What About Weird

This week we talk sports! Kind of... We learn how the Notre Dame football team got its name. We discuss a brief history of Notre Dame University, the Klan presence in Indiana in the early 1900s, local politics at the time and the 1924 student riot that led to the school's nickname. We also find out how cute the original Fighting Irish mascot was. If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion, please DM us on Instagram or BlueSky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week we have a drink or two and read 1 star reviews of paranormal/occult related tools, supplies and services. We learn about why you shouldn't drink holy water, that healing crystals don't work on men and Jesus hates the Ouija board. If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Today we shoot for the stars, or rather, we talk about all the people who have and the after effects of launching satellites, rockets, and other manmade objects into space. What happens when lower Earth orbit fills up with all of our space junk? And how do we clean it all up? These are just a few of the key questions we discuss in today's episode. Thank you to listener Amy who suggested this topic! If you have a topic suggestion or a personal weird story you would like to share, please DM on Instagram or BlueSky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

What's this? Another weird talk? We haven't had one of those in  while! This week we discuss the concept of thresholds; door related spiritual experiences, mirrors, historic houses and we once again bring up haint blue. We learn why some people believe in carrying the bride over the threshold, portals and much more. If you have a topic suggestion or personal weird story, please DM us on Instagram or BlueSky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week we dig into the science behind some of things your granny used to say. How can bad joints predict the weather? Are red skies at night really a sailors delight? Should you paint your whole house haint blue? We answer these and a few more in our cap off episode of women's history month. Also, sorry the audio quality on this one isn't as good. Between internet issues and our regular recording app not working, we had to re-record this episode over Zoom which is obviously not known for its profound audio capabilities. At least its a short episode and an interesting one at that! If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion, feel free to DM us on BlueSky or Instagram. You can also email us at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Welcome to part two of the Bridget Cleary series where we descend into dark to find out what happened to Bridget Cleary after she fell ill and was accused of being fairy by her own family. In this episode, many people shake hands with unfortunate circumstances and the consequences of a belief. Warning: This episode contains talk of violence against woman, death, and other topics that are heavy on the heart. Please proceed with caution. If you have a topic suggestion or personal weird story please DM us on Instagram or BlueSky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Welcome to part one of a two part series on the life and death of Bridget Cleary. This week we explore the early life of a strong, accomplished Irish woman named Bridget Cleary and how a simple illness changed her life forever. Who knew catching a cold up near the fairy fort would inspire such tales of deception, changelings, and convince her husband she had gone away with the fairy folk. And enjoy a little Irish folklore and an Irish true crime case as we approach Saint Patrick's day. If you have a weird story or a topic suggestion please DM us on Instagram or BlueSky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week we dive into the truth behind the ghost story of a headless women in Kentucky. We discuss who Pearl Bryan was, her murder, how the some of the mystery was solved and what remains unsolved. We also get mad at 19th century men and go on a lot of tangents. We may even learn about Ohio geography!Please be aware that some of the topics in this episode not be for everyone. Feel free to enjoy a different one of our episodes. If you have a topic suggestion or personal weird story, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or email us at [email protected] Thanks for listening!

This week we head north to Canada to find out if the township of Wilno, Canada's oldest polish settlement, has vampires like the stories say. We learn about how this story got started, the people that live in Wilno, what makes someone a vampire and how to defeat these types of vampire. If you have a topic suggestion or a personal weird story you would like to share, please DM on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Correction: her name was Sarah Baartman, I made a typo in my notes when I typed it out. Today we uncover the dark history of experimental medicine and how much of our current medical knowledge comes from the involuntary sacrifices of minority communities. We dive into the disturbing beginnings of modern gynecology, the theft and display of bodies, and how the medical system is still full of inequity today. If you want to speak out about your own experiences or bring light to something you feel is important, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] you for listening!

