Mysteries and Backstories

40 Episodes
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By: J.J.

Mysteries and Backstories is where history gets dark, strange, and unforgettable. Each episode dives into true survival stories, unsolved disappearances, eerie artifacts, and the people who got caught in the middle of it all. From doomed expeditions to chilling historical mysteries, we tell gripping, real-life tales that blur the line between fact and folklore—without the fluff. New episodes every other Wednesday.

Strange and Unsolved Mysteries of the Middle Ages
04/30/2025

Strange disappearances, hidden codes, and eerie encounters—these medieval mysteries still puzzle historians today. In this episode, we explore three real-life cases from the Middle Ages that remain unexplained. Featuring: • The Lost Village of Wharram Percy • The Enigmatic Green Children of Woolpit • The Mysterious Death of William II Follow for more historical mysteries and forgotten stories.


The Tragic Burke and Wills Expedition
04/23/2025

In 1860, Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills set out to lead the first expedition across the Australian continent — from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Backed by public funding and national attention, their journey was supposed to be historic.


Instead, it became a slow-motion disaster.


This episode tells the true story of how miscommunication, bad decisions, and cruel timing turned a moment of promise into one of the most tragic chapters in exploration history. From missed rescue by just hours to buried journals no one found in time...


Frozen in Ice : The Doomed Karluk Expedition
04/17/2025

In 1913, the Karluk set sail on a bold Arctic expedition. Within months, the ship was locked in ice and abandoned — left to drift helplessly across the Chukchi Sea. This is the true story of survival, leadership, and betrayal in one of the coldest and most brutal environments on Earth.Led by Captain Robert Bartlett, the crew fought to survive frostbite, starvation, and the madness of isolation, while their expedition leader, Vilhjalmur Stefansson, walked away — not once, but twice.From the freezing deck of a ship crushed by ice to the desolate shore of Wrangel Island, this is a survival stor...


Adrift and Abandoned: Four True Shipwreck Survival Stories
04/07/2025

This special compilation brings together four of the darkest and most intense shipwreck stories we’ve ever covered — curated and remastered for our podcast audience.

From the eerie disappearance of the Mary Celeste, to the mutiny and murder aboard the Batavia, to the whale attack that inspired Moby-Dick, and finally the horror of the Méduse raft — each story reveals what happens when survival pushes people beyond the limits of humanity.

These aren’t just shipwrecks. They’re what happens when help never comes.

🎧 Follow for more gripping true stories.


Surviving the Arctic: The Greely Expedition's Harrowing Tale
04/02/2025

In 1881, Lieutenant Adolphus Greely led a team of 25 men on a scientific mission to the Arctic's unforgiving terrain. Facing extreme cold, dwindling supplies, and isolation, their expedition turned into a desperate fight for survival. Discover the true story of the Greely Expedition—an account of resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit's endurance against nature's harshest elements.



Crystal Skulls, Mayan Prophecies, and the Lost Secrets of the Dresden Codex
03/22/2025

What do ancient crystal skulls, Mayan prophecies, and a mysterious pre-Columbian manuscript have in common?

In this episode, we explore one of the most enduring legends in archaeology and fringe science: the mysterious crystal skulls. Linked to the ancient Maya, these eerie artifacts have sparked stories of healing powers, doomsday prophecies, and even extraterrestrial origins. But the truth may lie in something far older—the Dresden Codex, one of the last surviving Mayan books.

Was the Codex warning us? Were the skulls part of something larger? Or is this all an elaborate myth fu...


Andrée’s Arctic Balloon Expedition Tragedy
03/17/2025

In 1897, Swedish explorer S.A. Andrée set out on a daring mission to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon—a bold plan doomed from the start. What began as an ambitious flight into the Arctic skies turned into a horrifying struggle for survival against the brutal forces of nature. When Andrée and his crew vanished, they left behind one of the greatest polar mysteries in history. It wasn’t until decades later that their chilling fate was uncovered.

