High Strangeness

Unveiling the Mystical: A Journey through Paranormal Discoveries with Varla Ventura

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Varla Ventura, an author renowned for her works on the paranormal, ghosts, and bizarre subjects. They discuss Varla's unique background, including her upbringing with a practicing witch mother, and her fascination with supernatural entities such as banshees, changelings, pukas, and mermaids. Varla introduces her various books, including 'Banshees, Werewolves, and Vampires', 'Among the Mermaids', and an upcoming release 'Enchanted Plants'. The conversation delves into themes of high magic, meaningful coincidences, and the creative spark derived from immersing oneself in fairy tales, folklore, and the narratives of historical figures intersected with the paranormal, as explored in her podcast 'Midnight Stories'.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:36 Meet Varla Ventura: Author and Explorer of the Strange

01:42 Varla's Journey: From California to Minnesota

03:42 Growing Up with the Paranormal

07:13 The Birth of Varla's Writing Career

15:15 Understanding the Banshee

35:35 Exploring Other Mythical Creatures

49:03 Fairy Encounters and Goblins

49:41 The Origin of the Bogeyman

51:12 Goblins and Their Cultural Interpretations

55:40 Mermaids: Myths and Misunderstandings

01:05:07 Banshees, Werewolves, and Vampires

01:06:32 The Fascination with Werewolves

01:12:40 Exploring the Dark Legends

01:17:20 The Magic of Storytelling

01:20:42 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

Author- Varla Ventura

https://www.varlaventura.net/new-website-2/

Books: 

• Banchees, Werewolves, and Vampires
• Beyond Bizarre
• The Book of Bizarre
• Among the Mermaids
• Fairies, Pookas, and Changlings
• Paranormal Parlor

Unveiling the Jersey Devil: History, Myths, and Legends with Dr. Brian Regal

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony dives into the fascinating and eerie lore of the Jersey Devil with special guest Dr. Brian Regal, a historian from Kean University. Dr. Regal shares his research and insights into the origins of this legendary creature, debunking myths and exploring historical facts. The discussion delves into the Leeds family's connection to the tale, Benjamin Franklin's role in spreading the legend, and how the story has evolved over time. They also touch upon other intriguing topics such as colonial America's monster-filled folklore, cross-dressing governors, and more. This episode offers a captivating look at how history and folklore intertwine, revealing the complex layers behind one of America's most enduring legends.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:46 Introducing the Jersey Devil

01:14 Meet Dr. Brian Riegel

02:37 Brian's Journey and Early Life

06:22 The Jersey Devil: Fact or Fiction?

21:53 The Real Story Behind the Jersey Devil

30:48 Quakers' Journey to America

31:08 Founding of Burlington

34:27 Daniel Leeds' Philosophical Pursuits

35:39 Conflict with the Quakers

37:03 The Leeds Almanac Controversy

43:11 Legacy of the Leeds Family

46:11 The Jersey Devil Legend

47:39 The Dime Museum Hoax

52:27 Lord Cornberry: The Cross-Dressing Governor

56:08 Ben Franklin vs. The Leeds Almanac

58:31 Monsters and Myths in Early America

01:01:31 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

Author-

Brian Regal, PhD, FLS

Professor for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine

 https://sites.google.com/a/kean.edu/brian-regal-phd/

Exploring New Orleans' Vampire Legends with Marita Crandall

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony delves into the world of New Orleans' vampire legends with special guest Marita Crandall. Marita, a successful author and entrepreneur, shares her journey from the corporate world in California to the mystical streets of New Orleans. She discusses her various ventures, including a boutique, speakeasy, cafe, and restaurant, all themed around the rich vampire lore of the city. Marita provides insights into her research on New Orleans' supernatural history, her upcoming book 'Mosquito: Southern Vampires', and personal experiences that have deepened her connection to the city's magic.

This episode is a fascinating exploration of New Orleans' unique culture, history, and the enduring allure of its vampire myths.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:30 Halloween Inspirations and a Special Guest

03:01 Interview with Marita Crandall Begins

03:52 Life and Business in New Orleans

04:27 The Vampire Empire: Shops, Speakeasies, and Cafes

06:35 Opening a Restaurant During the Pandemic

09:13 The Apothecary and Expanding the Empire

21:26 New Orleans: A City of Rich History and Culture

29:13 Researching Vampire Legends

34:06 Escape from the Attic

35:07 Research and Legends

36:19 Misconceptions About New Orleans

38:58 Exploring New Orleans

39:46 The Reality of Voodoo

45:27 The Penny Dreadful Cookbook

51:09 The Enigmatic Comte Saint Germain

54:34 A Vampire Encounter

59:48 Embracing Magic in Life

01:05:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

New Orleans Vampires

https://www.maritawoywodcrandle.com/

NOLAvampires.com

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Todd Wood, the creative mind behind Haunted Wood Cove in St. George, Utah. They delve into the inspiration, planning, and execution of Todd's elaborate Halloween displays, which evoke scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean. Todd discusses the challenges of maintaining a small-town feel amid the city's rapid growth, utilizing his engineering background to overcome obstacles in developing animatronics and synchronized features. They also explore the logistics of setup, community involvement, and Todd's personal journey in creating whimsical, non-scary Halloween experiences. Additionally, the episode highlights the construction of temporary ship displays, addressing issues like animatronics in windy conditions and upcoming larger projects aimed at immersive, underwater-themed entries.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:25 Halloween Decorations and Haunted Wood Cove

