Ghoul On Ghoul

Amanda and Sarah head to Italy to dance with the puppets and cry blood with the saints. Amanda becomes a real girl with a dive into the disturbing, cautionary, pre-Disney origins of Pinocchio. Sarah prays to St. Lucy/Lucia, whose reputation for gouging out her own eyes has inspired traditions and desserts in Italy and Sweden. Other subjects covered include never buying a new car, making up Olivia Newton-John lore, and hating Elf on the Shelf.  Recommendations: Sarah recommends (so far) the Netflix show 1889. Amanda recommends (kinda) the Amazon Prime series Three Pines.  Sources: Norwegian American (On the darkest day, a tale of two “Lucys”) Wyrd Designs (Glad Lussinatt) Tradition in Action (The Feast of St. Lucy Inspires Charming Customs) Slow Italy (Santa Lucia celebration in Italy) Wikipedia/Saint Lucy NBC News (Pinocchio's Real Roots Mapped) Smithsonian Magazine (The Real Story of Pinocchio Tells No Lies) The New Yorker (What the Original “Pinocchio” Really Says About Lying/The Transformations of Pinocc

Amanda and Sarah serve up multiple helpings of a Fuck-Marry-Kill game with different famous cannibals. Other subjects covered include proper mac n' cheese settings, penial speculums, and the fluidity of Leatherface.  For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah head back to the farm to finish up a two-parter and take down a viral rumor. Sarah finishes up her retelling of the Caledonia Mills haunting in Nova Scotia. Amanda examines the belief among TikTok users that U.S. national parks are infested with feral cannibals. Other subjects covered include loving on lettuces, hating on Thanksgiving, and not buying bad movie jewelry.  For more on Esther Cox and the Great Amherst Mystery mentioned in this episode, see Episode 116: Handsome Hollywood Dildo.  Sources: Fire Spook, the Mysterious Nova Scotia Haunting by Monica Graham. Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2013 The Lineup (A Haunting at Caledonia Mills: The Chilling Case of the Mary Ellen Spook Farm) "My Experiences at the MacDonald Homestead" by H. B. Whidden For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah do Halloween right with a festive true crime case and a harrowing haunting. Amanda fills your candy bag up with the story of Peter Fabiano, aka the Trick or Treat Murder. Sarah unveils part one of a two-parter about the Mary Ellen Spook Farm of Caledonia Mills. Other subjects covered include impersonating Jennifer Coolidge, slipping into Scorpio season, and inventing a new milk.  Recommendations: Amanda recommends the new Unsolved Mysteries season on Netflix, and the Netflix anthology series Cabinet of Curiosities. Sarah does not recommend the movie Antlers.  Sources: Fire Spook, the Mysterious Nova Scotia Haunting by Monica Grahaham. Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2013 The Lineup (A Haunting at Caledonia Mills: The Chilling Case of the Mary Ellen Spook Farm) "My Experiences at the MacDonald Homestead" by H. B. Whidden Daily News (The Trick or Treat Murder) Vice (The Bizarre Lesbian Murder Scandal That Rocked 1950s LA) Newspapers.com (Lansing State Journal) For updates on future episodes and

Amanda and Sarah finally go ghost hunting! Guests Carrie and Katie discuss their paranormal investigation into a presumably haunted Pittsburgh spot, and they have the audio to prove it. Katie also goes into her years-long love of ghost hunting, explains the culture, and provides tips on how to do your own investigations. Other subjects covered include ranking the best personal Halloween costumes, lusting after characters from spooky TV shows, and singing to your chickens.   You can find Carrie on her own podcast What I Love About Myself. For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah revisit an episode from back when they were still figuring out this whole podcasting thing and didn't have a decent mixer. It still slaps. Originally posted as Episode 23 on Oct. 11, 2018.  Because there are no rules and everything is chaos, this episode is a grab bag! Amanda talks about the real-life strength ministry Power Team and scarecrow lore. Sarah gets behind osculum infame (or the Kiss of Shame), a supposed ritual where people greeted the Devil by kissing his butt. Other subjects covered include justifiably blaming stuff on your period, a funny spousal dream, and dirty fighting with Amazon purchases. Recommendations: Sarah recommends the very academic but very rewarding book "Caliban and the Witch: Women, The Body And Primitive Accumulation" by Silvia Federici and "The Kiss in History" by Karen Harvey. Amanda does not recommend watching the new Netflix film, Hold the Dark.  Sources: Vice (The Power Team Was the Bloody, Evangelical Freakshow That Ruled the 80s) ThoughtCo (Scarecrow Fo