In this episode, we unravel the expedition’s fatal mistakes, the eerie clues left behind...


Siberian Nightmare: The Mysterious Fate of the Korovina Hiking Group
03/03/2025

In 1993, seven experienced hikers set off into the remote Khamar-Daban mountains. Days later, six of them were found dead—collapsed in agony, eyes bleeding, foam at their mouths.

Only one survivor, Valentina Utochenko, made it out alive. But even decades later, she refuses to talk about what really happened.

🔹 What caused this horrifying disaster?
🔹 Did nature turn against them, or was something else lurking in the wilderness?
🔹 And why does this case remain unsolved even after years of investigation?

Join us as we unravel the chilling mystery of the Korovina Gr...


The Batavia Shipwreck: Mutiny, Survival & The Island of Death
02/25/2025

Survival challenges are fun… unless you’re on an island where the prize for losing is never being seen again. This isn’t MrBeast’s Last to Leave—this is real history, and it gets much darker.

In 1629, the Batavia, a Dutch East India Company ship, wrecked off the coast of Australia. Hundreds of survivors reached a barren island, believing their greatest challenge was the open sea. They were wrong. The real danger was one of their own.

Stranded without food or water, the survivors fell under the rule of Jeronimus Cornelisz, a man whose...


The Mary Celeste: The Haunting Mystery of the Abandoned Ghost Ship
02/18/2025

In 1872, the Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic Ocean—completely intact, fully stocked, but without a single soul aboard. The crew had vanished without a trace. No signs of struggle. No distress calls. Just an empty ship sailing on.

Was it a sudden disaster? A mutiny? A terrifying mistake? Or something far stranger?

In this episode, we unravel one of the greatest maritime mysteries of all time, diving into the Mary Celeste’s troubled history, eerie discoveries, and the most compelling theories—including the possibility of a supernatural curse.

Chapters:

[00...


The Forbidden Book of Abramelin: Unveiling the Dark Rituals of the Powerful
02/08/2025

In this episode, we delve into theBook of Abramelin, an ancient grimoire shrouded in mystery and associated with dark rituals. We explore its origins, the powerful figures who attempted its perilous rites, and the consequences they faced. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this forbidden text and its impact on those who dared to engage with its occult practices.


📌 Subscribe for more historical mysteries, dangerous rituals, and tales of unexplained histories. Like, comment, and share if you enjoyed this deep dive into one of the world’s most mysterious books.Voynich Manuscript Episo...


The Green Children of Woolpit: Lost Souls, Alien Visitors, or a Medieval Mystery?
02/02/2025

Two green-skinned children appear out of nowhere in 12th-century England, speaking an unknown language and claiming to come from a land bathed in eternal twilight. Were they lost souls, victims of a fairy abduction, or travelers from another dimension? This eerie medieval mystery has puzzled historians, scientists, and paranormal researchers for centuries.

More Episodes HERE! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsAlinhfhzG3kUoCo-pylrQ



Timestamps:
00:00 – The Farmer’s Discovery
01:00 – Mysterious Language and Fear
02:00 – The Village Gathers
03:00 – Struggling to Survive
04:00 – The Broad Beans and a Tragic Loss
05:00 – S...


The Unsolvable Mystery of the Lead Masks: A Chilling Case of 1966
01/28/2025

In August 1966, two men were discovered lifeless on a remote hillside in Niterói, Brazil, wearing bizarre handmade lead masks and clutching a cryptic note with instructions that defy understanding. Manoel Pereira da Cruz and Miguel José Viana left behind no injuries, no signs of struggle, and no clear cause of death—only unanswered questions.


More Episodes⁠ HERE!⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsAlinhfhzG3kUoCo-pylrQ


Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to the Lead Masks Case
(02:15) The Scene in Niterói: Lead Masks and Cryptic Notes
(05:30) Investigative Discoveries: Preparations and Clues
...


