Common Mystics

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill go back to the Civil War era to tell the surprising story of Laura Jackson Arnold. A Southern woman, she boldly supported the Union despite the disparate views of her community, her husband and her legendary brother Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. So, how do you think that turned out? Tune in now for this inspiring story about standing up for your be...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill zero in on the restless voices of the women wronged by two well known men in West Union, WV, in the 1800's.  The first, a prominent doctor and pillar of society. History remembers Dr. Charter for his compassionate care of the sick, Christian faith and local leadership. The second, a scoundrel turned saint. According to local legend, innkeeper Luke Jac...

On this episode of Common Mystics a champion for equality is shot dead at the ballot box in 1883 Mississippi.  John Prentiss "Print" Matthews seemed an unlikely hero for civil rights. Born to a wealthy slave holding family, he would go on to represent the political interests of both white and African American farmers in Copiah County during a divisive time. Reconstruction (1865-1877) had failed to...

On this episode on Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill give voice to the notorious Samuel "Wolfman" Mason. Born in Virginia in 1739 to a distinguished family, Samuel's life would take a dark turn. By the end of the 18th century he and his clan of brigands would control the routes through the lawless West and terrorize travelers on the Natchez Trace. But while his underlings were robbing and murdering...

On this episode on Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill discuss the largest uprising of enslaved people in US history. It happened on the German Coast in Louisiana in 1811. Never heard of it? Neither had we. But the events are truly unfathomable. Led by slave driver Charles Deslondes, enslaved sugar plantation workers nearly overthrew the French plantation owners. The insurgents planned to follow the...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill discuss the Gunnison Massacre. In 1853, Captain John Gunnison was surveying the Utah Territory when his team was ambushed and attacked. Gunnison and seven others were slain. A US official concluded that the Pauite people were responsible for the murders. But, in his letters to his wife, Gunnison named different culprits. Who else would want the G...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill tell an intimate story surrounding the legendary American author, Mark Twain. Across three decades, Twain summered with his wife and children in Elmira, NY. It was here that Twain wrote some of his most celebrated works and witnessed the birth of his daughters. But after the death of his beloved wife Olivia in 1896, Twain's relationship with his...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill dish about casting spells. Did you know that you can customize rituals and spells to meet your specific needs? The sisters discuss some common spells and share how they would make them their own. Also, Jen and Jill laugh about an elaborate spell they concocted to help a friend in need. Was it successful??? Find out now on this bonus episode of th...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill revisit their past travels to bring you another incredible story from America's past. Between 1853 and 1929, trainloads of children traveled from New York City to rural towns across the Midwest. Collected from orphanages, boarding houses and the city streets, they were put up for adoption. Some found new families and improved circumstances. Others did...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill pay tribute to Tecumseh. The voice of this legendary Shawnee leader spoke out to them on the road in 2021, demanding to be heard. Born in 1768, Tecumseh lived in a world of dramatic change marked by conflict and war.  As white and native cultures collided, he worked to unite the tribal peoples and form a united Indian Confederation. So what does Tecum...

On this episode of Common Mystics the sisters honor yet another voice from their 2021 road trip to the Midwest. The spirit of York came through then, and has been with them ever since. York was an important member of Lewis and Clark's epic expedition of 1804-1806. Strong, skilled and capable, he contributed in major ways to their success. But while the other men earned double pay and land as compe...

On this special Christmas episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill share how they connect with loved ones who've passed. Are you looking for ways to honor your departed loved ones during the holiday season? Would you like some tips for feeling their presence and love? Jen and Jill talk about some simple ways to commune with spirit. Use your innate psychic abilities to send and receive love. Try...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill continue their discussion of spirit possession. Listen in as they explore two documented cases that served as inspiration for William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist.  Learn about Emma, a Wisconsin woman from the year 1928, whom demons tortured for much of her young life. Then, meet Robbie, a 14 year old from Maryland. His devilish ordeal would consu...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill delve into the terrifying phenomenon of possession. What are the different types and degrees of spiritual possession? How can your behaviors put you at risk? Finally, what can you do to protect yourself? Listen in as the sisters explore this eerie topic, and share some personal anecdotes along the way, on part one of this two part bonus series. T...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill reflect on their first extended road trip as mystic podcasters. Seven states and ten stories later, Season 2 has revealed some unexpected themes and unearthed some family trauma. Listen in as Jen and Jill unravel the messages from spirit to learn more about themselves. Daddy issues are on display here, folks. Ever been to therapy? It's kinda like...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill relate the intriguing story of the Amidon Affair. In 1862 Dakota warriors murdered Judge Joseph Amidon and his son near the settlement of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What prompted the natives to react with such violence against these peaceful farmers? What happened as a result of this murderous affair? How did this tragic event save the population...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill discuss an iconic outlaw of the American West. Jesse James was a legend in his own time. Teaming up with his brother Frank, they robbed banks, trains and stagecoaches throughout the Midwest. They also murdered men who got in their way. Yet, the exploits of the James brothers fascinated the public in the years after the Civil War. Their story has...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill discuss a family of renowned doctors from the early 20th century. The Menninger family became giants in the psychiatric community. At a time when the mentally ill had few treatment options, they created an outpatient clinic in Topeka that focused on mental health. But the family standout was Dr. Karl Menninger. After publishing his first book in...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill get personal. Have you ever had a HOLY SHIT moment? A moment when you realized that spirit was at play in your life? Maybe it was a moment of divine intervention on your behalf. Or maybe an otherworldly push to help someone else in need. Jen and Jill talk about their own such moments in this special bonus episode. What's more, they'd love to hear abou...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill confront a gruesome crime spree from the pioneering days. Roaming the western trails in the 1800's was dangerous business. This was especially true for travelers on the Great Osage Trail in Labette County, Kansas. It was here that a cluster of disappearances led authorities to the homestead of the Bender family in 1871. The Bender's inn welcomed...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill relate the incredible exploits of the legendary American frontiersman James Beckwourth. He was a pioneer, mountain man, guide, and scout.  He forged a path through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lived among the Crow people. Founded towns. Married many women. Fought many men. Stole many horses. And published a memoir of his adventures before his dea...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill discuss the famous story of the Osage murders. Osage County, Oklahoma was a dangerous place to be in the 1920's, particularly for the Osage people. The tribal nation owned the rights to a huge oil deposit located under their lands. It made them rich. But it also made them targets for those after their wealth. Listen in as Jen and Jill recount the...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill share the exciting tale of the Shannon-Fisher Feud. This legend out of Washington County, Arkansas dates back to 1868. A disagreement over a gambling debt starts a deadly feud between two families. Both sides would lose friends and loved ones to the senseless violence. Listen in as the sisters relate this fantastic tale of the Wild West and consi...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill journey to Fulton, Missouri. Here they discover the story of Daniel Harrison McIntyre. In the late 19th century, General McIntyre was a local hero. Civil War veteran, legislator, senator, and attorney general for the state, McIntyre's achievements were well known. Further, he contributed greatly to the growth of the county known as The Kingdom of...

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill return to the extraordinary story of the Swope family murders. In Part 1 of Dr. Greed's Treacherous Deeds we learned about the prominent Swope family, the mysterious illnesses that swept through their mansion in 1909, and the curious events surrounding their demise.  In this final installment of the two-part series, we relate the aftermath of tho...