Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

The Vietnam War is usually remembered as a conflict fought half a world away. But for the Pacific Northwest, especially the communities surrounding Fort Lewis, the war wasn't something happening "over there." It was happening right at home.In this episode, Shea is joined by historian, retired Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, former Lewis Army Museum Director, and current battlefield historian Erik Flint to explore how the Vietnam War transformed Washington State, the U.S. military, and the South Sound.From counterinsurgency training exercises in Washington forests to anti-war movements inside the military itself, Erik reveals how Fort Lewis became one of the Army's most important Vietnam-era installations and how the conflict left a lasting mark on Tacoma, Seattle, and the surrounding communities.Please check out tours with historian Erik Flint! (Psst, he's also now a fellow guide with Pretty Gritty Tours!)https://stephenambrosetours.com/historian/erik-flint/Fort Lewis Becomes a Gateway to VietnamLong before Joint Base Lewis-McChord became one of America's largest military installations, Fort Lewis was already a critical part of the nation's defense infrastructure. During Vietnam, its role expanded dramatically.As the war escalated, Fort Lewis became a major training center and personnel processing hub for soldiers heading to and returning from Southeast Asia. Hundreds of thousands of service members passed through the South Sound during the conflict, making the region one of the most important military gateways on the West Coast.Erik explains how Washington's geography, transportation networks, and established military presence made the area uniquely suited to support the war effort. He also discusses the Army's early counterinsurgency training programs, some of which took place on the Olympic Peninsula years before large-scale American involvement in Vietnam.In this section:Why Fort Lewis became a major Vietnam-era training centerEarly Army counterinsurgency exercises in Washington StateThe difference between draftees and volunteersHow soldiers moved through Fort Lewis on their way to and from VietnamThe South Sound's growing connection to the war effortProtest, Resistance, and the GI MovementOne of the most surprising stories from the Vietnam era is that some of the strongest anti-war activism came from inside the military itself.Erik explores the rise of the GI Movement at Fort Lewis, including underground newspapers, anti-war coffeehouses, legal aid organizations, and soldiers who openly challenged military policies and America's involvement in Vietnam. The conversation dives into publications like Fed Up and the Lewis-McChord Free Press, as well as the broader cultural shifts of the late 1960s that fueled dissent both inside and outside military communities.Shea and Erik also discuss:The Fort Lewis SixNational Guard resistance effortsAnti-war organizing near military basesJane Fonda's involvement in local activismThe growing divide between military leadership and younger soldiersThese stories highlight a rarely discussed side of Vietnam-era history: the conflict between military discipline and a generation increasingly willing to question authority.How Vietnam Changed the Military ForeverThe Vietnam War exposed challenges the military could no longer ignore.Drug abuse, racial tensions, morale issues, recruiting difficulties, and widespread dissatisfaction forced Army leaders to rethink how service members lived and worked. Many of the reforms that followed shaped the modern military Americans know today.Erik explains how military leaders implemented new equal opportunity programs, improved quality of life initiatives, expanded educational opportunities, and ultimately helped guide the transition from the draft to an all-volunteer force. Fort Lewis once again found itself at the center of that transformation.Topics include:Military desegregation and civil rights progressEqual Opportunity programsThe transition to the all-volunteer ArmyImprovements to soldier quality of lifeDrug treatment programs for returning service membersHow Vietnam influenced modern military cultureThe Economic Impact on Washington StateWhen the war wound down, the economic impact hit Washington hard.Military employment declined, defense-related spending decreased, and major employers such as Boeing faced significant challenges. Communities throughout the Puget Sound region felt the effects as wartime demand disappeared and the state entered a difficult economic period.The end of Vietnam wasn't simply a military story. It became an economic and social story as well, affecting everything from jobs and housing to local politics and community identity. Fact, Folklore & DebateFactFort Lewis served as a major Vietnam-era training and personnel processing center, connecting Washington State directly to the war effort. FactAnti-war newspapers, coffeehouses, and GI activism existed within the Fort Lewis military community during the Vietnam War.FactThe military implemented reforms related to equal opportunity, quality of life, and recruitment during and after the Vietnam era. Folklore & Ongoing Historical DebateStories about returning Vietnam veterans being routinely mistreated remain heavily debated among historians. While documented examples exist, the prevalence and scope of those incidents continue to be discussed.Key TakeawaysFort Lewis became one of the Army's most important Vietnam-era installations. Washington State played a larger role in the Vietnam War than many people realize.Anti-war activism existed both outside and inside the military.Underground GI newspapers flourished at Fort Lewis during the late 1960s and early 1970s.Vietnam accelerated changes in military policies related to race and equal opportunity.The Army's transition to an all-volunteer force was shaped by lessons learned during Vietnam.Returning veterans often experienced little transition time between combat and civilian life.Military reforms introduced after Vietnam still influence service members today. Washington's economy felt the effects of both the war's expansion and its end.The legacy of Vietnam remains visible throughout the South Sound. Related Episodes🐕 Sergeant Stubby: A Very Good Boy Goes to Warhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/sergeant-stubby-a-very-good-boy-goes-to-war⚓ Arizona Navy (1934): When a Desert State Went to Warhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/arizona-navy-1934-when-a-desert-state-went-to-war🌙 That Time We Almost Nuked the Moonhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/that-time-we-almost-nuked-the-moonIf you enjoy surprising military history, unexpected wartime stories, and the strange ways national events shape local communities, these are great rabbit holes to explore next.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What If We've Been Counting Farts Wrong Our Entire Lives?For years, scientists believed the average person passes gas about 14 times per day. It turns out that number may have been dramatically underestimated.In this bonus episode, Shea dives into a wonderfully bizarre study where researchers developed wearable "smart underwear" capable of detecting intestinal gas. The device allowed scientists to measure real-world gas production more accurately than ever before, and the findings were both surprising and hilarious.But that's only half the story.Once we're done discussing wearable fart technology, we head to the ocean where a whale's gas reportedly created sounds that were mistaken for a possible underwater security threat. Because apparently even military intelligence isn't immune to the power of a well-timed toot.In This EpisodeThe surprising reason the "14 farts per day" estimate may be wrongHow researchers built wearable gas-detecting underwearWhy self-reporting isn't always reliable scienceThe Human Flatus Atlas project and what researchers hope to learnThe medical importance of understanding normal gas productionThe whale fart that allegedly sounded suspiciously like a military threatWhy some of the funniest scientific studies can still produce valuable discoveriesFact, Folklore, or Speculation?Fact: Researchers developed wearable technology to measure intestinal gas production in real-world settings and found people may pass gas far more often than previously estimated.Fact: Scientists are using this data to better understand digestion, microbiomes, and gastrointestinal health.Reported Incident: Unusual underwater sounds investigated as a potential security concern were later attributed to a whale.Universal Truth: Farts have apparently been funny for thousands of years.Coming Soon: Klondike Kate Live!🎙️ Join us for our upcoming Klondike Kate live show!Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is heading to the stage to explore the fascinating history, colorful characters, and larger-than-life legends surrounding the iconic Klondike Kate. Expect laughs, fascinating stories, audience interaction, and plenty of unexpected rabbit holes along the way.For show details, updates, tickets, and upcoming events, visit:https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.comRelated EpisodesIf bizarre science, strange human behavior, and wonderfully weird discoveries are your thing, check out:Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poophttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hold-my-sake-japan-made-alcohol-out-of-moth-poop-5-minute-fridayWhy Are People Putting Coffee There?https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/why-are-people-putting-coffee-thereRectum? Damn Near Evacuated 'Emhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-rectum-damn-near-evacuated-emExplore the full archive at:https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.comListen, Laugh, and Keep DiggingGot a strange article we should cover in a future bonus episode? We'd love to hear it.Visit us at:https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙️ LIVE SHOW – SEPTEMBER 16TH IN TACOMA!Join Shea Drury and Jody Shaw of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes for a special live podcast recording at the historic McMenamins Spanish Ballroom inside the Elks Temple in Tacoma, Washington.Long before Tacoma's Pantages Theater lit up Broadway Avenue, a woman known as Klondike Kate ruled the dance halls of the Yukon. She was the "Queen of the Gold Rush," a vaudeville performer, businesswoman, and according to some accounts, a key figure behind the early rise of theater mogul Alexander Pantages.Follow Kate's story from the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush to the bright lights of Tacoma as we trace a tale of ambition, money, love, betrayal, and the origins of one of Tacoma's most iconic theaters.🎟️ Tickets: McMenamins Live Show Event PageIn the 1920s, Americans were told radioactivity was healthy.Radium appeared in beauty products, toothpaste, drinking water systems, and even medical treatments. But one product stood apart from all the rest. Unlike many "radioactive" products of the era, Radithor actually contained measurable amounts of radium—and people were encouraged to drink it.This week, Shea welcomes back Radiant Radium to uncover the unbelievable story of Radithor, the radioactive patent medicine that became one of history's most infamous health disasters.☢️ The Rise of RadithorCreated by self-styled medical entrepreneur William J.A. Bailey, Radithor was marketed as a cure-all capable of restoring energy, improving vitality, stimulating the endocrine system, and even enhancing sexual performance.Doctors prescribed it.Patients trusted it.And many consumers reported feeling better—at least initially.But beneath the promises of "perpetual sunshine" and scientific progress lurked a far darker reality.In this episode:The radium craze that swept America in the 1910s and 1920sHow William J.A. Bailey built a radioactive wellness empireThe bizarre history of irradiated medical devices and "radiation therapy" productsWhy consumers believed radioactive products improved healthHow actual radium differs from many other so-called radioactive products of the era💀 The Tragic Story of Eben ByersOne of Radithor's most devoted customers was wealthy socialite and champion golfer Eben Byers.After suffering an injury, he began taking Radithor on his physician's recommendation.At first, he felt fantastic.Over time he consumed an estimated 1,400 bottles.Then the symptoms began.What happened next became one of the most famous medical tragedies of the twentieth century and helped expose the dangers of radioactive patent medicines to the public.Fact: Byers' highly publicized death became a turning point in public attitudes toward radium health products.🔬 Did Radium Really Make People Feel Better?The answer is more complicated than you might think.Shea and Radiant Radium discuss why some users believed Radithor worked, how radium interacts with the body, the placebo effect, and why dangerous health trends can persist long after evidence shows they're harmful.They also explore surprising modern parallels with today's wellness industry and examine why extraordinary health claims continue to attract believers.📺 Follow Radiant RadiumWant to see original Radithor bottles, radioactive antiques, Geiger counter demonstrations, and the strange artifacts of the Radium Age?