Perplexity: A Mystery Podcast

Many people have some type of superstition: don't open an umbrella indoors, don't step on a crack in the sidewalk, don't break a mirror or spill salt. Superstition has been a part of human nature since the beginning of time. So is it possible for a specific date to be cursed? Many people seem to think so. In Western societies, Friday the 13th has been considered cursed for centuries. This notorious date occurs at least once every year, and sometimes up to three times.

While both Friday and the number 13 have long been considered unlucky in various cultures, their combination as a specifically unlucky day only gained widespread recognition in the early 20th century. Friday the 13th has become deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. It's inspired countless stories, films, and urban legends. From Tupac's death, to German forces bombing Buckingham Palace during WWII, this date seems to be filled with tragedy. So is it all coincidence? Or because of a curse? Bad luck? Today we will discuss the day that has captured imagination and superstitions around the world. This is the history, lore, and some encounter stories from Friday the 13th.

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SOURCES:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/myth-busted-friday-13th#:~:text=Origin%20story,unfortunate%20things%20happened%20on%20Fridays.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/why-friday-13-unlucky-explained/index.html

Wikipedia

https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/friday-the-13th

https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-things-friday-the-13th-2017-12#in-2029-an-asteroid-will-come-extremely-close-to-earth-19

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Labours-of-Hercules

https://www.britannica.com/topic/cannibalism-human-behavior

https://simpleflying.com/aeroflot-october-13th-accidents/

https://www.johannesbeers.nl/1952-swedish-dc-3-shot-down-by-russia.html

Episode keywords:

true crime, true crime podcast, friday the 13th, paranormal, paranormal podcast, curse, folklore, urban legend, weird history, history podcast

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In this episode, Kaydra covers a listener request: The Japanese Oni. Arguably the most iconic cryptid in Japanese folklore, the Oni has become an iconic symbol in Japanese culture. The creature is typically described as being large and ogre-like with horns, tusks, claws, and typically being red or blue. But this is more than just a folktale. The oni has clear ties to misogyny, classism, and systemic oppression. You will also hear 2 encounter stories with potential ties to the Japanese Yokai.

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Kaydra is joined by Stacy from the Early on Wednesday Podcast, and Alecia from Twisted and Uncorked Podcast to discuss one of the weirdest cases she has ever come across. In 2014, the severed and embalmed head of a Jane Doe was found in a small turn in rural Pennsylvania. The case was recently featured in Netflix's revamped Unsolved Mysteries and the second Kaydra watched it, she knew she had to talk about it. This is the story of the Jane Doe of Economy Borough, also known as the Severed Head Case.

Check out Stacy and Alecia wherever you get your podcasts:

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Kaydra shares 3 perplexing and horrifying stories of arguably some of the most dangerous water parks to have ever existed. First, you will hear the story of the Bonzai Slide Disaster, then you will hear the infuriating and shocking story of the Verruckt, and finally, you will learn of the haphazard Action Park. Extreme caution is advised when listening to this episode, specifically when listening to the second story.

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In 1969, 20 year old Theodore John Conrad pulled off one of the largest bank heists in Cleveland history. He escaped the eyes of law enforcement and started a new life, changing his name to Thomas Randele. His daughter and wife had no idea about his past life and when he was on his death bed he would leave them with this shocking news.

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Thank you to Courtney for requesting this week's topic. Today Kaydra gets into the perplexing concepts of sleep paralysis, and the potential connection between the paranormal and sleep. You will hear 6 Reddit stories, along with a bonus of 2 listener stories at the end. The listener stories relate to La Lechuza, a cryptid witch/owl entity that haunts South Texas and Mexico. If you want to learn more about La Lechuza, check out episode 73!

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Kaydra tells Karlisa the horrifying story of the Garanhuns Cannibals of Brazil. From 2008 to 2012, a cannibalistic cult would lure, kill, and cannibalize at least 3 victims and kidnap an 18 month old child. Their crimes would be so horrific, so unimaginable that it would forever rock the area. Extreme caution is advised when listening to this episode.

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Kaydra gets into the troubling history of the Chateau Marmont, celebrity gossip, and the lives and tragic deaths of John Belushi and Helmut Newton. Located in Los Angeles, CA, this iconic hotel goes for as high as $1575.00 a night. Over the years, it has become notorious for taking in some of Hollywood's most famous... and there is a TON of lore. As the Old Hollywood adage goes: If you want to be seen, go to the Beverly Hills Hotel. If you don’t want to be seen, go to the Chateau Marmont. But this is more than just a hotel; it's a magnet for the strange and otherworldly. Some guests have checked in, and seemingly never checked out.

Be sure to check out Rachel and Heather at Like Mother Like Murder Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CONTACT: Have a story to tell or want to request a topic? Email Kaydra at [email protected].

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Kaydra recently took another trip to Colorado. It's one of her favorite states. There's gorgeous rivers and mountains, the weather is great. There's lots to do and it's relatively quiet. But just like any other place, Colorado has its share of dark history and reputed paranormal activity. So after visiting some new places on this past trip, Kaydra decided to look into them to see if she could dig up any dark or interesting history.

She was able to dig up quite a bit on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, as well as Look Out Mountain and its' ties to Buffalo Bill. Born William Frederick Cody in 1846, Buffalo Bill left a lasting legacy that continues to influence American culture and history. From his wild west shows, to his conservation efforts, Buffalo Bill was one of the most influential characters of the Wild West. But there would be controversy in both his life and death. And some say his spirit still haunts Look Out Mountain. Could any of these Colorado legends be true? Let's get into it.

This is the story of Buffalo Bill and some other local Colorado ghosts and legends.

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While Kaydra takes a break, enjoy this first ever Patreon leak! Today you get a taste of the bonus content Kaydra provides to her Patrons! In this episode, Kaydra discusses the controversial and infuriating Hell Camp documentary on Netflix. You will hear about the horrific happenings and abuse under Steve Cartisano, who owned and operated a number of "teen rehabilitation camps" in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

This was also a Patreon episode, so you might notice Kaydra is much more conversational and not afraid to let some opinions fly. Join the Patreon for as little as $1 a month or check out any tier and get a 7 day free trial! If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, resources and information are available at Wannatalkaboutit.com

If you missed the Virtual Live Show, go watch it on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/live/ZfwsnZ3QRtM?si=A6UCapAWHXpb_Lfq

WAYS TO SUPPORT & CONNECT:

Join the Patreon for perks and ad free episodes starting at just $1/month: https://patreon.com/perplexitymysterypodcast

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