Spectral

Tonight, we’re talking about a different set of Long Legs–these are ghostly white, and shies away from the spotlight. She’s THE Fresno Nightcrawler! This modern cryptid is unique in its appearance, how it walks, and how it… oinks? Listen in as we discuss recent on-camera sightings of the Fresno Nightcrawler, its origin story, and every theory out there on what it could be. And as a hint, we still really don’t know what our It girl is – share your theories with us because we want to put some respect on her name.  xoxoFor pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.Sources: Bowie, Desiree. “Origins of the Fresno Nightcrawler, a Pants-shaped cryptid.” How Stuff Works, 16 May 2024, https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/fresno-nightcrawler.htm.Galan, Fernanda. “Cryptid fans are in love with this ‘funky little dude.’ What is the Fresno Nightcrawler?” The Fresno Bee, 15 Oct. 2024, https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article293048864.Helton, Kellie. “Fresno Nightcrawler: Hoax or real? Mystery remains years later.” Your Central Valley, 27 Dec. 2022, https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/digital-enterprise/fresno-nightcrawler-hoax-or-real-mystery-remains-years-later/.“Native American Legends: Stick Indians.” Native Languages, Accessed 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.native-languages.org/morelegends/stick-indians.htm.Ohler, Sara. “Fresno’s Own Local Legend.” The Rampage, 01 Nov. 2023, https://www.therampageonline.com/lifestyle/2023/11/01/fresnos-own-local-legend/.Romano, Anthony. “The Birth of a Legend: The First Fresno Sighting.” Hangar 1 Publishing, Accessed 29 Jan. 2025, https://hangar1publishing.com/blogs/cryptids/nightcrawlers-yosemite?srsltid=

The Beldam lures you in with dreamy illusions and sweet offerings, disguising her true form until you’re in her trap. There are many similarities between the spindly monster and a popular clique in folklore. Your hosts believe the origin of this shapeshifting baddie, seen in Coraline’s Other Mother, traces back over 200 years – and has us asking: Is the Beldam much older than the world of Coraline? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “Adder Stone.” Mysteries and Legends, Accessed 26 Jan. 2025, https://mysteriesandlegends.fandom.com/wiki/Adder_Stone “Coraline.” Focus Features, 2009. Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. HarperCollins, 2001. “John Keats.” Britannica, Accessed 27 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Keats. “La Belle Dame Analysis.” LitCharts, Accessed 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/john-keats/la-belle-dame-sans-merci. “La Belle Dame sans merci.” Brittanica, Accessed 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/La-Belle-Dame-sans-merci-by-Chartier.

We’re officially raising the checkered flag on our look into the curse of Speedway, Indiana. Our last two tragedies include the Indiana state fair grounds, Sugarland, someone with a gross but fitting last name, and a whole lotta anger. We’ll wrap up our discussion with dishonorable mentions and some theories behind what’s happening near Speedway. And here’s the ley line simulator: https://websim.ai/@MKIreland/ley-lines-of-the-usa-interactive-explore For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “Aircraft Accidents.” Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, Accessed 29 Dec. 2024, https://indyencyclopedia.org/aircraft-accidents/#:~:text=Another%20mid%2Dair%20collision%20occurred,with%20an%20inbound%20smaller%20plane. Almasy, Steve, Hanna, Jason, and Watts, Amanda. “Police ID gunman who killed 8 people at an Indianapolis FedEx facility as 19-year-old former employee.” CNN, 17 Apr. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/16/us/indianapolis-shooting-fedex-facility/index.html. Cook, Tony and Magdaleno, Johnny. “New details show interventions failed - again and again - to stop FedEx shooting.” The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2021, https://www.indystar.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2021/11/11/indianapolis-fedex-shooting-sheila-hole-inadequate-interventions-failed-stop-killings/6237864001/. Fitzsimons, Tim. “Indianapolis FedEx mass shooting was ‘preventable’, families of victims say in negligence lawsuit.” NBC News, 11 Nov. 2022, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indianapolis-fedex-mass-shooting-was-preventable-families-victims-say-rcna23914. Jacobs, Bel. “Ley lines: The UK’s mysterious ancient pathways.” BBC, 02 Nov. 2022, https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20221102-englands-mysterious-ancient-pathways. Kershner, Kate. “What Are Ley Lines?” How Stuff Works, 30 Nov. 2023, https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/ley-lines.htm. Lesso, Rosie. “Ancient Pathways: What Are Ley Lines?” The Collector, 03 May 2024, https://www.thecollector.com/ancient-pathways-what-are-ley-lines/. Mack, Justin L. “Indiana’s red flag law didn’t stop Brandon Scott Hole from killing 8 people.” The Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2021, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2021/04/18/indiana-red-flag-law-fedex-indianapolis-shooter-gun/7276439002/. Martinez-LeGrand, Nicole. “Indigenous History in Indiana: Treaties and the Complexity of Language Preservations.” We Do History, 15 Nov. 2021, https://indianahistory.org/blog/indigenous-history-in-indiana-treaties-and-the-complexity-of-language-preservation/. Nicas, Jack. “Faulty Planning, Stage Cited in Fair Collapse.” The Wall Street Journal, 12 Apr. 2012, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304356604577339923897959492. Serena, Katie. “The Controversial History of Ley Lines, From the Theory’s Origin To Its New Age Connection To UFOs.” All Thats Interesting, 23 Apr. 2024, https://allthatsinteresting.com/ley-lines. Sikich, Chris. “How a Native American burial site was desecrated in Hamilton County.” The Indianapolis Star, 05 Nov. 2016, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2016/11/05/native-american-graves-strawtown/91913202/. “Sylvia Likens Murder Case.” Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, Accessed 29 Dec. 2024, https://indyencyclopedia.org/sylvia-likens-murder-case/. Taub, Benjamin. “What Are Ley Lines And Do They Really Exist?” IFL Science, 12 Dec. 2023, “The ley of the land.” The Guardian, 12 May 2000, Witt Associates. “An Independent Assessment of the August 13, 2011 Indiana State Fair Collapse Incident.” Witt Associates, 05 Apr. 2012, /Witt-Associates-Indiana-State-Fair-Report_April2012.pdf.

The curse of Speedway, part 2 brings us the infamous (and still unsolved!) Burger Chef murders, an avoidable jet crash, way too many serial killers with nearly identical names, and one of the most horrific crimes in Indianapolis. And, surprise! We’ve got our first 3-parter, so we’ll wrap up our discussion on Speedway next week with two more tragedies, honorable mentions, and theories. You won’t want to miss it. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “Aircraft Accidents.” Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, Accessed 26 Dec. 2024, https://indyencyclopedia.org/aircraft-accidents/#:~:text=Another%20mid%2Dair%20collision%20occurred,with%20an%20inbound%20smaller%20plane. Harts, Michael, Mullins, Marc, and Ryckaert, Vic. “1978 Burger Chef murders haunt retired detective: ‘This is the type of case that I will take to my grave’.” WRTV Indianapolis, 17 Nov. 2023, https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/1978-burger-chef-murders-haunt-retired-detective-this-is-the-type-of-case-that-i-will-take-to-my-grave. “Indiana plane crashes.” The Indianapolis Star, 01 May 2002, https://web.archive.org/web/20130627124130/http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/history/disasters/planecrashes.html. “Motive in Indianapolis Bloodbath.” CBS News, 06 June 2006, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/motive-in-indianapolis-bloodbath/. Penner, Diana. “Indiana Unsolved: I-70 killings left 6 victims in 3 states.” The Indianapolis Star, 16 Apr. 2013, https://web.archive.org/web/20150222160903/http://archive.indystar.com/article/20130409/NEWS02/304090079/Indiana-Unsolved-70-killings-left-6-victims-3-states. “Ramada Inn Air Crash and Fire.” United States Fire Administration - Technical Report Series, Accessed 27 Dec. 2024, https://www.interfire.org/res_file/pdf/Tr-014.pdf.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...with scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago… Grab some spiked nog, prepare for the veil to thin, and join us for a Christmas ghost story. Happy holidays! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Story: Timperley, Rosemary. "A Christmas Meeting," Book of Ghost Stories. 1951 Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/happy-holiday License code: YGXFLWEXUEPJGJ75

What if specific areas, neighborhoods, or towns were more susceptible to tragedies? This seems to be the case for a 125 square mile area near Speedway, Indiana. This little area has experienced way too many once-in-a-lifetime events, and we can’t help but ask ourselves why. Tune in with us as we explore some of the wildest things that have happened in and around Speedway. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “‘Bill’ Denver, Audubon, is Speed Victim.” The Mercury, 29 May 1933, https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-mercury-tragic-prequel-to-the-failed/30051969/. Devgania, Chintan. “‘You Physically Can’t See Anything’ - Tony Stewart Uncovers Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Dark Side That Left Him Spooked.” Essentially Sports, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-you-physically-cant-see-anything-tony-stewart-uncovers-indianapolis-motor-speedways-dark-side-that-left-him-spooked/. “Freak explosion at Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum kills 74.” History, 24 Oct. 2023, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/indiana-state-fairgrounds-coliseum-explosion. “Gordon Smiley - The Dark Side of Indianapolis.” Car Throttle, 01 Feb. 2021, https://www.carthrottle.com/post/a2rly3l. Hartz, Michael. “40 years ago: Bombings rock town of Speedway, Indiana.” WRTV Indianapolis, 30 Aug. 2018, https://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/history/40-years-ago-bombings-rock-town-of-speedway-indiana. Marot, Michael. “Worst crashes in Indianapolis 500 history.” Fox San Antonio, 20 May 2016, https://foxsanantonio.com/sports/worst-crashes-in-indianapolis-500-history. Mitchell, Dawn. “Retro Indy: The deadly 1963 Coliseum explosion on Halloween night.” Indy Star, 15 Jan. 2014, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/01/15/coliseum-explosion/4495037/. Mitchell, Dawn. “Washing away: How the Great Flood of 1913 devastated Indiana.” Indy Star, 22 Mar. 2019, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2019/03/22/washed-away-how-great-flood-1913-devastated-indiana/3245606002/. Shrestha, Naman. “Brett Kimberlin: Where is the Speedway Bomber Now?” The Cinemaholic, 29 Oct. 2024, https://thecinemaholic.com/brett-kimberlin/.