Amanda and Sarah get real loopy in this extra-long episode about warding and winged cryptids. Sarah explains the origins of the cornicello, the evil eye, and the Roman obsessions with dicks. Amanda gets inspired by her recent trip to the Pacific Northwest with a tale about the Batsquatch of Mount St. Helens. Other subjects covered include little Caboodles, dog clothes for humans, and messy adventures aboard Viking River cruises.  Recommendations: Sarah recommends (not really) the horror films A House on the Bayou and An American Werewolf in London. Amanda recommends the 1987 thriller Suspect.  Sources: Wikipedia/Fascinus Wikipedia/Cornicello Top 7 Things to Know about Malocchio or the Italian Evil Eye Atlas Obscura (Romans Used to Ward Off Sickness With Flying Penis Amulets) Spooked - Episode 211: Holy Ghost LA Times (Ancient Deities Dwelt in Cascades’ ‘Black Snow’ : Mythology: Native American legends give life to volcanic activity. Stories parallel actual events, including the creation of Crater Lake and

Amanda and Sarah touch on two wronged women of history with a U.K. case and a famous princess. Sarah takes on Bessie Dunlop, a 16th-century Scottish farmer's wife whose strange encounters with fae folk got her into big trouble. Amanda covers Juana of Castile, a supposedly troubled noblewoman beset by awful, power-hungry men. Other subjects covered include the perils of poison ivy, the many armpits of the body, and the tragic consequences of royal inbreeding.  Recommendations: Amanda recommends the 1983 folk horror film Eyes of Fire.  Sources: “Witch, Fairy and Folktale Narratives in the Trial of Bessie Dunlop” In Fantastical Imaginations: The Supernatural in Scottish History and Culture , ed. Lizanne Henderson “The Cult of the Seely Wights in Scotland” Author(s): Julian Goodare Source: Folklore, Vol. 123, No. 2 (August 2012) https://www.jstor.org/stable/41721541 Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, by Walter Scott, [1830] Wikipedia/Bessie Dunlop THE LIFE AND DEATH OF BESSIE DUNLOP, THE WITCH OF LYNN The Su

Amanda and Sarah welcome guest Chauncey Johnston, a Pittsburgh hairstylist extraordinaire with a few stories about her haunted encounters working at the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa in Sharon, Pa. Other subjects covered include dislodging your diva cup, masturbating at work, and living near an ice cream cone factory.  For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah focus more on sex for their 169th episode. Sarah wades into the rusalka, a type of Slavic water spirit with a taste for singing, hair styling, and luring men to their deaths. Amanda goes Dutch with the incredible story of the Oversteegen sisters, who used the power of seduction to take down Nazis. Other topics covered include scat humor, hentai, and traumatizing Amanda with frogman art. Recommendations: Amanda recommends seeing the new horror film Nope.  Sources: JStor (Russian Peasant Beliefs Concerning the Unclean Dead and Drought, Within the Context of the Agricultural Year” by Elizabeth A. Warner, Folklore, Vol. 122, No. 2 (August 2011), pp. 155-175 Wikipedia/Rusulka  Washington Post (Freddie Oversteegen, Dutch resistance fighter who killed Nazis through seduction, dies at 92) Vice (This 90-Year-Old Lady Seduced and Killed Nazis as a Teenager) New York Times (Freddie Oversteegen, Gritty Dutch Resistance Fighter, Dies at 92) This episode is sponsored by the Mattress Factory museum an

