Just A Story: Urban Legend Podcast

What gives art its value? Is it beauty? Is it history? The artist’s signature? The fact that the piece is housed in a prestigious institution? Maybe it’s the story of the work of art and it’s creator. Maybe the legend of the art is as important as the work itself. Join us this week for the tales of art heists, forgeries, and true masters of their craft as we ask what makes a pretty painting, into art.  Special Guest Story Teller: The Lonely Palette Podcast: http://www.thelonelypalette.com

Sometimes the character of a place is so apparent that one can help but feel the stories that formed it. Natchez, Mississippi is one of those places. History has always brought conflicted, complicated characters to this city on the bluffs, and it seems that those characters and the spaces that he inhabited are still around. Natchez held on tight to its history, and today, legends abound. Join us this week as we discuss the southern character itself, focusing on stories from this sleepy Mississippi town: from the haunting of King’s Tavern, to the town’s ties to the infamous Harpe Brothers; from the trial of Aaron Burr, to murder at Goat Castle.

There is a time honored tradition in America of elevating the heroes amongst us, who are willing to take matters into their own hands. They quickly become legends. We seem to love an antihero, and at no time was this more apparent than in the 1970s. The heyday of the vigilante film, saw such classics as Shaft, Taxi Driver, Foxy Brown, and Dirty Harry hit screens for the first time. So, what does this tell us (other than that Tarantino was a child of this era)? What can we learn by looking at the people who are willing to put their lives on the line to either preserve an order that benefits them, or upends system that oppresses them? Can extralegal justice ever be a good thing? Join us this week as we talk about historical vigilantes, from twelfth century Gaul, to the Wild West, to World War I and the legends they have become.

Rock and roll is here to stay, and that’s why some truly enduring urban legends have sprung up around the landmark hits and the bands that performed them.  Before there was Instagram, or even MySpace; before AOL instant messenger, before MTV, or John Hughes; before arcades and shopping malls; before all that: there was rock and roll. For teenagers, by teenagers, about teenagers; rock was going to be a voice of its generation for generations to come. Music journalism, festivals and concerts created a true grapevine. So of course, there was gossip, and where there’s gossip, urban legends can grow wild. So join us this week as we explore the true stories behind such classic as “In the Air Tonight,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the most storied song of the 20th century, “American Pie.” Kick off your shoes, let’s dig those rhythm and blues.

Shadow People are an international phenomenon. As far as paranormal experiences go, seeing a fleeting dark figure in you peripheral vision, or waking up to a sensation of being unable to move as a dark figure stares at you, or seeing a dark silhouette in a spooky building; are very common happenings. However there is definitely more to these mysterious entities than meets the eye. Join us this week as we discuss the particulars of shadow people. From the Dark Watchers of Big Sur, to the Hat Man and his minions, to possible omens associated with true crimes, to the dark influence of Walking Sam on the Pine Ridge Reservation; we will do our best to unravel the seemingly simple question, what are they? Guest Story Tellers: Our Amazing Listeners  Music Credit: Purple Planet Music

So often when we picture an enemy, a true threat; they become bigger, stronger, faster, or smarter in our mind’s eye. So it’s only natural that for thousands of years, the terrifying ‘other’ has been painted as more than a man, and the warrior on the opposing side has been given super powers, if only in the imagination of those opposing him. Super soldiers are as natural a feature in stories as conflict, or war itself. Join us this week as we begin by discussing the star spangled poster child for performance enhancing drugs, Captain America and then survey the theme of the super soldier throughout history, around the world. From the Sacred Band of Thebes, to the sect of Assassins in Persia; from secret Nazi meth and Übermensch envy, to monkeying around with hybrids in the USSR, we will see what happens when the enemy we imagine is, well, super.

First of all, spoiler alert... content warning ... ick alert, we are actually going to be discussing necrophilia and its many forms on this charming episode of Just A Story. So, yeah. Join us as we discuss the historical accounts, legal statutes, and cultural interpretations of necrophilia. From Carl Tanzler to Karen Greenlee and beyond, we’ll mention all the unmentionables. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Okay. We’ve finally done it. It’s Nessie’s turn for the Just A Story treatment. The Loch Ness Monster is said to occupy the vast expanse of water in Scotland, but alas, our dear lake monster remains in the realm of myth to this day. Of course there are numerous sightings each year, but there are not so much in the way of proof. This raises obvious questions, like: when and how did these sightings start; what evidence has accumulated; and just what the loch is going on in that lake? Join us this week as we explore the sordid history of Nessie hunters, the story of the princess of paleontology, a primer on water horses and kelpies, and so much more.

Have you heard of that abandoned town in Ohio where absolutely every urban legend ever happened? No seriously. According to lore, Boston, Ohio (or Hell Town, if we are going with the lore) is home to all manner of phenomena and conspiracies. But what really happened there? And what happens when people on power act for the good of all, at the expense of the few? Join us as we explore the origins of helltown, the Osage reign of terror, and the time that the Bronx was burning.

What happened to Olivia Mabel? The internet wants to know. Could grief and longing have created an entity that took on thoughts all its own; after the death of her son? Why would anyone believe that could happen? Well, as you might have expected, it’s kind of a long story. Join us this week as we explore the roots of Theosophy and its founder Madame Blavatsky. We will discuss where the belief system drew on Tibetan ideas emanations and where the concept of the tulpa drifted into uncharted territory. Oh. And we’ll talk about that one time in the 70s when some Canadians made a fake ghost... his name was Philip.

When we close our eyes at night, we all become mysteries. Dreaming is one of the most miraculous and least understood things humans can do. It seems that many miraculous, misunderstood dreams have been spent on this man. Who is this man? Join us this week as we do our best to answer that question. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

So, how do we go from seeing disc in the sky (I hear it was all the rage in 1947); to spending time with aliens on their crafts and being probed? Seems quite a leap, no? Well brothers, sisters and gentle people of earth, it was a long strange trip. Join us this week as we talk about some truly historic abduction stories, like the one that started it all: the Betty & Barney Hill case. We’ll also  discuss whether this type of story is a new imagining of the future, or a deeply hidden memory of a distant past buried under decades of folklore. This episode is all about alien abductions, because, you know, the truth is out there.  Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

When looking back to the Roswell Incident, it isn’t hard to imagine a cowboy with a thousand yard stare sitting next to his old friend with wraparound eyes surveying a southwestern scene, and saying, ‘So, this is where it all started.’. You see, once upon a time, in the lonely New Mexico desert all those years ago back in 1947, a flying saucer crash landed on a ranch. At least that is what the ARMY press release stated. It’s easy to see the how a UFO incident outed by the military would stick in the popular imagination. But was Roswell always the legend that we know today? Well, that’s kind of a funny story. Join us this week as we explore the way that the events in Roswell, New Mexico transformed from the death-knell for the ‘Flying Disc Craze’ to the lynchpin for all those who want to believe. ?? For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

American tall tales are an odd branch of the folkloric family tree. Younger than fairy tales, but older than urban legends; they seem to have descended into a kind of awkward adolescence around the end of WWII. Yes, they’re stuck at the kids’ table within the collective unconscious, and they totally don’t get their younger cousins’ pop culture references. How did this happen? Who decided we needed tall tales in the first place? What has become of American Mythology today? Join us this week as we set out on a mission to define the American character, and when we are done; we’re going to Disneyland. Guest Story Teller: The Mellomen - Paul Bunyan (1958, Disney)    For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Everything you’ve ever heard about New Orleans Mardi Gras is true. The floats, the beads, the craven apocalypse party - that is all there. What’s more surprising, is that there are parts of Mardi Gras that you haven’t heard of. Join us this week as we explore the secretive culture of the Mardi Gras Indians, and their role in creating the unique character of the city.

Most of the authors we meet in school don’t stick with us as personalities. We remember the stories they create more than we remember them. That’s not true for dear Edgar. In fact the lines between fact and fiction become so blurry when he’s nearby that it’s no small task to keep the man and his work separate. And that’s just the way he wanted it. Join us this week as we discuss a plethora of Poe urban legends. From his persona, to his death to the Poe toaster; to all the true stories he molded into legends in his writing. Come on, let’s dive in before something starts rapping at your chamber door. Guest Story Teller courtesy of Libravox For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Why do we like to imagine that the world was once full of giants? All cultures seem to have a version of a myth or legend that mentions that how much bigger our ancestors were once upon a time. Is it the idea that our human history was once part of something bigger and more fantastic? Sure, that is basically all nostalgia is, when you put it like that. But why have people believed it? Why have generations of people in every region of the globe, at some point in time *believed* that there were giants upon the earth in those days? That’s what we will be exploring this week, the evidence of giants and what people believed about them. Join us as we discuss The Postdam Grenadiers, Greek hero cults, circus giants, a notorious discovery made in Cardiff, New York, and a real life love story of epic proportions. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

This week we put together some new stories that tie to some of our early episodes. We really just wanted to send the year out by looking back at what we’ve put together so far, and finding even more to explore. Maybe we all just want to catch our breath before we dive headlong into a whole new year. So we’ve taken the opportunity to revisit the stories we missed and the things that have changed since we finished these episodes. We also wanted to thank our listeners, so we’ve included some new stories from the episodes that you told us were your favorites. Join us as we re-explore the satanic panic, the sausage king of Chicago, hotel mysteries, Bluebeard. Killer clowns, organ theft and of course; Nazi cows.

