Strange Sisters Podcast | True Crime, Paranormal, and Spooky Movie Reviews

On this episode of Strange Cinema we discuss Advent, a 2024 horror film that blends modern internet culture, folklore, and the creeping dread of the holiday season into a supernatural thriller.

Tis the season to be spooky, though Halloween has passed there are still plenty of creatures that go bump in the night, and while these creatures are a bit more festive some are also terrifying. So put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and light that pine scented candle while I tell you just a few of the creepy creatures that will make a stocking full of coal seem like the least of your worries.

Today’s case… is one of the strangest disappearances in modern history. A case with cameras. Witnesses. Timelines. Evidence. And still, no answers.On April 1st, 2006, a medical student walked into a bar at Ohio State University… and was never seen again. No confirmed sighting. No body. No clue as to how he left a bar with only one entrance, and multiple cameras watching.This is the story of Brian Shaffer.

In this episode, we dive into the chilling folklore of the Scottish Kelpie, the shape-shifting water spirit said to lurk in lochs, rivers, and mist-covered marshes. We explore its eerie ability to appear as a beautiful horse or an irresistible human, and the dark warnings these stories carried for generations living close to dangerous waters. Join us as we unravel the mystery, fear, and fascination that keep this legendary creature alive in storytelling today.

In this episode of Strange Cinema, Thanksgiving takes a sinister turn when a well-meaning mother hires historical reenactors to create an immersive, “authentic” holiday experience for her family. What begins as an awkward gimmick quickly becomes unsettling as the Pilgrim guests—led by the eerily polite Ethan—refuse to break character.

On a warm September afternoon in 1981, 58-year-old Polly Melton was spending time in one of her favorite places on Earth: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. She went out for an easy hike she’d done dozens of times before with a couple of friends while her husband Bob stayed back at their camper nearby. But strangely, she disappeared on the way back to the campground, and was never seen again.

Between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Elizabeth Bathory is suspected of killing up to 650 people, mainly young women, for both pleasure and in order to use their blood for consumption and beauty rituals. An early nepo baby who got away with murder for over a decade before she finally made a mistake that led to her demise.

Grab your popcorn and candy- it's spooky season movie time! Cassandra and Natasha each share their must-watch Halloween movies.

We have our first special guest! Join Cassandra and our brother from another mother Clayton as they discuss two Creepy Pasta stories that took the forums by storm- the rake and the Russian sleep experiment.

In this solo episode Natasha dives into two unfolding stories that some say signal the return of the American serial killer. Whether that’s true or just public paranoia... well, that’s what we’re here to discuss.

Incident in a Ghostland (2018), directed by Pascal Laugier, is a psychological horror film that follows a mother, Pauline, and her two daughters, Beth and Vera, who are attacked in their new home by intruders on their first night.Years later, Beth, now a successful horror writer, returns to the house after receiving a distressing call from Vera, who still suffers from the trauma of that night. As Beth reconnects with her past, the line between reality and delusion begins to blur, revealing disturbing truths about what really happened—and what never ended.The film is known for its intense psychological twists, brutal imagery, and themes of trauma, survival, and dissociation.

We made it! This week Cassandra breaks down the seventh and final seal. The sisters discuss the dramatic ways of Christianity and Cassandra claims that she enabled Natasha's sneakiness as a teen (insert eye roll). Spoiler alert: she didn't.

Today, we’re exploring one of the most haunting mysteries of modern times—the disappearance and tragic deaths of two Dutch students, Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon.Their story begins with adventure, optimism, and cultural exchange—but it ends in a fog of unanswered questions, strange discoveries, and theories that range from tragic accident to sinister foul play.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most enduring theories in ancient mysteries: were the pyramids of Egypt built with the help of extraterrestrials? We’ll explore the origins of the alien-builder hypothesis, the evidence skeptics and believers point to, and why these massive monuments continue to spark debate centuries later. Tune in for a mix of history, myth, and cosmic speculation.

In this episode we review 2006 horror film Stay Alive, a cult favorite that blends slasher scares with a haunted video game premise. We break down its mix of early-2000s gothic aesthetics, campy thrills, and the eerie concept of “dying in the game means dying in real life.” The conversation explores whether the film holds up today as a fun guilty pleasure or simply a relic of its era.

In August 2021, 25-year-old graduate student Jelani Day vanished after being last seen at Illinois State University. His car was later found abandoned in the woods, and weeks later, his body was discovered in the Illinois River under mysterious circumstances. Despite national attention and calls for justice, the circumstances surrounding Jelani’s disappearance and death remain unresolved, leaving his family and community searching for answers.To provide information on this case anonymously, contact 1800CALLFBI

In this episode, we delve into the haunting imagery of the Fifth and Sixth Seals from the Book of Revelation—martyrs crying out for justice and the earth itself trembling under apocalyptic signs. Join us as we unpack their prophetic meaning, symbolic power, and the timeless warnings they hold for humanity.

