Astonishing Legends

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Nicole recounts a chilling experience of hearing a male voice in her head during a protection ritual.  This unsettling event is similar to Tess's experience at the Sallie House, and it highlights the unpredictable nature of opening oneself to the unseen. One must take precautions when engaging with the paranormal without full awareness because whether you believe any of this at all or not, we’ve heard a lot of stories from folks who had lasting side effects from crossing paths with the unknown. Listener discretion is advised due to some explicit language. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

This week's Astonishing Dead Letter Office features a heartwarming story of a benevolent haunting at their family's camp in Gorham, New Hampshire. After the death of listener Karl’s father's friend Andy, the family began experiencing strange occurrences at the camp, including a deformed screen door that appeared to have Andy's face imprinted on it and a streetlight that would repeatedly go out but turn back on when someone addressed Andy. Not all hauntings are terrifying. Some are comforting. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

This week on Astonishing Legends, we conclude our two-part exploration into the enigmatic disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. Last week, we chronicled his vibrant life and career, culminating in his mysterious 1913 journey into Mexico.  This week, we delve deeper, examining the turbulent backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and how it might have played a role in his vanishing. Was Bierce a casualty of the conflict, caught in the crossfire? Or, as some suggest, did he become a victim of Pancho Villa himself?  We explore these theories, considering his known disdain for aging and his fascination with unsolved mysteries, mirroring themes throughout his own macabre writings.  A missing letter and conflicting accounts spark questions about hidden agendas and the possibility of a meticulously planned exit.  While the Grand Canyon suicide theory persists, we weigh the evidence and consider alternative explanations, including the intriguing, if improbable, fringe theories involving crystal skulls and ancient ruins in the Paquimé region of Mexico.  Ultimately, we're left to ponder whether Bierce's disappearance was a carefully crafted narrative, a tragic accident, or something far more extraordinary.  Join us as we uncover the clues and confront the enduring puzzle of Bierce's final act. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2025

In tonight’s chilling episode, Nina shares her unsettling experience with a vintage Swami Mystery talking board. After acquiring this antique off-brand Ouija Board, she suffers a severe concussion and begins having vivid, disturbing nightmares featuring mysterious figures and ominous symbolism. Always think twice when messing around with talking boards! The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Ambrose Bierce, famed author of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, vanished without a trace in 1913 at the age of 71. Bierce had a long and storied career, having been a soldier in the Civil War, a journalist, and a successful author. He was known for his dark humor and cynical outlook. In part one of this two-part series, we delve into the mystery of Bierce’s disappearance and explore the enduring fascination with this literary enigma. Was it a suicide, a murder, or something even stranger? Join us as we try to unravel the strange case of Ambrose Bierce. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2025

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a chilling overnight investigation at 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire – the infamous home of the Black Monk of Pontefract. A long standing Poltergeist we covered on our main show in a three part series back in late 2018. We delve into our listener's unsettling experience during a séance and Ouija board session, culminating in a terrifying solo venture into the house's most haunted bedroom. We explore the oppressive atmosphere, the sensation of being watched by lifeless dolls, and the lingering effects on the people that were there. Join us as we revisit one of Britain's most notorious haunted houses through the eye and ears of our listener, Eric. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

A very important announcement about our next episode!

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a series of chilling encounters with mysterious entities that have haunted our listener, Alan, for years. He had unsettling experiences with sleep paralysis, including a confrontation with a shadowy figure wearing a fedora and a static-like being delivering phantom punches, in a rare case of someone being actually physically assaulted by a shadow being. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a perplexing childhood encounter that has lingered in our listener's memory for over three decades. It ranks up there with one of our favorite topics on the main show, Sam the Sandown Clown. Sit back as we explore the bizarre sighting of a life-sized Grimace, the beloved McDonald's character, mysteriously appearing at the edge of the woods behind our listener’s home, possibly beckoning her to join him on some bizarre adventure in another reality. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Tonight's Dead Letter is about a chilling series of events in the remote Alaskan town of Dillingham. We explore the eerie parallels between the legendary Mothman and the Yupik culture's mysterious  Irrcenraq beings. Our listener shares his haunting personal experiences with unexplained phenomena, including shadowy figures, strange phone calls, and dancing balls of light. As 15 people die in rapid succession in this small community, we delve into the unsettling connections between these deaths and the appearance of otherworldly entities. Join us as we navigate the murky waters between folklore and reality in this remote Alaskan town. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

