In this week's episode, Sandra talks about a well-known urban legend called "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs." This legend tells the story of a young girl who is babysitting for a family and keeps receiving phone calls telling her to "check the children." Concerned, she calls the cops who are able to trace the call coming from inside the house. This legend is actually based on the true story of the tragic murder of Janett Christman a young girl who was babysitting in her hometown of Columbia, Missouri in the 1950s who was found murdered, and to this day the mystery remains unsolved.

Later, Danielle discusses the pioneering journalist, Nellie Bly. She was one of the few women in 1887 who was given the chance to write pieces related to serious issues. She is mainly known for going undercover as a mentally ill woman who gets placed into an asylum. Her work and dedication to investigating the conditions of mental asylums were lauded by the public. This led to an increase in the budget to improve living conditions. Nellie abruptly left the writing world when she felt underappreciated after famously traveling around the world in 72 days.

Sandra's Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_babysitter_and_the_man_upstairs

https://medium.com/omgfacts/the-truth-behind-the-babysitter-the-man-upstairs-urban-legend-d41d1722c9e9

https://truecrimearticles.wordpress.com/2018/03/30/the-unsolved-murder-of-janett-christman/

https://moviesanywhere.com/movie/when-a-stranger-calls

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52836495/janett-christman

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nellie-Bly

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/07/28/she-went-undercover-expose-an-insane-asylums-horrors-now-nellie-bly-is-getting-her-due/

This week Danielle talks about Linda Hazzard, also known as the "Starvation Doctor". She swindled people into trying her revolutionary fasting regiment which she claimed could cure any ailment, even cancer. Patients who were lucky enough to survive fasting for weeks or longer would leave her sanitarium singing Linda's praises. Linda made sure to only work with people who had a significant amount of money to their name. She would collect insurance claims from a majority of her victims. 

Later, Sandra talks about the legendary Candyman. Based on a character in the story "The Forbidden" by Clive Barker and also based on the 1992 movie and the sequel that came out in 2021, the Candyman is an urban legend who draws his power from people who believe in him. Supposedly all they have to do is summon him and say his name five times in a mirror and he will appear with a hook for a hand.

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.historylink.org/File/7955

https://murderpedia.org/female.H/h/hazzard-linda.htm

https://www.talkmurderwithme.com/blog/2019/9/21/linda-hazzard

Sandra's Sources:

https://candyman.fandom.com/wiki/Candyman_and_The_Myth

https://theconversation.com/candyman-the-urban-legends-behind-the-movie-and-why-we-find-them-irresistible-167126

https://screenrant.com/candyman-movie-real-urban-legends-inspiration-tony-todd/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candyman_(character)

This week Sandra talks about the Old Charleston Jail located in Charleston, SC. One of the most well-known haunted jails in South Carolina, the Old Charleston Jail dates back to 1640. It was in operation from 1802 to 1939. Its most famous inmates include Lavinia and James Fisher. In 2000 it was acquired by the American College of Building Arts and used as its campus and headquarters. Today it is open to tours and has been featured on Ghost Hunters, the Travel Channel, and Ghost Adventures. Ever since 2000 people have reported strange occurrences happening from things disappearing to seeing apparitions of former prison guards.

Later, Danielle discusses the Barbie and Ken Killers aka Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka. Their nickname comes from their blonde hair and blue eyes. Canadian serial killers Karla Homolka and her husband, Paul Bernardo, drugged, raped, and murdered three teens, including her younger sister. Initially, Karla was thought of as the unwilling victim who was overpowered by her abusive husband, but this later was proved false. Tapes were found where both Paul and Karla were recorded participating in the torture and rapes of their victims. 

