Things Are About To Get Weird
I’m Chyaz Samuel, and things are about to get weird. This podcast is dedicated to some of the strangest stories you’re ever likely to hear: from true crime and unsolved mysteries to unbelievable coincidences and tales full of bizarre twists. Website: https://thingsgetweirdpodcast.com Email: [email protected]
Episode 107: Ghost Stories From Conwy: My Childhood Holiday Town
Is Conwy the most haunted town in North Wales? In this suitably spooky episode, Chyaz explores some of the most fascinating ghost stories from her childhood holiday town, one of the places she credits with inspiring her love of the paranormal. From grand houses haunted by their tragically departed owners and the restless spirits still wandering Conwy Castle to the alleged curse cast over the town by an otherworldly creature, this spine tingling edition of the podcast will stick with you long past the 31st October. After all, remember what Chyaz always says: ghost stories are for life, not...
Episode 106: Did A Psychic Solve The Murder of Andre Daigle?
When 27 year old Andre Daigle went missing after a night out playing pool with a friend, his family and friends were immediately concerned. A missing persons search ensued across the New Orleans area, but despite their enormous efforts no sign of Andre emerged. Meanwhile, two thousand miles away in California, Andre’s sister decides to seek the help of a psychic in an attempt to locate her missing brother. What transpired next is both extraordinary and heartbreaking. In this episode, Chyaz Samuel explores one of the most remarkable, compelling examples of a psychic witness’ involvement in a true crime case...
Episode 105: The Mary Celeste Ghost Ship Mystery
In December of 1872, a ship named the Mary Celeste was found adrift in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. When the salvage crew boarded the vessel, they discovered that it was in good shape, yet it was entirely deserted: a true ghost ship. But what on earth happened to the 10 souls who had been on board? And why had they abandoned the Mary Celste so far from shore? Chyaz explores one of the most bizarre and enduring mysteries of all time, examining theories from the practical to the paranormal and beyond…
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Episode 104: MORE Strange Stories Behind Everyday Items
Some of the most ordinary items we encounter on a daily basis may just be hiding a strange, bizarre or even dark history…join Chyaz Samuel as she explores the unusual stories behind even more everyday objects in the second part of this fascinating mini series. From beloved fashion accessories and popular food dishes to décor items and fizzy drinks, the origin tales of these seemingly inconspicuous items may just surprise you…
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Episode 103: The Last Witch Imprisoned in Britain
Meet Helen Duncan, the Scottish psychic medium who became one of the most famous séance leaders in the nation…as well as the last person to be imprisoned in Britain under the Witchcraft Act of 1735. But if you thought this incident took place sometime in the 18th century, you’d be mistaken. Would you believe that Helen was actually locked up as recently as 1944? This is just one of the endless bizarre details in this incredibly strange tale, which spans two World Wars and countless scandals. Helen might be one of the most fascinating people covered on the podca...
Episode 102: The Haunted Stocksbridge Bypass
Is this the most haunted road in Britain? The Stocksbridge Bypass, located to the north of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, is associated with a shocking number of the most fascinating kind of ghost stories of all: corroborated ones. Multiple people, both in pairs and individually, have reported experiencing eerily similar paranormal apparitions and other happenings on the road, starting before it was even fully built. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, it’s impossible to deny that the tales are captivating. In today’s episode, Chyaz explores the most compelling of these stories, and looks into the theori...