1974 saw the Watergate scandal, the invention of post-its, and a top-secret UFO event? Life in small town Carbondale, PA was disrupted one November night after residents reported seeing something streak across the sky and land into a silt pond behind a local park. After days of military presence, intense media coverage, and thousands of spectators–something unexpected is pulled out of the water, leading police and officials to label the event as a hoax. But even fifty years later, most locals believe there was a government coverup, leaving many questions unanswered. Is the Carbondalien event just local lore, or did something more curious happen in this small town? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “Carbondalien Festival.” Carbondalien Festival, Accessed 03 Nov. 2024, https://carbondalienfestival.com/. “A Look Back at the Carbondale ‘UFO Crash’ of 1974.” PA Homepage, 08 Nov. 2024, https://www.pahomepage.com/video/a-look-back-at-the-carbondale-ufo-crash-of-1974/10201716/. “Carbondalien festival beams down upon city.” The Times Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024, https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2024/11/14/carbondalien-festival-beams-down-upon-city/. “Carbondale, Pennsylvania.” City of Carbondale, Accessed 06 Nov. 2024, https://www.carbondalepa.org/. “Carbondale UFO tale rises again.” Times Leader, 13 Nov. 2016, https://www.timesleader.com/wire/state-wire/606429/carbondale-ufo-tale-rises-again#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CCarbondale%20UFO%E2%80%9D%20drew%20police,only%20an%20old%20railroad%20lantern. Flannery, Tom. “City marks 1974 ‘alien landing’ at Russell Parks with events.” Tri-County Independent, 14 Apr. 2014, https://www.tricountyindependent.com/story/entertainment/events/2014/08/20/city-marks-1974-alien-landing/64723843007/. Oleary, Kathryn. “50th anniversary of UFO crash legend in Carbondale.” PA Homepage, 08 Nov. 2024, https://www.pahomepage.com/news/50th-anniversary-of-ufo-crash-legend-in-carbondale/. Palko, Jerry and Tusko, Mike. “UFO Experts Have Doubts About Carbondale Hoax.” The Scranton Times, 12 Nov. 1974. “Pennsylvania’s ‘U.F.O.’ Just a Flash in the Pond.” The New York Times, 12 Nov. 1974, https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/12/archives/pennsylvanias-ufo-just-a-flash-in-the-pond.html. “The Legend.” Carbon D. Alien, Accessed 05 Nov. 2024, https://carbondalien.com/?s=thelegend. Newspaper Article: “UFO Experts Have Doubts About Carbondale Hoax” written by Jerry Palko & Mike Tusko. The Scranton-Times Published: Nov 12th 1974

Imagine if the scariest movie you’ve ever seen was based on a true story. Well, it just might be! We’re going over some horror classics, plus some scary movies we had never heard of, to tell you the true story that inspired it all. From young men having nightmares so bad they die in their sleep to a couple lost at sea, you won’t want to miss the finale to our 13 Nights of Halloween. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Clouse, Lindsey. “The Horrific True Story Behind the Making of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.” Collider, 18 Mar. 2024, https://collider.com/the-birds-production-history-explained/. “Deaths of Asians in Sleep Still a Mystery.” Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 1988, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-04-24-me-2575-story.html. DeLong, William. “The True Story of Danny Rolling, The Gainesville Ripper Who Inspired ‘Scream’.” All Thats Interesting, 24 Oct. 2021, https://allthatsinteresting.com/danny-rolling-gainesville-ripper. Fickling, David. “The cruel sea.” The Guardian, 22 July 2004, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/jul/23/2. Hunter, David and Presnell, Riley. “How in the Hell is ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ Based on a True Story?” Collider, 09 Aug. 2024, https://collider.com/nightmare-on-elm-street-true-story/. Jackson, Matthew. “The True Stories That Inspired a Nightmare on Elm Street.” SyFy, 27 Dec. 2023, https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-true-stories-that-inspired-a-nightmare-on-elm-street. Keaney, Quinn. “The Nightmarish String of Real-Life Murders That Inspired Wes Craven’s ‘Scream’.” Pop Sugar, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/scream-movie-true-story-44178569. McNamara, Tom. “Here’s the real story behind Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.” Popular Science, 27 Apr. 2021, https://www.popsci.com/story/animals/wild-lives-hitchcock-birds/. Starkey, Arun. “The shocking real event behind the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie ‘The Birds’.” Far Out, 25 Jan. 2023, https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/real-event-alfred-hitchcock-the-birds/. Steinhaus, Rochelle. “Ex-boyfriend of driver describes disposing of accident victim’s body.” Court TV News, 11 July 2007, https://web.archive.org/web/20070711140205/http://www.courttv.com/trials/mallard/062403-pm_ctv.html. “Timeline of events in Chante Mallard windshield death case.” My Plainview, 26 June 2003, https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Timeline-of-events-in-Chante-Mallard-windshield-8766883.php. “Woman faced murder trial after leaving accident victim on her car.” Court TV News, 03 Apr. 2009, https://web.archive.org/web/20090403231824/http://www.courttv.com/trials/mallard/background.html. “Woman panicked after touching man in windshield.” CNN, 27 June 2003, https://web.archive.org/web/20060227082000/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/06/26/windshield.death/index.html.

Have you ever eaten a fancy dinner in an environment SO silent it was…magic? Nah, we haven’t either. But what if it was also possible to reconnect with a dead loved one with this Silent Magic? And also maybe, find a husband?? You should host your own Dumb Supper! Tune in for our step by step guide and don’t forget to ask your guests: red wine or milk? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: https://thedruidsgarden.com/2022/10/30/a-druids-dumb-supper-a-samhain-ritual-of-ancestor-connection/ Wiginton, Patti. “A Feast With the Dead: How to Hold a Pagan Dumb Supper for Samhain.” Learn Religions, 20 Feb. 2018, https://www.learnreligions.com/feast-with-the-dead-2562707

Mimic (noun): a person skilled in imitating the voice, mannerisms, or movements of others. But what does this look like in the paranormal realm? We’re sharing stories on mimics, possible explanations, and a few other things that might raise the hair on your neck. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

Welcome to the seance! Join us in calling on the spirits as we, your dutiful spectral hosts, answer questions from beyond. You’ll learn about our spooky influences, unlikely events in the woods, and the scariest thing that’s ever happened to us. Answer along with us if the spirits make you feel so inclined - we just might hear you. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

We’re still just a little stitious… Now that Halloween is officially this week, we’re dropping our favorite superstitions, from what fruit to avoid to handling spectral sightings, to prepare you as the veil thins. Good luck, babe! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: “15 Spooky Superstitions to Put You in the Halloween Spirit!” Little Passports, Accessed 25 Oct. 2024, https://www.littlepassports.com/blog/world-holidays/spooky-superstitions-to-put-you-in-the-halloween-spirit/?srsltid=AfmBOoo-l796PRxQDa8D1BLu2pYQgIFzcBnMu6bksPco7xKj78n_4-DQ. Lovejoy, Bess. “12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions.” Mental Floss, 07 Oct. 2020, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/511071/spooky-halloween-superstitions. “Spooky Halloween Superstitions.” Sunmark, Accessed 25 Oct. 2024, https://www.sunmark.org/connect/sunmark-360/spooky-halloween-superstitions. “The Puca, and Blackberries after Halloween.” The Fading Year, 01 Nov. 2016, https://thefadingyear.wordpress.com/2016/11/01/the-puca-and-blackberries-after-halloween/.

1981 included the launch of MTV, Diana becoming a princess, and… a cannibal attack? Born in Japan, Issei Sagawa’s obsession with human flesh began in elementary school. This vile obsession overcame him until he did the unthinkable in Paris, France. Though the entire episode will have you on the edge of your seat, the ending will leave you furious. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Kosuga, Tomokazu. “Who’s Hungry?” Vice, 01 Jan. 2009, https://www.vice.com/en/article/whos-hungry-502-v16n1/. Kranc, Lauren and Miller, Matt. “13 Terrifying-But-True Horror Stories Reported in the News.” Esquire, 05 Oct. 2023, https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a39179/five-real-life-horror-stories/. Montgomery, Hanako. “Japanese Cannibal Who Got Away With Eating and R@ping a Dutch Woman is Dead.” 02 Dec. 2022, https://www.vice.com/en/article/japan-cannibalism-murder-issei-sagawa/. Morris, Steven. “Issei Sagawa: Celebrity Cannibal.” New Criminologist, 20 Sept. 2007, https://web.archive.org/web/20110714172725/http://www.newcriminologist.com/article.asp?nid=17.

It’s (a)live! Happy Frankenstein Friday and the 7th night of our 13 nights of Halloween! Mary Shelley’s creation has inspired countless recreations and homages, so we’re cranking up the time machine to celebrate the queen of horror. Tune in for Frankenstein fun facts, details about the night that inspired Mary to write, and how Mary kept her husband’s heart until the very end. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Alberge, Dalya. “The hand of the other woman in Shelley’s life.” University College London, 15 Aug. 2005, https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2005/aug/hand-other-woman-shelleys-life. Baum, Spencer. “The Year Without Summer and the Origins of Frankenstein.” Medium, 23 Sept. 2018, https://medium.com/@spencerbaum/the-year-without-summer-and-the-origins-of-frankenstein-13e6884c3ece. Blakemore, Erin. “‘Frankenstein’ Was Born During a Ghastly Vacation.” History.com, 12 Mar. 2019, https://www.history.com/news/frankenstein-true-story-mary-shelley. “Inspiring Frankenstein.” Smithsonian Libraries, Accessed 20 Oct. 2024, https://library.si.edu/exhibition/fantastic-worlds/body-electric. “Mary Shelley.” Biography, 06 May 2021, https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/mary-shelley. Sampson, Fiona. “Frankenstein at 200 - why hasn’t Mary Shelley been given the respect she deserves?” The Guardian, 13 Jan. 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/13/frankenstein-at-200-why-hasnt-mary-shelley-been-given-the-respect-she-deserves-.