It’s the fifth Year of our annual Astonishing Legends Holiday Special, and we’re back with our crew from last year. We all love getting together this time of year to look back on everything that went right or wrong over the past 12 months and consider what parts of our collective reality have eroded and what parts have solidified. Join us as we celebrate the friendships we've built along the way and the joys of working together across the paranormal and real spectrum. It’s a perfect way to kick back, relax, and embrace the holiday spirit with us. So grab your favorite drink and cozy up as we share some fun tales and look ahead to what 2025 has in store. Everyone’s welcome! Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

In tonight's Dead Letter, Scott and Forrest explore a chilling account from Holly in North Hollywood. Her story involves mysterious glowing orbs of different colors appearing in her bedroom, a malfunctioning fire alarm, and an unsettling experience with an intrusive thought and sleep paralysis. The eerie events, potentially linked to a creative slump and solitude, culminate in a startling connection to an object in her room. What’s at play here? The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Tonight, we welcome documentary filmmaker James Fox to discuss his latest thought-provoking film, 'The Program,' which explores recent developments in UFO and UAP disclosure. Fox shares valuable insights gleaned from his extensive interviews with military officials, politicians, and eyewitnesses. These interviews touch on controversial topics such as alleged crash retrievals of unidentified craft and encounters with non-human intelligences.During our conversation, we delve into the obstacles Fox faced due to government secrecy and examine the intriguing role that private corporations may play in controlling UAP information. Fox emphasizes the cornerstone of his investigative approach: the importance of credible witness testimony coupled with rigorous on-site field research.We also revisit the compelling 1996 Varginha incident in Brazil, which Fox investigated in his previous film 'Moment of Contact,' and discuss the implications of recent congressional hearings on UAPs. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2024

Tonight, we welcome documentary filmmaker James Fox to discuss his latest thought-provoking film, 'The Program,' which explores recent developments in UFO and UAP disclosure. Fox shares valuable insights gleaned from his extensive interviews with military officials, politicians, and eyewitnesses. These interviews touch on controversial topics such as alleged crash retrievals of unidentified craft and encounters with non-human intelligences.During our conversation, we delve into the obstacles Fox faced due to government secrecy and examine the intriguing role that private corporations may play in controlling UAP information. Fox emphasizes the cornerstone of his investigative approach: the importance of credible witness testimony coupled with rigorous on-site field research.We also revisit the compelling 1996 Varginha incident in Brazil, which Fox investigated in his previous film 'Moment of Contact,' and discuss the implications of recent congressional hearings on UAPs. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2024

In tonight’s Dead Letter, Melinda recounts her terrifying paranormal experiences after moving into her sister's basement apartment. The encounters escalated from unexplained night terrors to sleep paralysis and eventually the sighting of a shadowy entity with horns and white eyes. She felt physically manipulated, frozen in fear. Despite initially keeping the events to herself, she eventually confided in their sister, leading to a priest's intervention that seems to have brought an end to the haunting. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

We all know family road trips can be fun, bonding experiences that generate fond memories, but they can also be filled with tension and frayed nerves—although perhaps not to the degree experienced by the Tromp family of Silvan, Australia.  In August 2016, Mark and Jacoba Tromp and their adult children Riana, Mitchell, and Ella embarked on a perplexing journey of around 1000 miles that captivated the country.  They abruptly left their home, abandoning their phones and credit cards.  What followed was a five-day saga of mystery and confusion.  The family’s erratic behavior, including apparent paranoia and separation, led to a nationwide search.  The incident, dubbed the “Tech-Free Family Road Trip,” sparked widespread speculation about mental health, shared psychosis, and the pressures of modern life on their successful farm.  During this family travel season, we work to dissect what happened and why.  Was this bizarre odyssey a contagious emotional meltdown, or was there an actual threat to their safety as the parents initially thought?   Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2024

In our latest Dead Letter episode, we dive into the spooky world of pendulums and shadow entities! Krystal shares her haunting experience with a pendulum she bought in 2020, which seemed to bring a shadowy presence into her home. This mysterious entity appeared while she was in the zone, working on creative projects. Things got intense when it started showing up where she sleeps, leading to a cleansing ritual to drive it out. Tune in to hear the full story and our thoughts on the connection between creativity and the supernatural. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

Tonight we delve into the chilling experiences of a seasoned hunter in the same eerie region of central Pennsylvania a former guest of our main show encountered something unexplained. Jordan recounts his encounters with unseen threats that left him unnerved. His tale echoes the unsettling possibility of something lurking in the woods and an inexplicable sensation of being watched. Tune in to hear his personal astonishing legend, and remind yourself to trust your instincts when the wilderness turns silent. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