01:26 Interview with Todd Wood

01:58 Life in St. George, Utah

04:48 Todd's Journey to St. George

06:36 Creating the Haunted Display

08:37 Todd's Background in Aviation and Engineering

13:15 Evolution of the Halloween Display

17:49 Community Reactions and Adjustments

29:45 Donations and Community Support

32:01 Unexpected Visitors and Future Plans

40:01 Exploring Successful Haunt Props

40:24 Innovative Water Features

40:43 Landscaping and Themed Decor

43:05 Pneumatic and Electrical Setup

43:33 Popular Animatronic Displays

45:38 Sourcing Props and Materials

48:49 Planning and Building the Display

55:45 Challenges with Animatronics

01:03:31 Building and Storing the Ship

01:17:25 Future Plans and Community Engagement

01:19:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

Haunted Wood Cove

[email protected]

https://www.hauntedwoodcove.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@ToddWood/featured

https://www.instagram.com/hauntedwoodcove/

Unraveling the Salem Witch Trials: An Interview with Dan Gagnon

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony delves into the chilling history of the Salem Witch Trials through an insightful interview with Dan Gagnon, author of 'Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse.' The discussion covers the unique sociopolitical climate of 17th-century Salem, the terrifying process of witchcraft accusations, and the life and tragic fate of Rebecca Nurse. Dan also dispels common misconceptions and sheds light on the long-term impact on the community. Tune in to explore the eerie blend of history and folklore surrounding one of America's most notorious periods.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:34 Halloween Season and Its Mysteries

01:31 Guest Introduction: Dan Gagnon

02:26 Halloween in New England

04:35 Salem Witch Trials: An Overview

05:19 Dan Gagnon's Journey to Writing

08:01 Puritan Beliefs and Witchcraft Accusations

25:01 Legal Process of the Witch Trials

30:04 Rebecca Nurse: The Unlikely Accused

39:06 The Shock and Sympathy of the Accused

39:30 The Role of Character Witnesses

41:03 The Meaninglessness of Accusations

44:26 The Unfairness of the Trials

46:41 The Execution Waves

48:18 The Torture of Giles Corey

51:43 The Exoneration Efforts

55:40 The End of the Witch Hunt

57:58 Long-term Effects on the Community

01:00:28 The Fate of the Accusers

01:05:07 Visiting Historical Sites

01:06:59 Conclusion and Future Projects

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

https://danielgagnonhistory.com/.    

Exploring the Fear Factory with Rob Dunfield: Scares, History, and Community

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Rob Dunfield, co-owner of the Fear Factory in Salt Lake City, Utah. They discuss the unique haunted attraction set in an old, abandoned cement factory with a creepy history dating back to the 1800s. Rob shares how he, his father, and brother-in-law started the business, transforming it into a top-ranked haunted house with a strong community called the Fear Family. They delve into the site's paranormal activity, safety measures, additional attractions like the lurid lounge and selfie stations, and future plans. This episode provides an in-depth look at what makes the Fear Factory a must-visit destination for Halloween thrill-seekers.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:25 Halloween Thrills and Haunted Attractions

01:11 Introducing Rob Dunfield and Fear Factory

02:53 The Origins of Fear Factory

10:46 Building the Fear Factory Team

22:39 Paranormal Activities at Fear Factory

28:07 Exploring the Haunted House Layout

28:17 Navigating the Tunnels and Towers

29:26 Outdoor and Indoor Experiences

34:03 Safety Measures and Staff Training

38:03 Balancing Scares for All Ages

41:19 Additional Attractions and Activities

48:24 Special Events and Future Plans

53:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

Fear Factory -  

https://fearfactoryslc.com

[email protected]

Exploring Off-Grid Living with Jesse Fisher from Riverbed Ranch Community

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Jesse Fisher, a resident of the Riverbed Ranch Community in Utah, to discuss off-grid living and self-reliance. They delve into the meaning and practice of off-grid living, the challenges and solutions of maintaining such a lifestyle, and the community's efforts to be self-sufficient in energy, water, and food. Jesse shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind the off-grid community, as well as insights into its diverse residents and their various approaches to sustainable living. Tony and Jesse highlight the importance of preparedness and adaptability in an increasingly dependent society. The episode also touches on the development and operations of Riverbed Ranch, including medical emergencies, waste management, and the process of joining the community.

 00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:38 Imagining Time Travel and Modern Vulnerabilities

02:11 Living Off the Grid: A Growing Trend

03:10 Introducing Riverbed Ranch Community

03:28 Interview with Jesse Fisher: Life at Riverbed Ranch

04:18 Building and Living in an Off-Grid Community

09:57 Diverse Approaches to Off-Grid Living

20:53 The Origins of Riverbed Ranch

30:32 Power and Water Solutions in Off-Grid Living

35:02 Introduction to Food and Greenhouses

36:21 Educational Resources for Self-Reliance

41:12 Waste Management Solutions

44:55 Healthcare and Medical Emergencies

48:58 Daily Life at Riverbed Ranch

51:33 Weather and Community Cooperation

57:03 Community Size and Demographics

01:02:09 Joining the Community

01:10:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

RiverBed Ranch Community in Utah.   Also has a community in Arizona and 4-5 others still planned in the US.

https://www.riverbed-ranch.com/

Contact- Jesse Fisher

[email protected]

Long description:

Watch OSR's 53-minute backstory video here: https://www.Riverbed-Ranch.com/videos

Our educational non-profit, the Academy of Self-Reliance, has a homestead planning course called "The Path to Self-Reliance".

It's at https://AcademyOSR.com/the-path

Exploring High Strangeness: From Walking Corpse Syndrome to Alaska's Triangle

In this episode of High Strangeness, hosts Tony and Bill tackle a variety of mysterious and eerie topics. They discuss the rare mental disorder known as Cotard's Syndrome, delve into the folklore of the Kushtaka in Alaska's Triangle, explore the dangers of massive sinkholes, and review unusual building architectures around the world. With personal anecdotes and intriguing facts, the episode offers a deep dive into some of the oddities and unexpected phenomena that exist in our reality.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:26 Meet the Hosts: Tony and Bill

01:40 Upcoming Episodes and Halloween Plans

03:18 Favorite Creepy Shows and Movies

04:48 Zombie Movies and The Walking Dead

09:11 The Walking Corpse Syndrome

19:38 The Kushtaka of Alaska

25:22 Exploring the Alaska Triangle

26:10 Bigfoot Encounters in the Wilderness

29:37 The Mystery of Sinkholes

38:11 Strange Structures Around the World

45:40 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

Exploring the World of Tactical and Emergency Rescue Dogs with Highland K9 Training Center

 In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony discusses the remarkable role of tactical and emergency rescue dogs in major national incidents. Tony interviews Jason Perguson, the owner of Highland K9 Training Center in North Carolina, to uncover the intricate training processes for these unsung heroes. Jason sheds light on the types of dogs trained, the rigorous training programs they undergo, and the essential partnership between dog and handler. The conversation explores fascinating stories of success, including dogs trained for unique tasks like detecting endangered species or finding bumblebee nests. Jason also talks about the daily challenges faced during training and his team's commitment to improving standards in the industry. The episode underscores the dedication and expertise required to prepare these dogs for real-life scenarios and highlights the growing demand for trained rescue dogs across various sectors.

 00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

01:33 Unseen Heroes: Tactical and Emergency Rescue Dogs

02:22 Meet Jason Perguson of Highland K9 Training Center

03:44 Jason's Journey: From Law Enforcement to Dog Training

08:03 Highland K9 Training Center: Divisions and Specializations

10:16 Unique Detection Dogs: From Bat Poop to Bumblebee Nests

13:43 Types of Working Dogs and Their Training

24:05 Selecting and Training the Perfect Working Dog

34:11 Challenges in Training: Dogs vs. Humans

37:50 Memorable Success Stories with Dogs

40:28 Training Dogs for Real-World Scenarios

41:14 The Role of Dog Handlers in Training

46:33 Path to Becoming a Dog Trainer

56:06 Capabilities of a Dog's Sense of Smell

59:11 Highland K9: Business and Future Plans

01:05:43 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com

 Highland K9 Training.

https://tacticalpolicek9training.com/contacts/

Call 800-406-3243

Email: [email protected]

Highland Canine Training

145 Foxfield Drive

Harmony, North Carolina, 28634-9430

United States

Exploring High Strangeness: Allergies, Line Standing, and Cryptids.

 In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' hosts Tony and Bill Kearney delve into a variety of unusual and intriguing topics. They kick off with a conversation about Utah's new hockey team before moving onto personal allergies and an in-depth discussion on aquagenic urticaria, a rare condition that causes allergic reactions to water. The episode also covers odd jobs like snake milking and professional line standers, and examines cryptid sightings, focusing on the Mongolian Monster in Arizona. Lastly, they explore the phenomenon of black snow reported in New York in 1889. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of the strange and unexpected.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:42 Utah's New Hockey Team

02:06 Allergies and Strange Reactions

05:38 The Bizarre Allergy to Water

15:34 Strange Jobs: Snake Milker

19:25 The Job of a Professional Line Stander

20:37 Real-Life Examples of Line Standing

22:17 Modern-Day Line Standing Services

25:19 The Mongolian Monster of Arizona

32:53 Birds and Their Unusual Behaviors

37:10 The Mystery of Black Snow

40:09 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Topics

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show. 

Website:   Highstrangenesshow.com