Unraveling the Voynich Manuscript: The World's Most Mysterious Book
01/21/2025

Dive into the enigma of the Voynich Manuscript—a centuries-old book filled with undeciphered text and peculiar illustrations. Explore its mysterious origins, the myriad theories surrounding its purpose, and the relentless efforts to decode its secrets. Join us on a journey through one of history's most captivating puzzles. Manuscript Photo Source: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University https://collections.library.yale.edu/catalog/2002046. Cipher manuscript. (0 C.E.). [Manuscripts, Medieval Europe 15th century, Manuscripts, Medieval Europe 16th century, Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in Beinecke Library]. https://collections.library.yale.edu/catalog/2002046.



The Essex Tragedy: Stranded at Sea After a Whale Attack
01/10/2025


In 1819, the whaling ship Essex set sail from Nantucket, only to face an unthinkable disaster in the Pacific Ocean. A massive sperm whale attacked and sank the ship, leaving its crew stranded and fighting for survival. This is the harrowing true story of their desperate struggle against starvation, storms, and the ultimate test of humanity.

Explore the chilling events that inspired Herman Melville’sMoby Dick and witness the endurance of the Essex crew as they faced impossible odds.

More Episodes⁠ HERE!⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsAlinhfhzG3kUoCo-pylrQ


🎙️Su...


The Flannan Isles Mystery: The Vanished Lighthouse Keepers
12/12/2024

On December 26, 1900, the relief ship Hesperus arrived at the remote Flannan Isles to a chilling scene: the lighthouse was deserted, and its three keepers — Thomas Marshall, James Ducat, and Donald McArthur — had vanished without a trace. Cryptic log entries, puzzling clues, and a century of speculation have fueled theories ranging from rogue waves and foul play to the supernatural. Dive into one of maritime history's most haunting unsolved mysteries and uncover the enduring enigma of the Flannan Isles lighthouse keepers.


Vanished On Ice: The Tragic Mystery of the Franklin Expedition
12/05/2024

In 1845, Sir John Franklin and his crew set sail on a daring mission to chart the Arctic's uncharted Northwest Passage. What began as a hopeful journey of discovery quickly turned into a chilling tale of survival, mystery, and unimaginable hardship. With two of the most advanced ships of their time, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Franklin’s expedition vanished into the ice, leaving behind cryptic clues and haunting stories. In this episode, we unravel the events leading up to their disappearance, explore the evidence left in the frozen tundra, and dive deep into the theories surrounding their fate. A gr...


The Mad Trapper: Canada’s Manhunt Across The Arctic
11/28/2024

In the frozen wilderness of the Yukon, a mysterious fugitive eluded capture, outpacing some of Canada’s most skilled trackers in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Discover the chilling true story of Albert Johnson, the 'Mad Trapper,' whose legend lives on as one of the most intense Arctic manhunts in history. What drove this enigmatic man to defy all odds, and how did it all come to a dramatic end?


The Unsettling Truth About Project Montreal: A Dark Chapter in Psychological Experiments
11/21/2024

Discover the chilling story of Project Montreal, where innocent lives were forever changed by covert psychological experiments. Uncover the harrowing truth behind the hospital walls, the inhumane treatments, and the devastating impact on the victims. What really happened during these infamous brainwashing experiments? Prepare to be shocked.


👉 Hit play to learn the untold secrets.
🔍 Explore the darker side of history with us—follow now!


Survival Against All Odds: The Wrangel Island Tragedy
11/14/2024

In 1921, a small team set out to conquer the uncharted Arctic wilderness of Wrangel Island. But what began as an expedition of hope quickly turned into a harrowing fight for survival. Stranded on a frozen, desolate island with limited supplies, facing deadly winter storms and relentless isolation, the crew’s endurance was pushed to the breaking point. Among them was Ada Blackjack, an unlikely hero whose resilience would make her the last survivor of this tragic mission.


