Mission Spooky

Before bright lights, TV deals, and packed arenas, wrestling found its footing in traveling carnivals. In this episode, we dive into the gritty, colorful world of carnival wrestling—where it all began. We’ll trace the early days of grapplers who took on all comers, highlight the men and women whose influence still shapes the sport, and spotlight a few groundbreaking promoters who turned sideshow bouts into the foundation of modern ...

In this episode, we explore one of the most chilling and bizarre murder-for-hire plots in American history: the Philadelphia Poison Ring. During the Great Depression and into the early 1940s, a quiet rowhome neighborhood became the center of a deadly scheme led by Italian immigrant cousins Herman and Paul Petrillo. Behind the veil of a magical fix or insurance fraud was a criminal operation that blended superstition, arsenic, and m...

In this hard-hitting hockey recap, we look back at the best and worst moments of last season, including the continuing saga of the President’s Trophy curse and the teams that just couldn’t survive the weight of being #1. We spotlight the elusive “phantom goalies,” those once-in-a-lifetime emergency backups and one-game wonders who lived the NHL dream for a fleeting moment.

Then we turn the ice cold, diving into the darker side o...

In this special April Fools Day episode, we dive into a collection of eerie and unexplained mysteries tied to April. We uncover the bizarre 1897 airship mystery—one of the strangest UFO-adjacent stories from the late 19th century—before setting sail into the legend of the Ourang Medan and the mysterious Kaz II, two ships with stories as eerie as the open sea. Alongside these maritime and aerial enigmas, we explore key historical e...

Tucked away in the heart of Philadelphia, Elfreth’s Alley is more than just a picturesque historic landmark—it’s a street with nearly 300 years of stories, secrets, and spirits.

In this episode, we’ll explore the history of America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, from its origins as a colonial trade hub to the eerie tales whispered by those who walk its cobblestone paths today.

Do spirits haunt this area? Join us...

In this week's episode, we delve into the tragic tale of Mabel Betchel's mysterious murder in Allentown, PA, and the ghostly presence of Thomas Betchel. Uncover the twisted history behind this unsolved case and explore the lingering specter said to roam what was once Thomas's prison cell. Is it guilt, grief, or something more sinister that binds Thomas's spirit to this world? Tune in as we piece together the clues and uncover what ...

Nestled near the crossroads of history, the Eutaw House has stood as a silent witness to centuries of change. Once a bustling inn and tavern along a well-traveled stagecoach route, this historic landmark has hosted weary travelers, military figures, and perhaps even spirits from its storied past.

In this episode, we uncover the fascinating history of the Eutaw House—from its origins in the early 1800s to its role in Pennsylvania’s e...

As winter tightens its icy grip, ancient legends tell of creatures that emerge with the snow and cold. In this episode, we explore chilling tales from Inuit and Algonquin folklore, uncovering the fearsome Snow Wasset—an elusive predator that burrows beneath the snow—and the mighty Pamola, a spirit of the mountains with the power to control storms. Join us as we delve into the eerie myths of the frozen wilderness and the beings that...

Welcome to Season Six of Mission Spooky! Today, we’re diving into one of the most infamous objects in the paranormal world: the Dybbuk Box. You’ve probably heard the spine-chilling stories—a cursed wine cabinet haunted by a malevolent Jewish spirit, causing chaos, bad luck, and even death to those who dare to own it. But how much of this story is rooted in fact, and how much of it is just a cleverly marketed hoax?

In this episode, ...

Food is essential to life, but what happens when it turns deadly?

This episode explores the bizarre and macabre tales of individuals who met their untimely ends because of food. From factory workers tragically killed by industrial food production to mysterious and fatal meals, we delve into the dark side of our culinary world. Stories include the potato poisoning that claimed lives, a box of chocolate disaster, the sticky horror of...

Join us for a lovely chat with Thersa Matsuura, author of The Book of Japanese Folklore. Known for her podcast Uncanny Japan and decades of exploring Japan's cultural myths and legends, Thersa shares insights into her favorite Yokai, her journey through Japanese folklore, and which Yokai she wouldn't like to meet in a dark alley! We also discuss Halloween's rising popularity in Japan, exploring how this Western tradition has been e...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and legally complex world of human remains. From the strict laws preventing the keeping of bones to the eerie allure of necromancy, we explore its origins in ancient Greece. We tackle the bizarre case of the witch who stole bones from New Orleans' Holt Cemetery, sparking a scandal known as "Bonegazi". Plus, we touch on the grim history of resurrectionists and the life of Grandison Harri...

Happy Indigenous People's Day!

In this episode, we expose the unsettling truth about stolen Indigenous peoples' remains in some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Illinois State Museum.

We dive into the ethical and legal battles surrounding the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a law designed to return these sacred remains ...

In this episode, we discuss the disturbing and complex history of cannibalism. We explore the use of human body parts in corpse medicine—a practice once considered medicinal. We then dive into the legal questions surrounding the consumption of human flesh, examining the societal and cultural implications of such acts. Shifting to science, we analyze the psychological, biological, and evolutionary aspects of cannibalism, including h...

In this end of Summer episode, we dive deep into some of Japan's most notorious and unsettling Yokai. These spirits and supernatural beings evoke fear, fascination, and intrigue. Join us as we explore the legends surrounding these five chilling figures and more:

1. Oni: The fearsome Oni, Japan’s iconic ogre-like demons, take center stage as we examine their immense strength, wicked nature, and the role they play as both vi...

In this special episode, released on the day of the Hungry Ghost Festival 2024, we delve into the haunting and fascinating world of Hungry Ghosts. These spirits, driven by insatiable desires and unfulfilled cravings, are a significant part of both folklore and religious teachings in East Asian cultures. Join us as we explore the lore and philosophy surrounding these tormented souls:

1. Gaki: Discover the eerie tales of the Gak...

In the third installment of our Yokai series, we explore various unique and captivating Yokai - priests, wizards, and inanimate objects. These supernatural beings, each with distinct characteristics and stories, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. Join us as we delve into the lore of seven intriguing Yokai:

1. Hitotsume Nyūdō: Discover the eerie tales of the Hitotsume Nyūdō, a one-eyed monk...