No one in the history of Christmas has ever truly wanted nothing from Santa but their two front teeth. No, no, no, kids want toys. The modern contract between parents, children, Santa, and his army of elves is centered on this basic truth. But which toys? Should kids get only wholesome, politically correct playthings? Should boys and girls receive different toys? Do they want different toys? Join us this week as we try to get to the bottom of the gendering of children’s toys. Using Barbie as a case study, we will discuss the way certain toys acquire a reputation for being bad for kids, and the common arguments for and against different types of play. We will explore her less than innocent origins and the years of controversy that she has left in her hot pink, glittery wake.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Playing detective is all fun and games until you uncover a real clue. Story-lovers have few universal traits. But for the most part, we love a mystery. We love to see disjointed snippets of information begin to form a meaningful picture, so of course we love to think we could solve a real case. And sometimes we get so carried away with that idea that we end up creating a brand new fiction. Join us this week as we discuss what went wrong with ‘Hi, Walter’ and decrypt some mysteries surrounding other Youtube mysteries like ‘Deeper’. But really. Our main question, though, is: was the Zodiac Killer just a story?  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Each time a new media technology arises, people fear what it will mean for our culture. It’s as if the new platform threatens to melt away all our credulity and healthy skepticism melt away in the burning rapture of our wonderment. Whether it’s genre fiction, radio, television or social media - we were told to approach with caution when each arrived on the scene. But once in a generation a piece of fiction comes along that takes that apprehension, the unfamiliarity of a new medium, and clever storytelling and captures lightning in a bottle. Is this the case in the Twitter phenomenon known as Dear David? Join us this week as we explore the powerful ways media has blurred the lines between fantasy and reality throughout history.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Ever have a blemish that just seems ... weird? Worse than usual? Maybe it hurts or makes the entire area around it red, or it almost itches... whatever the case, once you’ve noticed it; you can’t forget it’s there. You know you shouldn’t pick, but you just can’t help yourself, and when you do ... OUT RUSH A HORDE OF BABY SPIDERS!!  OH MY GOD! NO! I LIKED THEM IN CHARLOTTE’S WEB, BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH! AGH!!! - you might say.  ‘Can that really happen?’ you might be saying... Lucky for you, we’ve got the answer on this week’s episode, along with stories of Salvador Dali and his ill-fated pet bat, the care and keeping of lepers; and secret government experiments that you’ve probably been subjected to according to the only source you can trust, the internet. Join us as we discuss the creepy crawlies of the world, and why, how, and if, they get under our skin. Guest Story Teller:  Sarah Steele from Let's Talk About Sects. Check her podcast out: http://www.ltaspod.com For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Delivering mail is not exciting. It’s certainly not fascinating. No, It’s definitely not in the business of providing thrills and changing history. And while you may not have picked up on my tone, I am being sarcastic; surprisingly enough. The story of mail delivery is the story of ideas being shared. So, from the early days of colonial era, the post boys who ran along the post roads were essential to, well, uniting the states. It’s no wonder that those struck down on the job, not having fulfilled their all important mission were never able to Rest In Peace. Join us this week as we examine the legend of Ohio’s Post Boy Road and the way mail delivery evolved into the grand experiment that has become a Wild West icon, the Pony Express. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Once upon a time a very rich beer brewer had a son and locked him away in the tippy top floor of his mansion. He didn't let him play with other boys or girls. He didn't let him out into the sunlight. He didn't eve let him exist in any official records. No, this boy was a secret, but one day, he would make himself known. This is the story of the Monkey Faced Boy of Lemp Mansion, but it's not the only one of its kind. Join us this week as we explore the hidden history of hidden rooms and the unfortunate souls allegedly hidden within them. From Monster of Glamis Castle in Scotland; to the Chuas of Gujarat; the newly horrifying disappoint rooms of aristocratic America; we will explore hidden places and practices and the people for whom they were created.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Picture it. You come upon a vehicle, maybe a limo, marooned alongside the highway. You offer your assistance, just because you’re a nice person. Sometime later on you receive a letter saying that you’re mortgage has been paid off; or a check with your name on it is dropped off at your house; or you learn you’ve been named in the will years later. The person you helped was incredibly wealthy, and they were incredibly grateful. Sounds like an 80s movie, doesn’t it? Join us this week as we take a look at the MTV generation and their love affair with capitalism. We’ll also learn about Reagan’s use of Hollywood to amplify his messages to America. Of course, no story of eccentric tycoons is complete without Howard Hughes. We’ll discuss the rise and fall of the un-spruced goose, who defined the darkness of power in America. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Can objects be cursed? Haunted? Possessed? Can they kill people just by being nearby?  Join us this week as we dive into two urban legends that begin in two very unlikely places. First, we’ll go back to a time when Jennifer Love Hewitt was America’s sweetheart and the biggest national debate we had going was over Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC, it was a kinder, gentler era. It was the internet infancy moment that allowed a spooky eBay listing to make the news, and spawned the legend of the Dybbuk Box. Then we will travel to mid century Kentucky, and speak to Mama about the history of some of the family antiques and gives a terribly verifiable list of people the curse has killed. This legend starts with a letter sent with a chest of drawers she ships to her daughter. We’ll finish up curse month with an announcement of our magical mystery winner. Happy Halloween! *Just a heads up, we’re going to discuss sexual abuse in this episode, near the end. After the Conjure Chest (about the last 15 min) is all you’ll need to skip if you’d like to avoid that discussion*  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

Is there more to the story of the Sacrifice Sect and Clementine Barnabet? Join us for this extra from our Patreon show where we dive into the story of the Axe Murder Jake Bird. Could he have been the Human Five? ***Please listen to episode 101 prior to this Extra****

Somewhere between the bayou and the Bywater; somewhere between Congo Square and the Cathedral; somewhere between Bourbon Street brochures and Big Chief's secrets, between what you imagine the Crescent City to be and what you cannot even imagine, hiding in Pirate's Alley, or buried in St Louis No 1, through wrought iron and sweet jasmine, clinging to a long, low note from a clarinet... yes, somewhere down yonder in New Orleans, there is Marie Laveau, and she is somewhere between the lady and the legend. Join us this week as we discuss the history of Voodoo in Louisiana, its reputation and evolution, as well as crimes which have been erroneously linked to the practice. Of course, we could not talk about New Orleans Voodoo without mentioning Queen Marie Laveau, and her place in the history of the city. We are so excited to share a little of our local lore with you on this special episode of Just A Story! For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod.

As we celebrate a true milestone moment, our 100th episode, we would like to invite you all to join us in exploring a cultural crossroads that has inspired our love of stories from the beginning. Join us this week as we discuss Vodou, the lore and legend which surrounds it and it’s deep connections to the island of Haiti. Did the revolution truly begin with a blood sacrifice? Are zombies real? What’s a lwa? Was Duvalier a dictator or something more terrible still? Did Vodou have something to do with the 2010 earthquake? We can’t promise we’ll have all the answers, but we will certainly have some fantastic stories, and they’re certainly not Just A Story.  Guest Story Teller: The Curator of Audio Dime Museum https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2 For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

It’s ‘I Put a Spell on You’ Month all October! Happy Halloween?? There is an ancient legend that proclaims: “Darkness falls across the land/ The midnight hour is close at hand/ And whosoever shall be found/ Without the soul for getting down/ Must stand and face the hounds of hell/ And rot inside a corpse’s shell/ The foulest stench is in the air/ The funk of forty thousand years/ And grizzly ghouls from every tomb/ Are closing in to share your doom/ And though you fight to stay alive/ Your body starts to shiver/ For no mere mortal can resist/ The evil of the thriller.” Or maybe that's a Michael Jackson song, I can never remember. At any rate, prepare to stand and face the hounds of hell, this week we are talking werewolves! That's right from Lycanthropy, to the Beast of Gevaudan, to Rabies and the scientific superhero Louis Pasteur; we will be asking if this legend's bark is as bad as its bite.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

It’s ‘I Put a Spell on You’ Month all October! Happy Halloween?? When you really think about it, we all live in mystery houses. Secrets and blood are two things that really help shape our notions of ‘family’. Perhaps the most well known mystery house of all, that of Widow Winchester in San Jose, California had one more feature that helped define it, a family curse. Join us this week as we explore family curses throughout history. from the Hapsburgs and their ravens to Henry VII and his monks, a good curse seems to be almost status symbol for European royalty. We’ll discuss the machinations of general cursing and the curse of original sin before taking a look at one of America’s own cursed Colt family. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Whether it's a ghostly double staring at you from across the street, or a mirror image whose expression doesn't quite match your own; finding 'twins' in unexpected places is quite unsettling. Having an experience like this can make us confront aspects of ourselves we'd really like to ignore; unmoor relationships with reality; and send even the most self-assured into an identity crisis. Doppelgängers are haunting manifestations of the uncanny, a thing that is, or almost is, and yet cannot be. It is little wonder then that so many 19th century writers explored this territory as they searched for their own voice. Join us this week as we discuss the phenomena of doppelgängers and the ways they have haunted authors from Poe to Wilde; from Maupassant to Anderson. Can this all be explained away by Jung's theory of the shadow self? Or is there something more sinister, perhaps even supernatural behind these battles? For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

How can the adoration of a traitorous act against the US sit side by side with American patriotism? What are the intentions behind the lofty monuments and wistful narratives constructed in the south after the American civil war. Join us this week as we dive into a land where cotton was king, the belles were pure, the bondsmen were happy, the yankees were agitators, and the truth didn't matter. That's right. We're tackling the myth of the Southern Lost Cause.