This week we celebrate one year of What About Weird by discussing some of our favorite legends from our home states with our buddies Greg and Dan from Greg's Cryptid Corner. We talk a lot about hell and xenophobia, we find out why Dan goes through so many pants, who of us is haunted, and which cryptids are to blame for what.  Please go check out Greg's Cryptid Corner wherever you get your podcasts. And if you haven't already please follow us and give us a review as it helps the algorithm quite a bit! If you have a personal weird story or topic suggestion please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Today, Feb 2nd 2026, is our one year podcast anniversary! So we're posting a few minutes of bloopers from 2025.We will be celebrating officially with a one year local lore special featuring some very special guests on Feb 8th. Stayed tuned!

This week we hop in the creek to look for a real life north Carolina legend. We learn some science, some folk lore, and discuss what makes something a cryptid. We might even learn a thing or two about baseball!Also, it's pronounced "Lie-comb-ing". IYKYK If you have a topic suggestion or a personal weird story, please DM us Instagram or Bluesky or you can send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week we go off the rails while we test weird jerky and our knowledge of the last years worth of What About Weird episodes. Can we stomach alligator jerky? Can we remember the names of anyone in the episodes we covered? Doubtful, but the only way to find out is to listen. You may hear a few animal noises in place of people's names for privacy reasons. The 2025 episode quiz starts at minute 17 if you want to pause after each question is read and see if you can get the right answer. If you have any topic suggestions or personal weird stories please DM on in Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] thank you are so much for an amazing 2025!

You thought you heard enough about fungi? Well you were wrong. This week join us on a journey to discover some radiotrophic fungi at the Chernobyl reactor site, a pesky fungus that invades your face, a beautiful parasitic flower that feeds off of its fungus friends, and a hallucinogenic mushroom that gives a whole new meaning to our Christmas traditions. Have a Happy Holiday season and we will see you in the new year! If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week we talk about a not so little creature that put the town of Churubusco on the map. We prepare you for reptile trivia night, hear how monster hunters affect the local agricultural community and one man's obsessive quest to capture the beast ...As well as learn about how not to catch turtles. If you have a personal weird story or topic suggestion please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] you for listening!

This week we hit the road and go on an adventure. Join us as we go to mammoth cave (can you tell we like mammoth cave yet), explore Chicago, try to use library resources, get spooked, visit the Mothman museum and much more. Maybe if you are lucky we will teach you the secrets of cornhenge... probably not though. If you have a weird story or a topic suggestion, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Last week we brought you the people behind the park, but today we take a look into the science side of things: the ecology and geology of the Mammoth Cave system. Learn about how the caves formed and the different critters that live inside of them.. and a few that lived in them millions of years ago. If you have a weird story or a topic suggestions you can DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Join us on a trip into some of the history of Mammoth Cave and the Kentucky cave wars. We learn about the history of cave tourism, the things cave entrepreneurs got up to and meet some of the forgotten figures that helped make the Mammoth Cave area what it is. But don't worry, there is still plenty of excitement, adventure, courtroom drama, competition and death. We can't forget death. So grab your head lamps and don't forget to tell someone where you are going....If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky at whataboutweirdpod or send us an email at [email protected] Thanks for listening!

Deep in the forest of York county Pennsylvania lies Rehmeyer's Hollow, a place filled to the brim with folk magic and forgotten prayers. A kind, elderly man tends to his farm animals, unaware that there is a more sinister plot that will change Rehmeyer's Hollow forever, supposedly opening it up as a portal to hell. If you have a personal weird story or a topic suggestion, you can DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Grab a smore and enjoy 4 tales to chill your bones. Happy Halloween!