Episode 101: Weird Origins of Everyday Phrases
Did you know that many of the phrases we use on a daily basis have fascinatingly strange origins? In this episode, Chyaz explores the weird history behind the idioms and sayings that form part of our everyday conversations, and debunks some of the common explanations that aren’t quite as accurate as we might have thought. From the terrible practises that led some to appear ‘mad as a hatter’ to the nautical background behind feeling ‘under the weather’, you’ll never think of these phrases in the same way again…
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Episode 100: The Strange Death of Elisa Lam: Part 2
The strange and mysterious death of Elisa Lam at the former Cecil Hotel in 2013 went from a local missing person case to a worldwide spectacle in a matter of days. When bizarre CCTV footage of some of Elisa’s movements in the hostel’s elevator went viral, internet sleuths quickly started forming increasingly outlandish theories as to what could have happened to her. But is the truth behind her tragic passing much easier to explain than the online posts would have you believe? In Part 2 of Episode 100, Chyaz explores the facts of this unusual case, addresses and debunks some of t...
Episode 100: The Dark History of The Cecil Hotel: Part 1
The Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles has one of the darkest histories ever discussed on the podcast. As a one-time home to serial killers including Richard Ramirez and the site of countless strange and terrible deaths, is it any wonder many guests have described the Cecil as feeling incredible haunted? Today, in Part 1 of this landmark 100th episode, Chyaz explores some of the most bizarre stories to emerge from the Hotel Cecil over the past century. When you think the reputation of this Skid Row establishment can’t get any more bizarre, it somehow manages to get one st...
Episode 99: The Solway Firth Spaceman
Was a supernatural being, resembling a spaceman, really caught on camera in the Solway Firth area of Cumbria in the 1960s? When firefighter Jim Templeton snapped a photo of his young daughter Elizabeth, he was shocked to spot a mysterious figure in the background of one of the pictures after they were developed. The story quickly caught the attention of paranormal enthusiasts from around the world, but the photo itself is only one part of this incredibly strange story. As it turns out, what happened AFTER the shutter closed only makes this story stranger and more intriguing. Join Chyaz...
Episode 98: The Children Who Remember Their Past Lives
The idea of a young child having vivid memories of a past life they claim to have led sounds like the premise of a supernatural movie. But did you know that a team at the University of Virginia have actually spent decades studying this very phenomenon? In this episode, Chyaz explores some of the most fascinating documented cases of children who say they have been on this earth before, as well as taking a look at the incredible work the university have undertaken. Could reincarnation really be at play here, or does the true explanation lie more in the ‘no...
Episode 97: Who Killed Lottery Winner Urooj Khan?
When 46 year old Urooj Khan, a dry cleaning shop owner based in the US city of Chicago, won $1,000,000 on a lottery scratchcard, he immediately began asking himself the question many of us will only ever daydream about: how should I spend my lottery winnings? But just the day after his winning cheque was posted to him, Urooj tragically passed away after collapsing at home. Was his death as suspicious as his post-mortem testing indicated? Or are there even more mysterious details lurking beneath this unsolved case than we even realise? Join Chyaz as she explores this strange story…
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Episode 96: Weird Facts That Will Warp Your Perception of Time
Some strange facts are not only utterly fascinating, but completely mess with your perception of time too. Whether it’s finding out that two things you thought belonged to entirely different eras actually briefly existed at the same time or discovering some additional context that totally changes your view of a major historical event or person, these revelations can be truly mind-boggling. In this episode, Chyaz shares some of her personal favourite examples of facts that warp the very idea of time, digging deeper into each tale to uncover just why they’re so endlessly interesting…
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Episode 95: The Ghost of Anne Boleyn
Is the ghost of Anne Boleyn one of the most well-travelled in history? Or is her legend so powerful that it’s inspired the creation of more than just a few myths about her adventures in the paranormal realm? Join Chyaz Samuel as she explores some of the most fascinating tales linked with the ill-fated Tudor Queen, including alleged hauntings at the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, along with other locations that meant a lot to Anne in life.
