Chambers of the Occult

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Four deaths. One family. One trusted nurse.

In the summer of 1901, tragedy swept through the Davis family on Cape Cod. At each bedside stood a cheerful caregiver known as “Jolly Jane.” But behind Jane Toppan’s comforting smile was a chilling secret: the woman everyone trusted to help was the very person they should have feared.

This week, special guest Bonika joins us in Chambers of the Occult to explore Jane’s journey from a childhood marked by abandonment to a nursing career built on trust, deception, and deadly manipula...

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Bloody Mary: The Woman in the Mirror

We've all heard the legend. Turn off the lights, look into a mirror, and say Bloody Mary three times. But who exactly are we supposed to be summoning?

In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, Pirri joins us as we dig into the history behind one of the world's most famous urban legends. From Queen Mary I of England and centuries-old mirror rituals to similar ghost stories around the world, we're exploring where this legend came from and why...

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J and Ysa explore the strange and complicated story of the Fox Sisters, whose mysterious farmhouse knocks helped launch Modern Spiritualism in 1848.

What began as a frightening nighttime disturbance soon grew into an alleged murder mystery, crowded séances, public investigations, accusations of fraud, and a movement that offered comfort to grieving families across the country. But behind the fame were invasive examinations, childhood exploitation, addiction, fractured relationships, and a confession that threatened everything the sisters had helped create.

Were Maggie, Kate, and Leah Fox frauds, victims, believers, or s...

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What really happened to Karen Silkwood and was her death truly an accident?

In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, J is joined by special guest River to investigate the mysterious and controversial case of Karen Silkwood, a nuclear plant worker and whistleblower whose story shocked the nation.

Set in 1974 Oklahoma, this true crime case dives deep into allegations of nuclear safety violations, corporate negligence, and a potential cover-up involving one of the most dangerous substances in the world: plutonium.

Karen Silkwood was preparing to expose...

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What is it actually like to work inside the Winchester Mystery House?

For this Friday the 13th episode of Chambers of the Occult, I'm joined by two former tour guides, Isabel and Katy. We set up around a fire pit and started talking about some of the weird and unexplained things we have experienced while working inside the Winchester Mystery House.

When you work in the house long enough, things happen that you can't really put into the normal tour script. Sometimes it is hearing something in a hallway...

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What really happens inside the Winchester Mystery House after dark?

In this Friday the 13th episode of Chambers of the Occult, J sits down with fellow tour guides and haunt performers to talk about some of the paranormal experiences they've had while working inside the Winchester Mystery House. We recorded this one around a fire pit and started sharing the kinds of stories that usually only get talked about between guides after a long shift.

Over the years, there have been plenty of strange moments. Whispers in empty rooms...

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This week on Chambers of the Occult, we welcome back Brent from Chillworthy for a paranormal crossover filled with haunted roads, vanishing passengers, and one very mysterious light.

This time, J takes the wheel and guides us through the enduring urban legend of Resurrection Mary, Illinois infamous hitchhiking ghost said to roam Archer Avenue after nights of dancing, only to disappear as cars approach Resurrection Cemetery. For nearly a century, drivers have reported picking up a quiet young woman in a white dress who asks for a ride… and then vanishes wi...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we travel from the wilderness of Idaho to a quiet bungalow in San Pedro, uncovering two stories where something goes terribly wrong and those asking for help are left unprotected.

Milo begins with a recent true crime case out of Twin Falls, Idaho, where a routine traffic stop exposed a sprawling wildlife poaching ring. What started with a few untagged deer unraveled into a years long investigation involving dozens of illegally killed animals, revoked hunting licenses, steep fines, and jail time. It is...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, J is joined by guest Sam to explore the haunting disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley, a 23-year-old woman who vanished from a cruise ship in 1998 without her shoes, passport, or ID just as the ship docked in Curaçao.

The conversation breaks down the final known timeline, the ship’s delayed response, and the many theories surrounding Amy’s disappearance, including accident, foul play, human trafficking, and the possibility of an inside job. J and Sam also examine how maritime law, eyewitness sightings, and c...

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Hold onto your spaghetti, folks. J and Kai are back with another chaotic crawl through the weirdest corners of old newspaper archives.

We kick things off with a headline that makes Kai’s smile vanish in real time: A Bat in Her Stomach. Yes, you read that right. A woman allegedly carried a bat in her belly for seven years before emitting it... and that’s just the start of the body horror buffet.

Then, it's a family food feud for the ages as a furious Italian shares her real...

