Weirdsdale

Happy (not) National Arizona Day! Oops, it actually was last week, but I had to tell you this story! Near Tombstone, Arizona, the final boom town of the US mine rush, there lies the ruins of a structure that holds the morbid title of "America's Bloodiest Cabin". Where approximately 22 men lost their lives over the course of just 30 years. Frederick Brunckow, a silver mining entrepreneur, built the adobe shack in 1858 when he found silver near the San Pedro River. After just two years of operation, the mining came to a screeching halt when three men were found slain in and near the cabin. More than one owner of the cabin lost their lives in brutally traumatic ways, in addition to several more men falling victim to old west gun violence. Graves were said to just appear on the property as men disappeared. According to newspapers in the 1880's, spirits began appearing on the property and even working in the abandoned mine, and they weren't quiet about it! If you want to enjoy a themed drink, may I suggest the new Arizona Hard Iced Tea?! This episode contains a trailer for the podcast, Candlelit Stories. Short stories and poems designed to scare you, the listener!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Happy National Oklahoma Day! This week, Melissa tells the legends of two of Oklahoma's most elusive and mysterious cryptids. Are they merely legends or is there real evidence to prove their existence?! The Oklahoma Octopus is said to reside deep within three of Oklahoma's lakes, namely Tenkiller Lake and grasp at unsuspecting swimmers with its mega tentacles. Aren't you excited for summer water sports? In addition to the horse-sized Octopus, Oklahoma is the home of the Boggy Bottom Monster, said to be similar to the famous Bigfoot. Boggy Bottom lives near the Clear Boggy Creek and has been seen by many witnesses who claim it to be covered in reddish-brown hair, with an ape-like face and super long arms and legs. He seems to love to interact with residents and even has a playful side?!This week's episode features a trailer for Total Conundrum Podcast. If you dig the twisted, admire the outlandish, are enamored by the unusual, you're in the right place. True crime, the supernatural, the unexplained, now you're speaking our language. If you agree, join us, as we dive into the darker side (you know, because it's more fun over here). Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

It's Weirdster weekend! Happy National Utah Day! You know that means Melissa has a haunted story for you coming from the Beehive state! Apparently, Salt Lake City has many haunted spots which really makes you wonder, what's going on there?! The place we're diving into today is, a very old and now very paranormally active military fort, Fort Douglas. The first volunteer troops came to Fort Douglas in 1862 to keep an eye on those troublesome Mormons that were threatening to the government. The conditions were horrendous, food rations were small, infighting was common, and sadly, suicide rates were high. The Fort Douglas soldiers entered many bloody battles and participated in every major war since then. Now, Fort Douglas serves as a military museum on the property of the University of Utah and visitors come for more than a lesson. They come for the ghosts! Particularly the famous and most active spirit, Clem, who makes himself known with loud footsteps and is seen as an apparition wearing a blue post-Civil War uniform. Children spirits play on the grounds and the Fort Douglas Cemetery is always active with voices and moving shadow figures.  Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

