Since the early 2000s, paranormal content has exploded in popular culture. It seems we can't get enough of ghosts (and hunting for them). What could be behind this enthusiasm for spooky things. Here, I share a theory...that the paranormal is a clever way for us to be religious...without being religious. This is a BONUS VIDEO and is not a paranormal case. It shares a theory on the paranormal, so skip it if you're not interested in the information below... Including: - What is the state of belief today? - Why does the paranormal appeal so much? - How does the paranormal help us with our fears? - How has paranormal belief been influenced by religion (demons, cryptozoology etc)? - Why is there such a strong sense of community in the paranormal world? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last time on Frightful, I took you into the Australian Wilderness, a colossal, yet barely populated area which can be both beautiful and terrifying. We have already encountered a series of human horrors…from cruel killers to babies snatched by animals. But tonight, we head back out into the darkness for one more trip…only this time, the threat may well be harder to understand or define…because there are supernatural mysteries out there in the bush. I’m Peter Laws and tonight on Frightful we encounter Paranormal Terrors in part 2 of…Scary True Stories from the Australian Outback… Episode Sponsor: Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going Rocketmoney.com/frightful Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Outback is an absolutely vast area of Australia, spanning 5.6 million km squared. It covers about 70% of the content of Australia, it would take up half of the United States if placed on top. It’s mostly flat, and covered with soil that is highly infertile and it’s filled with kangaroos, dingos (Australian wild dogs). Despite it’s size, there are barely any people. In fact, less than 5% of the Australian population live in the outback. So despite it being a beautiful, astonishing space…there is an inherent sense of threat in this wilderness. To cross it, is to become far more vulnerable than we probably have been before. Listening to this two part Frightful won’t help. I’ll be sharing scary true stories of tragic attacks and cruel crime to strange and frightening tales of the paranormal. I’m Peter Laws, and you’re about to hear Scary True Stories from The Australian Outback. Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In December 1952, Peter and Dorothy McEwan left London and moved to the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. To help run the estate they hired another couple to help run the house. Yet on the very first night, their new housekeeper complains of strange footsteps in her room. It will be only the first stage in a night of terror…as the two couples must uncover the terrifying mystery of The House of the Crawling Woman. Cast: Peter McEwan & Jamie McDonald played by [Eddie Frizzel](https://www.instagram.com/eddiefrizz/) Dorothy McEwan & Elspeth McDonalds played by [Zoe Barke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-barke-06b003273/) James McEwan played by Peter Laws. References: [Extreme Hauntings](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Extreme_Hauntings/Fp07AwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 "‌") [Leap in the Dark Ardachie Lodge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfH8zp05nHw&t=111 "‌") Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In December 1952, Peter and Dorothy McEwan left London and moved to the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. To help run the estate they hired another couple to help run the house. Yet on the very first night, their new housekeeper complains of strange footsteps in her room. It will be only the first stage in a night of terror…as the two couples must uncover the terrifying mystery of The House of the Crawling Woman. Cast: Peter McEwan & Jamie McDonald played by Eddie Frizzel.  Dorothy McEwan & Elspeth McDonalds played by Zoe Barke. James McEwan played by Peter Laws. References: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Extreme_Hauntings/Fp07AwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfH8zp05nHw&t=111 Join our Patreon. Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there anything more Frightful than a serial killer stalking your neighbourhood, picking victims at random, abducting, assaulting, mutilating and killing them. What about four killers, doing exactly that…but working together…as a team. This is one of the most disturbing true crime cases I’ve ever covered for this podcast, and yet it doesn’t seem particularly well known. Prepare yourself for a two-part episode featuring a brutal, distressing series of ritualistic murders that shocked Chicago in the early 1980s. Be warned, the details in this, will disturb you. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful, ‘The Chicago Ripper Crew' TRIGGER WARNING: Both parts contain distressing details of murder and sexual crimes. Episode Sponsor: Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal by going to http://EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code 49frightful Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there anything more Frightful than a serial killer stalking your neighbourhood, picking victims at random, abducting, assaulting, mutilating and killing them. What about four killers, doing exactly that…but working together…as a team. This is one of the most disturbing true crime cases I’ve ever covered for this podcast, and yet it doesn’t seem particularly well known. Prepare yourself for a two-part episode featuring a brutal, distressing series of ritualistic murders that shocked Chicago in the early 1980s. Be warned, the details in this, will disturb you. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful, ‘The Chicago Ripper Crew' TRIGGER WARNING: Both parts contain distressing details of murder and sexual crimes. Episode Sponsors: Go to HelloFresh.com/Frightful50 and and use code frightful50 for 50% off plus free shipping. Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/Frightful Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we talk about ghosts on Frightful, it’s normally a scary, threatening experience. The cases we look at tonight and next time are still scary…but there’s a difference. In each of the accounts you’re about to hear, we will meet people at the mercy of very frightening natural circumstances, from tragic car crashes to twisted sex killers lurking in a house… Yet the dazzling claim in all these cases is that these victims were protected by some sort of supernatural force. Brace yourself as police files meet the world of the paranormal. Because I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful, we explore accounts when people were ‘Saved…by a Ghost.’ Thanks to the following or their voice work on this episode: Nathan Rouse (Police Officer) Mellissa Oliveri (Margaret G) Tracy Nicholas (Pearl) Episode Sponsor: Start building your credit up. Open a Chime Checking account with at least a $200 qualifying direct deposit to get started. Get started at http://chime.com/frightful Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we talk about ghosts on Frightful it’s normally a scary, threatening experience. The cases we look at tonight and next time are still scary…but there’s a difference. In each of the accounts you’re about to hear, we will meet people at the mercy of very frightening natural circumstances, from tragic car crashes to twisted sex killers lurking in a house… Yet the dazzling claim in all these cases, is that these victims were protected by some sort of supernatural force. Brace yourself, as police files meet the world of the paranormal. Because I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frighftul, we explore accounts when people were ‘Saved…by a Ghost.’ Episode Sponsor: Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to Rocketmoney.com/frightful  Thanks to the following or their voice work on this episode: Vivian A Leigh (Ghost Voice 1) Matthew Kieswetter (Police Officer) Bethan Briggs Miller (Ghost Voice 2) Sources: https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85054450/1908-01-11/ed-1/seq-1/ https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/lily-groesbeck-car-crash-baby-7305696 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-14-mn-3969-story.html Visit us online at: https://www.itsfrightful.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Skinwalker Ranch in Utah is famous for being a paranormal hotspot, but most people focuses on the strange activity reported on the ranch, like strange lights in the sky, mutilated cattle and sightings of weird wolf-like creatures. Tonight we begin a two part exploration profile of government workers who have not only had unexplained experienced on the ranch, they have brought back paranormal activity with them. Can paranormal experiences follow us and infect others like a contagion? I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful we explore ‘The Wolves that Follow You Home - Skinwalker Ranch & The Hitchhiker Effect (Part 2) Episode Sponsors: Go to Hellofresh.com/fright16 and use code fright16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!  Sign up for Chime Checking today by going to chime.com/frightful See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Skinwalker Ranch in Utah is famous for being a paranormal hotspot, but most people focuses on the strange activity reported on the ranch, like strange lights in the sky, mutilated cattle and sightings of weird wolf-like creatures. Tonight we begin a two part exploration profile of government workers who have not only had unexplained experienced on the ranch, they have brought back paranormal activity with them. Can paranormal experiences follow us and infect others like a contagion? I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful we explore ‘The Wolves that Follow You Home - Skinwalker Ranch & The Hitchhiker Effect (Part 1)' Core Sources: [Skinwalkers at the Pentagon](https://www.amazon.com/Skinwalkers-Pentagon-Insiders-Account-Government/dp/B09HR54GQF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684167561&sr=8-1 "‌") by Lacatski, Kelleher and Knapp (2021) [Hunt for the Skinwalke](https://www.amazon.com/Skinwalkers-Pentagon-Insiders-Account-Government/dp/B09HR54GQF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684167561&sr=8-1 "‌")r by Kelleher and Knapp, (2005) [Skinwalker Ranch Insider Program ](https://join.skinwalker-ranch.com/ "‌") [The Pentagon’s Secret UFO Porgram, the Hitchhiker Effect, and Models of Contagion](https://scientificexploration.s3.amazonaws.com/files/edgescience-50.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJXJ6FAXJI7UFHDLQ&Expires=1684167899&Signature=PGtrs59t%2B66UzRgpktFsP3J9Tk8%3D "‌") by Kelleher, Edgescience Journal, (2022) Episode Sponsor: Go sign up for a Chime Checking Account today to link your paycheck. It only takes two minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get started at [http://chime.com/frightful](http://chime.com/frightful "smartCard-inline") See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[Part 2] This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.  It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1: Foul Play: Crime Series Music City 911 Crimes from the East  Cults, Crimes, Cabernet  A Nefarious Nightmare  Crimelines  The Asian Madness Podcast  Part 2: Once Upon A Crime  PNW Haunts & Homicides The Trail Went Cold  Coffee & Cases Already Gone  Twisted and Uncorked  Mystery Inc  If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows.  