The Dark Folio

For decades, drivers on a quiet rural road outside Elkhorn, Wisconsin have reported seeing something they can’t explain.Tall.Upright.Wolf-like.Known as The Beast of Bray Road, this eerie figure has been described by multiple eyewitnesses since the late 1980s. Journalists documented the accounts, but no physical evidence was ever found.In this episode of The Dark Folio, we explore:• The earliest folklore tied to Bray Road• The 1989 sighting that brought the legend into the public eye• Eyewitness descriptions investigated by journalist Linda S. Godfrey• Scientific explanations — and why some reports don’t fit neatly• The line between documented accounts and enduring legendThis episode is spooky but family-friendly — no gore, no graphic content.Follow The Dark Folio for weekly deep dives into folklore, hauntings, cryptids, and eerie true stories.Join the discussion and see bonus content on Facebook: The Dark Folio Podcast Whether the Beast of Bray Road is misidentified wildlife, folklore, or something stranger… the legend refuses to fade.

Step aboard one of the most haunted ships in the world—the RMS Queen Mary. Once a glamorous ocean liner and later a WWII “Grey Ghost,” this legendary vessel now rests in Long Beach… but many say something on board never found rest.In this episode, May takes you deep inside the ship’s chilling history:• The tragic death behind Door 13• The infamous Room B340 and its decades‑long closure• The mysterious little girl named Jackie• Staff encounters, shadow figures, phantom footsteps, and icy cold spotsWhether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Queen Mary holds secrets that refuse to stay buried. Step aboard—if you dare.Follow the show, leave a review, and join the Kindred Spirits community on Facebook for photos, behind‑the‑scenes content, and more eerie tales.

Five men leave a basketball game on a cold February night in 1978. They have plans for the next morning. Families waiting. Lives carefully mapped out.But they never make it home.What follows becomes one of the strangest unsolved mysteries in American history — a case involving a snowbound mountain road, a mysterious abandoned car, and questions that still haunt investigators decades later.In this episode of The Dark Folio, host May explores the chilling story of The Yuba County Five, a case often called “The American Dyatlov Pass.”We’ll examine the timeline, the strange discoveries, the unanswered questions, and the theories that refuse to stay buried. Subscribe to The Dark Folio for weekly folklore, hauntings, and eerie true crimeLike, comment, and share if this case unsettled youJoin our community on Facebook for case discussions and bonus contentSome mysteries don’t fade with time.They wait.

In November 2007, a Fresno homeowner captured something impossible on security footage—two legless creatures walking through his yard. No arms. No bodies. Just pants... that walked. This is the true story of the Fresno Nightcrawlers, the cryptid that went from terrifying one man so badly he wouldn't leave his house, to becoming the internet's most beloved monster. We investigate the original footage, the Yosemite park ranger sighting, and why these strange beings have captured our imagination unlike any other cryptid.music by zapsplat

Step inside one of Arizona’s most haunted hotels in this chilling episode of The Dark Folio. We travel to historic Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, nestled on Route 66, where guests and staff report eerie encounters, unexplained knocks, phantom footsteps, and lingering spirits from the past. From the infamous Room 220 “Meat Man” and the rocking chair ghost in Room 305, to the tragic murders in Room 306, we explore the history, mystery, and lingering energy that make this grand hotel a paranormal destination. Tune in if you’re brave enough to discover why some visitors never quite check out.• Official Hotel Monte Vista History & Ghost Stories – includes mentions of ghost tales like the Meat Man and rocking chair ghost. Hotel Monte Vista – About & Ghosts (official site)• Paranormal encounters overview – details murder legends, rocking chair stories, and more haunting lore. The Historic Hotel Monte Vista – Paranormal Encounters (TheHorrorHouse)• Ghosts & unexplained activity near the hotel – lobby noises, flickering lights, and phantom figures. Downtown Flagstaff Haunted Locations (Downtown Flagstaff)• Ghost of Room 306 & haunting reports – focused look at the prostitution-era legend and haunting sensations. Ghost of Hotel Monte Vista Room 306 (TheHauntedPlaces)• Route 66 haunted hotel summaries – puts Monte Vista in the context of other haunted roadside inns. Haunted Hotels on Route 66 (Curious Roads) Historical & Background Info👻 Paranormal Encounters & Legendsmusic from zapsplat #HotelMonteVista #HauntedHotel #FlagstaffGhosts #Route66History #ParanormalStorie #GhostPodcast #TrueGhostTales #ArizonaHauntings #HistoricHauntedPlaces#SpookyTravel #DarkFolioPodcast

