South Fellini Presents Legends of Philadelphia

You may have heard this common urban legend that pops up every few years, some celebrity got caught shoving a gerbil up his butt. Or maybe you’ve seen it joked about in a movie or on an episode of South Park. It’s such an outlandish claim that you might’ve even spread this rumor yourself, whether you believed it or not. But where did this disturbing idea come from? Today we explore the philadelphia origins of gerbiling.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: http://Spotify.com/southfelliniYouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Holmesburg Prison, nicknamed "The Terrordome," was a prison operated by the city of Philadelphia from 1896 to 1995. It was always a tough place but most controversially it was the site of a decades-long dermatological, pharmaceutical, and biochemical weapons research project tested on inmates. For over 20 years, Dr. Albert Kligman profited from experiments on incarcerated men at Holmesburg and has never faced the consequences of the harm he caused.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The drama surrounding Larry Mendte and Alycia Lane was a mix of personal vendettas, professional rivalries, and legal issues that led to both losing their jobs at KYW-TV and tarnished their careers. The scandal became infamous as an example of how behind-the-scenes conflicts and personal disputes can go public. And what can happen when the media becomes the story.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Gary Michael Heidnik kidnapped, tortured, and raped six women, murdering two of them, while holding them captive in his philadelphia basement. His heinous crimes were so infamous that Heidnik has gone on to provide inspiration for several hollywood serial killers including the "Buffalo Bill" character from Silence of the Lambs. In this case truth is stranger than fiction.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: http://Spotify.com/southfelliniYouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The mummers is a new years parade tradition featuring the crossdressing antics of blue collar drunkards with a reputation for being debaucherous and crude. But no one could imagine that hidden inside of the modest 2nd street clubhouses was an eyes-wide-shut free-for-all orgy where dozens of men ate, drank, and had sex with prostitutes in full view of their ostrich feathered bandmates. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

