Immortal Sunshine Podcast

In the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner, uniformed spirits pace the ramparts—and they aren’t alone. In this patriotic July episode, we dive into ghostly accounts, the science-adjacent ideas of residual hauntings, and how the intense emotions of battle may have left lasting imprints on the very stones of Fort McHenry. If you like your history with a side of the supernatural, this episode is f...

In honor of Father’s Day, this month’s episode explores the haunting phenomenon of dads and grandfathers. Drawing on historical research like Sir William Barrett’s early 20th-century studies on deathbed visions, along with cultural spirit guides and real-life accounts, we examine everything from comforting visitations where deceased fathers figures appear to offer protection or guidance, to warnin...

From its ancient origins as an explanation for mysterious nighttime deaths to its modern malevolent nature, the Tokoloshe has been shaping beliefs and leaving its hairy mark on culture for generations. In this episode, we uncover the terrifying legend of southern Africa’s dwarf-like water spirit. LeeDawnaBooks.com Amazon wish list leedawnabooks@gmail.com Mailing List - join here! Postal Mail: PO B...

The Easter Hare of European folklore—today's Easter Bunny—emerges from pagan traditions celebrating spring renewal, fertility, and rebirth. However, this mythical figure has a darker side. In this episode, we take a look at how the legend blends the joyful with the supernatural, with the hare carrying both blessings and a basket full of witchy deeds.   LeeDawnaBooks.com Amazon wish list leedaw...

The Dullahan is one of Ireland’s most chilling figures—a relentless, headless rider who gallops through the night carrying his severed head under his arm, calling out the names of the doomed. Join me as we uncover the origins of this spooky folktale. LeeDawnaBooks.com Amazon wish list leedawnabooks@gmail.com Mailing List - join here! Postal Mail: PO Box 824, Aurora NC 27806 Social Media:  Facebook...

Morgan le Fay is a timeless enigma born on the pages of Arthurian lore. Yet before she was the modern legend’s evil sorceress, Morgan was a benevolent, shapeshifting healer. Join me on this brisk walk through the mists of Avalon and decide for yourself if Morgan is merely a lovesick character or the embodiment of a real-life enchantress whose pure-hearted magic makes her the perfect subject for th...

Before “bacon fixes everything” was a meme - a lifelong politician, a boy scout, and a German spy almost ruined the most perfect food on earth. Tune in to find out how the Hippo Bill of 1910 got into the weeds and sank to the bottom of a Louisiana swamp. LeeDawnaBooks.com Amazon wish list leedawnabooks@gmail.com Mailing List - join here! Postal Mail: PO Box 824, Aurora NC 27806 Social Media:  Face...

The infamous Elizabeth Bathory is a Hungarian Noblewoman holding a Guinness World Record as the most prolific female serial killer in history. But was she a cold-blooded killer? Or a wealthy widow caught in the crosshairs of a war-torn country? Join me as I attempt to unravel fact from fiction in part two of this dive into the Blood Countess, covering the charges against her, the outcome of a tria...

The infamous Elizabeth Bathory is a Hungarian Noblewoman holding a Guinness World Record as the most prolific female serial killer in history. But was she a cold-blooded killer? Or a wealthy widow caught in the crosshairs of a war-torn country? Join me as I attempt to unravel fact from fiction in this two-part dive into the workings of the Kingdom of Hungary and the makings of a Blood Countess. Re...

In this episode we head straight into the heart of an urban legend that has crossed continents and haunted sleepovers for generations, unnerving even the bravest amongst us. You know her name, but where did the legend of Bloody Mary begin? Is it rooted in history, superstition, or something darker? Dim the lights, gather your courage, and join me as we attempt to get to the bottom of the shivers a...

Did you know Christmas was once  banned ?  The Puritans weren’t exactly fans of holiday cheer, and their crackdown on festivities was... intense. From outlawed feasts to fines for celebrating, it’s a wild story of power, religion, and culture clashes. Join me as I unwrap this fascinating chapter of history and explore how Christmas almost disappeared entirely!  Resources: Church of England ‑ Angli...

In 1735, deep within the shadowy New Jersey Pine Barrens, a mysterious birth took place. A haggard mother brought forth a creature with the head of a dragon—at least, that's how the legend goes. But is there more to the story? In this episode, we unravel the origins of the Jersey Devil, separating myth from reality.     Resources: New Jersey Pine Barrens - Wikipedia Sugar sand - Wikipedia Baseball...