📺 YouTube: Radiant Radium🎧 Related Episodes☢️ The Deadly Glow: America's Radium Crazehttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/the-deadly-glow-americas-radium-craze💄 Glowing From the Inside: Radium Beauty | 5 Minute Fridayhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/glowing-from-the-inside-radium-beauty-5-minute-friday🐍 Snake Oil Never Died, It Just Went Online (Featuring Dark History)https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/snake-oil-never-died-it-just-went-online-featuring-dark-historySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey, it's Shea, popping in for a quick update about what's coming up on the show, and some exciting events!Come see us LIVE! Wednesday September 16th at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma Washington.https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/274791-klondike-kate-and-the-pantages-theaterCheck out the Bootleggers Ball! Friday, October 16th in Seattle, Washington.https://www.strangertickets.com/events/185904773/bootleggers-ballWant to get in touch? Email me at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram @rainydayrabbitholespodThank you to all of the listeners and historians who have been supporting us!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎤 LIVE SHOW ALERT: KLONDIKE KATE IN TACOMABefore we get into this week's episode...Join us on September 16 for a special presentation of Klondike Kate and the Pantages Theater at McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma.Klondike Kate was one of the most colorful figures of the Yukon Gold Rush era, and this live event explores her remarkable story and connection to Pacific Northwest history.🎟️ Tickets and event details:Klondike Kate and the Pantages Theater🚨 NSFW Warning: This episode contains discussion of an adults-only event and mature themes. Listener discretion is advised.This week on Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Jody takes us down a rabbit hole that starts with a local noise complaint and quickly spirals into one of the strangest headlines you'll read all year.A large swingers convention called Swingathon became the subject of widespread attention after neighbors reportedly complained about the sounds coming from the event. The story quickly spread across social media and news outlets, creating one of those rare moments where everyone collectively stops and says, "There's no way that's a real headline."Rather than focus on the lifestyle itself, we're interested in how unusual stories become cultural phenomena, how media outlets frame bizarre events, and why some headlines are simply impossible to ignore.Along the way, Jody delivers plenty of laughs, observations, and commentary on a story that somehow gets weirder the deeper you go.Featured ArticleSwingathon Draws Noise Complaints Over Loud Moaning From 1,000 SwingersRead the article on Vice:View ArticleIn This EpisodeThe Swingathon storyThe noise complaint that made international newsHow weird headlines spread onlinePublic reaction to unusual eventsMedia coverage and sensationalismJody's hilarious commentaryThe strange intersection of privacy and publicitySupport Rainy Day Rabbit HolesIf you enjoy the show, visit our website for episodes, show archives, updates, merchandise, and more.🌧️ Rainy Day Rabbit Holeswww.rainydayrabbitholes.comWant to help support the podcast?You can become a patron through Patreon, which is linked directly from our website. Your support helps us continue researching strange stories, weird history, forgotten legends, and fascinating rabbit holes from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.Sponsor SpotlightBrzySendNeed to send large files without fighting email attachment limits?BrzySend is a fast and reliable file transfer service designed for creators, businesses, podcasters, videographers, photographers, and anyone who regularly shares large files.Whether you're delivering a video project, podcast episode, photo gallery, or important documents, BrzySend makes file sharing simple, secure, and stress-free.Learn more about BrzySend through the links available on our website and support the businesses that help make Rainy Day Rabbit Holes possible. https://brzysend.com/Thanks for listening to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.The world is full of strange stories. We're just here to dig them up. 🌧️🐇🕳️Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blade Runner: Humanity, Memory, and Replicants in the RainThis week on Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we're turning the tables a bit. Instead of our usual deep dive, we're featuring a special crossover appearance from the Midday Movies podcast, where Shea and her brother Jason joined hosts Laura and Stephen to discuss Ridley Scott's groundbreaking 1982 sci-fi masterpiece, Blade Runner.Set in a rain-soaked, neon-lit Los Angeles of the future, Blade Runner is far more than a detective story. It's a philosophical exploration of what it means to be human, how memories shape identity, and whether artificial life deserves the same rights and dignity as its creators. Nearly 45 years after its release, the film remains one of the most influential works in science fiction history.In this conversation, Laura, Stephen, Shea, and Jason share their personal experiences with the film and unpack the themes that have made Blade Runner a lasting cultural touchstone. From the tragic journey of Roy Batty to the mystery surrounding Rick Deckard, the discussion explores why audiences continue to wrestle with the film's biggest questions decades later.The group also examines the movie's stunning visual style, its impact on the cyberpunk genre, and the ways its vision of the future feels surprisingly relevant today. Along the way, they dive into themes of memory, empathy, mortality, consumerism, and the ethical implications of creating artificial life.Whether you're a longtime fan who can quote the "tears in rain" monologue by heart or someone experiencing Blade Runner for the first time, this episode offers an engaging and thought-provoking look at one of cinema's most enduring achievements.In This EpisodeFirst impressions and evolving perspectives on Blade RunnerThe replicants' search for identity and purposeMemory, empathy, and what defines humanityThe visual design that helped define cyberpunkRoy Batty as one of science fiction's greatest charactersThe film's influence on modern movies, television, and gamingThe enduring mystery of Deckard's true natureWhy Blade Runner remains relevant more than four decades laterChapters00:00 — Introduction to Blade Runner02:45 — Personal experiences with the film10:30 — Themes of identity and humanity18:00 — The film's visual style and influence25:15 — Memory and the replicants' struggle for meaning35:00 — Character dynamics and moral complexity45:20 — The ambiguous ending and its implications50:00 — Final thoughts on the film's legacyFor more Laura and Stephen, follow them at ⁠⁠@middaymoviespod⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@umbrellapodcastcollective⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠@facehuggersandfriendspod⁠⁠🎭 Live Show Announcement!Join us for Klondike Kate: Queen of the Yukon, a special live edition of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at McMenamins on September 16th. We'll explore the fascinating life, legends, and larger-than-life legacy of one of the most famous figures from the Klondike Gold Rush.🎟️ Tickets are available now at RainyDayRabbitHoles.com.Connect with Rainy Day Rabbit Holes🌧️ Website: RainyDayRabbitHoles.com🎟️ Live Show Tickets: RainyDayRabbitHoles.com🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts📱 Follow us on social media for upcoming episodes, live events, and behind-the-scenes contentIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps more curious minds find the rabbit hole.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🚨 NSFW WARNING 🚨This episode contains discussion of a legendary rock-and-roll wardrobe malfunction, adult language, and way more giggling than is medically recommended. If you're listening at work, around children, or while giving a serious presentation, maybe save this one for later. Consider yourself warned.Sometimes the world is a lot. Sometimes you need a break from the news, your responsibilities, and the relentless march of reality.This is one of those times.On this week's 5-Minute Friday, Shea reads Jody an absolutely ridiculous article from Vice celebrating the anniversary of one of the most infamous wardrobe malfunctions in rock history: the moment Lenny Kravitz's leather pants gave up the fight during a concert and revealed far more than anyone expected.What starts as a simple reading of a bizarre article quickly spirals into complete chaos. To be fair, Jody and Shea were working their way through their second bottle of wine, so maintaining professionalism was never really an option.The result? A short episode packed with laughter, derailed conversations, questionable observations, and a healthy appreciation for the strange moments that unite humanity.Is it educational? Not particularly.Is it important? Probably not.Is it a welcome distraction from reality? Absolutely.So thank you, Lenny Kravitz. Your sacrifice has brought joy to generations.🍷 In This EpisodeThe infamous Lenny Kravitz pants incidentA Vice article that somehow gets funnier with ageWhat happens when podcast hosts reach bottle number twoUncontrolled laughter and total derailmentThe healing power of absurd internet history📖 Source ArticleRead the Vice article that inspired this episode:👉 "Happy Anniversary to Lenny Kravitz's Dick Flopping Out of His Pants (NSFW)"https://www.vice.com/en/article/happy-anniversary-to-lenny-kravitzs-dick-flopping-out-of-his-pants-nsfw/🐇 Explore More Rabbit HolesVisit our website for more weird, hilarious, and fascinating stories:🌧️🐇 Rainy Day Rabbit Holeswww.rainydayrabbitholes.com🎉 Join Our PatreonWant even more rabbit holes?Support the show on Patreon and get:Ad-free episodesEarly access to new releasesExclusive bonus episodesBehind-the-scenes contentExtra ridiculousness (and occasionally something serious)If you enjoy the chaos, Patreon is where we keep even more of it.🎧 Related Episodes🌲 Did the FBI Actually Investigate Bigfoot?https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/did-the-fbi-actually-investigate-bigfoot☕ Why Are People Putting Coffee There?https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/why-are-people-putting-coffee-there🍶 Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poop | 5-Minute Fridayhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hold-my-sake-japan-made-alcohol-out-of-moth-poop-5-minute-friday5-Minute Friday is where we embrace the weird, celebrate the absurd, and occasionally discover that the internet never forgets. This week: leather pants lose, comedy wins. 🎸🍷😂Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🔥 Join us LIVE for a Rainy Day Rabbit Holes experience! 🔥Step into the shadows of Pacific Northwest history with us for a special live show featuring unforgettable stories, strange characters, and wild twists you won’t hear anywhere else.🎭 Klondike Kate at the Pantages Theater📍 Tacoma, WA👉 Get tickets & event detailshttps://www.mcmenamins.com/events/274791-klondike-kate-and-the-pantages-theaterDon’t miss your chance to experience the rabbit hole in real life…What if someone on stage knew your deepest secret before you even asked the question?That was the promise of Alexander the Man Who Knows—a mysterious figure in jeweled turbans who claimed he could read minds, speak to the dead, and reveal truths hidden even from yourself. But behind the curtain lies a far more fascinating story…🎙️ Special Guest: Tim GreyhavensThis episode features special guest Tim Greyhavens, a Seattle-based writer, researcher, and independent historian specializing in early Pacific Northwest photography and cultural history.Tim brings a rare depth of research and storytelling to this episode, drawing on archival work, historical records, and his own published research on Claude Alexander Conlin. His insights help separate fact from myth—and reveal just how carefully constructed Alexander’s persona really was.👉 Explore Tim’s work:TimGreyhavens.comTim’s perspective is what transforms this episode from a wild story… into a deeply revealing look at performance, belief, and manipulation in early 20th-century America.🎭 From Gold Rush Chaos to Stage StardomAlexander’s story begins in the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush—where fortunes weren’t just mined… they were taken.FACT: He spent time in Skagway during its most notorious era of con artists and opportunists.FACT: He crossed paths with figures like Soapy Smith and theatrical entrepreneur Alexander Pantages.SPECULATION: Some accounts suggest his early exposure to fraud and deception directly shaped his later career.Rather than chasing gold, Alexander realized something far more valuable: people’s willingness to believe.🧠 The Illusion of Mind ReadingBy the 1910s and 1920s, Alexander reinvented himself as a psychic phenomenon.FACT: He performed as “Alexander the Man Who Knows,” presenting himself as a mystical mind reader.FACT: He used hidden radio receivers inside his turban to receive real-time audience intelligence.FACT: Assistants gathered personal information from audience members before shows.With stagecraft, psychology, and carefully curated mysticism, he created an experience so convincing that audiences believed they were witnessing something supernatural.KEY INSIGHT (via Tim Greyhavens):This wasn’t just magic—it was an early form of information-driven manipulation, combining surveillance, performance, and psychology decades ahead of its time.