It's National Wyoming Day! Happy Weirdster weekend, Weirdsters! This week, Melissa's husband, Ryan, gets to hear all about the crazy story of the Bartlett family. Polly Bartlett and her father, Stephen travelled in their covered wagon to the booming mine town of South Pass City, Wyoming around 1867. With only a bouncing bosom, a vial of arsenic and a dream, they built the Bartlett Inn on the outskirts of town. Polly was very popular with the working and traveling men, but oddly enough, some of them never returned home! About twenty-two of them actually. Polly and her father made it their business to lure in wealthy men, cook them a buffalo steak with "special" seasoning, then stand back and wait for their payout. We do love a female entrepreneur! This week's episode features a trailer from Bucket of Chum Podcast with Steve Coates. Join Steve each week as he breaks down, dives in and takes a comedic look into the deep blue sea that is sharksploiltation cinema! If you would like to help in donating to funds that help with the relief after the tornado that recently hit Greenfield, Iowa, please visit:greenfieldiafoundation.org donate.salarmywestern.orgSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Billy done effed up and so did we! We recorded this together, but Stef's audio didn't save. That pretty much sums up our week. So, here's Melissa telling you the story of William aka Billy Gohl, aka the Ghoul of Gray's Harbor in a way that makes her sound like she's maniacally talking to herself and again, that pretty much checks out! Billy Ghoul, I mean Gohl, moved to Aberdeen, Washington in the early 1900's and quickly became a powerful force of the Sailor's Union on Gray's Harbor. When bodies began floating up in the harbor, sometimes even five at a time, Billy was often the man they went to for help in identifying the poor murdered sailors! This went on for years until one officer, George Dean, realized that there may be a reason why Billy was able to identify the men so quickly. Could he have been using his power and influence to callously rob and murder innocent men before dumping them in the harbor?! Spoiler alert...yes. It's believed that Billy was responsible for the deaths of at least 41 men who were pulled from the harbor in the early 1900's but, many believe the number could actually be over one hundred.The trailer in today's episode is for the podcast, Death Before Boos. Join Sam and Jenn as they tell tales of true crime, the paranormal and supernatural, and everything in between! We love that! Also, not feature in this episode but, we did try Aldi's Dragonfruit Imperial Hard Seltzer. The consensus is, at 9% ABV, this stuff is strong, but it's good. Would recommend, with caution! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

The battle of Little Big Horn, otherwise known as Custer's Last Stand, was fought in the summer of 1876 in the rolling hills, and sharp bluffs of Montana. Before the fateful day of what is probably the US Army's most humiliating loss to date, tensions had risen between the Lakota Souix tribes and the government due to disagreements over land. After hastily approaching the Souix camp, Custer's cavalry was outnumbered and quickly overwhelmed, leading to 268 brutal deaths of US soldiers. Today, the site of the battle is still teeming with the energy of violence. One of the most haunted battlefields in the country, according to some. Apparitions of both warriors and soldiers, ghostly sounds of war, poltergeist activity and more are reported. The stories from visitors are countless and fascinating! Happy National Montana Day!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Look out, it's the one-eyed, one-horned, swimming, orange people slayer! The Miniwashitu of North Dakota lives in the depths of the Missouri River and emerges in the spring along with the sun, breaking up the ice that clogs the waterway. But, whatever you do, do NOT look at it, for its mere ugliness will render you blind, insane and....dead. The lakes of North Dakota aren't safe either, because the serpent creature of Devils Lake is said to have killed many a man in its reign of the water. AND, we can't forget about the visitation of the part metal, part vinyl, part mummy alien creature of 1975 in Bismarck! North Dakota is one weird state, and we love it! Happy National North Dakota Day! This week, we're drinking Ranch Water Hard Seltzer, Rio Red Grapefruit (and one rogue lime White Claw)Our promo this week is for the podcast "Killing 15 Minutes" with Sam and AJ, a brother and sister duo! Listen to their trailer in this episode!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

If you're looking for some weird, mind-bending stories, listen to this! You've probably heard of Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, but have you heard of Clearview Ranch in Colorado? Some have called it, "The Close Encounter Capital of the US". There was plenty of strangeness afoot on this ranch in the mid 1970's and the activity continues to this day. Mysterious cattle mutilations, humming noises, disembodied robotic voices, flying saucers, disappearing glowing boxes, an actual encounter with extra-terrestrials, and....a big foot creature. Author Katie Griboski tells of her experiences as a child on this ranch in her book, "Letters of Love and Light: Four Decades of UFO Encounters, Experiences and Sightings Shared with Ufologist R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D. Put on your tin foil hats and join Melissa for this wild ride on a spaceship to Colorado. Happy National Colorado Day!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