Join us as we delve into the unforgettable story of Ada Blackjack and the Wrangel Island Expedition—a ta...


The Mystery of Kaspar Hauser: The Boy Who Appeared from Nowhere
11/08/2024

In 1828, a young boy staggered into Nuremberg, Germany, clutching a mysterious letter and claiming he had lived his whole life in darkness. Who was Kaspar Hauser—a hidden prince, a pawn in a deadly game, or a clever fraud? This episode unravels the twisted tales, strange clues, and assassination attempts surrounding Kaspar’s life, a mystery that has left historians and conspiracy theorists guessing for nearly two centuries. Tune in as we dive into the haunting story of Europe’s most mysterious boy. Was he a lost royal…or something much darker?


Surviving the Donner Party: Virgina Reeds Harrowing Story
11/02/2024

We explore the harrowing journey of the Donner Party through the eyes of Virginia Reed and her family. While the tragedy of the Donner Party is well-known, Virginia’s personal account offers a unique perspective on survival, resilience, and the extreme measures taken to withstand nature’s brutal forces. From the Hastings Cutoff to the relentless Sierra Nevada winter, discover the lesser-told story of a family that defied the odds. This is not just a story of tragedy but of the human spirit’s fierce will to endure.


Nightmare Shipwreck of the Medusa: A Tale of Chaotic Survival
10/25/2024

In 1816, the French naval frigate Medusa ran aground on a hidden sandbar in the open ocean, leaving over a hundred passengers stranded. What followed was a harrowing struggle for survival that shook the nation and left a lasting stain on France’s maritime history. This episode explores the ill-fated voyage, the fatal misjudgments by the crew, and the remarkable story of human endurance in the face of unimaginable horrors.


Shackleton's Impossible Voyage | Unbelievable Antarctic Survival Story
10/17/2024

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton led an extraordinary Antarctic expedition aboard the Endurance. When disaster struck, the crew was left stranded on ice for nearly two years, fighting for survival. This gripping tale of leadership, hope, and resilience against impossible odds will leave you amazed. Discover how Shackleton’s courage and the bond of his men turned a doomed voyage into one of the most incredible survival stories ever told.



What Caused History's Weirdest Outbreak? The Dancing Plague of 1518
10/10/2024

Step into the eerie world of unexplained events and mind-bending mysteries in "The Dancing Plague & Mind-Control Parasites." Explore the chilling 1518 outbreak where hundreds danced to their deaths, and dive deep into the theories behind this strange event. Was it ergot poisoning, mass hysteria, or something more sinister—like parasitic mind control? We'll uncover bizarre historical accounts, strange behavioral parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, and even ask unsettling questions about human consciousness and symbiosis. Perfect for lovers of history, science, and the paranormal, this podcast will leave you questioning everything. Subscribe now and join us on a journey through history’s most myst...


Ancient UFO Encounters: From Vimanas to Roswell
10/03/2024

Dive deep into the most fascinating UFO mysteries in history. From ancient Vimanas described in Indian texts to the modern-day Roswell incident, we explore both historical and contemporary encounters with extraterrestrial phenomena. Could alien technology have influenced our past? In this episode, we also investigate government cover-ups, personal abduction stories, and theories about the Greys, Nordics, and other alien races. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, these stories challenge everything we know about human history and the unknown. Tune in and uncover the truth.



Roanoke's Lost Colony: Unraveling America's Oldest Unsolved Mystery
#30
09/18/2024

What really happened to the lost colony of Roanoke? In this episode, we explore the mysterious disappearance of over 100 settlers who vanished without a trace from the first English settlement in the New World. The only clue left behind was the cryptic word "Croatoan" carved into a tree. Was it assimilation with local tribes, conflict, or something more unexplained?

Join us as we investigate leading theories—from possible integration with indigenous peoples and the latest DNA evidence to paranormal explanations like time slips and UFOs. Could the settlers have met tragic ends, or did they experience something be...