Today we're discussing The Eyes of My Mother, a hauntingly quiet descent into loneliness and madness, following a young woman whose childhood trauma warps her sense of love, death, and family. Raised in isolation and steeped in surgical knowledge, Francisca develops a chilling intimacy with violence, turning her rural farmhouse into a sanctuary of horror. Stark and unsettling, the film explores what happens when grief festers without connection or consequence.

Three Indigenous women and girls—Bea Rosa Garza, Mona Renee Vallo, and Emily Pike—lost their lives under suspicious and tragic circumstances, yet justice remains elusive. This episode explores their stories, the systemic failures that followed, and the growing call to end the silence surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.For tips regarding Bea's case, please contact the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.For tips regarding Mona's case, please contact your local FBI office or you can submit an anonymous tip online.For tips regarding Emily's case, please contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS where you can anonymously provide information.

In this episode, we delve into the chilling biblical prophecy of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Conquest, War, Famine, and Death—and explore how their symbolic presence has echoed through history and into today’s world. Join us as we unravel their origins, meanings, and the eerie ways they may still ride among us.

Due to technical difficulties, we are only posting audio this week.This strange 1990s movie delves deep into the risks of online chat rooms. Linda Cardinelli (Queen), body modification, goth culture, and the most unbothered police officer all make an appearance in this weird cautionary tale written by and starring Dee Snider.

In this episode, we explore chilling tales of wailing women from around the globe—from La Llorona’s sorrowful cries in Latin America to the banshee’s haunting wails in Irish folklore. Join us as we uncover the shared themes of grief and warning and that echo through these eerie legends.

In this solo episode, we explore the eerie halls of Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum, where cursed objects and paranormal encounters blur the line between myth and reality. From the infamous Dybbuk Box to chilling behind-the-scenes stories, we uncover what really happens when you confront the haunted face-to-face.

In this episode, we honor the lives of transgender women of color lost to violence, including Mesha Caldwell, Jasmine Mack, Iris Santos, and Tatiana Labelle. Through their stories, we confront the epidemic of anti-trans violence in the U.S., where discrimination, systemic neglect, and hate continue to claim lives. Episode Resources:National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)  (advocacy)Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF)  (legal services)Transgender Law Center (TLC)  (legal services and advocacy)Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)  (legal services)Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC)  (advocacy)Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC)  (advocacy)Black Trans Advocacy  (advocacy)Trans Latina Coalition  (advocacy)Gender Spectrum  (support for families, trans youth, and educators)Gender Diversity and TransFamilies (support for families, trans youth, and educators)Trans Youth Equality Federation  (support for families and trans youth)TransTech Social Enterprises  (economic empowerment)SPART*A  (advocacy for trans military service members)Transgender American Veterans Association  (advocacy for trans veterans)TransAthlete.com  (info about trans athletes)Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC)  (advocacy)TransLife Center at Chicago House  (support services)Trans Doe Task Force (legal services)

In this episode, we explore how celebrated writer Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in 1895 for "gross indecency" due to his relationships with men, a charge rooted in the era's harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Through Wilde's downfall, we examine the broader societal intolerance of queerness in Victorian England and his lasting legacy.

In this Pride Month episode of Strange Sisters, we investigate the unsolved case of the Doodler, a serial killer who targeted gay men in 1970s San Francisco, leaving at least six confirmed victims and up to fourteen dead. Amid rampant homophobia, police indifference, and survivors too afraid to come forward, justice was never served—despite a suspect confessing during therapy. We honor the victims by telling their stories, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed these murders to go unresolved for decades.

In this episode, we delve into the chilling origins and evolution of Slenderman, the faceless, shadowy figure born from internet folklore. From creepypasta forums to real-life consequences, we explore how a modern myth took on a life of its own.

In this gripping episode, we investigate the 2008 murder of 24-year-old realtor Lindsey Buziak, who was lured to a home showing under false pretenses and brutally stabbed to death. Despite numerous theories, suspicious connections, and a trail of unsettling clues, her case remains unsolved nearly two decades later — a chilling reminder of a calculated crime that still demands justice.

Dive into the chilling legends of America’s most infamous prison. In this episode, we explore the haunted history of Alcatraz Island—from eerie sounds in abandoned cell blocks to ghostly apparitions of former inmates. Hear firsthand accounts, mysterious stories, and the supernatural lore that still lingers in the fog. Are the ghosts of Alcatraz real... or just echoes of a dark past?

Sign the Change.org PetitionContribute to the family's GoFundMeIn this episode, we explore the mysterious and tragic death of Jason Abarca, a young man struggling with grief and mental health following his brother’s suicide. After a series of alarming events—including a mental health crisis, a car crash, and a frantic police chase—Jason’s body was found months later in the woods under suspicious circumstances. His family believes police negligence and possible foul play contributed to his death, and they continue to fight for answers in a case marked by inconsistencies, missing evidence, and a disturbing lack of urgency.