In January of 2014 complaints started to pour into police from the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Over the course of several weeks, dozens of women had been sexually harassed by an unidentified man. He would drive up to the victims and ask if they'd like to be paid to watch him rub the cheese on his genitals. He would then place the cheese on his exposed crotch. One of his victims, snapped a photo of the bald man in a blue shirt, suggestively wiggling a slice of swiss cheese. And so began the legend of the Swiss Cheese Pervert.Welcome to Legends of Philadelphia: After Dark. Some of the topics discussed in this podcast could be disturbing. This was our patreon exclusive podcast. But it's a year later so we're sharing the back catalog with you.Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: http://Spotify.com/southfelliniYouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Welcome to Dungeons & Dickheads, a game of swords and sorcery. Allow me to transport you to a fantasy world where the modern and medieval merge. Behold, The kingdom of Fable-delphia, a 21st century city populated by goblins, orks, dragons, and druids. You may recognize some of the names and places but this is a strange land and anything you can imagine might exist... depending on the roll of a dice.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Welcome to Dungeons & Dickheads, a game of swords and sorcery. Allow me to transport you to a fantasy world where the modern and medieval merge. Behold, The kingdom of Fable-delphia, a 21st century city populated by goblins, orks, dragons, and druids. You may recognize some of the names and places but this is a strange land and anything you can imagine might exist... depending on the roll of a dice.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Greeting, fair travelers! Allow me to transport you to a fantasy world where the modern and medieval merge. Behold, The kingdom of Fable-delphia, a 21st century city populated by goblins, orks, dragons, and druids. You may recognize some of the names and places but this is a strange land and anything you can imagine might exist... depending on the roll of a dice.This is a free-bee release from our Patreon. If you dig this adventure and you want to see more, the second episode is live behind the $5 pay wall. The epic concludes next week in time for Halloween.Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniListen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624CONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our last free episode of 2024 so we’re taking a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next. ***Quick announcement… This will be the last regular episode of Legends of Philadelphia this year. We’re going to be making more content but it’s going to live behind the $5 paywall on our Patreon. In the next couple of weeks we’ll be dropping New Legends after Dark Episodes on Gary Hednick interior decorations, Jerry Pennicole’s Butt Gerbil, Uncle Eddie’s pizza boxes, and Larry Mente the email hacker. All of those topics would get us in trouble on iTunes or YouTube. But everyone loved the Swiss Cheese Bandit episode that’s up on the Patreon now. So. we’re working blue. We’re also going to be launching our food tasting show “Jeet Yet?” on the Patreon. We’ll be doing birch beer blind taste tests, comparing Herr’s vs Utz Chips, and we’re gonna eat snapper soup…pluck a turtle outta the schuylkill and boil it up. Allllll of that plus, behind the scenes artwork, printmaking process videos, more danny dejewski hot takes, and tony trov’s curated philly vibes playlists. Lot’s of weekly content for just $5 a month. But don’t worry, we’ll be back with the free stuff after christmas when things slow down. We really love and appreciate all of the support everyone listening shares with us. It’s just a whole lot of work to make it happen..*** Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Nepo Babies have been a popular topic of discussion in the last few years. It’s no surprise that having wealthy, famous, or connected parents will set you ahead of the competition. But not every Don Johnson does a Dakota Joshnon make. What if your mom or dad were ONLY famous in philadelphia? Does that help or hurt your chances at success? Today we want to take a look at three Hollywood celebrities with famous Philadelphian parentage; David Boreanaz, Tim McGraw, and Kevin Bacon. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Philadelphia Bible Riots were a series of deadly conflicts that took place between May and July, 1844. Anti-Catholic mobs, angered by the growing population of Irish immigrants, attacked churches in Kensington and Southwark. The Nativist violence did not solve their problems and instead gave rise to the Gangs of Philadelphia. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Berenstain Bears is a children's literature franchise created by Phillly natives Stan and Jan Berenstain. Many people incorrectly remember the name of the series as the "Berenstein Bears". The controversy surrounding The Berenstain Bears’ name has been regularly cited as an example of the “Mandela Effect,” named after the idea that many people specifically remember South African President Nelson Mandela passing away in prison, while the public record has him surviving for many years longer. This confusion has generated multiple explanations including an unannounced name change, time travel, parallel universes, supernatural forces or conspiracy theories. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss cherish childhood summer time memories that turned out to be traumatic. This episode includes directions to the hidden public pools on 9th street and instructions on opening the fire hydrant, to play under the plug. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Mütter Museum is America’s finest collection of preserved anatomical models, biological specimens, and medical instruments. Visitors to the 19th-century style “cabinet museum” are invited to explore the mysteries and adaptability of the human body. So Dust off your bone saw and join us as we explore the antique medicine of the mutter museum. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss higher education at Temple University. This episode includes the secrets to the best food trucks, weirdest buildings, and how to have the worst orientation. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Philly is known for its unique slang, simple words and phrases that contain a multitude of deeper meanings. For example; “Gotta tap MAC” is a common refrain among Philadelphians looking to grab some quick cash. But what is a MAC machine? and where did they all go? Today we want to withdraw some knowledge on Philadelphia’s iconic ATM. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, recount the early days of Philadelphia Wizard World; an annual comic book convention. Strap on your cape and take off for adventure with Stan Lee, Ernie Hudson, and Batman. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

In the distant past, Philadelphia streets were packed with hundreds of shops each serving a very specific purpose. But at the dawn of the 1980s someone had the brilliant idea to jam all of those stores into one, slightly inconvenient location. These malls became iconic to American culture replete with rainforest atriums, asymmetrical fountains, and endless tracts of kiosks. Unfortunately this retail utopia could not last forever. So, today we’d like to visit several dead malls of Philadelphia; Franklin Mills, Granite Run, and The Gallery. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss their personal experiences on Philadelphia transit as life long SEPTA riders. All aboard for inconvenient service, weird passengers, and a unidentifiable smells. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Liberty Bell has taken some hits over the years. She's gotten pretty banged up since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join the South Fellini squad as they go down the list of indignities the grand ol' bell has had to endure, including the unsanctioned April 6, 2001 hammering that made touching the Liberty Bell illegal. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, wax nostalgically about the notorious Philly multiplex, United Artist's River View Theater. Sticky floors, busted projectors, and violent audiences; this is peak kino. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