The secret to eternal life has long eluded all of us mortals. The secret to perpetual youth? Also a tricky thing to pin down. That has not stopped wild speculation about what these secrets might be, and who might know them. No, the gossip about immortals is as old as the fear of not being one of them. Lace up your best pair of wandering shoes, and join us as we try to locate the fountain of youth, and gaze at the many guises of the perpetual stranger cursed to roam the earth for eternity. Of course, any story of mysterious immortals that does not mention Count St. Germain is a story half told. We will spend some time unraveling his complicated pasts, and asking the questions no one has dared to ask, and forming some new theories you won't find anywhere else. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

When someone says, 'what is an urban legend?' Which story do you reach for to illustrate the concept. If you said, 'I just text them a link to your show,' you get a prize; but thats not the point. The point is, you probably, at some point in this hypothetical discussion, bring up the story of alligators in the sewers. Yes, this is, in many ways, the quintessential urban legend. It is necessarily urban, sufficiently widespread, and despite its easily disproven premise, quite persistently shared. Join us this week as we discuss this iconic urban legend; the human relationship to the sewers and their history; and the persistent fears that threats to society lurk just beneath our feet. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The boogeyman will get you if you don't mind your manners... or go to sleep... or listen to your parents. Everyone knows that. But who is he? Where did he come from? What does he want? This week we will look at the shadowy characters who keep children in line and seem to have a natural appetite for destruction. Join us as we discuss villains from El Hombre de Saco to the Beast of Jersey. We'll also discuss Goya's Saturn, and the ways in which it shows it's not only our kids who should fear these men.   For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The Mandela Effect is a modern discovery that explains everything about why our current world has stopped making sense. It's a pretty great get-out-of-jail-free-card for the year 2017, which really does owe us all an explanation. What is the Mandela effect? You will have to join us to learn the mind-bending secrets of mysteriously changing vowels and subtle shifts in historical memories when compared to the facts. This week we are exploring alternate universes and the humans who have slipped into them by accident. Don't worry, much like string theory this episode will either explain absolutely everything; or absolutely nothing. Also we will determine once and for all whether Schrödinger's cat is alive in a box, just waiting to be rescued. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

It's that wonderful, whimsical twist you've been hoping for... Just A Story is once again becoming Just A Movie for one whole episode! This week we are taking a look at the spy who loved us all; drank martinis like it was January 28, 1919; and had license to both thrill and kill. We explore the legendary character James Bond and the man who dreamt him up, Ian Fleming. What makes us love Bond? Where did Fleming find his inspiration? And in the case of this bombastic, over-the-top series of stories; could the truth be stranger than fiction? Join us as we reveal the mysterious history of the English spy ring that inhabited Washington DC in the years preceding World War II. The Baker Street Irregulars, as they called themselves, included people like Ian Fleming and Roald Dahl, and they just might have helped inspire the most well known secret agent of all time.    For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

What is it about ravens that captures the collective imagination? With their prominence in so many cultures, and importance in so many legends the raven is an iconic symbol, and revered, though sometimes feared, creature the world over. Join us this week as we search for answers to questions to the riddles of ravens? We'll ask; what happens if they leave the Tower of London? Is the raven a symbol of good, or evil? And, just how smart are they? For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

We all know that Lizzie Borden took an axe. We know she gave her father forty whacks; her mother forty-one; and that she got away with murder. Or do we? Her father received under twenty axe wounds, her STEPmother under ten. The murder weapon was probably a hatchet; not an axe, but nothing rhymes with 'hatchet' in the same catchy way. If we are honest about the number of whacks we lose that attractive assonance with 'Borden' and 'forty'. Do these poetic elements justify Lizzie's bad wrap? What really happened on  August 4, 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts? Join us this week as we take a look at the famous unsolved murders of Abby and Andrew Borden, and the things about their daughter Lizzie that made people believe she was just dangerous enough to be suspected. We will take a look at the cultural ideas of spinsters, and the rise of the independent women in America; as we try to separate fact from fiction. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Cemetery memorials are synonymous with gothic horror. Dark, haunting and beautiful they capture the imagination of those who wander in their midst. Chances are, though, if you are wandering through a cemetery, you're likely to ponder the kinds of thoughts that belong there: life, death, and the things that slip in between. One particularly notorious memorial statue was the Agnus Memorial. This sculpture was so imposing that the locals in Baltimore took to making up dark tales of its metaphysical misdeeds and gave 'her' the nickname 'Black Aggie'. What inspired these stories? More importantly, what inspired her creation? Join us this week for a tale of intrigue, artistry, love and grief; as we explore the tragic history of Henry and Clover Adams, and the monument that went on to have a life all of its own.

You may have noticed the irony that can be attached to the phrase, 'what do we have to lose?' So often things can go horribly wrong just after someone asks that fateful, seemingly rhetorical question. That's sort of what happened once people decided to stop just confining people with mental illness, and started trying to 'cure' them. Join us this week as we explore medical treatments for mental illness from shock therapy to lobotomy; and meet those whose voices sounded alarm from Kesey to Kennedy. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The Lunatic Asylum has loomed large in the public imagination since its very establishment as an institution. We have never been sure what to do with the mad, to use the vernacular of a bygone era. Despite our admitted ineptitude, we have been more than willing to try and do something with them for ages. Most of the things we did for most of recorded history have been horrifying, barbaric and ineffective. Join us this week as we explore the history of asylums and treatments for the mentally ill. We will discuss Nellie Bly's breakthrough account of her experiences in the Blackwell's Asylum, and the documentary that recorded World War II veterans' experience PTSD, 'Let There Be Light'. We will even spend a little time discussing the death of George Washington, and being glad that medicine has made a few advances since then. Guest Story Teller: Not Alone Podcast Check out this great new podcast: http://www.notalonepodcast.com For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

We, as humans, enjoy our place atop the food chain. Whether it’s true or not, we’ve done a great job convincing ourselves we are basically invincible when it comes to predators. Lions, tigers, and bears, oh, balderdash. However, what if it wasn't an animal that was pursuing us? Join us this week as we explore the myth of Man the Hunter; the story of The Most Dangerous Game, and the truth that makes them resonant.    For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Join us this week for a special broadcast from under the sea! We will be exploring the long history of people who live underwater and the various purported forms they've taken throughout history. From fish, to dolphins, to seals and even walruses; the human/animal hybrids who populate the seven seas are incredibly diverse, and we will discuss them all right here! Let's see if we can't figure out why the world has been, and continues to be, so enamored with mermaids and their mythic kin while we're here. (And maybe make some fish puns). For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

In WWI an urban legend was born that has persisted for a century. Its parents? British intelligence officers. They spread a nasty story about the Germans turning their own war dead into soap. And it stuck. But have people been turned into soap? We'll examine the true stories of inhumane craft projects and the dirty secrets of notorious detergent-rendering diabolicals. We'll also look into real world war crimes that yielded their own array of macabre souvenirs, concluding with the story of Ilse Koch and her infamous table lamps. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Why do we tell jokes? They're sticky little stories with set-ups and punchlines, and they spread like wildfire. The epitome of the modern oral tradition, jokes have more to say than it might originally appear. Join us this week for a crash course in the history of gallows humor, and way it shaped the history of professional comedians in America. We'll also discuss the elusive line between profanity and art; humor and harassment; hysterically funny and horribly cruel. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Do you know why that house, school, building, fairground, place, etc. is haunted? It's because it was built atop an ancient Indian burial ground. Or at least that is what popular culture would have you believe. Especially in the 1970s. Why is that idea so, pardon the pun, haunting? We'll explore the origins of the notion, and the ways in which its power has been reinforced by fact and fiction. We'll be tackling topics from pilgrim plundering, to Jacksonian jackassery; from Manifest Destiny to dysentery; we will leave no stone unturned as we examine the history of settlements, perhaps entire nations, built upon the bones of Native Americans. Join us as we discuss the ghosts created by America. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

It seems like the history of definitions and dictionaries might be a bone dry topic. However, things are seldom what they seem. Things are complex, and complicated, and dark and ill-defined. Until they are not. This is the story of how words come to have definitions; and the battles, and madness, and passions that have shaped the language and the meanings we agree upon today. We'll kick this week off by exploring the fascinating false etymology of everyone's favorite foul word. Then learn about the American language, and the way in which its chief lexicographer hoped to shape the national identity. Finally we will explore the relationship between a criminally insane American Civil War doctor and the finest dictionary ever compiled.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The monsters will get you, if you don't watch out. They're all around. They're just waiting for their chance to come out. Or are you waiting for yours? Join us this week for a series of strange cases as we learn that the worst place for monsters to hide, is inside.   For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

What's more frightening than the idea of your own child being kidnapped or harmed? Nothing. Right. Now that we've established that, let's look at the legend of the phantom social worker with fresh eyes. This story is not a boogeyman tale for children, it's a boogeyman story for their parents. This week we will explore the world of parental paranoia and the realities that fuel those fears. From Irish orphanages' hidden burial ground; to the Angel Maker, Amelia Dyer; to ninos rabados in Spain, we will find there is much to fear when you're trying to keep your babies safe. We'll conclude with an in depth look at the forgotten history of midcentury American maternity homes and the marks they left on our cultural landscape. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

For years, decades, even centuries; the rumors of human beings bursting into flames of their own accord has been a rumor that no one can seem to put out.  The phenomenon known as Spontaneous Human Combustion, or SHC, as we in the biz call it, has been the subject of debate and gossip for quite some time, but what is it, exactly? Join us this week as we ask this question and attempt to answer it and others like: is it possible? If not, then how do you explain the mysterious (and well documented) cases thoughout history? And what's up with the Wicked Witch of the East feet left behind?   Guest Story Teller:   Clips from Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious Universe     For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375       Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The folk story Taily Po lurks in Appalachia righting what has been put wrong. He is a vengeful beast, but he might be more than just a monster. He may be a symbol of America's tradition of 'forgotten men and women' or 'the invisible class'. Maybe he is a symbol of their dismissal and detestation by the ruling class. Maybe he can help us all understand the wounds of class warfare in America, and the rise of the cult of the everyman in politics and in the American imagination. Join us this week as we explore the origins of Taily Po and the history of poor white trash.    Guest Story Teller:  Jesse Hall @wastedarkcell  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375         Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

From the dawn of time there have been reports about loved ones returning from the dead for one reason or another. They come to comfort us, or seek revenge, or keep a promise. In some cases these newly spectral friends or family members, may themselves be the ones to deliver news of their demise. Seeing, hearing or feeling the presence of a recently deceased loved one is a surprisingly common occurrence, even today, even in the age of un-superstition. So what does it mean and how does it work? Join us this week as we examine the classic ballad "Cold As Clay," its origins and successors, and the factual counterparts that give it its weight. We'll discuss the Society for Psychical Research, with a special focus on the lovely Edmund Gurney; and learn how none other than Mr. Mark Twain inspired his lifelong quest for answers regarding, the Phantasms of the Living.