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This week on Chambers of the Occult, we’re joined by special guests Brent and Talia from Chillworthy for a crossover unlike any other where they take the wheel and guide us through one of the most chilling and controversial cases in recent true crime history: the death of Tamla Horsford.

What was meant to be a casual adult slumber party with wine, football moms, and laughter ended in tragedy, and left a trail of questions no one seems eager to answer. Tamla, the only Bl...

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This week on Chambers of the Occult, we bring the curtain down on a killer's final act and light the fuse on one of the strangest cryptid encounters you’ve never heard of.

J returns to center ring with Part Two of the chilling saga of Grady Stiles Jr., the infamous Lobster Boy. Now charged with murder, Grady’s life twists even further into spectacle and scandal. From courtroom manipulation to carnival revenge, this true crime tale takes its darkest turn yet. Abuse, betrayal, and a murder-for-hire plot...

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This week on Chambers of the Occult, we unravel two stories soaked in terror, one beneath the dazzling glow of carnival lights, and the other behind a child's bedroom door.

J takes us deep into the twisted origin of Grady Stiles Jr., better known as Lobster Boy. From his 1937 birth in Pittsburgh to a family legacy steeped in ectrodactyly, abuse, and sideshow fame, Part One of this true crime chronicle is a haunting look at a boy raised for the stage but forged by violence. Behind the freak show smiles and...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, two stories from opposite sides of the world reveal haunting parallels in the search for truth, closure, and something beyond this life.

Kai unravels the unsettling case of Blair Adams, a man who believed someone was after him. His erratic journey from Canada to Tennessee ended in a tragic and unexplained death. Why did he change his travel plans so drastically? Was he truly being followed—or was it a descent into psychological unraveling? And why was his body found, barefoot, su...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, J dives into Death in the Tropics—the terrifying true crime case of the Honolulu Strangler, Hawaii’s first known serial killer. Between 1985 and 1986, the island paradise of Oahu was rocked by the disappearances and murders of five women, beginning with Vicky Gale Purdy. The case remains unsolved, leaving behind a legacy of fear and mystery.

Then, Kai takes us deep into Dread in the Trees, exploring some of the most haunted forests in the world. Discover the...

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Kai and J are back with more Old News Nonsense—and this volume is serving everything from shaggy dogs to sneaky clowns. 

To kick things off: the World's Ugliest Dog Contest—a heartwarming (and slightly hairy) celebration of pet adoption that proves beauty is in the eye of the bone-holder.

From there, we zoom into Zimbabwe to talk about rhino dehorning—not as shady as it sounds, we promise. It’s all about conservation, not crime. Then, just when things get too serious, someone steals a Santa suit and the holid...

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For this special episode of Chambers of the Occult, we’re honored to be part of Podcasthon 2025, a powerful event bringing together over a thousand podcasts to support charities making a real impact. This year, we’re shining a light on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)—an organization dedicated to finding missing children, fighting child exploitation, and supporting families in their darkest moments.

In this episode, Kai covers the case of Etan Patz, the six-year-old boy whose disappearance in 1979 forever change...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, Kai and J take you on a journey through two tales—one of heartbreak and deception, the other of mystery and legend.

First, Kai delves into the case of Caylee Anthony, a little girl whose disappearance gripped the nation. With a mother whose ever-changing stories raised more questions than answers and a trial that left the public divided, this case remains one of the most controversial in true crime history. Was justice ever truly served, or did the truth va...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we delve into two terrifying tales—one of a ruthless criminal whose reign of terror cast a red glow over Brazil and another of a house so horrifying that people refused to walk past it.

First, J takes us into the dark streets of São Paulo, where a masked predator known as O Bandido da Luz Vermelha—The Red Light Bandit—terrorized the city. Inspired by Hollywood outlaws, this elusive criminal left a trail of burglaries, assaults, and murders under the eerie glow of...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we delve into two unsettling mysteries that blur the line between the known and the unknown.

First, Kai takes us back to Christmas Eve 1945, when a devastating fire consumed the Sodder family home in West Virginia. But when the embers cooled, an eerie question remained—where were the bodies of the five missing Sodder children? With suspicious circumstances, cryptic sightings, and a family refusing to accept the official story, this case has puzzled investigators and conspiracy theorists for decades.

Then, J de...

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Old News Nonsense Vol. 13: Crime, Condoms, and Chimney Shenanigans!

Get ready for another whirlwind dive into history’s weirdest headlines!

A college student tried to break into his own home by sliding down the chimney, only to get stuck for hours, proving that Santa’s method isn’t foolproof. Meanwhile, a butcher in San Francisco handed over Easter eggs filled with heroin, turning a festive exchange into a high-stakes bust.

