The Historical Paranormal: Recent Episodes
Krista Nichols
This podcast discovers the "why" behind the ghost story, delving into both true crime occurring before 1950, and traditional ghost stories. Murder, murder, murder, ghosts, ghosts ghosts.
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LAST EPISODE
Captain William J Costello was experiencing severe trauma. The person who should have understood-was his wife. Instead, she chose stardom by way of Cyanide.
SOURCES:
https://peabodyhistorical.org/2023/02/the-murder-trial-of-the-century/
https://libguides.salemstate.edu/home/archives/blog/Jessie-Costello-The-Smiling-Widow
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/141811440/william-joseph-costello
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_trial_of_Jessie_Costello#References
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47380/in-flanders-fields
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This is a partial history of the ghosts of Spring, Texas, The country's 6th most haunted city! Old Town Spring is one of my favorite places to visit because the shops are diverse, fun and haunted to boot. I tell the story of the Wunsche Bros. Saloon/Brothel and later-cafe, and the story of Judge Henry Doering and his hanging tree. I discuss the Spring's brutal history and the truth behind the ghost stories.
Sources:
https://www.aaadollhospital.net/about-us < The Doll Hospital site, for all your antique and haunted doll restoration needs
https://wunschebros.com/our-history/
https://thespiritquestcenter.com/pages/about-us.
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This castle was built of blood and bone. Leap castle's history of being the most haunted castle in Ireland is steeped in 600 years of battles, murders and tragedy. Of all the places I've covered so far-this one might be the darkest. Join me as we delve into the history of this fortress, and discover the stories buried by time.
sources:
https://leapcastle.net/?page_id=29
https://dailyscribbling.com/the-secret-life-of-irish-castles/leap-castle-kinslayers-priest-killers-rapture-and-flames/
world's scariest hauntings, 2018 woodcut media
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leap_Castle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Darby
https://offalyhistoryblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/10/the-most-haunted-castle-in-ireland-the-story-of-novelist-andrew-merry-aka-mrs-mildred-darby-of-leap-castle-co-offaly-by-noel-guerin/
https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/leap-castle/
http://www.megalithicireland.com/Leap%20Castle,%20Offaly.html
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California and Texas have always been inextricably linked in US history, and this story links them in the worst way. Clara Ann Phillips was a ticking time bomb, but she went off on the wrong girl.
sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Phillips#Trial
https://nypost.com/2022/01/13/inside-the-deranged-mind-of-clara-phillips-hollywoods-first-female-psychopath/
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth334740/m1/1/?q=%22John+weaver%22+Clara+phillips
https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/21198/zz0002pmnn/
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The Enfield Haunting remains one of the most documented and terrifying ghost stories in the world's history. To this day debates rage on whether the girls were telling the truth or not. There are a lot of recordings to watch out there and plenty of documentation to sift through. Let me know what you think? Is it a hoax or not?
sources:
https://blackcablondon.net/tag/enfield/
https://www.higgypop.com/news/the-enfield-poltergeist/
https://youtu.be/QTmg6qWZbuU?si=ZdyPTEhJWeet0GFk
WARNING*
GORE
The Tale of Sawney Bean is a gory one, and definitely one you don't want to listen to with the kiddos around.
Sources: https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/life/what-a-hermit-taught-me-about-wealth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawney_Bean
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Sawney-Bean-Scotlands-most-famous-cannibal/
Thank you to Joel at BuffaloDoubleDeckerBusTours.com for the original telling of the story!
Clothilde Marchand had a loving family, and her husband's career was on the rise. Why was she the victim of a murder?
The reason is far more complex than it seems.
Winnie Ruth Judd was a complicated individual. On one hand she was the depressed wife of a doctor who had become addicted to morphine, and on the other she was having an affair with a successful man who asked her to introduce friends and acquaintances to him so he could in turn sleep with them too.
It was never going to end well.
Sources: wikipedia, phoenix new times.com, the Arizona memory project, the ingen web project
Ghost ships have long interested me, mostly because the ocean and all of its depths have interested me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not remotely interested in plunging miles below it's surface to see a shipwreck-but it's still a mystery. The Ourang Medan is no different, except that for many years people have speculated that something paranormal may have been involved in the deaths of the Ourang Medan crew; especially when their bodies were found with eyes open and mouths frozen in screaming terror.
Sources: wikipedia
www.skittishlibrary.co.uk
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth626425/?q=%22ourang%20medan%22
VESTNIK (West, Tx) Vol. 36, No. 47 Ed. 1, Wednesday, November 17th, 1948
Bloodthirsty Fiends have existed long before Bram Stoker made them a household name, so in this episode I look at ancient vampire lore from around the world, and delve into cultures that aren't necessarily part of the main vampire myths. The question is...are the real or not?