There's a moment every year where time feels thin—and for centuries, people believed what you did in that moment could shape everything that followed.In this episode of The Dark Folio, we explore New Year's folklore from around the world: the dangerous midnight hour, why you should never clean on New Year's Day, the eerie tradition of First-Footing, and why people ate specific foods to survive the year ahead.But we also explore something warmer—the personal New Year's traditions passed down through Kentucky hollers and river towns, where black-eyed peas, cabbage and family gatherings marked the turn of the year.Eating black-eyed peas (often with pork, cornbread) for good luck and prosperity — southern U.S. custom tied to symbolism of coins, gold, and forward motion with pork: Why Eating Black‑Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day Is a Tradition for Good Luck (Vogue) VogueBlack-eyed peas, greens (including cabbage), pork, and cornbread together symbolizing good fortune — includes how these foods are interpreted in Appalachian and Southern tradition: From Holler to Hearth, New Year Folklore in Appalachia (Echoes of Appalachia) Echoes of AppalachiaBlack-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, and pork in New Year meals with symbolic meanings — explains peas as wealth, greens as money, pork for progress, etc.: Southern New Year’s Day Meal — Peas, Greens & Good Luck (Hillbilly Slang) Hillbilly SlangBlack-eyed peas and southern New Year tradition history (symbolism and practice) — adds context on long history of these foods in U.S. tradition: New Year’s Food Traditions Around the World (Wikipedia) WikipediaRegional Kentucky tradition of eating black-eyed peas with cabbage/cornbread for good fortune: Old Time Kentucky: For good fortune in the New Year (NKyTribune) NKyTribuneDon’t wash clothes on New Year’s Day to avoid “washing away” luck or someone in your family — traditional superstition: New Year’s Superstitions | Snopes SnopesNot doing laundry on New Year’s Day as a bad-luck / risk tradition: New Year’s Day Superstitions (WSOC TV) WSOC TVGeneral New Year eve/day superstitions from multiple cultures (e.g., avoiding laundry, payback of debts, not taking out trash, etc.): New Year Traditions & Superstitions (North County Daily Star) North County Daily StarNew Year’s practices about noise to ward off spirits, eating particular foods, and not washing (broader folkloric list): New Year Superstitions & Traditions (Meredith Plays) Meredith PlaysMusic and sounds from Zapsplat

Not every visitor of the season wears red.Some wear horns… and carry bells through the winter night.Full Description:Step into the snow-covered shadows of Christmas as The Dark Folio explores the true folklore of Krampus, the horned figure who walks beside Saint Nicholas in Alpine legend.In this winter episode, host May unravels the ancient origins of Krampus, from pagan winter spirits to Krampusnacht, the Night of the Bells. Far from the violent monster of modern pop culture, the folklore Krampus is a symbol of balance — a reminder that light and shadow have always walked together during the darkest season of the year.This is a family-friendly, atmospheric journey through European folklore, winter traditions, and the quiet wisdom hidden beneath Christmas’s brightest lights.If you enjoy folklore, mythology, eerie history, and cozy-dark storytelling, follow The Dark Folio for weekly tales drawn from the quiet spaces between belief and imagination. Follow • Rate • ShareAnd I’ll see you next time… in the dark.SOURCES & FURTHER READING — KRAMPUSEncyclopaedia Britannica — Krampushttps://www.britannica.com/topic/KrampusA concise, authoritative overview of Krampus, his origins, and his role alongside Saint Nicholas.Smithsonian Magazine — The History of Krampushttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-krampus-180957438/Excellent cultural context explaining Krampus’s evolution, symbolism, and modern misunderstandings.National Geographic — Krampus, the Christmas Devilhttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/krampus-christmas-devilAccessible folklore history with emphasis on Alpine traditions and Krampusnacht.History.com — Krampus: The Mythical Anti-Santahttps://www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-originStrong overview of pre-Christian roots, Saint Nicholas traditions, and winter folklore.Atlas Obscura — Krampusnachthttps://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/krampusnachtGreat explanation of Krampusnacht as ritual, community event, and cultural tradition.Austrian National Tourist Office — Krampus & Perchtenhttps://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/krampusInsight into modern celebrations and historical roots from a regional perspective.Folklore Society (UK) — Winter Spirits & Folk Customshttps://folklore-society.com/folklore-of-winter/Broader context for winter folklore and why darker stories emerge during the season.

The Sodder Children disappearance is one of America’s most disturbing unsolved mysteries.On Christmas Eve 1945, a house fire destroyed the Sodder family home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. When the ashes cooled, five of the Sodder children were missing—and no remains were ever found.In this episode of The Dark Folio, host May explores the eerie details of the Sodder Children case:• The fire that shouldn’t have burned that hot• The missing bones that never appeared• The strange sightings reported years later• The haunting photograph that reopened the mysteryWas it a tragic accident? A kidnapping? Or something far more sinister?This episode dives into the true crime history, unexplained evidence, and lingering questions surrounding the Sodder Children disappearance—an unsolved American mystery that still haunts investigators and listeners alike.🎧 Follow, rate, and review The Dark Folio for more unsolved mysteries, paranormal legends, and forgotten cases from history.This episode is part of the Dark Folio series, exploring America's most compelling unsolved mysteries with respect, research, and a commitment to truth. All information presented has been thoroughly researched and fact-checked against multiple sources.Sources & Further Reading:(For listeners who want to dig deeper into the Sodder Children mystery)Smithsonian Magazine https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-children-who-went-up-in-smoke-172429802/A well-researched historical overview of the case, including the fire, missing remains, and later theories.FBI Vault – Sodder Children Case File https://vault.fbi.gov/sodder-childrenOriginal FBI documents related to the investigation, perfect for listeners who want primary sources.West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History https://wvculture.org/history/wv-history-the-sodder-children/A regional historical account with local context and timeline details.The Charley Project (Missing Persons Archive) https://charleyproject.org/case/sodder-childrenA respected missing persons database summarizing the disappearance and investigative findings.The Independent – Historical Mystery Featurehttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sodder-children-mystery-disappearance-b2010933.htmlA modern journalistic look at why the case still fascinates investigators and historians.Snopes Fact Check: The Sodder Children https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-sodder-children/Clarifies common myths, exaggerations, and confirmed facts surrounding the case.#SodderChildren#UnsolvedMystery#TrueCrimePodcast#DarkHistory#ColdCase#MissingChildren#UnexplainedMysteries#TheDarkFolio