Mandela Effect: James Earl Jones and 9/11 – Reality Glitches You Won’t Believe!
09/12/2024

Do you trust your memory? Today we explore the Mandela Effect—false collective memories that have people questioning reality itself. We dive into the strange case of James Earl Jones, the beloved actor often misremembered as deceased, and eerie false memories about 9/11. Is this mass psychosis, or are we living in a simulation? We'll also explore historical examples of governments trying to rewrite history, adding a whole new layer to the Mandela Effect. Whether you're fascinated by conspiracy theories or psychological mysteries, this episode will have you questioning everything. Follow us for more mind-bending content!



The Unsolved Mystery of Frederick Valentich: UFO Encounter or Aviation Disaster?
#25
09/06/2024

On October 21, 1978, 20-year-old pilot Frederick Valentich took off on what should have been a routine flight over Australia’s Bass Strait. But after reporting strange lights and an unidentified object hovering above his plane, Valentich vanished without a trace. In this episode, we’ll recreate Frederick’s final flight, following his journey minute by minute as we explore the details of his disappearance. Was it an alien encounter or a tragic accident? Join us as we investigate witness accounts, dive into the most popular theories—from UFO sightings to government cover-ups—and unravel one of the most perplexing mysteries in aviatio...


What Happens When Wolves Attack: Terrifying Real Life Stories
#23
08/21/2024

Experience the harrowing true story of Kenton Carnegie and the rare but deadly phenomenon of wolf attacks. In this episode, we explore the events that led to Kenton's tragic end, dilve into wolf biology, and uncover what drives these intelligent predators to see humans as prey. From understanding wolf behavior to survival tips for encounters with wild predators, this video is packed with essential information for anyone venturing into the wilderness.


Timestamps:


00:00 - Introduction: Journey into the Wilderness of Saskatchewan

00:10 - Kenton Carnegie's Last Walk: A Tragic...


The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Unraveling Terrifying Mysteries & Theories | 2024 Deep Dive
#23
08/14/2024

Dive deep into one of the most chilling and mysterious cases in history—the Dyatlov Pass Incident. In 1959, nine experienced hikers embarked on a journey into the Ural Mountains, only to meet a fate that has baffled investigators for decades. What really happened on that fateful night? Was it an avalanche, secret military tests, or something more sinister like a Yeti or a paranormal event?


In this episode, we explore every angle, from the most logical theories to the most bizarre, offering fresh perspectives and insights based on nearly 20 years of wilderness survival experience. Wh...


The Enigmatic Death of MI6 Agent Gareth Williams: An Unsolved Mystery
08/07/2024

Dive into the unsolved mystery of Gareth Williams, an MI6 agent found dead in a padlocked duffel bag. Explore the bizarre circumstances, forensic findings, and theories that make this one of the most perplexing cases in modern history. Was it a failed escape challenge, a sex game gone wrong, or a calculated assassination? Discover the facts and speculations in this gripping episode.


The Chilling Unsolved Lake Bodom Murders: Finland's Dangerous History Unveiled
#21
07/31/2024

Explore the terrifying Lake Bodom murders, a chilling horror story that remains one of Finland's most haunting unsolved mysteries. In this episode, we dive deep into the dangerous history of these brutal killings, uncovering the paranormal activity experiences and important discoveries that have baffled investigators for decades. From the eclectic cast of suspects, including a hostile local kiosk owner and a suspected KGB operative, to the forensic evidence and shifting theories, this case is filled with scary things that happened to people. We'll also examine other mysterious places and unsolved homicides in Finland that might be connected, painting a...


The Serpent: Charles Sobhraj's Shocking Crimes and Eerie Escape
#20
07/24/2024

Dive into the chilling and cunning world of Charles Sobhraj, infamously known as "The Serpent." In this gripping episode, we explore his shocking crimes, from drugging and robbing tourists to committing cold-blooded murders that spanned multiple countries. Discover how this master manipulator exploited legal loopholes to regain his freedom and why a convicted serial killer is free today.