💰 Wealth, Power & the Rialto Beach EstateAt the height of his fame, Alexander built an isolated retreat on Washington’s coast near what we now know as Rialto Beach.FACT: The property included hidden microphones and listening systems inside guest spaces.FACT: Conversations were used to enhance private readings and deepen the illusion of psychic ability.SPECULATION: Wealthy guests—including rumored Hollywood figures—may have unknowingly been part of ongoing information-gathering efforts.This wasn’t just a vacation home—it was an extension of his act.Meanwhile, Prohibition opened yet another opportunity…FACT: He reportedly ran liquor from Canada to fund his lifestyle and entertain guests.🎬 The Fall of the IllusionBy the 1930s, everything changed.FACT: The rise of film and special effects reduced public belief in live magic acts.FACT: Vaudeville theaters declined, taking performers like Alexander with them.FACT: He transitioned into writing and publishing—eventually revealing parts of his methods.The man who once guarded his secrets above all else… began to expose them.🧩 Legacy: The Original “Info Scam” ArtistAlexander’s story still feels strangely modern.He combined:PerformanceData gatheringPsychological manipulationEmotional targetingAnd built a fortune from it.KEY QUESTION:Was he after money… fame… or simply the thrill of proving how far he could go?🔗 Explore More🌧️ More strange Pacific Northwest stories:👉 Rainy Day Rabbit Holes📚 More from our guest:👉 Tim Greyhavens🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSAlexander used early technology and assistants to simulate psychic abilitiesHis techniques relied heavily on pre-show audience intelligence gatheringThe Klondike Gold Rush environment influenced his approach to deceptionSpiritualism and grief created ideal conditions for his riseHis Rialto Beach estate functioned as both retreat and intelligence hubPrivate readings were a major source of income from wealthy clientsProhibition-era bootlegging helped fund his lifestyleThe decline of vaudeville contributed to his fade from fameHe later published material revealing some of his own methodsHis legacy reflects early forms of modern psychological and information-based scamsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

NSFW / Listener DiscretionThis episode contains explicit language, frank discussion of anatomy, bathroom humor, and references to medical complications involving enemas and rectal injury. It is intended for mature audiences.Also: we are not medical professionals. This episode is not medical advice. It is a humorous commentary episode in which we react, recoil, and repeatedly ask how humanity got here.We love coffee. We love podcasts. We love asking weird questions.What we do not love is discovering that somewhere, somehow, people looked at a perfectly good beverage and thought:“What if this went in the opposite end?”In this Five Minute Friday, we laugh our way through one of the most cursed corners of wellness culture: the coffee enema. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, and no, we do not recommend it. Not even a little. Not even if someone expensive in beige linen tells you it’s “detoxifying.”What this episode coversFactsA coffee enema is exactly the upsetting thing it sounds like: coffee introduced into the rectum/colon as an enema.The reporting discussed in this episode presents coffee enemas as a bad idea, not a wellness necessity.The articles referenced in the episode describe medical concerns associated with enemas in general, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, infection, and injury.The coverage also references more serious complications reported in medical literature, including burns, rectal damage, and other severe outcomes.Folklore / Wellness ClaimsSome people claim coffee enemas can “detox” the body or flush out “toxins.”These claims are discussed in the cited articles as lacking solid scientific support.Like many bad ideas, this one tends to show up wearing the costume of “natural wellness.”Speculation / CommentaryWhy does every weird wellness trend sound like it was invented during a dare?Why are people so willing to suffer in the name of “cleansing”?And why is there always a luxury version of the worst possible decision?Why this mattersSure, this episode is funny. Very funny, in fact. We laughed a lot. But underneath the jokes is a real point: wellness culture can make dangerous nonsense sound premium, enlightened, or aspirational.Sometimes bad ideas don’t arrive looking dangerous. Sometimes they arrive with minimalist packaging, a suspiciously expensive kit, and the word “detox.”This episode is our loving reminder to maybe, just maybe, let coffee continue doing what it already does best:going in a mugsmelling delightfulhelping you survive a Mondaynot becoming a DIY science experiment for your colonIf you want the extended version…If this rabbit hole made you laugh, recoil, and question the entire wellness industry, there’s more.💡 The extended version of this episode is available for supporters, along with:bonus contentad-free episodesearly access👉 Support the show here:https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/supportLinks🌧 Website: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/🎧 Related episode:5 Minute Friday: Rectum? Damn Near Evacuated ’Emhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-rectum-damn-near-evacuated-emCTAIf you enjoy weird history, fringe beliefs, internet nonsense, and lovingly roasting terrible ideas, subscribe, leave a review, and send this episode to the friend who would absolutely text you,“You are not going to believe what Gwyneth is selling now.”And if you want the extended cut, plus bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and early access, support the show here:👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/supportKey TakeawaysCoffee enemas are one of those wellness trends that sound fake until you realize someone is absolutely trying to sell them to you.This episode explores how coffee enema “detox” claims keep circulating even though the concept is treated skeptically in the reporting discussed.The cited articles describe coffee enemas as risky, unnecessary, and not supported by strong scientific evidence for the dramatic claims made about them.The episode highlights how wellness culture can dress up a bad idea in expensive branding and call it self-care.According to the reporting covered in the episode, enemas can come with real risks including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possible injury.Coffee does not become a miracle health tool just because someone put it in a sentence with the word “cleanse.”This Five Minute Friday mixes humor with skepticism to unpack one of the internet’s most baffling health trends.We are not medical professionals, which is exactly why our advice here is simple and elegant: maybe do not put coffee in your butt.The bigger rabbit hole is not just coffee enemas—it’s how easily pseudoscience spreads when it sounds glamorous or rebellious.If a wellness trend sounds like it should come with a fire extinguisher and a legal waiver, it may not be the healing path you’re looking for.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

KEEP CLAM AND CARRY ONWhat happens when a prankster, folk singer, and restaurateur accidentally gets elected to public office… and wins? Meet Ivar Haglund—the man who turned Seattle’s waterfront into a playground of clams, chaos, and community.🌊 Seattle’s Strangest Success Story(Facts)Ivar Haglund wasn’t just the founder of Ivar’s Seafood—he was a full-blown Seattle phenomenon. From opening Seattle’s first aquarium to launching the iconic Acres of Clams restaurant in 1946, he built an empire rooted in humor, storytelling, and seafood culture.He memorized hundreds of folk songs, hosted radio shows, and performed alongside major figures in the folk music world.By the 1960s, his playful experimentation had turned into serious wealth—enough to buy Pier 54 and later the historic Smith Tower.🐙 Pranks, Publicity, and Pure Chaos(Facts + Folklore)Ivar didn’t just run businesses—he staged experiences.Created Seattle’s first aquarium using seawater pumped from Elliott BayParaded a dressed-up seal through Pike Place MarketHosted outrageous stunts—including octopus “wrestling”(Speculation / Cultural Myth)His legacy inspired one of Seattle’s greatest hoaxes: the infamous underwater billboards, which people believed he had planted decades earlier as a long-term marketing stunt.🗳️ The Joke That Became Real(Facts)In 1983, frustrated with waterfront issues, Ivar filed paperwork to run for the Port Commission—as a joke.He didn’t campaign. He didn’t promote himself.And… he still won—by a huge margin.Seattle had officially elected a prankster.🐚 “Clam Culture” and a Lasting Legacy(Facts)Ivar created more than restaurants—he created a worldview. He called it “clam culture”, where humor, seafood, and community intersected.Even his marketing leaned into absurdity:“Keep Clam” slogansFake postage stampsSalmon windsocks atop skyscrapersAfter his death in 1985, his legacy endured—not just in business, but in spirit.(Takeaway)Ivar Haglund gave Seattle permission to be weird.🔗 RELATED EPISODESWas Seattle Built on Sex and Scamshttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/was-seattle-built-on-sex-and-scamsSeattle’s Odd Couple: Doc Maynard and Chief Sealthhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/seattles-odd-couple-doc-maynard-and-chief-sealthStarvation Heights and Linda Hazzardhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/28-starvation-heights-and-linda-hazzard-quack-doctor-or-murdererIvar Haglund founded Seattle’s first aquarium using Elliott Bay seawaterHis restaurant “Acres of Clams” launched in 1946 and became iconicHe built a personal brand around humor called “clam culture”Ivar staged bizarre publicity stunts to attract crowds and mediaHe accidentally won a Port Commission election without campaigningHis marketing included fake stamps, slogans, and theatrical protestsHe owned major Seattle landmarks including Pier 54 and Smith TowerHis legacy inspired the “underwater billboard” hoaxIvar blended entertainment, folklore, and business into one personaHe helped define Seattle’s identity as a city that embraces weirdnessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Please join us at McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma on September 16, 2026!https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/274791-klondike-kate-and-the-pantages-theaterThis week’s episode is a little different—and a lot more personal.Jody and Shea sit down for a vulnerable, honest conversation about what it really takes to create Rainy Day Rabbit Holes. From the behind-the-scenes work that makes the show possible to the incredible community that’s grown around it, this episode pulls back the curtain in a way we never have before.We also share something difficult: after a lot of reflection, Jody made the decision that she can’t continue producing the podcast in the same way right now. The past few years have been challenging, and she opens up about the personal struggles that led her to this point.But this isn’t goodbye.Instead, we’ve found a middle ground—Jody will be stepping away for six months to rest and reset, while Shea continues the show with the support of this amazing community.And that’s where you come in.Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has always been more than just a podcast—it’s a shared curiosity, a collective deep dive into the weird, the historical, and the unexplained. So we’re inviting listeners to help shape what comes next.If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the show—whether that’s:Researching rabbit holesHelping write episodesAssisting with social mediaOr even joining as a guestWe’d love to hear from you.📧 Reach out at: [email protected] than anything, this episode is about gratitude—for where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the incredible people who make it all worthwhile.Thank you for being here. Truly.Key PointsA candid, behind-the-scenes look at producing the podcastJody shares personal struggles from the past few yearsAnnouncement: Jody is taking a six-month breakShea will continue the show during this timeCall for community involvement in productionDeep appreciation for listeners and supportersCall to ActionWant to help keep the rabbit holes going?Email Shea at [email protected] to get involved.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Forgotten Life Hidden in Seattle’s HistorySeattle is full of legends—underground tunnels, ghost stories, cryptids—but this episode explores something far stranger:👉 a real historical figure whose story was nearly erasedMoses Seattle, the grandson of Chief Seattle, lived a life that sits between recorded history, oral tradition, and unsettling mystery. His story raises difficult questions about how—and why—some histories are remembered while others are buried.And the person bringing this forgotten story back into light?