In 1921, a five-masted schooner emerged from the mists off North Carolina's treacherous coast - a floating tomb devoid of life. Eleven souls had vanished without a trace, leaving behind an eerie tableau of abandonment. Tonight we delve into this chilling mystery and attempt to unravel a web of bizarre clues: inexplicably damaged equipment, missing shoreboats, and whispers of aberrant crew behavior from passing ships. Was it a bloodthirsty mutiny? Ruthless pirates? A clandestine rum-running operation gone awry? Or perhaps something far more sinister lurking in the depths of human nature - or beyond? The Carroll A. Deering is a haunting mystery, reminding us that some secrets of the sea may never be fully uncovered, leaving our imaginations to run wild with unsettling possibilities. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2024

Tonight we dive into a chilling tale from a former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, who had mysterious encounters with a face-pressing entity in their deployment tent. This story shows how paranormal experiences can affect even seasoned soldiers. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

In this episode, Scott and Forrest share a captivating story from a listener named Meagan about her family's experience with a friendly spirit named Martin. Since the late sixties, Meagan's family has lived with Martin, known for lighthearted antics like slamming doors. In fact, Meagan may not have even been born had Martin not stepped in when her mom was younger. Join them in the vault for this listener story about living with a ghost and the strange events that come along with that. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

In this episode, Scott and Forrest share a captivating story from a listener named Meagan about her family's experience with a friendly spirit named Martin. Since the late sixties, Meagan's family has lived with Martin, known for lighthearted antics like slamming doors. In fact, Meagan may not have even been born had Martin not stepped in when her mom was younger. Join them in the vault for this listener story about living with a ghost and the strange events that come along with that. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

On the night of July 10, 1969, John Reichart was fishing near Greer Island on the shores of Lake Worth, about ten miles from Fort Worth, Texas, while his wife Linda sat in their car reading a book.  Moments after John finally hooked a large catfish, he heard his wife screaming in terror and turned to see something moving around on top of the car. As he raced to help, this thing was now on the ground and next to the passenger window, appearing to try to get at Linda. John instinctively lunged at this creature, shoving it away from the car while getting a good look at it. He described it as massive and standing on two legs, horns on its head, covered with white hair and what seemed like shiny fish scales; some kind of human-animal hybrid he said was "half man, half goat." The Reicharts weren't the only witnesses to this scary scuffle as two other couples parked nearby also saw the entire horrifying incident. Almost forty people claimed to have seen the same beast the next night, with sightings continuing for months afterward, generating news coverage and a police investigation. Our friend, author, musician, and intrepid cryptid hunter, Lyle Blackburn, once again deftly and comprehensively investigates one of the strangest and most disturbing creature encounters in Texas and U.S. history in his latest book, Lake Worth Monster: The True Story of the Greer Island Goatman. Please join us as we welcome Lyle to discuss the particulars of a brute so bizarre it makes a plain old Bigfoot seem ordinary by comparison.   Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2024

In this episode, Scott and Forrest tackle a creepy listener story about Black Eyed Kids that took place during the height of the pandemic. The story follows a woman who encounters a strange boy in a red hoodie in the dark, leading to some serious bad luck afterward. Join us as we break down this unsettling encounter and its impact on the storyteller’s life. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

In this episode, Scott and Forrest tackle a creepy listener story about Black Eyed Kids that took place during the height of the pandemic. The story follows a woman who encounters a strange boy in a red hoodie in the dark, leading to some serious bad luck afterward. Join us as we break down this unsettling encounter and its impact on the storyteller’s life. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

Welcome to the premiere episode of the Astonishing Dead Letter Office, a new weekly show from the creators of Astonishing Legends. For over a decade, you’ve been sending in your strange and unexplainable experiences. In this first episode, "It Depends Who's Looking," we explore a chilling haunted house story from Jeff, former manager of the still popular Instagram account Harlow and Sage. Jeff and his wife encounter escalating paranormal activity in their new home, from mysterious noises to ghostly apparitions. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

Welcome to the premiere episode of the Astonishing Dead Letter Office, a new weekly show from the creators of Astonishing Legends. For over a decade, you’ve been sending in your strange and unexplainable experiences. In this first episode, "It Depends Who's Looking," we explore a chilling haunted house story from Jeff, former manager of the still popular Instagram account Harlow and Sage. Jeff and his wife encounter escalating paranormal activity in their new home, from mysterious noises to ghostly apparitions. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