Sandra's Sources:

https://www.viator.com/tours/Charleston/Haunted-Jail-Walking-Tour-in-Charleston/d4384-23272P3?m=28353&supag=68732031537&supsc=dsa-647350163696&supai=350968425111&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:g&suplp=9001996&supli=&supti=dsa-647350163696&tsem=true&supci=dsa-647350163696&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJaKBhDgARIsAHmvz6dwtPwMizxd097YlKprPBE4CLOn0UouEH8nXYoNF-qhV0dQkNGIjlEaAoS_EALw_wcB

https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/charleston-haunted-jail-tour/3

https://ghostcitytours.com/charleston/haunted-places/charleston-jail/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Charleston_Jail

https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/tour-charlestons-most-haunted-building-the-old-city-jail

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavinia_Fisher

Tour Websites:

https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/charleston-haunted-jail-tour/3

https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/tours-attractions~204/walking-tours~1160/charleston-haunted-jail-tour~9972.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw4qCKBhAVEiwAkTYsPDswVFbiTPyOw8OUlLGb0hBpgmdpH98h8KCXksKvKNzNymWDf0-VcxoCNagQAvD_BwE

Danielle's Source:

https://allthatsinteresting.com/paul-bernardo-karla-homolka-ken-and-barbie-killers

In this week's shorter, but sweet episode, Danielle talks about the creepy H.H. Holmes. Born Herman Webster Mudgett he is known as one of America's first serial killers. He built a mansion in Chicago that was designed for murder. From traps doors, hidden chutes to the basements, and rooms designed to asphyxiate people. He also would collect insurance claims from his victims until one day he was finally apprehended. 

Later, Sandra talks about the story of Dorothy Dunn. A young girl tragically drowned in a dredge pond in Bannock, Montana. Supposedly she haunts the Meade Hotel even today. There have been stories for over a hundred years of people seeing a young girl in a blue dress, and hearing children crying. Listen as Danielle and I discuss why she might be haunting that hotel.

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/hh-holmes

https://www.britannica.com/biography/H-H-Holmes

https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/hh-holmes/

Sandra's Sources: 

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/mt-bannackghost/

https://southwestmt.com/ghosts/ghost-stories/dorothy-dunn/

This week Sandra talks about Annie's road. One of the haunted roads is located in Totowa, in Passaic County, NJ. Supposedly this sad tale has several versions, but they all involve a young girl named Annie getting killed on a road called Riverway Drive. For decades and possibly centuries, people have reported strange happenings on that road. From seeing blood on the road to seeing an apparition of a young girl who vanishes without a trace.

Then, Danielle discusses famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Both outlaws in the Wild West, their adventures inspired a classic film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. They were members of the Wild Bunch gang and their specialities were robbing banks and trains. At the same time, Butch was known for being mild-mannered with an easy grin and purposefully avoided killing anyone during his robberies. Were Butch and Sundance really killed in a blaze of glory during a shootout with the Bolivian cavalry or did they escape and get new identities?

Sandra's Sources:

https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4372-annie-s-road-usa.html

https://weirdnj.com/stories/garden-state-ghosts/annies-road/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_highway#Annie's_Road,_Totowa,_New_Jersey

Danielle's Sources:

www.biography.com/.amp/news/butch-cassidy-sundance-kid-real-story

It's episode 26! Danielle discusses the Gardner Museum Heist. On March 18, 1990, on St. Patrick's Day, two thieves posing as police officers were buzzed in through the side entrance of the Boston museum. 81 minutes later they walked out with 13 pieces of art estimated to be worth $500 million. None of the pieces were ever recovered, and this is still an ongoing investigation. The FBI believes the thieves to be connected to a crime organization spread through the mid-Atlantic and New England. The current reward for information leading to the recovering of the pieces is currently $10 million. 

Later, Sandra talks about the Japan Tsunami Ghost Riders. On March 11th, 2011 a magnitude nine earthquake shook northeastern Japan. This produced one of the largest tsunamis in history causing death and destruction. As the town of Ishinomaki began to rebuild people started to have strange paranormal experiences. One of the most famous was the ghost riders. These ghost riders look like normal passengers, but once they reach their destination they seem to disappear. For years after the tsunami hit Ishinomaki, taxi drivers have welcomed their ghostly passengers. Listen to the episode to find out why.

