Ghosthropology

In a bit of a departure from the normal format, Matt speaks about ghost beliefs of ancient humanity, at least as far as we can discern them. While there are some that seem a bit odd to us today, many of these ideas and concepts will seem very, very familiar. The similarities between these ancient stories and the ones we tell each other today seem to speak to continuity of tradition, but they also...

As humanity began to explore space, we took our cultural baggage with us. And while worries about dangerous technical problems and frightening aliens have been the most common signs of our anxieties and fears, we have also brought our ghost stories along. Show notes and sources at www.kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcast/ Support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/ghosthropology Ghost...

Tales from throughout the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico tell of a stranger who appears at a dancehall, dancing well, but leaving fear in his wake. Is it all just tall tales? Is it exaggerations of a rakish man’s exploits? Or is the Devil actively looking for dance partners? Matt is again joined by James Tyner, whose family members were present for events in Fresno that seem to mat...

There are ghost stories that will keep you up at night in fright. There are ghost stories that make you question your most basic assumptions about the world around you. There are ghost stories that you can’t shake, no matter how far in the past they were told to you. This episode isn’t about those stories. This episode is about the ghost stories that never get invited to any ghost story parties an...

The ghost of White Rock Lake is said to take on many forms ranging from the merely unnerving to the outright terrifying. If you are traveling near Dallas, it may be worth looking at the location….but if you see a woman in white, don’t let her get too close. Also, Matt is in fine -overthinking- form on this one. More information including show notes, sources, and ways to support the show can be fou...

It is said that on the outskirts of Tokyo there is a haunted mansion that is cursed due to the terrifying occult rituals once practiced there. Made famous in the video game Fatal Frame, you cannot find the house on a map, but there are those who claim to have traveled to it and regret having done so. Poet and video game enthusiast, James Tyner, joins Matt to discuss this story. Support the show: w...

A cruel slave owner beats a man to death due to displeasure over a piece of carpentry. This sets the stage for a series of misfortunes for the slave owner’s descendants and the legend of a cursed object. This story is steeped in American folklore traditions and cannot help but be soaked in the racial politics that continue to influence Americans to this day. Thank you for your support. Consider jo...

For at least a century, possibly longer, people have claimed that the Santa Lucia Mountains of California’s central coast have been home to strange humanoid entities,  garbed in black, who keep a silent watch, seeming to care little about the humans who witness them. Their nature and purpose is unknown, but they have appeared in both local legends and works of literature. In this episode, we look...

In this episode, Matt explores the relationship between ghost stories and historic injustice as it relates to the experience of Chinese migrants to 19th century California. The episode involves a weird book in a Death Valley Cabin, bloody rainstorms, and a bunch of smart-aleck pre-teens, all trying to come to terms with history. More information, detailed show notes, links, resources, and more at:...

Matt discusses a famous hidden road that is part historic educational facility, part tourist trap, and part spooky story generator. In this episode, you will learn about the intersection of plague horrors, ghost stories, urban renovation... and also how ghost stories and public perceptions of history intertwine.

This episode’s story is a bit of an oddity. It’s not quite a ghost story...but also not quite something else. The entity - commonly known as Gef the Talking Mongoose is said to have claimed to be a variety of things, ranging from an extra-clever mongoose from India to a spirit to...something else strange, but not completely defined. Matt and, special guest, Dave talk about Gef, what he probably wa...

If you thought that sitting in a landlocked desert would keep you away from creepy ghost ships, think again! This story involves treasure hunters, crazy old prospectors, a spectral ship, and one of the most unfortunate alleged navigation errors in human history. Pull up a seat whippersnapper, and let ol’ Matt tell you about the Ghost Ship of the California Desert, dagnabbit! More information inclu...

The story of London Bridge, Arizona, would be weird enough without any supernatural elements. But, then, it wouldn’t be in a Ghosthropology episode. Hear the tale of how a London landmark ended up in the land of cowboys, and consider whether the ghost of Jack the Ripper has been forcibly relocated to the American Southwest. For more information visit www.kmmamedia.com

Matt discusses the history and hauntings of the London Bridge site in London, England. The stories associated with the site range from profound, yet disturbing, to creepy and silly, but all are part of the folklore tapestry of an old and storied city bridge. For more information, visit www.kmmamedia.com

Strange as it may seem to many people today, sharing ghost stories used to be an important part of the Christmas celebration. In hopes of restarting this tradition, in this episode, Matt shares tales told to him by co-workers, friends, and even a particularly chatty convenience store clerk. These stories, while perhaps not as chilling as others that have been shared on this podcast, are special to...

Santa Cruz Island, part of California’s Channel Island Chain, is host to ghost stories that inform us about California’s history and misconceptions regarding that history. Matt tells some tall tales and a couple of genuinely creepy stories. Plus you get to hear about the time that Matt went out on a dare to confront a spirit. For more information including show notes, please visit www.kmmamedia.co...

Matt has spent far too many hours of his life driving on two California roads - Highway 152 between Monterey and Fresno, and Highway 246 in Santa Barbara County. Turns out that his commute time should have been way more interesting than it actually was. Now he feels a bit cheated. He’ll tell you why in this episode. For more information and show notes, visit www.kmmamedia.com

Matt discusses the Devils Gate Reservoir in Pasadena, California which is an alleged gateway to Hell and home of one of the creepiest tunnels that Matt has ever heard of. The likely true history of this location, which involves a rocket scientist’s sex magic rituals, is more bizarre than the urban legends. Matt also explains how he researches claims made by non-Native people regarding Native Ameri...

Matt shares tales that he has been told over the years by various folks. This is a potpourri episode with a variety of short tales and discussion. For more information, visit www.kmmamedia.com

The story about abusive relationships, fighting against changing cultural norms, the victory of the self-sufficient American hero, the rejection of authority, and eschewing of the very institutions that should be able to make sense of the supernatural world... And a giant pig. In other words, a horror story about real estate in the 70s.. That's right, it's our very special crossover Halloween epis...

Matt tells the wonderful story of a haunted (but sadly demolished) house in Fresno County, California and then discusses the interesting intersection of advertising. commerce, and the paranormal. More information at www.kmmamedia.com

Matt shares the tales of three musicians said to have satanic connections - only one of them is a rock star. If you thought that moral panics over demonic music started with heavy metal, wait until you hear about one of the Delta Blues' greatest guitarists and Classical Violin's original bad boy. Ghosthropology is a part of the KMMA Media Podcasting Network. Show notes, credits, and transcripts: w...

The story of Fifty Berkeley Square gave Matt the creeps when he was a kid. Despite losing the book in which he originally found the story, it stuck with him for over 30 years. Join Matt as he recounts the many versions of this oddly familiar tale followed by a brief discussion about what made this story work and endure. Ghosthropology is a part of the KMMA Media Podcasting Network. Show notes, cre...

In which I, Matt, tell you what this podcast is all about. New episodes will begin dropping in September 2020. Enjoy!