➡️ Historian, filmmaker, and author David Norman Lewis👉 Explore David’s books here:https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/artist/david-norman-lewis?srsltid=AfmBOorWkxSgPcvxOK6hQTgqHTTS5jxpxeIrytgQf3ZCphRm_AgNgxM5👉 Listen to more episodes:https://rainydayrabbitholes.comWho Was Moses Seattle?FACT: Moses Seattle was the grandson of Chief Seattle and part of a high-status Indigenous family.FACT: He lived a complex life shaped by boarding schools, cultural change, and shifting identity between Indigenous and settler worlds.FACT: He worked odd jobs, played accordion at community dances, and briefly entered the world of traveling entertainment.SPECULATION: Some accounts suggest he may have been involved in labor organizing among hop pickers, though evidence is limited.Culture, Folklore, and IdentityFOLKLORE: His origin story intersects with Indigenous beliefs about spirits, healing practices, and reincarnation.FACT: Oral traditions play a major role in how his story survives—blending lived experience with cultural interpretation.FACT: His life reflects the realities of assimilation, boarding schools, and identity pressures in the late 1800s and early 1900s.A Tragic and Forgotten EndingFACT: Moses Seattle’s death followed a violent incident tied to alcohol, conflict, and systemic conditions of the time.FACT: Accounts describe severe burns and a prolonged survival before his passing.FACT: No clear accountability followed, and responsibility remains unclear in historical records.FACT: His story faded from public memory for decades.Why This Story MattersThis episode isn’t just about one man—it’s about:how history is preserved (or erased)whose voices are recordedand how uncomfortable stories disappearDavid Norman Lewis reconstructs a powerful narrative that forces us to confront the gaps between official history and lived experience.🎧 Related Episodes (Explore More Indigenous History)If this story resonated with you, continue down the rabbit hole:👉 Ishi: The Last of His Tribehttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/ishi-the-last-of-his-tribe👉 How Did the Muckleshoot Rise Again?https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/how-did-the-muckleshoot-rise-again👉 Seattle’s Odd Couple: Doc Maynard & Chief Sealthhttps://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/seattles-odd-couple-doc-maynard-and-chief-sealthThese episodes explore Indigenous history from different angles—personal stories, resilience, and the people who shaped the Pacific Northwest.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🧠 Ever Wondered What Happens When the FBI Investigates Bigfoot?Spoiler alert: it does not end in a dramatic Sasquatch reveal.In this Five Minute Friday episode, we dig into the FBI’s real-life Bigfoot files—yes, those exist—and unpack one of the strangest (and funniest) government investigations you’ve probably never heard of.From mysterious hair samples to very polite scientific disappointment, this is the story of how Bigfoot almost became official… and then immediately didn’t.🕵️ The FBI vs Bigfoot (A Very Polite Letdown)Back in the 1970s, a cryptozoology group sent the FBI a batch of mysterious hair samples they couldn’t identify. Naturally, they believed this might finally be proof of Sasquatch.And the logic was simple:If we can’t identify it… it must be Bigfoot.The FBI, in a rare moment of curiosity (or maybe boredom), agreed to analyze the samples—despite normally only handling criminal investigations.After careful examination using the technology available at the time, they came back with their official conclusion:It was deer.That’s it. That’s the story.Dreams crushed. Case closed. Hair returned.🌲 The Atlas That Sparked Sasquatch FeverThis whole situation started when a 1975 government atlas casually included references to Sasquatch sightings in the Pacific Northwest—complete with maps.Yes. A real government document basically said:Here’s the plantsHere’s the animalsAlso… Bigfoot might be out thereThat single detail sparked public curiosity, media attention, and a wave of people demanding answers from the FBI.Because nothing fuels belief faster than:Vague government statements“Unknown” scientific resultsAnd a creature that refuses to be photographed clearly🧬 Facts vs Folklore vs SpeculationFACT:The FBI tested alleged Bigfoot hair and determined it came from deer.FOLKLORE:Sasquatch has been a staple of Pacific Northwest legends for decades, with countless sightings and stories.SPECULATION:Before modern DNA testing, “unknown” samples created space for imagination—and Bigfoot filled that gap perfectly.🚨 The Part We Tried to Forget (But Won’t Let You)At one point in this episode, we briefly revisit something we wish we could unlearn:Bigfoot erotica.Yes. It exists.No. You should not Google it.If you’re curious (or dangerously brave), we covered it in a past episode that lives safely behind our Patreon paywall—where it can hopefully do less harm.Support the show and unlock that deeply questionable content here:👉 rainydayrabbitholes.com/supportYou’ve been warned.🐾 Final ThoughtThe FBI says Bigfoot isn’t real.But also…They tested the hair.So.Draw your own conclusions.🔗 Related EpisodesThis episode pairs perfectly with our deeper dive into Sasquatch legends and sightings. If you want more Bigfoot chaos, mythology, and history, check out:https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/6-this-is-not-a-bigfoot-podcast-sasquatch-and-ape-canyonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the Intergalactic House of Pancakes👽 Pancakes from a UFO?When you think of UFO encounters, you probably imagine abductions, bright lights, and terrifying alien experiments. But what if one of the strangest alien mysteries ever recorded involved… pancakes?In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, host Shea Drury is joined by Amanda and Trevin from the Live, Laugh, Larceny podcast to explore one of the most bizarre, weird, and outrageous UFO encounters in history. Check out their show here:👉 https://www.livelaughlarceny.com/🛸 The 1961 Wisconsin UFO EncounterFactsIn April 1961, Joe Simonton, an ordinary man living in Eagle River, Wisconsin, reported seeing a silver, disc shaped UFO land in his driveway.Inside were three human-like men who communicated using gestures. After requesting water, one of them was seen cooking pancakes on a strange, flameless grill inside the craft.Simonton claimed he received several pancakes before the UFO flew away, leaving no physical evidence behind except the food itself.Adding to the mystery, a second witness nearby reported seeing a disc shaped object in the sky at roughly the same time.🧪 Government Investigation and TestingFactsThis strange UFO encounter was investigated by the United States Air Force under Project Blue Book during the Cold War.The pancakes were tested in a lab and the results were completely ordinary:Wheat and buckwheat ingredientsNo radiationNo unknown materialsIn other words, the so-called alien pancakes were just pancakes.🤔 Folklore, Speculation, and TheoriesThis case stands out in UFO lore because of how oddly normal it feels.Folklore: This has become one of the weirdest alien stories because it involves a calm interaction instead of abduction or fearSpeculation: Some theories suggest a misunderstanding involving humans, experimental aircraft, or even time travelSkeptical view: No physical evidence of a landing was ever foundBeliever view: Simonton never changed his story and was considered credibleIt is a mystery that sits right between the ordinary and the impossible.🔗 Related EpisodesWant to explore more UFOs, aliens, and mysteries? Check out these related episodes:🌀 Explore early UFO sightings and Men in Black origins in the Pacific Northwest 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/33-summer-of-saucers-ufos-and-the-men-in-black-in-the-pnw🇯🇵 Dive into historical UFO folklore in Japan’s oldest recorded encounter 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/japans-oldest-ufo-mystery🛸 One of the most famous alien abduction stories in America 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/travis-walton-the-most-famous-ufo-abduction-in-america🐇 Final ThoughtNo abduction. No missing time. No terrifying encounter.Just a quiet morning… and a handful of pancakes from something that should not exist.And somehow, that makes this one of the most bizarre UFO mysteries ever told.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Joe Simonton UFO encounter is one of the strangest alien stories involving pancakes instead of abductionA Wisconsin man reported a flying saucer landing in his driveway in 1961The UFO occupants appeared human-like and communicated using gesturesThe visitors requested water and gave pancakes in exchangeThe pancakes were analyzed and found to contain normal Earth ingredientsProject Blue Book investigated the case during the Cold WarA second witness reported seeing a disc-shaped object nearbySimonton maintained his story and was considered credibleThe case blends UFO folklore with unusually mundane detailsThe incident remains unexplained despite scientific testingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if you turned on a trusted news broadcast… and it told you spaghetti grew on trees?Sounds ridiculous today—but in 1957, millions of people believed it.In this hilarious Five Minute Friday episode, Shea walks Jody through one of the most legendary April Fools’ Day pranks ever aired: the BBC’s infamous “spaghetti tree” hoax. And honestly? It reveals more about human psychology than you might expect.Fact: On April 1, 1957, the BBC aired a segment showing a Swiss family harvesting spaghetti from trees.The report looked completely legitimate:Filmed like a documentaryNarrated by a trusted broadcasterIncluded details about “spaghetti weevils” and cultivationAnd people believed it.Fact: Millions tuned in, and hundreds called the BBC asking how to grow their own spaghetti trees.The BBC’s response? 👉 “Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”That’s peak British humor.🤯 Why This Prank Worked (REAL INSIGHT)Fact: In 1950s Britain, spaghetti wasn’t common—many people had only seen canned versions. So when a trusted program presented it as agriculture… it didn’t sound totally impossible.This episode dives into something deeper:Trust in authority figuresPresentation vs. realityHow easily belief can form when something “sounds right”Insight: As Shea points out, belief isn’t always about ignorance—it’s about comfort and trust.😂 From Hoax to Life Lesson (MODERN CONNECTION)The conversation quickly turns into something relatable (and hilarious):Would you believe this if a trusted voice told you?Could you trick your kids or grandkids the same way?Is this really that different from modern misinformation?Speculation: The hosts jokingly suggest recreating the prank with kids as a fun experiment—planting pasta in soil to see what happens.Folklore-esque takeaway: Not everything on TV—or the internet—is what it seems.🎧 Why You’ll Love This EpisodeA legendary prank that still holds upClassic dry British humorA playful but thought-provoking look at human beliefLaugh-out-loud tangents (because of course)🔗 Related EpisodesIf you loved this mix of absurd history and humor:“Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poop” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hold-my-sake-japan-made-alcohol-out-of-moth-poop-5-minute-friday“When Pigs Fly” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-when-pigs-fly“Rectum? Damn Near Evacuated ‘Em” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-rectum-damn-near-evacuated-emTakeawaysThe 1957 BBC spaghetti tree hoax convinced millions it was real.A trusted news format made an absurd prank believable.Many viewers didn’t question the idea due to limited food familiarity.Hundreds contacted the BBC asking how to grow spaghetti trees.Authority and presentation can override common sense.The prank highlights how easily misinformation spreads.British humor played a major role in the joke’s success.Belief is often rooted in trust, not ignorance.The hoax still serves as a cautionary tale about media literacy.It mirrors modern issues with internet misinformation and trust.