as much of an enigma as his death.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Aug 25, 20241h 28m

The Body on the Moor Part 1

On Friday, December 11, 2015, at 9:04 a.m., a man started a train journey at Ealing Broadway Station in west London, England. At 9:50 a.m., he arrived at Euston station to book an over two-hour trip to Manchester. The next day, at 10:47 a.m., his body was discovered by a cyclist close to the Chew Track near Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District National Park. The man was 6 feet 1 inch tall, white, of slim build, and had receding grey hair and blue eyes and determined to be between 60 and 70 years of age. However, this description was the only identifying factor initially discovered about him. He had no ID, wallet, phone, or keys, nothing to tell who this man was. He was dressed nicely but inappropriately for a hike in such inclement weather. The only item found on his person was a container of Pakistani origin labeled for thyroid medication but which now contained strychnine. This was the poison that led to his death. The cyclist also found the man in an odd position; his arms crossed over his chest and next to the trail as if peacefully napping. This was another puzzling clue, as victims of strychnine poisoning are usually writhing in agony before their horrible demise. The pathology technicians who examined the body gave the unfortunate stranger the name of "Neil Dovestone" after the Dovestone reservoir near his resting place. So, who was "Neil Dovestone," and why did he travel such a long distance to this particular spot for a careless hike, or was it for a darker purpose? Who removed his identifying items, and did he take his own life or fall victim to murder? Join us for part one of our investigation into The Body on the Moor.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Aug 18, 20241h 16m

The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction Part 2

In Part Two of The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, we compare and contrast story elements of the too-close encounter taken from what the couple remembered about the night of the abduction, Betty’s lucid dreams, and regression hypnotherapy. We also have the pleasure of interviewing researcher and author Kathleen Marden, Betty Hill’s niece, who was present for the contemporary testimony and witness to the physical evidence at the time. Kathleen has dedicated decades to meticulously investigating her aunt and uncle’s case and the UFO phenomenon in general. She has held various positions within the Mutual UFO Network from 1991 to 2023, such as Director of Field Investigator Training and Founder/Director of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team. Kathleen was awarded MUFON’s “Researcher of the Year” trophy in 2012. Join us for a fascinating conversation where we separate fact from fiction and the conscious from the subconscious regarding one of history’s most famous “Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind.”Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Jul 21, 20243h 11m

The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction Part 1

On the night of September 19, 1961, around 10:30 p.m., Betty and Barney Hill drove back to their home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, after a vacation in Niagara Falls and Montreal. As they passed the town of Lancaster along U.S. Route 3, Betty saw a bright light in the sky just below the Moon that she initially thought was a falling star, except this light was moving upward and erratically, growing larger and more brilliant. The Hills pulled over for a closer look through binoculars. Betty said she saw an oddly shaped craft with multicolored lights that flashed as it traveled across the face of the Moon. Barney saw what he first reasoned was a commercial jetliner, but when the craft silently descended rapidly in their direction without turning, he realized it was not a plane. They resumed driving as the object continued its quick descent toward their car until it hovered above the highway about 80 to 100 feet off the ground, causing Barney to stop in the middle of the road. Using the binoculars again, Barney could now see what he described as eight to eleven humanoid beings staring at him through one of the craft's windows. Then they all turned away from the window except for one that continued to glare and seemingly sent a telepathic message to Barney, commanding him to "stay where you are and keep looking." After making further observations about the craft and its occupants, whom Barney described as "somehow not human," the only thing the Hills could recall next from that moment was hearing a buzzing sound, then continuing on their drive. The Hills arrived home in the early morning the following day, and somehow, the trip took about two hours longer than it should have. Initially feeling at ease upon arrival, Betty and Barney would soon be troubled by puzzling evidence and unexplainable feelings and urges. Their watches were permanently stopped. Betty's dress was ripped around the zipper and lining and dusted with traces of a pinkish powder. The leather strap for the binoculars was torn, and the tops of the toes of Barney's shoes were scuffed as if he was dragged. He also developed inexplicable growths. They felt compelled to take long showers to remove any contamination without fully knowing what had happened to them. They noticed concentric circular marks on the trunk of their car that had strange magnetic properties. All of these baffling clues were traces of the extraordinarily terrifying and traumatic experience they endured that night, which scarred them for years, pieced together from their conscious memories, hypnotic regression sessions, and Betty's vividly recurring dreams. Taken all together, the story of Betty and Barney Hill became one of the most classic and seminal in ufology and is considered the first widely publicized case of alien abduction in the United States.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Jul 14, 20241h 44m

Live from Monster Fest 2 w/ Scared All The Time

Scott and Forrest are joined by Chris Cullari and Ed Voccola, the hosts of Scared All The Time, for a live show at Monster Fest 2. Featuring live listener stories and EVP’s collected live on site from the Sallie House DR60!Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.And check out more from our hit network show Scared All The Time!