Mercy Brown: The Last Vampire of New England | The Dark Folio Ghost FileIn 1892, a Rhode Island community exhumed 19-year-old Mercy Brown, believing she was a vampire feeding on her family from beyond the grave. What they found in her coffin sparked international scandal and may have reached the desk of Bram Stoker as he wrote Dracula. Tonight on The Dark Folio, we uncover the true story of tuberculosis, superstition, and the last vampire panic in American history—a tale where fear turned a dying girl into a legend that still haunts us today.CITED SOURCES https://www.rihs.org/have-mercy/ (RIHS documentation with excerpts)"Vampires and Death in New England, 1784 to 1892" https://www.yorku.ca/kdenning/+++2150%202007-8/BellVampiresandDeath.pdf Tucker, Abigail. "The Great New England Vampire Panic"Smithsonian Magazine, October 2012https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-new-england-vampire-panic-36482878/Rhode Island Historical Society - "Have Mercy..." ArticleComprehensive timeline with newspaper excerptshttps://www.rihs.org/have-mercy/Yankee Magazine - "Vampire Mercy Brown"Historical documentation and analysishttps://newengland.com/yankee/history/vampire-mercy-brown-rhode-island/Your AAA Network - "The Story of Rhode Island's 'Real' Vampire"Modern overview with cemetery detailshttps://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/fall-fest/the-story-of-rhode-islands-real-vampire-mercy-brown/Wikipedia - Mercy Brown Vampire IncidentWell-sourced overview with citationshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Brown_vampire_incidentMental Floss - "On the Twisted Trail of Bram Stoker's Notes for 'Dracula'"Overview of Stoker's research processhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/bram-stoker-dracula-notesContent Warning: This episode discusses death, disease, exhumation, and historical rituals that some listeners may find disturbing.#MercyBrown #TrueCrime #HistoryPodcast #VampireLegend #NewEnglandHistory #RhodeIsland #Dracula #BramStoker #GothicHistory #VictorianEra #Tuberculosis #Folklore #AmericanHistory #DarkHistory #TrueVampireStoryMusic credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

Step into the shadowed beginnings of American Spiritualism as May opens the Dark Ledger on the Fox Sisters, the teenage girls whose mysterious “spirit knocks” ignited a nationwide movement. From the haunted Hydesville farmhouse to their sold-out séance demonstrations, the sisters reshaped how a generation thought about ghosts, grief, and the great beyond.Were the Fox Sisters gifted mediums? Clever performers? Or young women trapped inside a phenomenon too big to control?This Dark Ledger File dives deep into the history, controversy, and lingering enigmas behind the sisters who convinced the world the dead could speak.Perfect for listeners who love: ghost history, Spiritualism, folklore, cryptic mysteries, Victorian-era strangeness, and atmospheric storytelling.Follow, rate, and share to help The Dark Folio reach more curious kindred spirits! #Spiritualism #FoxSisters #HauntedHistory #GhostStories #VictorianMysteries #TrueGhostStory #TheDarkFolio #ParanormalPodcast #HauntedAmerica #LilyDale #Hydesville #SarahWinchester #SéanceHistorySOURCES & FURTHER READINGWant to learn more about the Fox Sisters and the Spiritualism movement? Here are some excellent resources:How a Hoax by Two Sisters Helped Spark the Spiritualism Craze - HISTORYThe Fox Sisters and the Rap on Spiritualism - Smithsonian MagazineMargaret Fox and Catherine Fox - Encyclopedia BritannicaThe Fox Sisters: Spiritualism's Unlikely Founders - HistoryNetHow the Fox Sisters' Hoax Gave Birth to Spiritualism - The Paris ReviewLily Dale Spiritualist Community - Official SiteLily Dale on Atlas ObscuraCassadaga Spiritualist Camp - Official SiteCassadaga: America's Oldest Spiritualist Community - Smithsonian MagazineThe Fox Sisters and the "Great American Hoax" - A New York Minute in History PodcastTalking to the Dead: Kate and Maggie Fox and the Rise of Spiritualism by Barbara WeisbergThe Reluctant Spiritualist: The Life of Maggie Fox by Nancy Rubin StuartSpiritualism's Place: Reformers, Seekers, and Séances in Lily Dale by Averill Earls, Sarah Handley-Cousins, Elizabeth Garner Masarik, and Marissa C. RhodesFox Sisters Hydesville Memorial Park - Newark, NY

FULL SHOW NOTES WITH SOURCESWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15-20-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.This episode:The Loveland Frogman: Ohio's Most Bizarre Cryptid | Monster FileIn 1972, two police officers in Loveland, Ohio encountered something impossible: a 4-foot tall frog-like creature walking on two legs. But the story began decades earlier—and it's far stranger than you think. Tonight on The Dark Folio, we investigate the Loveland Frogman.#LovelandFrogman #Cryptids #TrueCrime #Folklore #OhioLegends #TheDarkFolio #MonsterFile #Paranormal #UnsolvedMysteries #CreepyStoriesGot your own eerie story or hometown legend?Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode.Like what you heard?New episodes every weekFollow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review.It helps our little spooky community grow.Want more bite-sized creepy stories?Find me on:YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheDarkFolioPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579233608896Music credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/Sources & References:News Coverage:WLWT News: The Legend of the Loveland Frogman - Local Cincinnati news coverage including the 2016 Pokemon Go sightingWCPO: Officer Who Shot 'Loveland Frogman' in 1972 Says Story is a Hoax - Mark Matthews' 2016 retraction interviewIn-Depth Articles:The Loveland Frog: Ohio's Legendary Frogman - Beast of BladenboroLeap of Legend: The Mystery of the Loveland Frogman - David's Basement of the Bizarre35 Facts About Loveland Frogman - Facts.netSkeptical Analysis:The Loveland Frog - Skeptoid - Critical examination of the legendReference:Loveland Frog - Wikipedia - Comprehensive overview with citationsCryptid & Mystery Podcasts:Camp Monsters (REI) - "Loveland Frogman" episode - Listen on Apple Podcasts | REI BlogSinisterhood - Episode 133: "The Loveland Frog Man" - Show Notes (Comedy true crime/cryptid podcast)The Cryptonaut Podcast - "The Loveland Addendum Part 3: Frogman's Revenge!" - Listen on Apple PodcastsSupernatural Park - "The Loveland Frog Man" - Listen on Apple PodcastsStrange Animals Podcast - Episode 300: "The Loveland Frog" - Listen hereDoors Of The Universe - Episode 15: "A Four-Foot Frog With A Taser" - Listen on SpotifyStuck in this Purgatory - "The Loveland Frogman" - Listen on Apple Podcasts"Hot Damn! It's the Loveland Frog!" - Musical premiered at the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe FestivalLoveland Frogman 5K - Annual race in Loveland, OhioCity Mascot - The Loveland Frog became Loveland's official mascot in 2023Articles & Written Sources🎙️ Podcasts🎭 Cultural References

