Oddity Shop

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara is telling us the Haunted History of the House of Wills!

Travel back in time with us to uncover the incredible life of J. Walter Wills, a man of integrity who navigated racial challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From being a strikebreaker in Cleveland to refusing to pass as Cuban for a job, Wills' story is a testament to courage and moral strength. We also explore the rich history of the House of Wills, a gothic landmark that evolved from a German clubhouse to the largest black-owned funeral home, now known for its haunted reputation.

Ghostly tales abound as we dive into the eerie legends surrounding the House of Wills and other haunted locations. With the return of a beloved paranormal show on Hulu, we're buzzing with excitement over spooky investigations and spectral figures. We share chilling encounters from the Ghost Brothers and ponder the notion of intentional hauntings. 

As we wrap up with a playful chat about emojis and social media, we promise special gifts for our Patreon supporters and encourage everyone to engage with us online.

References:

• https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseOfWills666
• https://clevelandvintage.com/blogs/cleveland/the-haunted-house-of-wills-in-cleveland?srsltid=AfmBOorieLssaxQA1X0_6xX8ZLIjzFP2SH2yb2N9a4cYXyALsdgwzUkE
• https://clevelandvintage.com/blogs/cleveland/the-haunted-house-of-wills-in-cleveland?srsltid=AfmBOorieLssaxQA1X0_6xX8ZLIjzFP2SH2yb2N9a4cYXyALsdgwzUkE
• https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/911
• https://www.cleveland.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/10/85aeeb239f5112/house-of-wills-long-abandoned-cleveland-funeral-home-with-fascinating-past-gets-new-life-photos.html
• https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/house-of-wills
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2MLlx48OqE
• https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/717706
• https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/715637 
• https://www.keepclevelandcreepy.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZWp3FBaTB-k0tWcxo6Rwq_IjNDbByB5cGl0Nwn21u7QjxOtuEi3ZPjeKw_aem_BWu4dxR_YnsuxSnkdeqKRA

It Can't Be People! 

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Welcome to a Very Special Episode of The Oddity Shop!   Its Halloween, so you know Kara and Zach have a very special episode for you, with a Fantastic Guest: Dacre Stoker!!!

Get ready for a spine-tingling celebration as we welcome the Halloween season with none other than Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker himself. Discover the fascinating legacy of the man behind "Dracula" through Dacre's captivating stories, insights, and a touch of family lore. As we mark our two-year anniversary, this episode promises a host of exclusive treats, including the launch of our Patreon and the chance to uncover some of Dracula’s lesser-known secrets.

Ever wondered how Bram Stoker managed to make "Dracula" feel so real? We’ll take you on a journey through the meticulous research and creative genius that brought this legendary vampire tale to life. Dive into Bram’s intriguing connections to the supernatural and the historical context that may have inspired his Gothic masterpieces. 

As Dacre shares his own adventures in preserving and expanding the Dracula legacy, learn about the innovative "Stokerverse" and an exciting new comic series that adds fresh twists to the classic tale. 

 With heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, we invite you to join us for a Halloween celebration filled with mystery, history, and spine-chilling excitement.
Dacres Info:

• www.bramstoker.org
• www.bramstokerestate.com
• www.stokerverse.com
• https://www.amazon.com/Dracula-Annotated-125th-Anniversary-Stoker/dp/1953905374
• https://www.facebook.com/@DacreCStoker/

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The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
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Welcome to the Oddity Shop, where the Bizarre is Always on Sale!  This Week we are opening the doors and sharing YOUR stories back to you

What if a family heirloom could harbor a haunting beyond the grave? Discover the eerie tale of "Disco Disaster," where a three-eyed ceramic cat unnerves generations with its unsettling presence.

Journey with us to the Myrtles Plantation, home to ghosts who are more charming than chilling. Meet the spirited children who delight guests with their creativity, watched over by a caring adult spirit. 

