The Ghoul’s Guide to Santa Barbara

A 1970s serial killer at UCSB and the unexpectedly heartwarming legacy of a victim. This week, Liz tells us about the murders committed by Thor Nis Christiansen, and we learn about Patricia Laney, the victim in whose memory the Isla Vista Juggling Festival was founded.

The largest peacetime loss of US Navy ships happened on the coast of Santa Barbara County! Jen tells us about the Honda Point Disaster, including fascinating details about the dead reckoning navigation method, the leadership command failures that led to the disaster, and the heroism of the people of Lompoc, California, who showed up on the beach to rescue the sailors in peril. Read more on our web...

Ghostly Ladies in White (also known as "White Ladies") haunt dark roadways throughout Santa Barbara County, and Summers tells stories of four of them in our sixth episode.

Riven Rock is a former Montecito estate and home to the "millionaire maniac" Stanley R. McCormick and his wife Katharine Dexter. In our fifth episode Liz tells the story of Riven Rock, its potential haunting, and connection to Harry and Meghan. Read more about this episode on our website: Riven Rock – The Ghoul's Guide to Santa Barbara Episode 5

Edie Segwick was a famed Warhol muse, model, actress, and Santa Barbara native. In our fourth episode Jen tells the story of her short life and family connections to Santa Barbara. Content Warning: Today's episode includes mentions of disordered eating, sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. Please take care while listening. Find out more on our website: Edie Sedgwick – The Ghoul...

The murder of local Hope Ranch woman Noreen DeMartino, wife of a guidance counselor at Goleta's Dos Pueblos High School, was horrifying: Noreen visited her local video store, Captain Video, in her new sportcar, and when she got back in to drive home, she wasn't alone. Noreen's terrifying murder, which sounded almost as unbelievable as a sleepover scary story or urban legend, was used a...

We built this city on seances and ghosts! Buckle up for a spooky journey to the quaint and mystical town of Summerland, California, nestled just south of Santa Barbara. Founded as a Spiritualist colony, Summerland is steeped in history and intrigue. We'll delve into the fascinating story of Summerland's enigmatic founder and the legendary Big Yellow House, which has left many residents won...

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen and those who work with explosives, and the namesake of our spooky city by the sea. In our first episode Jen tells the story of Saint Barb's confinement and torture, and how Santa Barbara got its name (and flag). Visit our website for episode details!