Astonishing Legends

This week, we welcome master storyteller, podcaster, and comedian Dan Cummins, creator of the hit shows Timesuck and Scared to Death. Known for his deep dives into historical mysteries and the supernatural, Dan brings scholarly research paired with sharp wit. We’ve long admired the quality and depth of his work, which often parallels our own. Our conversation spans his paranormal encounters, the eerie legend of Rasputin, and a bizarre experience he had that mirrors one of Scott’s — with coincidences too strange to ignore. We’ll also explore Dan’s unique path into podcasting, his prolific creative output, and his passion for the unexplained. Plus, Scott shares a story from his recent visit to the Rhine Institute in Durham, where he learned about cutting-edge research into human bioluminescence.

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In tonight’s Dead Letter, we explore a mysterious phone call received by long-time listener Michelle in the 1980s.  The caller identified himself as "Uncle Bill," a relative she had never known, leaving a lasting impression on her and her family.  Her parents' stunned reaction to the call adds to the unsettling mystery.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Call_(The_Twilight_Zone)

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/last-call-3/

Due to an error last week, this Dead Letter Office didn't make it to the main feed so here it is now! There's a NEW one tomorrow too! 

In tonight’s dead letter, we explore the chilling tales of paranormal activity at a haunted firehouse, as recounted by volunteer firefighter Ken Sanner Jr.  Ken details a series of unsettling events, from flickering lights and moving objects to disembodied voices and unexplained shadows—even a heavy metal door mysteriously opening on a windless day. There’s something more than meets they eye going on at this place, but what?

On the night of February 25, 1942, less than three months after Pearl Harbor, Los Angeles was gripped by fear as air raid sirens wailed and a total blackout stretched to the Mexican border. Powerful arc lamps lit up the sky, and anti-aircraft guns fired wildly as reports of enemy aircraft flooded in — some claiming planes crashed down across the city, though no wreckage was found. Even military leaders couldn’t agree on what had happened. Some dismissing it as a false alarm, while others insisted non-U.S. aircraft were present. Eyewitnesses, including trained military observers, described seeing strange, slow-moving objects — one even shaped like a butterfly — and estimating anywhere from 1 to 25 of these aircraft. Decades later, declassified documents suggested the military misled the public, with one army chief allegedly reporting to President Roosevelt that the craft were likely of interplanetary origin. This week, we travel back to 1942 to sift through the conflicting reports, from that night and beyond, to help theorize the true nature of the so-called "Battle of Los Angeles."

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In tonight’s dead letter, we explore a listener’s astonishing story connecting to the infamous USS Nimitz Tic-Tac UFO incident.  Mike recounts childhood encounters with doppelgangers and later, his ex-wife's dream of grays influencing her pregnancy. Their son even refers to a "space dad," adding another layer to this already unbelievable tale. We were shocked to get a dead letter directly connected to such a major UAP event, and it has some wild implications about how far-reaching and multi-faceted a UAP encounter can be.

In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly astonishing story from listener Gus about his daughter Tara. Tara's coworker, on her last shift before college, revealed he could see spirits and described three surrounding Tara – her deceased grandparents and grandmother, accurately detailing their names, causes of death, and even the months they passed. Then he made a startling observation about Gus himself. There are those that think that all psychics are con artists or expert cold readers, but does this story fit that mold?

In the fall of 1829, a Scottish settlement was thrown into turmoil by an invisible tormentor whose nightly mischief escalated into arson. Despite constant watch and attempted exorcisms, flames erupted repeatedly in one targeted home until its terrified occupants fled, only to see it burn to the ground. Seeking refuge in a neighboring house, they were again assailed by eerie noises, flickering blue candle flames, strange embers, and the sulfuric scent of brimstone. More disturbingly, unseen forces pelted them with lead balls and slugs—harmless but relentless. Unable to endure the torment any longer, the villagers summoned a witch doctor in hopes of banishing the fiend once and for all. This week, we are joined by local expert Dr. Rick Fehr for a deep dive into the origins of this legend.

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Listener Chloe’s Dead Letter starts out talking about the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard. One of the earliest topics on the main show here at Astonishing Legends. It quickly transitions to her visit to the Edinburgh underground vaults and an unsettling experience she had there on a ghost tour.

The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Kirkyard

https://astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2016/12/8/ep-003-greyfriars-kirkyard-halloween-special?rq=greyfriars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Vaults

This week, we’re delving into the world of cryptids and unexplained phenomena again with Seth Breedlove, founder of Small Town Monsters. Celebrating 10 years of documenting America’s legends, 2025 promises to be their most ambitious year yet with four new projects. We'll discuss Dawn of the Dogman, exploring Michigan’s mysterious Dogman, and The Kinderhook Creature, a chilling tale from New York's Hudson Valley. As well as upcoming projects on the eerie Bennington Triangle and the harrowing Siege of Ape Canyon. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these fascinating legends and how Small Town Monsters continues to push the boundaries of cryptid filmmaking. Plus, Seth shares some of the most unusual encounters he's had along the way.

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In tonight’s dead letter, Jonathan, a self-described skeptic and psychonaut, recounts his experience taking DMT that led to an encounter with an omniscient entity, sparking a discussion about the nature of reality and the potential for interdimensional beings. The guys talk about similar experiences, highlighting the parallels between Jonathan's psychedelic journey and sober encounters reported by others. What could altered states of consciousness reveal about our universe?

The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where your stories die to be told!