We conclude our dive into the satanic panic by asking "won't someone please think of the children?!?!" At last we bring up the infamous book that started it all, Michelle Remembers. We take a quick detour to Canada to touch on a case from our northern neighbors before returning to the States for a story about a not so nice pre k that was accused of satanic cult activity. We round off this absolutely wild ride by discussing a police document about how to spot satanic activity and our thoughts on that satanic panic as a whole. If you have a topic suggestion or weird story please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Coming at you with part two of our satanic panic series, we make a deal you can't resist! In this episode we cover how businesses were in league with Satan. We talk all about the ways Dungeons and Dragons were making teens into minions of the devil and how toy companies were doing the same to young kids, the secret satanic messages in brand logos and uncovering the truth behind who a beloved hamburger chain was giving their profits to. Tune in next week for the conclusion of this saga. Brought to you in part by a demon worshiper like you!If you have a topic suggestion or weird story, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

CONTENT WARNING: Episodes in our Satanic Panic series contain talks of child abuse, SA, murder, occult practices, etc and these topics should not be taken lightly. If any of these topics are disturbing to you, please listen to many of our other wonderful episodes. This week, we begin our dive into the satanic panic. In part one we discuss the music and entertainment of the time. We start off with how The Exorcist made audiences fear for the spiritual safety of their children. We learn the origins of the parental guidance label. After all that we still find time to discuss the case of the West Memphis 3 and how prejudice played into it. But wait... there's more! Stick around for two more episodes full of satanic fun!!If you have a weird story or topic suggestion you can DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Join us and the members of the band Her Majesty this week to learn the importance of maintaining your spare tire, not texting and driving, checking the weather, and filling up on gas before you get to the bad part of town. Hear our car-astrophic stories. Don't forget to stick around for a wild and snowy listener story!Follow Her Majesty on Spotify and YouTube. Find them on Instagram @ hermajestyva. Make sure you check out a few of their songs!If you have a weird story or a topic suggestion, please DM us on either Instagram or Bluesky, or you can send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week your hosts of all things weird try and dissect whether or not the Mapinguari, a creature of Brazilian folklore, is fact or fiction. Is that scream in the woods your crazy uncle? Or is it a more sinister cryptid looking to protect the Amazonian rainforest from mankind? Find out our thoughts and dive deeper into the legend of what is known as "The Brazilian Bigfoot". If you have a topic suggestion or a weird story you would like to share, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky, or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

What happens when Christianity meets an alien abduction? Today, the pod brings us a story to answer that question. Betty Andreasson got abducted by entities from elsewhere in 1967 and the result was one of the weirdest, trippiest abductions. We learn what aliens eat, we realize neither of us paid attention in Sunday school and we find out if Betty would still love Jesus if he was a worm. Don't wait! listen now and you too could be visited by maybe angels!If you have a weird story, fact, or a suggestion please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Frustrated with the US Government? Us too! Join us this week for a dip into some strange but real projects the US government spent time and money on. We both bring a handful of projects to the table. We learn about how blowing up bats can backfire, medical morality used to be an option, a feline secret agent, and that the US thought what Greenland didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Warning: some listeners may lose their sense of patriotism while listening to this episode. If you have a weird fact or story you would like to share, please DM us on Instagram or Bluesky or send us an email at [email protected]. Don't forget to send in your road trip horror stories by September 6th so we can share them in that September episode! Thank you for listening!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to read minds? Or see the unknown? Or maybe you want to channel the dead! Well too bad, that's not this episode. This week we beam our thoughts into your head and talk about our thoughts on psychic powers, fortune telling and government funded research on psychic phenomenon. Have a weird story or fact you would like to share? Please send us an email at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or Bluesky at whataboutweird. Also, You better send us your road trip horror stories! We want to hear them!

This week the pod brings us the peculiar case of the Dyatlov Pass. Uncover the story and evidence, learn how Russia is great at naming things, and discuss the theories (both reasonable and very very unreasonable). If you are lucky you may even get radiation poisoning! Content Warning: This episode contains talks about the circumstances surrounding unusual deaths. We talk about the state of individuals after they have passed, major injuries that may have led to their death, and go into a few gruesome details about what their last moments may have looked like. So please proceed into this episode with caution. If you have a weird story, topic suggestion, or just want to share a weird fact, please DM us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or Bluesky at whataboutweirdpod or you can send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening! If you would like to listen to an audio version of the book Elayna references in this episode here is the link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tyDUdN0UizdmPeU4XIzVi?si=w3DrFVupT_mJeGh3_0J1Rg