Once more unto the breach of Halloween, dear friends, once more, as we drift dreamily into some of our listeners’ most eerie encounters!  We begin tonight’s fearsome festivities with an account from Kamal, who discovered some ghostly confirmation in “Grandma’s Photo Album.”  Listener Holly and her nephew are visited both day and night by a little girl they could consider “Our Imaginary Friend.”  Next, while on deployment in East Africa with the Army National Guard, Zac and his fellow soldiers make “Contact in the Desert” with an otherworldly being.  While giving a tour at the historic and haunted Belleview-Biltmore Hotel in Florida, Joseph gets spectrally tackled, giving him the “Groundskeeper Willies.”  Damon’s story shows that even when you unwittingly stare into the void, “The Void Stares Back.” And finally, when listener Alison is supernaturally harassed and goaded to “Wake up, Ali!” she learns that we thankfully have champions in the spiritual warfare between good and evil.  Please join us for our spooky season tradition, where the most astonishing thing is our listeners and their actual experiences.   Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2024

In part 2 of our series on The Entity, we delve deeper into the story of The Entity and the horrific experiences of Doris Bither. We’ll explore previously undisclosed details of her life and the paranormal phenomena witnessed in her home by a large team of researchers from UCLA, as told by the only person in the world who’s been in touch with Bither’s family, Javier Ortega. We’ll examine the aftermath of the haunting, its profound effects on the Bither family, and the challenges they faced long after the initial investigation concluded. Going beyond the well-known narrative, we’ll explore Doris's later years and the enduring psychological impact on her family. Astonishing Legends has always strived to be the ‘Podcast of Record’ on the topics we cover, and this one is no different. Join us as we unravel the untold continuation of The Entity Haunting, seeking not just the truth of what happened but a deeper understanding of how the investigation into it may have done more harm than good. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2024

Description paragraph - Astonishing Legends finally tackles the infamous Entity haunting case from the 1970s, featuring an exclusive interview with researcher Xavier Ortega from GhostTheory.com. This is the story of Doris Bither, a single mother in Culver City, California, who was repeatedly assaulted by spectral entities in her home. Ortega shares new information from his interviews with Bither’s sons, providing unprecedented insight into the family’s experiences. For the first time, it’s revealed that the paranormal activity began after Bither attempted to communicate with entities through Ouija board seances. Listeners will hear about strange phenomena witnessed by multiple observers, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and physical attacks. Scott, Forrest, and Xavier will share details of spectral assaults in Part 1 of this series that most folks haven’t heard about. This is a deep dive into one of the most disturbing paranormal cases in American history, with new revelations that have never before shared publicly. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2024

A special announcement regarding Hurricane Helene. https://reddit.com/r/asheville https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene https://umcmission.org/ United Way link updated from link in the announcement: https://www.unitedway.org/hurricane-helene#

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

In our conclusion to our two-part series on American Bloodfalls, we dive deeper into the mysterious phenomenon that baffled witnesses across 19th-century America. Our special guest, Tom Maxwell, guides us through more perplexing incidents of blood and meat raining from the sky, from the famous Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876 to the final recorded event in 1902. We examine the scientific analyses of the time, which often identified the fallen material as animal tissue yet failed to propose any reasonable theories about its origins. Tom helps us navigate the theories proposed over the years and why they fall short when confronted with eyewitness accounts and the scale of events. We’ll discuss connections to biblical accounts and consider how these events might reflect their time's cultural and spiritual climate. Then, of course, we’ll get to the theories, even though the mundane ones have been tough to identify with this legend. But yes, portals and UFOs will probably make the scene. Tom helps us grapple with how these occurrences challenge humanity’s modern, materialist worldview and why meat showers and bloodfalls seem to have ceased by the early 20th century. Even after all of this time, they continue to defy explanation. However, that won’t stop us from trying to figure it out. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

Bloodfalls and meat showers - phenomena that sound more like biblical plagues than historical events. Yet, reports of these bizarre occurrences peppered the American landscape for over a century. From Alabama to Massachusetts, Tennessee to California, eyewitnesses sometimes described small red clouds followed by downpours of blood, flesh, and viscera. Some were subjected to the red rain on entirely cloudless days. While many saw divine judgment, skeptics suspected elaborate hoaxes. Scientists proposed numerous theories ranging from vomiting vultures to atmospheric anomalies, while newspapers spread the stories far and wide. But what really happened during these grisly events? Were they connected or separate phenomena with similar descriptions? And why did they seem to stop abruptly at the turn of the 20th century? Join us as we delve into this bloody chapter of American history with our special guest, Tom Maxwell, former frontman of the Squirrel Nut Zippers and bloodfall expert, for Part 1 of this 2-part series. Together, we'll examine not just what fell from the sky, but what these incidents reveal about 19th-century America - its people, its science, and its struggle to make sense of a rapidly changing world. From the fringes of meteorology to the depths of human nature, this is the strange, gruesome, and utterly captivating story of America's reign of blood and meat. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2024