What You'll Learn:

The audacious and brazen nature of Sobhraj's crimes. The manipulative tactics and legal maneuvers he used. The gripping manhunt that finally captured him. The tragic and chilling stories of his victims. How a convicted serial...


The Vanishing of Toni Danielle Clark | Unsolved Mystery
#18
07/18/2024

in March of 1990, 17-year-old Toni Danielle Clark was driving across the San Francisco Bay Bridge when her car stalled. What should have been a routine drive turned into one of the most perplexing mysteries we've ever encountered. Toni was involved in a collision, and amidst the chaos of police and witnesses, she vanished without a trace. Join us as we unravel the eerie details of that fateful night, explore the unsettling lore of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and delve into the mysterious disappearance of Toni Danielle Clark. Did she fall victim to a tragic accident, or was there something...


Unveiling the Truth: MK Ultra and the Mysterious Death of Frank Olson
#17
07/10/2024

In this gripping episode, we delve into the dark and controversial history of the CIA's MK Ultra project, uncovering its sinister methods and tragic impacts. Learn about the mysterious death of Frank Olson, a scientist who fell victim to this secret program, and explore the intriguing theories surrounding MK Ultra's influence. Join us as we unravel the secrets of mind control, government cover-ups, and the human cost of unethical experimentation.


Timestamps:


00:00 - Introduction to Frank Olson’s Death

01:30 - Background on Frank Olson

03:10 - Introduction to...


Vanished Minds: Mysterious Deaths of Inventors
07/03/2024

Dive into the eerie world of brilliant minds who mysteriously vanished, leaving their groundbreaking inventions behind. In this episode, we unravel the stories of inventors like Mike Marcum, who disappeared after claiming to invent a time machine, and Stanley Meyer, who developed a water-fueled car before meeting an untimely death. We also explore the secretive Invention Secrecy Act and its implications on modern innovation. Join us as we explore the intriguing and often sinister side of technological breakthroughs.


Chapters:


Introduction: The Allure and Danger of Invention

Mike...


The Reesor Siding Incident: Canada’s Deadly Labor Clash and Civil Unrest
06/15/2024

Dive into the gripping story of the Reesor Siding Incident, a tragic labor clash in 1963 that left a community scarred and changed the landscape of Canadian labor history. In this episode, we'll explore the explosive tensions between striking union workers and determined farmers, the deadly confrontation that ensued, and the profound impact on labor rights in Canada.


Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction: Setting the Scene

[02:00] Background: Labor Unrest in the 1960s

[04:00] The Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company

[06:30] January 1963: Rising Tensions

[10:00] February 10, 1963: The Night of the Incident<...


Extreme Pranks Gone Wrong: Shocking True Stories of Fatal Pranks
#15
06/12/2024

Explore the dark side of humor with "Extreme Pranks Gone Wrong." In this gripping episode, we delve into the most shocking and tragic stories where pranks led to fatal consequences. From fake robberies to deadly high school pranks, discover the chilling tales that will leave you questioning the line between fun and danger. Tune in for disturbing backstories and unexpected outcomes that highlight the risks of extreme pranks. Don't miss out on these true stories that reveal the deadly side of humor.


Unsolved: The Enigmatic Death of a Secret Weapons Scientist
04/02/2024

In this chilling episode, we explore the mysterious and unsolved assassination of Gerald Bull, an aerospace engineer with a mind for the extraordinary. His ambitious pursuit of supergun technology led him through a web of covert dealings and international espionage. As his creations grew more powerful, so did the list of his enemies. Was it his ties with Saddam Hussein or his controversial military innovations that led to his untimely demise? Step into the world of cold war secrets and forensic storytelling as we dissect one of the true crime world’s most perplexing cases.