Prying Minds

 It was a cold April day in 1943 when four boys stumbled upon something horrifying in the woods—a skull hidden deep inside a hollow wych elm.The police came, a body was pulled from the tree… and then, nothing. No answers. Just a message that began appearing on walls across England:“Who put Bella in the wych elm?”No one knows who Bella was—or why she was buried inside that tree.Was it espionage? Witchcraft? Or something even stranger?Grab your trench coat and your tinfoil hat, today on Prying Minds, we’re digging into one of Britain’s eeriest unsolved mysteries.

Imagine taking a boat out to a remote island. It's the kind of place that looks straight out of a travel brochure. Turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, a little bit of mystery. You’re thinking, wow, this is going to make the best Instagram post ever.But then you notice… the ground is kind of hissing. The air smells like eggs that lost a fight with the sun. And your tour guide says something like, “Don’t worry, it’s mostly safe.” That’s when you start wondering if this island might be a little too alive.And then, in an instant, paradise turns into panic. The sky darkens, the air burns, and suddenly you’re not thinking about selfies anymore.This is the story of a group of travelers who came face to face with nature at its most unpredictable... and somehow, some of them survived.Today, we’re diving into what happened on that island, the unbelievable ways people fought to stay alive, and why this trip definitely didn’t get five stars on TripAdvisor.Welcome to the story of Whakaari.We’re Liss and Bee, and this is Prying Minds.

Imagine being so sad that a doctor suggests sticking an ice pick in your brain. No, literally through your eyesocket! Welcome to the world of lobotomies, One of the most infamous "medical breakthroughs" in history.We’re talking about a procedure that promised to erase mental illness… but sometimes erased a lot more than that. For decades, lobotomies were performed on women, men, even children often without their knowledge or consent — all in the name of science… and sometimes, spectacle.And spoiler alert: things got messy! Like, your brain might now function like a two-year-olds, or you might have the sudden urge to steal pens messy.In this episode of Prying Minds, we’re diving deep into the history, the horror, and the weirdly fascinating rise and eventual fall of lobotomies. We're Liss and Bee and this is Prying Minds.Ice picks at the ready? Let’s do it!

They say if you go out into the woods, you’d better be prepared for bears, bugs… maybe even Bigfoot. But Travis Walton? He came back with a story that was out of this world. Literally.In November of 1975, a logging crew in the Arizona wilderness witnessed something they couldn’t quite log away in their memory banks. A flash of light, a man knocked to the ground, and then—poof—no Travis. Just empty pine needles and a whole lot of panic.On this episode, we’re cracking open the case of Travis Walton and the now-infamous “Fire in the Sky.” Buckle up, keep your arms and legs inside the beam at all times, and remember what happens in the mothership doesn’t always stay in the mothership.

Imagine you're nobility in the 1500s. You're rich, you're powerful, your face is caked in lead, and you smell like a haunted cupboard because you've bathed, like... twice this year. In this episode, we're diving nose-first into the gross, grimy, gloriously weird history of hygiene. We're talking poo sponges on a stick, lice wigs, perfumed everything, and the long, splinter-filled road to modern toilet paper.Why did people think water would kill them? Why was brushing your teeth with wine a thing? And how did Versailles manage to be both luxurious and absolutely covered in human waste?Spoiler: everyone smelled bad, really really bad! Join us as we unravel centuries of filth and full-body funk — and finally answer the question: How did we go from wiping with stones… to pink quilted clouds of two-ply heaven? Wash your hands, light a candle, and get ready to gag. This is Prying Minds — where the past stinks, and we're still nosy enough to sniff it.

Today we’re going BIG! That’s right, we’re diving into the world of… giants.We’re talking massive myths, towering truths, and elevated enigmas from every continent. From the biblical Nephilim to the Quinkin of Australia, and everything in between. Are these tales just exaggerated campfire stories? Symbolic metaphors? Or could there be something monstrously real behind humanity’s obsession with giants?Grab your magnifying glass—or maybe a ladder—because we’re chasing shadows that cast very long footprints. This isn’t your average bedtime story, folks. This one’s off the scale.