In the gilded age, the lore and lure of the mystical power of Egypt was a pervasive component of popular culture. Foremost in the imaginations of the public were the various curses associated with tombs unearthed in the Nile River Valley. Of all the bad luck and strange circumstances that fueled belief in this phenomenon, the most infamous was surely the Curse of King Tutankhamen. After his tomb was opened by Howard Carter and Lord Carnavon, the Pharaoh set out on a reign of terror that haunted the lives of those who had contact with his burial chamber for decades to come. At least, the newspapers said that was the case. Then maybe it was a fungus, or spores, or a something science-y, maybe? Or maybe it was much ado about nothing? Or maybe Aleister Crowley killed them all? Yeah, you're right. That doesn't make sense, but we're still going to be discussing that theory, and many more this week as we look at the facts, fiction, and cultural landscape that helped create the curse of pharaohs. Guest Story Teller: Dominic Perry egyptianhistorypodcast.com For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375      Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The metaphor of going down the rabbit hole is defined in the dictionary of idioms as: to enter into a situation or begin a process or journey that is particularly strange, problematic, difficult, complex, or chaotic, especially one that becomes increasingly so as it develops or unfolds. We'll be taking such a journey as we explore the legendary history or rabbits in folklore. From jackalopes to tricksters; familiars, to the accidental agents to a military coupe, the rabbit has an important place in many facts and fictions. In this episode we'll take a look at those very important bunnies, as well as the question of where the Easter Bunny originated. Join us, before you're late for this very important date. Guest Story Teller: Hillbilly Horror Stories @therentdaddy For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

There's something so haunting about the classic urban legend that describes the horror of discovering a body under your hotel bed. Well, maybe it's more haunting to imagine not discovering it. Is it the grotesque artifact or pall of complicity that we fear? Join us this week as we take a look at some real life cases of bodies hidden under beds, behind closed doors or locked in trunks that are just too strange to be made up. We'll discuss the cases of Dixie Shanahan and Dorian Corey and search for the stories that created their legendary endings. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

There are some locations that just inspire spooky lore: old, decrepit houses; imposing buildings and campgrounds. Somehow, colleges and universities manage to combine the feel of all these places. It's no wonder that nearly every campus has its own ghost stories. This week we are bringing you a a variety of these tales straight from the urban legend hotline! Our listeners have sent us fantastic, strange and unique local legends from their college days, and we'll be giving each one the Just A Story. We will examine the common themes and possible origins of some of these stories.  We'll also be looking at a real life murder mystery that began in a university library, and the legends that have grown from its legacy. We'll conclude by examining the possible origins of our own college ghost story, the legend of LSU's haunted dormitory.     For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justa

Conspiracy theories are a mainstay of modern culture. Whether anchoring complex theatrical thrillers, or filling air time in the twenty-four hour news cycle, the complex shadow machinations of mysterious actors create excellent alternative narratives and high entertainment value wherever we might encounter them. The interesting side effect of this ubiquitous coverage of conspiracy theories is that they have moved from the fringes, to the mainstream. Where did this start? When did we politically paranoid Americans stop trusting the government? Maybe we have always been skeptical, but the widespread systematic dogma that makes up the modern belief in conspiracy theories wasn't in place until after the Vietnam War. Join us this week as we discuss the burglary that brought down J. Edgar Hoover's COINTELPRO program We'll also talk about that program's pointed effort to inspire paranoia in the domestic population. We'll explore the lasting effects of this actual government conspiracy on the modern mind, why we believe conspiracy theories, and how these ideas spread. Of course, we would be remiss if we spoke of conspiracy theories and didn't mention "the most paranoid man in America," Alex Jones.  So we'll do that, too. Wake up, sheeple, this one is a doozie.  Guest Story Teller: Alex Jones infowars.com For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

War, what is it good for? Apparently, 'absolutely nothing,' may have been a bit of an understatement. Teddy Roosevelt felt every generation of Americans needed its war to build its character. Manufacturing for the Second World War kind of saved the economy. War was basically what won American independence. Also, it freed enslaved people throughout the American South. We think of international allies in terms of their willingness to stand in battle with us. ---Most of us do, at least (we love you Australia)--- We threaten war against those who break treaties or violate human rights. Politically and practically, war can be very useful. But, would any government, anywhere ever create an attack out of whole cloth, just to sell its own citizens on the idea of war? Join us this week as we take a look at the legends of false flag operations and the history of American paranoia. Guest Story Teller: Dr. Averill Earls of the History Buffs Podcast  https://historybuffs.org/ For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

There are moments when stories transcend geographic and culturally borders, and touch on something fundamentally and universally human. The persistent idea of changelings across Europe, and the ogbanje and abiku throughout Africa might be an example of that type of story. Join us this week as we examine the circumstances that might lead to believing your child has been replaced by an impostor from the spirit of fairy realm. From medical explanations to rare and nearly unbelievable psychological diagnoses, to the cultural needs created by unique circumstances this is a complex case full of twists and possibility. We will conclude by taking a look at a classic anthropological study on maternal love in Brazil's shanty towns, and how things have changed there over the last 20 years. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

The story of 'The Lost Bride', sometimes called 'The Mistletoe Bride', blurs the line between classic folklore and urban legend. It's one of the older stories that still finds relevancy and wide transmissions today. Transmitted as a series of ballads, poems and scary stories, it has reached audiences in a variety of ways for centuries. In this episode we'll discuss the rich history and possible origins of this old tale.  We will also be exploring unlucky wedding traditions, and the origins of some of the practices still widely seen in nuptial ceremonies today.  Join us as we explore real ill-fated brides, ghost brides (and grooms) from other cultures, and the Victorian preoccupation with death and the marriage ceremony. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com  Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375    Help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/justastorypod

Is there any more well known cryptid in modern lore than Bigfoot? The elusive forest dweller must have one incredible agent. Featured on multiple television programs, Internet channels, and countless books; Bigfoots are an odd kind of celebrity. For starters, the paparazzi cannot keep up with them, despite the best efforts of enthusiast the world over we have yet to find definitive proof of the existence of these mysterious bipedal behemoths.  Also they keep getting booked on network TV and failing to show up for their cameo appearances. Their reluctance to engage with their adoring public makes Woody Allen's refusal to attend the Oscars seem downright congenial. Join us this week as we explore the history of Bigfoot, from famous sightings, to contested evidence; from mythical origins, to scientific conjecture. We'll also be taking a look at the cultural significance of the idea of the "missing link." We'll be discussing Darwin's Theory of Evolution, along with the man who aimed to 'prove it' once and for all, Charles Dawson. His infamous Piltdown Man created mysteries and legends that remain to this day. We'll conclude by taking an in-depth look at the Scope's Monkey Trial. The first, but certainly not the last, legal battle over evolution's place in the American classroom, in which rhetorical titans Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan started an argument we still can't seem to settle.    For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

What good is a love story without a little danger? Tales of star-crossed lovers do certainly seem to endure the tests of time, if they have a good dose of mortal peril in the mix. Romance means many things to many different people, and this week we are going to look at the American romance with crime; and the outlaws that throw caution to the wind and fully embrace it. We'll be exploring the legends of famous outlaw couples throughout American history. From colonial highwaymen, to pirates on the high seas, to Wild West outlaws, we'll bring you love stories from the unlikeliest of places. We'll conclude with a thorough examination of the depression era bank-robbers, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beaty. Oh, I meant Bonnie and Clyde, sorry. We'll see what we can do about separating the facts from the muck and mire of breathless fiction, and almost a century's worth of lore and legend. Join us for this St. Valentine's Day celebration of love on the wrong side of the law. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

This week, we're asking, is it just a movie? We will be taking a look at the 1976 horror classic, "The Omen." Like many movies in this genre, there is an incredible amount of lore about the making of the film itself. Also, like many now classic scary movies; this one has its own curse. We'll be checking out the many claims made about the purported "Omen" curse, and offering what we can in the way of historical verification. But when presented with a story full of such rich subject matter as the end times and the antichrist; we'd be crazy not to explore the legends that fueled the plot of the film, as well. We will learn all about the history of the antichrist concept, various suspected antichrists throughout history, and conclude by examining the ways these interpretations of religious text have shaped today's political climate and cultural landscape. Join us this week as we look at those who bear the mark of the beast For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Angels are an intriguing idea. They're ethereal beings who are like us, but maybe, just a little better than we are. They have our best interests at heart, they have wings, and they have a direct line to the supernatural, or the divine, or the universal forces beyond our control. So, that's cool, but perhaps we've missed a step. What, pray tell, is an angel, exactly? Join us on this romp through the wilds of history, as we search for the answer to this seemingly simple question. From fierce, fiery warriors with four faces, to chubby winged-baby putti, there are a lot of different ways to understand the amorphous idea of the angel. We'll examine angel symbolism and iconography in art through the ages, and discuss the origins of belief in guardian angels, specifically. We'll also analyze the story of the Angel of Mons, a battlefield apparition that occurred during the Great War; its historical origins, and the incredible rapidity of its spread. We conclude with a discussion of the protective guardian alter that sometimes appears in cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder.    For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

In the Autumn of 1944, in the small town of Mattoon, Illinois, people were afraid. They weren't afraid of bombs falling from the night sky without warning, or losing loved ones and how they'd get by on their own if something happened, or escaped Nazi Prisoners of War. Of course they weren't. Voicing such fears would be bad for morale and positively un-American; at a time when patriotism was the greatest defense against a sense of powerlessness and depression that could have doused the brightest home fires. No, their fear was of something lurking in alley ways and creeping around slumbering homes. They feared the "Mad Gasser of Mattoon," who piped unknown chemicals into their windows as they slept. His poison was not fatal, but its effects were unpleasant, and his attacks were quickly increasing in frequency. This mad scientist fiend had to be stopped, and he was, though not in the way one would expect. Join us this week as we explore the month of panic in Mattoon that began as a manhunt, and ended as the defining study of the psychological phenomenon of mass hysteria. Of course, we will spend some time analyzing the crimes as if they are not just a story. We'll discuss credible suspects and incredible claims, and a brand new theory on the origin of the fear.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Imagine realizing you are worth more dead than you are alive; that there was a market for your corpse; that you might never be allowed to rest in peace, even after death. These are the ideas that drive the legend of Needle Men. The mysterious sounding title was used to describe rogue medical students in New Orleans who went out looking for unsuspecting victims to inject with poison and carve up in order to learn the secrets of the human body. While this is a legend, the study of human anatomy did have a dark side in America's early days. This week we will explore the history of Resurrectionists, Night Doctors and Sackemup Men; and how the fear of such persons along with the fear of Night Riding Slave Patrols gave rise to the Invisible Empire known as the Ku Klux Klan. Join us this week as we discuss the terror the KKK has inspired in America for well over a century, and the ways in which this hate group is evolving to continue its teachings and missions in modern society. Guest Story Teller: Matthew Guinn: http://www.matthewguinn.com/ For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

