Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: Pacific Northwest History and Humor

In this episode, Shea and Jody dive into a personal and thought-provoking topic—what they want done with their remains after they die. Both hosts share why they’ve chosen body composting as their final wish and explain how the process works. They discuss the environmental benefits of human composting, why it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation, and why it feels like the best choice for them.After discussing composting, they chat about their upcoming collaboration episode with Ani Khajadourian from Audibly Haunted, teasing listeners with stories of how much fun they had recording. It’s a glimpse into what’s to come next week!

To wrap things up, Shea and Jody introduce this week's featured episode from Audibly Haunted—titled The All American Funeral. Ani takes listeners on a journey through the history of the American funeral industry, from early at-home funerals to the rise of funeral homes and undertakers. It’s an enlightening look at how end-of-life care has evolved in America.

Follow Audibly Haunted on social media and wherever you get podcasts!

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To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we’re revisiting the road trip that started it all! In this special all-new version of our very first episode, Shea and Jody take you back to the haunted streets of Astoria, Oregon, and the eerie Heceta Head Lighthouse, where ghost stories and local legends sparked our love for diving into the strange and forgotten. Along the way, we showcase the infectious humor and chemistry that have defined the podcast, making it the perfect introduction for new listeners!

As we look back on an amazing year, we also talk about some of our favorite episodes and the incredible guests who have joined us, including Allison Gill of The Daily Beans and Clean Up On Aisle 45, author Brad Holden, historian Michael Sullivan, and Chris Staudinger from Pretty Gritty Tours. From the origins of the Men in Black phenomenon in our Summer of Saucers episode, to the chilling story of Linda Hazzard, the "Starvation Doctor," and the bizarre Pig Wars of the San Juan Islands, we’ve uncovered the forgotten and the fantastic with a unique PNW twist.

Want more of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? For ad-free episodes a day early and bonus content, be sure to sign up for our Patreon! You can find all the details at our website, www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.

 Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, this anniversary episode is the perfect way to celebrate one year of laughter, stories, and curiosity!

Paranormal Activity, Ghost Stories, Haunted Houses, Astoria, Oregon, Captain Flavill, Victorian Mansion, Unexplained Footsteps, Shadowy Figures, Piano Ghost, Alien Abduction, Poltergeist, Paranormal Humor, Historic Hauntings, Sea Salt And Adventure, Widow'S Walk Ghost, Unexplained Phenomena, Haunted Tours, Victorian Architecture, Paranormal Experiences, Spooky Tales

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Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital

💬 Show Notes
Western State Hospital: Madness, Mystery, and Misery

Welcome to another spine-chilling episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, where we unravel the dark and eerie history of Western State Hospital in Washington. Join Shea and Jody as they explore the institution's haunted past, its infamous scandals, and the tragic tales of its most notorious patients. From shocking treatments to mysterious disappearances, this episode is a deep dive into one of the Pacific Northwest's most infamous landmarks.

In this episode:
- The founding and early days of Western State Hospital
- Gruesome treatments and the dark side of mental health care
- Scandals and mysteries: Disappearing patients and embezzlement
- Famous patients: The tragic tales of Mary L. Leonard and Dr. William Chester Minor
- The eerie Fort Steilacoom Cemetery and its forgotten souls
- Ghost stories and paranormal activities reported at the hospital
- Modern-day challenges and ongoing efforts to reform Western State Hospital

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00:00 " Western State Hospital is where some of Washington state's darkest stories unfolded
04:51 " Do it for science. Not the getting weed suppositories
05:12 " Western State Hospital opened its doors in 1871 before Washington became estate
07:59 " Western state hospital was built during a time when mental health care was experimental
11:16 " Western state Hospital became the largest mental institution in Washington state during 20th century
13:59 " If you would like to listen to our episodes ad free, consider joining Patreon
14:48 " Western State hospital made headlines in 1950s for embezzling funds
15:59 " Western State Hospital had some famous and infamous patients
20:33 " Actress Frances Farmer spent time at Western State Hospital
21:14 " Fort Steilacoom cemetery was used to bury patients at Winston State
26:14 " You have this gorgeous backyard full of plants. And now I'm kind of concerned that you actually do have a poison garden
27:10 " Only a fraction of unmarked graves in Fort Steilacoom cemetery are marked
30:04 " Laura Lemke started a mission to remark the graves with names and dates
32:46 " Grave concerns has completed most of their work at Western State Hospital
33:29 " This episode on western State hospital includes talk of ghosts
34:02 " We should head out for a night over at western State hospital
36:46 " The hospital's eerie atmosphere has given rise to countless ghost stories and legends
39:25 " Western State Hospital has struggled to shake off its troubled past
44:15 " Western state hospital remains a symbol of ongoing struggles within mental health care system
46:07 " There is so much more to tell about Western State hospital