He called himself The Great Beast 666. The tabloids called him the wickedest man in the world. And we just call him... a hot mess. A chaotic, magical, drug-fueled mess.We're talking about none other than, Aleister Crowley. He was a poet, a mountaineer, a ceremonial magician, and a drama queen! He claimed to have summoned demons, channeled Egyptian spirits, wrote questionable poems, and even got himself kicked out of Italy for being too weird.But was he a dark prophet of a new age… or just a dramatic dude with too much money and too much access to hallucinogens?So grab your velvet cloak, light a black candle, and join us as we descend into the life and legacy of the man who made Victorian England clutch its pearls.

Fire purifies. Fire destroys. For thousands of years, humans have turned to flames in death rituals, beliefs, and final sendoffs in smoke and ash. But what happens when the fire comes from within?Today, we’re poking at the coals of cremation rituals from around the world- some sacred, some strange, and some... still burning with mystery. And then we’re taking a sharp left into one of the weirdest, most unsettling phenomena out there: spontaneous human combustion.Is it divine retribution? A medical mystery? Or just a really unfortunate cigarette? Whatever it is, it’s left scorched rooms, untouched furniture, and a whole lot of questions.So light a candle—or maybe don’t—and join us as we explore the fire that humans control… and the one that might be lurking inside us all.

Okay—serious question. Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there. Or you’re driving and suddenly realize you’ve been on autopilot for ten straight minutes and don’t remember the last three turns?Today, we’re diving face-first into the weird little hiccups of reality that make you go, “Wait. Was that supposed to happen?” That’s right—we’re talking Glitches in the Matrix. The moments where life feels less like reality and more like a badly coded video game. Déjà vu. Doppelgängers. People who claim they’ve woken up in a different version of reality and memories that don’t match the timeline (we’re looking at you, Berenstein Bears)And we’re asking the big questions: Are we in a simulation? Is someone messing with the source code of the universe? And most importantly—What’s the deal with car lanes? So unplug, but not too far—because your reality check starts now.

Welcome back nosy friends! Imagine you’re walking through a dimly lit cathedral, and there, displayed in all its wrinkled, holy glory, is the Shroud of Turin. A centuries-old cloth that some say bears the actual, real-deal, straight-outta-the-Bible image of Jesus himself.Today, we’re diving into one of history’s greatest mysteries—Is the Shroud of Turin a genuine relic of Christ, a medieval hoax, or just the most over-analyzed laundry accident of all time? We’ve got carbon dating scandals, centuries of church drama, and enough forensic science to make your head spin. So, get comfy, because this one is divine—or at least, divinely confusing.

What do secret submarines, the Vatican, and cheek kisses have in common? Apparently... Nazis.In this episode of prying Minds, we keep following the crumbs straight to secret Nazi hideouts, shady politics, and yes—that FBI file that suggests Hitler might’ve ended up with a ridiculous alias rebranding himself. After World War II, a surprising number of high-ranking Nazis didn’t face justice—they vanished. Many of them turned up in Argentina, where they weren’t just hiding out… they were getting comfy, making connections, and, allegedly, laying the groundwork for something much bigger: a Fourth Reich And just when you think it can’t get wilder, we have mysterious U-boats landing in the middle of the night off the coast of Pantagonia, fishermen spotting a stupid mustache, crates full of “definitely-not-looted-treasure,” and people swearing they saw Hitler himself years after the war..So grab your spyglass, your fake passport, and maybe an empanada—we're getting nosy about the Nazis in South America, and just how far the rabbit hole, or uh, ratline, goes.

 In 2014, the FBI finally let the cat out of the bag—or, in this case, the dictator out of the bunker. Stacks of documents from the 1940s and ‘50s were declassified, suggesting that Hitler might have escaped Berlin and taken an all-expenses-paid trip to South America. “Wait… what if he actually got away?” Well strap in, because Liss and Bee follow the bread crumbs and ask," What if history got it wrong? What if Hitler didn’t die in that bunker? Join us as we dig into history’s greatest scavenger hunt.