Amanda and Sarah sweat it out during an episode about creepy wall stuff and yet another Black Widow. Sarah tears down immurement, AKA the practice of trapping people or animals in walls for superstitious, religious, or punitive purposes. Amanda heads to Chicago for the tale of Tillie Klimek, a woman believed to have poisoned, many times fatally, around 20 people. Other subjects include ball sack enthusiasts, deadly spider inventions, and too many animal skeletons.  Recommendations: Amanda recommends the 1982 mystery thriller Still of the Night and the 1998 film Hush.  Sources: ATI (Immurement: A History Of Walled In Terror And Cruelty) WNEP (Family Makes Shocking Discovery Behind Walls During Home Renovations) "The Walled-In Woman in Medieval and Early Modern Spain” by Anne J. Cruz Wikipedia/Immurement SYFY Wire (CHICAGO'S 'MRS. BLUEBEARD,' TILLIE KLIMEK) Chicago Sun-Times (This week in history: Chicago serial killer Tillie Klimek dies in prison) Find a Grave (Ottilie “Tillie” Gburek Klimek) This episode is

Amanda and Sarah surprise each other with a shocking song origin and morbid fashion trend. Amanda reports on the connections between an assault on TV newsman Dan Rather, a random murder, and a hit by the band R.E.M. Sarah once again revisits the French Revolution for a look at how the major event inspired a wave of hairstyles and clothing. Other subjects covered include a radical feminist monster truck, plus bird facts, and Soviet chic. Sources:  The Transcript (Coiffure à la victime: The Urban Legend of the Guillotine Haircuts) Timeline (The protest haircut that defied the guillotine during the French Revolution) Wikipedia/Incroyables and merveilleuses Minniemuse (GALLIANO'S MUSLIN DISEASE) Rolling Stone (Flashback: Dan Rather’s ‘Kenneth, What Is the Frequency?’ Assault Inspires R.E.M., Game Theory) New York Times (Belatedly, the Riddle of an Attack on Rather Is Solved) Playbill (Dan Rather Attack Controversy Plays Out on Stage in Kenneth — What is the Frequency?) LA Times (Guilty Plea Ends NBC Shooting Cas

Amanda and Sarah go all-natural with deadly water features and weird animals. Sarah looks at the fascinating and sometimes dangerous appeal of waterfalls and the "lovers' leap" phenomenon. Amanda goes wild with stories about creepy critters like snakes, rats, and eels, as well as emus. Other subjects covered include a sleepwalking incident, a Bigfoot festival rundown, and another panty discussion.  Recommendations:  Amanda recommends the 1974 horror film Deathdream. Sources:  Historical Marker Database (The Legend of Lovers Leap) New England Historical Society (Six Lovers Leaps in New England) Blue Ridge Outdoors (Lovers’ Leaps) Icy Sedgwick (Wonderful Waterfall Folklore, Myths & Legends) Snap Judgment Presents: Spooked - Dismal Falls Daily Mail (Beware the 'rat king'!) Mental Floss (An (Almost) Comprehensive History of Rat Kings) ABC News ('Snake House': Family Home in Idaho Turns Out to Be 'Satan's Lair' of Serpents) Scientific American (The Great Emu War: In which some large, flightless birds un

Amanda and Sarah settle on cases with dubious details in this episode. Amanda heads to New England for a look at the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, an area in Massachusetts with a bizarre reputation. Sarah delves into some weird corners of the internet to get to the bottom of a New Orleans vampire "legend." Other subjects covered include an unsexy butt discussion, a breakfast-based sitcom, and a possible emu attack. Recommendations: Sarak kind of recommends the Netflix series Archive 81. Amanda recommends the 1981 Wes Craven film Deadly Blessing.  This episode is sponsored by the Mattress Factory museum and its Urban Garden Party: ZODIAC taking place on Friday, August 12. Experience one of the most anticipated events in Pittsburgh, returning after a two-year hiatus to delight you with astrology and occult-themed activities, as well as cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and more. For more info, visit mattress.org/events. For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,