Brace yourself for spine-tingling tales from the Queen Mary and beyond. Listener stories bring us Marielle’s uncanny encounter with a familiar and Murky’s mysterious guidance by a ghostly voice aboard a haunted ship. 

These stories leave us questioning the veil between the living and the spectral. As we wrap up, we share exciting hints about our Halloween episode, brimming with spooky surprises and heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, promising a haunting experience you won't want to miss.

It Can't Be People! 

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Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach is talking about his favorite Lessor Cryptids

What happens when a magical wand-wielding frogman, a melancholic squonk, and a thrilling Giwoggle, and a killer worm all collide in a single podcast episode? Our newest episode brings together quirky tales and cryptid adventures.

We deep dive into the lore and history of the Loveland Frogman as they cast sparks at passerby's, the Squonk who is just the saddest boy ever, The Witchy Summon of the Giwoggle sent to terrorize farmers, and the Mongolian Death Worm legend that apparently kills throughout the desert.

Before wrapping up, we share our excitement about attending the Mid-Michigan Paracon and encourage our listeners—whether critters or cryptids—to say hello and feel the love we have for each of you.

References:
· https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-asia/finding-legendary-mongolian-death-worm-001973
· https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Mongolian_Death_Worm
· https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_death_worm
·https://tetzoo.com/blog/2020/1/12/lore-of-the-loveland-frog
·https://www.wlwt.com/article/the-loveland-frogman/37871711
·https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loveland_frog
·https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Squonk
·    https://www.reddit.com/r/TopCharacterDesigns/comments/1c9107e/the_squonk_a_mythical_creature_from_american/
·         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squonk#:~:text=The%20squonk%20is%20a%20mythical,Grouping
· https://www.pennlive.com/life/2023/09/meet-the-giwoggle-this-pa-countys-own-official-monster.html
· https://www.lockhaven.com/news/local-news/2015/10/the-giwoggle-clinton-county-s-official-monster/
·https://pawilds.com/giwoggle-clinton-countys-monster/

It Can't Be People! 

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Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara is kicking off spooky season with a ton of ghost stories!

Shivers will run down your spine as we navigate through an emotional therapy session where a supernatural encounter brings comfort from the beyond. Picture this: a message from a deceased mother shocks a therapist, proving that sometimes, the other side has something profound to say. We ponder the authenticity and emotional impact of such experiences, offering a deeper glimpse into how the paranormal can touch our lives. We continue unraveling more supernatural narratives, like a woman guided by her father-in-law’s eerie presence and a grieving mother finding peace in a mysterious interaction, showcasing the fine line between reality and the inexplicable.

Get ready for goosebumps as we recount chilling ghost stories that blur the boundaries of fiction and reality. From a childhood haunt that evolves into a lifelong connection with a spirit named Jane to the mystery of a mutilated stuffed bear in haunted woods, we dissect every eerie detail. Add to that unsettling encounters in an old house and you’ve got a recipe for sleepless nights.

 As Halloween approaches, our excitement is palpable and we eagerly invite you to share your spooky stories for our bonus episodes. Don’t forget to send in those ghost emojis and remember, always "creep it real!

References:

• https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/funny-fill-in/article/funny-fill-in-happy-haunting
• https://www.quora.com/Has-anyone-had-an-encounter-with-a-ghost-in-real-life
• https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliacorrigan/real-life-paranormal-ghost-stories
• https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/
• https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-scariest-ghost-incident-with-proof-to-date 

It Can't Be People! 

Click above - Get your copy now!

Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Zach has some Michigan UFO Sightings and Stories

Michigan’s skies have a mysterious side, and we’re here to spotlight it! We kick things off with the Kinross Incident of 1953, where an Air Force jet was dispatched to intercept a UFO over Lake Superior. Then, fast forward to 1994, where credible sources reported flickering lights and cylindrical objects over Lake Michigan. Was it mass hysteria or true extraterrestrial encounters? We explore the consistent witness stories challenging the mass hallucination theory and ponder the possibilities, referencing notable UFO events like the Zimbabwe sighting and the “toxic lady” case.

 Finally, Travel back to 1966 with us to Dexter, Michigan, where unidentified lights in the sky led to a UFO landing in a swamp, garnering national attention. J. Allen Hynek's investigation, starting with skepticism and ending with belief, adds a compelling layer to these sightings.

 As we wrap up, we share some of Michigan’s most captivating UFO stories and invite you to explore nuforc.org for more. Don't forget to share your personal alien encounters—bonus points for using an alien emoji! Thank you for tuning in, and we can't wait to hear your weird and creepy tales.

References:
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/michigan-ufo-sightings/69898235007/
https://www.history.com/news/ufo-fighter-jet-disappears-over-lake-superior-kinross-incident
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Moncla
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Michigan_UFO_event
https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-science/2017-03-28/aliens-or-swamp-gas-the-mystery-of-michigans-most-famous-ufo-sighting-lives-on
https://dexter.lib.mi.us/events/not-swamp-gas-the-true-story-of-the-1966-michigan-swamp-gas-ufo/
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/unsolved-mysteries-something-in-the-sky
https://abcnews.go.com/US/ufo-sightings-top-10-states-highest-number-reports/story?id=30061767
https://nuforc.org/

It Can't Be People! 

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Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara, has a tale about some oddball green kids!

Could a casual camping trip lead to an encounter with the supernatural?  Get ready for a deep dive into the eerie and unexplained as we explore the uncanny valley effect and pareidolia. We dissect the psychic staring effect, the Brocken Specter, and the haunting legends of the Dark Watchers in the Santa Lucia Mountains. With each topic, we weave in historical tidbits and personal reflections, making the strange and spooky feel surprisingly relatable.

Our final segments are packed with spine-chilling encounters and practical tips. Hear firsthand accounts of the Dark Watchers, those mysterious figures in the Californian wilderness, and discuss camping etiquette to ensure you leave no trace.

 We wrap up on a lighter note, sharing funny camping mishaps and inviting listeners to connect with us on social media. This episode is a rollercoaster of thrills, chills, and laughs, perfect for anyone looking to explore the unknown while staying grounded in the familiar.

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Watchers
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia
• https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/8ctvni/the_dark_watchers_of_california/
• https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dark-watchers-santa-lucia-mountains-california
• https://www.livescience.com/dark-watchers-california-optical-illusion.html
• https://dailyyonder.com/local-lore-dark-watchers-from-santa-lucia-mountains-of-california-onto-the-pages-of-classic-american-writers/2022/01/21/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_(Steinbeck_story)
• https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/dark-watchers-santa-lucia-range-stories-steinbeck-16012812.php 
• https://www.thecut.com/article/the-psychology-of-feeling-like-youre-being-watched.html 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_staring_effect 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny_valley 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Lucia_Range 
• https://earthsky.org/earth/what-is-the-brocken-spectre/

It Can't Be People! 

Click above - Get your copy now!

Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome to a Very Special Episode of The Oddity Shop! This week we sit down with the equipment making, bad ass author, amazing researcher, Lauren Haunts!

Ever wondered if your beloved REM pod is working during your paranormal investigations?  We'll take you behind the scenes with exciting updates, winded rabbit holes, and a tin foil hat party! Lauren doesn't just stop at REM pods; she shares her expertise on the diverse types of paranormal investigators and gives us a masterclass in equipment and the difference between scientific and personal theory!

Curious about the intersection of electrical engineering and ghost hunting? delve into the fascinating world of building custom paranormal tools. From proximity sensors to sensory deprivation chambers, we explore how innovation and community spirit come alive at Paracons. You'll hear personal paranormal experiences, touching on the exhilarating moments of first encounters and the joy of meeting influential figures like Dacre Stoker.

