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/

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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.

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 the creepy and bizarre origin stories of commonly used phrases, or idioms!

Curious about the sinister stories behind everyday phrases? This episode uncovers the dark origins of idioms like "meeting a deadline" and "riding shotgun," tracing them back to their gruesome historical roots. From Civil War prison camps to Wild West stagecoaches, you'll be fascinated by how these phrases have evolved while keeping a hint of their original intensity. Join us as we delve into these eerie backstories and reveal the fascinating evolution of language through the ages.

Listener engagement is at the heart of this episode! We’re inviting you to share your favorite idioms and phrases with us. Who knows, your daily expressions might be the next topic of our deep dive! And of course, don’t forget to subscribe, tell your friends, and give Kara a compliment—she's pretty! As always, we sign off with our signature farewell: "creep a real ya Oddballs!

References:
·         https://www.grammarly.com/blog/idiom/
·         https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/your-deadline-wont-kill-you#:~:text=In%20the%201860s%2C%20a%20'dead,until%20the%20early%2020th%20century.
·         https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/501951/dangerous-history-behind-word-deadline
·         https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-Fascinating-History-of-11-Common-English-Idioms
·         https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14687941211046530
·         https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/what-is-the-origin-of-the-term-paying-through-your-nose/articleshow/789500.cms#:~:text=The%20expression%20means%20to%20pay,tax%20had%20their%20noses%20slit.
·         https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/real-mad-hatter
·         

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 sickening tale of tuberculosis and possible vampirism.

As we open the shop this week, we have the serious topic of tuberculosis (TB). We break down the progression of this infectious disease—from the early primary infection with flu-like symptoms to the silent menace of latent TB, and finally, the severe manifestations of active TB. Extra pulmonary TB, where the infection spreads to organs beyond the lungs, is also discussed with some compelling personal anecdotes. We clear up historical misconceptions about TB, debunking myths that have long surrounded its spread and impact on society.

Prepare for chills as we venture into the spine-tingling 19th-century vampire panic, focusing on the eerie Mercy Brown incident in Rhode Island. Discover the tragic tale of the Brown family, who were devastated by tuberculosis, and the macabre rituals that emerged from fear and superstition. We detail how Mercy’s case might have influenced Bram Stoker’s "Dracula" and discuss the strange yet significant role of emojis in our storytelling. Ending on a playful note, we remind everyone to "creep it real" and leave those crucial emojis in the comments.

References:

• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-new-england-vampire-panic-36482878/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_vampire_panic
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Brown_vampire_incident
• https://curiosity.lib.harvard.edu/contagion/feature/tuberculosis-in-europe-and-north-america-1800-1922
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250
• https://www.princeton.edu/~accion/chupa15.html#:~:text=The%20word%20vampire%20has%20its,of%20an%20otherwise%20unexplained%20phenomena.
• https://hist

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 opening the shop with the 100th Episode, and he's got the haunted story of the Queen Mary.

Join us as we commemorate our 100th episode of Oddities! We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing our favorite spooky stories like the infamous Bloody Mary and the mystifying Flight 401. We'll also reveal some of the most unforgettable listener reactions from episodes such as Duffy's Cut and Fenn's Treasure.

Our main attraction this episode dives into the dark and fascinating history of the RMS Queen Mary. Built during the turbulent times of the Great Depression, this grand ship has sailed through war and peace, gathering a trove of haunted lore along the way. From the tragic wartime collision with the HMS Curacoa to the chilling tale of Watertight Hatch Door number 13, we unravel why the Queen Mary is reputed to be one of the most haunted ships afloat. Personal anecdotes blend seamlessly with historical accounts, making this chapter both informative and spine-tingling.

Thank you for sticking with us through this eerie expedition, and here's to many more episodes of Oddities!

References:
·         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Queen_Mary
·         https://queenmary.com/tours/tours-exhibits/haunted-encounters/
·         https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=8c80ca52ec31775b&q=Queen+mary+haunted+story&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwidj6bcsZ-HAxXkvokEHSENBjYQ1QJ6BAhJEAE&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1
·         https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/16fn8hj/queen_mary_pool_room_ghost/
·     https://www.reddit.com/r/Oceanlinerporn/comments/xwcx0j/queen_mary_haunted/
·         https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/15whdyh/the_queen_mary_is_it_really_haunted/
·         https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/geek-road-trip-i-stayed-in-calif

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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, The Green Witch, is talking all things magical, mystical, and Witchy!

Get ready to uncover the many faces of modern witchcraft! We're diving into everything from the mid-20th century Wiccan movement to the eclectic practices of today’s witches. Whether you're a nature-connected Green Witch, a Kitchen Witch stirring up magic in the cooking pot, or fascinated by crystal energies and celestial alignments, we've got you covered. We’ll also share how everyday rituals—like your skincare routine or that special herbal tea blend—can have a touch of magic.

Think you might have a bit of witch in you? We outline clear signs that you might possess mystical qualities, such as having an uncanny intuition or a special bond with animals. Plus, we'll guide you through a two-part plant manifestation spell to bring your dreams to life, harnessing the energy of the new and full moons. And don't forget, we’re gearing up for the Para-con event with even more magical stories and adventures to come. So, share the love and keep the magic alive in our Oddity Shop community!