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Weird Fix 23: Kate Bush's UFO Encounter, T-Rex Leather Bag & A Fingernail Fact
Did Kate Bush really see a UFO (or three?) at Loch Ness back in the 1980s? What on earth is the story behind the ‘T-Rex leather handbag’ that went up for auction in Paris a few weeks ago? And do your fingernails really grow quicker in warmer weather? In this mini episode, Chyaz explores all three of these eclectic and fascinating questions, and some of the answers might just surprise you…
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Weird Fix 22: Green Boots Everest Recovery, Spooky Time Capsule Prophecy & A Pringles Fact
In this mini episode, Chyaz explores two of the most bizarre yet fascinating news stories of the year so far: the recently announced Mount Everest recovery mission aimed at bringing the famous ‘Green Boots’ home after almost 30 years, plus a look at the spooky time capsule prophecy which has stunned staff at the Crystal Palace Park regeneration project. To finish, we have a strange-but-true fact about the inventor of the Pringles can…
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Episode 94: The Bizarre & Horrifying Tale of Elmer McCurdy
The story of Elmer McCurdy is one of the most bizarre cases covered on the podcast to date. How does the tale of a train-robbing outlaw become stranger AFTER he passes away? Prepare to hear about the astonishing life (and afterlife) of ‘The Bandit Who Wouldn’t Give Up’, also known as the ‘Outlaw Mummy’. What’s the truth behind this case that sounds like something straight out of American Horror Story? And what possible connection could it have to Skeletor from the Masters of the Universe franchise? Chyaz explores the whole saga in this brand new episode of Things Are A...
Episode 93: The Coincidences & Heroes of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which took place on Boxing Day of that year, is one of the most devastating natural disasters on record. Over 228,000 people across multiple countries are thought to have perished as a result of the brutal wave surges, triggered by an enormous earthquake off the coast of the island of Sumatra. But amongst the chaos, numerous astonishing stories emerged; tales of unbelievable coincidences, acts of heroism and survival against all odds. In today’s episode, Chyaz explores just some of those incredible stories.
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Episode 92: Strange Stories Behind Everyday Items
Did you know that some of the most seemingly boring, everyday things in our homes actually have stranger backstories than you could ever imagine? Join Chyaz as she explores a selection of the weirdest origin tales behind the items so ordinary, we wouldn’t usually give them a second thought. From bland breakfast foods and stationery supplies to medicine packaging, and much more in between. These are some of the most fascinating stories you never knew you needed to hear…
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Weird Fix 21: World’s Oldest Tortoise Death Hoax, Ghostly Experiments & A Pope Fact
Weird Fix is back! In today’s mini episode, Chyaz discusses two of the strangest news stories of the year so far: one concerning Jonathan the Tortoise, the ‘World’s Oldest Land Animal’, who found himself caught up in a cryptocurrency death hoax…and the other relating to new research into the potential links between Infrasound and the paranormal. Plus, a fascinating piece of Pope-related trivia. There’s a weird little something for everyone in this bite-sized edition of Things Are About To Get Weird.
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Episode 91: The Hammersmith Ghost Murder
As Victorian ghost stories go, few are as bizarre as the case of the Hammersmith Ghost. How did the search for an elusive ghoul, in what was then a rural-feeling village on the outskirts of London, end up in a murder trial which would haunt the British legal system for over 180 years? This tale is full of strange twists and unexpected turns, and whilst some aspects of the case are considered officially solved, there are still plenty of mysterious details that will stick with you for a long time after listening to this episode…
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Episode 90: Who Was 'Mary Ellen'?
Just before Christmas in 1982, a grim discovery was made in the cellar of a house in the Greater Manchester town of Bolton. Human remains, belonging to a woman, were found in a partially-mummified state. But how long had she been there? And why could no one work out who she was? This is the story of ‘Mary Ellen’, which grows stranger and more complex with every new detail and connection that emerges…
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Episode 89: The Green Children of Woolpit
For centuries, the Green Children of Woolpit story was seen as little more than a folktale that took place in a small Suffolk village during the 12th century. But what if there was more truth to it than many had previously imagined? Over 800 years on, the debate about this fascinating case rumbles on, with explanations for the sudden presence of these green-skinned children in the village of Woolpit ranging from the scientific to the supernatural. In this episode, Chyaz explores each angle of this incredibly compelling medieval mystery…
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Episode 88: The Amazing Survival Story of Harrison Okene
In 2013, a team of divers headed down to a boat that had capsized 20km off the coast of Nigeria. It had been almost three days since the Jascon-4 vessel had sunk, after being hit by a freak wave in the early hours of the morning. The divers were expecting it to be a recovery mission, bringing the bodies of the poor souls who had lost their lives in the disaster to the surface until a hand reached out to them in the darkness. This is the astonishing story of Harrison Okene, and how he survived for almost three days...