In Chino Hills, an ice cream truck raised eyebrows when an 11-year-old boy bought a condom keychain along...

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In this gripping episode, J and Kai take listeners from a controversial true crime case to one of Ireland’s most haunted castles.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Justice is blind”? Well… sometimes, justice isn’t just blind—it’s bound, gagged, and shoved into the backseat of a moving car with no idea how it got there. J unpacks the chilling case of Caryl Chessman, the so-called Red Light Bandit, who terrorized post-war Los Angeles by impersonating a police officer, using a flashing red light to pull over u...

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On this episode we’re diving into two chilling tales—one of calculated terror, the other of lingering spirits.

Kai starts us off with the harrowing true crime story of the D.C. Sniper Attacks, a killing spree that paralyzed Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in the fall of 2002. Over the course of a month, two men transformed everyday activities—like pumping gas or walking through a parking lot—into moments of sheer terror. With victims chosen at random and fear gripping an entire region, the sniper attacks became o...

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On this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we're diving into two very different tales —one of calculated crime, the other of supernatural terror. J kicks things off with a breakdown of The Great Train Robbery of 1963, one of the most daring heists in British history. A band of clever criminals managed to stop a Royal Mail train in its tracks—literally—and walk away with millions. It was a heist so well-planned, it could have been straight out of a movie. But as we all know, fortune doesn’t always favor the bold. Fr...

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Welcome to the first episode of 2025! We’re kicking off the year with an emotionally charged true crime case and an eerie paranormal mystery that will leave you questioning reality.

Kai starts us off with the heartbreaking story of Lauren McCluskey, a talented student-athlete whose life was tragically cut short by a system that failed to protect her. Through meticulous research, Kai delves into Lauren’s life, the events leading up to her untimely death, and the lessons we can all learn from this devastating case. This story serves as a star...

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Kai and J are back with another round of Old News Nonsense—and this volume brings you ghost cats, fashion rebellions, and a criminal with a thing for buggy cushions.

First, meet the cucumber-craving cat who turned down mice in favor of raiding the farm’s vegetable stash. Then saddle up with Grady Carothers, the reindeer-wrangling cowboy who made sure Santa’s sleigh team was holiday-ready.

Things take a spooky turn with Topsy the Ghost Cat, whose dramatic death—and even more dramatic resurrection—left mourners baffled. From there, we head to...

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As the year comes to a close at Chambers of the Occult, we’re wrapping things up with two fascinating new stories to dive into.

First, J takes us through the unsettling story of the Slender Man stabbing—a disturbing tale of how a creepy internet legend captured the minds of two young girls and led to an unthinkable crime against their best friend. We’ll unpack how a fictional character became something much darker and explore the ripple effects of this modern myth gone too far.

Next, Kai walks...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, Kai delves into the twisted mind of Israel Keyes, a serial killer whose meticulous planning and nomadic lifestyle left a trail of terror across the United States. From his hidden "murder kits" to his shocking confessions, explore the darkness that fueled one of the most calculated killers in modern history.

Then, J takes you into the eerie world of the Black-Eyed Kids, a mysterious and spine-chilling phenomenon that has haunted countless witnesses. Are they lost souls, alien visitors, or something even more sinister...

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Gather 'round the fire once more, listeners! This Friday the 13th, Chambers of the Occult returns with a sequel to our spine-chilling special. In this bonus episode, we’re serving up even darker and more haunting tales to send shivers down your spine.

Beware where you rest your head, for not all inns offer safe haven. Step cautiously among the dead, as their wake may be more alive than it seems. Face the creeping dread of the boogeyman, who waits patiently in the dark, and uncover the chilling truth of what li...

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In the first half of this episode, J unravels the haunting and tragic case of Dorothy Jane Scott, a 32-year-old single mother whose life took a terrifying turn in 1980. Dorothy had been receiving chilling phone calls from an unknown stalker who professed both love and murderous intent. On the night of May 28, 1980, Dorothy mysteriously vanished after taking a co-worker to the hospital. Hours later, her car was found burning in an alleyway, but Dorothy herself was gone. For years, her family endured taunting phone calls from her alleged killer, deepening the mystery and...

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Kai and J are back with another dose of Old News Nonsense—and this volume has everything from undead grandmas to airborne dinosaurs and bunnies that caused a scandal.

It all starts with the unforgettable Mrs. Rebecca Senpz, who sat up in her coffin mid-wake and gave mourners the shock of their lives. From there, we float into Calgary where a seven-story-tall T-Rex hot air balloon stole the spotlight at the Kodak Balloon Festival, proving prehistoric creatures still rule the skies.