It's Weirdster Weekend! With a special guest, Melissa's husband who is delighted to hear a scary story for National Nebraska Day!  We're continuing our quest to cover a story for each state in the US on their National Day. This one is a request from our friends at Roundtable Mindset Podcast to honor their home state. Seven Sisters Road near Nebraska City is known to be one of the most haunted roads in America with a sinister story. It's claimed that the spirits of seven sad sisters haunt this road with their screams and cries. Brave travelers of Seven Sisters Road claim to experience car and phone trouble, as well as spotting spectral forms in the dark distance. The legends of this road don't stop at screaming sisters though, there have also been sightings for over one hundred years of a terrifying, red-eyed beast! This week we're drinking Carbliss (but you won't be feeling bliss in your car if you dare to drive down Seven Sisters Road, badumching) Cranberry Vodka CocktailOur trailer advertisement for this week is for Dark Mysteries Podcast, hosted by Christine and Jessie. A true crime and paranormal podcast!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

This week, Melissa tells the chilling story of a place that some people call “the world’s most haunted amusement park”, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park in West Virginia. Unknowingly built on an ancient indigenous burial site, it also was the scene of a horrific child massacre in the 1700’s, and the tragedies piled up from there. Approximately six more tragic deaths occurred at the park during its run in the mid 20th century before finally shutting down in 1967. Many paranormal enthusiasts flock to the defunct Lake Shawnee Amusement Park to experience the frequent paranormal happenings. Some believe it to be cursed, but the current owner of the now decayed and skeletal park thinks the spirits there just want to have fun at their favorite place! Happy West Virginia Day! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We were so lucky to be able to speak with Lashanda, the daughter of Beth Ann Ricketts. If you haven't yet listened to our episode on the case Beth Ann Ricketts, who went missing in December of 1997, we encourage you to do that first! Lashanda gives us some enlightening additional details to the case and the events that led up to her mother's disappearance, as well as the aftermath. We talk about how the case was mishandled from the beginning, how Lashanda was able to reignite interest in her mom's case, how this traumatic event has affected her and her family, and one man's suspicious actions. A big thank you to Lashanda for spending your precious time sharing with me, and for trusting us!For more about the case of Beth Ann Ricketts and interviews with Lashanda, check out the Unsolved Mysteries podcast "Missing For Christmas", published December 28, 2022, and the Missing in the Metro Podcast "The Case of Beth Ann Ricketts", published October 25, 2019. If you have any information, contact the Des Moines Police Department, 515-283-4811Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Happy National Oregon Day! Today, we're talking about some fascinating creatures of legend that evolved from the logging industry in Oregon. There are actually so many mysterious creatures of the dense woods that terrified loggers, Melissa had to narrow it down to only four! The Gumberoo (sounds fun right...it's not), the Splinter Cat, The Ball-Tailed Cat (Ding-Baul), and the Whirling Whimpus. Logging is a terribly dangerous job and there are so many ways the forest can kill you, but did it ever cross your mind that you could fall into the trap of a Whirling Whimpus?! Just keep your head on a swivel if you start to hear a whirring or buzzing sound in the woods and move with extreme caution or you're bound to be pulverized into a pink pulp! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Happy Minnesota Day! This week, Melissa tells the story of the historic Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The original building on the property was built in the 1800's as a hotel, saloon and brothel for the small town, but when it was destroyed by fire in 1900, a new and modern hotel was built to replace it. Over 120 years of guests, balls, parties and more have made this place a hot spot for resident spirits and ghostly passersby. Poltergeist activity, apparitions, mists, sounds of ghostly children playing, unexplainable wet spots? Thanks to the hotel's spectral plumber. Even a ghost cat and an evil basement dweller make this Minnesotan hotel worth checking out. Just make sure to let them know if you have a cat allergy so the ghost cat won't bother you! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We all know the movie trope of dastardly deeds done in the desert. The isolated areas, sparse population and harsh conditions unfortunately do make the deserts of the US a common dumping ground for murder victims. Beddie Walraven was a young woman, a "nice country girl" from Texas who went missing in 1946 after moving to California with her lover, Terrence Mabry. She was considered a missing person for 65 years until a serendipitous series of events led to the discovery of her remains that had been found in the Mojave Desert and sat unidentified for decades. Throughout the years, both Terrence and his ex-wife had made confessions detailing what they had done to Beddie, but they were never brought to justice. Happy California Day!?This week, we're drinking (actually not drinking because we went out the night before and, ouch) Desert Orange from the Truly Getaway PackSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Happy National Wisconsin Day! Guess it's a thing now! This week we're celebrating the weirdness of Wisconsin by telling the story of Summerwind Mansion on West Bay Lake in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. Built in the early 1900's, some believe that the home was destined to curse those who owned it and lived in it from the time it was constructed, or even before.  The apparition of a man was reported by the original owner, and it only got stranger from there. One owner seemed to become possessed and overtaken by a mysterious spirit. Many contractors attempted to renovate throughout the years without luck. One owner claimed to have communicated with the spirit he believes still haunts the ground. Who or what is it that haunts this home which now lays in ruins? Is it really cursed? Decide for yourself! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Happy National Iowa Day! Melissa is sharing the love for Iowa with a special short episode about one of the most haunted places in our state, Edinburgh Manor. Known worldwide for its paranormal activity, investigators and the paranormally curious flock to Scotch Grove, Iowa to experience the vibrations of Edinburgh Manor. Built in 1912 on the land of a previous 1800s poor farm, Edinburgh Manor served residents in need of housing and health care until closing its doors in 2010. Very quickly, the new owners of the dilapidated building noticed that many of the previous residents never left. Slamming doors, footsteps, disembodied voices, moving objects, even a haunted puzzle! And one angry resident known as The Joker, who's known for throwing objects and cursing people out in the basement. Iowa is so much weirder and more wonderful than can be explained. Fields of opportunities? More like fields of nightmares.Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Madame Delphine LaLaurie was a well-known socialite of New Orleans in the early 1800's. Wealthy, charming, a wife and mother, hostess of lavish dinner parties. But, when a fire broke out at the LaLaurie home in 1834, a horrific scene was discovered. A secret the madame had been keeping behind closed doors. A shocking secret of violence, torture, neglect, and murder. The citizens of New Orleans were horrified and turned feral with rage at what they had learned. The site of the LaLaurie mansion has changed a lot in the past 200 years, but the stain of darkness that Madame Delphine LaLaurie left on the city of New Orleans has remained. This week we're drinking Lipton Hard Iced Tea Peach flavor, but we really wish it was a Purple Drank from Lafitte's!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

