PODCAST · true crime
Spectral
by Spectral
Welcome to Spectral, your portal to the unexplained, the paranormal, and the very scary. Join us on a journey beyond the realms of the ordinary with a little bit of skepticism and humor. Ready to dive into the mysteries of the universe with us?
Episodes
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The Fresno Night Crawler
Tonight, we’re talking about a different set of Long Legs–these are ghostly white, and shies away from the spotlight. She’s THE Fresno Nightcrawler! This modern cryptid is unique in its appearance, how it walks, and how it… oinks? Listen in as we discuss recent on-camera sightings of the Fresno...
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The Beldam of Coraline
The Beldam lures you in with dreamy illusions and sweet offerings, disguising her true form until you’re in her trap. There are many similarities between the spindly monster and a popular clique in folklore. Your hosts believe the origin of this shapeshifting baddie, seen in Coraline’s Other...
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The Curse of Speedway Part III
We’re officially raising the checkered flag on our look into the curse of Speedway, Indiana. Our last two tragedies include the Indiana state fair grounds, Sugarland, someone with a gross but fitting last name, and a whole lotta anger. We’ll wrap up our discussion with dishonorable mentions and...
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The Curse of Speedway Pt 2 & The Burger Chef Murders
The curse of Speedway, part 2 brings us the infamous (and still unsolved!) Burger Chef murders, an avoidable jet crash, way too many serial killers with nearly identical names, and one of the most horrific crimes in Indianapolis. And, surprise! We’ve got our first 3-parter, so we’ll wrap up our...
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Mini Tale: A Christmas Ghost Story
It’s the most wonderful time of the year...with scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago… Grab some spiked nog, prepare for the veil to thin, and join us for a Christmas ghost story. Happy holidays! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram…
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The Curse of Speedway Indiana
What if specific areas, neighborhoods, or towns were more susceptible to tragedies? This seems to be the case for a 125 square mile area near Speedway, Indiana. This little area has experienced way too many once-in-a-lifetime events, and we can’t help but ask ourselves why. Tune in with us as we...
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The Carbondale UFO Event
1974 saw the Watergate scandal, the invention of post-its, and a top-secret UFO event? Life in small town Carbondale, PA was disrupted one November night after residents reported seeing something streak across the sky and land into a silt pond behind a local park. After days of military presence,...
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Real Life Horror Movies
Imagine if the scariest movie you’ve ever seen was based on a true story. Well, it just might be! We’re going over some horror classics, plus some scary movies we had never heard of, to tell you the true story that inspired it all. From young men having nightmares so bad they die in their sleep…
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Mini Tale: Dummy Supper
Have you ever eaten a fancy dinner in an environment SO silent it was…magic? Nah, we haven’t either. But what if it was also possible to reconnect with a dead loved one with this Silent Magic? And also maybe, find a husband?? You should host your own Dumb Supper! Tune in for our step by step…
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Meet Your Hosts!
Welcome to the seance! Join us in calling on the spirits as we, your dutiful spectral hosts, answer questions from beyond. You’ll learn about our spooky influences, unlikely events in the woods, and the scariest thing that’s ever happened to us. Answer along with us if the spirits make you feel…
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Halloween Superstitions
We’re still just a little stitious… Now that Halloween is officially this week, we’re dropping our favorite superstitions, from what fruit to avoid to handling spectral sightings, to prepare you as the veil thins. Good luck, babe! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram &...
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Mini Tale: Kobe Cannibal
1981 included the launch of MTV, Diana becoming a princess, and… a cannibal attack? Born in Japan, Issei Sagawa’s obsession with human flesh began in elementary school. This vile obsession overcame him until he did the unthinkable in Paris, France. Though the entire episode will have you on the...
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Frankenstein Friday
It’s (a)live! Happy Frankenstein Friday and the 7th night of our 13 nights of Halloween! Mary Shelley’s creation has inspired countless recreations and homages, so we’re cranking up the time machine to celebrate the queen of horror. Tune in for Frankenstein fun facts, details about the night that...
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Movie Review: Barbarian
Welcome to our first movie review! When Tess shows up to her double booked rental home, she has no idea what terrifying secret hides beneath her feet. Barbarian, full of red flags, makes you question, “who really is the villain here?” Let us know your thoughts about the movie but remember: don’t...
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Bonus Content: Outtakes & Bloopers
Here come the bloops! We’ve compiled a series of never-before-heard bloopers and outtakes. Think of it as a little vibe refresh after you binged some of our horror recommendations. What’s Halloween without a few jokes? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads...
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Horror Book & TV Show Recommendations
Time to show the books and TV shows the respect they deserve. From the scariest book we’ve ever read to fangirling over Guillermo del Toro’s art, you won’t want to miss this second installment. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want...
