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Astonishing Legends

Astonishing Legends

Scott Philbrook

History, Society & Culture

4.69.8K Ratings

Overview

The world is more mysterious than most people are comfortable imagining. We cross paths with the mystical from time to time and may not even notice it. If we do, we quickly return to our usually mundane daily existence. But what if we not only acknowledged the unknown, we investigated it and spoke with those in the know? That's what co-hosts Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, and co-executive producer Tess Pfeifle do at Astonishing Legends. Over 100 million downloads and hundreds of thousands of listeners have discovered the thrill of exploring the mysteries of our world, showing that the unknown can be both captivating and intriguing. Welcome to Astonishing Legends!

379 Episodes

28: The Wood Sprite

In tonight’s dead letter, we dive deep into the woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with Alicia, an experienced outdoorswoman who encounters a mysterious forest dweller during her hunting trip. As she waits silently, a small, dark form captures her attention—what could it possibly be? Is it a creature of folklore peeking into our world, or just an intricate game of light and shadow? Michigan's Upper Peninsula 'The Wood Sprite' by Nabokov Pukwudgie Fairies Astonishing Dead Letter Office Send your stories to [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

27: The Scented Ghost

In tonight’s dead letter, we dive into "The Scented Ghost," a story from Buffalo, New York, shared by our listener Cheryl. In her old apartment, she and her boyfriend often noticed a strong, unusual floral scent, which could selectively present itself to either one of them. Things got eerie when Cheryl encountered a mysterious figure one night, leaving her spooked. Years later, a chance encounter adds an unexpected twist to her tale, connecting her to a total stranger who had a similar experience in literally the exact same apartment. https://paranormalglobe.com/2018/07/29/can-you-smell-ghosts-4-paranormal-smells-to-look-out-for/ https://www.hauntedrooms.com/new-york/buffalo/haunted-places Send your stories to [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

The Max Headroom Pirate TV Incident Part 2

In Part 2 of our series on the Max Headroom Broadcast Signal Interruption, we dig deeper into the analog chaos that unfolded in 1987 Chicago — a surreal, rebellious hijacking that mocked media itself. We explore the investigation, the lingering mystery, and what it says about how we interact with technology, culture, and entertainment today. Who was behind that mask? Who wielded that fly-swatter? Let’s get into it.  Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2025

26: There's No Place like Gnome

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Leah experiences repeated visits from what appear to be gnome-like beings. The visits began after she began practicing Wicca, and thankfully, these mysterious creatures appear to be non-threatening…but persistent. Are they simply hallucinations connected to sleep paralysis, or are they part of the fabric of reality that is hidden from us most of the time? Email your stories to [email protected] https://hangar1publishing.com/blogs/cryptids/evil-gnomes-mythology

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

25: Knockin' on Devil's Den Door

In tonight's dead letter, we explore the eerie experiences of Allie, a PhD candidate from the University of Arkansas, who revisits the hauntingly notorious Devil's Den in the Ozark National Forest. As shared with hosts Scott and Forrest, Allie's research expeditions become unsettling when she feels an unseen presence and hears unexplained banging noises near isolated trails and bridges. Her tales echo past episodes with guest of our main show, Terry Lovelace, adding another layer to the chilling lore of this paranormal hotspot.  Shownotes: Abduction at Devil’s Den (Terry Lovelace) Devil’s Den the Reckoning Part 1 Devil’s Den the Reckoning Part 2 Devil's Den State Park Devil's Den State Park Wikipedia Terry Lovelace Books at Amazon https://a.co/d/cA4eG3f https://a.co/d/j7l4PFJ

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The Max Headroom Pirate TV Incident Part 1

Before streaming and scrolling there was broadcast television—shared signals sent through the air for anyone with an antenna to catch. But when something’s that open, it’s also open to hijacking. In part one of our two-part series, we dig into one of the most bizarre and legendary cases of broadcast piracy: the Max Headroom Incident. On November 22, 1987, two Chicago stations were interrupted by a strange figure in a Max Headroom mask, delivering surreal, unsettling messages in a two-minute broadcast that has baffled and fascinated for nearly four decades. Who did it, why, and how did they pull it off? We explore the theories, the tech, and the legend that refuses to fade. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

24: The Shadow Man Who Wasn't There

In tonight's dead letter, we hear from Jada who encountered a shadowy figure with red eyes on two separate occasions in different locations. The first sighting occurred during a summer church camp, but the second happened years later and was witnessed by her boyfriend, who doesn’t believe in this kind of stuff. Are hauntings tied to people rather than places? Or tied to anything at all? The more we learn, the more questions we have.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