It's National Florida Day so we're kicking off our first mini-sode...Meli-nisode? We can't decide what to call it, with the mysterious architectural enigma that is Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida. Built by Latvian immigrant, Ed Leedskalnin, the castle and its surrounding structures are made of giant slabs of limestone, each weighing several tons. It took 28 years for little ol' Ed to build each structure, completely by himself but...how? The process he used is still basically a mystery, but he claims to have had knowledge of the ancient Egyptian's methods of pyramid building. Many people believe the grounds of Coral Castle to hold an enchanting, magnetic energy that draws in spirits, extraterrestrials and ancient elementals. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

The legend of the Moon-Eyed people of the southern Appalachian Mountain region is a fascinating one! Many origin tales of the moon eyed people exist, are they humans of Welsh descent? Elemental spiritual beings? Trolls? They've been described as 18-36 inches tall, having extremely white skin and hair, and perhaps the most baffling, only able to see at night during the moon's waxing and waning phases. Stories of "moon people" are also told by elders of the Cherokee Nation and have a similar description. Some people believe tangible evidence of their existence has been found in the Southern Appalachian region. Is it possible that this band of small, nocturnal, perhaps albino humans actually existed in North America even before the Native Americans? This week we're drinking Truly Pear-Adise from the Truly Getaway Pack!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Wow! We just want to thank our listeners, our Weirdsters, so much for listening! We've made it one year and brought you 50 episodes! Holy macaroni! Speaking of pasta, it's National Spaghetti Day so we're bringing you the story of Philly's most infamous murderous crime ring that all (sort of) began with a spaghetti salesman and ended with poisoned spaghetti. Full circle. Cousins, Herman and Paul Petrillo were Italian immigrants living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930's. When the great depression hit, they (along with another man) decided they could make bank taking advantage of desperate women who believed a "love potion" could cure their crappy marriages. What followed was a crime snowball that ended up killing possibly hundreds of people in three states. Non buono! When you're here, you're...family?Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