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/organization/theft

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/645785/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-art-heist-facts

Sandra's Sources:

https://www.mamamia.com.au/taxi-drivers-ghosts/

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/horrified-cabbies-pick-up-ghost-7293766

Unsolved Mysteries: Tsunami Spirits. Netflix. 2020

Real Life Ghost Stories Podcast. Ep 105: Shoji. https://www.reallifeghoststoriespodcast.com/

Welcome to episode 25! This week Sandra talks about Belcourt Castle located in New Port Rhode Island. This mansion was originally designed to be a summer cottage for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont. Construction began in 1891 and was completed in 1894. This mansion has been passed over to different families and has been abandoned and refurbished a few times since 1894. While it was owned by the Tinney family stories started circulating about haunted artifacts, and ghosts walking among the grounds. Today it is owned by Carolyn Rafaelian, the owner of Alex and Ani. She is currently renovating the mansion to bring it back to its former glory. However, people wonder if it is still haunted.

Later, Danielle talks about the surprising connection between famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the slaying of his mistress, Martha “Mamah” Borthwick. Taliesin was built by Wright as a type of hideaway for Borthwick and her children. One day this ended abruptly in tragedy when a disgruntled handyman retrieved an ax and gasoline when everyone, but Wright, was at home having lunch. Seven people were killed and two survived the brutal attack. Carlton, the murderer died a few weeks later after a failed attempt of poisoning himself.

Sandra's Sources:

https://www.belcourt.com/history.html

https://www.thenewportbuzz.com/ghost-hunters-investigate-belcourt-castle/4471

Book: Spooky America: The Ghostly Tales of New England. Carie Juettner.2020.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belcourt_of_Newport

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/famous-murders/taliesin-massacre-frank-lloyd-wright/

https://www.history.com/news/the-massacre-at-frank-lloyd-wrights-love-cottage

https://newspaperarchive.com/divorce-clipping-feb-26-1912-139219/

Welcome to episode 24! Dirty John was the nickname for John Meehan, a conman and nurse anesthetist. He earned the nickname while briefly studying to become a lawyer. He was adept at seeming like a nice guy until his demons rose to the surface. His victims include vulnerable women who would wind up paying for John's many expenses. When they would eventually stop John would threaten these women as well as their families. When John met Debra Newell, he was planning another con, but this would end in a violent manner.

Then Sandra talks about the Omni Parker House Hotel that is located in Boston, MA. Founded on October 8th, 1885, this hotel has become a Boston landmark and has been visited by not only local residents, but also famous people. From Charles Dickens to Ralph Waldo Emerson, it was also the home of the invention of the Boston Creme Pie. Although it is still a popular hotel today, there are a few people who have never checked out. These include the ghost of the original owner Harvey Parker who still appears to ask the guest how their stay is, as well as a few other restless spirits.

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a25372275/dirty-john-true-story-timeline/

https://www.vulture.com/article/true-story-of-dirty-john.html

Sandra's Sources:

https://nightlyspirits.com/haunted-omni-parker-house-in-boston/

https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/haunted-hotels-bostons-omni-parker-house/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omni_Parker_House

This week Sandra talks about the Flying Dutchman. A well-known legend of a cursed ship that pirates and seafarers fear. The Flying Dutchman has been seen since the 1700s and has been used in popular media like Spongebob Square Pants and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Find out why it is still talked about today.

Later, Danielle discusses the Moors murders. Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were the people behind the killings of innocent children between July 1963 and October 1965, in and around Manchester, England. The victims were five children—Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Keith Bennett, Lesley Ann Downey, and Edward Evans—aged between 10 and 17, at least four of whom were sexually assaulted. For those sensitive to violence, especially among children, this story is a heavy one. 

Sandra's Sources:

http://bardsandtales.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-flying-dutchman.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Dutchman

Danielle's Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-39934966

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/world/europe/moors-murders-ian-brady-myra-hindley-victims.html?searchResultPosition=1