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Horror Movie Recommendations
If you’re looking for some terrifying Halloween movies for the tailend of October, we’ve got you! From our favorite found footage movies, the most badass final girl, to finally admitting which movies made us fear the dark for 8+ years (though we all can guess which host this applies to), these...
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Mini Tale: Mummies of Guanajuato
Welcome to Guanajuato, Mexico! Our beautiful city can offer you traditional Spanish architecture, streets of brightly colored homes, and a collection of 100+ naturally preserved mummies found in our Museo de las Momias. A result of an unjust burial tax, these mummies were totally exempt from...
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Mini Tale: Le Loyon "The Ghost of Maules"
Imagine taking a peaceful walk in the Friborg forest in Switzerland. It’s a beautiful day and you stumble upon a clearing– when you notice a 6 ft figure, picking flowers…in a gas mask. Le Loyon has entered the chat! A mysterious figure outside of the village of Maules, Le Loyon’s presence…
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Urban Legends Vol 2: Northwest Edition
It’s hoa hoa hoa season–so we’re going to Washington…and Montana…and Wyoming…and…the whole Northwest region for our second installment of Urban Legends. Northwestern U.S. is known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and its own personal brand of urban legends. In this episode, we’ll hang...
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Robert The Doll
Meet Robert the Doll. A permanent resident of Florida, Robert has spent over 120 years moving around houses by himself, changing his facial expressions, suddenly appearing in rooms, and cursing those who photograph him without asking for his permission. Though Robert now lives in a Key West…
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Classifying Alien Encounters
Beam us up! We’re getting otherworldly and taking you through the five kinds of alien encounters. These range from skeptical “did I just see that?” UFO sightings to crash landings in Las Vegas to the frightening side effect some abductees claim to experience after repeated alien contact. And if…
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Sea Monsters? Do You Mean Globsters?
Over 80% of the ocean is still unexplored and shrouded in mystery. But that doesn’t exactly include what washes ashore. Today, we’re diving into the phenomenon known as “globsters” - when unidentifiable organic masses wash up on beaches, stumping locals and scientists alike. Sometimes these can…
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Lake Lanier
Welcome to Lake Lanier! Georgia’s stunning and picturesque waters, gorgeous treelines, and pristine beaches offer you and your family endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and accidentally encountering underwater apparitions. Explore scenic trails, lakeside dining, and the entire town that...
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Mini Tale: Sogen Kato
At the age of 111, Sogen Kato was about to be crowned “Tokyo’s oldest living man” and celebrated during Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day. But when Sogen’s family wouldn’t allow city officials to speak with him, suspicions were at an all-time high. During a wellness check, officials found that…
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Paranormal Stories
We fell down the Reddit rabbit hole to bring you a mix of stories ranging from strange to downright frightening. We have ghost pets, disappearing people, and an entirely empty movie theater...? We share our theories about what could be at play with each story, we'd love to hear your take on…
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Mini Tale: The Soul Trap Theory
We’ve all seen it in movies and TV shows, someone is near death and someone screams, “Don’t go towards the light!” But what if we should never go into the light after we die…? We’re discussing the Soul Trap Theory in this mini tale, where we’ll be second-guessing who exactly is behind “the light”...
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Haunted Paintings
For this week’s episode, we’re trading our mics for easels and diving into the world of haunted paintings. We’ve curated a collection so deadly it includes: a rendition of polar bears that reportedly drove a university student to take their own life, subjects within a painting disappearing, a...
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Unsettling Songs Countdown
Welcome to Spectral’s Top 10, where we bring you the most unsettling, creepy songs the music industry has to offer. We’ve got a great set list for you this evening, ranging from songs fueled by ghostly encounters to love songs between the live and the decomposed. And don’t miss Alexis sharing the...
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Conspiracies of Denver's International Airport
Denver’s International Airport has been the center of SO many conspiracy theories. After opening behind schedule in 1995, the airport has garnered suspicions from locals since day 1, and the theories of what’s hidden in Denver’s walls have only gotten crazier. From secret societies to haunted…
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Lore of the Banshee
We’re traveling to the misty hills of Ireland and diving into the commonly misunderstood Celtic lore of banshees, including a couple firsthand experiences. The banshee’s mournful cry and sometimes ominous presence can haunt you, protect you, or warn you. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and...
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The Cecil Hotel
What do serial killers, the Black Dahlia, and low water pressure have in common? The Cecil Hotel. We’re taking our first deep dive into true crime with the tragedies surrounding the Cecil Hotel, and it’s gnarly. The Cecil is infamous for being a lawless, dark place, so we’re going decade by…
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The 27 Club
In numerology, 27 means reassurance and renewal. But among young artists, 27 can be a milestone age. We’re covering the 27 Club, a group full of talent whose lives were cut way too short. Is the 27 Club a curse? Could there be something more sinister at play, like… a deal with the devil? Tune in…
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The Curse of King Tut Part 2
We're back to tell you all about the slew of strange misfortunes that occurred after the unsealing of King Tut’s tomb: including inexplicable fires, illnesses, and death that plagued some of the tomb’s excavators, early visitors, and morbid collectors. Were all the unfortunate happenings a result...