Welcome to our first movie review! When Tess shows up to her double booked rental home, she has no idea what terrifying secret hides beneath her feet. Barbarian, full of red flags, makes you question, “who really is the villain here?” Let us know your thoughts about the movie but remember: don’t upset Mother. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Amidon, Aurora. “The Ending of ‘Barbarian’ Explained.” Film School Rejects, 09 Sept. 2022, https://filmschoolrejects.com/barbarian-movie-explained/. “How a Self-Help Book Inspired The Horror Film ‘Barbarian.’” As the Bunny Hops, Accessed 19 Oct. 2024, https://asthebunnyhops.com/self-help-book-barbarian/. Lee, Chris. “No One in Hollywood Wanted to Make Barbarian.” Vulture, 04 Oct. 2022, https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/no-one-in-hollywood-wanted-to-make-barbarian.html.

Here come the bloops! We’ve compiled a series of never-before-heard bloopers and outtakes. Think of it as a little vibe refresh after you binged some of our horror recommendations. What’s Halloween without a few jokes? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

Time to show the books and TV shows the respect they deserve. From the scariest book we’ve ever read to fangirling over Guillermo del Toro’s art, you won’t want to miss this second installment. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

If you’re looking for some terrifying Halloween movies for the tailend of October, we’ve got you! From our favorite found footage movies, the most badass final girl, to finally admitting which movies made us fear the dark for 8+ years (though we all can guess which host this applies to), these horror and thriller movies will put you in a chokehold for the last 10 days of spooky season. The best part? We’re giving you our top horror book and TV recommendations tomorrow. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

Welcome to Guanajuato, Mexico! Our beautiful city can offer you traditional Spanish architecture, streets of brightly colored homes, and a collection of 100+ naturally preserved mummies found in our Museo de las Momias. A result of an unjust burial tax, these mummies were totally exempt from natural decomposition, robbed of their identities, and treated disrespectfully for decades. Preservation efforts are underway, but we need your help. Schedule your visit today! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources Barger, Jennifer. “These Mexican mummies draw crows - and controversy.” National Geographic, 20 Oct. 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/these-mexican-mummies-draw-crowds-and-controversy. “Mexican government says the arm of a 19th century mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff.” AP News, 27 May 2024, https://apnews.com/article/mexico-mummies-mistreatment-lost-arm-1f268720e46264b533b8eb62bdcbd377.

Imagine taking a peaceful walk in the Friborg forest in Switzerland. It’s a beautiful day and you stumble upon a clearing– when you notice a 6 ft figure, picking flowers…in a gas mask. Le Loyon has entered the chat! A mysterious figure outside of the village of Maules, Le Loyon’s presence unsettled locals and became a spooky legend told around campfires. Then the boogeyman became very real when evidence of his presence was published in the local paper. We want your thoughts of who Le Loyon was and if he’ll ever come back because in his own words, “...a ghost never dies.” For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources “Le Loyon.” Astonishing Legends, 02 Sept. 2020, https://astonishinglegends.com/astonishing-legends/2020/9/2/le-loyon. “‘Le Loyon’ - Mysterious person in Switzerland.” Swiss Forum, Accessed 17 Oct. 2024, https://swissforum.co.uk/t/le-loyon-mysterious-person-in-switzerland/53763?page=2. Lucia. “Encylopaedia Of The Impossible: Le Loyon, Or The Gas Mask-Wearing Ghost of Maules.” The Ghost in my Machine, 17 Apr. 2023, https://theghostinmymachine.com/2023/04/17/encyclopaedia-of-the-impossible-le-loyon-or-the-gas-mask-wearing-ghost-of-maules/.

It’s hoa hoa hoa season–so we’re going to Washington…and Montana…and Wyoming…and…the whole Northwest region for our second installment of Urban Legends. Northwestern U.S. is known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and its own personal brand of urban legends. In this episode, we’ll hang out near rivers and lakes, doing our best to ignore the luring calls of Idaho’s vengeful “water babies.” Take a scenic drive along Oregon’s Cannon Beach, dodging tourists and local nightmare known only as the Bandage Man. We’ll stop by normally named areas like Slaughterhouse Gulch, Sacrifice Cliff, and Massacre Rocks, saving time for a quick drop into deep and notorious: Mel’s Hole. Get in, loca–we’re going sightseeing. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources Bush, Clara. “The Bandage Man Urban Legend.” 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.clarabush.com/the-bandage-man-urban-legend/. Connor J. “10 Washington State Myths.” KW3, 04 Aug. 2023, https://kw3.com/washington-myths/. Delap, Ian. “Haunted Wyoming: The Ghost of Slaughterhouse Gulch.” My Country 95.5, 01 Oct. 2021, https://mycountry955.com/haunted-wyoming-the-ghost-of-slaughterhouse-gulch/. “Grand Encampment Mining District.” Wyoming Tales and Trials, Accessed 10 Oct. 2024, http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/rudafeha3.html. Jennifer. “These 7 Urban Legends in Idaho Will Keep You Awake At Night.” Only in Idaho, 06 July 2016, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/idaho/id-urban-legends. Melrose. “Idaho: The Haunting of Massacre Rocks. The Legend of the Water Babies.” Vocal Media, 13 Oct. 2023, https://vocal.media/horror/idaho-the-haunting-of-massacre-rocks-the-legend-of-the-water-babies. “Oregon Urban Legends.” The Corvallis Advocate, 27 Oct. 2020, https://www.corvallisadvocate.com/2020/oregon-urban-legends/. “Sacrifice Cliff.” Ultimate Montana, Accessed 10 Oct. 2024, https://www.ultimatemontana.com/billings%20area/181-sacrifice-cliff. “Spooky Billings.” Billings 365, Accessed 10 Oct. 2024, https://billings365.com/spooky-billings. “Spooky Stories, Head Scratchers & Tall Tales.” Cannon Beach History Center, 05 Oct. 2020, https://cbhistory.org/blog/spooky-stories-head-scratchers-tall-tales/. Wick, Jessica. “These 8 Urban Legends In Washington Will Keep You Awake At Night.” Only in Washington, 18 Apr. 2016

Meet Robert the Doll. A permanent resident of Florida, Robert has spent over 120 years moving around houses by himself, changing his facial expressions, suddenly appearing in rooms, and cursing those who photograph him without asking for his permission. Though Robert now lives in a Key West museum, paranormal experiences haven’t stopped. If you’re looking to visit Robert the doll, remember: follow the rules. If you don't, maybe your house will get struck by lightning five times or your health will decline rapidly–it’s really a mixed bag of misfortunes. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources “Historic Key West Inn in the Heart of Old Town.” The Artist House, Accessed 30 Sept. 2024, https://www.artisthousekeywest.com/key-west-inn#history. Morton, Ella. “Robert the Haunted Doll: Creeping Out Floridians Since 1904.” Slate, 18 Nov. 2013, https://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/11/18/robert_the_haunted_doll_creeping_out_floridians_since_1904.html. “Robert’s Story.” Robert the Doll, Accessed 30 Sept. 2024, https://robertthedoll.org/story/. Wright, Andy. “The Story Behind the World’s Most Terrifying Haunted Doll.” Atlas Obscura, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/story-behind-robert-the-doll.

Beam us up! We’re getting otherworldly and taking you through the five kinds of alien encounters. These range from skeptical “did I just see that?” UFO sightings to crash landings in Las Vegas to the frightening side effect some abductees claim to experience after repeated alien contact. And if you ever wanted to communicate with aliens–listen in because you’re not alone. In fact, we think that humans are never truly alone. Don’t believe us? Just spend a few clear nights looking up. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources ABC News. “Abducted by Aliens: Believers Tell Their Stories.” ABC News, 14 Aug. 2009, https://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=8330290. “Ancient Aliens: Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind.” History, Accessed 25 Sept. 2024, https://www.history.com/shows/ancient-aliens/season-19/episode-7. Charns, David. “Las Vegas family claims to see aliens after several report something falling from sky.” 8 News Now, 07 June 2023, https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/las-vegas-family-claims-to-see-aliens-after-several-report-something-falling-from-sky/. Cromie, William J. “Alien abduction claims examined.” The Harvard Gazette, 20 Feb. 2003, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/02/alien-abduction-claims-examined-2/. Daugherty, Greg. “Meet J. Allen Hynek, the Astronomer Who First Classified UFO ‘Close Encounters’.” History, 15 Jan. 2020, https://www.history.com/news/j-allen-hynek-ufos-project-blue-book. Kennedy, Courtney and Lau, Arnold. “Most Americans believe in intelligent life beyond Earth; few see UFOs as a major national security threat.” Pew Research Center, 30 June 2021, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/06/30/most-americans-believe-in-intelligent-life-beyond-earth-few-see-ufos-as-a-major-national-security-threat/. Reuters. “Are Earthlings alone? Half of humans believe in alien life.” Reuters, 08 Dec. 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/world/are-earthlings-alone-half-of-humans-believe-in-alien-life-idUSKBN1E2015/. “Watch: Vegas police respond to report of ‘10-foot creature’ in yard after green flash across sky.” CNN, Accessed 25 Sept. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2023/06/10/las-vegas-alien-ufo-backyard-report-police-orig.cnn.