References:

• https://otherworldlyoracle.com/how-to-become-a-green-witch/ 
• https://witchjournal.com/55-gift-ideas-for-a-green-witch/ 
• https://otherworldlyoracle.com/daily-rituals-green-witch/ 
• https://pin.it/1hapDa54O 
• https://paganhomestead.com/what-is-a-green-witch/ 
• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a37681530/types-of-witches/
• https://medium.com/@opinion360site/15-signs-youre-a-witch-4b39ffc2c41b
• https://otherworldlyoracle.com/how-to-become-a-green-witch/ 
• https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/journey-into-witchcraft-beliefs/#:~:text=Very%20broadly%20speaking%2C%20a%20witch,has%20to%20be%20marred%2C%20lopsided. 

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 chatting about an expedition gone wrong!

We have a bit of a macabre tale as we chronicle the chaotic life of Alfred Packer, a man who stumbled from one misfortune to another in his quest for gold in the West. From his Civil War setbacks to his disastrous attempt at guiding men to Colorado’s gold fields, Alfred's story is one of sheer incompetence and impending doom. Battling harsh winter conditions, dwindling resources, and mounting mistrust, his group's journey turns into a bone-chilling saga of disaster and survival.

The episode takes an even darker twist as we examine the grim aftermath of Alfred's ill-fated expedition. Suspicion mounts with revelations of cannibalism, inconsistent confessions, and a sensational trial that holds the public in thrall. Was Alfred a cold-blooded killer or a desperate survivor? Finally, we invite you to share your eerie experiences related to the University of Colorado's Memorial Grill, hinting at more spine-tingling stories to come. Join us for a wild ride filled with history, humor, and hair-raising mysteries!

References:

•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6YJjGHc6hI
•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Packer
•https://www.highcountryshopper.com/spotlight/unpacking-the-mystery-of-alferd-packer-colorado-cannibal/article_ee26d216-9e91-11ee-9342-379f920a20ec.html
•https://text-message.blogs.archives.gov/2022/04/19/the-grisly-tale-of-the-colorado-cannibal-alfred-packer-as-seen-in-the-records-of-the-office-of-indian-affairs/
•https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cannibal-alfred-packer-is-paroled
•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evSpVdCwPIs
•https://www.museumtrail.org/alferd-packer
•https://www.coloradolifemagazine.com/blog/post/the-mystery-of-alfred-packer
•https://www.legendsofamerica.com/alfred-packer/

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 load of pranks....That went to Far!

Ever wonder what could possibly go wrong with a little prank? Join us as we kick off with Kara’s bewildering encounter at Aldi, where an unexpected fart left her questioning the true meaning of an excuse. Then we dive into the dark side of pranks, exploring a jaw-dropping story from the podcast "Two Hot Takes" about a husband whose cruel antics led to divorce. Reflecting on the boundaries and potential harm of pranks, we consider the origins of April Fool's Day and the legalities tied to these seemingly innocent jokes. 

Shifting to more somber tales, we recount tragic pranks that ended in loss and legal consequences. From the fatal incident in Circleville, Ohio, to the bizarre "atomic wedgie" case, these stories serve as stark reminders of the real dangers behind some pranks. Mixing in lighter anecdotes about high school hijinks and prank wars gone awry, we stress the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Through humor and cautionary tales, we aim to ensure our listeners prank responsibly while still having a blast.

References:

• https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/10-halloween-pranks-that-went-horribly-and-tragically-wrong.htm
• https://www.reddit.com/r/pranksgonewrong/
• https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/08/montana-man-killled-during-bigfoot-hoax
• https://www.grunge.com/23488/pranks-gone-wrong-accidentally-killed-people/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools%27_Day
• https://voi.id/en/tulisan-seri/757
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-hot-takes/id1553199104
• https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prank
• https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/criminal-liability-for-pranks.html

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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 telling us about Chicago's Most Haunted Alley: Couch Place.

Thanks to a listener's suggestion, we dive into a historical and eerie exploration of Chicago's haunted theater and the infamous Alley of Death, setting the mood for some spine-tingling tales.

Were talking all about the tragic and ghostly history of the Iroquois Theater, now known as the Nederlander Theater. From its grand beginnings to the catastrophic fire that changed fire safety regulations forever, we recount the chilling details and share eerie reports of ghostly apparitions, including the tragic tale of trapeze artist Nellie Reed. Join us for a compelling mix of history, horror, and the supernatural as we uncover the mysteries behind these captivating stories.

References:
•https://loopchicago.com/in-the-loop/couch-place-the-alley-of-the-death/
•https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/couch-place-the-alley-of-death
•https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/creepy-alley-il/
•https://windycityghosts.com/death-alley-near-nederlander-theatre/
•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroquois_Theatre_fire
•https://cityseeker.com/chicago/1180727-couch-place-the-alley-of-death
•https://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/comments/12364hg/chicago_theatre_chicago_river_and_the_alley_of/
•https://www.iroquoistheater.com/firemen-in-couch-alley-behind-iroquois-theater.php
•https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/07/06/future-stage-traditions-seated-in-couch/
•https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/tours-attractions/chicago-most-haunted-places/

Get All Your Spiritual Supplies From Mystic Moons On Etsy, or Check out their Facebook

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.