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In 1803, Japanese fishermen spotted something strange bobbing in the Pacific Ocean—a round, sealed vessel unlike any boat they’d ever seen. Inside was a woman with red hair, pale skin, unfamiliar clothing, and a mysterious box she refused to let go.This episode dives into the legend of the Utsuro-bune, often called Japan’s earliest “UFO” story. Recorded decades after the alleged event in Edo‑period collections of strange tales, the story has been cited by everyone from folklorists to modern UFO enthusiasts. But what really happened on that beach in Hitachi Province?Was it an alien encounter? A castaway from a distant land? Or a piece of folklore shaped by fear, curiosity, and isolation during Japan’s sakoku era?Join Shea and Jason as they explore:The original Edo‑period sources that describe the Utsuro-buneWhy the vessel looks suspiciously like a flying saucerHow Japan’s isolation policy shaped stories about outsidersWhy historians and folklorists are deeply skeptical of the alien explanationAnd why sometimes the most human response to the unknown… is paperwork avoidanceHistory is messy, weird, and full of rabbit holes. This one just happens to float.Find sources, images, and more episode notes at👉 https://rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Join us Wednesday, June 3rd at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma (Spanish Ballroom) for a live Rainy Day Rabbit Holes event exploring Tacoma’s own overlooked UFO story—the Maury Island Incident. Weeks before Roswell made headlines in 1947, Tacoma was already grappling with reports of flying saucers, mysterious Men in Black, and a federal investigation that raised more questions than answers. This special History Pub presentation features storytelling from Shea Drury and Jody Shaw, historical context from Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours, and an in-depth look at the case from filmmaker Steve Edmiston, creator of The Maury Island Incident and founder of the Men in Black Birthday Bash. Join us for a meet and greet from 4:30–6pm before doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7. Patreon supporters—or anyone who signs up before the event—can stop by for a free thank-you gift (including some very adorable dog bandanas), and we’ll also have tote bags and t-shirts available. Find the show link at https://rainydayrabbitholes.com, and get your Men in Black Birthday Bash tickets at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com.Now onto the show!Secret Spring & Questionable ChoicesFor more than 2,500 years, sake brewing in Japan has been treated as a near-sacred craft—steeped in patience, restraint, and tradition. And then… moth poop entered the chat.In this Five Minute Friday episode, Shea and Jason tumble headfirst into one of Japan’s most eyebrow‑raising modern sake experiments: a sake brewed using tea made from moth larvae droppings. Yes, actual insect poop. Developed using a tea created from moths that consumed cherry blossom leaves, this sake comes from a craft brewery in Fukushima, Japan, and somehow—against all odds—people say it tastes good.Along the way, the conversation veers into civet coffee, fermented minnows, shrimp digestive tracts, natto trauma, and the philosophical question of how far curiosity should be allowed to roam without adult supervision.Is this innovation? Is it madness? Or is it just Japan doing what Japan does best—calmly perfecting something no one asked for?Japan’s Moth Poop Sake: The Strangest Alcohol Experiment You’ve Never Heard OfA Fukushima brewery in Japan created sake using tea made from moth larvae droppings. Yes, really. Here’s how it happened—and why.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us Wednesday, June 3rd at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma Washington (Spanish Ballroom) for a live Rainy Day Rabbit Holes event exploring Tacoma’s own overlooked UFO story—the Maury Island Incident. Weeks before Roswell made headlines in 1947, Tacoma was already grappling with reports of flying saucers, mysterious Men in Black, and a federal investigation that raised more questions than answers.This special History Pub presentation features storytelling from Shea Drury and Jody Shaw, historical context from Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours, and an in-depth look at the case from filmmaker Steve Edmiston, creator of The Maury Island Incident and founder of the Men in Black Birthday Bash.Join us for a meet and greet from 4:30–6pm before doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7.Patreon supporters—or anyone who signs up before the event—can stop by for a free thank-you gift (including some very adorable dog bandanas), and we’ll also have tote bags and t-shirts available.Find the show link at https://rainydayrabbitholes.com, and get your Men in Black Birthday Bash tickets at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At the dawn of the 20th century, radium was not feared. It was celebrated. Marketed as a miracle of modern science, this newly discovered element promised vitality, beauty, and better health. Companies sold radioactive clocks, cosmetics, medical devices, and even drinking water, all proudly glowing with progress.In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea sits down with the creator behind Radiant Radium, a collector and historian who specializes in household and beauty products from the radium craze of the 1910s through the 1930s. Drawing from his extensive personal collection, Radiant Radium walks us through a period when radiation was a selling point and the long term dangers were barely understood.We discuss how these objects escaped the laboratory and ended up in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms across America. From glow in the dark clocks and uranium glass to radium water crocks, radioactive cones, cosmetics, medical quackery, and infamous patent medicines like Radithor, this episode traces the rise and fall of one of the strangest health fads in American history.Along the way, we explore the Radium Girls, the tragic death of Eben Byers, the collapse of public trust in radium, and why belief in the health benefits of radiation still persists today. We also talk about the legality and safety of collecting radioactive antiques, how to identify them, and what to do if you find one in an antique store or a relative’s home.History, curiosity, and caution collide in this deep dive into a time when the future looked bright, and sometimes literally glowed.Find Radiant RadiumTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiantradiumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantradium/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radiant.radiumVisit UsRainy Day Rabbit Holes: www.rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Here are the first toilet preparations to embody actual radium, an astonishing new force for betterment, applied as an aid to beauty.”The early 20th century was a strange and optimistic time. In the years following Marie and Pierre Curie’s discovery of radium, the world became obsessed with this mysterious, glowing element—and before long, that obsession made its way into everyday life.During the height of the Radium Craze, companies sold beauty products that claimed to contain real radium, promising smoother skin, renewed vitality, and a healthy glow—sometimes quite literally. Creams, powders, and cosmetics were marketed as cutting‑edge science, long before the dangers of radiation were understood.This 5‑Minute Friday episode offers a quick glimpse into that bizarre moment in history and serves as a teaser for next week’s full‑length episode. Shea will be joined by the creator behind the Radiant Radium social media channels, a collector and historian who specializes in household and beauty products from the radium era.Next week, we’ll go far beyond cosmetics—into glowing clocks, radioactive water, dangerous health fads, and the long shadow these products left behind.Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.Find Radiant Radium online:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radiant.radiumTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiantradiumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantradium/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when a city decides kindness is better than cruelty?In this special crossover episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we’re joined by the incredible gals from PNW Haunts & Homicides to explore one of the strangest—and most unexpectedly heartwarming—stories in American history: Joshua Abraham Norton, the self‑declared Emperor of the United States.Born into loss, fortune, ruin, and obscurity, Norton reemerged in 1859 with a bold declaration that could have ended very badly… except San Francisco leaned in. What followed was a twenty‑year “reign” filled with proclamations, public appearances, political commentary, and a city that collectively decided to play along.Along the way, we explore:A Gold Rush city bursting with chaos, ambition, and opportunityA man who issued decrees abolishing Congress and the Supreme CourtA public arrest that backfired spectacularlyAn Emperor who defended immigrants, challenged racist violence, and promoted civil rights long before it was fashionableA city that fed him, clothed him, saluted him… and mourned himWas Emperor Norton mad? Satirical? Visionary? Or something else entirely?And why did San Francisco—of all places—embrace him instead of locking him away?You’ll have to fall down the rabbit hole with us to find out.👻 Crossover LoveHuge thanks to PNW Haunts & Homicides, where ghosts, murder, and Pacific Northwest weirdness all hang out together.👉 Follow and listen at: https://www.pnwhauntsandhomicides.com/🌧️ More Rabbit HolesFind sources, photos, episode notes, and more at our website:👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/🎟️ LIVE EVENT ALERTLove strange history in person?Join us June 3rd in Tacoma, WA for a live event at McMenamins Spanish Ballroom at the Elks Temple:History Pub: Tacoma’s UFO Story — The Maury Island IncidentPresented by Steve Edmiston, Shea Drury, and Chris Staudinger🎫 Tickets here:👉 https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/41193663/history-pubtacomas-ufo-story-the-maury-island-incident-presented-by-steve-edmistonshea-druryand-chris-staudinger-tacoma-mcmenamins-spanish-ballroom-elks-templeSometimes the strangest stories are the most human.Stay curious—and we’ll see you down the rabbit hole.🐇👑Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today’s episode is a special feature from Dark History: Where the Darkness Sees the Light, a podcast that’s part of our Umbrella Podcast Collective.Hosted by Rob Bradley, Dark History explores the uncomfortable, often unsettling stories we like to believe are safely buried in the past—and then shows how they still shape the world we live in.In this episode, Rob takes a deep dive into the history of snake oil: the miracle cures, the confident sales pitches, and the long tradition of selling certainty to people who are scared, sick, or searching for answers. What begins in the 19th century quickly becomes something much more familiar, as the same patterns of deception reappear in modern forms—polished, optimized, and online.This is one of our favorite episodes Rob has done. Not just because of the history, but because of how clearly it reveals a hard truth: the scams didn’t disappear. They adapted.Listen closely. The bottles may be gone, but the promises remain.🔗 Listen to Dark History🎙️ Dark History: Where the Darkness Sees the Light👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s5-e4-snake-oil-never-died-it-just-went-online/id1603599807?i=1000751583276☔ Rainy Day Rabbit Holes🌧️ Explore more episodes and rabbit holes at:👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com☔ Umbrella Podcast CollectiveRainy Day Rabbit Holes is proud to be part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective, a group of independent podcasts exploring strange history, dark stories, and the things that refuse to stay buried.🌐 Learn more about the collective:👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella-collectiveSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this collaborative episode, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes joins forces with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts and Homicides to explore one of the strangest modern treasure hunts in history: Forrest Fenn’s hidden chest.Presented by Caitlyn, the story follows art dealer and Vietnam veteran Forrest Fenn, who in 2010 announced that he had hidden a bronze treasure chest somewhere in the Rocky Mountains—worth millions—and released a cryptic poem meant to lead seekers to it. What began as a whimsical riddle quickly spiraled into a decade-long obsession involving online sleuths, wilderness expeditions, lawsuits, environmental damage, and tragic deaths.Along the way, we unpack the poem’s clues, popular interpretations (including the infamous “home of Brown”), the massive online communities that formed around the hunt, and the ethical questions raised when adventure turns dangerous. The episode closes with a tarot reading that eerily mirrors the story’s ultimate lesson: knowing when to walk away.Equal parts mystery, cautionary tale, and cultural phenomenon, this episode asks: when does the thrill of the chase stop being worth the cost?Follow PNW Haunts and Homicides on all the platforms!https://www.pnwhauntsandhomicides.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on 5 Minute Friday, we’re still joined by Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts and Homicides, but this time the chaos is airborne.Shea reads a truly unbelievable—but very real—news story out of China, where a farmer attempted to transport a pig using a drone… and accidentally knocked out power to an entire village. The pig became tangled in high‑voltage power lines, leaving it suspended midair and thousands of residents without electricity for roughly 10 hours.We break down how the incident happened, why drone use has become common in mountainous rural regions, and how a headline that sounds like a metaphor (“when pigs fly”) briefly became an infrastructure problem. It’s absurd, it’s oddly fascinating, and it’s a perfect reminder that technology doesn’t care how good your idea sounded at 5 a.m.Short, strange, and straight from the “you can’t make this up” file.Source ArticleAshley Fike, “A Flying Pig Knocked Out Power to an Entire Village in China,” VICE, February 15, 2026https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-flying-pig-knocked-out-power-to-an-entire-village-in-china/ [vice.com] Check out PNW Haunts and Homicides! https://www.pnwhauntsandhomicides.