Richard & Susan drop in with some important upcoming dates and announcements about all things RHPB, including a couple of SPECIAL UPCOMING EPISODES you’ll want to know about right away… Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2024

The authorities may have finally learned of the man on the moor's identity, yet, as they say, this only raised many more questions than his real name answered. As police questioned his family, his neighbors, service providers, and even an ex-girlfriend, a picture of a pretty peculiar man emerged. "Neil Dovestone" went by the name David Lytton. However, even his legal name was perhaps a privacy screen to hide his emotions and past behind, as his given name was David Keith Lautenberg. Described as a kind and conscientious man, Lytton also led a very ascetic and minimalist lifestyle, adding to the mystery of his mindset. Those who knew him in England, even his partner at the time, Maureen Toogood, had no idea he had quietly moved to Pakistan after abruptly cutting off contact to live there for several years. Even with more pieces to the puzzle now in place, there's still no clue as to what led him to where he chose to end everything and why. Was it solely his doing, or was someone else involved? What seems likely is that his body was staged postmortem so it would be found in a more peaceful pose. Although you may think this story is "Case Closed," the official status from the UK courts is that it's still an "Open Conclusion." Join us once again for Part 2 as we learn more about a man whose life was as much of an enigma as his death. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2024

On Friday, December 11, 2015, at 9:04 a.m., a man started a train journey at Ealing Broadway Station in west London, England. At 9:50 a.m., he arrived at Euston station to book an over two-hour trip to Manchester. The next day, at 10:47 a.m., his body was discovered by a cyclist close to the Chew Track near Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District National Park. The man was 6 feet 1 inch tall, white, of slim build, and had receding grey hair and blue eyes and determined to be between 60 and 70 years of age. However, this description was the only identifying factor initially discovered about him. He had no ID, wallet, phone, or keys, nothing to tell who this man was. He was dressed nicely but inappropriately for a hike in such inclement weather. The only item found on his person was a container of Pakistani origin labeled for thyroid medication but which now contained strychnine. This was the poison that led to his death. The cyclist also found the man in an odd position; his arms crossed over his chest and next to the trail as if peacefully napping. This was another puzzling clue, as victims of strychnine poisoning are usually writhing in agony before their horrible demise. The pathology technicians who examined the body gave the unfortunate stranger the name of "Neil Dovestone" after the Dovestone reservoir near his resting place. So, who was "Neil Dovestone," and why did he travel such a long distance to this particular spot for a careless hike, or was it for a darker purpose? Who removed his identifying items, and did he take his own life or fall victim to murder? Join us for part one of our investigation into The Body on the Moor. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2024

In Part Two of The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, we compare and contrast story elements of the too-close encounter taken from what the couple remembered about the night of the abduction, Betty’s lucid dreams, and regression hypnotherapy. We also have the pleasure of interviewing researcher and author Kathleen Marden, Betty Hill’s niece, who was present for the contemporary testimony and witness to the physical evidence at the time. Kathleen has dedicated decades to meticulously investigating her aunt and uncle’s case and the UFO phenomenon in general. She has held various positions within the Mutual UFO Network from 1991 to 2023, such as Director of Field Investigator Training and Founder/Director of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team. Kathleen was awarded MUFON’s “Researcher of the Year” trophy in 2012. Join us for a fascinating conversation where we separate fact from fiction and the conscious from the subconscious regarding one of history’s most famous “Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind.” Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2024

On the night of September 19, 1961, around 10:30 p.m., Betty and Barney Hill drove back to their home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, after a vacation in Niagara Falls and Montreal. As they passed the town of Lancaster along U.S. Route 3, Betty saw a bright light in the sky just below the Moon that she initially thought was a falling star, except this light was moving upward and erratically, growing larger and more brilliant. The Hills pulled over for a closer look through binoculars. Betty said she saw an oddly shaped craft with multicolored lights that flashed as it traveled across the face of the Moon. Barney saw what he first reasoned was a commercial jetliner, but when the craft silently descended rapidly in their direction without turning, he realized it was not a plane. They resumed driving as the object continued its quick descent toward their car until it hovered above the highway about 80 to 100 feet off the ground, causing Barney to stop in the middle of the road. Using the binoculars again, Barney could now see what he described as eight to eleven humanoid beings staring at him through one of the craft's windows. Then they all turned away from the window except for one that continued to glare and seemingly sent a telepathic message to Barney, commanding him to "stay where you are and keep looking." After making further observations about the craft and its occupants, whom Barney described as "somehow not human," the only thing the Hills could recall next from that moment was hearing a buzzing sound, then continuing on their drive. The Hills arrived home in the early morning the following day, and somehow, the trip took about two hours longer than it should have. Initially feeling at ease upon arrival, Betty and Barney would soon be troubled by puzzling evidence and unexplainable feelings and urges. Their watches were permanently stopped. Betty's dress was ripped around the zipper and lining and dusted with traces of a pinkish powder. The leather strap for the binoculars was torn, and the tops of the toes of Barney's shoes were scuffed as if he was dragged. He also developed inexplicable growths. They felt compelled to take long showers to remove any contamination without fully knowing what had happened to them. They noticed concentric circular marks on the trunk of their car that had strange magnetic properties. All of these baffling clues were traces of the extraordinarily terrifying and traumatic experience they endured that night, which scarred them for years, pieced together from their conscious memories, hypnotic regression sessions, and Betty's vividly recurring dreams. Taken all together, the story of Betty and Barney Hill became one of the most classic and seminal in ufology and is considered the first widely publicized case of alien abduction in the United States. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2024

