History Unhinged: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: Silly Summer Season — Napoleon vs. The Bunny Apocalypse Episode Summary:

In this episode, we travel back to 1807, when Napoleon Bonaparte, the conqueror of Europe and master tactician, faced the most humiliating defeat of his career — at the paws of a swarm of ravenous rabbits. We explore how a grand hunting party meant to celebrate his triumph turned into slapstick chaos, why the bunnies charged, and whether this story was an elaborate piece of historical trolling.

Topics Covered:
The aftermath of the Treaty of TilsitNapoleon’s love of grand gesturesAlexandre Berthier’s ill-fate...

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Presents: Midday Musings – Alien: Romulus Review

We’re thrilled to feature an episode from Midday Musings with Stephen & Laura, one of our fellow shows in the Umbrella Podcast Collective!

In this episode, Stephen and Laura break down the brand-new Alien: Romulus (2024), directed by Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe). This movie follows five indentured teen workers trying to escape a Weyland Corp mining colony, only to find themselves trapped on a derelict space station overrun by xenomorphs. With standout performances (David Jonsson especially!), gritty tension, and sharp sci-fi world-building, Alien: Romulus brings back the sl...

He vanished in a beam of light. When he came back, he said he’d been taken aboard a UFO. And that was just the beginning.


In 1975, 22-year-old logger Travis Walton disappeared without a trace after a terrifying encounter with a UFO in the forests near Snowflake, Arizona. When he reappeared five days later, confused and frightened, he claimed he'd been taken aboard an alien craft. Was it the most credible alien abduction in U.S. history? Or an elaborate hoax designed to escape a failed logging contract?

This week, Shea is joined by her br...

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Presents: Mysterious Pacific Northwest – The McMinnville UFO Photos

As part of our Summer of Saucers celebration this June, we’re featuring an episode from Mysterious Pacific Northwest, one of our sister shows in the Umbrella Podcast Collective!

In this episode, they explore the captivating story of the McMinnville UFO photographs, taken by Evelyn and Paul Trent in May 1950. These images became some of the most famous pieces of alleged extraterrestrial evidence, sparking global interest in UFOs, fueling debates, and even inspiring the annual McMinnville UFO Festival.

You'll hear about:
👽 The bac...

In this final installment of our three-part conversation with filmmaker, lawyer, and legend-level storyteller Steve Edmiston, we’re diving deep into the most unhinged festival in the Pacific Northwest: the Men In Black Birthday Bash!

We cover:
👽 The wild origin story of the bash

🐶 The heroic tale of Sparky the Dog and the upcoming disc dog tournament

👑 Drag queens, trivia, and SNL-worthy cosplay

🎟️ All the details you need to show up and how to win FREE tickets and exclusive swag!

This episode is part party preview, part UFO-lore love letter, and part...

What do you get when you mix craft beer, cryptids, and a whole lot of laughs? Shea from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes joins the Short Pour Podcast to drink Rogue Brewing’s Batsquatch IPA and unravel the juicy mysteries behind the legendary Bat Squatch.

In this episode, Shea crashes the Short Pour Podcast to sip Batsquatch IPA and dive headfirst into Pacific Northwest cryptid lore. From the weed-fueled origin stories of Bat Squatch to tales of Skamania County’s Bigfoot protection laws, the conversation hops between hazy beers, ridiculous one-star reviews, and Shea’s trademark skeptical humor. You’ll learn...

The Maury Island Incident wasn’t just a weird UFO story — it was the first X-File, complete with FBI agents, bomber crashes, and shadowy Men in Black.

In Part 2 of our conversation with filmmaker and historian Steve Edmiston, Shea and Jody pull you deep into the tangled webs of the Maury Island mystery. Why did J. Edgar Hoover take personal interest in a Washington state UFO case? What secrets were sealed away for 50 years? And was Fred Crisman a truth-teller or just a chaos-loving sociopath? Expect wild laughs, sharp insights, and deep dives into the Men in Black birt...