Over 80% of the ocean is still unexplored and shrouded in mystery. But that doesn’t exactly include what washes ashore. Today, we’re diving into the phenomenon known as “globsters” - when unidentifiable organic masses wash up on beaches, stumping locals and scientists alike. Sometimes these can be attributed to whales, sharks, or… prehistoric sea creatures? Let’s dive into the first known “globsters”, and we guarantee your beach days will start to look a little different now. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources Cramb, Auslan. “DNA could help identify 200-year-old Stronsay Beast.” The Telegraph, 03 Sept. 2008, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/earthnews/3350972/DNA-could-help-identify-200-year-old-Stronsay-Beast.html?ICID=continue_without_subscribing_reg_first. Debczak, Michele. “Bizzare Globsters That Have Washed Ashore.” Mental Floss, 02 Nov. 2023, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/655596/bizarre-globsters-have-washed-ashore. Jenkins, Bill. “The ‘Stronsay Beast’: testimony, evidence and authority in early nineteenth-century natural history.” Royal Society Journal of the History of Science, 26 Jan. 2022, https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsnr.2021.0050. Jennings, Lucas. “Gooey Mysteries: The Bizarre World of Globsters Washed Ashore.” Hangar Publishing, Accessed 14 Sept. 2024, https://hangar1publishing.com/blogs/cryptids/globster?srsltid=AfmBOorXj0YRPYdSp8G8GBriGF3jZ5DpX02oLedzZKD5xny9blSvTA6z. Koster, John. “What Was the New Zealand Monster?” Missouri Association for Creation, Nov. 1977, https://web.archive.org/web/20090125223019/http://www.gennet.org/facts/nessie.html. Kuban, Glen J. “Sea-monster or Shark?” National Center for Science Education, May 1997, http://www.paleo.cc/paluxy/plesios.htm. Naish, Darren. “Gambo rides again: the beaked beast of Bungalow Beach and the prehistoric survivor paradigm.” Darren Naish, 28 Feb. 2006, https://darrennaish.blogspot.com/2006/02/gambo-rides-again-beaked-beast-of.html. Radford, Benjamin. “Globsters: Mysterious Marine Monster Masses.” Live Science, 21 May 2014, https://www.livescience.com/45780-globsters.html. “Whales are Slain by Hairy Monster.” Newspaper.com, Accessed 14 Sept. 2024, https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-call-leader-whales-are-slain-by-hai/20930821/.

Welcome to Lake Lanier! Georgia’s stunning and picturesque waters, gorgeous treelines, and pristine beaches offer you and your family endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and accidentally encountering underwater apparitions. Explore scenic trails, lakeside dining, and the entire town that the lake was built on top of - including Native American burial grounds and spots where horrific, racially-charged crimes occurred. While playing in the water or having a relaxing boat day, don’t forget that Lake Lanier is one of the deadliest lakes in the country - where bodies disappear, swimmers feel themselves getting pulled down, and visitors report seeing and feeling phantom limbs floating in the water. Book your lake day soon! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources Dodd, Sophia. “Forsyth 1912: A Timeline of the Forced Exile of Black Residents From Forsyth County.” Atlanta History Center, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/blog/forsyth-1912-a-timeline-of-the-forced-exile-of-black-residents-from-forsyth-county/. Givens, La’Tasha, Richards, Makayla, and Schneider-Bray, Daris. “Relative of Oscarville resident shares history behind the city underneath Lake Lanier.” 11 Alive, 12 July 2022, https://www.11alive.com/article/news/community/voices-for-equality/oscarville-lanier-lake-black-town-riot-mae-crow-chattahoochee-beulah-rucker/85-8647e2be-a07b- Gross, Terry. “The ‘Racial Cleansing’ That Drove 1,100 Black Residents Out of Forsyth County, Ga.” NPR, 15 Sept. 2016, https://www.npr.org/2016/09/15/494063372/the-racial-cleansing-that-drove-1-100-black-residents-out-of-forsyth-county-ga. Harvey, Austin. “Inside The 700 Deaths At Georgia’s Lake Lanier, From Tragic Drownings To Freak Electrocutions.” All That’s Interesting, 04 June 2024, https://allthatsinteresting.com/lake-lanier-deaths#:~:text=For%20700%20people%20to%20have,two%20deaths%20at%20Lake%20Lanier. Jones, Spencer. “Look but don’t swim: These are the 5 most dangerous lakes.” Travel Noire, 10 Aug. 2023, https://travelnoire.com/dangerous-lakes. Karimi, Faith. “A Georgia lake’s dark and deadly history has some people seeing ghosts.” CNN, 31 Oct. 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/31/us/lake-lanier-urban-legends-trnd/index.html. “Lake Lanier.” Discover Lake Lanier, Accessed 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.discoverlakelanier.com/. “Lake Sidney Lanier.” Gwinnett County, Accessed 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/aboutgwinnett/fastfacts/lakelanier. Little, Becky. “In 1912, This Georgia County Drove Out Every Black Resident.” History, 20 Aug. 2019, https://www.history.com/news/georgia-racial-expulsion-stacey-abrams. Netflix, Files of the Unexplained Episode: “Lake Lanier” 2024. “Trail of Tears.” National Park Service, Accessed 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.nps.gov/trte/planyourvisit/upload/Georgia-Trail-of-Tears-brochure-508.pdf. Williamson, Kelsey. “History Center recounts tales about ghosts of Gainesville.” The Gainesville Times, 27 Oct. 2014, https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/life/life-top-stories/history-center-recounts-tales-about-ghosts-of-gainesville/.

At the age of 111, Sogen Kato was about to be crowned “Tokyo’s oldest living man” and celebrated during Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day. But when Sogen’s family wouldn’t allow city officials to speak with him, suspicions were at an all-time high. During a wellness check, officials found that Sogen had been deceased in his family’s home for over 20 years. Tune in to hear Sogen’s story and the repercussions that followed. Download now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other listening platforms. Please review and rate us on wherever you stream! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. Sources: “Almost 200 centenarians ‘missing’ in Japan”. BBC News, 12 Aug. 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10949562. Ogura, Junko. “Toky’s ‘oldest man’ may have been dead for decades.” CNN, 30 July 2010, https://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/30/japan.oldest.man/index.html. “Tokyo’s ‘oldest man’ had been dead for 30 years.” BBC News, 29 July 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10809128.

We fell down the Reddit rabbit hole to bring you a mix of stories ranging from strange to downright frightening. We have ghost pets, disappearing people, and an entirely empty movie theater...? We share our theories about what could be at play with each story, we'd love to hear your take on things. Oh also! We have so many peaches if anyone wants one. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Credit to: u/alrxa u/babayaga937 u/ManyDamage6313 u/AnotherXRoadDeal u/Poptartgloryhole

We’ve all seen it in movies and TV shows, someone is near death and someone screams, “Don’t go towards the light!” But what if we should never go into the light after we die…? We’re discussing the Soul Trap Theory in this mini tale, where we’ll be second-guessing who exactly is behind “the light” and what happens if you choose to go into it. Trust us, you’ll want to do some deep meditation after this and maybe rearrange your postmortem plans. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other listening platforms. Sources: Arsena, Pamela. “The Reincarnation Soul Trap: Illusory LIght or Divine Gateway.” Pamela Arsena, 04 June 2023, https://pamelaarsena.com/the-reincarnation-soul-trap-illusory-light-or-divine-gateway/. S, Harshita. “Exit the Cave - A primer to the after-death Soul Trap Theory.” Medium, 10 Feb. 2023, https://medium.com/@Synchronised_universe/exit-the-cave-a-primer-to-the-after-death-soul-trap-theory-6afe1ff6a7a2.

For this week’s episode, we’re trading our mics for easels and diving into the world of haunted paintings. We’ve curated a collection so deadly it includes: a rendition of polar bears that reportedly drove a university student to take their own life, subjects within a painting disappearing, a serial killer clown portrait, and more. Put on your smock with us and explore the history behind these paintings and how they started tormenting their owners. Also…Philippines, babe, are you okay? For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Sources: Cristina, Maria. “Spooky Art: The Dead Mother by Edvard Munch (Interpretation and Analysis).” Medium, 24 Oct. 2021, https://maria-cristina.medium.com/spooky-art-the-dead-mother-by-edvard-munch-interpretation-and-analysis-3fa6d5b45ad. “Flight 1 And The Curse of Arshile Gorky.” Artlyst, 26 Apr. 2015, https://artlyst.com/news/flight-1-and-the-curse-of-arshile-gorky/. Gomez, Jerome. “Behind the Curse of Juan Luna’s ‘Portrait of a Lady’.” Esquire, 20 Jan. 2017, https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/books-and-art/crimes-and-punishment-a1549-20170120-lfrm3. Hawthorn, LJ. “3 More Horrific Haunted Paintings.” The Hawthorn Files, 25 Jan. 2023, https://thehawthornfiles.com/2023/01/25/3-more-horrific-haunted-paintings/. “Manila Film Center.” Filieye, 06 Aug. 2018, https://filieye.wordpress.com/2018/08/06/tragic-theater/. Sweet, Laurel J. “Gacy painting turns Stone cold.” Wicked Local, 01 Dec. 2005, https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/observer-advocate/2005/12/02/gacy-painting-turns-stone-cold/39179098007/. “The curse of ‘Mi Novia’.” Filieye, 22 Mar. 2019, https://filieye.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/the-curse-of-mi-novia/.

