Scary Stories for the Soul

If you study the religions and cultures from around the world that acknowledge possession as a universal experience, you’ll see that t here is no specific criteria for who is more likely to become possessed over others . But that doesn’t explain what happened in 1634 to a specific group of people in Loudun, France. It doesn’t explain why of all the people in the world, a group of nuns found themse...

Special Re-Release Episode 79: Josephine and the Flying Dutchman Originally heard in Episode 32, Josephine and the Flying Dutchman covers the lore and origins of famed ghost the Flying Dutchman, as well as the story of a young woman determined to concur her fear of the ocean and the ghosts that lurk its waters.

Houska Castle is an impressive gothic structure famous for its beautiful religious frescoes, romantic architecture, and a supposed literal gateway to Hell. How did it get there? What lives within? Let’s find out.

Fear of El Cucuy derives from the fear of the unknown. So let’s shine some light on what we do know about this amorphous, nightmare-inducing creature, and see if it helps dissipate that fear just a little.

New Jersey is known for many things – Atlantic City, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and the Jersey Devil. This demon cryptid is the last thing you want to see during your nighttime stroll through the woods. But what is the Jersey Devil? Where did it come from? And will you be its next victim?

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we are releasing a newly remastered version of our episode on Lilith, the Mother of Demons. Explore the history of Lilith and why she is revered as a powerful, feminist icon. Warning: This episode mentions domestic violence and assault. Listener discretion is advised.

DISCLAIMER: THIS EPISODE MENTIONS THE SUBJECT OF SELF-HARM AND SUICIDE. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Aokigahara Forest is situated at the base of Mount Fuji, 2 hours west of Tokyo. But despite its beautiful scenery, and serene nature walks, that is unfortunately not what it is most known for.

In the winter of 1692, the village of Salem, Massachusetts found itself embroiled in a vicious witch hunt. A total of 185 people would ultimately be accused of witchcraft, resulting in the deaths of 14 women and 5 men. To commemorate the 333 anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, Scary Stories for the Soul is releasing one episode a week in the month of February, following 10 of the accused. On th...

In the winter of 1692, the village of Salem, Massachusetts found itself embroiled in a vicious witch hunt. A total of 185 people would ultimately be accused of witchcraft, resulting in the deaths of 14 women and 5 men. To commemorate the 333 anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, Scary Stories for the Soul is releasing one episode a week in the month of February, following 10 of the accused. This...

In the winter of 1692, the village of Salem, Massachusetts found itself embroiled in a vicious witch hunt. To commemorate the 333 anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, Scary Stories for the Soul is releasing one episode a week in the month of February, following 10 of the accused. On this week's episode we will highlight the lives and deaths of Rebecca Nurse and Reverend George Burroughs. Sources...

To commemorate the 333 anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, Scary Stories for the Soul is releasing one episode a week in the month of February, highlighting the lives, trials, tribulations, and deaths of 10 of the accused. In our first episode of the series we will be discussing Tituba, Bridget Bishop, and Sarah Good. Sources used for this episode are Wikipedia, “Tituba, Reluctant Witch of Sale...

Thomas Edison can take credit for inventing many things, like recorded sound and motion pictures. But did you know he also had a hand trying to invent one of the very first spirit communication machines?

The Stanley Hotel has a reputation for being the most haunted hotel in the United States. Some of that is thanks to Stephen King’s 1977 novel The Shining , but most of it is because it’s actually really, really, really haunted.

Holiday traditions are sacred things. They’re what makes the season joyful and bright. But I bet you didn’t know that some of our most beloved holidays traditions, have their roots in Pagan practices and celebrations. Let’s talk about the history of Christmas.

La Befana is a popular figure in Italian holiday folklore. The little Christmas Witch shares more than a few traits with good Ol’ Saint Nick. This holiday season we’re going to talk about La Befana, and see exactly why she should have a place on our mantel, right next to that Elf on the Shelf.

Forests are naturally known as fantastical places, but none hold a candle to Germany’s Black Forest. Walk into the supernatural history of the Black Forest, get acquainted with some of its more spooky inhabitants, and learn about what exactly inspired the Brothers Grimm to change the world of folktales forever.

When La Casa de los Lamentos in Guanajuato, Mexico opened its doors to tourists, they knew they could make some money showing the home of a deceased serial killer. What they didn’t expect, was that Tadeo Fulgencio Mejia’s victims might still be lingering in the halls. Bonus Episode: When Gertrude Tredwell’s father forbade her from marrying the love of her life, she kept that promise even after his...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! It’s time for a Scary Stories for the Soul original tale of terror: The house next to Leticia’s has been vacant for years, until now. Her new neighbors, Marcelina and David, are interesting people; beautiful but aloof. But soon, Leticia starts having nightmares about the couple. Are the dreams just that, or are the vampire bites she feels every night real?

There’s a tree in Guadalajara that’s unlike any other. It’s not the concrete slab that the tree grew out of that makes it so unique, or it’s strange ability to bleed when cut into. It’s the fact that deep underneath its roots is a slumbering vampire waiting to take its revenge. Get ready to learn about the Vampire of Guadalajara.

Jure Grando IS a vampire, or at least that’s what the people of Kringa believe. Learn about the first man to ever be noted in historical record as a vampire, and how the village of Kringa stopped his deadly attacks.

Nellie Vaughn is NOT a vampire, and she’s been spending the majority of her afterlife trying to convince people of that. Let’s explore the Nellie Vaughn story, and how she got stuck with such a bad reputation.

Alleged vampire Mercy Brown has had her name cemented into American history by being the focal point of the New England Vampire Panic. But even now, almost 150 years after her death, the same question still arise: was Mercy ACTUALLY a vampire?

Warning: This episode contains instances of suicide and self harm. Listen at your own discretion. For decades the cause of Ladell Allen’s suicide was a mystery, as was the reasoning why her ghost still haunted her childhood home in Monticello, Arkansas. That is, until a new homeowner made a chilling discovery about Ladell Allen and the love of her life.

The Hope Diamond is well know for its beauty, but did you know it also carries a legacy of death and misfortune? Let’s discuss the lore behind the brilliant stone and its supposed body count.

Edward Mordrake was a handsome, wealthy young man with a deep secret - a parasitic, evil face lived on the back of his head, whispering atrocities so great that it eventually cost Mordrake his life.