Pretty Haunted

Have you ever felt like you can't celebrate your own successes? Or you question why you were invited to the metaphorical or physical table at important work meetings? Welcome to Imposter Syndrome 101. What may seem like an internalized condition, may actually be part of a social strategy to keep marginalized groups in their place. The episode also explores the origins of Imposter Syndrome, the...

True Crime is a polarizing topic with some people refusing to tune in because it glorifies the crimes, while others are so invested in the stories and the storytellers that they attend conventions on the topic. With roots dating back to the 1500s, crossovers with FBI profiling of serial killers, the popularity of true crime has skyrocketed in the 21st century and has become a borderline obsession...

“Why are you so obsessed with Halloween?” I’d have to agree with Marnie (Piper) Cromwell, Halloween is cool & my favorite day of the year. Originally known as All Hallows Eve it has a deeply rooted history connecting to both the ancient Celtic traditions and the Roman Catholic Church. While Allhallowtide is a three day celebration to honor those who have passed away, Halloween is more about th...

Dia De Los Muertos is known for its colorful and larger than life celebrations these days but there is much more to these traditions than sugar skulls, ofrendas and marigolds. Otherwise known as the "day of the dead", according to Aztec mythology our loved ones make the journey back from the underworld for 24 hours. In the land of living, we grieve, we mourn, we remember, we celebrate, a...

The wickedest man in the world, the Scottish Queen of the Witches, the alleged demon witch of Rhode Island and the official witch of Salem all had a significant influence on the history of witchcraft. Their stories and beliefs impacted the way that society treated the accused and those who confessed to practicing magick for centuries. During the age of enlightenment, things finally started to turn...

What do you think of when you hear Friday the 13th? Most likely crazed killers in hockey masks, superstitions, and maybe tattoo specials. But long before these became the traditions we know of today, Friday the 13th was a tradition built around the Divine Feminine. This week marks our 2nd Friday the 13th this year, and this month I want to reconsider our way of thinking around this infamously nega...

Occult practices are more common than you may realize. Yes, the occult includes witchcraft, divination and scrying but what if I told you it’s even manifestation, buying crystals, reading tarot, saging, watching Buffy, reading Harry Potter and having full moon practices? Humans have had occult traditions for as long as we have been able to keep records and I am ready to embrace this supernatural a...

What’s your favorite conspiracy theory? They may have a bad reputation, but all of us have gone down the rabbit hole before and come out the other side laughing, or maybe questioning, the idea that was presented to us. This is the point when fact and fiction may blur together and leave us questioning what is real. This week we’re exploring the divisive world of conspiracy theories in the digital a...

In the shadowy corridors of the paranormal, no number looms larger—or spookier—than thirteen, so why not make an entire episode about it? Welcome to episode 13 where we dive into the superstitious origins, real life examples of bad luck around the number and try to debunk the reputation of the number 13 and Friday the 13th.  To share your stories about today’s topic or any other Vault topics, plea...

Do you have a complicated relationship with your mom? Are you healing from a “mother wound”? Have you ever wondered why there are so many depictions of sinister mothers in the horror genre? Well then Episode 12 - Mommy Dearest is for you!  This week I’m deep diving in maternal relationships, the impact they have on us individually and the influence they have on narratives in the media. Join me as...

Episode 11 is a journey through the evolution of one of cinema’s most iconic and chilling subgenres: slasher films. From the ominous beginnings to the hair-raising films of the '70s and '80s, this week your host is dissecting the history and transformation of the slashers that haunt our nightmares. Together, we will explore the movies that changed the future of horror, and the cultural and...

It’s episode 10 so I'm celebrating with some spooky girl $hit this week because we made it to 10 episodes and 10 weeks of being on this journey into the unknown together. But first… I had a panic attack about not being good enough, watched the Barbie movie and cried about my Eras Tour experience in public. This past week has been a doozy, why not book end it by talking about spirit boards, com...

This week join your host, Victoria, on the journey into the chilling depths of the paranormal as we embark on a research expedition into two of history's most intriguing hauntings: the Bell Witch and the Enfield Poltergeist. We’re diving headfirst into the Tale of Two Hauntings that have captivated generations and explore the eerie legends that continue to send shivers down our spines. These s...

This week step back in time to an era of moral upheaval and mass hysteria as we embark on a journey through the history of the Satanic Panic. In this captivating episode, I delve into the dark origins of the panic, the unfounded fears that gripped society, and the far-reaching consequences that followed. Navigate the hysteria-driven narrative that led to the wrongful accusations, sensationalized s...

This week join Victoria in the shadowy realm of cursed objects as she explores the chilling histories behind four infamous items and the misfortune that followed those who owned them. Are these stories of cursed artifacts nothing more than myths and superstitions, or is there something darker at play? Is that new Homegoods nightstand an ordinary nightstand or is it cursed and bringing all the bad...

Join Victoria on a complex and thought-provoking journey as she explores the polarizing subject of cults. In this eye-opening episode, she shares the allure and pitfalls of these enigmatic groups during a deep dive into the beliefs, practices, and charismatic leaders that draw people into their fold. This episode sheds light on the warning signs and red flags that can help identify these alluring...

Get ready for an extraterrestrial adventure as we embark on a thrilling journey into the world of alien encounters. In this episode, Victoria shares the first recorded alien encounter, the history of reported sightings and different types of aliens, and the challenges of documenting and verifying these sightings and encounters. Are these beings merely figments of our imaginations, is it a governme...

Are some activities truly just fun & games? Or can something more sinister be at play? This week your host, Victoria, ventures into The Vault in search of answers to these questions and more. She explores the timeless classic game “Hide & Seek” and the connection it has to spirits and entities to the other side. Then she summons the courage (and only that) to delve into a spine tingling ga...

In this enlightening and vulnerable episode, Victoria embarks on a cross-cultural exploration of grief, mourning, and the diverse beliefs surrounding the afterlife. After suffering a great personal loss last year, she was seeking answers and ultimately came to the conclusion that none of will ever know what happens when we depart our loved ones. Join as she dives into the rich tapestry of human ex...

Pack your bags because we're going on a vacation to sunny and supernatural San Diego! *Trigger warning for self-harm & suicide topics in this episode* This week, Victoria explores the chilling history of two infamous locations known for their spirited encounters and paranormal activity and she has the first hand experience to confirm it's all true! First we stop by "the most haunt...

From beneath you it devours. Are we talking about The First Evil from Buffy Vampire Slayer or the chilling depths of the Catacombs? Join your host, Victoria, as we travel deep underground into the labyrinths all over the world to unlock their histories and explore the haunting secrets and ghostly encounters. Welcome to The Vault. Also in this episode, a very brief breakdown of VPR season 10 ending...

Welcome to The Vault, a podcast that unlocks the mysteries of the unknown. Join your host, Victoria, on a journey into the realms of paranormal encounters, haunted tales, and thought-provoking current events (and some less thought-provoking *cough cough* Scandoval). In this brief teaser, the stage is set for the unbelievable stories and intriguing discussions that await. Get ready to delve into th...