There is something infinitely fascinating about the idea of children who have grown up outside of the constructs of society. These individuals have taken on legendary status over the centuries, from Romulus and Remus to Mowgli and Tarzan. Perhaps we imagine their connections to the natural world run deeper than those of us civilized people, or that they might have something to tell us about the essential nature of humanity. In some ways, people look to these wild boys and girls to exemplify the ‘noble savage’ archetype. We will explore the legend of children raised by animals as we examine “The Wolf Girl of Devil's River.” We will also discuss the real world phenomena of feral children and their reintegration into society over the course of history, and ask that age-old question; just what is it that separates humans from animals? Hint: it rhymes with smodcasting. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Where do people go when they disappear? The idea that a person can just vanish is inarguably mysterious, and that element of mystery seems to capture the public imagination each time such an event is reported. One line of conjecture that inevitably arises in the wake of a person going missing is, 'maybe they just left to start a new life.' This idea seems to be something of an urban legend. In fact, there are many urban legends surrounding these mysterious missing persons cases. From alleged amnesia, to falsified ransom notes, there are many ways in which people who wish to start over justify their absences. Though the stories of missing persons are as varied as they are numerous, statistically speaking; these disappearances are much more likely to be the results of foul play or accidents, than carefully orchestrated schemes to start over somewhere new. Can a person just walk away from his or her life? Is such a thing even possible, especially in this day and age? This week we will examine the difficulty of leaving behind a well established life without a trace. We will explore the recent case of someone who seems to have successfully hit the reset button, and left the world guessing at her reasons and methods, Lori Erica Ruff. We will also take a look at some extraordinary stories of historical incidents of staged kidnappings and high profile disappearances (and reappearances). We'll conclude with a discussion of the very strange case of mystery author, Agatha Christie.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Ice Queens are all the rage these days. Aside from the popularity of "Frozen", sarcasm, snark, and apathy are kind of the hallmark of our age. But whatever, like we care. This week we'll be taking a look at the Russian folktale, "The Snow Child", from which the Christmastime figure, Snegurochka, is based. We'll be examine the construction of the modern Ice Queen trope, and the factors that psychologists say may contribute to those personality types. We will also be exploring the history of the real world Ice Queen of Russia, Anna Ioannovna and her ice palace. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

The legend of the Slit Mouth Woman has captured the imagination of people around the world. Many are surprised that the story only began circulating amongst the people of Japan in the 1970s. Why is that so surprising? New legends and ghost stories are constantly emerging, why is it so surprising that this is an example of modern folklore? As we will discuss this week, it may be because something about this urban phantom feels much more ancient. Join us this week as we explore the tradition of yokai and the psychology of the monstrous feminine.  For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

We've all heard whispered rumors about snuff films, films so dark, so depraved, that real actors were actually killed on screen just for the sake of entertainment. We've also heard the resolute denial that such things happen from the most worldly of our know-it-all acquaintances. Somewhere between those two well known rumors lies the truth, and you know what they say about the truth, don't you? It's often more terrifying than fiction. Such is the case this week on Just A Story because we will be looking at unnerving murderers who documented their own crimes, from the Glamour Girl Slayer, Harvey Glatman; to the Boneyard Killers, Leonard Lake and Charles Ng, to a star-struck Canadian psychopath Lucca Magnotta. In addition to a our meandering tour of True Crime Alley, we'll be speaking to Holly Kingstown, a real life insider from the industry about how snuff and have been unjustly conflated in the modern imagination. We'll be exploring the cinematic history of gore and sexploitation flicks and the way those genres helped build the myth of snuff, as well.  We'll also try to pin down a somewhat official definition of 'snuff' and see if we can find any real world examples of the stuff.  Join us as we dare to explore the world of snuff, where life is cheap! Special Guest: Holly Kingstown @heidijoypj For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

The Jersey Devil is an enduring New England legend. Throughout the pine barrens of New Jersey, stories of the American chimera inspire fear and create borders between civilized people and the wilderness. It's ubiquity begs the question, where did this monster come from? This week, in addition to exploring this historical origins of the tale; we will discuss the Puritan fears about the wilderness, and the harsh measures imposed on members of that society in order to separate man, from beast. For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

This week we are taking a look at the classic legend of 'The Pin Prick Attack'. We'll also dive deep into the history of the AIDS epidemic in America, and examine the ways in which the cultural climate allowed urban legends to spread as quickly as the disease. From cautionary tales, to hero's quest, to boogeymen; we'll discuss the folklore of AIDS in the moments before science caught up with the monster. Join us this week as we remember those we've lost, the men and women who dedicated their lives to finding hope, and the stories that survived this moment of intense fear, real threat and unbelievable bravery in the face of impossible odds. In honor of World AIDS Day, we present 'Welcome to Reality' For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Ballads are enduring relics of rich oral tradition. From literary epics like Beowulf, to the seedier broadside ballads sold at public executions; these story songs give us a glimpse at the practices and values of distant times and places. Just as we can see the heroes of the past in these narrative lyrics, so can we see the villains. Especially in the dark and twisted sub-genre of murder ballads, and perhaps even more so in the sub-sub-genre of sweetheart murder ballads. Join us this week as we explore the urban legend 'Elisa Day' and the history of songs of similar substance from Appalachia. We will consult experts from William Shakespeare to Allen Lomax as we try to understand the phenomena of murder and infatuation, and the (apparently) persistent need to sing about the combination. We'll also talk about the real-world criminal case that inspired the play and novel, "An American Tragedy" and its adherence to the murder ballad tradition Special Guest: Welcome Little Stranger http://themostwonderfulwonder.com/ For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

1 Year Anniversary Special - Part 2 Who are we, really? Identity is an amorphous, malleable concept that haunts human consciousness at almost every moment. Whether telling a pushy sales person that this shirt, 'just isn't me'; having a skull and crossbones inked on a forearm; or updating an online status; we are valiantly attempting to answer the question of 'who am I' for ourselves and the others we encounter. We want to show the world who we are, and be accepted, esteemed or valued for that presentation. Every detail, our style of dress, our haircut, hair color, our tone of voice, our choice of words, the scars and emblems that we ecru upon our skin throughout our lifetime; tell the story of 'us'. Where does the story stop? Join us this week for a special two-part episode that asks the question are we all, just a story?   For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

1 Year Anniversary Special - Part 1 Who are we, really? Identity is an amorphous, malleable concept that haunts human consciousness at almost every moment. Whether telling a pushy sales person that this shirt, 'just isn't me'; having a skull and crossbones inked on a forearm; or updating an online status; we are valiantly attempting to answer the question of 'who am I' for ourselves and the others we encounter. We want to show the world who we are, and be accepted, esteemed or valued for that presentation. Every detail, our style of dress, our haircut, hair color, our tone of voice, our choice of words, the scars and emblems that we ecru upon our skin throughout our lifetime; tell the story of 'us'. Where does the story stop? Join us this week for a special two-part episode that asks the question are we all, just a story? Special Guest Story Teller: The Curator - Audio Dime Museum  Music:  Purple Planet  Marry Lattimore - http://marylattimoreharpist.tumblr.com/ Jared C Balogh - https://soundcloud.com/jaredcbalogh   For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

There's no question that there have been incredible innovations in the ways in which scientists and law enforcement gather and present evidence for trial. Expert testimony has become an almost indispensable aspect of legal proceedings. We should consider that, perhaps, we are blurring the line between circumstantial and scientific evidence. Is this a new phenomenon? Hardly. Spectral evidence has featured prominently in criminal proceedings since the days of comparing the weights of ducks and witches.  From the validation of literal specters visiting people in the night, to three-buttoned double breasted suits; there are many examples of expert opinions casting long shadows in the court room. In this episode we'll examine the history of behavioral profiling and take a look at the kind of testimony that originally convicted the West Memphis Three. Join us this week as we examine the evolution of spectral evidence over time, and what happens when we try stories instead of the accused.    Guest Story Teller: Joshua Zeman, Director of Cropsey and Killer Legends   For more on this week's episode, and every episode: justastorypod.com Twitter: @justastorypod  Instagram: justastorypod  Leave a voicemail on the Urban Legend Hotline 1-(512)-222-3375

Whether our parents warned about strangers with candy in windowless vans, or creepy clown gangs, or a deranged loner hiding in the woods; we were all subjected to cautionary tales in one form or another. Scare tactics are integral to parenting, apparently. We shrugged off the stories, or elaborated on the ideas and shared them with peers while holding flashlights under our chins. We may have been leery of men who looked like the silhouette on the neighborhood watch sign. We might have run out of the woods when we came upon a boot print, or imagined a sinister side to the Shriners in clown white who lead the parade. We probably never considered that these manufactured monsters might be real for longer than a moment. What if they were? This was a question addressed by filmmaker Joshua Zeman in his documentary feature, CROPSEY. He joins us this week to talk about the powerful intersection of legends and reality, and the effects that stories have on our perceptions. We'll explore why society needs to believe in monsters, and what happens when the creatures we build in our imaginations come to life. For More on this episode and other episodes:  justastroypod.com @justastorypod

Halloween is often described as the one night of the year when spirits can return to the earth and interact with the living. That's a very simplified version of a vast, multicultural tradition that has existed, in one form or another, since the earliest written records. Spirits, vague ideas of otherworldly intruders, have been visiting for centuries, and over the years they've been understood as ancestors, demons, eerie informants, and hostile haunts. Join us this week as we explore Halloween rituals through the ages and the evolution of the otherworldly visitors they invited to join. We conclude the episode by shifting our focus from the living's relationships with the dead, to their relationships with Death itself, as we discuss Santa Muerte. Website: justastorypod.com - For more on what was discussed in the episode: links, citations, images, and more Twitter: @justastorypod Email: justastorypod@gmail.com

It's the time of year when well-meaning suburbanites stage miniature shock and awe campaigns on their front lawns. The sweet retirees on the corner are building a graveyard. Across the street, a soccer mom is arranging a life-sized skeleton in a lawn chair. The is a zombie invasion, comprised of wax dummies just one block down. So who would notice, could notice, the body hanging from a noose fastened to a tree? It's just one more macabre Halloween decoration, right? If it wasn't, if it was a corpse, that would ruin all the fun; that would make us question everything we know and love about this harmless holiday. Well, according to the legend of 'The Halloween Hanging,' it was a corpse; and that is exactly what we will be questioning on this episode. We will explore some dark territory, looking staged suicidal hangings, homicidal hangings and the history of hanging as a method of execution. We will also discuss the phenomena of crime scene staging, and try to reach our own verdict on the case of the mysterious death of Rebecca Zahau.  Special Guest Story Teller Robert Chauncey, Creator of The Tunnels Podcast  Check it out Here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tunnels-podcast/id1139556079?mt=2

Pull up a chair, x-Ray that Snickers bar, and pour yourself some wine; it's time to talk about poisoned candy. Trick or Treat. It didn't begin as a question. In the early days it was a threat, more, 'do it, or else,' than 'what do you have for me?' Join us this week as we explore the rich history of the trick-or-treat tradition in America. Spoiler, contrary to whatever you might have heard from Max in *Hocus Pocus* it was not invented by the candy companies. We'll also discuss the tale of 'The Man Who Killed Halloween' and the way he brought the legend of "The Halloween Sadist" to life.