Grab your Tommy guns and a stiff drink, because this week we’re diving into the wild, whiskey-soaked rise of the one and only Al Capone—Chicago’s most infamous mob boss. From his Brooklyn beginnings to ruling the Windy City with an iron fist (and a whole lot of bribery), we’ll explore how a kid with a knack for trouble became the face of organized crime. Bootlegging, backstabbings, and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre—the drama! Liss and Bee are cracking open the history books to piece together how Capone built his empire… and how it all came crashing down. Tune in for the crime, the chaos, and our usual ridiculous tangents.

Welcome back to episode 2, where this entire case is proof that the internet should come with a chill pill prescription. What starts as one man’s attempt to expose a possible secret turns into a full-blown FBI investigation—complete with poisoned letters, small-town rivalries, and one very messy frame job. In this episode, we unravel how an Elvis impersonator, a taekwondo instructor, and a web of online grudges escalated into a national security crisis. If you’ve ever wondered just how far petty drama can go, buckle up—because this one’s a wild ride. Stay nosy, but maybe not this nosy.

Alright, buckle up, because this story has everything: Elvis impersonators, internet conspiracies, black market organ trafficking, and—oh yeah—an attempted presidential assassination. Welcome to Tupelo, Mississippi, where things went off the rails in the wildest way possible. This is a story where true life is better than any movie or fictional book out there. You'll be left asking, "What the hell is going on in Tupelo, Mississippi?

Hello Nosey friends! Fire up your time machines and brace yourself for a reality-warping ride, because this week onPrying Minds, we’re diving even deeper into the strange and twisty world of time travel!In part two, we’re peeling back the layers—Is time travel just a sci-fi fantasy, or could Einstein, wormholes, and quantum mechanics actually make it possible? And of course, we have to talk about paradoxes—because who doesn’t love a good existential crisis? Can you really erase yourself from existence with one wrong step?Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just here for the timey-wimey chaos, join us for a timeline-twisting adventure that might just change the way you see reality.And hey, if you could time travel, where (or when) would you go? Drop us a message—who knows, maybe we’ll run into you in the past... or the future!

Time travel—it’s the ultimate sci-fi dream… or could it be a reality? In this episode of Prying Minds, we’re diving into some of the weirdest, most baffling time travel stories ever told. From a trippy slip through time at Versailles to a Man who showed up at an airport with a passport from a non-existent country, to the legendary Madman Mike, who DIY-ed his own time machine (with questionable results). Are these cases proof of real-life time slips? The possibility of parallel realities? Maybe real time travel?? Or are you a skeptic like my co-host Liss and think they’re really elaborate hoaxes? Either way, Grab your flux capacitor and join us as we pry into the mysteries of time travel—just try not to get lost in a paradox.

Ahoy there nosey friends! Today, we’re boarding the MV Joyita, a ship so cursed it makes the Titanic look like a success story. This floating disasterpiece set sail on what should’ve been a chill little South Pacific journey—but instead of delivering its passengers and cargo, it ghosted harder than your Tinder date. Weeks later, the Joyita was found drifting hundreds of miles off course, empty except for a pile of unanswered questions. No passengers, no crew—just a yacht playing hide-and-seek with reality. And here’s the kicker: the Joyita was designed to be ‘unsinkable! So… where did everyone go? Did pirates show up with a strict no-passenger policy? Was it a mutiny? Aliens? Or did everyone decide to start a new society on some uncharted island? Grab your life jackets, because we’re diving deep into the mystery of the MV Joyita: the ship that made ‘unsinkable’ the least interesting thing about it. Let’s set sail—no crew required!

Welcome back to Prying Minds! Today, we’re dialing up the intrigue to lightspeed because we’re talking about Oumuamua! An interstellar object that zoomed through our solar system in 2017, leaving scientists scratching their heads—and conspiracy theorists saying, “I told you so.”  Was it an alien probe? A rogue space pancake?  A drifting space turd? NASA called it a rock, but let’s face it—they always say that. Stick around as we dive into the science, the theories, and the alien-level weirdness of Oumuamua. 