Haunted Biltmore: The Vanderbilt Ghosts That Never Left America's Largest Mansion | The Dark FolioStep inside America's largest home—where elegance meets the unexplained. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina isn't just a stunning 250-room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in 1895—it's one of the most haunted places in America.In this episode of The Dark Folio, we explore the lingering spirits that refuse to leave this gilded palace: George Vanderbilt, still pacing his beloved library during storms. His wife Edith, calling his name through empty halls. The mysterious Lady in Pink who drifts through corridors. And the wild energy trapped in the basement's Halloween Room, where a 1925 party may never have truly ended.From cold spots in the swimming pool to children's laughter echoing through the gardens, the Biltmore's ghosts tell stories of love, loss, and longing that span over a century.Join host May for 15 minutes of haunted history, real ghost stories, and the dark secrets hiding behind the Vanderbilt family's most beautiful creation.🕯️ Perfect for fans of haunted houses, true paranormal stories, historical mysteries, and Southern Gothic tales.SOURCES & FURTHER READING:Biltmore Estate Official History: https://www.biltmore.com/our-story/biltmore-history/Halloween Room Research: https://www.biltmore.com/blog/shedding-new-light-on-the-halloween-room/National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/places/biltmore-estate.htmBook: "The Last Castle" by Denise Kiernan📍 The Biltmore Estate | Asheville, NC | America's Largest Home | Vanderbilt Mansion Hauntings#HauntedBiltmore #GhostStories #TheDarkFolio #ParanormalPodcast #TrueCrime #VanderbiltGhosts #HauntedMansion #AshevilleNC #HistoricalHauntings #CreepyPodcast

Pull up a blanket, light a candle, and join May for A Cozy Halloween Night with The Dark Folio. In this special Dear Darklings episode, May shares her favorite fall memories — from Gen X trick-or-treating adventures and homemade costumes to haunted sleepovers, Ouija boards, and the Halloween movies that still give her chills.It’s a nostalgic, story-filled evening of spooky fun, retro vibes, and useless trivia (the best kind). Whether you’re carving pumpkins, passing out candy, or winding down from the night, this episode is your cozy Halloween companion.👻 Featuring movie recommendations, personal stories, and classic Halloween trivia — all wrapped up in that eerie, comforting Dark Folio style.Halloween podcast, spooky stories, cozy Halloween, retro Halloween, fall nostalgia, ghost stories, The Dark Folio, paranormal podcast, haunted history, Halloween movies, eerie storytelling, autumn vibes, May from The Dark Folio#HalloweenPodcast #SpookyStories #TheDarkFolio #RetroHalloween #CozyHorrormusic provided by Zapsplat

In 1986, a Massachusetts family discovered someone had been living inside their walls for months—watching them, eating their food, listening to every word. But the nightmare was just beginning. This is the true story of Daniel LaPlante, the boy in the walls.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, murder, and harm to children. Listener discretion advised.🎧 The Dark Folio is your creepy little coffee break—15 minutes of true crime, hauntings, and dark folklore.Featured in this episode: • The haunting of the Bowen family home in Pepperell, MA • How a rejected teenager became a home invader • The tragic Gustafson family murders • One of Massachusetts' largest manhunts • Where Daniel LaPlante is today📱 Follow The Dark Folio for more stories from the shadows 💬 Have your own unexplained encounter? Reach out—your story could be featured! Email: [email protected]#TrueCrime #DanielLaPlante #TheBoyInTheWalls #Massachusetts #TrueCrimeStory #TheDarkFolio #CreepyStories #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimePodcast #DarkHistorySupport The Dark FolioIf you enjoy these deep dives into the strange and unexplained:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Youtube and on Facebook under The Dark Folio💬 Share your own unexplained encountersCreditsHost & Producer: MayResearch & Writing: MayMusic: zapsplatLegal DisclaimerThis podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes. All information presented is based on publicly available sources and court records. The views expressed are those of the host and do not constitute legal advice. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the completeness of all information.The Dark Folio - Your creepy little coffee breakPop Culture & Media CoverageThis case has been featured in:Investigation Discovery - "The Real Murders on Elm Street" (2024) - Episode: "Killer in the Walls"Investigation Discovery - "Phrogging: Hider in My House" Season 1, Episode 2Investigation Discovery - "Your Worst Nightmare" (2015)Lifetime Movie - "Boy in the Walls" (2023) - Fictionalized thriller inspired by the casePodcasts:MrBallen (2020)True Crime All the Time (October 2020)True Crime New England - Episode 140Horrifying History (January 2025)Killer Queens PodcastSources & ReferencesThe Boston Globe - Original 1987-1988 coverage of the crimes and trialLowell Sun - Contemporary reporting on the Gustafson murdersTelegram & Gazette (Worcester) - Coverage of 2017 parole hearingCommonwealth v. LaPlante, 401 Mass. 470 (1988) - Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decisionMiddlesex County Superior Court Records - Trial transcripts and sentencingInvestigation Discovery - "The Real Murders on Elm Street" (2024)MrBallen YouTube Channel - "The Boy Who Lived in the Walls" (2020)True Crime All the Time Podcast - Episode on Daniel LaPlante (October 2020)"The Boy Who Lived in the Walls" - Various true crime compilationsBoston Magazine - Feature articles on the caseMassachusetts Department of Correction - Inmate records (public information)Townsend Historical Society - Local historical contextFind A Grave Memorial - Gustafson family memorial pageCourt TV/TruTV Archives - Case coverage"Teen Accused of Triple Slaying Found Hiding in Dumpster" - Associated Press (1987)"LaPlante Gets Three Life Terms" - Lowell Sun (1988)"Killer Seeks Parole 30 Years After Murdering Pregnant Mother, 2 Kids" - Boston Herald (2017)"Judge Denies Parole for Daniel LaPlante" - Lowell Sun (2017)