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Claudette Colvin: The Teenager Who Refused to MoveBefore Rosa Parks became a household name, a 15‑year‑old girl in Montgomery, Alabama, made a decision that helped crack the foundation of Jim Crow segregation.In this episode, Jody dives into the story of Claudette Colvin, a courageous teenager who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in March of 1955—nine months before Rosa Parks’ more widely recognized protest. Colvin’s arrest, trial, and testimony became a crucial part of the legal battle that ultimately ended bus segregation in the United States.We explore why Colvin’s story was sidelined for decades, how age, respectability politics, and racism shaped whose stories were told, and why her role in Browder v. Gayle was so vital to the Civil Rights Movement. This episode is about bravery, memory, and the uncomfortable truth that history doesn’t always spotlight the people who deserve it most.In This Episode:Who Claudette Colvin was and why her protest matteredWhat happened on that Montgomery bus in 1955Why civil rights leaders chose not to center her story at the timeHow her testimony helped bring down segregation lawsThe long road to recognition—and justice—for Claudette ColvinSupport the ShowIf you enjoy going down historical rabbit holes with us, consider supporting Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on Patreon. You’ll find bonus content, behind‑the‑scenes extras, and more ways to keep the show going.👉 Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to find our Patreon and explore the show.A Special ThanksHuge thanks to Letha Davis, who designed our website and helped bring Rainy Day Rabbit Holes to life online.Check out her work at www.easybrzy.com.As always, thank you for listening—and for remembering the stories history almost forgot.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

⚠️ Not Safe for Work / Adult Content Warning ⚠️Sometimes history refuses to stay in the past. And sometimes… it shows up in an emergency room.This Five Minute Friday dives into a truly unbelievable modern news story involving a World War I artillery shell, one very bad decision, and a French hospital that suddenly had to take explosive history very seriously. It’s a reminder that just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s safe—and that curiosity without common sense is how you end up evacuating a building.We ask the important questions:How does something like this even happen?Why are WWI explosives still turning up?And what life choices lead to this particular outcome?Spoiler: History is wild, humans are weirder, and museums exist for a reason.What We Talk AboutA real Vice news story involving a live WWI artillery shell and a hospital evacuationWhy unexploded ordnance from World War I is still being discovered todayThe difference between “historical artifact” and “active explosive”How history occasionally re-enters the present in the most unhinged way possibleRead the ArticleVice: A Man Turned Up at Hospital With a Live WWI Artillery Shell in His Butthttps://www.vice.com/en/article/a-man-turned-up-at-hospital-with-a-live-wwi-artillery-shell-in-his-butt/ [vice.com]About the ShowRainy Day Rabbit Holes explores strange history, baffling decisions, forgotten stories, and the moments when the past collides violently—or hilariously—with the present.New episodes and show info at:👉www.rainydayrabbitholes.com⚠️ Not Safe for Work / Adult Content Warning ⚠️This episode discusses an explicit real‑world news story involving adult bodily injury, medical emergency, and crude subject matter. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Do not listen at work, around children, or polite society.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the chaos of World War I, one unlikely soldier refused to stay behind. He didn’t carry a rifle, didn’t understand borders or politics, and technically wasn’t allowed to enlist—but he charged into danger anyway.In this episode, we tell the true story of Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier mix who became one of the most decorated heroes of World War I. From smuggling himself onto a troop ship, to warning soldiers of mustard gas attacks, locating wounded men in no man’s land, and even capturing an enemy spy, Stubby proved that bravery doesn’t require rank—or even thumbs.Joining us for this emotional (and occasionally unhinged) journey is special guest Erin, Shea’s longtime friend and fellow history nerd, who helps us explore why Stubby’s story still resonates more than a century later.Fair warning: this is a dog story, which means Shea cries. More than once. We apologize in advance—and also refuse to apologize at all.🐾 In This Episode:How a stray dog became the unofficial mascot of the 102nd Infantry RegimentSergeant Stubby’s role in 17 battles on the Western FrontMustard gas detection, artillery warnings, and battlefield rescuesThe night Stubby captured a German spy—and earned a promotionStubby’s postwar celebrity life, medals, and legacyWhy this small dog’s story still hits so hard today🎖 Notable Figures:Sergeant Stubby – World War I war dog and certified good boyCorporal James Robert Conroy – Stubby’s human best friend and handlerErin – Special guest, history nerd, and longtime friend of SheaYou can find photos, sources, and more stories like this at👉 https://rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Before we get into today’s rabbit hole, we wanted to share an exciting update — and a little behind‑the‑scenes honesty.🛸 Join Us Live: Before Roswell – Tacoma’s Maury Island IncidentOn June 3rd, 2026, Jody and Shea will be part of a McMenamins History Pub event in Tacoma, Washington, held at McMenamins Elks Temple in the historic Spanish Ballroom.The program, Before Roswell: Tacoma’s Maury Island Incident, explores the strange, complicated, and often‑overlooked UFO case that put Tacoma at the center of flying saucers, mysterious men in black, and a federal investigation — weeks before Roswell captured the world’s attention.This is a collaborative presentation featuring:Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Podcast — storytelling and narrative contextChris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours — historical and cultural context rooted in Tacoma’s gritty realitySteve Edmiston, filmmaker and founder of the Men In Black Birthday Bash — an in‑depth examination of the case and its lasting legacy📍 Where: McMenamins Elks Temple, Spanish Ballroom (Tacoma, WA)📅 When: June 3rd, 2026🔗 Event details & tickets:https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/274794-history-pubIf you want to brush up beforehand, we’ve covered the Maury Island Incident extensively on the podcast. Head to:👉 https://rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcastThen type “maury” into the search bar to find our four episodes diving deep into the case.💛 A Behind‑the‑Scenes UpdateWe also wanted to share a little honesty about the show.Each episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes involves researching, reading, outlining, writing, recording, editing, releasing, maintaining the website, and keeping up with social media. It’s a labor of love — but it can also be a lot.Jody and Shea are both feeling a bit stretched thin right now. We love this podcast deeply and can’t imagine it not being part of our lives, but we never want it to become something we resent or phone in. Keeping the joy alive matters to us.So, going forward:Full‑length episodes will be released every other weekOn the off weeks, we’ll still bring you 5 Minute Fridays, because those are fun and low‑liftWe may also take a short summer break (a month or two) to fully recharge and come back refreshedYou may also hear some guest hosts from our Umbrella Podcast Collective, including:Laura & Stephen from Midday MoviesKevin from Tyrant in TrainingAnd Shea’s big brother, Jason✉️ Want to Be Part of the Show?We’d love to involve the community even more.If you’re creative and interested in submitting a story, outline, or even a listener‑written episode that could be featured on the show, please reach out.📧 Email: [email protected] you, truly, for your support, your love, and your patience. We’re so grateful for this community — and we’re excited about what’s ahead, at a pace that keeps Rainy Day Rabbit Holes joyful for everyone involved.❤️Jody & SheaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is stepping a little off our usual path of unhinged history and strange stories—and doing so for a cause that means a lot to us.In honor of Podcastathon, a global event where podcasters shine a light on causes that matter, Shea and Jody are dedicating this special episode to PACK (People for Animal Care and Kindness)—a volunteer‑driven nonprofit right here in our community that helps pets and the people who love them stay together during hard times.Instead of rabbit holes full of chaos (don’t worry, we’ll be back to that soon), we’re sharing true animal hero stories that highlight loyalty, bravery, and compassion:A house cat who body‑checks a dog to save a childTwo guide dogs who led their blind owners out of the World Trade Center on 9/11A loyal rescue dog who refused to move until help followed her to her injured ownerAnd Shea’s own deeply personal PACK story involving a foster dog named Ruff who became familyThis episode is about the quiet, compassionate work that makes happy endings possible—late‑night texts, emergency vet care, temporary fosters, and people who show up when it matters most.If this episode makes you smile, cry, or hug your pet a little tighter, we hope you’ll consider supporting PACK and the work they do every single day.❤️ How You Can HelpLearn more and donate: https://www.packgives.org/Support Podcastathon: https://podcasthon.org/🌧️ More Rainy Day Rabbit HolesWebsite, photos & sources: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.comBonus episodes & ad‑free listening on Patreon (link on our site)Thank you for listening, for caring, and for helping us support an organization that makes our community kinder—for animals and humans alike.https://podcasthon.org/podcaster/rainy-day-rabbit-holesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last week we shared a strange little Victorian love poem about a cannibal bride.This week… things escalate.In this Five Minute Friday episode, Shea reads another cannibal-themed poem from the archives: “How Three Were Made One,” published in The White Pine News in 1891.The poem features a love triangle, a violent rivalry, and a punchline that only Victorian newspaper readers could find amusing.But it also reveals something interesting about the cultural moment that produced it. Nineteenth-century Americans and Europeans were fascinated with stories of “savages” and cannibals, and those ideas showed up everywhere—from adventure novels to newspaper jokes.This episode explores how those stereotypes appeared in everyday entertainment and why historians sometimes pay attention to odd little artifacts like this one.Because sometimes the strangest things in the archive tell us the most about the world people thought they lived in.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Part 2 of 2Alfred Packer should have been hanged.The verdict was clear. The sentence was delivered with venom. The public was ready to watch justice swing from a rope. And then—everything fell apart.In Part Two of the Colorado Cannibal story, the horror leaves the mountains and enters the courtroom, where legal loopholes, jurisdictional chaos, and a stunning legislative mistake derail what seemed like an open-and-shut case. As lawyers argue over maps, treaties, and vanished statutes, a convicted killer becomes something unthinkable: a celebrity.What follows is a saga of failed executions, rewritten charges, and a second trial that exposes just how fragile justice can be when laws change faster than crimes can be prosecuted. Witnesses dismantle the starvation defense. Evidence resurfaces. Sentences stretch into record-breaking territory.Then comes the twist no one expects—a fearless reporter, a newspaper war, gunfire in a newsroom, and a campaign that transforms a cannibal into a cause. By the time the dust settles, the question isn’t whether Alfred Packer was guilty. It’s how the system let him walk free.This is the conclusion of one of the American West’s most disturbing true crime stories—where the law blinks, history shrugs, and the legacy somehow ends with a cafeteria bearing his name.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While researching our recent episode on Alferd Packer, the Colorado Cannibal, Shea stumbled across something unexpected while digging through nineteenth-century newspapers: romantic poetry… about cannibals.Yes, really.In this Five—okay, probably Fifteen—Minute Friday, Shea reads a bizarre little poem from the San Antonio Daily Light (April 1, 1889) titled “Love and Theology.” It’s a Victorian-era love story involving a missionary, a cannibal maid, and a romantic misunderstanding that ends… poorly.Along the way we talk about why nineteenth-century readers were so fascinated with cannibal stories, how these tales showed up everywhere from travel writing to adventure novels, and why the “cannibal” became such a popular stereotype in Western culture.It’s weird. It’s funny. And it’s a fascinating little snapshot of the cultural imagination of the 1800s.Next week we’ll share another cannibal poem from the archives—this one even stranger, and with a few more uncomfortable historical layers.Victorian journalism was a wild place.