They aren't, but isn't it fun to think so?
Sources: Wikipedia primarily, Encyclopedia Brittanica
Ah here we are, the end of the Lizzie Borden series. It's been a ride y'all, but we're here. In this episode we discuss an overview of how her trial went, and the aftermath of it. You'll also hear me discuss my theory as to what happened on the day of the murders-and I'd love to hear yours!!
Sources:
lizzieandrewborden.com
related to the above: mondo Lizzie blog/YouTube channel
The site above is so helpful
wikimedia
wikipedia
crimemuseum.org
Ghosts and Garnets: Murder in Idaho
All things true crime, spooky and murder adjacent in the Gem State.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Taking a break for an episode to talk poisons! Specifically the famous Aqua Tofana poison that was circulated and sold in 17th century Italy. I found so many incorrect sources on this so below are the ones that could be verified:
wikipedia: Aqua Tofana, Guilia Tofana, Spana Prosecution, Thofania d'Adamo, Anna Maria Conti, Tor di Nonna
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucgajpd/medicina%20antiqua/sa_poisons.html
In episode 5 we discuss the 10 months Lizzie spent in jail awaiting her trial, and how she was treated in comparison to other prisoners. Will this have an affect on her treatment while on trial?
Sources:
www.ochm.medium.com
wikipedia
Smells Like Humans
Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
This episode centers around witness statements taken in the days in between the murders and Lizzie's arrest. I'll cover Lizzie and her friend's incriminating behaviors, a few random suspects, an attempt at being unbiased about Lizzie's involvement and a less random yet very important suspect. We'll also talk about Lizzie's reputation and how her words cultivated her guilt.
Sources:
www.lizzieandrewborden.com
www.lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com
wikipedia
TRIGGER WARNING: Murder and Gore
The timestamps and detail we have of the day of the murders is down to 5 minute increments, and yet we still have no convicted killer. I'm starting to change my mind on who did it, but there are other possibilities that should be explored before I decide for sure.
Let me know who you think it is on my Instagram @historicalparanormal
Sources:
lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com
geneologytrails.com
https://phayemuss.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/expanded-timeline-for-borden-murders-motivation/
panicd.com
lizzieandrewborden.com
Today we're delving into the possible motivations from Lizzie's perspective for the murders, as well as background information that will help set the scene for the murders we'll cover in the next episode.
Sources: www.lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com
www.panicd.com
www.nytimes.com
www.theatlantic.com
TRIGGER WARNING: MURDER OF CHILDREN
This was a hard episode to record for the reason above, but it's essential to the Lizzie Borden story. No spoilers here but it's a messy one y'all.
Thank you to
https://lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com/
Geni.com
Today we cover a case that was still making headlines as recently as 2011. This one was crazy, and really gruesome, so it's going to be labeled explicit.
Sources:
wikipedia
mylondon.news
valmcbeath.com <
You've probably heard of the Perron family because their story was made famous by the 2013 movie "The Conjuring", but you may not have heard the whole story. Here, I discuss the Perron's side of the story, along with some surprising facts from an unexpected source. No, it's not Bathsheba Thayer.
Sources: ranker.com, wikipedia, Rhode Island historical society, screenrant.com, allthatsinteresting.com, findagrave.com
Oh the age old question: "Is the tiara I was going to wear tonight cursed or not?"
sound off on my instagram: @historicalparanormal and let me know, would you wear the Strawberry Leaf Tiara?
Journey through the 19-early 20th centuries with me as we learn about the origins of this cursed tiara, and the people who wore it.
Gilles du Rais part 2, the exoneration or condemnation. I'm pretty firm in my choice, but what do you think? Was a the "monster of Brittany?" or a depressed man, sick of the powers that be?
The return of Historical Paranormal after some time off! Gilles de Rais was a 15th century serial killer who was best friends with Joan of Arc. This was a hard episode to get through due to the graphic depictions of child torture and rape-so be advised.
Sources:
Dirtysexyhistory.com
allthatsinteresting.com
WARNING: THIS EPISODE DESCRIBES VIOLENCE TO CHILDREN
The Ratcliffe Highway Murders occurred 77 years before the Whitechapel murders, but like the Whitechapel murders, the identity of the killer is largely unknown, though a few names have been attached to it. Travel back to the east end of London in 1811 with me as we examine the details and history of the Ratcliffe Highway Murders.
Tiktoker who inspired this story: @jdraperlondon. She has entertaining and informative videos on all things London, and I love her account!
Leonarda Cianciulli's story is infamous, but many of the stories online are sensationalist quickies, meant to draw in the reader for the juiciest details. However, as with many female murderers-her story is nuanced and more than meets the eye.