This week we're heading to the Swiss Alps to talk about the Barbegazi! No, not the illuminati of your neighborhood Barbs, but alpine gnomes who thrive in the freezing cold of the mountain tops. With beards of ice and giant ski feet, the Barbegazi shred the snow and will even warn unsuspecting humans of impending avalanches. Then, move over Krampus, because there's a new (actually super old) bad boy in town...Schmutzli! He's Saint Nicholas' sinister sidekick who carries a whip and stuffs disobedient children into his backpack. So naughty! This episode, we're drinking the Cranberry Cheers Hard Seltzer from the Truly Celebrations packSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

The morning of December 22nd, 1997 was the last time anyone in Beth Ann Ricketts' family saw her. The 31 year old mother of two went missing after going to breakfast with her then boyfriend/fiance, Bill Halterman. Despite some very suspicious circumstances and having a person of interest, police have been unable to locate Beth, or find out what may have happened to her. Beth's family believes she was met with foul play, perhaps at the hands of her boyfriend, but no evidence has been found. The case remains on the state of Iowa's cold case list as we come up on the 26th anniversary of her disappearance. If you think you may have some information about Beth's whereabouts or anything pertaining to this case, contact the Iowa Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.comThis week we're drinking Truly Peach Fizz from the Truly Celebrations packSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Bundle up! We're heading to the arctic (not really) to learn of some creatures of Inuit legends that haunt and hunt way up North (def not Santa or Rudolph). These stories tell of spirits, demons and serpent creatures that you definitely don't want to meet should you find yourself on the frozen tundra. The shape-shifting Ijiraq may disorient you and steal your children, the Mahaha will be Mahaha-ing all the way through tickling you to death with its icy claws, and the Pal-Rai-Yuk's favorite thing to do is swipe humans off their boats and docks along the cold Bering Sea. The tundra can be scary! And Inuit legends definitely have a colorful way of warning people about the dangers and unpredictability of the freezing, unforgiving Arctic in the winter. This week, we're drinking Smirnoff Ice Red, White and Merry Holiday PunchSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Stef says it's Elf season, but Melissa says it's Goblin Season! Today we talk about a very strange incident that occurred near Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1955. "Little Green Men", actually silver, metallic creatures descended upon a farmhouse and proceeded to attack the home with its 11 inhabitants inside. The barrage of beings continued on for over four hours until the family was able to escape. Many UFO sightings were reported both before and after the alleged attack. The descriptions of the "little men" were so detailed and consistent among all of the witnesses, but is there another explanation? There are many theories of this now famous alien encounter, including monkeys?! We're not buying the theories, we think it's aliens!This episode includes a trailer for the podcast They Don't Stay Dead, with Alexa and Brit!What we're drinking:  Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Merry, Berry PunchIf you have any stories you would like to share, encounters with beings, or just want to tell us what's weird with you, email us!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We've got a special 40th birthday request! The story of the Bender Family from 1870's frontier Kansas. America's most murderous family. Four mysterious characters rode into the town of Labette, Kansas and set up their "inn" business that would end up being the last place many people ever stayed. Kate Bender, touting herself as a medium and spiritualist, was able to bring in a steady stream of customers to manipulate into handing over their money. When that wasn't enough, the whole family got involved in a bloody plan that left at least 11 people brutally murdered, robbed, mutilated and buried on the property.If you're yearning for more info on the Bender Family's crimes and post crime lives, read the book "Hell's Half Acre" by Susan Jonusas!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Karyn Kupcinet was a beautiful budding Hollywood actress who had already made a name for herself in both TV and movies in the 1950's and early 1960's. Thanksgiving Eve of 1963 was the last time Karyn was seen alive, as her body was discovered in her apartment three days later with evidence of being strangled. Several persons of interest were questioned in the murder, including her recent ex-boyfriend, fellow actor, Andrew Prine. So many questions still hang in the air in this cold case. Contradictions, flimsy alibis, inconsistent stories, questionable evidence, and even a theory related to the assassination of President JFK. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Today we're discussing the event that still holds the unfortunate title of deadliest sports disaster in United States History. On Thanksgiving Day in 1900, Stanford and University of California football fans gathered for the "Big Game". Thousands of fans packed into the arena and more in, on and around the surrounding buildings to catch a glimpse of the players. The tragedy that occurred just 20 minutes after kickoff was shocking, leaving 22 dead and 100 or more injured. The question after the chaos and confusion died down was, how did this happen and who is culpable? Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Continuing on with our of inspo for horror movies, we're talking about the inspiration for the movie that terrified generations, The Hills Have Eyes. The legend that inspired the gruesome tale of a mutant, feral cannibal family was an old Scottish legend, the legend of Sawney Bean. Sawney and his family lived in an isolated cave in Galloway, Scotland, and lived for 25 years without seeing civilized society. They made it their family legacy to hunt down and kill unsuspecting passersby, but what they did after is arguably even worse! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Bathrooms are a hell scape of portals. Toilets, drains, mirrors...it's no wonder there are so many spirits who reside there! We all know Bloody Mary but, have you heard of the Japanese bathroom ghosts? We're talking about Hanako-San, Aka-Manto, Kashima-Reiko and our favorite little scum licker, Akaname. Some of these spirits have terrifying pasts and are now hiding in restrooms, just waiting to pull you into the underworld via the toilet...or worse! Check those stalls before entering and for effs sake, always check to make sure you have toilet paper first! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We're deep into scary season and it's making us nostalgic for old horror movies! But, did you know some of your favorite classic horror movies were inspired by true events? Today, we're talking about the true and mysterious events that inspired the movie, Nightmare on Elm Street. It seems unbelievable but there was an actual syndrome affecting a certain population called "nightmare death", among other names. The syndrome was so mysterious, many people, even some doctors, theorized that horrible nightmares could be the cause for the fatal events!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