A little behind the scenes bonus conversation we had with filmmaker and Maury Island expert Steve Edmiston. We chat about skepticism, how we create history, and the art of combat storytelling!

Make sure to enter to win tickets to the Men In Black Birthday Bash, happening in Des Moines WA the weekend of June 20th! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

Find out more at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/

Follow the Men In Black Birthday Bash on social!

https://www.facebook.com/622.MIB/
https://www.instagram.com/mibbb622/?hl=en

Become a...

✨ UFOs, Men in Black, and Maury Island Mysteries (with Steve Edmiston) | Part 1
✨ Summary:

In this first episode of a three-part series, Shea and Jody sit down with filmmaker, lawyer, and UFO expert Steve Edmiston to uncover the wild story behind the Maury Island Incident — the Pacific Northwest’s own UFO conspiracy that helped birth the Men in Black legend! We dive into:

👽 The strange events at Maury Island
🕶️ How the term “flying saucer” started here in the PNW
🎬 Steve’s short film The Maury Island Incident
🎉 The upcoming Men In Black Birthday Bash

🎁 How YOU ca...

We’ve made some new pod besties, and they are just as spooky as we are!

In this deliciously haunted crossover, we team up with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts & Homicides to share ghost stories, history, and a healthy dose of shenanigans from Portland’s Crystal Hotel—a McMenamins property with a haunted, glamorous, and queer-friendly past.

While staying at the Crystal Hotel to record our episode on Portland's infamous Shanghai Tunnels (check out Episode 69!), we couldn’t resist diving into the hotel's own history.

Shaped like a pizza slice and stacked with nearly a...

💀 When Arizona settlers saw something stomping through the desert, draped in death and taller than a man, they did what any rational person would do—freak the hell out. This is the story of a ghost that haunted the West in the most unexpected way imaginable.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into one of the weirdest and creepiest ghost stories to come out of the Wild West. The “Red Ghost” terrified settlers across the Arizona Territory—appearing as a monstrous figure with bones on its back and blood-red fur. But was it real...

What do goatmen, turpentine, cryptid festivals, and cursed gold have in common? Apparently, Arizona — and we are here for it!

In this hilarious, unhinged episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive deep into the lore of Arizona’s Mogollon Monster and the absurd legend of the Goatman.

From bloodcurdling screams in the desert night to drunken prospectors falling in love with half-goat ladies, this episode is packed with bizarre stories, laughs, and wild theories.

Could Zeke’s forbidden romance have birthed Arizona’s Bigfoot? Could goats really be the secret architects of deser...

What do a $3.85 murder, torrential rain, and Civil War vets have in common? They’re all part of Lakeview Cemetery’s unhinged history—and Shea and Jody are here for every wild minute.
In this hilarious and haunting episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody brave Seattle’s atmospheric river to explore Lakeview Cemetery with Richard from Seattle History Tours.

From true crime tales of $3.85 murder to Civil War veterans' untold stories, this tour was a wild ride through the West’s forgotten tragedies. Whether you're a true crime addict, history buff, or curious traveler, you’ll be...

Booze, Brothels, and the Dark Side of Portland’s Past (Feat. PNW Haunts & Homicides)


What happens when you toss two hilarious Pacific Northwest history podcasts into Portland’s creepiest tunnels with beer, ghosts, and a whole lot of sass? This. You get this glorious chaos.

In this unhinged crossover episode, Shea and Jody from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes team up with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts & Homicides for a deep, dark dive beneath the streets of Portland, Oregon. From damp brick passageways to flannel-wearing apparitions, the crew recounts their visit to the Shan...

Check out one of our listener favorites from last year!

🐙 The Kraken and Other Pacific Northwest Sea Monsters

Dive into the depths of the Pacific Northwest's most mysterious legends in this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! Join Shea and Jody as they explore the fascinating tales of the Kraken, Cadborosaurus, and other mythical sea creatures that have haunted the waters of the Salish Sea for centuries.

