Weird Distractions

Started in Scotland, ended up in Australia. For this weeks distraction, tune in to learn the history and haunts of Aradale Mental Hospital, located in Ararat. Reports seemingly claim that former staff and patients are haunting this former hospital, along with it's sister site - the former Ararat Gaol (further known as J-Ward), making both perhaps two of the most haunted locations in the country. N...

Denisha Montgomery-Smith was only 27 years old when she was found deceased in her barracks, located in Wiesbaden, Germany on August 8th of 2022. Days before this, Denisha had called her family, distressed, after her fellow soldiers had assaulted her while on their day off. Between this phone call, the days leading up to her death, and what has since happened (and subsequently, not happened) - ther...

Is there a Goatman in Maryland? This week, the show goes down to Texas to discuss the infamous Goatman’s Bridge - originally known as the Old Alton Bridge. This tale is packed full of lore and paranormal accounts. But, did you know there is a more sinister theme associated with it? Tune in to learn more. Need a distraction? I got you.  Justice for Lermont Stowers-Jones website: https://justiceform...

Who doesn’t love a throwback? This week, Alex revisits a previously covered conspiracy theory from the early days of the show, being the alleged kid-ran time travelling program, named Project Pegasus. You won’t want to miss this re-release episode, which comes packed with fresher audio, but the same weirdness. Need a distraction? I got you.  Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom...

Due to being away, please enjoy this episode taken from the, 'Even Weirder' series on patreon. This is a monthly bonus episode series, available for both tiers. Soup-thick fog and the Bermuda Triangle make for some weird on-the-water encounters. This month, I cover the weird encounter the former packet ship, being the Ellen Austin, encountered while sailing from Liverpool to New York. What do you...

This week, Alex tackles an unsolved missing persons case that has seemingly gone cold. Rachel Marie Mellon Skemp disappeared from her home on January 31st, 1996. There was no evidence of anyone breaking into the home, and no one has heard from her since. So, what happened? Tune in to learn more about Rachel and her case. Need a distraction? I got you. For anyone with any information about Rachel’s...

Claimed as being Australia's, 'Most Haunted House', the Monte Cristo has produced eerie local lore for almost 140 years. But, what haunted phenomena is taking place? And who haunts this property? Tune in to find out. Need a distraction? I got you. Turkey & Syria relief resources: https://www.gofundme.com/en-gb/c/act/turkey-syria-earthquake-help Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons...

This week on Weird Distractions, the unsolved death of Ricky McCormick is being highlighted. Ricky's death was deemed natural causes, yet the circumstances in which he was found, along with two cryptic notes, beg to differ. Tune in to learn more about the case and don't forget to check the shows social media platforms to check out the notes. Need a distraction? I got you. As mentioned in the episo...

Maybe the reason why we can't see any folklore legends or cryptids is because they can all sense when someone is doing an Instagram live? This week, Alex tackles the folklore legend around the Dark Watchers. These unknown, shadow-like beings reportedly are perched in the Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur areas - but are they simply protecting the land? Tune in to learn more. Need a distraction? I got...

There's nothing more irritating than a wailing shadow figure. This week, Alex tackles the history & haunts of the infamous Poveglia island. Tune in to hear more about Poveglia and why it is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susa...

It was February of 1906 when Jeanne Van Calck, an 8-year-old girl from Brussels, Belgium, left her grandparents house to visit her mother. Tragically, she never made it to her mothers home, nor back to her grandparents. What happened to Jeanne? Tune in to learn more about this unsolved murder case from Belgium, along with an update pertaining to the unsolved murder of Joseph Augustus “Boy in the B...

Cresson Sanatorium was built on the premise of helping people when tuberculosis first hit the United States. Since it's doors opened, it changed names, purposes - but continued to be a place many would call home. It seems as if some souls that once entered the front doors of Cresson continue to remain to this day. Shadow figures, intense sounding EVP's, and technology malfunctions are only coverin...