Today on Prying Minds, we’re digging into the twisted history of exorcisms—from Hollywood horror to the so-called ‘true story’ that inspired The Exorcist. We'll explore the darker side of what happens when fear takes hold, people claiming to be possessed, priests fighting demons, and cases that make you wonder: "Is it all in their heads… or is something truly supernatural at work?” Grab your crucifix and some holy water—just in case—because this episode might have you sleeping with the lights on.

Hello nosey friends! For this episode, we're diving into the red stuff that keeps us all going- BLOOD! But don't worry, we're not turning into vampires just yet. We're exploring all things blood-related: from the spooky legends of Bloody Mary to the scientific quirks of RH blood types. Oh, and we'll sprinkle in some fascinating blood disorders because, you know, who doesn't love a little medical mystery? It's going to be a bloody good time. See what I did there? So, grab your mirrors- but maybe don't say 'Bloody Mary' three times- and let's get into the nitty-gritty of what flows through our veins.

Ever had a nightmare about waking up six feet under? Same. In this chilling episode of Prying Minds, Liss and Bee unearth the harrowing history of being buried alive—because, yes, it really happened. A lot! From spine-tingling tales of people clawing their way out of coffins to the ingenious (and downright bizarre) inventions known as “safety coffins,” this episode is equal parts fascinating and freaky.But wait, there’s more! Why did some people willingly choose to be buried alive? And how did humanity’s ultimate nightmare turn into an obsession throughout history? Grab a shovel, maybe a bell, and prepare to hold your breath—Liss and Bee are digging deep into history’s most claustrophobic “oopsie.”

Lost Vikings in Minnesota? A mysterious carved rock found in the 1800s? The Kensington Runestone has been puzzling historians, skeptics, and cryptic message enthusiasts for over a century. In this episode of Prying Minds, Liss and Bee take on the great debate: Is the Runestone a genuine artifact from Norse explorers or an elaborate hoax by a very imaginative farmer? Join us as we decode runes, unravel the drama, and explore why this stone has become a cornerstone (pun intended) of American historical controversy. From suspicious translations to wild theories about Viking road trips, we’ll leave no rune unturned. Tune in for history, humor, and some Minnesota nice!

In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of myth and legend to uncover the truth about werewolves—but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill, boring monster story. No tired clichés here. We’re talking ancient curses, bizarre rituals, magical ointments, and medieval trials that sound more like horror than justice. This episode dives into stories you haven’t heard before, with lore so strange, it might make you second-guess those midnight strolls. So nosey friends, grab your pitchforks, and let’s prowl into the untamed, shadowy world of werewolves like never before.

Welcome back to Prying Minds, today we’re unraveling a very dark chapter in true crime history—the story of the Wineville serial killer. A vile man who prayed on young boys and the mommy dearest who helped him do it. This case may have a small-town setting, but it’s filled with chilling twists, eerie events, and the haunting reality that sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction. So grab a cozy blanket, maybe even a glass of wine if you’re feeling brave, and let’s dive into one of California’s most unsettling and hidden crimes.

Hi nosey friends! Welcome back to Prying Minds. Today we’ve got a real doozy for you. Imagine this: one day, a young boy just vanishes without a trace. Days, months, maybe even years pass, and his family holds onto hope – but the trail is cold, and it seems like he’s lost forever. Then, out of nowhere, someone claims he’s been found. But… is it really him? Buckle up, because we’re diving into one of the strangest cases of mistaken identity, abductions, and all the questions that come with it.

In this episode of Prying Minds, we take you on a heavenly journey through some of religious history's strangest and most miraculous tales! Join us as we unravel some of history's unorthodox "divine interventions”. Meet the Lady in blue—a nun who can do some pretty marvelous stuff, from the comfort of her couch. Then, we’ll travel to Portugal, where three kids saw visions that left people scratching their heads. And finally, we’ll investigate the legendary "miracle staircase" in New Mexico that seems to have ignored every law of architecture ever.We’ll dive into these divine mysteries with plenty of laughs, questions, and maybe a few eyebrow raises. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just here for the wild stories, this episode is bound to make you wonder: where does faith end and the unexplained begin? Tune in for holy plot twists and heavenly hijinks you won’t forget. 