Unveil the mystical world of spirituality, witchcraft, and meditation as we discuss the challenges of publicly practicing witchcraft and the profound connection between mindfulness and paranormal sensitivity. Lauren's candid anecdotes about overcoming imposter syndrome, creating REM pods, and the camaraderie within the paranormal community will leave you inspired. 

This episode is a rollercoaster of personal stories, expert insights, and a heartfelt celebration of the supernatural realm.

Learn More About Lauren:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1MQLl6wGE
Website: https://www.lilianamariecreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhaunts/

It Can't Be People! 

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Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, Kara and Zach recount their recent adventure to the 14th MI Paracon
 
 The weekend was a mix of bittersweet goodbyes and joyous reunions with friends old and new, making it an unforgettable experience.

Ever wondered what it's like to rub elbows with the stars of paranormal TV shows? We're spilling the beans on our encounters with Brian Cano, Steve Gonsalves, and Tango from Ghost Hunters, and even a hilarious stint with Adam Barry’s Match Game. From candid discussions about the intricacies of paranormal TV production with the Klinge brothers to the joy of hearing lectures from Zafis, Tim Shaw, and Becky Galentine on haunted dolls and games, we dive into the heart of the paranormal community. Plus, find out why we might have a new “home con” in Missouri.

And let's not forget the lighter side of Paracon! From a chaotic attempt to get drinks at a packed casino bar to a newfound obsession with a local deli's pizza, this episode is packed with laughs and surprises. We also share the joy of connecting with Dacre Stoker and handling Bram Stoker’s handwritten notes, and our emotional reactions to Jeff Belanger and Dave Schrader's talks. Stick around for some fun anecdotes about John Tenney’s birthday!

Don't miss out on this whirlwind journey through one of the most memorable paranormal conventions we've ever attended.

It Can't Be People! 

Click above - Get your copy now!

Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.

Welcome To The Oddity Shop, Where The Bizarre is Always on Sale.  This week, your curator Kara, has a tale about some oddball green kids!

Join us as we unravel the enigmatic tale of the Green Children of Woolpit from 1150 England. Picture this: two green-skinned children emerge from a wolf pit, wearing strange garments and speaking an unknown language. We explore their mysterious origins, unique dietary habits, and gradual assimilation into society. Agnes, the girl, offers an eerie account of a twilight-lit land, adding layers of intrigue to this historical curiosity. From theories of malnutrition and trauma to fantastical ideas like aliens and inner earth kingdoms, we weigh each possibility and share our thoughts on this bizarre case.

As our episode winds down, we invite you to share your own theories on the Green Children and suggest future topics. Upcoming features include listener-submitted stories, with tantalizing ideas like Haunted Lakes or Haunted Islands in Michigan already on our radar. Don't forget to drop a green heart emoji if you've listened to the end! Your support keeps the Oddity Shop buzzing with the weird and wonderful—we can't wait to bring you more. Stay tuned and keep those stories coming!

References:

• https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Green-Children-of-Woolpit/
• https://allthatsinteresting.com/green-children-of-woolpit
• https://www.snopes.com/articles/459775/green-children-of-woolpit/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9789-dissociative-amnesia
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X19301233
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trapping_pit#:~:text=Wolf%20pits%20are%20deep%20pits,it%20could%20then%20be%20killed. 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agartha#:~:text=Agartha%20(sometimes%20Agartta%2C%20Agharti%2C,inner%20surface%20of%20the%20Earth.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_children_of_Woolpit 

It Can't Be People! 

Click above - Get your copy now!

Support the show

The Shop's phone lines are open! Give us a call and leave a voicemail (Or two!) with your creepy personal tale/oddity, and it could be featured on a future episode!
616.320.4935

JOIN US ON PATREON: Click Here!
Join the Oddity Shop on Patreon for Day Early Access to Episodes and tons of bonus content!!!

Visit our Website to learn more!
Email Us at: oddityshoppodcast.com
www.OddityShopPodcast.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site.