Show SummaryWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15–20-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.In this episode, we open the Monster File on The Michigan Dogman, a chilling cryptid said to stalk the deep woods of the Great Lakes State. From 1887 lumberjack legends to the viral 1987 radio ballad that reignited the myth — this creature has refused to fade quietly into folklore.Host May explores eyewitness encounters, the infamous Gable Film hoax, and how a local legend grew into a pop culture phenomenon featured on MonsterQuest and Expedition X. Is the Dogman a remnant of ancient Algonquin shapeshifter tales? A trick of the shadows? Or something still pacing the treeline when the moon is full?Brew something strong, settle in, and join us where the shadows keep their records.Sources & References“The Legend” by Steve Cook — WTCM Radio Traverse City (1987)MonsterQuest — “American Werewolf,” History Channel (2009)Michigan History Center Archives – Wexford County Lumber Camp Records (1887–1900)“The Gable Film Hoax” – Interview with Mike Agrusa, History Channel Online, 2010Linda S. Godfrey, The Beast of Bray Road (Prairie Oak Press, 2003)Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Black Bear and Wolf Population DataExpedition X Season 3, Episode 6: “Michigan Dogman” (Discovery+, 2021)Cook, Steve. “Dogman Sightings and Submissions.” MichiganDogman.comGot your own eerie story or hometown legend?Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode.Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review — it helps our little spooky community grow.Find me on:☕ YouTube: youtube.com/@TheDarkFolioPod👻 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579233608896stay curious, stay cautious…and keep that flashlight handy.Just in case. 🌙Music credit: Zapsplat — “Horror music box ghostly haunted musical tune (version 2)”

Is the Stanley Hotel Really Haunted? The Truth Behind The Shining's InspirationRoom 217. The Stanley Hotel. Stephen King. If you're into haunted places, you know these names are forever linked. But what's the real story behind America's most famous allegedly haunted hotel?In this episode of The Dark Folio, we dive deep into the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado—the grand historic resort that inspired Stephen King's "The Shining." We'll explore:✦ The TRUE story of the 1911 gas explosion in Room 217 and housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson✦ What really happened when Stephen King stayed there in 1974✦ Why Stanley Kubrick filmed the 1980 movie at Timberline Lodge instead✦ The ironic story of the hedge maze the hotel built in 2015✦ Whether the hauntings are real, or if "The Shining" created them✦ How the hotel just sold for $400 MILLION in 2025From F.O. Stanley's desperate search for a tuberculosis cure in 1903, to Flora Stanley's phantom piano playing, to the children's laughter on the fourth floor—we separate fact from fiction and give you everything you need to decide for yourself: Is the Stanley Hotel genuinely haunted, or is it the greatest ghost story marketing campaign ever?Featured Topics: Stanley Hotel history, Room 217 hauntings, Stephen King inspiration, The Shining filming locations, Elizabeth Wilson ghost, paranormal investigation, haunted hotels Colorado, Estes ParkPerfect for fans of: Ghost stories, true hauntings, Stephen King, horror history, paranormal investigation, skeptical inquiry🎧 Listen now and decide: Would YOU stay in Room 217?#StanleyHotel #Room217 #TheShining #StephenKing #HauntedHotel #TheDarkFolio#SpookySeason #HalloweenTravel #RealGhostStories #ParanormalActivity

FULL SHOW NOTESWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15-20-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.Episode Description: In 1922, the bodies of Reverend Edward Wheeler Hall and choir member Eleanor Reinhardt Mills were discovered beneath a crabapple tree in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Their affair, revealed through love letters found at the scene, led to a sensational trial and widespread media frenzy. In this episode of The Dark Folio Podcast, May explores the scandal, the trial, and the enduring mystery of this unsolved case.🔍 Perfect for fans of true crime, historical scandals, and unsolved mysteries.Sources & References:Hall–Mills murder case - Wikipedia"Blood & Ink: The Scandalous Jazz Age Double Murder that Hooked America" - Various historical sourcesFrances Hall, Henry Stevens, and William Stevens Trial records (1926)Contemporary newspaper coverage from The New York Times and local New Jersey papers"The Hall-Mills Murder Case" - Rutgers University Press archivesNew Brunswick Public Library Historical CollectionGot your own eerie story or hometown legend?Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode.Like what you heard?🎙️ Want more bite-sized creepy stories?Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review. It helps our little spooky community grow.Find me on:YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheDarkFolioPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579233608896Until next time…stay curious, stay cautious… and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Music credit goes to Zapsplat: https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