Hello nosey friends, buckle up for a wild ride as we navigate the bizarre twists and turns of the Khamar-Daban Incident! Join us on a not-so-leisurely stroll through these mysterious mountains, where hiking isn't the only thing that went awry in 1993.We’ll dive into the strange events that unfolded in these rugged peaks, blending chilling circumstances with a dash of silliness and a whole lot of “what just happened?” Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or an armchair adventurer, we promise to keep you entertained. So grab your trail mix and join us on this wild episode!

In this episode, we take you into the strange world of sleep that’s anything but restful! From the science behind nightmares to bizarre sleep experiments and the downright spooky phenomenon of sleep paralysis, we’re cracking open what really happens when we drift off to dreamland. Why does our brain conjure creepy creatures that paralyze us in the night? And who thought it was a good idea to test how long humans can go without sleep? Join us for a cozy (but creepy) chat as we explore the mysteries of the midnight mind, laugh over some truly wild sleep studies, and share our own weird dreams and sleepy-time tales. Snuggle up, press play, and prepare for a bedtime story you’ll want to stay awake for!

Hi nosey friends, welcome back to Prying Minds this is part 2 of our episodes on UFO’s and UAP’s. Ever feel like something’s a-lien to you? Well, we’re here to probe those questions—literally!”  That’s right! Whether it’s mysterious lights in the sky or plasma hotter than your ex’s texts, we’re talking all things out of this world.” From UFOs to space plasma, we’ve got it covered. It’s gonna be lit, but, you know, like plasma lit, not just regular fire.” So buckle up, we’re shooting for the stars and landing somewhere between conspiracy and cosmic silliness! Prepare for lift-off! And don’t worry—we’re only here for the puns… not the probing.”

Welcome to Prying Minds, where things are about to get… unidentified! In today’s episode, we’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of UFO sightings across the globe. From flying saucers to suspicious shining lights, it’s clear some aliens just can’t resist a good sky selfie. And while Superman is up there minding his own business, these UFOs are stealing his spotlight! Buckle up as we probe into the most alien-ating mysteries, explore cosmic curiosities, and ask the age-old question: Is that a bird, a plane, or just E.T. trying to one-up Superman on his flight skills? This episode is sure to be out of this world!

Hello nosey friends! Today we're diving into a topic that's hotter than hell itself-making deals with the devil, and we're not talking about your average tough negotiator. Whether you're looking to swap your soul for fame, fortune or a demon girlfriend, we'll break down everything you need to know before signing that dotted brimstone line. From hidden clauses and demonic loopholes to questionable payment plans, we're tackling it all. So, grab your pitchforks, because this episode is sinfully good!

Hey nosey friends, welcome back to Prying Minds the only podcast where we dip our toes into the world’s most bizarre mysteries… and try to keep things light! Now today, we’re diving into a topic that’s got some serious sole—pun intended. That’s right folks, we’re talking about severed feet washing up on the shores of British Columbia and Washington. Sounds like a nightmare, right? But don’t worry, we’re here to keep things fun as we try to get to the bottom of this toe-tally wild phenomenon!!

Hey there, nosy friends, welcome to Prying Minds! Today, we're stepping behind the curtain and pulling back the big, spooky top on one of history's strangest spectacles: the 'freak show'! We're diving deep into the weird and wacky world of human oddities, bearded ladies, conjoined twins, and... human exploitation! Yeah, it's gonna be a weird one. but don't worry, we're bringing a dose of silly with a side of serious. So, grab your deep-fried butter on a stick and cotton candy taco because things are about to get freaky... in all the right ways!

Hello Nosy friends! Welcome to Prying Minds—the show where two self-proclaimed nerds, Liss and Bee, with zero chill about mysteries, history, and all things bizarre, bring you tales of strange history, the unexplained, and the downright “Wait, what?!” moments from the past and present. We’re the podcast equivalent of that nosy neighbor who’s always peeking through the blinds, except our curiosity is turned toward the mysteries of the universe, not the drama in your backyard. So, whether you're here for the odd, the unexplained, or just to laugh with two friends who can’t stop asking questions, you've come to the right place! Buckle up! You’re in for a weird, wonderful ride.