Scott and Forrest are joined by Chris Cullari and Ed Voccola, the hosts of Scared All The Time, for a live show at Monster Fest 2. Featuring live listener stories and EVP’s collected live on site from the Sallie House DR60! Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2024

On June 29, 1988, around 2:30 a.m., Christopher "Chris" Davis drove home after working the night shift at his local McDonald's. Driving along Browntown Road, which cuts through the dense woods of Scape Ore Swamp in South Carolina, Chris hears the pop of a flat tire on his car. As he finishes installing the spare, he notices something large and dark coming out of the trees, moving towards him about 30 yards away and swinging its arms. In an interview with The Item newspaper, Chris described seeing this humanoid creature with glowing red eyes close up, saying it was "green, wetlike, about seven feet tall and had three fingers... a red-eyed devil." Terrified, Davis ran to the driver's door and jumped in. Once inside, this bipedal beast was now right outside his window, where he could see it from the neck down. It then jumped up onto the roof of his car, where he could see its "rough-looking, black-fingernailed hands, sticking down from the windshield." The cryptid deeply grunts as Chris peels out, attempting to escape. As he estimated he was driving about 35-40 mph, this thing had caught up to the car and jumped onto the roof again, banging and clawing at it. The creature finally fell off as he swerved frantically, racing home. This encounter would become the best-known report of this impossible monster emerging from Scape Ore Swamp, but it was not the first, nor would it be the last. At least one verified account tells of a sighting occurring two years prior, and a handful of police reports describe run-ins that happened in the years following Davis's experience. Chris Davis never called it the "Lizard Man," but residents had already labeled some previously seen brute by that description. And when a local reporter printed the nickname, the moniker stuck in the broader public's imagination. Sheriff Liston Truesdale was the one person who vetted all the claims, took reports from witnesses, and investigated their stories. And we're fortunate and grateful to have on our show tonight the one person who spent time interviewing Sheriff Truesdale, questioned locals, visited locations, and wrote a book about it all, our friend and noted cryptozoology researcher and author Lyle Blackburn. Lyle's 2013 book, Lizard Man: The True Story of the Bishopville Monster, is the phenomenon's most comprehensive and detailed history. As the sightings and questions continue, perhaps the most puzzling and troubling thing is whether everyone sees the same being and whether it is reptilian, more Bigfoot-like, or some other horror altogether. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2024

Those who have visited Hawaii have experienced its natural beauty, soothing lifestyle, and the charm and friendliness of the inhabitants. However, only a select few may have encountered what the locals know and revere – the supernatural entities and legends that are still active and enduring. Some, like seeing "Madame Pele," can invigorate awe and wonder, while others can be terrifying. One of the latter and seemingly more prevalent is encountering the Night Marchers. They usually appear as a column of warriors floating above the ground along a predetermined path, weapons or torches in hand. Many report only hearing their presence in the form of unexplainable beating drums or the ghostly blowing of a conch shell. And just seeing them, it's said, ensures a disappearance or violent death to the witness if the proper respect isn't paid in their presence. But what is their origin story, and what do they want? Are they soldiers defeated by King Kamehameha I advancing towards a counterattack or seeking revenge? Or are they keepers and enforcers of ancient Hawaiian cultural laws and mores? To help us explore these questions and relay some of his personal experiences, tonight's guest is Kamuela "Kamu" Kaneshiro. As a native Hawaiian, content creator, and podcaster for 20 years, Kamu has extensive knowledge of the lore and heritage of his homeland. His royal lineage might even protect him from these fearsome spectral guardians. Join us for a fascinating discussion as we warily watch for the Night Marchers of Hawaii. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2024