 The Jersey Devil has haunted the Pine Barrens of New Jersey for over 250 years. With reports of winged, hooved creatures and eerie screams in the night, this legendary cryptid has inspired fear, fascination, and countless folklore tales. In this episode of The Dark Folio, May explores the history, legends, and spooky accounts that make the Jersey Devil a lasting figure of paranormal lore.👻 Perfect for fans of cryptids, ghost stories, and paranormal folklore.McCloy, James F., and Ray Miller Jr. The Jersey Devil. Middle Atlantic Press, 1976. Coleman, Loren. Mysterious America: The Ultimate Guide to the Nation's Weirdest Wonders, Strangest True Stories, and Bizarre Phenomena. Simon & Schuster, 2007. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/10/13_places_the_jersey_devil_has_been_spotted_in_the.htmlhttps://medium.com/myths-legends-lore/a-devil-hides-in-the-pine-barrens-101814a3b904Wikipedia (Jersey Devil entry)Skeptic's Dictionary (Jersey Devil entryJournal of American Folklore Got your own eerie story or hometown legend? Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode. Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to help our spooky little community grow.🎙️ More bite-sized creepy stories: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheDarkFolioPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579233608896Until next time… stay curious, stay cautious… and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Music Credit: Zapsplat. Horror music box ghostly haunted musical tune

The Haunted Whaley House | Dark Folio Podcast: Ghosts, Tragedy & FolkloreThe Whaley House in San Diego has been called the most haunted house in America. From family tragedies to chilling ghost sightings, its walls hold stories that refuse to fade. In this episode of The Dark Folio, May unpacks the history, folklore, and paranormal legends that make the Whaley House one of California’s most infamous haunted places. Perfect for fans of ghost stories, haunted history, and eerie folklore.Got your own eerie story or hometown legend?Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode.Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review. It helps our little spooky community grow.Find me on: YouTube: @the dark foliostay curious, stay cautious… and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Whaley House Museum 2476 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA Open for tours Wednesday-Sunday Special ghost tours available evenings Reservations recommended, especially for evening tours Part of Old Town San Diego Historic DistrictHave you visited the Whaley House or experienced something unexplained in a historic location? Share your story with us – you might hear it featured in a future episode of The Dark Folio.Sources & References:Built as oldest brick structure and multifunctional home, theater, courthouse (Greek-Revival, 1857) (Wikipedia, San Diego Ghosts)Construction on execution site and Yankee Jim legend (Ghost City Tours, San Diego Ghosts)First haunted observations by Thomas Whaley (Old Town Trolley Tours, Wikipedia, US Ghost Adventures)Family tragedies: Thomas Jr. (scarlet fever), Violet (suicide) (San Diego Ghosts, Ghost City Tours)Abandonment and restoration by Francis Whaley 1909, family deaths inside house (Old Town Trolley Tours, Wikipedia, Ghost City Tours)Ghost sightings and phenomena (Anna, Thomas, Yankee Jim, sounds, scents) (US Ghost Adventures, ghostsandgravestones.com, Ghost City Tours)• Whaley House Museum official historical records • San Diego Historical Society archives • "The Whaley House: A History" by June Reading • Contemporary newspaper accounts from San Diego Union-Tribune historical archives • Paranormal investigation reports from The Atlantic Paranormal Society • Visitor testimonies from Whaley House Museum guest logs (1960-present)Whaley House Museum: https://www.whaleyhousesandiego.com/Old Town San Diego Trolley Tours: https://www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/whaley-houseRegis Philbin Gets Answers After GHOST Sighting - The Haunting Of... (S1 Flashback) | LMNMusic credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/#TrueCrime #Folklore #Paranormal #Podcast #Mystery #Hauntings #Cryptids #GhostStories #WhaleyHouse #SanDiego #AmericasMostHauntedHouse

