Common Mystics

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill dive into a mystery that has captivated the nation for over 50 years. Following the tragic assassination of Bobby Kennedy in June 1968, the hopes of a grieving nation turned to the youngest Kennedy son, Massachusetts Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, to elevate the Kennedy legacy to its highest office once more. Heading into the 1972 presidential election, Ted Kennedy was the Democratic frontrunner. But everything changed on Chappaquiddick, a sleepy island off Martha’s Vineyard, in the summer of ’69. On the evening of June 18, 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy left a party with 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne. It was the last time she would be seen alive. Over half a century later, questions still linger, and the events of that night continue to stir controversy. Join Jen and Jill as they unravel this enigmatic tale, offering their unique perspectives on a scandal that has left an indelible mark on American history. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode.

When 78-year-old Thomas Bell was discovered dead in his home, suspicion quickly fell on his maid, Mary Ellen Pleasant. Mystery and intrigue had always surrounded Mary Ellen. Born around 1814 in the eastern United States, she was African American but light-skinned enough to integrate into white society. She fervently supported abolitionist causes and served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She even studied Voodoo under the renowned Marie Laveau in New Orleans. Upon arriving in San Francisco in the 1850s, she amassed a fortune, which she used to champion civil rights in the post-war years. However, her journey was not without conflict. Known both as the “Mother of Civil Rights” in California and a sinister “Voodoo Queen,” Mary Ellen Pleasant’s life was a fascinating blend of activism and controversy. Join Jen and Jill as they delve into the complex legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode.

On this milestone episode of Common Mystics, we celebrate our 100th show with some special friends from our Tier 4 Patreon group! Edmund, Kelli, Jason, and Lisa join us for a trivia game featuring questions about the mystical sisters and past Common Mystics episodes. The winner will receive a coveted prize: a free reading with Jen and Jill. Who will emerge victorious? Tune in to find out!  Don’t miss out on the fun—join us on Patreon, where we host monthly entertaining and instructional group sessions with our Beloved Mysties. Join the excitement here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics

On this episode of Common Mystics, we uncover the untold story of a woman whose enigmatic life and startling demise remain cloaked in secrecy.* It was in September 1894, in Providence, RI, that Mrs. Emily Chambers, after resigning from her position as a live-in maid, adorned herself in her finest clothes, hired a carriage with a substantial amount of money, and vanished without a trace. Her body was later discovered in a secluded wooded area miles away in North Scituate. As detectives embarked on a quest to find her murderer, they eventually apprehended a suspect. But the question remains: Was justice truly served? Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode.

* This episode includes discussion of violent acts and may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. Listener discretion is recommended.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill delve into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death of a Puritan woman in 1673. Rebecca Cornell tragically perished in a fire at her Portsmouth home, a death authorities initially deemed an accident. However, the narrative took a chilling turn days later when her brother reported a ghostly visitation from Rebecca, seemingly seeking vengeance for her murder. The alleged perpetrator? Her own son, Thomas Cornell, Jr. This accusation led to Thomas’ murder trial, establishing a perilous precedent for future legal proceedings in New England, notably influencing the Salem Witch Trials. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode.

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill explore the mysterious murder of Benjamin J. Burton, once Rhode Island’s most affluent Black businessman. A self-made man, Burton began his career loading cargo at the docks of Newport, RI, eventually founding an express company and establishing the city’s first mass transit system. Admired and respected, his tragic death from gunshot wounds on October 6, 1885, sent shockwaves through Newport society. Initially ruled a suicide by the coroner, community outcry prompted a reexamination, leading to the uncovering of a sinister truth.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill delve into the tale of a wise woman turned vengeful witch according to a local legend. Foster, RI, now a quaint settlement, has faced numerous challenges and documented hauntings over time. The town’s struggles have been attributed to a witch named Dolly Cole, yet evidence suggests alternative origins for the negative energies. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. *Please note that this episode contains references to suicide and may be triggering for sensitive audiences. Please take care while you listen. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free assistance 24/7.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill explore the mysterious death of Tom Hepburn*. Before she was a Hollywood legend, Katharine Hepburn was one six offspring of Dr. Thomas Hepburn and Katharine Houghton Hepburn. The children enjoyed a life of privilege, and were brought up in an environment of intellectual pursuits and social activism. Tom Hepburn, the eldest son and closest sibling to young Katharine, was bright, athletic, handsome and popular. He planned to attend Yale and John’s Hopkins in his father’s footsteps. Why, then, in 1921 was his life cut short at the tender age of 15? Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. *Please note that this episode contains discussion of suicide and may be triggering for sensitive audiences. Please take care while you listen. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free assistance 24/7.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill examine the tragic life of Elizabeth Shaw.* Born in Connecticut in 1726, Elizabeth was considered a burden by her family due to perceived intellectual limitations. Unmarriable in the eyes of her community, her life took a tragic turn when she mysteriously became pregnant at age 18. The birth of her bastard child marked the beginning of a sorrowful series of events that ultimately led to her execution. Almost three decades after her premature demise, her tale was immortalized in poetic form as a stark warning about the perils of premarital relations. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. *Please note that this episode contains discussion of abortion, infanticide and sexual crimes against women and may be triggering for sensitive audiences. Please take care while you listen.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill examine the historical context and tragic results of the Hartford Witch Panic. Nearly 30 years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials, a panic was brewing in Connecticut. Hartford residents accused their neighbors of dancing with the devil and transforming into black hounds. In 1662, four people were hanged for their alleged crimes. One of them confessed. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. Tier 4 Patreon subscribers gain access to monthly pods on various topics and live mentorship Zoom sessions on the last Sunday of each month. Join us!!!