Welcome to Spectral’s Top 10, where we bring you the most unsettling, creepy songs the music industry has to offer. We’ve got a great set list for you this evening, ranging from songs fueled by ghostly encounters to love songs between the live and the decomposed. And don’t miss Alexis sharing the true meaning of the name AC/DC. Thanks for tuning in! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Bartlette, DeLani R. “Diane Downs: Hungry Like the Wolf.” Medium, 11 May 2021, https://delanirbartlette.medium.com/diane-downs-hungry-like-the-wolf-22905cecdd97. Bruce Springsteen All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track Burchard, Jeremy. “How the Ghost of Hank Williams Inspired David Allan Coe’s ‘The Ride’”. Wide Open Country, 26 Mar. 2020, https://www.wideopencountry.com/how-the-ghost-of-hank-williams-inspired-the-ride/. “David Allan Coe.” Legendary David Allan Coe, Accessed 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.legendarydavidallancoe.com/. Holland, Oscar and Palumbo, Jacqui. “Lil Nas X’s unofficial ‘Satan’ Nikes containing human blood sell out in under a minute.” CNN, 29 March 2021, https://www.cnn.com/style/article/lil-nas-x-mschf-satan-nike-shoes/index.html. Kettler, Sara. “Was Caril Ann Fugate Really Charlie Starkweather’s Murderous Accomplice?” A&E, 29 Nov. 2023, https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/charles-starkweather-killing-spree. Mamo, Heran. “Dave Grohl, Lindsey Buckingham & More Featured on Halsey’s ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ Album.” Billboard, 25 Aug. 2021, https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/halseys-if-i-cant-have-love-i-want-power-album-features-9620019/. “Nebraska”. All Music, Accessed 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.allmusic.com/album/nebraska-mw0000650804. Pallardy, Richard. “Elizabeth Bathory.” Britannica, 30 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-Bathory. Perchick, Michael. “The Way: How a Salado couple’s tragic story inspired a chart-topping song.” WUSA 9, 27 July 2017, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/the-way-how-a-salado-couples-tragic-story-inspired-a-chart-topping-song/269-459113059.

Denver’s International Airport has been the center of SO many conspiracy theories. After opening behind schedule in 1995, the airport has garnered suspicions from locals since day 1, and the theories of what’s hidden in Denver’s walls have only gotten crazier. From secret societies to haunted horse sculptures, we’re tackling all of Denver’s wildest theories. #JustBeingaLizard Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Anas, Brittany. “Why The Denver Airport Started Embracing Its Conspiracy Theories.” Forbes, 30 Oct. 2023 https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyanas/2023/10/30/why-the-denver-airport-started-embracing-its-conspiracy-theories/?sh=2ae7bac47b76. Bahr, Sarah. “Chasing Conspiracy Theories at the Denver Airport.” The New York Times, 17 May 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/03/insider/chasing-conspiracy-theories-at-the-denver-airport.html. Erbland, Kate. “6 Strange Conspiracy Theories Surrounding the Denver Airport.” Mental Floss, 08 Jun. 2023, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/61740/5-weird-conspiracy-theories-surrounding-denver-international-airport. Hernandez, Esteban L. “DIA’s legacy of conspiracy theories.” Axios, 23 July 2023, https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/23/denver-airport-conspiracies-theories. Humphries, Monica. “6 conspiracy theories people believe about Denver’s airport, debunked.” Business Insider, 23 Nov. 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories-debunked-2021-10. Visit Denver Staff. “Myths and Legends Behind Denver International Airport.” Denver, 07 May 2021, https://www.denver.org/blog/post/myths-denver-airport/. Wenzel, John. “The definitive guide to Denver International Airport’s biggest conspiracy theories.” The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2016, https://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/31/definitive-guide-to-denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories/.

We’re traveling to the misty hills of Ireland and diving into the commonly misunderstood Celtic lore of banshees, including a couple firsthand experiences. The banshee’s mournful cry and sometimes ominous presence can haunt you, protect you, or warn you. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Brent, Harry. “Exploring Irish Mythology: The Banshee.” Irish Post, 18 Aug. 2021, https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/exploring-irish-mythology-banshee-170287. Marrs, Delaney. “In Search of the Irish Family Banshee, Her Cry Echoing Across Generations.” Folklife, 30 Oct. 2023, https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/irish-banshee. “Norman invasion of Ireland.” New World Encyclopedia, Accessed 16 Mar. 2024, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Norman_invasion_of_Ireland. O’Hart, John. “Irish Pedigrees.” Roots Web, Accessed 17 Mar. 2024, https://sites.rootsweb.com/~fianna/surname/old.html. “Six authentic recordings of keening from Ireland and Scotland (1955-1965).” The Folk Revival Project, Accessed 16 Mar. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgts7_b1JWY&ab_channel=TheFolkRevivalProject. The Newsroom. “Ghost stories special Part 3 Banshee Tales.” Derry Journal, 30 Oct. 2014, https://www.derryjournal.com/news/ghost-stories-special-part-3-banshee-tales-2260476. “Whelan Family History.” Ancestry, Accessed 15 Mar. 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=whelan.

What do serial killers, the Black Dahlia, and low water pressure have in common? The Cecil Hotel. We’re taking our first deep dive into true crime with the tragedies surrounding the Cecil Hotel, and it’s gnarly. The Cecil is infamous for being a lawless, dark place, so we’re going decade by decade to give you some of the Cecil’s most notorious mishappenings. Check out the Netflix documentary we reference: Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Callaghan, Chris. “The Curse of The Cecil Hotel.” American Ghost Walks, Accessed 03 Mar. 2024, https://www.americanghostwalks.com/articles/the-cecil-hotel-haunted-los-angeles. Henry, Grace. “What happened in the Cecil hotel? History explained.” RadioTimes, 15 Dec. 2023, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/true-crime/cecil-hotel-history-deaths-serial-killer-stays-netflix/. Hutton, Alice. “The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel: Gruesome history of hotel where mysterious death of Elisa Lam took place.” The Independent, 11 Feb. 2021, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-cecil-hotel-netflix-elisa-lam-los-angeles-b1800647.html. Khouri, Andrew. “Once a den of prostitution and drugs, the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A. is set to undergo a $100 million renovation.” Los Angeles Times, 01 Jun. 2016, https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cecil-hotel-20160601-snap-story.html. Kranc, Lauren. “The Former Cecil Hotel Manager: ‘I Believe in Ghosts… But I Don’t Think They Run the Show Over There’.” Esquire, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35463537/cecil-hotel-manager-amy-price-elisa-lam-interview/. Martin, Laura. “The Cecil Hotel’s True History Is Even Darker Than the Netflix Series.” Esquire, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/tv/a35471517/cecil-hotel-murders-true-story/. Meares, Hadley. “‘The Suicide’: The Hotel Cecil and the Mean Streets of L.A.’s Notorious Skid Row.” PBS SoCal, 29 Sept. 2015, https://www.pbssocal.org/history-society/the-suicide-the-hotel-cecil-and-the-mean-streets-of-l-a-s-notorious-skid-row. Serena, Katie. “Inside The Cecil Hotel And Its Eerie History Of Death And Murder.” All That’s Interesting, 23 May 2023, https://allthatsinteresting.com/cecil-hotel-los-angeles. “Who Was Jack Unterweger, the Austrian Serial Killer in Netflix’s Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel?” MovieMaker, 16 Feb. 2021, https://www.moviemaker.com/jack-unterweger-austrian-serial-killer-netflix-vanishing-at-the-cecil-hotel/.

In numerology, 27 means reassurance and renewal. But among young artists, 27 can be a milestone age. We’re covering the 27 Club, a group full of talent whose lives were cut way too short. Is the 27 Club a curse? Could there be something more sinister at play, like… a deal with the devil? Tune in as we go through notable members of the 27 Club and the major theories behind it. Trust us, at the end of it, a deal with the devil might not sound so crazy. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Benitez-Eves, Tina. “The Mystery Surrounding the 1969 Death of Rollings Stones Guitarist and founder Brian Jones.” American Songwriter, July 2023, https://americansongwriter.com/the-mystery-surrounding-the-1969-death-of-rolling-stones-guitarist-and-founder-brian-jones/. Beaumont, Mark. “The death of Jimi Hendrix: the unanswered questions.” The Independent, 17 Sept. 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/jimi-hendrix-death-cause-theories-b451314.html. Beringer, Brittany, Geller, Lindsay, and Pelto, Aliza. “What Is A Saturn Return in Astrology… And Should I Be Concerned?” Women’s Health Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024, “Did he OD or did he disappear? 50 years since Jim Morrison’s demise, but mystery around his death lives on.” The Economic Times, 01 Jun. 2021, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/did-he-od-or-did-he-disappear-50-years-since-jim-morrisons-demise-but-mystery-around-his-death-lives-on/articleshow/84017607.cms?from=mdr. Evans, Greg. “Peggy Caserta, Janis Joplin’s Love, Comes Clean (for Real This Time).” Vulture, 02 Aug. 2018, https://www.vulture.com/2018/08/peggy-caserta-janis-joplins-love-comes-clean-for-real.html. Fields, Liz. “5 interesting facts about Jean-Michel Basquiat.” PBS, 21 Feb. 2021, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/5-interesting-facts-about-jean-michel-basquiat/17318/#:~:text=Basquiat%2C%20who%20was%20of%20Haitian,young%20artists%20to%20this%20day. George-Warren, Holly. “‘If I Fail, I’ll Fail in Front of the Whole World.’ How Janis Joplin Became The Singer Who Wouldn’t Settle.” Time, 26 Oct. 2019, https://time.com/5711053/janis-joplin-wouldnt-settle/. Harris, Alex. “The Mystery and Myth of the 27 Club.” Neon Music, 13 Apr. 2023, https://neonmusic.co.uk/the-mystery-and-myth-of-the-27-club/. Hopper, Alex. “Behind the Tragic Death of Amy Winehouse.” American Songwriter, Mar. 2022, https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-tragic-death-of-amy-winehouse/. Inskeep, Steve. “The Doors’ Jim Morrison Died in 1971, The Same Year NPR Debuted Original Programming, NPR, 1 Sept. 2021, https://www.npr.org King, Essie. “Basquiat and Identity Politics: Challenging Conventional Narratives.” My Art Broker, Accessed 15 Feb. 2024, https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-jean-michel-basquiat/ Margaritoff, Marco. ‘Inside The Text of Kurt Cobain’s Heartwrenching Suicide Note.” All Thats Interesting, 4 Jun. 2023, https://allthatsinteresting.com/kurt-cobain-suicide-note. McKinney, Kelsey. “Despite the huge myth, musicians don’t die at 27 - they die at 56.” Vox, 23 Mar. 2015, https://www.vox.com Terich, Jeff. “The two songs at the heart of Robert Johnson’s devil myth.” Treble, 29 Oct. 2020, https://www.treblezine.com/robert-johnson-devil-myth-two-songs/. “The 27 Club - A Deeper Dive into a Tragic Phenomenon.” DC Public Library, 27 Apr. 2023, https://www.dclibrary.org/ The Sound Team. “A Close Friend Reveals Details That Janis Joplin Didn’t Die Of An Overdose.” The Sound, 03 Oct. 2018, https://www.thesound.co.nz/ Ugwu, Reggie. “Overlooked No More: Robert Johnson, Bluesman Whose Life Was a Riddle.” The New York Times, 25 Sept. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/

