Haunting Historia

Miss Manhattan, The Exhibition Girl, American Venus. Whatever you call her, Audrey Munson was America's first Supermodel. She posed for numerous statues throughout New York City and San Francisco. But what happened to the woman behind the marble? 

Today's release date, September 25th, is a very important day. It is the anniversary of the end of a bloody but highly influential era, 300 years long. Modern pop culture tends to look at those 300 years and see only the pillaging and marauding that took place. That is thanks largely in part to the people who wrote down the stories. But there was more to the Vikings than simply being great conquerors.

Triskaidekaphobia. Paraskevidekatriaphobia. The Fear of 13, or Friday the 13th, has many names. The fear itself stems from not just one, but many different places. And historians still wonder about precise details. On this the Lucky Thirteenth Episode, hear some of the more prevailing theories and stories of why 13 is more unlucky than my black cat.

He was a hero of the Civil War. He freed himself and his family and several other slaves throughout the conflict. Then, he convinced the government that black men should be able to enlist. His story of a Hail Mary run through Confederate waters is one that left the South asking themselves how he pulled it off. Listen to the incredible tale of Robert Smalls and his equally incredible influence on 1800's America.

For thousands of years, a small percentage of the population was discriminated against. Not because of any physical difference. This had nothing to do with race, gender, or sexuality. People hid or converted their difference so that they would not be seen as perverse or devilish. To be among this percentage meant that you could be accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. Because for thousands of years, being Left meant that you simply were not Right.

Ever since a particular series of movies, the legends of Pirates saw a dramatic rise in popularity. But most focus on the Brigands of the West Indies, where those films take place. Here is the story of a pirate from across the world; One who would shock the world by their sheer power and their gender. It just goes to show, a woman doesn't have to be scorned to unleash fury as Hell has never seen.

Witches and witchcraft have faded into obscurity through pop culture and inaccurate histories. They have been portrayed in history to the public at large as devil-worshipping conjurers who use magic to lead others astray. Today, I interview a real Pagan Witch who breaks down the misconceptions. Amanda Howerton is a practicing healer and medicine woman. Listen to our conversation as she presents modern witchcraft, without the wands.

In the early 19th Century, a curious series of events occurred, culminating in the death of a family's Patriarch. The culprit was never caught. Because how do you capture and convict a malicious, ghostly entity of murder? The tale of these strange incidents is still told today, and the cave on the family's property has more sightings of ghostly activity than many other places. Even Andrew Jackson is said to have seen it. So, come with me, as we answer the question: Who was the Bell Witch?

I made a mistake. I admit it. This week, not only would I like to make amends for the mistake made in a previous episode, but the stories told in this episode will highlight blunders, mishaps, and goofs that either directly or indirectly led to the world in which we live. Plus a bonus mistake that didn't really affect those past the incident involved but which makes for a very entertaining tale.

Since the dawn of time, humans have felt a connection to animals of all kinds. Wolves, cats, eagles, and dolphins to name but a few. For some, the Bear was and remains a source of strength and power. Bears have always been a part of our cultural structures, whether religious or simply as a plentiful resource. So it's no wonder the stories of famous real-world bears are almost too plentiful to include all of them in one episode. But I did my best to compile the most entertaining.