From the legendary Kraken of Scandinavian folklore—known for its terrifying ability to capsize ships—to the local tales of Caddy, the elusive sea ser...

Dive into the wild and wacky world of beavers with Shea & Jody in this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! 🪂

Ever thought about how a cute little rodent could change the course of history? Well, beavers did just that by influencing the Hudson Bay Company’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest, and they’re more than just furry critters; they’re essential eco-warriors! 🌲💧

Join us as we explore the unhinged tale of how Idaho’s beavers were parachuted into their new home in the 1940s! From the ingenious (and slightly bonkers) idea of air-dropping beavers to the clever contra...

🎧 Step into the flickering lantern light with Shea & Jody as they review the haunted Fort Steilacoom Lantern Tour! 🔦

From chilling ghost stories to fascinating history, this episode has it all! Shea & Jody dive into the eerie experience of walking through a historic military site by lantern light. Plus, Jody gives us a brief (and wild) history of Fort Steilacoom and its infamous neighbor, Western State Hospital.

💀 Did we see a ghost? Did we embarrass ourselves in front of the tour group? And how does this compare to other haunted tours? Find out now! 🎙️

Chapters & Timestamps:

🎙 Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler

🎩 High-stakes games, a mustachioed legend, and one hell of a revenge story—this episode has it all! Eleanor Dumont, better known as Madame Mustache, was a sharp-witted gambler, a successful businesswoman, and a woman way ahead of her time. From outplaying men at their own game to tracking down her con artist husband and personally delivering justice, her story is as wild as the Wild West itself.

😲 Why did the world remember her mustache more than her empire?

🎲 How did she run the classiest gambling hall in the lawl...

The Wild Afterlife of Elmer McCurdy: Train Robber, Mummy & Amusement Park Prop

Ever heard of a train robber so bad that he found more success as a corpse? Elmer McCurdy’s life was a series of spectacular failures—botched robberies, mistaken trains, and blown-up safes. But his real adventure started after he died. Preserved with arsenic, he was passed from carnival to wax museum to haunted house, even making a surprise appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man. 

💀 This is the story of the outlaw who found fame in death.

 Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Banter04:20...

🕯️ Exploring Tacoma's Hidden History: The Stadium High School Tour

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody embark on a delightful adventure through the iconic Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington, a building that looks more like a castle than a high school. Join us as we dive into the fascinating history of this architectural wonder, originally designed as a luxurious hotel for the Northern Pacific Railroad before being transformed into a public school in 1906.

Our hosts share their excitement about the Pretty Gritty Tours, the company behind this unique experience, and reveal what...

🍹 The Sour Toe Cocktail: A Toast to the Absurd in Dawson City

You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we venture into the chilling and bizarre history of Dawson City's infamous Sour Toe Cocktail Club. Join Shea and Jody as they unravel the chilling tale of how a mummified toe became the key ingredient in a drink that has captivated the curious and the brave alike.

Set against the backdrop of the Yukon Territory in...

🎪 JP Patches: Seattle's Beloved Clown in a Garbage Wonderland

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive into the chaotic and hilarious world of JP Patches, the iconic clown who ruled Seattle's airwaves from 1958 to 1981. Known for his questionable hygiene and absurd antics, JP Patches was anything but your typical children's show host. Join Shea and Jody as they explore the life of Chris Weeds, the man behind the clown, and how he became a beloved figure for generations of Pacific Northwest kids.

From his humble beginnings in Minneapolis to becoming the "may...

🔥 How does a man end up naked in a hot spring for 28 days?

 In 1984, a man Outside Magazine dubbed “Slim Becker” took an ill-advised winter soak in Idaho’s Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs. His clothes froze solid, leaving him stuck, exposed, and slowly transforming into Moss Man.

From hallucinations of wolves to a bizarre town festival in his honor, this story is as absurd as it is unbelievable. 

😱 Did he survive? Did he learn his lesson? And why did a guy on a snowmobile give him a beer instead of helping him out?!
<...

