Haunted Talks

The spectators looked on in horror as the plane crumpled like paper and came crashing down. It was Scotland's first fatal aircraft accident. The pilot, though dead, would fly yet again. This is the story of Lt. Desmond Arthur and the phantom flyers of the Montrose Airfield.

Sharpsburg, Maryland is a place heavy with the weight of history. It was site of The Battle of Antietam during the Civil War. The battle was the bloodiest day in the history of the United States with over 22,000 dead, wounded, or missing. We explore the history and legends of the area with Mark Brugh, owner of Sharpsburg Civil War Ghost Tours. Mark also hosts his own Civil War podcast.

The truth is out there. Historical detectives like Lorine McGinnis Schulze use genealogy to solve mysteries. They hunt down old and often forgotten documents and records, looking for clues and new leads. In the episode, Lorine shares the tricks of the trade and three of her most intriguing cases, involving: a missing Grandmother, the burial of a foot, and a photo found lodged in the pages of an old book.

Gary Barrett achieved some every dubious distinctions. He was twice convicted of murder and twice sentence to death. He was the first person executed at a federal penitentiary in Canada. His hanging did not go well. Immediately raising questions about the identity of the unknown hangman.

Read the Warden's letter and see other documents.

In 1912, a local newspaper in Pennsylvania, The Times Leader, ran a ghost story contest for Halloween. Their "Ghost Editor" was drowned by a flood of over 1,000 spooky submissions from enthusiastic readers. 100 years later, we sort through those entries and share the best and most frightening tales.

Pierre Radisson was a co-founder of The Hudson's Bay Company. He was also a cannibal. Really. A self-described cannibal. We are joined by Mark Bourrie to discuss his new book, "Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre—Esprit Radisson." Quite possibly one of the most incredible lives ever lived.

In honour of International Pet Day, we explore one of the most intriguing (and sniffle-inducing) ghost stories about the unique bond between us and our animal friends. Silent movie sex symbol, Rudolph Valentino, loved his Doberman, Kabar. The two were inseparable. When the heartthrob died unexpectedly at a young age, his beloved pooch went to incredible lengths to try to find him – including from beyond the grave. See photos of Valentino and Kabar.

Is it possible that in 1924 a Chicago firefighter was not only able to predict his own death, but send a ghostly message from beyond the grave? We are joined by Adam Selzer (Mysterious Chicago) and Father John McNalis (Chicago Fire Department Chaplain) to explore the story of Frank Leavy and Curran Hall fire.

See photos of Frank Leavy and the Curran Hall fire on our episode page.