Amanda and Sarah head to completely different parts of the world for stories about a mysterious sleep illness and a Black Widow. Sarah explains the inspiration behind a horror franchise with a look at Laotian beliefs and the connection to the Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome among Hmong refugees. Amanda takes on the case of the Merry Widow of Windy Nook. Other subjects covered include deep-fried Doritos, British sitcoms, and greased pigs.  This episode is sponsored by the Mattress Factory museum and its Urban Garden Party: ZODIAC taking place on Friday, August 12. Experience one of the most anticipated events in Pittsburgh, returning after a two-year hiatus to delight you with astrology and occult-themed activities, as well as cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and more. Become a host committee member now and enjoy a number of exclusive perks, including early admission, access to the VIP lounge, and more. For more info, visit mattress.org/events. Recommendations: Amanda recommends the 1990 film T

Amanda and Sarah take on a spooky western Pa. legend and an internet-era cult. Sarah goes into Betty Knox and her ox, a story familiar to the Dunbar Mountains area between Ohiopyle and Dunbar in Pennsylvania's Fayette County. Amanda traces the origins and demise of Amy Carlson and her Love Has Won cult. Other subjects covered include growing an arm phallus, vibing with Florida, and following the enlightened path of Golden Corral.  This episode is sponsored by the Mattress Factory museum and its Urban Garden Party: ZODIAC taking place on Friday, August 12. Experience one of the most anticipated events in Pittsburgh, returning after a two-year hiatus to delight you with astrology and occult-themed activities, as well as cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and more. Become a host committee member now and enjoy a number of exclusive perks, including early admission, access to the VIP lounge, and more. For more info, visit mattress.org/events. Sources: Pittsburgh Haunts and Histories (The Legend of Betty Knox)

Amanda and Sarah celebrate four years of podcasting with a special anniversary episode about summer horror and hotties. Go down a list covering camping, drive-ins, beaches, and more, all while looking at everything that could go right or wrong when enjoying warm-weather activities. Other subjects covered include omitted Quidditch, creepy kayaking, and radio hits on weed.  Recommendations: Amanda and Sarah discuss two new movies, The Northman and X. For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah welcome artist Stew Frick of Forlorn Moon for a rousing conversation about cryptid clothes, snipe searches, and dickish ducks, as well as a supernatural-inspired game of EBFM/FMBE that goes into some very unexpected places. Hear about the new clothing line Stew painted in collaboration with Highway Robbery Vintage. Find Stew's work at forlornmoon.com and follow them on Instagram.  For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. 

Amanda and Sarah realize that the kids aren't alright with two stories about supernatural sightings. Sarah covers the famous Cottingley Fairies photo hoax, and how it affected the lives of the two young girls behind it. Amanda heads to the Isle of Wight for the absolutely bonkers case of the Sandown Clown, a mysterious being that may have visited two children. Other subjects covered include being khaki crazy, fangirling on Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and dreading Aries season. Recommendations: Amanda recommends the first episode of Atlanta season three and the film The Green Knight. Sources:  Wikipedia/Cottingley Fairies "'Borderland Forms': Arthur Conan Doyle, Albion's Daughters, and the Politics of the Cottingley Fairies" by Alex Owen. History Workshop, 1994, No. 38 (1994) "Where Have All the Fairies Gone?" by Gwyneth Evans "Twentieth-Century Victorian: Arthur Conan Doyle and the Strand Magazine, 1891-1930" by Jonathan Cranfield BUFORA Journal, Volume 6, No. 5, Jan.-Feb. 1978 Mysterious Universe (The In

Amanda and Sarah go all Law and Order: SVU with a RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES-filled episode. Sarah covers the recently viral story of Sessho-seki, a cracked open rock in Japan believed to have held the spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae. Amanda takes a few absolutely wild and tragic twists and turns with the murder of Joleen Cummings. Other subjects covered include adults plays for kids, Cary Grant facts, and NPR voices. Recommendations: Amanda recommends the Hulu body horror movie Fresh, Sarah does not.  For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon. Sources: PDF Source with all the great Japanese nine-tailed fox spirit stories The Guardian  Wikipedia "The Evolution of a Legend--A Comparison of the Character of Tamamo no mae Portrayed in Muromachi Period Otogizōshi and in the Late-Edo Vendetta Tale, Itoguruma kyūbi no kitsune (The Spinning Wheel and the Nine-Tailed Fox)" Mythus Fandom.com