We're back to tell you all about the slew of strange misfortunes that occurred after the unsealing of King Tut’s tomb: including inexplicable fires, illnesses, and death that plagued some of the tomb’s excavators, early visitors, and morbid collectors. Were all the unfortunate happenings a result of the 1900's of it all--or do you believe in the curse of King Tut? Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Al-Youm, Al-Masry. “New facts about the curse of the pharaohs revealed.” Egypt Independent, 24 Jul. 2020, ⁠https://egyptindependent.com/new-facts-about-the-curse-of-the-pharaohs-revealed/⁠. Cavendish, Richard. “Tutankhamun’s Curse?” History Today, 03 Mar. 2014, ⁠https://www.historytoday.com/archive/months-past/tutankhamuns-curse⁠. Donahue, Michelle Z. “New ‘curses’ emerge from Tut’s history-making tomb study.” National Geographic, 30 Jan. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/tut-tomb-discovery-solves-mystery-new-questions-curse. Handwerk, Brian. “Curse of the Mummy.” National Geographic, Accessed 15 Jan. 2024, ⁠https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/curse-of-the-mummy⁠. Handwerk, Brian. “Egypt’s ‘King Tut Curse’ Caused by Tomb Toxins?” National Geographic, 06 May 2005, ⁠https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/news-tutankhamun-carnarvon-mold-bacteria-toxins⁠. History Staff. “Is the curse of King Tut real?” History Channel, 19 Sept. 2023, ⁠https://www.history.com/news/is-the-curse-of-king-tut-real⁠. Lynch, Patrick. “The Curse of the Pharaohs Exposed.” History Collection, 24 Jan. 2017, https://historycollection.com/curse-pharaohs-exposed/. Radford, Benjamin. “The Curse of King Tut: Facts & Fable.” Live Science, 24 Oct. 2022, https://www.livescience.com/44297-king-tut-curse.html. “The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb.” National Geographic, 01 Aug. 2023, https://beyondkingtut.com/the-curse-of-king-tuts-tomb/.

The discovery of King Tut’s virtually untouched tomb took the world by storm in 1922. In part 1, we’re covering the Boy-King’s rule and untimely death, the discovery of his tomb, and what exactly set off the idea of a “Pharoah’s curse”. On top of everything, we must wonder...was the bean-water worth it? Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Al-Youm, Al-Masry. “New facts about the curse of the pharaohs revealed.” Egypt Independent, 24 Jul. 2020, https://egyptindependent.com/new-facts-about-the-curse-of-the-pharaohs-revealed/. Cavendish, Richard. “Tutankhamun’s Curse?” History Today, 03 Mar. 2014, https://www.historytoday.com/archive/months-past/tutankhamuns-curse. Donahue, Michelle Z. “New ‘curses’ emerge from Tut’s history-making tomb study.” National Geographic, 30 Jan. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/tut-tomb-discovery-solves-mystery-new-questions-curse. Handwerk, Brian. “Curse of the Mummy.” National Geographic, Accessed 15 Jan. 2024, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/curse-of-the-mummy. Handwerk, Brian. “Egypt’s ‘King Tut Curse’ Caused by Tomb Toxins?” National Geographic, 06 May 2005, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/news-tutankhamun-carnarvon-mold-bacteria-toxins. History Staff. “Is the curse of King Tut real?” History Channel, 19 Sept. 2023, https://www.history.com/news/is-the-curse-of-king-tut-real. Lynch, Patrick. “The Curse of the Pharaohs Exposed.” History Collection, 24 Jan. 2017, https://historycollection.com/curse-pharaohs-exposed/. Radford, Benjamin. “The Curse of King Tut: Facts & Fable.” Live Science, 24 Oct. 2022, https://www.livescience.com/44297-king-tut-curse.html. “The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb.” National Geographic, 01 Aug. 2023, https://beyondkingtut.com/the-curse-of-king-tuts-tomb/.

Is there an area of Yellowstone National Park where you can get away with murder? We’re covering the infamous, and slightly terrifying, Zone of Death in Yellowstone National Park. Though it would be cute to see a jury of woodland creatures, don’t explore this area with your enemies. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other listening platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: “After high-profile disappearances, lawmaker wants federal fix to Yellowstone’s ‘zone of death’ legal loophole.” CBS News, 04 Feb. 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yellowstone-national-park-legal-loophole-zone-of-death-federal-fix/. Corbin, Clark. “Idaho legislator asks U.S. Congress to close Yellowstone’s ‘zone of death’ loophole.” Idaho Capital Sun, 03 Feb. 2022, https://idahocapitalsun.com/2022/02/03/idaho-legislator-asks-u-s-congress-to-close-yellowstones-zone-of-death-loophole/. Matthews, Dylan. “Yellowstone has a 50 square mile ‘Zone of Death’ where you can get away with murder.” Vox, 29 Oct. 2016, https://www.vox.com/2014/5/22/5738756/you-can-kill-someone-in-a-section-of-yellowstone-and-get-away-scot. Wagner, Bayliss. “Fact check: Claims of a conviction-free ‘zone of death’ in Yellowstone National Park need context.” USA Today, 31 Mar. 2021, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/03/31/fact-check-yellowstones-death-zone-may-not-free-conviction/6956880002/.

Oh, Canada! We’re visiting our neighbors to the north and covering two of Canada’s most haunted hotels. These historic hotels are set among some of Canada’s most picturesque backgrounds, but don’t let that fool you. From ghostly stories of a burning bride, a room so haunted it needed to be “walled up”, to a friendly bellman just looking to lend a hand, only the brave can spend a night in these halls. Remember: just because you can check in, doesn’t mean you can check out. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources: Brownoff, Leanne. “Fairmont Hotel Macdonald welcomes guests with historic grandeur.” Edmonton Journal, 18 Aug. 2017, https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/landmarks-fairmont-hotel-macdonald-welcomes-guests-with-historic-grandeur. Curiocity Staff. “The haunted history of the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.” Curiocity, 24 Mar. 2021, https://curiocity.com/the-haunted-history-of-the-world-famous-fairmont-banff-springs-hotel/. “Ghost Stories.” Historic Hotels, Accessed 06 Jan. 2024, https://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/fairmont-banff-springs/ghoststories.php. Guilbert, Andrew. “The Ghosts of Fairmont Banff Springs. Avenue Calgary, 12 Oct. 2017, https://www.avenuecalgary.com/city-life/the-ghosts-of-fairmont-banff-springs/. Murray, Graeme. “The paranormal hotel dubbed one of the most haunted in the world - and only the brave can stay.” The Mirror, 17 Sep. 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/paranormal-hotel-dubbed-one-most-30947677. Peters, Hammerson. “Ghostly Tales of the Banff Springs Hotel.” Mysteries of Canada, 10 Mar. 2021, https://mysteriesofcanada.com/canada/ghostly-tales-of-the-banff-springs-hotel/. Puff, Patrick. “Edmonton’s Real Haunted House.” The Nugget, 24 Oct. 2019, https://thenuggetonline.com/edmontons-real-haunted-house/. “Sam The Bellman.” Banff Springs Project, Accessed 05 Jan. 2024, http://banffspringsproject.weebly.com/sam-the-belllman.html. Roseke, Bernie. “Is Room 873 of the Banff Springs Hotel Haunted?” Project Engineer, 6 Jan. 2019, https://www.projectengineer.net/is-room-873-of-the-banff-springs-hotel-haunted/. “The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.” The Little House of Horrors, 09 Jan. 2024, https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/the-fairmont-banff-springs-hotel/. “The Haunted Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.” Haunted Rooms, Accessed 06 Jan. 2024, https://www.hauntedrooms.com/canada/haunted-places/haunted-hotels/banff-springs-hotel-alberta. Theobald, Claire. “100 years of Hotel Macdonald: Ghostly residents.” Edmonton Sun, 03 Jul. 2015, https://edmontonsun.com/2015/07/03/100-years-of-hotel-macdonald-ghostly-residents.