Today we listen to our hosts say a bunch of crazy scientific names that we pretend were pronounced correctly as they talk about some of the weird and wacky fungi they find interesting. We discover information about what fungi really are, play a game of Fungi or Not, and talk about some specific types of fungi that may just blow your mind (or not. You may be like some fungi folk and know 80% of these facts already). Correction: When I said we only really have animal studies to show the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, I meant specifically mushroom coffee. There have been some studies on certain medical mushrooms such as what I brought up with Lion's Mane mushrooms (though this was a small sample size and further evaluation is likely needed). Anyway, its always good to look up your own peer reviewed articles when it comes to this stuff. Don't just take the word of some random podcaster! It should also be noted that just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t have a negative effect or interact poorly with medications you’re taking, so please talk to an actual doctor about this stuff. I also said 99% of communication between plants could not be possible without the mycorrhizae network, I don't know the actual percentage I just said 99% to exemplify how important these mushrooms are. Lol. If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, please send us a DM on Instagram or Bluesky at Whataboutweird.pod or email us at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

We're changing it up this week to bring you a very special and mind-boggling broadcast. Today we are throwing you into the deep end of another realm with an episode of Cryptid Cocktail Party. Each week Dave shares a story with his cohost, Sarge, about a different strange topic. They are a wonderful blend of comedy and the paranormal. So sit back, relax, and crack open a cold one with these fellas as you listen to the peculiar tale of the Atlanta Blood House.Find cryptid cocktail party anywhere you find good (and not so good) podcasts. Follow them on Instagram @cryptidcocktail and on TikTok @cryptidcocktailparty

It's time for a summer road trip! We go on a weird talk journey through legend tripping and dark tourism locations and our thoughts on them. We discussed the weird tourism industry, its benefits and controversy. Stay to the end to find out the weirdest locations we have been to!If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, please DM us on either Bluesky or Instagram at Whataboutweirdpod or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Today we dive into wrascally wrabbits. The pod brings us the story behind the infamous Jackalope and some similar bunny based cryptids around the world. We learn the truth about who keeps drinking the whiskey, school taxidermy projects, and hunting licences.If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, DM us on Instagram at Whataboutweird.pod or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Over 600 years ago, the wealthy city of Rungholt (now known as the Atlantis of the North Sea) disappeared beneath the sea after a major climate event. For hundreds of years the town's disappearance was shrouded in mystery and legend until we uncovered some of its secrets in 2023. We are facing a similar climate disaster today, as ocean levels rise and coastal cities become more at risk, we are experiencing more and more severe storms and disasters. We talk about a few ways you can get involved. And for anyone affected by recent floods, here are a few resources that may help: https://texasaflcio.org/news/central-texas-flood-resources-how-helphttps://www.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster-relief/https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.html?srsltid=AfmBOoorNqFC2OthvfW5SQXhT5urV1LTEcuXUrcQHkPB85zYlbdtAF2hhttps://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article310212190.htmlhttps://www.nmchamber.org/issues/disaster-relief-resources/

Welcome to the final part of our Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple series. Today we have a pretty steady dose of depression for you as we talk about the Jonestown Massacre and the events that led up to it. There is a heavy emphasis on mass suicide, child death, gun violence, drugging and SA, and animal abuse. These are some pretty heavy topics, so we promise we will not be offended if you skip these episodes and go back and check out any of our other episodes which are generally much happier. For those of you who stuck it out during this series, thank you for listening. If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share please DM on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or send us an email at [email protected]

Oh, you thought you were getting part 3 of Jonestown? Nope! Join us for a special pride month episode. One of your weird hosts shares the story of Henry Cyril Pagget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey aka the dancing marquess aka the man who walked so David Bowie could run. After inheriting a massive fortune Pagget decides to live life as fully and lavishly as he possibly could and the rest, as they say, is history..... that got erased.Have a weird story or fact you would like to share? DM us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to part two of our Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple series. This episode we talk about the move of the Peoples Temple from Indiana to California, Jones getting in good with lawmakers, politicians, the police, and the media. Jones preaches equality, but it turns out he's actually a massive homophobe and racist (figures). His paranoia and drug use reach new highs and the emotional and physical turmoil he puts his followers through is unparalleled. Dive in deep with us as we learn what makes Jim Jones tick and just how far he'll go for power.