23: Unwanted Houseguests

In tonight’s dead letter, a listener shares her stories of a childhood filled with unexplained phenomena in her family home just outside Toronto. From a mischievous spectral boy seen by the whole family to disembodied voices and a chilling sense of dread, their experiences were chalked up to "ghosts" as a family joke. But the story takes a strange turn when the spirit of "Robert Barber" appears in her dad's dream, a name that has a bizarre connection to a local mill and perhaps even her grandfather. https://www.theifp.ca/news/is-robert-barber-haunting-his-former-mill/article_4f000b62-5015-568e-8ee7-4eb3a1d4f70f.html https://freaktography.com/abandoned-barber-paper-mill/ https://ominous.app/browse/site/603

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

What Lies Beneath the Pyramids of Egypt

This week, we dive into a viral story that is captivating social media and stirring global debate — a supposed discovery beneath the sands of Giza that some are calling the find of the century. Descriptions of a vast, multi-level complex with geometric passageways, deep shafts, and mysterious chambers have sparked theories ranging from ancient power plants to the legendary Halls of Amenti. Could this be a groundbreaking revelation? A misinterpretation of data? Something even stranger? We’ll explore the evidence, the claims, and the science behind this unfolding mystery to form some theories of our own. So join us as we examine another layer to one of history’s most enduring enigmas. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

22: Bunny in a Tuxedo

In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly bizarre family tale spanning generations. Taylor shares her mother's childhood encounter with a giant, tuxedo-clad bunny rabbit residing in her friend's shower—a story echoed by her own childhood sighting of a similar figure.  Could this be a family secret, a shared hallucination, or something far more uncanny? Púca

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

A Scared to Death Timesuck with Dan Cummins

This week, we welcome master storyteller, podcaster, and comedian Dan Cummins, creator of the hit shows Timesuck and Scared to Death. Known for his deep dives into historical mysteries and the supernatural, Dan brings scholarly research paired with sharp wit. We’ve long admired the quality and depth of his work, which often parallels our own. Our conversation spans his paranormal encounters, the eerie legend of Rasputin, and a bizarre experience he had that mirrors one of Scott’s — with coincidences too strange to ignore. We’ll also explore Dan’s unique path into podcasting, his prolific creative output, and his passion for the unexplained. Plus, Scott shares a story from his recent visit to the Rhine Institute in Durham, where he learned about cutting-edge research into human bioluminescence. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2025

21: A Call From Beyond

In tonight’s Dead Letter, we explore a mysterious phone call received by long-time listener Michelle in the 1980s.  The caller identified himself as "Uncle Bill," a relative she had never known, leaving a lasting impression on her and her family.  Her parents' stunned reaction to the call adds to the unsettling mystery. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Call_(The_Twilight_Zone) https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/last-call-3/

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

20: The Haunted Firehouse

Due to an error last week, this Dead Letter Office didn't make it to the main feed so here it is now! There's a NEW one tomorrow too!  In tonight’s dead letter, we explore the chilling tales of paranormal activity at a haunted firehouse, as recounted by volunteer firefighter Ken Sanner Jr.  Ken details a series of unsettling events, from flickering lights and moving objects to disembodied voices and unexplained shadows—even a heavy metal door mysteriously opening on a windless day. There’s something more than meets they eye going on at this place, but what?

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

Battle of Los Angeles

On the night of February 25, 1942, less than three months after Pearl Harbor, Los Angeles was gripped by fear as air raid sirens wailed and a total blackout stretched to the Mexican border. Powerful arc lamps lit up the sky, and anti-aircraft guns fired wildly as reports of enemy aircraft flooded in — some claiming planes crashed down across the city, though no wreckage was found. Even military leaders couldn’t agree on what had happened. Some dismissing it as a false alarm, while others insisted non-U.S. aircraft were present. Eyewitnesses, including trained military observers, described seeing strange, slow-moving objects — one even shaped like a butterfly — and estimating anywhere from 1 to 25 of these aircraft. Decades later, declassified documents suggested the military misled the public, with one army chief allegedly reporting to President Roosevelt that the craft were likely of interplanetary origin. This week, we travel back to 1942 to sift through the conflicting reports, from that night and beyond, to help theorize the true nature of the so-called "Battle of Los Angeles." Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2025