This week, we're celebrating our teachers, past and present. We appreciate you! Of course we have to make it weird by talking about some creepy, haunted schools. Kicking it off with El Paso High School, home of Friday Night Lights and a ghost girl who makes herself known quite often. She's been seen as an apparition and in several photos which we'll post on our social media accounts for you to check out! Next up is Fallsvalle Elementary School in Forest Falls, California. Spectral beings...or are they fairies, gnomes, elementals? Come out of the creepy forest surrounding the school to play with the children! And finally, Iowa State University is full of ghost stories. You'll find paranormal activity in the residence halls, a theater, the Memorial Union, the Old Farm House and more! Go hug a teacher, find out their Venmo, or just express your gratitude to them! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Today we're talking about a sad and unfortunate case of the first woman to be executed by lethal injection in the United States. Her life story involves one tragedy and hardship after the other, and culminates in the untimely deaths of four people at her hands. We discuss the history of the death penalty in the US and the story of how Velma's past and actions led her to death row. Domestic abuse, violence, alcoholism and drug addiction are all discussed in this episode. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-7233If you or someone you know is experiencing drug addiction, you can call 800-662-4357Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We get a little tipsy as we reminisce about Stef's wedding 10 years ago! Stef and her husband took their honeymoon in Jamaica, so obviously we had to talk about the most infamously haunted spot in Montego Bay, Jamaica! Rose Hall is most famous for the legend of one of its mistresses, Annie Palmer, aka The White Witch of Rose Hall. The stories retold of Annie's torturous, controlling, abusive and violent ways have continued on for over one hundred years. Her use of voodoo practices and relentless abuse of power took hold over those who were forced to work here. There's no telling how many people were tortured and possibly killed on the grounds and within the walls of the grandest estate in Jamaica. To this day, people report hauntings, especially in Annie's sitting room and in the dark, cold dungeon of the mansion. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