When most of us think of shipwrecks, images of rough ocean waves and sailing vessels of yore come to mind. But those familiar with the Great Lakes region of the north-central United States and southern Canada know all too well that these massive bodies of fresh water produce devastating storms and treacherous swells to rival any sea. Estimates are that around 6000 vessels and 30,000 lives have fallen victim to their notoriously severe weather and deadly waters. In December 1927, a "raging blizzard" on Lake Superior claimed the steamship SS Kamloops and all 22 souls aboard. But was she really a "Ghost Ship," as the legends often describe? The ship went missing and remained undiscovered until 1977 but is in unusually, reasonably intact condition. So, although the wreck was found, the SS Kamloops is still known for a ghost of its own. At least one crew member remains, still manning his station, who is perhaps both a ghost and a corpse. Some divers on the wreck have claimed that the body of this crewman follows them around as they explore, known as "Old Whitey" because of his appearance. Others have also claimed to see a spirit nicknamed "Grandpa" because of his appearance, still on duty in the icy depths. Are these beings the same, and are their perceived actions the result of fluid dynamics and decompression sickness? Join us as we take a deep dive to get to the bottom of the legend of the SS Kamloops and Old Whitey. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2024

For part two of our examination of the elusive force that flowed through Joasia Gajeweski, we're fortunate and honored to present a conversation with three knowledgeable professionals familiar with the case. We first learned of this fantastic story and the book that documented it from a clinical therapist, author, parapsychologist, past show guest, and friend, Brandon Massullo. Brandon then offered to put us in touch with psychologist, researcher, and author James Houran, Ph.D., who studied the case extensively. And for the trifecta, another past guest and friend, Michael Kishbucher, connected us with Joel Stern. Joel was a staff translator and reviewer in the Office of Language Services at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, for 28 years. He translated The Elusive Force: A Remarkable Case of Poltergeist Activity and Psychokinetic Power into English and spent decades attempting to get the book published, which finally occurred in 2023. Joel also spent time with Joasia and her family during the process and has specific insights into the people and their circumstances. Join us tonight for a lively discussion from the viewpoint of parapsychology and human behavior when it collides with the paranormal, and the impossible becomes impossible to dismiss. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2024

The Astonishing Legends Network presents the third episode of Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf! Listen, and after you love it, find and subscribe to it wherever you get your podcasts! Richard delves into challenging misconceptions held by both skeptics and believers through the lens of Jule Eisenbud's "The World of Ted Serios," which underscores the significance of caution in scientific inquiry while also exploring the debilitating doubt often encountered in paranormal exploration. “Certainly an attitude of caution and skepticism should be expected of anyone undertaking to test a hypothesis according to conventional cannons of scientific inquiry. But not the kind of gnawing, festering doubt that took possession of me." –The World of Ted Serios by Jule Eisenbud In this episode of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf, we’re exploring The World of Ted Serios by Jule Eisenbud. And we’re taking on one of the longest-standing feuds in the world of paranormal exploration: skeptics vs. believers. In the 1960s, Theodore Judd Serios, a Chicago bellhop, gained fame for producing "thoughtographs.” Ted, it seems, could think images onto film. Polaroid film to be exact. Parapsychologist Jule Eisenbud arranges to meet with him, and over the next three years of wild experiments, Jule goes down a rabbit hole from which he never completely emerged. As Richard immerses himself in Eisenbud's narrative, he grapples with the dichotomy between skeptics and believers, challenging misconceptions that often plague serious paranormal inquiry. Through insightful commentary, Richard sheds light on the rational pursuit of knowledge among individuals intrigued by the unexplained, contrasting it with the hasty conclusions drawn by both skeptics and true believers.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2024

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Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

Significant poltergeist events often start with a minor incident and incrementally grow with a bit of intensity until they eventually fade. This is somewhat true about the paranormal activity in a small town in southern Poland in 1983, except in this case, what started as a weird action by an unseen force quickly escalated into one of the most extreme and extraordinary poltergeist cases ever recorded. Around 3:00 a.m. on April 4th of that year, Marian Tomecki awoke to a decorative straw mat falling on his head. He tried to fasten it back to the wall when it "tore itself from his hands and danced around." Immediately, glassware and household items erratically fly around the apartment belonging to his daughter and son-in-law where he was staying, smashing into walls and furniture. Andrzej and Ewa Gajewski's 13-year-old daughter and Marian's grandaughter, Joasia, appeared to be the catalyst for the impossible destruction, consistent with current theories about human conduits in many cases of the phenomena. As the Gajewski family continued to be terrorized by the violent trashing, neighbors, local authorities, Joasia's school, and even a Japanese news crew became eyewitnesses to the bizarre happenings, becoming national news in Poland. What also makes the Gajewski case groundbreaking is that it continued for an extended period and with such consistent power that scientists could study it. Join us for a case of RSPK or "recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis" so disturbing and astonishing it has divided the parapsychologist community. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2024