In this chilling episode, we delve into the true story of Mercy Brown, a young woman from 19th-century Rhode Island whose death sparked one of America's most infamous vampire panics. Explore the eerie events that led her family and neighbors to exhume her body, the folklore that fueled their fears, and how Mercy's tale became a cornerstone of New England's haunted history. Was it superstition, desperation—or something more sinister?

Is the papacy nearing its end? In this minisode, we explore the mysterious 12th-century Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, which some believe foretells the identities of 112 popes—ending with a figure known as Peter the Roman. Could Pope Francis be the final pontiff, and does the prophecy point to an approaching apocalypse? Join us as we uncover the origins, controversies, and enduring intrigue surrounding this chilling vision.

We're back in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains this week to explore more of the cryptids that call these rugged hills home.

In this episode we explore the chilling history of the haunted orphanage at Gettysburg. Once a refuge for orphaned children, the building now stands as a dark reminder of tragedy, with rumors of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena haunting its halls. We’ll dive into the stories of those who lived—and died—here, and hear about Cassandra's personal experiences on the tour. Tune in to uncover the eerie secrets of the Gettysburg Orphanage. Check out the tour here: https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/ghost-tours/walking-tours/haunted-orphanage-tour/

On a cloudy Texas day in November 2012, Christopher Todd Erick’s life was tragically cut short under deeply suspicious circumstances. Officially ruled as undetermined with cyanide toxicity, his death was dismissed as natural or even suicide, despite mounting evidence suggesting foul play at the hands of his own family. His mother, Kim, has spent years uncovering chilling details—allegations of torture, manipulated evidence, and even the possibility that Christopher’s body was secretly sold to the Real Bodies Exhibit in Las Vegas instead of being cremated. With disturbing financial ties, questionable police investigations, and a haunting photograph of a plastinated body eerily resembling Christopher, Kim is fighting for justice and the truth. Join us as we explore this harrowing case, unravel the inconsistencies, and help amplify Kim’s call for a DNA test that could finally bring her son home.

In this episode, we delve into the chilling tale of the Islandmagee Witch Trials, Ireland’s last known witch trial, which took place in 1711. This dark chapter in history saw eight women and one man accused of witchcraft in the small County Antrim town of Islandmagee. Allegations arose after a local woman, Mary Dunbar, claimed to be tormented by supernatural forces, leading to a sensational trial fueled by fear, superstition, and religious tensions. How did mass hysteria take hold, and what lasting impact did this infamous case leave behind? Tune in as we uncover the haunting story of Ireland’s most notorious witch trial.

Is time truly a linear experience, or do strange anomalies challenge our understanding of past, present, and future? In this episode, we explore eerie firsthand accounts of time slips—moments when individuals claim to have unknowingly stepped into another era. From the haunting vision of journalist Irene Corbally Kuhn, who seemingly foresaw her husband's funeral months before his passing, to the perplexing Versailles time slip experienced by two Oxford academics who may have encountered Marie Antoinette herself, these stories defy scientific explanation. While physics tells us that time travel is impossible, could psychological, environmental, or even paranormal forces be at play? Join us as we unravel these chilling tales and examine whether time is as stable as we believe—or if it’s just a "big ball of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff."

This week we’re venturing deep into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains to explore the cryptids that call these rugged hills home.

In this episode of Strange Sisters, we dive into two of the most compelling UFO cases that have left experts and skeptics alike scratching their heads. First, we explore the dazzlingMuskegon Incident, which occurred in March 1994 and was witnessed by hundred of people across 47 counties in Michigan.Next, we shift our focus to theTic Tac UFO Sighting, an event that took place just off the coast of San Diego in 2004 on the USS Nimitz. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Alex Dietrich and Naval Commander David Fravor witnessed an oblong, white object, resembling a giant Tic Tac, speeding over the ocean with no visible means of propulsion.Are these sightings proof of extraterrestrial visitation, advanced technology, or something else entirely? Tune in as we break down the evidence, analyze eyewitness testimonies, and discuss the possible explanations behind these extraordinary encounters.

In this episode, we dive into the eerie origins of modern Spiritualism through the story of the Fox Sisters—Maggie, Kate, and Leah—who captivated 19th-century America with their supposed ability to communicate with the dead. From their humble beginnings in Hydesville, New York, where mysterious knocks first echoed through their home, to their rise as celebrated mediums in Rochester, the sisters sparked a nationwide movement of seances, spirit circles, and believers. But was it all real, or just an elaborate hoax? We unravel the truth behind their paranormal fame, the shocking confession that shook the Spiritualist world, and the lasting legacy of their ghostly ruse. Tune in for a fascinating blend of history, mystery, and deception in this chilling episode of Strange Sisters.