Ever wonder what’s behind the walls of Eastern State Penitentiary? The United States’ oldest and arguably most infamous prison has a macabre history, notorious inmates, and a supernatural presence felt by many brave tour goers. Listen closely as we discuss the origins of Eastern State, its troubling past, inhumane condition, eerie cell blocks, and some ghastly inmates that refuse to leave. Get out your farmer’s almanac and prepare for this new episode of Spectral! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or wherever streaming platform you use. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to support the pod in a quick & free way, please leave us a five star review on your preferred listening platform, and comment, like, or share us on social media. Thanks for listening! Resources: “America’s Most Historic Prison.” Eastern State Penitentiary, Accessed 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.easternstate.org/sites/easternstate/files/inline-files/ESPHistoryOverviewrev5.2019v2.pdf. Anderson, Annie. “Prisons and Jails”. The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, Accessed 18 Dec. 2023, https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/prisons-and-jails/. Dalrymple, Laurel. “Is Eastern State Penitentiary Really Haunted?” NPR, 24 Oct. 2013, https://www.npr.org/2013/10/24/232234570/is-eastern-state-penitentiary-really-haunted. Groff, Nick. “Eastern State Penitentiary.” Ghost Adventures, season 2, episode 6, 10 July 2009. “Notable Prisoners.” Eastern State Penitentiary, Accessed 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.easternstate.org/notable-prisoners. “Pennsylvania.” History Channel, 13 June 2022, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/pennsylvania. “Timeline.” Eastern State Penitentiary, Accessed 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.easternstate.org/research/history-eastern-state/timeline. “Willie Sutton.” FBI, Accessed 20 Dec. 2023, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/willie-sutton.

Happy Holidays! This year, we’re celebrating with a collection of scary short stories. Tune in to hear about phantom rest stops, spirits that returned from the dead, and the terrifying Snowman Ritual. The most important question remains: Is an olive a fruit? Whatever you celebrate, we hope you have a great one! Resources Braden, B. (2022, October 3). 11 of the Scariest Ghost Stories from reddit. Travel Channel. https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/haunted/articles/11-of-the-scariest-ghost-stories-from-reddit Lucia. (2022, November 4). The most dangerous games: The snowman ritual. The Ghost In My Machine. https://theghostinmymachine.com/2019/12/11/the-most-dangerous-games-the-snowman-ritual/

Introducing Pep, the well-known (& loved) canine inmate at Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary. Though initially introduced as a felon, Pep quickly became a source of joy for Eastern State’s prisoners and staff. Stay tuned as Spectral will take a deep-dive into the history and ghost stories of Eastern State in our next episode. Thanks for listening! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or wherever streaming platform you use. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to support the pod in a quick & free way, please leave us a five star review on your preferred listening platform, and comment, like, or share us on social media. Resources Feeney, C. (2023). Pets in Prison: From Pep to the Present. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. https://www.easternstate.org/about-eastern-state/blog/pets-prison-pep-present

On May 25, 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 took off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport with the intent of traveling to LAX. But only 31 seconds after takeoff, the flight crashed into a nearby field. This tragedy has led to strange occurrences: reports of nervous passengers haunting the surrounding crash site and airport itself; premonitions that saved lives; and the perpetuation of a possible curse associated with the flight’s number, 191. We apologize in advance for any nervous flyers traveling this holiday season–but remember the odds are one in a billion! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or wherever streaming platform you use. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to support the pod in a quick & free way, please leave us a five star review on your preferred listening platform, and comment, like, or share us on social media. Thanks for listening! Resources “Aircraft Accident Report.” National Transportation Safety Board, Accessed 11 Dec. 2023, https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR7917.pdf. “Flight 191 Investigation.” Ghost Research Organization, Accessed 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.ghostresearch.org/Investigations/flight191.html. Franklin, Cory. “American Airlines Flight 191 still haunts.” The Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2015, https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-american-airlines-ohare-crash-flight-191-hospital-perspec-0525-jm-20150522-story.html. “Ghosts of Flight 191: Lingering Spirits of a Chicago Disaster.” American Hauntings, Accessed 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/flight-191. Hardiman, Jake. “What Caused The Crash of American Airlines Flight 191?” Simple Flying, 19 Nov. 2022, https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-flight-191/. Morley, Daniel. “The Inauspicious ‘Curse’ of Flight 191.” Airline Geeks, 15 Sept. 2015, https://airlinegeeks.com/2015/09/15/the-inauspicious-curse-of-flight-191/ “Rain of Fire Falling: The crash of American Airlines flight 191.” Medium, 25 Sep. 2021, https://admiralcloudberg.medium.com/rain-of-fire-falling-the-crash-of-american-airlines-flight-191-e17ffc5369e5. Smith, Bryan. “The Ghosts of Flight 191.” Chicago Magazine, 7 May 2019, https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/may-2019/the-ghosts-of-flight-191/. “This Day In History: American Airlines plane crashes in Chicago, killing all aboard.” History Channel, Accessed 11 Dec. 2023, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dc-10-crashes-killing-all-aboard. Young, David. “The crash of American Airlines Flight 191 near O’Hare.” The Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2014, https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-chicagodays-flight191-story-story.html.

What does the day of the week say about you? We’re discussing the influence the planets have on the day of the week you were born and how they can affect personalities. This phenomenon, like astrology, is recognized in several different cultures and traces all the way back to the Babylonians and Sumerians. If we didn't cover the day of the week you were born, please click here (or here) to learn more! Download now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other listening platforms. Please review and rate us on wherever you stream! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Resources Didyouknow. (2023). History of the calendar. Did you know RSS. https://didyouknow.org/calendar/ Predictions Based on Birth. GaneshaSpeaks. (2023, July 7). https://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/predictions/astrology/ What the day of the Week you were born says about you. Bustle. (2023). https://www.bustle.com/life/what-the-day-of-the-week-you-were-born-says-about-you

Starting in 1965, residents of Tanzania and Zanzibar reported being attacked and haunted by a mysterious bat-winged figure. The demonic spirit was soon named the Popobawa, winged-bat in Swahili, to describe what its victims saw before they were attacked. The Popobawa has deep cultural, societal, and maybe even political roots, using times of fear and unrest to strike. After hundreds of attacks, mass hysteria, and way too much pig lard, the origin of the Popobawa is still a mystery. But one thing is certain: never deny its existence. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or wherever streaming platform you use. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to support the pod in a quick & free way, please leave us a five star review on your preferred listening platform, and comment, like, or share us on social media. Thanks for listening! Resources Anthony. “The Popobawa.” Brooklyn Paranormal Society, 11 Jan. 2023, https://bkps.co/2023/the-popobawa/. Daly Thompson, Katrina. “Occult Sex as a Conversational Resource.” CSW, Accessed 5 Dec. 2023, https://escholarship.org/content/qt0789b6jb/qt0789b6jb_noSplash_0a726b92539ca8281c1d04563ec2b7f8.pdf?t=lnrjht. Dobler, Russ. “That Time a Raping Demon Appeared on Cartoon Network: The Popobawa.” Skeptical Inquirer, 9 May 2019, https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/that-time-a-raping-demon-appeared-on-cartoon-network-the-popobawa/. Pitcher, Gemma. “The Shetani of Zanzibar.” Zanzibar Travel Guide, Accessed 6 Dec. 2023, http://www.zanzibar-travel-guide.com/bradt_guide.asp?bradt=1847. Plumbley, J.M. “Hit the panic button: The Popobawa.” JM Pembley, 11 Apr. 2017, https://www.jmplumbley.com/2017/04/11/the-popobawa/. “Popobawa.” Scribd, Accessed 5 Dec. 2023, https://www.scribd.com/document/452113087/Popobawa. Saleh, Ally. “Sex-mad ‘ghost’ scares Zanzibaris.” BBC News, 19 July 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1446733.stm. “Sex attacks blamed on bat demon.” BBC News, 21 Feb. 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6383833.stm#:~:text=The%20story%20goes%20that%20the,witches%20to%20torment%20their%20opponents. “The Creepiest Ghost and Monster Stories From Around The World”. CPR News, 31 Oct. 2014, https://www.cpr.org/2014/10/31/the-creepiest-ghost-and-monster-stories-from-around-the-world/. “The Night of the Popobawa.” The Orbis, 23 Mar. 2020, https://theorbis.blog/2020/03/23/popobawa/. Walsh, Martin. “The Politicization of Popobawa: Changing Explanations of a Collective Panic in Zanzibar.” Scribd, 2009, https://www.scribd.com/document/17111963/The-Politicisation-of-Popobawa-Changing-Explanations-of-a-Collective-Panic-in-Zanzibar.

Whether they’re based in fact or fiction, we’ve all been haunted by terrifying urban legends. In Spectral’s first volume of Urban Legends, we’re covering some classics like why you should always check your backseat or never flash your headlights. Most importantly, never go parking at a Lover's Lane or you may have a fatal run-in with a hook-handed man. Oh, and don’t forget to fill your car with trash for your own safety. IYKYK. What’s your favorite urban legend? Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or wherever streaming platform you use. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to support the pod in a quick & free way, please leave us a five star review on your preferred listening platform, and comment, like, or share us on social media. Thanks for listening! Resources Jeanette. “Dear Abby.” Orlando Evening Star, 8 Nov. 1960, https://www.newspapers.com/article/orlando-evening-star-the-hook-urban-lege/13696103/. Accessed 2023. Mikkelson, Barbara. “Flashing Headlights Gang Initiation.” Snopes, 30 Nov. 1998, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/lights-out/ Mikkelson, David. “The Killer in the Backseat.” Snopes, 26 Sept. 2000, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-killer-in-the-backseat/. The Record. “Brown denied parole to man convicted in 1992 slaying of popular Lincoln Unified employee.” Recordnet.com, 7 Jan. 2019, https://www.recordnet.com/story/news/crime/2019/01/08/brown-denied-parole-to-man/6350617007/. “Urban Legend.” Britannica, 10 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/urban-legend. “Urban Legend.” Cheating Death, season 1, episode 1, 23 Jun. 2007. Welton, Benjamin. “10 Unsolved Lovers’ Lane Murders.” Listverse, 2 Sept. 2015, https://listverse.com/2015/09/02/10-unsolved-lovers-lane-murders/.