In this episode, we take a look at the origins of our modern Halloween celebration. At how ancient people, like the Celts, still influence our lives - whether we know we're honoring their traditions or not. Resources: https://lightenthedark.com/the-ghosts-of-you-a-samhain-guided-meditation/ https://www.maeganclearwood.com/post/script-of-samhain-ritual https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhai...

What happens when people take fashion way too seriously? In today's episode, we discuss the hat riots in New York City during the 1920's. Resources: https://blog.batchgeo.com/1922-events/ https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1922 https://www.history.com/news/roaring-twenties-labor-great-depression https://wise-answer.com/what-was-the-average-salary-in-1922/ https://gcelt.org/the-averag...

In this episode of  Immortal Monsters , we dive into the origins and complex relationships of Loki, the infamous trickster giant with the heart of a god. His journey from an outsider to a central figure of Norse mythology is filled with cunning, shape-shifting, and chaos! Join me as I shed a little candlelight on Loki's mischievous deeds and his unique relationship with the Allfather himself,...

In another tale as old as time, the German Knecht Ruprecht is a Santa Claus precursor. One who has undergone transformation from a possibly-a-sprite god of the Black Forest to the sidekick of St. Nicholas. In both versions, there are elf-like creatures with a taste for blood!  Resources: 11 Fascinating Facts About Germany You Didn't Know (theculturetrip.com) 98 Fun & Cool Facts about Germa...

How does one go from being a valued midwife to being burned at the stake for witchcraft? In this episode, we walk through the tragic story of Walpurga Hausmännin. Listen on Podcast players worldwide.   Resources: Walpurga Hausmannin - Wikipedia Witchcraze readings - Free reading - 36 THE CONFESSION OF WALPURGA HAUSMANNIN, 1587 The prosecution - Studocu https://youtu.be/l_j_KQX98iQ?si=jZ_P_yQFZagiv...

In 1955, a salesman traveling through Loveland, Ohio spotted three small figures standing on the side of the road. These small creatures defied what he knew of nature, and stories of them have since fueled sightings and debate. We discuss five potential sightings in this episode and speculate about how Masons might be involved in starting this bit of Ohio folklore.  Resources:   The Cryptonaut Pod...

In 1896, Ceely Rose was twenty-three years old, and in love with a boy seven years her junior. Her parents denied her the opportunity to continue carrying on the relationship. A relationship that may have been only one-sided.   In this episode, I discuss the Rose family's background and the solutions Ceely found for her 1896 dilemma. Listen on podcast players worldwide, or watch the video vers...

When Hesiod first called Medusa and her sisters by name, he didn't mention their appearance. In this episode, we discuss the "why" and trace the origin of the Gorgon to a time long before our snake-haired Queen was called Medusa.  Resources:   The Language of the Goddess: Gimbutas, Marija, Campbell, Joseph: 9780500282496: Amazon.com: Books https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatur...

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds and ornithomancy is the practice of observing birds for the purpose of divining how their flight patterns and/or their songs will impact our lives. According to folklore, the birds can even predict what type of man a woman is destined to marry. Join me as we explore a practice seemingly as old as time itself.    Resources: 11 Odd Old-Timey Valentine&#39...

Alternate realities, doppelgangers, and fairies. History is filled with the unexplainable and some of the most fascinating stories are built upon the idea of alternate realities. In this episode, I walk us through a few such stories, both new and old, and touch on what scientists are saying about the very real possibility of mirror worlds. Resources: Woman Claims To Be From A Parallel Universe - G...

"I didn't do it. Robert did." When young Gene was gifted a life-sized doll, no one could have predicted the trouble that would follow. Is Robert the Doll truly haunted, though, or did the adults in young Gene's life cause a maelstrom of mayhem that's still spinning today? This episode will be live on podcast players worldwide on December 6th, but you can listen now on  Patreo...

The ancient Hebrew lore of the malicious Dybbuk spirit was brought to the forefront in 2003 when fiction writer Kevin Mannis used the Dybbuk as a backdrop for his story surrounding an antique wine cabinet that he sold on eBay. He's since outlined his hoax, but did his confession come too late?  Resources:   Dybbuks and Jewish Women in Social History, Mysticism and Folklore - Kindle edition by...

A strange graphic for an odd episode. Gilgamesh is widely honored as an epic kind of hero, a great king sent by the gods themselves. In this episode, I walk us through some historical records and then go ahead and point out some of the more despicable sides of a man who is most certainly the prototype for the hero's journey. Take this with a grain of salt, breathe, and laugh a little.    Resou...