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Part 1 of 2In the winter-shadowed mountains of 1870s Colorado, people disappeared with unsettling regularity. Most were claimed by weather, terrain, or bad luck. This story is different. Five men entered the high country chasing gold. Only one came back.What followed was not a simple tale of survival. It was a cascade of contradictions, shifting confessions, scattered bones, and a discovery so disturbing it permanently renamed the land itself. Sketches published in a national magazine revealed a scene that suggested planning, patience, and something far darker than desperation.As rumors spread and evidence surfaced, the line between hunger and intent began to blur. Supplies that shouldn’t have existed. Money that shouldn’t have been spent. Stories that changed just enough to stay ahead of the truth. And always, the same question lingering in the thin mountain air: what really happened out there?This is Part One of a two-part descent into one of the most infamous true crime stories of the American West—an episode that inspired films, legends, and a name still spoken with unease. The gore fades. The mystery deepens. And the mountains, as always, keep their secrets just a little longer.Can’t wait for the conclusion?Part Two of this story is already waiting. The manhunt, the trial, the lies unraveling in public, and the legal chaos that followed are all available right now on our Patreon. Visit rainydayrabbitholes.com to unlock ad-free episodes, bonus content, and early access to stories that go places polite history refuses to tread.You’ll also find photos, sources, and supplemental material connected to this episode on our website, beautifully designed by Letha Davis of easybrzy.com—because even dark history deserves a good-looking home.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This 5 Minute Friday episode takes one strange headline and follows it all the way to the edge of the map.In 2021, a small coastal town in Japan made international news after using COVID-19 relief funds to build a giant pink squid statue. Critics scoffed. The internet laughed. Headlines spread far beyond the town itself—including this BBC report that first caught our attention:👉 BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56978075But the Squid King didn’t appear out of nowhere.After starting with that headline, we zoom out to explore the remote Noto Peninsula, a rugged corner of Japan shaped by fishing culture, isolation, and a long history of adapting to uncertainty. In places like this, visibility can mean survival—and sometimes that means embracing the absurd.Then, on January 1, 2024, the ground itself shifted. A powerful earthquake struck the peninsula, damaging towns and reshaping coastlines, reminding everyone just how precarious life in this region can be.In our 5 Minute Friday episodes, we share some of our favorite headlines and curious stories from around the world—short listens that spiral into much bigger ideas.Find more episodes, bonus content, and all things Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at:🌧️ https://rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Jody tackles what may be the most unhinged athletic event ever sanctioned by adults with clipboards: the 1904 Olympic Marathon. Held in brutal heat, on dusty roads, with questionable medical advice and competitors who probably should not have been left unattended, this race quickly devolved into a survival experiment disguised as sport.What unfolds is a parade of bad decisions—athletes collapsing, hallucinating, hitching car rides, consuming alarming “performance enhancers,” and redefining what the word marathon was even supposed to mean. Jody walks us through the madness with sharp humor and just enough historical grounding to make the whole thing even funnier. The result is a story that feels less like Olympic glory and more like a cautionary tale about hubris, pseudoscience, and the early 20th century’s extremely loose relationship with safety.It’s history at its most absurd, and proof that sometimes the past doesn’t whisper lessons—it sprints toward you, covered in dust, doing something deeply inadvisable.For more strange history, deep dives, and delightful nonsense, visit our website at Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Podcast: 👉 rainydayrabbitholes.comWant bonus episodes, early access, and extra rabbit holes? You can support the show and unlock more chaos over on Patreon: 👉 patreon.com/rainydayrabbitholesHistory is weird. We intend to keep it that way.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did wealthy Wall Street elites try to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934?In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive into one of the strangest and least-taught chapters in American history: The Business Plot, an alleged fascist coup attempt against FDR during the Great Depression.In 1934, decorated Marine Corps Major General Smedley Darlington Butler—a two-time Medal of Honor recipient and one of the most respected military figures in the country—testified before Congress that powerful businessmen approached him with a shocking proposal. They wanted him to lead 500,000 veterans in a march on Washington, intimidate President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and install a new authoritarian-style government.Yes. In the United States. During the 1930s.The alleged conspirators were connected to major financial and industrial interests, including Wall Street power players and members of the American Liberty League. Butler claimed the plan involved replacing democratic authority with a “Secretary of General Affairs”—a role that functioned suspiciously like a dictator. The proposed justification? That FDR was too weak and too radical to govern.The House McCormack–Dickstein Committee investigated. They confirmed that discussions of such a plot had taken place. And yet—no one was prosecuted. Major newspapers dismissed the story as a hoax. The headlines faded. The plot slipped into obscurity.Why isn’t this taught in most history classes?Who benefited from burying it?And what does this moment reveal about the tension between corporate power and democracy in America?We explore:The economic chaos of the Great DepressionThe rise of fascist movements globally in the 1930sButler’s explosive testimonyThe media responseAnd why this story still echoes todayHistory is messy. Sometimes it’s buried on purpose.For photos, sources, and more unhinged deep dives into politics, culture, and the strange corners of American history, visit https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.comOur beautiful website was created by Letha Davis of https://www.easybrzy.com. If you love how our site looks and functions, Letha can build one for you too.Join us, stay curious, and let’s keep digging.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bonus Sample from our Patreon Bonus Episode!Today, Shea brings you the history of the Nakasendo trail, a 400 year old road that stretches from Kyoto to Tokyo. Sections of this trail, and the towns that were built up along it to provide services to the feudal lords and samurai who used it, are perfectly preserved. Hiking through Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku is like time travel. In this episode, walk along with Shea as she and her brother hike over 13 miles through bamboo forests along the iconic Nakasendo trail.If you want to hear how it ends, head on over to rainydayrabbitholes.com to check out our Patreon! For just $5 per month you get bonus content, ad-free and early episodes, and so much more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arizona is known for deserts, dust, and dramatic sunsets—not naval warfare. And yet, in 1934, the state of Arizona very briefly assembled an honest-to-God navy and aimed it straight at California. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive into one of the strangest interstate standoffs in U.S. history, where water rights, political grudges, and pure stubbornness collided on the Colorado River.At the center of the chaos is Parker Dam, a massive federal project straddling the Arizona–California border, and a decades-long fight over who gets to control the river that keeps the Southwest alive. When Arizona decided California had gone too far, the governor responded with troops, martial law, and commandeered ferry boats. Yes—ferry boats. Thus, the Arizona Navy was born.Newspapers mocked it. California scoffed. Arizona doubled down. For 48 unforgettable hours, a landlocked state patrolled the river with armed guards and a newly appointed admiral, proving once and for all that when it comes to water, Arizona does not play nice. The outcome was short-lived, deeply ironic, and somehow still echoing into modern water politics.This episode is a perfect snapshot of unhinged history: equal parts political drama, regional rivalry, and “wait…that really happened?” If you like stories where reality outdoes satire, you’re in the right rabbit hole.For more episodes, photos, and sources, visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.Want ad-free listening and bonus content? Support the show on Patreon at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.Huge thanks to Letha Davis for building our beautiful website. If you love how Rainy Day Rabbit Holes looks online, you can have your own site built by Letha at www.easybrzy.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Step into one of the most jaw‑dropping survival stories in American history — a tale so wild that even The Revenant barely scratched the surface. In this episode, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes unpacks the chaotic, violent, and strangely cinematic life of Hugh Glass: sailor, pirate captive, adopted Pawnee tribesman, frontier scout, and the man who simply refused to die.Before Glass ever met the grizzly that made him famous, he’d already survived pirate raids, shark‑infested waters, and a ceremonial execution that claimed the life of his companion. But nothing compares to what happened next: a brutal bear attack, a desperate betrayal, and a crawl across hundreds of miles of unforgiving wilderness with nothing but a bear hide and sheer spite to keep him alive.We explore the messy historical record, the tall tales Glass told about himself, and the parts of his story that are so extreme they feel like folklore. If you think you know the Hugh Glass story because you’ve seen the movie — think again. This is the unfiltered, unhinged version.Perfect for fans of frontier history, survival epics, pirate lore, and the kind of stories that make you say, “There’s no way that actually happened”… except it did.Check out our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com for episode guides, sources, and more. Want more Unhinged History? Join us on Patreon for ad‑free and early episodes, plus bonus content you won’t hear anywhere else. Big thanks to Letha Davis at easybrzy.com for our beautiful website. Proud member of MSW Media.Chapters00:00 The Grizzly Bear Encounter02:13 Hugh Glass: The Man Behind the Legend12:52 Survival Skills and the Pawnee Tribe24:04 The Bear Attack: A Fight for Life35:12 The Quest for Revenge41:23 The Real Story vs. Hollywood's AdaptationSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A truly crappy way to go.Today, enjoy this bonus sample from our most recent Patreon bonus episode about the Erfurt Latrine Disaster-a high‑stakes medieval gathering goes disastrously wrong in one of the most infamous mishaps you’ve probably never heard of. This bonus episode unpacks the political tensions, the crowded venue, and the chain of decisions that set the stage for a catastrophe so bizarre it’s echoed through history.If you are dying to hear the rest of the episode, head on over to our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com and join our Patreon! For just $5 per month you get bonus episodes, ad-free and early episodes, and more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Proud members of the MSW Media NetworkLast week, we revisited one of our biggest episodes ever: How the West Was Stolen — The Oregon Land Fraud King, our 2024 deep dive into the Oregon Land Frauds featuring Allison Gill (The Daily Beans) and Shea’s brother Jason. If you want the full “how the scheme worked” breakdown — the dummy entrymen, the timber grabs, the scale of the theft — go listen to that episode first. It’s the foundation. But you can still enjoy this week's episode even if you missed last week.Because this week… we’re zooming in on the slipperiest character orbiting the whole mess: U.S. Senator John H. Mitchell.John H. Mitchell was the kind of politician who didn’t just survive scandal — he collected it. Name changes, personal controversy, corruption accusations, railroad money, political sabotage, courtroom drama… and through it all, he kept finding his way back into power. Not once. Not twice. Four terms.In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes you through Mitchell’s entire chaotic arc — from early reinvention and reputation-building, to the legal landmark case Pennoyer v. Neff, to the factional warfare of Oregon politics, all the way to the moment the federal government finally stopped looking the other way.And as we join the MSW Media Network, this story feels like a perfect kickoff for the next era of the show — because if you’ve ever looked at modern political headlines and thought, “Wait… how is this allowed?” — you’re going to feel extremely at home here.