Episode 87: Silpho Moor UFO Incident
In 1957, three men spotted something very unusual in the sky close to the village of Silpho in North Yorkshire. A glowing object, which appeared to crash land on a nearby moor. The strange item, which resembled a small flying saucer, was quickly located, and naturally the discovery made headlines. But whilst many locals were excited by the prospect of the area having its very own UFO, news about the bizarre finding quickly dried up that was, until an exciting development came to light in 2018. In this episode, Chyaz dives into the story behind the Silpho Moor UFO Incident, a...
Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street
Hetty Green, better known as the ‘Witch of Wall Street’, may just be one of the most unique and eccentric women you’ve never heard of. After growing her fortune through clever investments during the 1800s in New York City, she became a peer of the likes of Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan…despite the fact she wasn’t even allowed to vote. But rather than celebrating her achievements, the press became fixated on her unusual personality and peculiar lifestyle. So, who was the real person behind the ‘Witch of Wall Street’ moniker? Chyaz explores this fascinating tale...
Episode 85: How A 'Bog Body' Solved A Murder
How did a 1,600 year old ‘bog body’ help to solve a murder? In the early 1980s, near the affluent town of Wilmslow in Cheshire, several discoveries were made in a local peat bog which caught the attention of archaeologists from around the world. Incredibly well-preserved human remains were found within the peat, with one particular finding setting off a chain of events that led to answers in a 20+ year old cold case. Join Chyaz as she explores the tales of the Lindow Man, the Lindow Woman and the murder of Malika Maria de Ferdandez…
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Episode 84: The Dancing Plague of 1518
In the sweltering heat of summer, during July of 1518, the city of Strasbourg was consumed by a plague…just not necessarily the kind you may be thinking of. After a lady named Frau Troffea began to spontaneously dance in the streets, this compulsion to move soon spread throughout the city, and before long hundreds of residents had been swept up by this ‘dancing mania’. Though it sounds idyllic in theory, the reality was very different, and the Strasbourg ‘dancing plague’ soon turned deadly. But what caused this mass display to take hold in the first place? In today’s episode, Chy...
Episode 83: The Strange Twists & Turns of the Gullspång Miracle Case
When Norwegian sisters Kari and May begin searching for an apartment in the Swedish locality of Gullspång, they end up opening a door that leads to more than they could have ever bargained for. After meeting the property’s seller, Olaug, the sisters accidentally make a discovery that changes the lives all involved forever. But is all quite what it seems? Thanks to documentary filmmaker Maria Fredriksson, this entire fascinating saga was caught on camera, but even years of footage couldn’t provide the answers to every question in this strange tale. Could the Gullspång Miracle case featur...
Episode 82: The Mysterious Disappearance of Richey Edwards
What happened to Richey Edwards? When the Manic Street Preachers guitarist and co-lyricist disappeared without a trace in 1995, under incredibly mysterious circumstances, speculation about his whereabouts was rife. Over 30 years on, despite endless theories emerging as to what happened to him, this case remains unsolved. Did Richey’s story end in tragedy? Or did he disappear voluntarily, determined to start a new life on his own terms? This tale remains one of the most intriguing stories in British music history, even three decades later new information continues to emerge in the case. Join Chyaz as she dives in to ea...
Episode 81: Is Shepton Mallet The UK's Most Haunted Prison?
