Bust or Trust: A Kids' Mystery Podcast

La Isla De La Muńacas, an island in Mexico is said to be the home of the world’s largest collection of haunted dolls. In 1950 Don Julián Santana Barrera started collecting these dolls and after his death in 2001 tales of the haunted dolls have grown and spread, terrifying and fascinating people ever since. But, what do you think Chief Detectives? Tiernan and Athena have all the creepy evidence so you can decide for yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Sphinx of Giza - the statue of a mythical creature with the head of a human and body of a cat - famously has no nose. But how did it get that way? Did it fall off due to frostbite? Or get misplaced?  Well, if you don't know you're in luck, as Athena and Tiernan have all the evidence and theories about how this may have happened. So, listen closely Chief Detectives and then make up your mind.  Whoever knows about the nose knows ... Over to you...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Thunderbird is a bird-like spirit from the culture of the indigenous people of North America. Like a giant eagle with curved horns on its head, it is said to be a supernatural being with incredible power, and strength. According to the legend it creates thunder by flapping its wings, and lightning would spark from its eyes. Is there a basis in fact for this fascinating creature in natural history? Or is it a case of legends and stories getting out of hand over time?  Athena and Tiernan take an eagle eyed look into all the clues to help you decide. Over to you Chief Detectives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1977, a group of school children in Broad Haven in the West of Wales, were certain they had all seen a UFO. But before anyone could doubt them, teachers and more students also saw it, and then so did local residents. The area become known for UFOs and even alien sightings. But was it really visitors from another world? Athena and Tiernan look into all the clues to help you decide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huge stone heads were found in Central America, carved by the ancient Olmec peoples but to this day, no one knows why. Were they of rulers, or maybe just really good sports players? Tiernan and Athena try not to be big headed about the theories and then you, our Chief Detectives can gets your heads together and solve the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old ruins up on a hill in the windy island of Yell, Shetland. But is it really haunted by a number of ghosts? Or does the cold weather, and draughty conditions give visitors the chills? Athena and Tiernan investigate so that you can decide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiernan and Athena take a little look back over their fave mysteries of 2025. What would be in your top 3? Let us know! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas Chief Detectives! This year Athena and Tiernan are bringing you a special festive treat of looking at some of the cases you, our Chief Detectives have suggested. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of giant stone jars lay scattered across the Xiangkhoang Plateau in Laos. But no one knows how they got there or what they were for. Could it have been the remains of a party held by giants? Or are they ancient burial chambers, jars for holding water or something else entirely? As always, Tiernan and Athena investigate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mansa Musa of the Malian Empire was the richest man who ever lived, but did his brother really discover America for the African nations, hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered it for Europe? Athena and Tiernan take a voyage through all the evidence so you can decide what the real story is for yourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's said that a ghostly double decker bus used to haunt North West London, causing cars to crash and then disappearing in front of people's eyes. But did the Number 7 Phantom Bus really exist? Tiernan and Athena get on board with all the evidence and then you, our Chief Detectives have to solve the case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Halloween! It's time to look at a classic beastie for this spooky time of year. Athena and Tiernan investigate everyone's favourite furry terrors, werewolves! Can people really turn into scary wolves or is everyone just barking up the wrong tree? We bring the evidence and then you have to decide! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ancient Inca citadel of Macchu Picchu is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, but still to this day, no one knows what it was for or why it was abandoned. Do Athena and Tiernan have the theory that unlocks the mysteries to this mystical place high in the Andes? Or just a lot of jokes about sneezing? It's up to you, our Chief Detectives, to decide! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Victorian England there were many news reports of a caped villian, with a 'diabolical face', metal claws and who could leap over fences and carriages. But was the bouncy scoundral known as Spring Heeled Jack real? Or just a pranking nobleman and mass hysteria? Tiernan and Athena leap into action to bring you the evidence! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Underneath the romantic city of Paris, France, there lie miles and miles of tunnels filled with the skeletons of 6 million people. But are these catacombs haunted, or just damp and easy to get lost in? Athena and Tiernan take a look at this underground phenomenon to bring you the evidence and help you decide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lusca is half-shark, half-octopus said to terrorise the depths of the Bahamas. But does this creature really exist or is it all just whirlpools and a case of mistaken identity for some giant squid? Tiernan and Athena take a deep dive to find all the evidence so that you, our Chief Detectives, can decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The case of Travis Walton is one of the most famous alien abduction cases of the 20th century. But did this woodsman really get examined by aliens or is it all an elaborate hoax? Once again Athena and Tiernan beam up all the evdience and hand it over to you to decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can psychics really help solve crimes? For years people who say they have special powers have been helping the police track criminals and missing people, but if they could really read minds would they just find out everyone thinks they're super annoying? Tiernan and Athena project their thoughts on all the evidence so that you can choose which team you're on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Headless Blemmyes were a race of people who had no head, but their eyes and mouths were in their chest. Did these strange creatures ever really exist? And if not, why did so many medieval writers lose their heads about them? Athena and Tiernan get their actual heads together to look at the evidence so that you, our Chief Detectives, can decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During World War II, an entire room delicately decorated in amber disappeared and was never seen again. Was it the work of some crafty thieves, or was it just destroyed during the war? Tiernan and Athena examine all the evidence in this peculiar case, then it's up to you decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people believe that aliens visited the Earth many thousands of years ago, helping our ancestors develop technology and more. But did ancient civilisations really have outer space visitors over for tea, or are humans just much better than we think? Tiernan and Athena explore the evidence for this case of historical space travel, then you have to choose which team you're on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many former students at Queens University in Belfast are certain they saw a terrifying shadowy figure while staying in Room 611 of Alanbrooke Hall. But was it really a haunted room or just the victim of poorly designed elevators? Athena and Tiernan check out this spooky case and then its up to you to decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang was buried in a tomb so vast, that it could contain not only him but 8000 terracotta soldiers. Much of the tomb still remains undiscovered but is that because Emperor Qin cursed it, meaning anyone who finds it suffers terrible misfortune? Tiernan and Athena investigate and then its up to you, the chief detectives to decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Shuck is a large, shaggy black dog that is said to appear out of nowhere and its very bad luck for whoever sees it. These hellhounds have been seen all over the world, but are they really ghostly demon dogs? Or actually just misunderstood very good boys? Athena and Tiernan take a paws to look through the evidence so you can solve the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years people who live near the Peruvian and Argentinian Andes have sighted what they say is a 'half man, half bear'. But does the Ucumar really exist? Or is it just pesky bears up to tricks again? Tiernan and Athena take a look at the case of the South American sasquatch, then you have to solve it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been to an art gallery and thought a painting was watching you wherever you moved? Maybe it was a trick of the light, or maybe, like many cases suggest, that painting is haunted. Athena and Tiernan brush up on all the evidence to help you solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After World War II, its said that a Japanese General hid vast amounts of gold in tunnels and caves under the Philippines. But no one has ever found it. Or have they? Tiernan and Athena scour the wealth of evidence about General Yamashita's Lost Gold, then hand it over to you, our Chief Detectives, to decide. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A brief message from Tiernan and Athena between episodes as we prepare for next week's mystery. If you're missing BoT this week, listen in for episode recommendations. See you next week for a new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1980, 300 people in Nottingham suddenly felt ill and started to faint in a field in Nottinghamshire. What caused this mysterious incident or could it really be another case of mass hysteria? Athena and Tiernan take a look at this case that's not for the faint hearted! Chief Detectives, get solving! Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aphra Behn was a famous English playwright, poet and novellist from the 17th century. And she was also a spy! We know that, by why don't we know anything about her early life? Or what her real name actually is? Athena and Tiernan explore if Aphra Behn's past is really a mystery or not, then its up to you to figure it out. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy episode 100 everyone! To celebrate, Tiernan and Athena are on location at the famous Bruce Castle in North London. Its said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Constantia who used to live there in the 17th Century and died in very unfortunate circumstances. But is this old manor house really full of spectres or just old creaky noises? Its up to you to decide! Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bunyip is a swamp dwelling creature found in Aboriginal oral traditions. But is it also really found in the swamps of South-Eastern Australia? Athena and Tiernan explore all the murky evidence and then its up to you chief detectives to solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did a real phantom of the Palais Garnier opera house inspire the Phantom of the Opera story? Or was it the other way round? Tiernan and Athena investigate whether a masked pianist really haunted one of the French capital's most famous buildings. Then its up to you to decide!Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the middle of the Nevada desert, USA, lies the top secret military base known as Area 51. Do they really have evidence of aliens and UFOs hidden within? Tiernan and Athena investigate and you, our Chief Detectives, have to solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange lights have been seen in the Australian Outback for over 100 years, but why can no one figure out what the Min Min Lights really are? Ancient ancestors visiting from beyond or just a clever trick of the light? Athena and Tiernan find all the evidence so they can enlighten you, our chief detectives, and help you solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bhootbilli or ghost cat of India, bothered the city of Pune for several years, eating livestock and frightening locals. But does this mysterious half cat, half mongoose really exist? Or is just mass hysteria and a cheeky panther? Tiernan and Athena investigate this a-mieow-zing case, then its up to you to decide. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's greatest mystery writers, Agatha Christie, went missing for 10 days in 1926 and insisted she couldn't remember what had happened. But was this just another fantastic story that she'd made up? Or did a great mystery happen to the great mystery writer? Tiernan and Athena use their leetle grey cells to investigate so that you can solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tiny village in Scotland is the world's biggest UFO sighting hotspot, with over 300 unidentified flying objects seen there every year. But are aliens really visiting Bonnybridge or is something else afoot? Athena and Tiernan investigate Scotland's home of alien sightings so you, our Chief Detectives, can figure it out. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trojan War is one of the most famous battles in Greek Mythology, but did this ten year feud really happen? In our first case of the year, Athena and Tiernan look into the ancient details to help you decide. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special experts episode, Tiernan and Athena talk all things science with brain expert Sophie Scott. Can a bump to the head really make us speak different languages? And can we really predict the future? In the last of four bonus episodes, Sophie Scott is here to help you extra curious Chief Detectives decide if you are Team Buster or Team Truster... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ninki Nanka is said to be a fearsome devil dragon that roams near the Gambia River. But does this horse faced creature really exist or is it just a myth to keep children safe? Tiernan and Athena look into this West African myth and tell you all the details so you can decide. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special experts episode, Tiernan and Athena talk all things science with brain expert Sophie Scott. Why do our brains make us see things that aren't there? Are alien abductions all down to humans having bad memories? In the third of four bonus episodes, Sophie Scott is here to help you extra curious Chief Detectives make up your minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As another year of Bust or Trust comes to an end, Tiernan and Athena look back at their favourite sketches on the show in 2024. We wish all our Chief Detectives a very happy new year! Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special experts episode, Tiernan and Athena talk all things science with brain expert Sophie Scott. What is that little voice inside our heads? Are there really faces on the surface of Mars, or is it just our brains playing tricks on us? In the second of four bonus episodes, Sophie Scott is here to help you extra curious Chief Detectives make up your minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas Chief Detetives! As a special festive treat, Tiernan and Athena have three Christmas mini-mysteries to solve and some from you, our listeners too! Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special experts episode, Tiernan and Athena talk all things science with brain expert Sophie Scott. Why are some people more likely to believe in creepy creatures? What is it that makes you a buster or a truster? In the first of four bonus episodes, Sophie Scott is here to help you extra curious Chief Detectives make up your minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Boxing Day in 1980 in the South of England, US Airforce officers were certain they saw UFOs in the sky. But could it just have been some artistic rabbits and a very bright lighthouse? Athena and Tiernan look into the UK's most famous UFO case and then its up to our Chief Detectives to solve the case. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spontaneous Human Combustion is such a well known phenomena that Charles Dickens included it in one of his most famous stories. But do people really burst into flames for no reason, or is it all just a lot of made up stories and confused details? Athena and Tiernan light the flame on this case so that you, our Chief Detectives can work it out. Warning: This one's a little gruesome so might not be suitable for younger listeners. Brought to you by Small Wardour, makers of some of the best podcasts for kids. *** If your chief detectives want to hear more from the investigations, including more compelling evidence and extra fun facts, then you can become a paid subscriber of the show. Just click Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit patreon.com/bustortrustpodcast to get access to weekly bonus episodes, ad-free and early listening and exclusive extras. Your support will help us to investigate even more amazing mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.