Things take a smoky turn when a 9-year-old “ciga...

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In the first half of this episode, Kai delves into the harrowing and meticulously planned crimes of Peter Keller, a man whose descent into darkness culminated in unimaginable tragedy. In April 2012, Keller murdered his wife, Lynettee, and their 18-year-old daughter, Kaylene, before setting their home ablaze. But this was no crime of passion—Keller had spent eight years constructing a hidden bunker deep in the Rattlesnake Ridge area, where he fled after the murders. This fortified, multi-level hideout was stocked with weapons, supplies, and survival gear, a grim testament to his apocalyptic mindset.

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In the first half of this episode, J unravels the harrowing mystery of the Tylenol Murders, a case that sent shockwaves across America in 1982. In Chicago, several people mysteriously died after taking what they thought was ordinary Tylenol for pain relief. Soon, authorities discovered the grim truth: the capsules had been laced with cyanide, leading to seven tragic deaths within days. This brutal act of tampering not only sparked a massive recall but also led to groundbreaking changes in the packaging of over-the-counter drugs, introducing tamper-proof seals as a new safety standard. Despite...

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Kai and J are back with another whirlwind of weird headlines in Old News Nonsense Vol. 10—where the feathers fly, the horses bolt, and not even the obituaries are safe.

We kick things off with Ocean Pines' most notorious resident: an ornery goose who terrorized a neighborhood until Friday the 13th finally clipped his wings. From there, we flap into a full-blown birdnapping at Tropic Gardens Zoo, where parakeets—and even Chicken George—vanished in a feathery heist worth a $500 reward.

Pigeon drama follows, as Atlantic City’s National Pigeon A...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, Kai starts us off by delving into the heartbreaking true crime case of Sylvia Likens, a young girl whose life was cut short by unimaginable cruelty at the hands of those meant to protect her. Kai explores the disturbing details of this tragic story, uncovering the abuse and injustice Sylvia faced.

J follows up by taking us across the pond to delve into the lore of the Highgate Vampire. This infamous tale of a shadowy figure haunting a London graveyard in the 1970s...

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In this hilarious volume of Old News Nonsense, we kick things off with a cheeky Halloween poem to set the tone for some old-timey absurdity. First up, we watch a ghost ship sink—because even the afterlife has navigational issues.

Then, we get a listener update on the wild witch-woman who terrorized Los Angeles, adding some spicy twists to the already bizarre tale. We'll swing by a winged monkey statue's triumphant return to Emerald City, followed by a sweet saga of spilled honey that left highway drivers literally in a sticky si...

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Buckle up, listeners, because this episode is taking you on a wild ride from reckless thrills to chilling encounters! First, Alexis takes us straight into the chaos of Action Park – the amusement park where the only thing scarier than the rides was the safety record. Brace yourself for stories of adrenaline, danger, and a park that pushed the limits of fun... and sanity.

Next, Kai leads the way into the haunting halls of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, where spooks, specters, and spine-tingling tales await. The sanatorium’s eerie history and ghostly inha...

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In this episode of Old News Nonsense, we’ve got a wild mix of headlines that are too ridiculous to believe but too funny to ignore!

We’ve got a hippo causing chaos on a porch at 3 A.M., two goofy men in bonnets bumbling through a western spoof in Silly Billies, and a fearless rhino wrangler tackling his unusual job.
We’ll also chase down two runaway hippos in Texas, attend the kooky Boofari Ball with Halloween fun galore, and witness a 250-pound gal out-sprint a detective.
If that’s...

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In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we explore three stories filled with deception, hauntings, and strange disasters. First, Kai delves into the disturbing case of The Harper Family Murders, also known as the Vincent Brothers Case, which took place in Bakersfield, California. This tragic story involves a shocking crime where a father was convicted of murdering his wife, mother-in-law, and three young children. We’ll uncover the dark details of the case that rattled the community and left a chilling mark on those who followed the trial.

Next, J le...

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Get ready for another wild ride of Old News Nonsense Vol. 7, where we explore some of the quirkiest, funniest, and downright bizarre news clippings from the past! First up, we meet the newly crowned Corn Queen, Kathy Studinski, who ruled over the Loyal Corn Festival with tractor pulls and parades. But things take a strange turn when we uncover the story of a 15-year-old girl who drove seven people insane with her Ouija board seances—seriously spooky stuff!

As if that wasn’t enough, we dive into a handbook of excuses for...