We are pleased to announce a month of spooky Halloween legends, here on Just A Story! We kick off the celebration of the month of hocus pocus and haunts by discussing the origin of the American ghost story's form and traditional substance. Join us this week as we take a look at the classic Washington Irving short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," and its central character, the Headless Horseman. We'll also examine the connection between this literary specter and Ohio's headless motorcyclist, and his possible historic origins.

We may take its existence for granted today, but the birth of the birth control pill was a long labor of love, belief, and scientific ingenuity. It seems no matter what side of the argument you may be on, we all have strong feelings about contraceptives and reproductive rights. Join us this week for a discussion of how the Pill went from an idea, to an experiment, to a controversy, to a right; over the last century. We'll meet the colorful cast of characters who made it their mission to make motherhood a choice, explore common myths about birth control and the various ways we've tried to keep the stork away throughout history. EXPLICIT WARNING (We talk about sex....)  A wonderfuly vulgar opening from Unbuttoned History, check them out: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unbuttoned-history/id633437365?mt=2

Some historical events leave scars on the minds of contemporaries that last long enough to become legends. The execution of the family Romanov in a Siberian cellar under the cover of night and the shroud of secrecy, was one such event. In 1917 the last Tsar of all the Russias, Nicholas II, was murdered along with Tsarina Alexandra, and their four daughters: Olga, Tatiana, Marie, Anastasia, and their only son, Alexei. It's almost to horrible to imagine. So the public did what the public does best. They imagined something else. What if, they asked in whispers, what if, one of them managed to escape? Then maybe, the whispers willed that hope to life. It must have seemed that way when a mysterious woman appeared in Berlin years later. Her body and memory were full of holes and badly scarred, but there was something regal in her bearing. She would become known as Anastasia, Grand Duchess, Anna Anderson, Fraud, and a puzzle for all of those who wished the fairy tale princesses of Imperial Russia to have a happier ending. Join us this week as we dive into the history of the fall of the Romanovs and ask why no one wanted to see that Anastasia's escape was just a story.

An Extra to go along with Ep 43: "I Shall Become the Bat" containing the expanded story of the Gorbals vampire hunt from writer John Lees and his discussion of local Scottish urban legends.

When someone says the word 'vampires' to you, what do you imagine? Do you imagine Bela Lugosi, pale and wan; swirling his impeccable cape like he's a matador? Are you lost in thoughts of sparkly, angst-ridden teen romance? Are you reminded of something truly horrific, like the acts of Peter Kurten or Richard Chase? Does your mind drift the plantations and Southern gothic sensuality a la Anne Rice? Do you think of Nosferatu and wonder if the rumors were true? Maybe you think of the white-haired, powder-skinned Count, as played by Gary Oldman. Maybe you start thinking about what a badass Gary Oldman is and forget the question. What was the question? Oh, yes, what do you think of when you hear the word, 'vampires'? Chances are whatever image comes to mind, it's somehow informed by mass media. That was the claim, at least, when a group of schoolboys took up arms against a hometown vampire in Glasgow in the 1950s. Join us this week as we explore where our ideas of vampires come from, and how we use those ideas to mask real monsters in our midst. In this week's episode we will tackle vampires in mass media, and discuss those who have been called by the same moniker when real life violence exceeded the bounds of the public's imagination.   Guest stoy teller this week is the wonderful Scotsman and writer John Lees. For his blog and to find out more about some of his great horror comics: https://johnleescomics.wordpress.com/

Prison is a place you're meant to go when you can no longer control your actions or conform to societal norms. Because prison is meant to house those who deviate from formally instituted rules, and seek to do harm to others; those on the inside are not allowed to come and go as they please. There should be no escape from the consequences of your actions, and there should be no escape from prison. In a perfect world, this seemingly logical idea might hold true, but this is far from the best of all possible worlds. Join us this week as we explore desperate escape attempts, destructive riots and how quickly prisons can be constructed in our own minds. In this episode we discuss the legend of The Coffin Escape, the Montana State Prison Riot of 1959, and the Stanford Prison Experiment; as we ask, is the idea of 'getting out of prison', just a story?  Special thanks to Ryan, of "Small Town Horror" for sharing a Crayton legend with us this week. For more of his exploration in to the legends and stories of a small town in Minnesota, check out his podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-town-horror/id1102878180?mt=2

One of the best surviving examples of oral tradition, or passing cultural information by word of mouth, are jokes. The classic story of 'The Baby Train' is definitely an urban legend with a punchline, even if it's a hokey one.  Jaded as we are today, it's still easy to imagine your off-beat uncle recounting the story of a town full of babies, whose conception was inspired by having an unwanted alarm, an early morning train, and nothing better to do than...  You know, make babies. Have there ever been microscopic baby booms? We'll explore one inspired by a dead Canadian millionaire, and take a look at how seemingly trivial things like weather, can effect population growth. Join us as we take a look at the real-life baby trains carrying New York's foundlings across America, and how they compare to this light-hearted legend   Check out our other podcast Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2   Our Guest Story teller is Melanie from Clan of the Cave Horse. For more irreverent discussion, check out their podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/caveman-mafia/id595555054?mt=2

When we think of Hawaii, here on the mainland, we might imagine hula dancers in grass skirts. We might think of movies like Lilo and Stitch or Jurassic Park (it was filmed there, look it up). We might have googled photos of a certain shirtless President on that state's glorious beaches. Maybe, just maybe, we think about Pearl Harbor, and the historical significance the military base on a Pacific archipelago had in shaping history as we know it. But - do you think that's where the history of that 50th star on the flag starts? Hardly, my friend. This week we learn all about why Hawaiian history comes alive on the islands, and how the haunting presence educates new generations on the customs of the past. Join us this week as we take a look at the legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers and its vital role in keeping cultural knowledge and traditions alive.   To listen to our historical story telling podcast, Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

Mothers are meant to guide, nurture and protect their children. We look to their love as a model for selfless giving and unending devotion. But there are bad Mothers out there. There are women who do the unthinkable to their own children, and subvert everything we expect from the mythical martyr mother. Join us this week as we examine the deep, rich history and cultural context of the patron saint of less than perfect mothers, La Llorana. In this episode we will explore her story's consistent patterns over time, and compare those features to some modern cases maternal filicide.   Also Check out our audio drama Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

The circus is an American institution. It's a carnival of thrills and wonder that crisscrosses the country. The circus coming to town might be the highlight of the year. Breaking the monotony in even the most far-flung towns, the colorful carneys and mind boggling performers brought joy... And maybe something darker and more foreboding. Have circuses ever brought threats to small town America? Or have we imagined monsters where there are none? Join us this week as the circus comes to town, and we examine our perceptions of outsiders.   Check out Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Dolls are symbols of childlike innocence; visions of idealized beauty suspended in time. They are treasured companions, well-loved playthings, sweet mementoes.  Wait. No. What the hell am I saying. Dolls are HELLA creepy. But why?  How did these sweet little toys get wrapped up in all this horror story nonsense? Join us this week as we explore the strong ties between dolls and the macabre, and ask why the hell are dolls so eerie?

The legend of "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs" is one of the most widely circulated, well known urban legends in modern history. This week we ask why this story has such staying power and how it relates to real, documented crimes. We will examine everything from the 1950s Columbia, Missouri murder of a babysitter that may have inspired the legend, to a story of a Washington family being stalked and harassed using their own cell phones within the last decade. We also explore the kinds of calls that have come from killers throughout history, and what they say about the murderers who make them. We hope you will join us for a truly creepy episode, and that you've checked the children...

From the classic pithy one-liners just before the gavel sting on Law & Order to the antics of Andy and Barney in Mayberry, it seems like we, as a culture, have agreed that even when dealing with something as serious as crime and punishment, it never hurts to find a little levity. "The Colander Copier Caper" is an urban legend that plays on the trope of clever cops and credulous criminals. On a more serious note, the story might point out how easily false confessions can be obtained. In this week's episode we'll take a look at ironic history of the lie detector's inventor William Moulton Marston, who is responsible for both the technology and the court decision that still bans it from courtrooms across the country today. Don't worry, we'll discuss his role in creating Wonder Woman, his well hidden polyamorous household, and his absolute allegiance to the feminist agenda, as well. Join us as we explore the history of the lie detector, why we want to believe in the device, and what the use of this technology actually means for the criminal justice system.

Humanity has long been certain that the sky is falling. We've basically been predicting the end of the world since it began. From Nostradamus to Y2K, the doomsday predictions have been as varied as they have been persistent. This week we ask why people are so preoccupied with post apocalyptic propaganda and what happens when the world keeps turning after you've publicly promised catastrophe. Join us as we explore the end of the world as we know it.   Twitter: @justastorypod  Email: justastorypod@gmail.com

The bond between guest and host is ancient and sacred one. Hospitality has always been considered a virtuous undertaking, in fact, opening your home to travelers and friends was at one time expected, if not demanded. But what happens when you open the door to the wrong person? What is a host to do when their kindness is abused in ways darker and longer lasting than having all their hot water used up, or a visitor putting coffee grinds down the sink? What if the bad guest came back when you weren't home, and began living in your attic? What if they watched you sleep? What if they caused you harm? Such a thing could never happen, could it? This week we take a look at urban legends about people living in the walls. Join as we examine the importance thresholds, boundaries, and home security and ask what happens when those are fundamentally disrespected and ignored.