The Dark Folio — Show NotesWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15–20-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.This episode:The Winchester Mystery House — A Mansion Built by Spirits?Step inside one of America’s strangest homes: a sprawling 160-room mansion full of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into thin air, and endless construction said to be guided by restless spirits. Was Sarah Winchester driven by guilt, grief, or ghosts? Let’s unlock the legend.In this episode of The Dark Folio, May takes you through the twisting hallways of the Winchester Mystery House, a labyrinth of oddities born from tragedy and mystery. We’ll explore the myths of Sarah Winchester’s supposed curse, the architectural riddles she left behind, and the blend of fact and folklore that still keeps this San Jose mansion a hotbed for ghost hunters and curious visitors alike. Was it truly the work of spirits—or just one woman’s obsession?The tragic losses that changed Sarah Winchester's life forever38 years of non-stop construction resulting in 160 rooms of architectural mysteriesSeparating supernatural legend from historical realityThe practical explanations behind the house's bizarre featuresWinchester Mystery House 525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA Daily tours available, including special flashlight tours Website: WinchesterMysteryHouse.comHave you visited the Winchester Mystery House? Do you have your own encounter with the unexplained? Reach out to The Dark Folio — your story might be featured in a future episode!Here are some of the sources that shaped today’s episode—perfect for your own late-night rabbit hole:History.com – Why People Believe California’s Winchester Mystery House Is HauntedWikipedia – Winchester Mystery HouseWikipedia – Sarah WinchesterSFTravel.com – The Guide to the Winchester Mystery HousePEOPLE.com – 12 Real-Life Haunted Houses with Chilling HistoriesWinchester Mystery House official archivesSan Jose Historical Museum records"The Winchester Mystery House: An Architectural Puzzle" - Historical Society of San JoseContemporary newspaper accounts from the San Jose Mercury Herald (1884-1922)"Captive of the Labyrinth" by Mary Jo Ignoffo - debunks many Winchester mythsEarthquake damage reports from 1906 San Francisco earthquakeStephen King interviews regarding Rose Red inspiration https://www.stephenking.nl/skfnieuw/specials/special-rose-red/special-rose-red-interviews-en-recensies/special-rose-red-interviews-en-recensies-abc-news-interview-met-stephen-king/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://youtu.be/t0Wc2YwhP48"The Winchester Mystery House: An Architectural Mystery" - Winchester Mystery House Official Website https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/Burton, Mary Jo. "Captive of the Labyrinth: Sarah L. Winchester, Heiress to the Rifle Fortune" (2010)San Jose Historical Museum Archives - Winchester Family Records"The Truth About Sarah Winchester" - Smithsonian Magazine, October 2016Peninsula Ghost Hunters Society Investigation Reports (1982-2010)San Francisco Chronicle Archives - "The Winchester Widow" (1922)Got your own eerie story or hometown legend? Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode.Like what you heard? Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review. It helps our little spooky community grow.🎙️ Want more bite-sized creepy stories? Find me on:YouTube: @TheDarkFolioPodFacebook: The Dark FolioUntil next time… stay curious, stay cautious… and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Music credit goes to Zapsplat.

SHOW NOTES"The Pope Lick Monster: Kentucky's Deadly Guardian of the Rails"Explore the dark legend of Kentucky's Pope Lick Monster – a half-man, half-goat creature that haunts an active railway trestle. Unlike other cryptids, this beast has a documented body count. From circus train disasters to government experiments, discover the origin theories behind this territorial cryptid and why the real danger might not be supernatural at all.SAFETY WARNING: The Pope Lick Trestle is active railway infrastructure. Trespassing is illegal and extremely dangerous. Multiple people have died on this trestle from train accidents. DO NOT attempt to visit or explore this location.Safe Alternatives for Cryptid Enthusiasts:• Kentucky After Dark tours (20+ paranormal sites statewide) • The Nightmare Gallery in Somerset, KY (by appointment - best reviewed attraction of its kind) • Waverly Hills Sanatorium paranormal tours • Kentucky Railway Museum with train rides and events • Kentucky Dinner Train for railway experiences • Local folklore festivals celebrating Kentucky legends • Various haunted tours throughout KentuckySources:• Louisville Courier-Journal historical archives • Norfolk Southern Railway safety records • Kentucky Folklore Society documentation • "Weird Kentucky" by Jeffrey Scott Holland • Local paranormal investigation reports • Eyewitness accounts compiled by Kentucky cryptid researchers Pope Lick Monster, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pope_Lick_Monster&oldid=1292100938 The Legend of the Pope Lick Monster• The Nightmare Gallery, Somerset: paranormalroadtripper.net/nightmaregallery/ • Kentucky After Dark tours: kentuckyafterdark.com • Kentucky Railway Museum: kyrail.org • Kentucky Dinner Train: kydinnertrain.com Railway trespassing is a federal crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. The Pope Lick Trestle is active Norfolk Southern infrastructure with regular freight traffic. Multiple fatalities have occurred. The Dark Folio does not encourage or endorse visiting this location under any circumstances.Have you encountered unexplained creatures in Kentucky or elsewhere? Share your story safely – no dangerous locations required. Your experience might be featured in a future Dark Folio episode.

FULL SHOW NOTESWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.This episode:The Greenbrier Ghost — a haunting that helped solve a murder in West Virginia.The chilling true story of Zona Heaster Shue, whose death in 1897 was initially ruled natural causes until her ghost allegedly appeared to her mother, revealing she had been murdered by her husband. This led to an exhumation, autopsy, and murder trial that made legal history as the only case where ghost testimony played a role in a criminal conviction.Sources & References:Monroe Watchman newspaper archives (1897)Greenbrier Independent newspaper coverageWest Virginia court records from State v. Shue (1897)Greenbrier County death and marriage recordsWest Virginia State Historical Marker, Sam Black ChurchWest Virginia Encyclopedia (e-WV.org)Greenbrier County Historical Society records"The Greenbrier Ghost" - West Virginia Tourism https://greenbrierwv.com/editorials/the-greenbrier-ghostAtlas Obscura: "Greenbrier Ghost of Sam Black Church"American Hauntings documentationRoadside America historical marker databaseWest Virginia Archives and HistoryLegal precedent documentation through West Virginia court systemFolklore studies from West Virginia University collectionsGot an eerie story or local legend? Send it to me at [email protected], and you may hear it on an upcoming episode. Like what you heard? Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help grow our spooky community. Find me on: YouTube: @the dark folioUntil next time… stay curious, stay cautious, and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Music credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