BREAKING NEWS: We interrupt this broadcast to inform you of a masked-man who was able to hack news channel frequencies and is still at large! We’re delving into chaos and covering the odd Max Headroom Hack from 1987--when an unexpected signal disruption rocked Chicago twice in one night. A mystery man dressed up as digital icon Max Headroom and managed to disrupt two major networks in the same night. Tune in to hear the weird...and spicy antics of a man with no discernable motive and his lasting impact on pop culture throughout the decades. Download now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other listening platforms. Please review and rate us on wherever you stream! For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Resources Bishop, Bryan. “Max Headroom: The Definitive History of the 1980s Digital Icon.” The Verge, 2 Apr. 2015, https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/2/8285139/max-headroom-oral-history-80s-cyberpunk-interview. Gallagher, Sean. “Thirty years later, ‘Max Headroom’ TV pirate remains at large.” Ars Technica, 22 Nov. 2017, https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/11/thirty-years-later-max-headroom-tv-pirate-remains-at-large/. Haskins, Caroline. “Television’s Most Infamous Hack Is Still a Mystery 30 Years Later.” Vice, 22 Nov. 2017, https://www.vice.com/en/article/59yvj5/max-headroom-hack-anniversary. Don Hayner. "2 channels interrupted to the Max." Chicago Sun-Times. Sun-Times News Group. 1987. HighBeam Research. 6 Nov. 2012, http://www.highbeam.com. Knittel, Chris. “The Mystery of the Creepiest Television Hack.” Vice, 25 Nov. 2013, https://www.vice.com/en/article/pgay3n/headroom-hacker. Serena, Katie. “The Story Of The Max Headroom Incident, America’s Creepiest Unsolved TV Hack.” All That’s Interesting, 25 May 2021, https://allthatsinteresting.com/max-headroom-incident.

We’re transporting you to Hollywood’s Golden Age where stars had glitz, glamor, and… car racing? Let’s dive into the life and legacy of star James Dean before his tragic and untimely death. Right as his career would take off, James Dean crashed his Porsche Spyder aptly named “Little Bastard” and died on impact. After that, the remnants of Little Bastard were involved in several eerie events, including tire explosions, unexplained fires, and too many crush injuries to count. Could Little Bastard carry a curse?  Tune into this episode of Spectral as we unwrap the Spyder’s lack of safety, the possibility of a curse, and where you could even see the last confirmed parts of Little Bastard. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other podcast streaming platforms.  For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Resources Berg, Nik. “The haunting story of James Dean’s Little Bastard.” Hagerty, 01 Sept. 2020, https://www.hagerty.com/media/automotive-history/the-haunting-story-of-james-deans-little-bastard/. James Dean: A Life from Beginning to End. CREATESPACE INDEPENDENT P, 2018. Pridgen, Andrew. “A California highway, a horrific crash and why a cruse car part sold for $382,000.” SF Gate, 14 Feb. 2022, https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/Cursed-James-Dean-car-part-sells-16907965.php. Puckett, Johnny. “The Curse Of The ‘Little Bastard’: Fact, Fiction, Or Horrible Coincidence.” Motorious, 27 Oct. 2021, https://www.motorious.com/articles/features-3/the-curse-of-the-little-bastard/. Spyscape. “James Dean & the Vanishing ‘Little Bastard’”. Spyscape, Accessed 9 Nov. 2023, https://spyscape.com/article/the-vanishing-little-bastard. The Auto Insider. “The Curse of James Dean’s ‘Little Bastard’.” Jalopnik, 31 Dec. 2008, https://jalopnik.com/the-curse-of-james-deans-little-bastard-5113390. Welford, John. “The Curse of Little Bastard.” Medium, 15 May 2022, https://medium.com/@johnwelford15/the-curse-of-little-bastard-130ab9fbe766.

Let’s take a ghost tour in Sydney's most haunted location, a popular Australian immigration port for almost 150 years, known as Quarantine Station. Zinc sulfate gas chambers, acid showers, and crowded infirmaries combined to create wailing shadow figures, more peeping toms, an ankle-licker, and the scariest dumbwaiter story you’ll ever hear. Oh, and one of the buildings was built on top of an Aboriginal burial ground. And the all important question, "What exactly made Littlefoot crusty?" Listen to Episode 10: Quarantine Station for a ghost tour that will stay with you. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources Boon, Maxim. “‘This place is pure evil’: Are you brave enough to enter Sydney’s most haunted bathroom?” Time Out, 28 Oct. 2020, https://www.timeout.com/sydney/things-to-do/this-place-is-pure-evil-are-you-brave-enough-to-enter-sydneys-most-haunted-bathroom. “Bubonic Plague Comes to Sydney in 1900.” The University of Syndey, Accessed 5 Nov. 2023, https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/index.php/Bubonic_Plague_comes_to_Sydney_in_1900. Bulesco, Renz. “The Extreme Ghost Tour Experience at Q Station, Sydney.” The Geek Travels, 6 May 2018, https://www.thetravelingnomad.com/2018/05/the-extreme-ghost-tour-experience-at-q.html. Foley, Jean Duncan. In Quarantine: A History of Sydney’s Quarantine Station 1828-1984. Kangaroo PR, 1995. Hulick, Kathryn. “Strange but true: the mystery of the Monte Cristo Homestead and the supernatural science that explains it.” Science Focus BBC, 31 Dec. 2019, https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/strange-but-true-the-mystery-of-the-monte-cristo-homestead-and-the-supernatural-science-that-explains-it. “Manly’s Q Station Ghost Tours - A Review.” The Accidental Australian, 30 May 2022, https://www.theaccidentalaustralian.com/q-station-ghost-tours-in-manly/. Mapstone, Michael. “A Window Into a Harsh Chapter in Sydney’s Past.” The New York Times, 27 Nov. 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/28/travel/a-window-into-a-harsh-chapter-in-sydneys-past.html. “Q Station History.” Woman of Notes, 16 Jan. 2014, https://womanofnotes.blogspot.com/2014/01/q-station-history.html. “Quarantine Station.” Marinaccio, Mark, director. Ghost Hunters International, season 9, episode 2, 20 Jan. 2010. “Seven local stories to give you a spook this Halloween.” Northern Beaches Council, 25 Oct. 2022, https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/news/seven-local-stories-to-give-you-spook-halloween. “The Spookiest Ghost Tours in Sydney.” Quarantine Ghost Tours, Accessed 5 Nov. 2023, https://www.quarantineghosttours.com/tours. “Tours.” Q Station, Accessed 5 Nov. 2023, https://www.qstation.com.au/tours.html.

We’re going back to the Philippines! In the picturesque mountains of Sagada, a small tribe practices a unique burial custom: hanging coffins. The Hanging Coffins have been around for over 2000 years, allowing passed loved ones to stay close to their families for as long as possible–until the wooden coffins give out. Listen to Spectral’s second mini Monday episode to learn more about this remarkable burial practice and ask yourself: what should happen to your body when you die? Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Resources Dilger, Mike and Hizon, Rico. “The Filipino tribe that hangs its dead from cliffs.” BBC, 6 Apr. 2018, https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180405-the-filipino-tribe-that-hangs-its-dead-from-cliffs. McCharles, Rick. “Hanging Coffins of Sagada.” Atlas Obscura, Accessed 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hanging-coffins-of-sagada “Philippines: Hanging Coffins & Grave Dwellers.” Myend, 26 Oct. 2022, myend.com/country/philippines/.

The legend of La Llorona has been passed down throughout countless generations. The tale usually goes like this: a woman shrouded in white murdered her children and is now cursed to haunt rivers and pueblos, crying for them. But, what are La Llorona’s origins? What if she wasn’t a murderer, but instead a victim? Or a goddess in Aztec mythology? Let’s discuss the intricate history of the weeping woman and the possible meaning behind her legend. She may just surprise you. For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: [email protected]. Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! P.S. Did you know we always have bloopers after the outro music? Look at that, we provided an answer to a question you didn't even know you had. Alexis says, "You're welcome." P.P.S. Mary Berry is alive and well--being a straight "G." Resources Beck, Elias. “Aztec Omens.” History Crunch, 15 Aug. 2018, https://www.historycrunch.com/aztec-omens.html#/. Fuller, Amy. “The Wailing Woman.” History Today, 31 Oct. 2017, https://www.historytoday.com/miscellanies/wailing-woman. Grande, Reyna. “Abused, Addicted, Biracial and Queer: Jaquira Diaz Is Anything but ‘Ordinary’.” The New York Times, 29 Oct. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/books/review/ordinary-girls-jaquira-diaz.html. “Lamia: Greek Mythology.” Britannica, 26 Sept. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lamia-Greek-mythology. “La Llorona.” Don Quijote, Accessed 29 Oct. 2023, https://www.donquijote.org/mexican-culture/history/la-llorona/. “The Legend of La Llorona.” Origin Mexico, 1 Nov. 2022, https://originmexico.com/blogs/news/the-legend-of-la-llorona. Valerio, Fatima. “The origin of La Llorona, La Malinche, and La Virgin de Guadalupe.” Nuestra Verdad, 14 Oct. 2020, https://www.nuestraverdad.com/post/the-origin-of-la-llorona-la-malinche-and-la-virgin-de-guadalupe. “What the Textbooks Have To Say About the Conquest of Mexico: Some Suggestions for Questions to Ask of the Evidence.” American Historical Association, Accessed 30 Oct. 2023, https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources-for-historians/teaching-and-learning-in-the-digital-age/the-history-of-the-americas/the-conquest-of-mexico/for-students/what-the-textbooks-have-to-say-about-the-conquest-of-mexico Winick, Stephen. “La Llorona: An Introduction to the Weeping Woman.” Library of Congress Blogs, 13 Oct. 2021, https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/10/la-llorona-an-introduction-to-the-weeping-woman/ Winick, Stephen. “Picante Pero Sabroso: Songs of La Llorona.” Library of Congress Blogs, 22 Oct. 2021, https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/10/picante-pero-sabroso-songs-of-la-llorona/.