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The Curse of King Tut Part 1
The discovery of King Tut’s virtually untouched tomb took the world by storm in 1922. In part 1, we’re covering the Boy-King’s rule and untimely death, the discovery of his tomb, and what exactly set off the idea of a “Pharoah’s curse”. On top of everything, we must wonder...was the bean-water...
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Mini Tale: Yellowstone's Zone of Death
Is there an area of Yellowstone National Park where you can get away with murder? We’re covering the infamous, and slightly terrifying, Zone of Death in Yellowstone National Park. Though it would be cute to see a jury of woodland creatures, don’t explore this area with your enemies. Available on...
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The Haunted Macdonald & Banff Hotels
Oh, Canada! We’re visiting our neighbors to the north and covering two of Canada’s most haunted hotels. These historic hotels are set among some of Canada’s most picturesque backgrounds, but don’t let that fool you. From ghostly stories of a burning bride, a room so haunted it needed to be…
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Eastern State Penitentiary
Ever wonder what’s behind the walls of Eastern State Penitentiary? The United States’ oldest and arguably most infamous prison has a macabre history, notorious inmates, and a supernatural presence felt by many brave tour goers. Listen closely as we discuss the origins of Eastern State, its...
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The Snowman Ritual
Happy Holidays! This year, we’re celebrating with a collection of scary short stories. Tune in to hear about phantom rest stops, spirits that returned from the dead, and the terrifying Snowman Ritual. The most important question remains: Is an olive a fruit? Whatever you celebrate, we hope you…
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Mini Tale: "Pep" the Infamous Canine Inmate
Introducing Pep, the well-known (& loved) canine inmate at Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary. Though initially introduced as a felon, Pep quickly became a source of joy for Eastern State’s prisoners and staff. Stay tuned as Spectral will take a deep-dive into the history and ghost stories...
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Flight AA191
On May 25, 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 took off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport with the intent of traveling to LAX. But only 31 seconds after takeoff, the flight crashed into a nearby field. This tragedy has led to strange occurrences: reports of nervous passengers haunting the surrounding...
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Mini Tale: "Monday's Child"
What does the day of the week say about you? We’re discussing the influence the planets have on the day of the week you were born and how they can affect personalities. This phenomenon, like astrology, is recognized in several different cultures and traces all the way back to the Babylonians and...
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The Popobawa A.K.A. The Night Demon of Tanzania
Starting in 1965, residents of Tanzania and Zanzibar reported being attacked and haunted by a mysterious bat-winged figure. The demonic spirit was soon named the Popobawa, winged-bat in Swahili, to describe what its victims saw before they were attacked. The Popobawa has deep cultural, societal,...
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Urban Legends: Classics Edition
Whether they’re based in fact or fiction, we’ve all been haunted by terrifying urban legends. In Spectral’s first volume of Urban Legends, we’re covering some classics like why you should always check your backseat or never flash your headlights. Most importantly, never go parking at a Lover's…
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Mini Tale: The Max Headroom Hack
BREAKING NEWS: We interrupt this broadcast to inform you of a masked-man who was able to hack news channel frequencies and is still at large! We’re delving into chaos and covering the odd Max Headroom Hack from 1987--when an unexpected signal disruption rocked Chicago twice in one night. A…
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James Dean & The Curse of Little Bastard
We’re transporting you to Hollywood’s Golden Age where stars had glitz, glamor, and… car racing? Let’s dive into the life and legacy of star James Dean before his tragic and untimely death. Right as his career would take off, James Dean crashed his Porsche Spyder aptly named “Little Bastard” and...
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Quarantine Station
Let’s take a ghost tour in Sydney's most haunted location, a popular Australian immigration port for almost 150 years, known as Quarantine Station. Zinc sulfate gas chambers, acid showers, and crowded infirmaries combined to create wailing shadow figures, more peeping toms, an ankle-licker, and…
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Mini Tale: The Hanging Coffins of Sagada
We’re going back to the Philippines! In the picturesque mountains of Sagada, a small tribe practices a unique burial custom: hanging coffins. The Hanging Coffins have been around for over 2000 years, allowing passed loved ones to stay close to their families for as long as possible–until the…
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La Llorona
The legend of La Llorona has been passed down throughout countless generations. The tale usually goes like this: a woman shrouded in white murdered her children and is now cursed to haunt rivers and pueblos, crying for them. But, what are La Llorona’s origins? What if she wasn’t a murderer, but...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Spectral, your portal to the unexplained, the paranormal, and the very scary. Join us on a journey beyond the realms of the ordinary with a little bit of skepticism and humor. Ready to dive into the mysteries of the universe with us?
HOSTED BY
Spectral
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