Lewis & Clark: Mapping the West, Bedding the Best

How the Corps of Discovery paddled their way up Coochie Creek.

Episode Summary: Think Lewis & Clark were just noble explorers charting the wilderness? Think again. While the Corps of Discovery mapped new lands, they also explored forested ravines (wink wink), spreading their “big medicine” across the continent. From spiritual sex ceremonies to questionable medicine (hello, penis syringes!), this episode uncovers the raunchy reality behind one of America’s greatest expeditions.


Mentioned in This Episode:
Lewis...

Hogging The Headlines: The Pig Wars


🐷💥 The dumbest war in Pacific Northwest history started with… a pig? That’s right! The infamous Pig War of the 1800s all began when an American settler shot a British pig on San Juan Island, leading to an international standoff between the U.S. and Britain.
Spoiler alert: No humans were harmed, but the drama was deliciously absurd.

Originally recorded as our third episode of the day (when we were well on our way to Tipsy Town), this episode was an instant fan favorite. In this Rainy Day...

Bonus Episode – Supporters Only

In this special supporters-only episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea welcomes special guest Kevin Ryan from the Tyrant In Training Podcast, one of the fantastic members of our Umbrella Podcast Collective.Ever wondered what would possess someone to voluntarily get buried alive? No, this isn’t a magician’s stunt or a horror movie plot—this actually happened. Mick Meaney, a Tipperary native, became the underground sensation of 1968 (literally) when he attempted to break the world record for being buried alive. With only a tube for air, minimal food, and no way to scroll o...

Join Shea and Jody for a wild ride through Talkeetna, Alaska, where Mayor Stubbs, an orange tabby, ruled with his furry charm for two decades. Learn how this small town’s unconventional politics captured hearts worldwide. Then, laugh along as the duo unpacks the Moose Drop Festival—a quirky event featuring painted moose turds, charity, and a helicopter. From feline mayors to PETA’s hilarious misunderstandings, this episode is packed with whiskered wisdom and Alaskan hijinks.

 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Lynx Monsoon and Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Newsroom.05:00 – Patron Shout-Out: Celebrating Scott, our...

What happens when greed, power, and ego collide? Meet Montana’s Copper Kings: the men who turned a mining boom into a chaotic feud that shaped the state forever.

This episode takes you to the Gilded Age of the late 1800s, where Montana's vast copper reserves became a battleground for four larger-than-life figures. From Clark’s blatant bribery to Hines’ legal loopholes and Daily’s relentless grit, discover the petty feuds and cutthroat tactics that defined the era. Learn how their greed built empires, destroyed lives, and left an environmental mess that persists today. Plus, find out why Anaconda...

Free Love & Feminism in 1860s PNW-The Extraordinary Life of Eliza Woodard Hurd DeWolfe

Uncover the wild story of free love advocate Eliza DeWolfe in 1800s Pacific Northwest. Scandal, feminism, and boldness await! Listen now!

Ever wondered how free love, feminism, and scandal shaped the 1800s Pacific Northwest? Join Shea and guest Caitlyn from PNW Haunts and Homicides as they dive into the life of Eliza Woodard Hurd DeWolfe. This episode unravels tales of unconventional relationships, daring dress reform, and the enduring fight for women’s suffrage. Packed with humor, history, and heartfelt moments, it’s a wild...

If you want ad-free episodes, bonus content, free merch, and eternal happiness—because our podcast is a guaranteed mood booster (probably)—please consider subscribing to us either on Patreon or via the Spreaker Supporters Club. Head to rainydayrabbitholes.com/support for more information.

Discover the outrageous life of Henry Yesler, one of Seattle’s founding fathers! From his free-love lifestyle to wild business schemes, Yesler's story is packed with scandal and surprises. Join Shea and guest Bryon Kershaw (Spirits & Monsters of Old Seattle podcast) for a hilarious and jaw-dropping dive into Seattle history.

What Y...