Thomas DeQuincy first wrote this week's titular essay "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts" in 1827 as satire, but after almost two centuries; it seems old Tom may have been the herald of a genuine cultural phenomenon. There are several well documented cases of quasi-intellectual criminals claiming literature, art or music made them do it. Excluding the persistent worries of each generation of parents that some new form of mass media is brainwashing their precious youngsters, the claims that high culture inspires some to express themselves violently may actually hold some water. Conversely, plenty of heinous acts of violence have inspired artists to create well respected works. So, what's the connection? How do art and murder inspire one another? Join us this week as we explore the urban legend, 'The Suicide Painting' and unravel surreal connections between high art and the infamous Black Dahlia murder.

Charles de Gualle once said, “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” He may have a point. We seem to love stories about dogs, but as we do here on this podcast, we have to ask what does that say about us as humans. This week we take a look at classic urban legends like, "The Choking Doberman" and "The Mexican Pet" and spend a little time getting to know some amazing true stories about man's best friend.

A lot of conspiracy theorists see connections that others cannot; connections most people cannot fathom, or believe to be real. You know who else sees connections like this? People on acid. So what could make for a twisty-er, turny-er kaleidoscopic circus of crazy than conspiracy theories about acid?!? Join us as we seek out the truth behind the 'Blue Star (or Mickey Mouse, or Bart Simpson, etc) Acid' urban legend. This week we explore all things psychedelic and top secret from Project MK Ultra to the origins of the Unabomber. As well as diving in to the lighter side of hallucinogens with top literary talent, like Allen Ginsberg and Ken Kesey It's going to be a long, strange trip, man.

Once upon a time there was a man who was anything but a Prince Charming. From Narcissus, to Bluebeard, to Henri Landrieu history is peppered with tales of guys who are really bad at relationships, and really, really bad for their partners' health. What inspired stories of such toxic lovers? Join us this week as we take a look at the relationship cycles of narcissists, the myth that helped define a disorder, the roots of a fairy tale with a truly terrifying bad guy, and the origins of the term, 'gaslighting'.

You should be safe in your own bed. It should be a place that allows you take refuge, recharge, and find peace. But nightmares, bad dreams and old hags can ruin that for anyone. These self-generated specters can make a prison of a bed, a place that generates anxiety and represents anything but peace. Now take the fear one step further, imagine that not only is your bedroom a place that traps you inside with all the things that go bump in the night, but your body rebels and the trap becomes more menacing. You can't move. You're wide awake, but you can't move. Maybe there's something in the corner of the room, or pressing on your chest. Maybe you're only aware of the feeling that you are not alone. This is sleep paralysis and it's been happening at least as long as people have been recording history. But what is it? Join us this week as we explore the mystery of sleep paralysis and ask whether or not bad dreams are really nothing to be afraid of. Special Guest Story Teller: Dan Foytik of 9th Story Studios, Checkout one of his many great podcasts including 9th Story  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/9th-story-podcast/id707360356?mt=2

How do you remember summer camp? What stands out most for you? Is it the memory of mosquito bites? Winning that year's capture the flag? Promising to write new friends, or your first love (and meaning letters with stamps, and only until school starts again)? Or do you remember the spooky stories told around the campfire, the camp ghosts, and fear of Jason Voorhees? What if those stories told in the dark weren't just imagined to frighten new campers? What if there really was some psychopath hiding in the woods? And what if said psychopath had magical powers? Join us this week as we explore the reasons we go into the woods for 'Lord of the Flies' style fun in the summer, and if there really is anything lurking in the woods right behind your cabin

Have you heard that the gay mafia is running Hollywood? Well any disenfranchised straight guy in the entertainment industry will tell you about it. Hyperbole aside, the gay mafia is a running joke/ urban legend that keeps popping up in pop culture. Where is this idea coming from? As much fun as it is to imagine a West Side Story-esque take on The Godfather, there's actually a historical source for this idea that is less than humorous. Everyone knows about the Red Scare, but two shades lighter and just a hair more to the left there was a scare of equal importance. Join us this week as we examine the true story of the Lavender Scare; and explore the ways in which high-powered historical figures like J. Edgar Hoover and Joseph McCarthy left lasting scars on the LGBTQ Rights cause in America.

SPECIAL 2 PART 25th EPISODE PARTY: PART 2  The website Creepy Pasta has become a nearly ubiquitous cultural phenomenon. This site offers users a chance to share short fiction in a variety of media. The stories are generally scary, but they range in genre from classic horror to speculative fiction to political thriller. It's safe to say that among a subset of Internet users, a few of these stories have become legendary. Have the lines between written stories and oral tradition been blurred by the online community? Is this folklore? Are these stories urban legends? They've certainly left a mark, perhaps most infamously inspiring one attempted murder involving three 12-year-old girls. Join us this week as we celebrate our 25th episode, and explore the Creepy Pasta greatest hits from "The Russian Sleep Experiment" to "Slender Man", and ask what this new form of story swapping means for modern culture.

SPECIAL 2 PART 25th EPISODE PARTY: PART 1  The website Creepy Pasta has become a nearly ubiquitous cultural phenomenon. This site offers users a chance to share short fiction in a variety of media. The stories are generally scary, but they range in genre from classic horror to speculative fiction to political thriller. It's safe to say that among a subset of Internet users, a few of these stories have become legendary. Have the lines between written stories and oral tradition been blurred by the online community? Is this folklore? Are these stories urban legends? They've certainly left a mark, perhaps most infamously inspiring one attempted murder involving three 12-year-old girls. Join us this week as we celebrate our 25th episode, and explore the Creepy Pasta greatest hits from "The Russian Sleep Experiment" to "Slender Man", and ask what this new form of story swapping means for modern culture. To Check out Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Every year anxious freshmen shuffle into lecture halls for intro to psychology courses, they'll learn names like Freud, Jung, Skinner, James and Piaget. Without a doubt, they'll learn the name Kitty Genovese along with those. Unlike the others on that list, Kitty never planned on being incorporated in the textbooks and PowerPoint presentations (had any of them known what PowerPoint was). She was murdered in New York City in 1964 by a violent serial offender. Her story is robbed of its complexity and reduced to a parable, used to illustrate the perils of urban apathy. The concept is largely responsible for pioneering the study of the bystander effect. There were real-word, long lasting, far-reaching consequences, as well. The idea that 38 of Kitty's neighbors watched from their windows as she was attacked without bothering to phone for help haunted policy makers and scholars of human behavior, as well as people who read about in it newspapers all across the country for decades. But is it just a story? This week we take a look at the legend of urban apathy and get to know the dynamic, brave woman behind the notes in your psych 101 notebook. Join us as we explore the urban legend of the murder of Kitty Genovese. To check out Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Remember how you begged to go in the haunted house at the Halloween carnival when you were a kid? You know, right before you promptly freaked out and realized you were not as tough and grown up as you'd hoped and began begging your mom, dad, uncle who thought it was hilarious, etc. to leave? What did they all say to calm you down? 'Don't worry it's all pretend?' Right? Well, what if they were wrong? Once upon a time, not so long ago, they were. The body of Elmer McCurdy was discovered in a California fun house over fifty years after his death. We'll tell his incredible story in this episode before examining other preserved bodies found throughout the world. From bog people to incorrupt saints we explore the world of mortal remains that remain long after their owners have made their exits, and how they effect the living. Join us this week as we analyze the urban legend of the funhouse mummy and other unsettling finds. To enter the Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Extra! Sam had the chance to speak with Shelley Ritter, the Director of the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi about the blues, Robert Johnson, and the origin of "The Devil's Music"   Learn more about the Delta Blues Museum: http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/

Once upon a time, armored knights searched the world for sacred relics, and stories of their quests became legend and lore. Centuries later, noble scholars would follow in the footsteps of these most romantic heroes. Though, any Spielberg and Lucas collaboration would probably bust enough blocks to annihilate a game of Tetris, the pair of pop culture juggernauts found a truly  magical formula with the titular character, Indiana Jones and the films based on his adventures. By combining classical errant knight plots with the all-American swagger of a bad boy academic who hated Nazis, they ensured that no one would be able to resists the charms of their hero, and maybe, just maybe, they granted this fictional character the immortality promised by the relics he pursued. But there aren't really badass archeologists trotting the globe and shooting up bandits, right? The Nazis didn't give a hoot about the holy grail, did they? Join us this week, as we track down the surprising true stories behind the Indiana Jones franchise

Music doesn't make sense. We, as humans, respond to the essential emotion in notes and melodies without analysis or forethought. It's a natural, innate language that we all seem to speak. Or is it? Only humans seem to possess this natural affinity for music. Sure, birds sing, but they don't *preform*, their songs are lingual substitutes. We are the only ones who choose to sing when we don't need to. We are also the only ones who can lie, bargain with gods, fret over the state of our immortal soul or troll others on the Internet. So this whole music thing has always made people... Nervous. Music, in some ways, seems unnatural; and if you've ever seen any portrayal of life before ~yesterday, you'll know that all unnatural things are... Of the devil. There is a long association between musicians and the devil; (yes, even before Charlie Daniels said so). This week we will take a look at why that might be. From Paganini to Robert Johnson we'll explore what master musicians have gotten in return for selling their souls. So, join us at the crossroads as we ask, what's the connection between the Faustian bargain and the gods of music