In 1995, the New Jersey State Commission on Investigation issued a report saying that Jerry Blavat, the self-proclaimed geator with a heater, once asked mobsters to kill his friend and rival DJ; Hy Lit. The revelations rocked the Philadelphia broadcast community, dividing loyalties, and forcing industry professionals to choose sides. Listen to the South Fellini squad discuss the lurid scandal that culminated in a face to face meeting, where Hy Lit confronted Jerry Blavat about the deadly allegations on live television, Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, share their memories of working at City Hall in Philly. They dish on Milton Street, Richie Sambora, and the X Games. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Walter Jackson Freeman II was a Philadelphia physician who wanted to simplify lobotomies and make them accessible to everyone. Freeman invented a transorbital lobotomy procedure, otherwise known as the ice-pick technique, and took his show on the road. Freeman traveled across the country, performing brain surgery door-to-door in his lobotomy-mobile. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, share their memories of growing up as altar boys in Philly. Hear their takes on mean priests, angry nuns, and silly saints.Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFelliniCONNECTShop: http://southfellini.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/southfelliniSpotify: http://Spotify.com/southfelliniYouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFelliniPatreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We're back, Baby! The South Fellini crew returns after a year long hiatus to give their reactions to the year that was 2023. Hear Bierman speak of his travels to Toronto. Salivate over Trov's food recommendations. And delight in Zito's giggle fits. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We're coming back to the podcast, now with a video component. If you were a fan of Legends of Philadelphia, then we've got good news. We're bringing back the weekly content. Bierman will return for new episodes of Legends. Trov & Zito will be talking about the 'ol days in South Philly. And we hope to have some special guests come down to our homegrown studio space to talk about the City of Brotherly Love.

We're coming back to the podcast, now with a video component. If you were a fan of Legends of Philadelphia, then we've got good news. We're bringing back the weekly content. Bierman will be back for new episodes of Legends. Trov & Zito will be talking about the 'ol days in South Philly. And we hope to have some special guests come down to our homegrown studio space to talk about the City of Brotherly Love. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We're going out for cigarettes. Be back soon.

Philadelphia is known as the original home of American Bandstand. But Dick Clark packed his bags and skipped town as fast as he could. For years, dancing was dead in the city of brotherly love. That is until the debut of the area's longest running reality tv show in Philly history. Join us as we strut our stuff with Madonna, Fresh Prince, The New Kids, and all the beautiful people at Dancin’ On Air.

Long before the cola wars fought for domination over the taste buds of American youth, local brands dominated the refrigerators of families in the Delaware Valley.  Coke and Pepsi took a back seat to a hometown favorite.  But you would only know that if you lived within a 50 mile radius of Philadelphia City Hall. Join us as we crack open a can of Frank’s Soda.

Back in the 90s, it seemed like every block had at least one person with an illegal cable connection that granted them access to Pay Per View events, premium content and adult movies. These devices were known as “hot boxes” most everywhere else in the United States. But in Philadelphia, we called it “the chip” and it was the worst kept secret in the city. Join us as we go channel surfing on Philly’s illegal airwaves.

In the sleepy town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania an annual meteorological event gathers thousands from around the world. In the wooded hills of this forest town lives Phil the Groundhog, a magical creature with the ability to affect the changing of the seasons. Should Phil NOT see his shadow, winter will end early; crops will flourish and the people will prosper. However, if the fuzzy little beast does see his shadow, then the world is plunged into six extra weeks of cold, desolate winter. Today we examine the importance of groundhogs day.

DisneyQuest was a chain of indoor interactive theme parks in the late ’90s. Disney execs intended to build them in cities across the U.S. but the planned Philadelphia site never materialized. Instead we were left a giant hole, one square block in size, two stories deep. Join us as we explore the hidden levels of The Disney Hole.

This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. And it has been a while since our last E&O so we have a lot of stuff to get through. Join us as we dig through the last twenty-ish episodes and talk about what’s next.