In this weeks episode, Alex revisits a case covered during the early years of Weird Distractions. Your eyes aren't deceiving you, it's re-release - but this time, this one has an update. The unsolved case of the Boy in the Box continues to be a mystery to this day. But, thanks to advancements in forensics, we now have a name. What happened to Joseph Augustus Zarelli? Tune in to find out. Need a di...

This week, Alex takes things to Manhattan, New York (USA) to discuss the reported history and haunts of the Old Merchant's House - also referred to as the Merchant's House Museum or the Seabury Tredwell House. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, & Jennifer! Thank you for support...

Did Alex realize that she was releasing a depressing case as the first Weird Distractions episode of the New Year? This week, to ring in 2023, Alex discusses the crimes of Daniel Camargo Barbosa - aka the The Sadist of El Charquito. Trigger warnings will be provided in the episode but be forewarned as Daniel’s story is not what would be considered easy listening. Need a distraction? I got you.  Li...

Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating - and a weird distraction for everyone who is in need. This week, Alex discusses 6 mall Santas and their scandals in what was supposed to be an attempt to lift the mood - but, turns out, it got weird & dark real fast. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Court...

Could this bonus episode really be a Christmas miracle? I was asked to join some of the spookiest shows within the indie podcast community to share a creepy tale, in order to celebrate the holiday season. Move over Christmas cheer, we're here for Christmas fear! Need a distraction? We got you. Thank you to Eric & Alex from Dos Spookqueños for organizing this special. Find more Dos Spookqueños here...

After tuning in to this weeks episode, you may want to reconsider some of the toys you bought for your loved ones for this holiday season. This week, Alex is back discussing 5 different toys and some of the weird online conspiracy theories associated with them. From Furby's to Raggedy Ann dolls and everything in between, you may be surprised to hear what theories out there actually convinced folks...

In this third edition of the Listener Distractions series, we hear about a haunted house, a shadow figure near a koi pond, an illegal hunt, and more. Got a distraction? Send your story in! Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also...

While Alex is away sick, please enjoy this Weird Spam episode featuring Linz from Ye Olde Crime podcast. Weird Spam is a monthly series for the, 'Here for the Weird' $5(USD)/month patreon supporters - where Alex, and a guest, read the weird, scammy emails we get. Consider supporting Weird Distractions and getting access to this series by checking out the shows patreon page: https://patreon.com/wei...

Alex is taking a mini break this week - BUT, have no fear! Linz & Maddy from Ye Olde Crime podcast are here to provide you all a very weird distraction. Join the YOC sisters as they discuss the Bermondsey Horror, as well as why you shouldn’t trust the phrase “going to come into money,” that working for rich people doesn’t mean they got your back, and how NOT to get away with murder. Resources: 202...

Willard State Hospital opened it’s doors with hope to change the way mental and cognitive treatment were provided. Even though it received positive feedback, it’s doors closed in 1995. Now what remains seems to be rumours and reports of paranormal activity. But, is it as haunted as the claims make it seem? Tune in to be the judge. Need a distraction? I got you.  Listener discretion is advised. Sho...

This week, Alex tackles the unsolved disappearance of Annie Yassie. Annie was just shy of 14 years old when she disappeared from Sayisi Dene First Nation - near Tadoule Lake, in Manitoba. It’s been nearly 50 years since Annie went missing, and it seems as though there are more questions than answers. Tune in to learn more. Need a distraction? I got you.  If anyone has information regarding Annie’s...

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve discussed a haunted cemetery! This week, Alex takes you to Midlothian, Illinois to Bachelors Grove Cemetery. Originally created for the Bachelors Grove settlement, this cemetery continues to reportedly boast unexplainable phenomena. From phantom cars, unsolved homicide cases, apparitions and more - this cemetery continues to breath life into local lore. Need a di...

This week, all eyes are on former murderer Martha Wise. Was Martha right to poison those around her? Or, was she out of line? Tune in to learn more about Martha, the case, and why you should always trust your gut. Need a distraction? I got you.  Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you f...