In the summer of 1995, beautiful local celebrity news anchor, Jodi Huisentruit, went missing from the parking lot of her apartment complex. The town of Mason City, Iowa was shocked and saddened by the disappearance of their beloved local TV star. All the police had to go on was a sign of a struggle, a partial palm print, one hair and a lot of stories. For 28 years, police have been following potential leads to no avail. Many people have their theories about what happened to Jodi, but no one has ever officially been named a suspect in this case. Come on in and listen to the case that is still fresh in the minds of Iowans and still wide open...Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Come on down to the rootin' tootin' booty scootinest place in Skagway, Alaska! First, we'll talk about the history of the s*x work industry and brothels in the United States beginning with the first Gold Rush in 1799. No matter what your moral stance may be on the matter, there's no denying the s*x work industry played a huge role in the economics and culture of the budding pioneer towns of the Wild West and beyond. The ladies of the Red Onion Saloon worked hard to service their clients who were on their way to strike it rich during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. Today, you can still have a whiskey drink at the saloon and take a tour of the workin' girls' cribs upstairs. You may even catch a glimpse of Lydia, the most famous and friendly ghost of the Red Onion. Hopefully you avoid the still angry spirit of the bouncer who was killed there!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

It all began with Adam Lemp, who came to St. Louis from Germany with a German Lager recipe that people couldn't get enough of! His beer brewing empire grew, along with his large family. Success, wealth, fame, love...it was all a dream...until it wasn't. In the following decades, the Lemp family would experience death, heartbreak and tragedy upon tragedy. Some say the Lemp family was cursed to repeat a sad fate. Today, visitors to the Lemp mansion report various hauntings and paranormal happenings within the walls of the huge home that once held a family destined for victory and broken by loss.Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Something horrible happened in the beautiful, sacred grounds of Gitchie Manitou preserve on the border of Iowa and South Dakota in November of 1973. Three monsters decided to end the lives of four teenage boys, senselessly. Had it not been for the story of the lone survivor of the horrendous attack, we may never truly know what happened in the woods. Sandra Cheskey tells her survivor story in the book, Gitchie Girl, and it's truly beyond belief. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

This week we're exploring the bizarre stories of towns that have mysteriously disappeared into thin air (?) Urkhammer, a town that existed in Iowa before 1932 slowly faded into transparency, then disappeared completely without a trace. Did Doveland, Wisconsin really exist? Most Wisconsinites say no, but others insist they have souvenirs from Doveland before it vanished in the 1990's. Then there's Ashley, Kansas that very dramatically fell into a fissure after a major earthquake in 1952?!? Are these urban legends rooted in factual events or are they complete BS? Did we shift timelines? Help, we don't know what's real anymore! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

They've been living among us since 5,000 BCE? That's what Charles James Hall claims. Charles tells of his time meeting and working with the Tall White aliens during his time on Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1960's. This story is as wild and outrageous as they come. Even Charles thought he was hallucinating the beings for months. Chalk-white skin, very thin, bright white hair and wide-set blue eyes. The Tall Whites only want to learn about humans but, are they still here on Earth? We like to think they are. Listen to some of the unbelievable stories here, then go read his books and watch the documentary! You'll never be the same!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

In the final part of our discussion on Alexander Pichushkin, aka The Chessboard Killer, aka the Bitsa Park Maniac, we cover his descent into egotistical chaos and finally, his arrest and conviction. This story is so unbelievable, it almost reads like a movie script. But, this nightmare was occurring in real life for the citizens of Moscow for years before any real effort was put towards finding him. Join us for this maddening, frustrating, horrifying and inconceivable story. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We needed to do another 2 parter for this piece of work. Alexander Pichushkin, dubbed the Chessboard Killer, or The Bitsa Park Maniac somehow went undetected for years as he murdered and dumped mostly men in Bitsa Park located in Moscow, Russia. Pichushkin had a sinister plan that involved the board of his favorite game, chess. In part 1, we cover his childhood and background, and an incident in his childhood that may have had a detrimental impact to his mental health. We also discuss his victims and tell the stories of survivors! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Built right at the beginning of the Civil War in Weston, West Virginia, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is the largest hand-cut masonry building in the US. Meant to hold 250 patients, it ended up holding 3,600 patients at its peak in the 1950's! Staff shortages and cramped quarters led to dangerous situations for patients. It's believed thousands of people died here including both patients and staff. While this building is full of some sad and tragic stories, there were moments of positivity and hope as well! Visitors can now tour and investigate Trans-Allegheny to find out why it's one of the most haunted spots in the US!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We're back! This week we discuss the case of the double homicide in Newton, Iowa on Copper Dollar Ranch in 1983. Steven Fisher and Melisa Gregory were found bludgeoned to death on the morning of March 3rd, 1983. The scene was horrific and a complete shock to the town and the victim's families. Who would have a reason to do this? The police have two different paths they need to investigate to find the answers. The twists this case takes more than 30 years later, is crazy! Does it lead to finding who murdered these two young, carefree people? You'll have to listen to find out!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