🎧 In this episode:John H. Mitchell’s rise from reinvention to influenceThe Pennoyer v. Neff case and what it reveals about his methodsThe 1866 “bolting caucus” and Oregon’s political chaosBribery accusations and the shadow of railroad powerDeadlocked legislatures, backroom deals, and a Senate seat held hostageThe Oregon Land Fraud fallout… and the scandal that finally stuckIf last week was the crime, this week is the politician who kept skating past it — until he couldn’t.🎙️ Rainy Day Rabbit Holes — unhinged history, corruption, and the uncomfortable reminder that some things never change… especially in politics.Listen + links: rainydayrabbitholes.com Bonus + ad-free: Patreon (links at website) Watch on YouTube + follow on socials: @RainyDayRabbitHolesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Special Guest Allison Gill of the Daily Beans, Unjustified, Cleanup on Aisle 45, and founder of MSW Media!This week, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is going full “wild west,” with a scandal that spans four decades, features millionaire tycoons, U.S. senators, railroad barons, and—because history is never normal—a belly dancer called “Little Egypt.”Shea takes us deep into the late-1800s timber boom, where public land laws like the Homestead Act and the Timber & Stone Act were exploited so thoroughly that the “American Dream” basically became: “steal from the government, call it business.”Joining Shea and Jody for this chaos is special guest Allison Gill—host of The Daily Beans and the head of MSW Media—who brings her trademark sharp political insight (plus swearing, jokes, and the occasional Eddie Izzard reference) to a scandal where everyone involved is conveniently already dead.And big news: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has officially joined Allison’s network, MSW Media! We’re beyond excited to be part of the MSW Media family and can’t wait to share even more weird, messy, unhinged history with an even bigger community of listeners.If you’ve ever wondered how people pulled off land fraud before the internet (or indoor plumbing), buckle up: this episode has bribes, fake homesteads, corrupt officials, and indictments by the thousand.Check out the rest of our episodes and our bonus content available on Patreon! Head on over to www.rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How One Man Drowned San Diego.What if someone promised to make it rain—and you believed them?In the early 1900s, Charles Hatfield went from selling sewing machines door to door to pitching American cities on an impossible idea: that he could manufacture rainfall using a secret chemical process. Farmers hired him. Towns paid him. And rain seemed to follow wherever he went.Then San Diego made a deal.Facing an extreme drought and mounting pressure as it prepared for a major world exposition, city leaders took a gamble on Hatfield’s “no rain, no pay” promise. What followed was not relief—but chaos. Rain fell. Then more rain. Then flooding, collapsing infrastructure, and a disaster that would permanently change the city.In this episode, Jody walks Shea through:How Hatfield built his reputation as The RainmakerWhy early 20th-century America was primed to believe himThe thin line between innovation, coincidence, and catastropheAnd the legal and moral fallout that lasted more than 20 yearsDid Hatfield actually make it rain?Or was he simply very good at predicting when nature was already about to unleash itself?The answer isn’t as simple—or as comforting—as you might think.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we have a huge announcement! Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has joined the MSW Media Network! We are so excited for this new partnership. We will continue to bring you all of the juicy and unhinged history that you have grown to love, but now with 25% more politicians behaving badly!Also, if you haven't heard about it yet, we cover the story of the Columbia outdoor wear company offering its assets to anyone who can provide a photo of the edge of the earth. #expeditionimpossiblehttps://youtu.be/JxJOAsTMC6wGo check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com, and check out the other great podcasts at MSW Media! www.mswmedia.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

History is messy. It’s weird, wild, and anything but boring. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a history podcast about unhinged stories that make you stop and ask, wait… is this real life?From crazy disasters and tasty scandals to enlightening and surprisingly heartwarming tales, the show explores moments where people behaved badly—and sometimes beautifully. Expect naughty politicians, cultural chaos, and a deep love for the Pacific Northwest… including Bigfoot.It’s thoughtful, irreverent, occasionally serious, and always entertaining.Go listen now and fall down the rabbit hole.Find Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at rainydayrabbitholes.com or wherever you get your podcasts.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special fan-fiction episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into myth, memory, and maritime magic with a story written especially for beloved Patreon supporter Captain Dan.Set against the storm-soaked docks and taverns of the 19th-century Salish Sea, this tale follows a seasoned ship’s captain whose final voyage brings him face-to-face with Cadborosaurus—the legendary sea serpent said to haunt the waters of Cadboro Bay. What begins as a routine herring run turns into an encounter with something ancient, terrifying, beautiful… and irresistible.Blending historical texture, Pacific Northwest folklore, and unapologetic romantic weirdness, this episode is a love letter to:Old sailors with haunted eyesSea monsters who may not be monsters at allThe pull of the ocean—and what happens when you answer itThis story is inspired by Episode 26, “Release the Kraken: Sea Monsters of the Salish Sea,” and created as a thank-you to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Patreon supporters. It is fan fiction, folklore, and birthday present all rolled into one slightly damp, fish-scented package.🎂 Happy (belated) 70th birthday, Captain Dan.⚓ Some sailors retire. Others sail on forever.If fog rolls in and you hear singing from the harbor… maybe don’t follow it. Or do. Chris Staudinger, sorry we killed you off.If you want your very own piece of bespoke fan fiction, consider signing up for our Patreon! Not only will you get ad-free episodes early, you get bonus content and so much more! Check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎉 This week is a little different—and very special.We’re not bringing you a new historical story in this episode. Instead, we invite you to curl up with us as we look back, laugh, and reflect on the last 100 episodes of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.If you’re in the mood for something story-driven instead, no worries at all—feel free to hop over to our latest fan fiction episode, which is ready and waiting for you. 🐇🎙️ 100 episodes. Somehow.In this milestone episode, Shea and Jody celebrate over two years of podcasting chaos, curiosity, friendship, and forgotten history. What started as a half-formed idea in the Pacific Northwest turned into 100 full episodes, countless rabbit holes, a growing community, and friendships we never expected.This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter—to listeners, collaborators, historians, and each other.🐇 What We Talk About:Why reaching 100 episodes is such a rare podcast milestoneEarly audio struggles, evolving formats, and champagne-fueled recording daysThe episodes that still stick with us (and why)Listener-favorite stories like:Madam MustacheThe Salish Sea Human Foot DiscoveriesThe Traveling Corpse of Elmer McCurdyIshi: The Last Wild IndianSea Monsters of the Salish SeaHow podcasting changed the way we see history—and historiansWhy preserving uncomfortable history mattersMessages and reflections from listeners, friends, and fellow podcastersThe friendships and creative communities that grew out of this show💖 Gratitude & Community:We take time to thank the people who made the last 100 episodes possible—from collaborators and historians to fellow podcasters, Radio Tacoma, behind-the-scenes helpers, and the listeners who stuck with us while we figured things out.🔮 What’s Next:We also share news about an upcoming project, State of Disgrace, where we’ll explore moments in history that echo loudly into the present—starting with McCarthyism, fear politics, and how societies find their way back from the brink.This new show will be more focused and seasonal, but rooted in the same curiosity that drives Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.🥂 Final Thoughts:This episode isn’t about numbers or algorithms. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and building something together.Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just fell down the rabbit hole—thank you for being part of this journey.🕳️ Here’s to 100 more. See you down the rabbit hole.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule? In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave. As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule. If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody wander straight into the delightfully unhinged heart of Japanese folklore, where the landscapes are beautiful, the temples are ancient, and the raccoon dogs have… opinions. And tricks. And extremely versatile anatomy. Fresh off Shea's travels through Nagano, the conversation opens with reflections on Japan’s quiet magic — misty mountains, timeless streets, and the spiritual gravity of places like Zenkoji Temple, where centuries of belief hang in the air like incense smoke. From there, things take a turn. A tanuki-shaped turn. Enter the Tanuki: real animal, legendary menace, folkloric chaos goblin. Known in English as the Japanese raccoon dog, the tanuki occupies a strange and wonderful space where biology collides with myth. Shea and Jody dig into how this very real creature became one of Japan’s most beloved tricksters — a shapeshifter, a prankster, and a master of illusion who delights in confusing humans, impersonating monks, and generally causing low-stakes supernatural nonsense. And then there’s the scrotum. Yes, that scrotum. In tanuki folklore, it’s not just anatomy — it’s a multipurpose magical object capable of stretching, transforming, disguising, and occasionally funding a night out. Shea and Jody unpack how this bizarre detail isn’t just crude humor for humor’s sake, but ties back to real historical practices, particularly Kanazawa’s gold-leaf industry, where tanuki legends became symbols of wealth, flexibility, and good fortune. Folklore, it turns out, is nothing if not practical. Along the way, the episode explores why tanuki statues are everywhere in Japan — outside restaurants, shops, temples, and bars — grinning, wide-eyed, eternally mid-prank. These statues aren’t just cute roadside oddities; they’re cultural shorthand for prosperity, humor, and a reminder not to take life too seriously. Or at least to keep an eye on your wallet when magical animals are nearby. The discussion weaves together travel stories, religious history, art, pop culture, and the enduring appeal of a creature that refuses to behave. From ancient tales to modern anime, the tanuki continues to evolve, shape-shift, and bounce gleefully through Japanese storytelling, dragging its legends — and its lucky bag — right along with it. It’s an episode about Japan’s ability to hold beauty and absurdity in the same breath. About sacred spaces and silly stories. About how folklore survives because it entertains as much as it teaches. And about a mischievous raccoon dog whose legacy proves that sometimes, the weirdest stories are the ones that stick the longest. Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip to Japan plus links to social media and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Looking for a gorgeous SEO optimized website? We owe ours to www.easybrzy.com  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shea is back from her Japan adventure and is bringing you some of Japan's most captivating legends!  Today, not only does Shea share some insights into driving in Japan, Japanese bathing culture, castles as adult museums, and toilets, she brings the tale of one of Japan's most terrifying Yokai and urban legends, Kuchisake-onna or the Slit-Mouthed Woman. Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Make sure to check out our YouTube, subscribe, like our videos, leave a comment! You can follow us on instagram for more photos! All links at our website! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy