The Maury Island Incident wasn’t just a weird UFO story — it was the first X-File, complete with FBI agents, bomber crashes, and shadowy Men in Black.

In Part 2 of our conversation with filmmaker and historian Steve Edmiston, Shea and Jody pull you deep into the tangled webs of the Maury Island mystery. Why did J. Edgar Hoover take personal interest in a Washington state UFO case? What secrets were sealed away for 50 years? And was Fred Crisman a truth-teller or just a chaos-loving sociopath? Expect wild laughs, sharp insights, and deep dives into the Men in Black birthday bash, hidden military tests, and why UFO stories still haunt the Northwest.

Listen for our behind-the-scenes takes, award-winning costumes, and why Shea and Jody might just show up at this year’s bash. https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/

✨ Chapters:

🎧 Don’t miss our bonus content, ad-free episodes, and exclusive perks on Patreon or the Spreaker Supporter’s Club! Join at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.

🌐 More at rainydayrabbitholes.com.

We’re giving away:

👽 2 pairs of tickets to the June 20 Maury Island Incident screening + afterparty
🕶️ 2 pairs of tickets to the June 21 Men in Black Birthday Bash
🎁 2 exclusive MIBBB swag bags ⚠️ You only have until MIDNIGHT, June 13 to enter!
👉 rainydayrabbitholes.com Enter all three contests + maximize your chances!

Tagging the Umbrella Podcast Collective (@umbrellapodcastcollective) + hear us three times a week on Radio Tacoma (@radiotacoma)!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

A little behind the scenes bonus conversation we had with filmmaker and Maury Island expert Steve Edmiston. We chat about skepticism, how we create history, and the art of combat storytelling!

Make sure to enter to win tickets to the Men In Black Birthday Bash, happening in Des Moines WA the weekend of June 20th! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

Find out more at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/

Follow the Men In Black Birthday Bash on social!

https://www.facebook.com/622.MIB/
https://www.instagram.com/mibbb622/?hl=en

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

✨ UFOs, Men in Black, and Maury Island Mysteries (with Steve Edmiston) | Part 1
✨ Summary:

In this first episode of a three-part series, Shea and Jody sit down with filmmaker, lawyer, and UFO expert Steve Edmiston to uncover the wild story behind the Maury Island Incident — the Pacific Northwest’s own UFO conspiracy that helped birth the Men in Black legend! We dive into:

👽 The strange events at Maury Island
🕶️ How the term “flying saucer” started here in the PNW
🎬 Steve’s short film The Maury Island Incident
🎉 The upcoming Men In Black Birthday Bash

🎁 How YOU can win tickets + exclusive swag from the event! Stick around for Part 2 + 3, where we explore shady players like Fred Crisman, the legend of Sparky the dog, Roy Olmstead’s bootlegging empire, Yamashita’s gold, and Steve’s fascinating activism work. Links + Resources:

🎟️ Enter the giveaway → rainydayrabbitholes.com
🛸 Learn more about MIBBB Fest → mibbbfest.squarespace.com
🎬 Watch Steve’s film → https://mauryislandincident.com/ 
#MenInBlack #MauryIslandIncident #MIBBBFest #UFOhistory #PNWPodcast #ConspiracyTheories #RainyDayRabbitHoles #PNWstories #PodcastLife #UFOsightings #DragQueenTrivia #UFOEvents #AlienConspiracies #PodcastGiveaway

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

We’ve made some new pod besties, and they are just as spooky as we are!

In this deliciously haunted crossover, we team up with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts & Homicides to share ghost stories, history, and a healthy dose of shenanigans from Portland’s Crystal Hotel—a McMenamins property with a haunted, glamorous, and queer-friendly past.

While staying at the Crystal Hotel to record our episode on Portland's infamous Shanghai Tunnels (check out Episode 69!), we couldn’t resist diving into the hotel's own history.

Shaped like a pizza slice and stacked with nearly a century of secrets, this boutique hotel has been home to nightclubs, underground gambling rings, a subterranean bathhouse, and has played a meaningful role as a safe haven for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Crystal Hotel is more than just a fun place to crash after ghost-hunting—it’s a living time capsule, with music, mystery, and possibly a few lingering spirits echoing through its halls.

If you're into haunted hotels, queer history, and storytelling that sometimes goes off the rails (in the best way), this one's for you.

🎲👻🌈 Make sure to check out our new favorite ghouls, PNW Haunts & Homicides, and follow them for more spooky content! You can also find them at www.pnwhauntsandhomicides.com. 💀

✨ And stay tuned—this is just the beginning of our haunted hijinks together. More ghostly adventures with Caitlyn and Cassie are coming soon!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

💀 When Arizona settlers saw something stomping through the desert, draped in death and taller than a man, they did what any rational person would do—freak the hell out. This is the story of a ghost that haunted the West in the most unexpected way imaginable.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into one of the weirdest and creepiest ghost stories to come out of the Wild West. The “Red Ghost” terrified settlers across the Arizona Territory—appearing as a monstrous figure with bones on its back and blood-red fur. But was it really a ghost? Or something stranger? We explore the unsettling reports, panic-fueled stories, and the utterly bizarre government experiment that might explain it all… but probably won’t make it any less ridiculous. This one’s got everything: frightened ranchers, vanishing phantoms, and a ghost that kicks like a mule. Literally. 

⏱️ Chapters:

🔑 Keywords: Arizona ghost story, Red Ghost, haunted frontier, Wild West legends, spooky desert tales, unexplained mysteries, creepy historical events

📢 Support & More:
Love what we do? Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and exclusive perks at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.

Visit our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com.

Catch us three times a week on @radiotacoma and tag along with the Umbrella Podcast Collective @umbrellapodcastcollective.

Check out Ze Frank's video about Camels! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc0ZCqLUjSo

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

What do goatmen, turpentine, cryptid festivals, and cursed gold have in common? Apparently, Arizona — and we are here for it!

In this hilarious, unhinged episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive deep into the lore of Arizona’s Mogollon Monster and the absurd legend of the Goatman.

From bloodcurdling screams in the desert night to drunken prospectors falling in love with half-goat ladies, this episode is packed with bizarre stories, laughs, and wild theories.

Could Zeke’s forbidden romance have birthed Arizona’s Bigfoot? Could goats really be the secret architects of desert cryptids?

Listen as we unravel it all, one ridiculous thread at a time!

Hear bonus content, ad-free episodes, and grab exclusive perks by joining our Patreon or Spreaker Supporters Club at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support!

Catch us three times a week on @RadioTacoma and explore more unhinged history at rainydayrabbitholes.com!

Proud member of @umbrellapodcastcollective.

Chapters:

Keywords: ArizonaCryptids, MogollonMonster, GoatmanArizona, ArizonaGhostStories, WeirdHistory, DesertLegends, CryptidLore, RainyDayRabbitHoles, UmbrellaPodcastCollective

Sources Mentioned:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

What do a $3.85 murder, torrential rain, and Civil War vets have in common? They’re all part of Lakeview Cemetery’s unhinged history—and Shea and Jody are here for every wild minute.
In this hilarious and haunting episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody brave Seattle’s atmospheric river to explore Lakeview Cemetery with Richard from Seattle History Tours.

From true crime tales of $3.85 murder to Civil War veterans' untold stories, this tour was a wild ride through the West’s forgotten tragedies. Whether you're a true crime addict, history buff, or curious traveler, you’ll be hooked.

👉 Bonus content, ad-free episodes, and awesome perks await at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support!

🌧 Visit our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!

Chapters with Timestamps:

Seattle history, Lakeview Cemetery, true crime podcast, Victorian history, unhinged history, Civil War Seattle, Seattle tours, Western history podcast, Seattle cemetery stories 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

Booze, Brothels, and the Dark Side of Portland’s Past (Feat. PNW Haunts & Homicides)


What happens when you toss two hilarious Pacific Northwest history podcasts into Portland’s creepiest tunnels with beer, ghosts, and a whole lot of sass? This. You get this glorious chaos.

In this unhinged crossover episode, Shea and Jody from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes team up with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts & Homicides for a deep, dark dive beneath the streets of Portland, Oregon. From damp brick passageways to flannel-wearing apparitions, the crew recounts their visit to the Shanghai Tunnels Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, while also dissecting the problematic roots of the term “shanghaied,” historic embellishments, and whether ghost pee is a thing. Expect history, hilarity, hauntings—and maybe some drunken shenanigans. 

👻 Learn more or book your own tunnel tour: Shanghai Tunnels Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing

🎙 Support the podcasts:

🕰️ CHAPTERS

 00:00 - Intro: Setting the Spooky Mood
03:45 - Meeting IRL for the First Time (and yes, we’re hot)
07:10 - What Are the Shanghai Tunnels, Really?
11:25 - Underground Pizza, Brewing, and Ambience
16:40 - Ghosts, Perfume, and Paranormal Pee
21:30 - History vs. Legend: Is Shea Ruining Everything?
27:55 - Who Was Nina (Nina?) and Did She Get Moidered?
35:45 - Tour Guide Shoutout: Doug Is a Legend
40:30 - Crimping Ain’t Just for Hair
44:15 - Rating the Tour: The Squatch Scale
50:05 - That Haunted Photo... And the Phillip Experiment
55:20 - Final Thoughts & The Case for Ziplining to Bars
59:00 - Goodbye from the Pod Pals

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

Check out one of our listener favorites from last year!

🐙 The Kraken and Other Pacific Northwest Sea Monsters

Dive into the depths of the Pacific Northwest's most mysterious legends in this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! Join Shea and Jody as they explore the fascinating tales of the Kraken, Cadborosaurus, and other mythical sea creatures that have haunted the waters of the Salish Sea for centuries.

From the legendary Kraken of Scandinavian folklore—known for its terrifying ability to capsize ships—to the local tales of Caddy, the elusive sea serpent, this episode is packed with bizarre sightings and outrageous stories. Discover how these sea monsters have shaped local culture and even inspired Seattle’s own hockey team.

As the duo navigates through ancient myths, they also tackle some of the more ridiculous explanations behind these sightings, including giant squids, oarfish, and even whale anatomy! With Shea's hilarious mispronunciations and Jody's witty commentary, you’re in for a wild ride through the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

🐉 Join us as we unravel the truth behind these captivating creatures and toast to the wonder and mystery that lies beneath the waves!

⏳ Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes!
02:00 - The Kraken: Origins and Legends
06:30 - Meet the Cadborosaurus: Caddy's Tale
12:15 - Misidentified Monsters: Squids and Oarfish
18:00 - The Giant Pacific Octopus: Nature's Wonder
22:45 - The Tacoma Narrows and Its Legendary Octopus
28:00 - Debunking the Tree Octopus Hoax
32:30 - The Kraken's Legacy in Seattle Sports

🎧 Love the show? Get ad-free episodes and bonus content by joining our Patreon or Spreaker Supporters Club! Support us at rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.
🔗 Discover more wild history at rainydayrabbitholes.com.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

Dive into the wild and wacky world of beavers with Shea & Jody in this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! 🪂

Ever thought about how a cute little rodent could change the course of history? Well, beavers did just that by influencing the Hudson Bay Company’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest, and they’re more than just furry critters; they’re essential eco-warriors! 🌲💧

Join us as we explore the unhinged tale of how Idaho’s beavers were parachuted into their new home in the 1940s! From the ingenious (and slightly bonkers) idea of air-dropping beavers to the clever contraptions designed to ensure their safe landing, this episode is packed with laughter and surprising facts about these furry engineers.

🐾 What does a beaver’s poop look like? Can you really see their impact from space? And how did one brave beaver named Geronimo become a parachuting legend? Find out all this and more in our beaver bonanza! 🎙️

💡 Want more unhinged history? Check out our episode on the Mossman of Idaho!

🌐 For bonus content and ad-free episodes, visit: rainydayrabbitholes.com/support

🎉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts and stories with us at [email protected]! Your feedback keeps us going!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.