On April 28, 1978, David Bowie performed the first date of a two night stand in Philadelphia, which formed the bulk of his second live album. “Stage” was recorded on the Isolar II Tour and released through RCA Records in 1978. Join us as we listen to David Bowie, live at the Spectrum.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (better known by its acronym SEPTA) is a regional public transportation authority that services nearly four million people in five counties in and around Philadelphia. SEPTA has often struggled with management issues, employee morale, strikes, aging equipment, inadequate funding and poor public relations, though it remains the fifth largest transit system in the United States. Join us as we ride the rails in Philadelphia.

Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden that consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in the Brandywine Creek Valley. It is open year-round for visitors to enjoy horticulture and seasonal-themed attractions. Most notable of these events are the Christmas celebrations, which include festive trees draped in gilded garland. But what award did these lush greens win in 2014? The answer may surprise you. Join us today as we take a walk through Longwood Gardens.

The lighting of the ceremonial Christmas tree is now such a regular occurrence that we hardly take notice every year as another fully decorated tree shows up at City Hall or the Passyunk fountain. But public pines weren’t always the norm, the tradition only kicked off in major cities about 110 years ago. So join us as we festoon Philly’s first festive fir of failure.

During the holiday season of 2017, Mark D'Amico and Kate McClure started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt. The campaign went viral and captured the hearts of 14,000 people worldwide. Together they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Johnny, but when a team of journalists and authorities took a closer look, they discovered a GoFundMe Holiday Heist.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Temple University Concert choir made a Christmas album together in 1962. Conducted by Eugene Ormandy, this record sold more than a million copies that season, going on to become "the fastest-selling classical set in history," according to the Record Industry Association of America. This collection continues to sell well and receives regular airplay to this day. So join us as we listen to The Glorious Sound of Christmas.

The Bounty Bowl was a notorious NFL game held on Thanksgiving 1989, between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. The game is infamous for allegations that the Eagles coaching staff issued a $200 bounty on Dallas Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas, who was cut by Philadelphia earlier that season. So, join us as we put the hurt on The Bounty Bowl and the game that took the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry to a whole new level.

(Note: This episode was recorded before the Phillies lost the World Series. Sorry we jinxed them.) In 2008, the Phillies won the World Series, breaking a 28-year dry spell. The sudden release of all that tension threatened to tear the city apart. Luckily, all of that energy was properly channeled into the biggest Halloween party in history. Boot and rally, we’re talking about the 2008 World Series victory and the epic celebrations that followed.

The Phillies are in the World Series and you know what that means... City workers must grease the telephone poles on Broad Street. This is to deter revelers from climbing above cheering crowds to chug beers. You might think this solution was born of necessity. However, climbing greased poles began centuries ago and has been a decades long tradition in Philadelphia. Join us as we explore the history of lubricated logs.

On April 21, 1865, a train carrying the body of Abraham Lincoln left Washington for a 180-city, seven-state journey of more than 1,600 miles. The route would end in Illinois but its first stop would be in Philadelphia. Join us as we dig up the dirt on Abe Lincoln's ghoulish tour of Philadelphia.

A cryptid is an animal that has been claimed to exist but has never been proven to exist. Every state in the union has their very own legendary creatures that roam nearby dark forests and murky lakes. The Keystone State is home to our very own Bigfoot, Loch Ness, and chupacabra. Join us as we journey into deepest darkest Pennsylvania.

All over the city, you’ll find dozens of funeral homes buried in every neighborhood. Further South, the collection of mortuaries grows even more dense. It’s not something you might have noticed if you grew up here. However, we’ve often been asked by new Philadelphians, why are there so many undertakers on Broad Street? So join us as we investigate eternal mysteries in South Philly’s Dead Zone.

Every culture has superstitions they believe in and the Italians have many. In their culture, the most common superstition is the Malocchio, or the Evil Eye. Italians believe that if someone stares at you with jealousy or envy or evil intent, you will be cursed to have bad luck or misfortune. So join us for our first Halloween episode of the season as we fight the devil with ancient Sicilian magic.

Some 300 years ago, Blackbeard and other pirates terrorized Philadelphia. Still, the Quaker colony was sympathetic to the seafaring marauders. Pirates during the early 19th century, just as today, were often considered romantic heroes in the public eye. Philadelphia was a hotbed for pirates in its early years, when some of the most notorious pirates freely roamed city streets. And tales of buried treasure quickly became part of local legend.