TRIGGER WARNING: there are descriptions of sexual assault in this episode pretty early on. If this is an issue for you, they're skippable and aren't a central part of the story.
references:
wikipedia
The Serial Series Part 3: Leonarda Cianciulli, by Sierra Brugni
I thought Harry Houdini, the most famous and beloved magician in the world, was just as beloved in his time as he seems to be now, but that may not have been the case.
This week we discover the many enemies of Harry Houdini, and we find out just exactly how he died from a sucker punch.
Yes by the way, it WAS difficult not to make any GOB or arrested development jokes in this episode! I'm a pro though so I kept it to the description....and probably the instagram post.
instagram: @historicalparanormal
tiktok: @thehistoricalparanormal
Today we visit the Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee, New South Wales, Australia. This home is reportedly the MOST haunted home in Australia, and truth be told-I can see it. Also, I'll talk about the red light district of Galveston, Tx and a close tie a friend has to Galveston!
Credits:
Angelica Jones: Bloody Bucket story
The Sydney Morning Herald
Wikitree
This week we explore the origin stories for some of the stories we grew up with, such as the dancing devil, Old Green Eyes and La Llorona. Thank you to listeners Megan Cavazos and Justin Nichols for submitting your stories!
Sources: Youtube: Nican Tlaca university
Graham, Joe Stanley, 1940-1999. La Llorona, article, Date Unknown;(https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1010913/: accessed May 18, 2021),University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas A&M University Kingsville.
themoonlitroad.com
WARNING: GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF MURDER
The Bender family is considered to be America's first serial killing family, and has inspired everything from novels, tv shows, and movies to video games.
WARNING: more impalements of humans, including children. Be advised.
Last Episode was the beginning, and this is the middle and end. Vlad The Impaler is often misunderstood, but we explore the themes that led up to his atrocities, the atrocities themselves, and how the people of Romania view him today.
WARNING: there are graphic descriptions of torture of both men, women and children. Be advised.
Man is this guy unpopular. This is my attempt not necessarily to vindicate him but to at least bring some background and clarity to his actions. I mean, yeah his rule was one of terror, but it was also one of stability for the Wallachian people. Part 2 will be out next week!
Wow I did NOT know there were so many vampire stories in New Orleans. I love love love this city, and I'll keep going back even if there are vampires roaming the city streets at night. I hope y'all love this episode too!
Sources:
lifeaboardthetravelingcircus.com
yesterdaysamerica.com
trytoscareme.com
wikipedia of course
The Bon Secours Mother and Baby home was in operation from 1925-1961, and left a mass grave that would haunt the city of Tuam for years to come. Join me as I detail the injustices dealt to the mothers and their infants in their time of need, and what Ireland has done to rectify this impossible situation.
This episode asks why society celebrates the killer, and not the victim? We also talk about the state of mental healthcare in the early 20th century, and whether this story is truly awful or not (it is).
Source Instagram: @sanfernando2stories
La Prensa
casetxt.com
The town of Texarkana was rocked in the spring of 1946. Just when it had been lulled into a sense of safety with the end of the war, a serial killer pushes the town to a breaking point.
Sources:
wikipedia
unresolved.me
Join me in Venice as we unravel the mystery of Ca' Dario, the House that Kills. Is it real or will it join the countless other supposedly haunted tourist destinations? Let's find out!
Sources:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/palazzo-dario
https://roughdiplomacy.com/the-curse-of-cadario/
https://sevedbblog.com/2019/02/14/ca-dario-the-curse-is-it-really/
https://www.visitvenezia.eu/en/venetianity/discover-venice/ca-dario-and-its-mysteries-the-stories-of-a-cursed-building
Today we're headed to the small city of Ararat, Victoria in Australia! Ararat, or Aradale Asylum was the largest asylum of its kind for the time and housed some of the most notorious criminals in Australian history. It also inflicted horrific abuses on its patients and even took its toll on the staff. The beautiful, Italianate compound hid these atrocities and others behind it's carefully sculpted lawns. Join me on this tour of Aradale's history.
Are curses real? Honestly, I don't know, but there does seem to be some compelling evidence out there that agrees they are. Join me as we discuss the most famous curse-King Tutankhamun's tomb, as well as other famous curses and odd happenings.
sources:
ancient-origins.net
ranker.com
The Florida School for boys has had many names over the 111 years it was in operation, but the thing that stayed the same were the numerous tales of unimaginable abuse at the hands of the staff and other boys at the school.
Sources:
St. Petersburg Times: "For Their Own Good" by Ben Montgomery & Waveny Ann Moore
EJI.org
Houska Castle is a remote castle outside of Prague, that's hiding more than just when it was built. There's no water source, no strategic reason for its construction at all. So why is it there, and why are people afraid to go near it?