They show up when you least expect it. Knocking on your front door, or maybe your car door, innocently asking for a ride or to use your telephone. You feel an overwhelming sense of fear and dread but they're just kids, right?! You can't quite put your finger on what's making you feel so uneasy. That's when you notice it...their eyes are nothing but completely black orbs staring into your soul! Whatever you do, don't let the Black Eyed Children in!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

We've been waiting months to get this one to you! We're so proud to introduce you to our home state cryptid. After Vannie (or maybe the 1903 Van Meter Business Owner's Association?) cursed our previous two recordings, we finally appeased her (them?) by assuring Vannie that we will tell the story respectfully. It worked! This mysterious cryptid, who now goes by the name of The Van Meter Visitor, flew into the small Iowan town of Van Meter in September of 1903. Vannie's appearance was quite frightening and even though they appeared to be non-aggressive, the town went berserk! Multiple witnesses claimed to have had an encounter with the large, winged creature who had a few unique characteristics that still baffle us to this day.  We'll see you at the Van Meter Visitor Festival this September! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

On Christmas Even 1978, 35 year old Kaye Turner went for a run in Camp Sherman, Oregon and never returned home. After an agonizing 8-month search, some clues were brought to light by someone who would soon become the prime suspect in her disappearance and murder. After her case went cold, a break in the case comes when another person goes missing under similarly suspicious circumstances. This case has so many turns that all lead back to one evil man.Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Galena, Illinois is known for its long history of Civil War heroes and lead mines, but did you know it's also home to a ton of ghosts? The DeSoto House hotel in Galena is famous for its mysterious Lady in Black spirit who floats down the stairs and disappears into walls. Guests experience paranormal disturbances in their rooms and out on the town! The Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport is another hotel with a celebrity ghost story and sightings to validate his presence. Stef's new kitten also eats her face in this episode but he's cute, so it's fineSend a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

This week, we're bringing you a crime case from our own Weirdster home town in Iowa! Medical staff at Blank Children's Hospital started to become suspicious when Tanya  began bringing her two year old son in for repeated apneic episodes and seizures. She was then accused of inducing the terrifying symptoms herself in what professionals believed to be a case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. But, what they didn't realize at first is that Tanya had been keeping from them a dark secret that would cement her fate. Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Is it a cryptid, a ghost, a demon, a criminal? Maybe all of the above? We're not sure how to classify this other than WEIRD. The Spring Heeled Jack was a being that reigned terror on the United Kingdom beginning in 1837. A heinous face, horns, sometimes wings, and most shocking was his tendency to leap over tall walls and fences as if he had springs for feet! Come on over and listen to decide for yourself if it's truly something paranormal, or maybe just a slick group of criminal pranksters!Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]

Between the years of 1983 - 1989, a group of four women led by Waltraud Wagner, took it upon themselves to kill possibly hundreds of innocent victims under the guise of "mercy". At the time, it was the largest and most upsetting murder trial in Vienna, Austria since World War 2. We had to bust out the Sunny D hard seltzer for a little bit of sunshine during this dark case! Send a textFollow us on Instagram @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on Facebook @WeirdsdalepodcastFollow us on TikTok @WeirdsdalePodEmail - [email protected]