S05E04 Haunting America Revisited

This week on MonsterTalk, Blake and Karen are joined by Matthew Baxter to revisit Karen’s classic investigation book Haunting America — newly re-released in paperback just in time for Halloween 🎃. Together they discuss how the book began as a project for the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), the fieldwork behind its famous cases, and the updated edition’s new conclusion and color photos.👻 Topics discussed:• Origins of Haunting America — conceived at the JREF as a skeptical investigation anthology.• Behind-the-scenes stories from Karen and Matt’s fieldwork across the U.S.• Visits to legendary “haunted” sites including:  🏠 The Myrtles Plantation — tracing the truth behind the tale of “Chloe.”  🏥 Waverly Hills Sanatorium — separating tuberculosis history from ghost folklore.  🔫 Winchester Mystery House — examining Sarah Winchester’s real story vs. myth.• Working with the JREF and Tim Farley (“What’s the Harm?”) on skeptical outreach.• Revisiting historic ghost claims through the historical method rather than gadgets and TV tropes.• Comparing early 2000s ghost hunting culture with modern media portrayals.• The enduring folklore vs. fact tension in places like the Stanley Hotel, Amityville, and Lizzie Borden House.• The value of myth-busting as a form of respect for real history and real people.🕯️ About the new edition:• Now in paperback with color photographs and updated research.• Includes follow-up findings on the Myrtles Plantation and San Antonio Railroad “ghost tracks.”• Adds a new concluding chapter reflecting on skepticism and folklore after a decade of investigations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.