Today we explore the Little Carpathians, which is nothing like Little Italy apparently. Countess Elizabeth Bathory or Bathory Erszabet if you're running with the Hungarian way of writing a name, is one of the world's most prolific serial killers. Could she be misunderstood though? Listen to the show and you tell me.
We travel to the great state of Tennessee for our next story! Champ Ferguson was the leader of a band of outlaws that worked with and outside of the confines of the Confederate Army and was responsible for at least 53 murders. He proved too much even for the Confederates, and eventually met his end at the hands of the Union.
The Menger Hotel has been serving guests in one way or another since 1859. It, like other historic hotels holds a lot of stories, many happy, and others tragic and heartbreaking.
Joe Ball, the Alligator Man of Elmendorf, Texas murdered anywhere from 2 to 22 waitresses and others working for him at his bar-The Sociable Inn, in the 1930s. He and his assistant disposed of the bodies, in unsavory ways.
Anna Hauptrief is described as one of Texas' most prolific serial killers. She ended the lives of 5 individuals and nearly killed another. It's said that she haunts her former jail cell, and touches the men who visit.
Well hello 2020! We're kicking off the new year with a French murderess named Marie Catherine Taperet Lescombat. Please enjoy my tenuous grasp of French in this episode!
June 10th, 1912
The bodies of the Moore family, along with sisters Lena and Ina Stillinger were found brutally murdered in their home. The crime scene was irrevocably ruined, but who killed them all?
The taphophobia is real in this one guys, and it's not like it has never happened. It has. A LOT. Join me on this journey into intentional and unintentional live burials.
A seemingly tame figure that scared the ladies half to death, and leapt over 9 foot hedges to escape capture. The sound is off on my voice a little in this episode, so know that I had a meltdown shortly after recording what sounded like a normal episode.
The Tower of London Part 2 picks up at the execution of Anne Boleyn, and goes right into some more executions and ghostly activity. Labeled explicit due to descriptions of torture.
Part one of my episodes on the Tower of London, we've got some horrific methods of torture here, and a botched execution. We also have some history facts to set straight and some explanations behind some of the tower's most famous prisoners. There are some pretty nasty descriptions here so I'm labeling this episode NSFW for content.
This weird little side note in history came out of some research for a larger episode that should be out next week. These SideNote episodes don't always fall under the Historical Paranormal's main subject matters, but they're interesting nonetheless, and will usually feature at least the time frame of the larger episode that will come out in the next week.
Tuberculosis is a hell of a disease. Not only did it claim the lives (at its peak) of 7 out of 10 people, it also created a panic that would result in some really grotesque and morbid practices.
Greyfriar's Kirkyard is one of the most haunted cemeteries in the world. We'll talk about why this is the only cemetery that actually does scare me.
In 2001 Kevin Mannis, an antiques dealer in Portland, Oregon bought an ornate wine box at a yard sale. Days later, it caused extreme damage to his business, gave his mother a stroke and completely ravaged his life. This is the story of the Dybbuk box, one of the most haunted objects in the world.
The Mulatto Murders took place in the early 1900's in Louisiana and Texas, along the Southern Pacific Railroad line. They were brutal, and largely remain shrouded in mystery.
Located in Austin, Texas; the Littlefield House is well known to be the most haunted building in all of Academia, with staff experiencing some kind of phenomena regularly. This is the story behind the victorian home, but also the reasons as to why it might be haunted.
Oakwood Cemetery is the home to around 23,000 graves. These were the builders of Austin, Texas; and some haven't left our world just yet.
The serial murders of mainly servant girls took place in Austin, Texas in 1885. They were never solved, but have been attributed to many over the years-some famous and some not so famous.
We're going over the murder of 12 year old Emma Voelker from New Braunfels, Texas, and the ghosts of the Magnolia Hotel in Seguin, where her murderer took shelter. We also tell the ghost in my laundry closet to stop being rude when he's haunting the place.
This Council House Fight took place in San Antonio, Texas in March of 1840. It's also known as the Council House Massacre considering the large amount of deaths were on the Comanche side. This is a story from the Republic of Texas, when Indian wars were ongoing and had reached a fever pitch.
I know I said we'd stay in Texas for a bit, but this story is seriously scary and I wanted to devote an episode to it, because it's STILL A MYSTERY. Please let me know on my website if you have any theories outside of what I discussed on the podcast!
The Emily Morgan Hotel is reportedly the 3rd most haunted hotel in the United States, which comes as no surprise, given that it stands on the battlefield of the Alamo AND was formerly a hospital with a psychiatric ward, morgue and crematorium.