It’s bracket time! In this special episode of Spooky or Not, we’re pitting some of the world’s most legendary cryptids and paranormal creatures against each other in a head-to-head tournament. From Bigfoot and Mothman to Skinwalkers and Black Eyed Kids, we debate who would win in a supernatural showdown. Will your favorite make it to the final round? Fill out your bracket ahead of time using the link in the episode description and play along with us. This one’s all for fun, but fair warning: we’ve got strong opinions. Let the Monster Mayhem begin.
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In this episode, we journey deep into the woods to explore one of the most iconic legends in cryptid lore: Bigfoot. From ancient indigenous stories to modern-day sightings, we look at the history, theories, and cultural obsession surrounding this elusive creature. We break down the most well-known encounters - including the infamous Patterson-Gimlin footage - and examine casts, hair samples, and even an FBI file. We also dive into wild theories: is Bigfoot a relic hominid, a government cover-up, or something... otherworldly? Whether you're a full-on believer or a skeptic with a soft spot for Harry and the Hendersons, this one's for you.
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The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
The FBI Vault - Bigfoot Part 01 (Final)
History.com - Bigfoot was Investigated by the FBI. Here’s what they Found
Smithsonian Magazine - Why Do So Many People Still Want to Believe in Bigfoot?
American Museum of Natural History - Beyond Bigfoot
LiveScience.com - Is Bigfoot real?
DiscoveryUK.com - The Patterson-Gimlin Film: Evidence of Bigfoot or Elaborate Hoax?
DavidWalker1964 - Roger Patterson Bigfoot Footage (Youtube)
Squatch Mafia - New Remastered HD Version of the Patterson Gimlin Film (Youtube)
Episodes to get familiar with for Monster MAYhem - coming in May!
The Mapinguari
Krampus
Beyond the Broomstick: Witches and Witchcraft
The Loveland Frogman
Eyes of Darkness: The Haunting Phenomenon of BEK
Poltergeist Pandemonium
Vampires
Werewolves
Curses & Spirits: Inside the Bell Witch Haunting
Korean Legends: Tales of Terror & Tradition
The Chupacabra
Shape-Shifters of the Night: The Skinwalker Legend
Twisted Tinsel: Tales of Dark Elves
The Flatwoods Monster
Legends and Lore: The Jersey Devil Explained
Dark Wings, Deadly Warnings: The Mothman
In this episode, we dig into the chilling legend of the Mothman - the winged, red-eyed creature that terrorized Point Pleasant, West Virginia in the late 1960s. From eerie eyewitness accounts and government cover-up theories to electromagnetic interference and psychic distress, we explore multiple unsettling angles of the story. We also dive into the Mothman’s strange ties to global disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima, questioning whether this creature is a cryptid, a curse, or a cosmic warning. Along the way, we uncover how a once-feared figure became the unlikely mascot of a town, complete with statues, festivals, and cinematic fame. So… is the Mothman a myth, a misidentification, or something much more ominous?
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Folklife Magazine - An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia
WCHS News - Man photographs creature that resembles legendary "Mothman" of Point Pleasant
12WBOY - The Legend of Mothman - Paranormal W.Va.
American Hauntings - Mothman! The Enigma of Point Pleasant
Spooky Appalachia - Encounter with The Mysterious Mothman
Patch - Winged Freak Terrorizes Chicago?
WBEZ Chicago - The case of the Chicago Mothman
ClutchMOV - Wild, Wonderful and Weird: The Mothman
The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online - Mothman
It's Something Wiki - Black Bird of Chernobyl
Vocal Media Fiction - The Mothman who Freaked out Hundreds of People
Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack: Season 12, Episode 6 - Mothman (On Youtube)
Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4, Episode 5 - The Mothman Revisited (On Netflix)
Episodes to get familiar with - More info coming soon:
The Mapinguari
Krampus
Beyond the Broomstick: Witches and Witchcraft
The Loveland Frogman
Eyes of Darkness: The Haunting Phenomenon of BEK
Poltergeist Pandemonium
Vampires
Werewolves
Curses & Spirits: Inside the Bell Witch Haunting
Korean Legends: Tales of Terror & Tradition
The Chupacabra
Shape-Shifters of the Night: The Skinwalker Legend
Twisted Tinsel: Tales of Dark Elves
The Flatwoods Monster
Legends and Lore: The Jersey Devil Explained
In Part 2 of our Dyatlov Pass investigation, we look into the chilling theories behind the unexplained deaths of nine hikers who vanished into the Ural Mountains in 1959. From avalanches and Soviet cover-ups to infrasound, cold-induced madness, and even cryptid encounters, we unravel each theory to see what holds up—and what falls apart. We also explore a 2021 study that reignited belief in the avalanche theory, and question whether science alone can explain the terror and trauma found at the scene. Through the mystery and madness, we never forget the truth at the heart of this story: nine young people, full of life, who met an end no one can fully explain. This case remains unsolved—but the mountain remembers.