“Whether you believe in ghosts or not—these stories are true.” –Ghosts & Specters by Bruce and Nancy Roberts Being a kid can be scary. In the premiere episode of Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf, Richard takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his childhood discovery of the book that changed everything. Travel back to 1974 as he recounts the pivotal moment when Aunt Sally gifted him Ghosts & Specters by Bruce and Nancy Roberts. This slim hardback, filled with haunting tales and eerie photographs, ignited Richard's fear and imagination and sparked a complicated lifelong fascination with the strange and unexplained that would later fuel his screenwriting career. While Ghosts & Specters by Bruce and Nancy Roberts may seem unlikely to inspire an entire life, to Richard, it is anything but. It started him on a journey into the unknown, and he’s never looked back. Published by Doubleday, this collection of 10 stories describes ghostly apparitions and happenings paired with ghoulish photographs that seem to creep right out of the pages and into reality. Each tale within these pages transports readers to a world where the inexplicable becomes possible, and fear gives way to fascination (and then moves back to fear again). Maybe YOU have a book just like this on your shelf. It terrified you so completely that you couldn't put it down. Or, even stranger, maybe this is the same book that brought you to this podcast. Join Richard as he reflects on the power of books that act as a beacon into the unknown and the transformative journey that book lovers and librarians can have in our lives.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

In part two of our exploration of the Third Man Syndrome, we continue recounting harrowing tales of survival in extreme and unusual environments or “EUEs,” such as Christopher Columbus’ 15th-century pilot taking the helm for Joshua Slocum during the first solo circumnavigation of the globe; and Aron Ralston’s excruciating canyon escape after becoming trapped for 127 hours. We then explore the scientific hypotheses as to why this surprisingly not-so-rare phenomenon occurs. As researchers and authors Peter Suedfeld and John Geiger stated, theories can range from the mystical to the psychodynamic to the situational and the neurological. Listeners will also recognize that some proposed causes overlap with past show concepts such as infrasound, the “God Helmet,” and Shadow People. Whatever the explanation is for an ethereal savior appearing in a desperate moment of need, and like so many paranormal happenings, to the beholder, what matters is that it was real enough. And the Third Man was real enough to save their lives. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2024

A strange occurrence often happens to people engaged in an adventurous activity or who fall victim to an unfortunate circumstance. They find themselves with a companion whose presence would typically be impossible. Usually, the person is at a critical moment in a life-or-death situation in an extreme and unusual environment. When they are weakened and dying from exposure, suffering privation of sustenance, lost and alone, when they are about to lose all hope and accept their demise, that’s when this otherworldly friend suddenly appears to render aid and encouragement, giving them a superhuman will or strength to survive. Psychologists label this a “sensed presence experience” but are at a loss for a simple explanation. These presences may be seen, heard, and sometimes even touched. They appear in dire situations to people from all walks of life. They may materialize as a known friend, a deceased relative, a religious figure, or an indeterminate benefactor. Still, whatever their form, there is no doubt to the one in danger that this being is real and there with them. Although this sensed presence appears most often to mountain climbers, sailors, divers, and polar explorers, it can also happen to astronauts, prisoners of war, and disaster survivors. One of the most intriguing aspects of the sensed presence experience is that the ethereal saviors aren’t just there to provide comforting words; they actually help with knowledgable advice or guidance or can even seemingly take over the actions of the afflicted – whatever is necessary to increase the odds of survival. Join us as we explore a phenomenon more common than you might think, a syndrome also known as the “Third Man.” Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2024

Kinga Philipps is back with us for part two of our investigation into the legend of the lost city of Akakor. In this episode, we look closer at the facts in this case, attempting to separate them from the fiction. Kinga has a specific and knowledgeable insight into Tatunca Nara’s point of view as she and J.J. Kelley interviewed him at his home in Barcelos, Amazonas, in 2019 for their Travel Channel show, Lost in the Wild. In the 1980s, at least three people hired Tatunca as a guide to find Akakor. Two were never seen again, and one was found with a bullet hole in the back of their skull. Did they insist on venturing into the jungle alone, as Tatunca claimed? What became of the journalist Karl Brugger, whose book The Chronicle of Akakor could be considered the catalyst to this series of events? Is this mystery more natural, supernatural, or criminal at its core? Whatever the truth at the heart of this darkness, the fact is that an incredible account, a fantastic fable, mere words can spark quests and tragedy. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2024