Jun 30, 20241h 0m

The Lizard Man of Bishopville with Lyle Blackburn

On June 29, 1988, around 2:30 a.m., Christopher "Chris" Davis drove home after working the night shift at his local McDonald's. Driving along Browntown Road, which cuts through the dense woods of Scape Ore Swamp in South Carolina, Chris hears the pop of a flat tire on his car. As he finishes installing the spare, he notices something large and dark coming out of the trees, moving towards him about 30 yards away and swinging its arms. In an interview with The Item newspaper, Chris described seeing this humanoid creature with glowing red eyes close up, saying it was "green, wetlike, about seven feet tall and had three fingers... a red-eyed devil." Terrified, Davis ran to the driver's door and jumped in. Once inside, this bipedal beast was now right outside his window, where he could see it from the neck down. It then jumped up onto the roof of his car, where he could see its "rough-looking, black-fingernailed hands, sticking down from the windshield." The cryptid deeply grunts as Chris peels out, attempting to escape. As he estimated he was driving about 35-40 mph, this thing had caught up to the car and jumped onto the roof again, banging and clawing at it. The creature finally fell off as he swerved frantically, racing home. This encounter would become the best-known report of this impossible monster emerging from Scape Ore Swamp, but it was not the first, nor would it be the last. At least one verified account tells of a sighting occurring two years prior, and a handful of police reports describe run-ins that happened in the years following Davis's experience. Chris Davis never called it the "Lizard Man," but residents had already labeled some previously seen brute by that description. And when a local reporter printed the nickname, the moniker stuck in the broader public's imagination. Sheriff Liston Truesdale was the one person who vetted all the claims, took reports from witnesses, and investigated their stories. And we're fortunate and grateful to have on our show tonight the one person who spent time interviewing Sheriff Truesdale, questioned locals, visited locations, and wrote a book about it all, our friend and noted cryptozoology researcher and author Lyle Blackburn. Lyle's 2013 book, Lizard Man: The True Story of the Bishopville Monster, is the phenomenon's most comprehensive and detailed history. As the sightings and questions continue, perhaps the most puzzling and troubling thing is whether everyone sees the same being and whether it is reptilian, more Bigfoot-like, or some other horror altogether.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Jun 23, 20242h 18m

Nightmarchers of Hawaii

Those who have visited Hawaii have experienced its natural beauty, soothing lifestyle, and the charm and friendliness of the inhabitants. However, only a select few may have encountered what the locals know and revere – the supernatural entities and legends that are still active and enduring. Some, like seeing "Madame Pele," can invigorate awe and wonder, while others can be terrifying. One of the latter and seemingly more prevalent is encountering the Night Marchers. They usually appear as a column of warriors floating above the ground along a predetermined path, weapons or torches in hand. Many report only hearing their presence in the form of unexplainable beating drums or the ghostly blowing of a conch shell. And just seeing them, it's said, ensures a disappearance or violent death to the witness if the proper respect isn't paid in their presence. But what is their origin story, and what do they want? Are they soldiers defeated by King Kamehameha I advancing towards a counterattack or seeking revenge? Or are they keepers and enforcers of ancient Hawaiian cultural laws and mores? To help us explore these questions and relay some of his personal experiences, tonight's guest is Kamuela "Kamu" Kaneshiro. As a native Hawaiian, content creator, and podcaster for 20 years, Kamu has extensive knowledge of the lore and heritage of his homeland. His royal lineage might even protect him from these fearsome spectral guardians. Join us for a fascinating discussion as we warily watch for the Night Marchers of Hawaii.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

May 19, 20241h 29m

The SS Kamloops and Old Whitey

When most of us think of shipwrecks, images of rough ocean waves and sailing vessels of yore come to mind. But those familiar with the Great Lakes region of the north-central United States and southern Canada know all too well that these massive bodies of fresh water produce devastating storms and treacherous swells to rival any sea. Estimates are that around 6000 vessels and 30,000 lives have fallen victim to their notoriously severe weather and deadly waters. In December 1927, a "raging blizzard" on Lake Superior claimed the steamship SS Kamloops and all 22 souls aboard. But was she really a "Ghost Ship," as the legends often describe? The ship went missing and remained undiscovered until 1977 but is in unusually, reasonably intact condition. So, although the wreck was found, the SS Kamloops is still known for a ghost of its own. At least one crew member remains, still manning his station, who is perhaps both a ghost and a corpse. Some divers on the wreck have claimed that the body of this crewman follows them around as they explore, known as "Old Whitey" because of his appearance. Others have also claimed to see a spirit nicknamed "Grandpa" because of his appearance, still on duty in the icy depths. Are these beings the same, and are their perceived actions the result of fluid dynamics and decompression sickness? Join us as we take a deep dive to get to the bottom of the legend of the SS Kamloops and Old Whitey.Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

May 11, 20242h 1m

The Elusive Force: A Powerful Polish Poltergeist Part 2

For part two of our examination of the elusive force that flowed through Joasia Gajeweski, we're fortunate and honored to present a conversation with three knowledgeable professionals familiar with the case. We first learned of this fantastic story and the book that documented it from a clinical therapist, author, parapsychologist, past show guest, and friend, Brandon Massullo. Brandon then offered to put us in touch with psychologist, researcher, and author James Houran, Ph.D., who studied the case extensively. And for the trifecta, another past guest and friend, Michael Kishbucher, connected us with Joel Stern. Joel was a staff translator and reviewer in the Office of Language Services at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, for 28 years. He translated The Elusive Force: A Remarkable Case of Poltergeist Activity and Psychokinetic Power into English and spent decades attempting to get the book published, which finally occurred in 2023. Joel also spent time with Joasia and her family during the process and has specific insights into the people and their circumstances. Join us tonight for a lively discussion from the viewpoint of parapsychology and human behavior when it collides with the paranormal, and the impossible becomes impossible to dismiss. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Apr 27, 20241h 34m