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Dyatlovpass.com - HUGE resource
The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Why the Hiker Deaths Remain a Mystery (History.com )
Mechanisms of slab avalanche release and impact in the Dyatlov Pass incident in 1959 (Nature.com)
The Mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Incident (Lost In History)
The Dyatlov Pass Incident - Nick Crowley (Youtube )
In this chilling episode we begin our journey into one of the most haunting unsolved mysteries of the 20th century: the Dyatlov Pass Incident. In 1959, nine experienced hikers set out on a trek through the Ural Mountains—only to vanish under strange and terrifying circumstances. Join us as we unravel the background of the hikers, their fateful journey, and the deeply unsettling discoveries made in the aftermath of their disappearance. From the abandoned tent to the mysterious state of the bodies, Part I sets the stage for a story that has baffled the world for decades.
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Spooky or Not Podcast Suggestion Form
Dyatlovpass.com - HUGE resource
The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Why the Hiker Deaths Remain a Mystery (History.com )
The Mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Incident (Lost In History)
The Dyatlov Pass Incident - Nick Crowley (Youtube )
Today we’re heading into the shadows of the Pine Barrens to uncover the truth behind one of America’s oldest cryptid legends. Is the Jersey Devil just a tall tale told to keep kids out of the woods? Or is there something real hiding among the trees?
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Spooky or Not Podcast Suggestion Form
Folklore and Historical Context
Jersey Devil and the Pine Barrens
On this week’s episode we’re talking glowing eyes, a towering figure, and a chilling mystery that’s become legendary. The story of the Flatwoods Monster is a tale that blends small-town folklore, extraterrestrial intrigue, and a healthy dose of fear. But what really happened that night? Was it an alien visitor, a government cover-up, or just a trick of the imagination? Buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride.
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The Flatwoods Monster Official Site
History of the Flatwoods Monster
In this chilling episode, we explore four mysterious UFO encounters that have left military officials and civilians alike scratching their heads. From the strange disappearance of a jet to a helicopter taken over by an otherworldly force, these stories defy explanation. Are these stories part of a government cover-up? A secret mission gone wrong? Or something far more bizarre? Join us as we unwind these spine-tingling tales and attempt to make sense of what happened to those who vanished in the face of the unknown.
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UFO Insight - The Little-Known 1949 Norwood UFO Searchlight Encounters
Nick Crowley - The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich
Dark Docs - The Creepy Missing F-89 Pilot - The Kinross UFO Incident
OhioMagazine.com - The Case of Ohio’s Best Documented UFO
Richland County History - UFOs Over Richland County: 1973
Journal of Scientific Exploration- Valentich Disappearance: New Evidence and a New Conclusion
Open Skies Project - The Kinross Incident
History.com - This Air Force Jet Was Scrambled to Intercept a UFO—Then Disappeared
Military Air Shows - Frederick Valentich UFO Incident
In the shadows of holiday folklore we explore the sinister side of a seemingly harmless helper—elves. They’re not always the jolly toymakers we imagine
or the elegant creatures of fantasy realms. Some elves are tricksters... and maybe something much, much darker.
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https://www.euclidlibrary.org/content/elves
https://www.britannica.com/topic/elf-mythology
https://www.livescience.com/39689-history-of-elves.html
In this week’s episode of Spooky or Not, we explore one of history’s most chilling and tragic events: the rise and fall of Jim Jones and the People’s Temple, culminating in the Jonestown massacre. With a focus on understanding how this movement began and how ordinary people became entrapped in such a devastating tragedy, we explore Jones’ early ideology, his appeal to marginalized communities, and the promises that drew thousands to follow him. This episode approaches the subject with sensitivity and respect for the victims, offering insight into how such a tragedy could unfold while exploring its lasting legacy. Tune in for a sobering and thoughtful exploration of the People’s Temple and Jonestown—a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the resilience of those who survived.
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https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/jonestown-guyana/
https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/jonestown
https://www.apa.org/monitor/nov03/jonestown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8aYSApnng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW8MbTA2WpM
Walk with us down the twisting hallways and endless staircases of one of America's most haunted mansions, the Winchester House. This isn’t just a house—it's a maze of rooms that lead to nowhere, staircases that end in ceilings, and doors that open onto thin air. It’s a place built by obsession, and perhaps a touch of madness.
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https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/winchester-mystery-house
In this special Halloween episode, we dive deep into the origins of Halloween, tracing the spine-chilling roots of the holiday back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Discover how old-world customs evolved into today’s trick-or-treating traditions, and hear eerie tales that remind us why Halloween is the creepiest night of the year. We’ll explore fascinating Halloween facts, the legends behind jack-o'-lanterns, and share two haunting, true-to-life stories from Halloween nights that will make you think twice about checking under the bed. Settle in for the perfect blend of Halloween history, and spooky fun in this week’s episode!