Welcome to part 1 of our first multi-part series about Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple! In this episode we take a close look into the early life of Jim Jones, from his childhood to the day he picks up and moves his church (cult) to California. Want to find out where the pissing contest comes in? Guess you'll just have to listen. All episodes within our Jonestown series will include discussions about murder, suicide, animal abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. Feel free to check out any of our previous episodes if this one seems too heavy. If you have a weird story or fact please DM us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or send us an email at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Join us this week as we tell the tail of how and why a politician from Louisiana, the man who inspired the Boy Scouts, and a German-South African spy almost turned America into a bunch of Hippopotamus ranchers in 1910. And all this kit and caboodle to solve the problem of a meat shortage and an epidemic of invasive water plants while trying to hold on to a sense of wild west limitlessness. If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, please DM us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod or send us an email at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

This week we bring to you an un-researched episode where we talk all things cryptid. Play a little game of Hoax or Believe the Folks with us and then join us as we discuss the intersection between physical creatures, spiritual entities, and the beings of different folklore or cultures. If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, please send us a DM on Instagram at Whataboutweird.pod or email us at [email protected] you for listening! 

Get ready to learn about the 8th wonder of the world, a very special mongoose named Gef from the Isle of Man. This episode we will answer the big questions: What was Gef? How did he affect the people around him? And what even is the plural of Mongoose? If you have a weird story or fact you would like to share, please send us a DM on Instagram at Whataboutweird.pod or email us at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

Today one of your hosts dives deep into ancient vampire lore and introduces the vrykolakas, an undead creature of old Greece who leaves its grave at night to hunt the living. If you have a weird story to share, please send us an email at [email protected] and your story may be featured on a future episode Thanks for listening!

The pod invites a wonderful first guest, Ari, onto the show to share personal paranormal experiences and read stories from our very own listeners. If you want your story featured on a future episode like this, write into us at [email protected] Thank you for listening!

This week on What About Weird, we discuss all things ghosts and spirits. What really is this paranormal phenomena we experience? From spirit boards and imaginary friends to apparitions and hauntings, they cover a little bit of everything. If you have a ghost, UFO, cryptid, or any other weird story, please share it with us at [email protected] You can also follow us on Instagram at whataboutweird.pod Thank you for listening!

Your hostess with the mostess brings to light a possible extraterrestrial encounter from 1955 rural Kentucky. Was it goblins from space, silver painted monkeys, or a family that drank too much moonshine? We may never know...If you have any paranormal, UFO, or cryptid stories or would just like to share some strange facts please send us an email at [email protected] Thank you!

This week we tell the tale of a woman who had her multi-million dollar invention stolen from her. Monopoly, or what was originally "The Landlords Game", has an interesting and deeply political past. If you have any paranormal, UFO, or cryptid stories or would just like to share some strange facts please send us an email at [email protected] Thank you!

Your two favorite hosts take turns laughing hysterically at some weird laws in their home states, as well exploring a few strange laws in other US states. Enjoy some ambient background noise from the ice machine running during the episode... oops. If you have any paranormal, UFO, or cryptid stories or would just like to share some strange facts please send us an email at [email protected] Thank you!

The weekly weirdos of What About Weird scare us all with some lightning facts and then enlighten us with the tale of a park ranger who holds the record for being struck by lightning the most.

This week one of our hosts brings three extinct creatures to the table: a massive ancient shark, a sloth as big an an elephant, and an eagle that could hunt humans.