Weight loss schemes and health trends seem to dominate our social media feeds. Pictures of food are second only to cat videos and inflammatory political rants. Whether you're trying to do battle with the scale, purify your digestive track and character through abstaining from (or introducing) certain types of food, or just trying to find the secret to that elusive idea of a healthy lifestyle, there's a plan being peddled to suit your needs. Fad diets aren't new. No, in fact, it seems that as soon as people weren't producing their own food, advice on what to eat began to flow freely and persistently. Some of the suggestions became so prevalent, despite their outlandish nature, that they can only be called, 'urban legends'. This week we focus on extreme diets, colorful charlatans and despicable dietitians as we dive into the wonderful world of weight loss. We'll meet the man behind the breakfast cereal, Dr. Kellogg; check into Starvation Heights under the care of Linda Hazzard; and see what happens when unrealistic standards of thinness and beauty effect susceptible populations. Join us as we look at everything from outlandish dieting advice, to the real and serious effects of eating disorders Also, check out our historical storytelling podcast Audio Dime Museum:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Curiouser and Curiouser  It is American tradition, but what is it? Before the three ring circus, before the 1932 cult classic "Freaks", before American Horror Story ... There was the dime museum. Join us this week, as we explore the storied history of these compendiums of curiosity and ask what legacy they've left behind. Step right up for a grand tour of the birthplace of innumerable urban legends. As we begin our new experimental, historical storytelling podcast, Audio Dime Museum, we invite you all to learn why we find these palaces of the bizarre so fascinating, and why we just can't look away.  To Step Inside the Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

You can't go home again. From Dorothy to Odysseus to the guy scream-singing "One of Us" in the car next to you during your hour long commute, people spend a lot of time and effort trying to make their way home. The idea of being stopped mid-journey, of never making it home, seems to have had a very long history in fables. One could argue, this is evidence that that fear has had an equally lengthy history in our collective consciousness. That's exactly what we argue in this episode. Examining the urban legend, 'The Vanishing Hitchhiker' we dig in to the fear of never making it home, and the many ways this has been expressed over time. From people who have made hitchhikers vanish, like Edmund Kemper, to mysterious unsolved cases like the orange sock murders, to the historical legends associated with roadside phantoms around the country; we look at the many and varied roots and the constant evolution of this modern myth Special Guest Story Teller: Erik Rivenes of the Most Notorious! Podcast  Check out his amazing true crime podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/most-notorious!-true-crime/id1055044256?mt=2

Whether wishing we could un-say that thing, or contemplating theoretical physics; we can't help but be fascinated by the notion of time travel. Inspiring such iconic pop culture franchises as Back To the Future, Planet of the Apes, Doctor Who, Quantum Leap, and Star Trek, the idea of visiting the future or the past seems to present limitless possibilities for storytelling. This week we take a look at the scientific theories that fuel these flights of fancy. Join us as we do our best to find the roots of our desires for, or fears of, wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey adventure  Oh Boy!

Rock and roll. The devil's music. Destroyer of youth and molder of the juvenile delinquents. From hip-cropping television appearances to record burning protests, the good people (whoever that's supposed to be) have been trying to censor the attitudes and prevalence of rock music. And the stars started dying. Young and rebellious, the heroes of counter-culture became victims to their lifestyles in alarming numbers beginning in 1969. After the deaths of such notables as Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison (The Doors) all occurred while the musicians were aged 27, an irresistible coincidence was noted by fans the world over. With the suicide of grunge icon Kurt Cobain occurring at the same age over twenty years later, 'The 27 Club' officially became the stuff of urban legend. We take a look at what early death does for the legacy of a rockstar and ask the question, is it really better to burn out than to fade away? Check out Twitter to find our 27 club playlist

Remember your first night away from home? Not at camp, Not at a slumber party, but really on your own? What advice were you given about safety? How many times did you check the deadbolt? How long did it take you to get used to the sounds of the house? This week we look at the fears that come with moving away from home, and the stories we make up to make ourselves feel safe. Kids, especially young women, are told that if they're just good enough, pure enough, afraid enough; they'll be safe. Logic follows, then, anyone who gets hurt was asking for it. Using the roommates from the classic urban legend, "Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Lights" as a case study we look at the way media and society cast female victims as Madonna or whore, and learn a real life cautionary tale. (Brought to you by mass murderer Richard Speck and the letter 'm'.)

Somewhere between the way things were, and the way they are, there was a hope; no, there is a hope, that there's more to life than meets the eye. But, long before news of scientific discoveries were embedded between posts like '18 Things Only Girls With Curly Hair Will Understand' and 'Hedgehogs: Our New Cute Obsession' and updates for tech devices appeared every other day, there was a sense of wonder and possibility attached to each advance and understanding. Is it so difficult to think that early 20th century imaginations might turn attentions to the boundary between the life and death, expecting that the same science that brought electric lighting to their home or sent their messages across oceans via telegraphs might contact those just beyond the veil? These are the origins of the Ouija board. The swirling chaos that defined that era is full of characters and controversy. The Spiritualist movement pitted master magician Harry Houdini against the master of mystery, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the fallout was and is incredibly entertaining. Join us as we examine how and if this board works, and take a look at one of the greatest intellectual feuds in modern history.

Surely, yes, surely, Norman, Mother, and the horrors of the Bates Motel are merely eccentric imaginings of a darkly gifted mind, right? However unbelievable this Freudian field day seems, it's based on a true story. Just as Hitchcock's film, Psycho, initiated the country (and truthfully, the world) into the age of suspenseful, cerebral horror thrillers; the story of its origin generated a national curiosity about abnormal psychology and its role in creating the modern monsters later dubbed 'serial killers'. Unbelievable from inspiration to publication, from publication to production, from production to marketing, and from marketing to reception this film is a landmark of cinema and storytelling. Join as we take a look at the way Psycho redefined the way Americans saw movies, and the way Ed Gein changed the way we saw the guy next door.  Guest Story Teller Diane Student from History Goes Bump Podcast https://itun.es/us/YfOR2.c

What do you think of when you hear the phrase 'Mardi Gras'? It seems a safe wager to bet that most minds go to booze, boobs, Bourbon Street and beads, but there is another farewell to flesh, celebrated not so far from the capital city of organized debauchery. Yes, deep along the bayous of Cajun Country men in ornate costumes take to horseback and ride out seeking the ingredients they will need to provide a feast for their fellow townsfolk. Sounds like something straight out of Europe in the Middle Ages, right? It is in fact, but these masked marauders ride to this day, but how did this tradition find its way to rural south Louisiana? Who are these madmen? What do they want? And most importantly, what's with all this talk about a chicken?

We all know children are the future, mostly because the song plays at local supermarkets and dentist's office in heavy rotation, but what if that sentiment isn't as comforting as soft rock would have us believe? "Children are all little criminals," a 19th century psychologist stated, and perhaps he's not so far off. There's something parasitic about the relationships between caretakers and their charges, but we'll look at the extreme worst case scenarios in this episode. From the paranormal, black eyed children trading on their cuteness to get a chance to steal your soul, to the factual, real life tales of kids who kill; we'll try to answer the question: why are creepy kids so creepy?

Hotels are a common fixture in almost any society. Since before the birth of Christ, and, come to think of it, even for the specific occasion of the birth of Christ, people have been hoping to find some room at the inn. But serving society's weary travelers or playing host to out-of-towners away for both business and pleasure is only the beginning of functions hotels perform. Is there something to the idea that at some hotels you can check any time you like, but you can never leave? The Eagles styled a fictional inn as a purgatory of sorts in their classic song, "Hotel California", and maybe that's not as fantastical as it sounds. We take a look at the things that go on behind those 'do not disturb' signs, and see if there's anything to the idea that hotels are beacons of the underworld. Using the Hotel Cecil, a real-life Hotel California if ever there was one, as a case study we work our way through the vices that draw people, such as Robert Ramirez and Elisa Lam, to these intersections of public and private life and the privacy and anonymity they provide. Elisa Lam Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3TjVBpyTeZM

As we unpack this legend about a cross dressing assailant attacking a woman in her home, issues surrounding gender, violence, and safe spaces are bound to come up. In this episode we take a look at the history of people posing as members of the opposite sex and examine the lasting effects that old attitudes, fears, and prejudices have left on modern society. The damaging discourse of deviance surrounding issues of gender still shows up today, creating discrimination against the transgender community and the continued prevalence of violence against women. Who is really at risk here?

Just A Story: The Urban Legend Podcast In December of 1973, there was something wrong with Reagan MacNeil and audiences across the globe flocked to theaters to see just exactly what that 'something' was. Dubbed *the scariest movie of all time* by many, THE EXORCIST explores what happens when demonic entities take hold of a human body, and the war that is waged by the forces of good on behalf of that soul. But what is possessions really; mislabeled psychosis or the embodiment of evil? And what lasting effects has this legendary film left on the culture whose curiosity got the better of it all those years ago?

**New and Improved Audio***  For years chaperones and parents did their best to hold onto the keys of their sons' and daughters' chastity belts. The rising car culture after WWII, however; saw more and more teens taking control of the wheel, and making their own sexual choices. Faced with this reality, a frightening boogeyman with a hook for a hand stepped in to do what parents no longer could, give kids a reason to say 'no'. The real question is, who is he?

The Poisoned Dress is one of the oldest urban legends in America. Is there any truth to this story? Today we are more concerned with fashion and self-image than ever before, or are we? We explore why appearances can be deceiving, and the lengths we are willing to go to for beauty.

Just A Story: The Urban Legend Podcast  Bonus Christmas Episode! He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, but he also delivers mountains of toys to the good girls and boys. Should this jolly old elf be called a peeping Tom, charged for breaking and entering, and carted away for good, or celebrated as the very spirit of the Christmas season. We look at the history of Santa to decide once and for all is Santa Claus naughty or nice?

Food is a basic human need, but how can we be sure that the hand that feeds us is trustworthy? From a real life murder trial in 19th century Chicago to the recent peanut butter fatalities, we have good reason to be skeptical of the way that the sausage gets made.

Just A Story: The Urban Legend Podcast Controversial since its first public telling, the events that took place at 112 Ocean Avenue in December 1974 have literally become the stuff of legend. The Lutz's story has been chronicled in numerous books, movies, and documentaries.  Is this a true horror story of America's most haunted house, or one of the greatest hoaxes in pop culture history? Do you believe in The Amityville Horror?

In the 1980s a fear of all things occult and demonic swept America. Everything from role playing games to preschool was degraded and threatened by this phenomena. Where did these fears come from?

Just A Story: The Urban Legend Podcast Today clowns are more synonymous with horror then the circus. Is it the fact that we can't see behind their smiling disguise, or their checkered past that scares us silly? Clowns...they can get away with murder.

Just a Story. The Urban Legend Podcast  The question, "What's the worst that can happen?" Is answered once and for all with this urban legend of organ theft.