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https://iso.mit.edu/americanisms/halloween-origins-and-current-traditions/
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
https://www.cambridgeschool.com/es/the-origins-of-halloween.html
https://ruhighlander.org/home/2023/10/23/the-true-crimes-of-halloween.
https://www.ef.edu/blog/language/13-thrilling-facts-bet-didnt-know-halloween/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/a35150/halloween-facts/
In this spine-chilling episode, we look into three haunting urban legends that will keep you up at night. First, we explore the mysterious Vanishing Hitchhiker, a ghostly figure who disappears from the backseat, leaving behind a chilling story. Next, we uncover the terror of The Licked Hand, a tale of trust shattered by a horrific twist. Finally, we examine the real-life horror behind The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs, rooted in a tragic murder that inspired this frightening story. Join us as we navigate the thin line between myth and reality in the world of urban legends.
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https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-vanishing-hitchhiker/
https://nerdbot.com/2023/08/31/urban-legend-fact-or-fiction-the-vanishing-hitchhiker/
https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/humans-can-lick-too-how-urban-legends-spread
https://hauntheads.wordpress.com/2017/10/03/humans-can-lick-too/
https://vocal.media/horror/the-killer-upstairs-and-other-babysitting-urban-legends
We’re venturing into one of the most haunted places in the world, The Tower of London. But here’s the thing—there aren’t just a few restless souls roaming the halls. There are chilling tales of not one… not two… but thirteen ghosts. Thirteen spirits, each with their own story of misery, revenge, or unfinished business.
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https://www.exploring-castles.com/uk/england/tower_london_ghosts/
https://londondarktourist.com/ghosts-of-the-tower-of-london/
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tower-of-London
In this chilling episode of Spooky or Not, we explore the eerie tales of Scotland, exploring its haunted history and spine-tingling legends. Join us as we uncover the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard, the ghostly whispers of Mary King’s Close, and the haunting South Bridge Vaults. We’ll also examine the haunted beach of Sandwood bay and the dark legacy of the Scottish witch trials. With insights from a special guest and friend of the podcast, Tom, who recently experienced a ghost tour in Edinburgh, get ready for a journey through Scotland’s scariest stories and supernatural phenomena!
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https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/blog/most-haunted-places-in-scotland/
https://scotlands-stories.com/10-of-the-most-haunted-places-in-scotland/
https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/haunted-sites
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-51296027
https://edinburgh.org/blog/tales-from-beyond-the-grave-in-edinburgh/
https://blog.historicenvironment.scot/2022/06/the-witchcraft-act-and-its-impact-in-scotland/
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0fr45qh/witch-trials-scotland-s-loneliest-grave
https://spookyscotland.net/isobel-gowdie/
https://www.history.com/news/7-bizarre-witch-trial-tests
In the heart of Old Town San Diego stands a structure with a dark legacy—a place where those who once lived have never truly left. Built on the site of a public execution, it became the home of one of the city's most prominent families. But the Whaley House quickly gained a reputation not for its grandeur, but for its eerie encounters with the paranormal.
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https://sandiegoexplorer.com/whaley-house-san-diego/
https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/the-whaley-house-explore-history-and-hauntings/
https://lajollamom.com/whaley-house-museum-san-diego/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaley_House_(San_Diego,_California)
In this chilling episode of Spooky or Not, we explore the terrifying world of Skinwalkers—a dark legend rooted in Navajo folklore. Known as powerful witches capable of shape-shifting into animals, Skinwalkers strike fear into the hearts of those who believe in their existence. Join us as we explore the origins of these eerie beings, the disturbing powers they possess, and the bone-chilling encounters people claim to have experienced. Are Skinwalkers simply a cautionary tale, or is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows? Listen, if you dare.
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https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/skinwalker.htm
https://www.newmexicoexplorer.com/native-american-skinwalkers/
https://mythos-and-legends.fandom.com/wiki/Skinwalker
https://allthatsinteresting.com/skinwalker
From charismatic leaders who promise salvation to loyal followers willing to give up everything, the phenomenon of cults is both fascinating and frightening. But what draws people into these groups? How do leaders gain such absolute control?
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/most-famous-cults-history
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/cults-dangerous-deadly-history/
https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-infamous-cults.htm
In this episode, we dive into one of the most long-standing maritime mysteries: the eerie tale of the Mary Celeste. We’ll uncover the ship’s troubled history before its infamous voyage, the chilling discovery by the crew of the Dei Gratia, and the theories that attempt to explain what happened to the vanished crew. From piracy and mutiny to sea creatures and tragic human error, we explore every angle of this century-old enigma. Tune in to unravel the mystery that has left historians and sailors alike baffled for generations.
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https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/abandoned-ship-the-mary-celeste-174488104/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mary-Celeste
https://www.kingmanyachtcenter.com/an-october-ghost-story-mary-celeste/
https://www.history.com/news/what-happened-to-the-mary-celeste
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2006/may/solved-mystery-mary-celeste
In this episode, we're uncovering the truth behind one of the most infamous cryptids of all time: the Chupacabra. Known for its terrifying tales and blood-sucking habits, but what’s the real story behind this elusive creature? Is it just a myth, or could there be something lurking in the shadows?
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chupacabra
https://www.britannica.com/topic/chupacabra
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/mythic-creatures/land/modern-myths
http://www.princeton.edu/~accion/chupa.html