It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1: Foul Play: Crime Series Music City 911 Crimes from the East  Cults, Crimes, Cabernet  A Nefarious Nightmare  Crimelines  The Asian Madness Podcast  Part 2: Once Upon A Crime  PNW Haunts & Homicides The Trail Went Cold  Coffee & Cases Already Gone  Twisted and Uncorked  Mystery Inc  If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We conclude our two-part look at ‘The Frightful World of Imaginary Friends’, exploring particularly dark cases of invisible companions who have urged others…to murder. I also share about my own imaginary friend from childhood. Core Source: https://cfz.org.uk/book/invizikids/ (book by Michael Hallowell) Discount Codes: Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code frightful149  Start making your financial dreams a reality with Chime! Get started at May is Mental Health Awareness Month - take a step to live a better life with online therapy. AND they are in-network with most major insurance! Get started with $100 off your first month at Talkspace.com/disaster Zocdoc is the only free app that lets you find AND book doctors who are patient-reviewed, take your insurance, and are available when you need them. Go to Zocdoc.com/hiddenstaircase to download the free app now!  Visit us online. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Help support our show through Patreon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young girl returns from pre-school and tells her mother all about her new friend Soosha. She wants a colour backpack like Soosha, and hair ribbons like Soosha. She talks of Soosha every day after school. The girls mother attend a school event and, out of curiousity, asks a teacher to point out who Soosha is. The teacher says…'We have no girl called Soosha here.' Who are these invisible companions who young children speak to - are they harmless figments of a healthy imagination, or something supernatural…even sinister. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on this two part episode, we explore ‘The Frightful World of Imaginary Friends.’ Sponsor:   Get $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code frightful149  Core Source: https://cfz.org.uk/book/invizikids/ (book by Michael Hallowell) Visit us online. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Help support our show through Patreon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1: Crimelines Rotten to the Core Frightful Mind over Murder The Trail Went Cold The Hidden Staircase Hometown History Part 2: Wicked Deeds Obscura: A True Crime Podcast Hillbilly Horror Stories  History Goes Bump Judgy Crime Girls Foul Play: Crime Series If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters, including Peter from Frightful, as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other.  It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event.  Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Part 1: Crimelines Rotten to the Core Frightful Mind over Murder The Trail Went Cold The Hidden Staircase Hometown History Part 2: Wicked Deeds Obscura: A True Crime Podcast Hillbilly Horror Stories  History Goes Bump Judgy Crime Girls Foul Play: Crime Series If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a spate of UFO/UAP sightings in recent years, the military, media and government seem more open to the possibility of extra-terrestrial visitors. Yet most of the reports inspire us to only look up into the heavens and watch the skies. Tonight, we hear a chilling account from one eye witness, who had a bizarre encounter while travelling by rail from Stratford-Upon-Avon to Swansea, South Wales in the UK. Her story prompts us not to look up at the sky…but rather to our left and right…to who might be sitting next to us on public transport. I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Frightful we take a terrifying ride…with the Aliens on the Train. Episode Sponsor: Start making your financial dreams a reality with Chime. Signing up only takes two minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get started at http://chime.com/frightful Sources: This episode is based on an account given to the UFO researcher Richard Dolan. Thanks: Thanks go to researcher Fred Andersson, for bringing this strange tale to my attention. Special thanks to Tracy Allen and Albie Robles for their voice work in this episode. You can hire Albie here and he comes highly recommended by Frightful. https://www.albieroblesvoice.com/ Visit us online. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Help support our show through Patreon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I stumbled across a photograph of a mysterious woman on the internet, I was both attracted and disturbed. I had an immediate sense that this beautiful woman had a strange frightening quality. As I dug deeper, I realised my instincts were right. Tonight on Frightful we explore the disturbing story of Anne Hamilton Byrne, a cult leader who systematically stole children to create loving community for herself called ‘The Family.' She forced the kids to wear matching tracksuits and bleaching their hair blonde makes for an eerie sight…but this was the least of her horrors. Brace yourself for tonight’s Frightful, which may be upsetting to some listeners due to references to child cruelty. Yet the story is a fascinating exploration of one of the few female cult leaders. Meet Anne Hamilton Byrne…better known as ‘The Most Evil Woman in Australia’. Join our Patreon. Visit us online. Find us on all podcasting platforms. Help support our show through Patreon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Episode Sponsor: So start your credit journey with Chime. Sign up takes only two minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get Started at chime.com/frightful See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

…12 dates … …14 love gone wrong stories… …Will YOU be my Valentine? This Valentine’s Day, prepare for a unique podcast experience! Shane Waters will introduce 14 crime podcast hosts. Each host brings a new, love gone wrong true story to mix. It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Valentine event.  Part 2 of 2. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: In this Part 2 Episode: 1. Sirens 2. The Trail Went Cold 3. Method and Madness 4. True Crime Cases with Lanie 5. Crimelines 6. Love Murder 7. Foul Play: Crime Series In the Part 1 Episode: 1. Murder She Told 2. True Crime Island 3. Hillbilly Horror Stories 4. Tapes from the Darkside 5. Coffee and Cases 6. Gone Cold – Texas True Crime 7. Live, Laugh, Larceny See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.