Welcome to The Dark Folio — your 15-minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.This episode:The Villisca Axe Murders — a hundred-year-old case, still unsolved, still haunting Iowa.On June 10, 1912, the small town of Villisca, Iowa, woke to one of the most horrific and mysterious crimes in American history. Eight people — the Moore family and two young houseguests — were brutally murdered in their sleep with an axe. What makes this case truly haunting isn't just the violence, but the bizarre ritualistic behavior of the killer, who spent hours in the house covering mirrors, draping windows, and leaving strange clues that have puzzled investigators for over a century.Sources & References:The Villisca Axe Murders, Iowa PBSVillisca: Living with a Mystery documentary archives“The Ax Murders of Villisca, Iowa” — Historic Council BluffsVillisca Axe Murder House official site: www.villiscaiowa.com Old newspaper accounts via Library of Congress archives"The Man from the Train" by Bill James and Rachel McCarthy James"Murdered in their Beds" by Troy TaylorIowa Division of Criminal Investigation case filesVillisca Review newspaper archives, June 1912Montgomery County Sheriff's Department records"The Midnight Assassin" by Skip HollandsworthVillisca Axe Murder House official documentationHistorical accounts from the Villisca Historical SocietyVisit the Villisca Axe Murder House:Website: villiscaiowa.comAddress: 508 E 2nd St, Villisca, IA 50864Tours and overnight stays available (booking required)Got your own eerie story or hometown legend? Email me at [email protected] — you might just hear it on a future episode. Like what you heard? Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a quick review. It helps our little spooky community grow.Want more bite-sized creepy stories? Find me on: YouTube: @thedarkfolioUntil next time… stay curious, stay cautious, and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Content WarningsThis episode discusses violent crime and murder, though details are kept family-friendly and focus on the mystery rather than graphic descriptions.#TrueCrime #UnsolvedMysteries #Iowa #SmallTown #1912 #AxeMurder #ColdCase #Paranormal #History #Mystery #VilliscaMusic credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

FULL SHOW NOTESWelcome to The Dark Folio — your creepy little coffee break.. 15-20-minute stories of eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true crime.This episode:The Mothman — from West Virginia legend to global omen. Discover how sightings of a winged creature with glowing red eyes gripped Point Pleasant, led to a tragedy, and sparked a legend that still flies today.Sources & References:“The Mothman Prophecies” by John Keel (1975)West Virginia State Archives — Mothman recordsPoint Pleasant local newspaper archives (1966-1967)Smithsonian Magazine: “The Enduring Legend of Mothman” An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia | Folklife MagazineInterviews from the Mothman Museum HomeThe Real Story of The Mothman Prophecies - IGN Have a spooky hometown story or local legend? Send it my way at [email protected]. It might just be our next episode. Like what you heard? Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and share it with someone who loves a good eerie tale. Please leave a review to help more curious souls find our cozy little haunt. Find me on: YouTube: @The Dark Folio Until next time…stay curious, stay cautious, and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. 🌙Music credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

Welcome to The Dark Folio - Your Creepy Little Coffee BreakStep into the shadows with host May as she introduces you to The Dark Folio — where history's strangest, darkest, and most haunting records come alive in just 15 -20 minutes.Think of it as your creepy little coffee break: folklore that sends shivers down your spine, hauntings that defy explanation, and true crime mysteries that time forgot. All delivered with an intimate, conversational tone that feels like sharing ghost stories by lantern light.What to expect:Ghost Files: Famous and local hauntings (like the Bell Witch of Tennessee)Monster Files: Cryptids and creatures that lurk in the unknownDark Ledger: Bizarre historical crimes and unexplained vanishingsFamily-friendly scares (PG-13, perfect for your coffee run or car ride)Fascinating facts you can actually sourceA healthy dose of skepticism mixed with wonderNo jump scares, no gore — just intelligent storytelling about the mysteries that make you lean in and listen a little closer. Whether you're a folklore fanatic or just love a good mystery, The Dark Folio has something waiting in the shadows for you."Where the shadows keep their records."Perfect for: Quick commutes, coffee breaks, or whenever you need 15 minutes of delicious darkness in your day.Follow The Dark Folio for new episodes, and remember — keep that flashlight handy. Just in case.#TrueCrime #Folklore #Paranormal #Podcast #Mystery #Hauntings #Cryptids #GhostStories #TheDarkFolioMusic credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/

Episode: The Bell Witch — Tennessee’s Most Talkative GhostWelcome to The Dark Folio — your 15-20 minute dive into eerie folklore, haunted places, and strange true stories.My name is May, the host of The Dark Folio. After several years in radio and many years of studying the paranormal, folklore, legends, true crime and just the weird in general, I decided to merge them into a podcast to share with you! This is new to me, breaking out on my own, so be gentle as I learn and grow in this endeavor. Episode 1 - The Bell Witch — Tennessee’s most infamous haunting, and maybe the only ghost that actually talked back. It started with scratching and whispers in a frontier cabin… and ended with a death some say was caused by the witch itself. Since I live right here in Tennessee, it hits a little close to home and is a perfect first episode for The Dark Folio.Have your own eerie story or local legend? I’d love to hear it. Email me at [email protected] and you might even hear your story in a future episode. Like what you heard? Follow The Dark Folio wherever you get your podcasts, and if you’ve got a second, leave a quick review. It helps our little creepy community grow.Until next time…stay curious, stay cautious…and keep that flashlight handy. Just in case. Sources & References:Tennessee Historical Commission marker on the Bell WitchThe Official Home of the Bell Witch https://www.bellwitchcave.com/ Bell Witch Cave archives & local historical accounts (Adams, TN)Bell Witch explained? Austin Peay chemistry professor explores the science in the talehttps://www.apsu.edu/news/october-2021-bell-witch-1029.php#:~:text=The%20most%20compelling%20piece%20of,his%20family%20that%20did%20it.An Authenticated History of the Bell Witch by M.V. Ingram (1894)Tennessee Encyclopedia of History & Culture, “Bell Witch” entryLegends of America: The Bell Witch of TennesseeMusic credit goes to Zapsplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/horror-music-box-ghostly-haunted-musical-tune-version-2/