Is Shepton Mallet in Somerset really the UK’s most haunted prison? Despite being decommissioned in 2013, it’s thought that the spirits of certain infamous prisoners still linger in the cells, corridors and grounds of the former institution. Today, Chyaz explores the dark history and ghostly tales linked to Shepton Mallet prison, and aims to discover why it’s now a destination for paranormal enthusiasts over 400 years since it first opened its doors…
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Episode 80: Mandela Effects
The Mandela Effect is something many of us will have experienced at some point; this bizarre phenomenon, whereby large groups of people share the same false memories of a historical event, visual detail or pop culture fact, is surprisingly common. But why does it happen? Do the answer lie within the realms of science, or somewhere more otherworldly? Chyaz explores both the strangest examples and the most compelling theories associated with the Mandela Effect in this fascinating episode…
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Episode 79: The Bizarre Interrogation of Ryan Waller
After 21 year old Heather Quan was found murdered at an address in Phoenix, Arizona, police began an interrogation of her boyfriend – 18 year old Ryan Waller – to try and uncover the truth about what happened to her. What transpired next added truly bizarre dimension to this tragic tale, and provoked a debate that continues almost 20 years on. This story is as genuinely shocking as it is heartbreaking…
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Episode 78: Doppelgängers
What does the word Doppelgänger make you think of? The paranormal phenomenon, with its folklore roots and links to the idea of a ‘spirit double’ signifying impending doom? Or the more modern usage – the idea that we all have a non-biological twin somewhere out there in the world? Whichever it may be, the stories behind the concept of the Doppelgänger are as fascinating as they are eerie…
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Episode 77: Were These Films Cursed?
Can a movie really be cursed? From classic horror flicks like The Omen and supernatural pictures like The Crow to family favourites including The Wizard of Oz - dozens of productions have been afflicted by exceptional bad luck and strange happenings over the decades. But were these films really ‘cursed’, or are the bizarre (and sometimes tragic) events linked to them merely coincidences?
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Episode 76: Death Row Last Meals
The Death Row last meal: a topic that is as utterly fascinating as it is controversial. But what’s the history behind the seemingly merciful act of allowing a condemned inmate to choose the contents of their final meal? What did some of the most infamous serial killers pick for theirs? And WHY do prisoners choose what they choose? Chyaz explores all of these questions and more in this intriguing episode…
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Episode 75: Sudden Savant Syndrome
Sudden Savant Syndrome, also known as Acquired Savant Syndrome, is an extremely rare and incredibly fascinating medical phenomenon whereby a person becomes a ‘sudden genius’ in a particular field. Only a handful of documented cases exist, and most have one specific thing in common. What’s behind this utterly captivating condition? Join Chyaz as she explores the stories and the science…
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Episode 74: A Medieval Mystery...Solved?
Could a mystery that’s baffled historians for over 500 years finally have an answer? The chilling tale of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most compelling cold cases of all time - but in recent years, several bizarre and dramatic theories have emerged which could help to answer the age-old question: did Richard III really end the lives of his nephews, or has the real truth been hiding in plain sight?
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Episode 73: The Whaley House Hauntings
The Whaley House in San Diego fully embraces its title as America’s Most Haunted House…but what are the true stories behind these apparent hauntings? Can the property’s dark history explain why so many have reported ghostly encounters at the home for decades? And who is Yankee Jim? Join Chyaz as she explores the strange and twisted tales associated with this real-life haunted mansion…
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Episode 72: The Gentleman of Heligoland
In 1994, the body of an unidentified man was pulled from the North Sea near to the German archipelago of Heligoland. He was dressed in notably smart clothing, and foul play looked to have been involved in his death. Yet despite his distinctive appearance, the man’s identity still remains unknown to this day. However…could new clues uncovered in the past few years mean the Gentleman of Heligoland mystery may soon be solved? Chyaz investigates…
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