19: Not of this Earth

In tonight’s dead letter, we explore a listener’s astonishing story connecting to the infamous USS Nimitz Tic-Tac UFO incident.  Mike recounts childhood encounters with doppelgangers and later, his ex-wife's dream of grays influencing her pregnancy. Their son even refers to a "space dad," adding another layer to this already unbelievable tale. We were shocked to get a dead letter directly connected to such a major UAP event, and it has some wild implications about how far-reaching and multi-faceted a UAP encounter can be.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

18: The Co-Worker's Gift

In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly astonishing story from listener Gus about his daughter Tara. Tara's coworker, on her last shift before college, revealed he could see spirits and described three surrounding Tara – her deceased grandparents and grandmother, accurately detailing their names, causes of death, and even the months they passed. Then he made a startling observation about Gus himself. There are those that think that all psychics are con artists or expert cold readers, but does this story fit that mold?

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

The Baldoon Mystery with Dr. Rick Fehr

In the fall of 1829, a Scottish settlement was thrown into turmoil by an invisible tormentor whose nightly mischief escalated into arson. Despite constant watch and attempted exorcisms, flames erupted repeatedly in one targeted home until its terrified occupants fled, only to see it burn to the ground. Seeking refuge in a neighboring house, they were again assailed by eerie noises, flickering blue candle flames, strange embers, and the sulfuric scent of brimstone. More disturbingly, unseen forces pelted them with lead balls and slugs—harmless but relentless. Unable to endure the torment any longer, the villagers summoned a witch doctor in hopes of banishing the fiend once and for all. This week, we are joined by local expert Dr. Rick Fehr for a deep dive into the origins of this legend. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2025

17: Peripheral Presence

Listener Chloe’s Dead Letter starts out talking about the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard. One of the earliest topics on the main show here at Astonishing Legends. It quickly transitions to her visit to the Edinburgh underground vaults and an unsettling experience she had there on a ghost tour. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Kirkyard https://astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2016/12/8/ep-003-greyfriars-kirkyard-halloween-special?rq=greyfriars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Vaults

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Seth Breedlove - Small Town Monster

This week, we’re delving into the world of cryptids and unexplained phenomena again with Seth Breedlove, founder of Small Town Monsters. Celebrating 10 years of documenting America’s legends, 2025 promises to be their most ambitious year yet with four new projects. We'll discuss Dawn of the Dogman, exploring Michigan’s mysterious Dogman, and The Kinderhook Creature, a chilling tale from New York's Hudson Valley. As well as upcoming projects on the eerie Bennington Triangle and the harrowing Siege of Ape Canyon. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these fascinating legends and how Small Town Monsters continues to push the boundaries of cryptid filmmaking. Plus, Seth shares some of the most unusual encounters he's had along the way. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

16: The Underwater Trip

In tonight’s dead letter, Jonathan, a self-described skeptic and psychonaut, recounts his experience taking DMT that led to an encounter with an omniscient entity, sparking a discussion about the nature of reality and the potential for interdimensional beings. The guys talk about similar experiences, highlighting the parallels between Jonathan's psychedelic journey and sober encounters reported by others. What could altered states of consciousness reveal about our universe? The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where your stories die to be told!

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

15: Voices in My Ear

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

14: It's Ok Karl

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2025

13: Swami Mystery Talking Board

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 1

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2025

12: Stained

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

2025 Next Episode Announcement!

A very important announcement about our next episode!

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

11: Hatman Assault

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

10: Grimacing in the Woods

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

9: The Irrcenraq

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

The Astonishing Legends All-Star Holiday Special V

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

8: Uninvited Guests

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

9: “The Program” with Director James Fox

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2024

“The Program” with Director James Fox

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2024

7: Paralyzed with Fear

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

The Long Strange Trip of the Tromp Family

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2024

6: The Shadow Person and the Pendulum

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

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

5: Something's Watching

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

The Ghost Ship Carroll A. Deering

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2024

4: Deployed Trickster

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

It's Just Martin

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

3: It's Just Martin

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

The Lake Worth Monster with Lyle Blackburn

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2024

Black-Eyed Kids and Bad Luck

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

2: Black-Eyed Kids and Bad Luck

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

Depends Who’s Looking

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

1: Depends Who’s Looking

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

Your True Halloween Stories III

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2024

The Entity Part 2 with Xavier Ortega

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2024

The Entity Part 1 with Xavier Ortega

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2024

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