Show notes created by https://headliner.app
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In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive deep into the turbulent life of Frances Farmer, a rising star of 1930s Hollywood who captured the spotlight with her remarkable talent and beauty. But behind the glamour was a woman tormented by personal struggles and unjust treatment that led to her tragic incarceration at Western State Hospital in Washington.We're joined by special guests Laura and Stephen from the Midday Musings podcast to discuss Frances Farmer’s life, the haunting legacy she left behind, and her influence on Kurt Cobain’s music. Together, we’ll explore how her story of fame, rebellion, and mistreatment became a symbol of the dark side of Hollywood and mental health treatment.Discover the dark and untold history of mental health treatment in mid-century America, Frances’s rebellion against the Hollywood machine, and how her legacy lives on in music and pop culture. Was she truly misunderstood, or was she a victim of the system?Tune in to hear her remarkable yet tragic story, and see how one woman's struggles echoed through generations.In this episode:

• The rise and fall of Frances Farmer: from Hollywood starlet to Western State Hospital
• The truth behind the rumors and the real-life horrors she faced
• How her life and legacy inspired Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's music
• The shocking history of mental health treatment in the mid-20th century
• Insights from our special guests Laura and Stephen from Midday Musings

Listen to Midday Musings:
Spotify | Apple PodcastsGet More Content:
For ad-free episodes and bonus content, become a Patreon member! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to find the link and explore exclusive perks.Subscribe:
Don't forget to subscribe to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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This week on Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we're taking you back to the iconic Puyallup Fair with a story that's equal parts hilarious and heroic! Get ready to hear how Shea's mom, Sherry, became a barnyard legend after saving a kid's chicken from the brink of disaster. Was it fate? Luck? Or just good old-fashioned CPR? Tune in to find out the mysterious details of this unforgettable fairground adventure.

But that's not all! We're joined by Laura and Stephen from the Midday Musings Podcast, where they delve into all things pop culture, nostalgia, and the oddities of everyday life with a dash of humor and curiosity. You won't want to miss their take on this bizarre barnyard incident.
Check out Laura & Stephen three days a week! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midday-musings/id1715523597

For more behind-the-scenes fun, ad-free episodes, and exclusive content, join us on Patreon and support the show!Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.

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In this eye-opening episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we uncover the startling connections between a small plastic bread tab and a global conspiracy that reaches from Yakima, Washington, to the heart of far-right extremism, and even the legendary treasure of Yamashita's gold. We delve into the surprising story of the Kwik Lok company, founded in Yakima, and its ties to far-right movements. But that's just the beginning. Join us as we explore how this humble bread tab links to a global network of intrigue involving the fallen dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the CIA, and a treasure hunt that has spanned decades. And don’t miss the shocking twist at the end of the episode—this is one rabbit hole you’ll definitely want to go down. Listen now and prepare to be amazed!

Want ad-free episodes? Join our Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and more! You can find links to the Patreon, our social media, and all of our episodes at our website: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

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🎙️Tacoma's Forgotten Legacy: The Blackwells with Pretty Gritty Tours founder Chris Staudinger.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we're joined by Chris Staudinger, the passionate founder of Pretty Gritty Tours, to dive deep into the rich history of Tacoma, Washington. Chris introduces us to the Blackwell family, one of the most significant and influential families that helped shape Tacoma’s destiny in the late 1800s. Despite their major contributions to the city, the Blackwells have somehow slipped through the cracks of local history. Their iconic mansion still stands on Broadway Street as a testament to their great charity, yet their story remains largely untold—until now.
Chris shares the inspiring tale of William and Alice Blackwell, whose altruism and community efforts laid the foundation for Tacoma's future. Plus, get an inside look at the founding of Pretty Gritty Tours, and learn how you can explore more of Tacoma’s hidden history at prettygrittytours.com. Join us as we uncover the stories that make Tacoma more than just a place—it’s a community woven with history and heart.

If you want 10% off a tour with Pretty Gritty Tours, just go to our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com and enter your email at the top!

Please go to www.prettygrittytours.com to book an awesome tour today! 

Also, Shea is now a tour guide for Pretty Gritty Tours! You can take a tour with her at Stadium High School in Tacoma. 

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Shea & Jody are off enjoying the last hurrah of summer, so we present a spooky episode from one of our Pod-friends: PNW Haunts & Homicides! This week, we're heading to California - where they know how to party… with ghosts!   Join us as we explore eerie and fascinating sites in the vast expanse of the Redwood Forests. But some of the “ghosts” here might not be what you expect. Not to mention this is a hot spot for Bigfoot sightings!
 Don't miss us at True Crime Fest Northwest 8/30 - 9/1! Use Promo Code HAUNTS10 for 10% off your ticket!  
This week we introduced you to our friends from Twisted & Uncorked, A TRULY TWISTED PODCAST!
Visit our website! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, & more! If you have any true crime, paranormal, or witchy stories you'd like to share with us & possibly have them read (out loud) on an episode, email us at [email protected] or use this link. There are so many ways that you can support the show: BuyMeACoffee, Spreaker, or by leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. Sources. Shea & Jody will be back next week with another fascinating tale from Pacific Northwest History!
If you would like to support us as independent creator, please join our Patreon! There you can get ad-free episodes, bonus content, shout outs, and more! patreon.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast --

Join us for a special Tacoma Beer Week episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes as we dive into the intriguing world of Tacoma’s infamous bootlegger, Pete Marinoff. We sit down with historian and author Brad Holden, known for his captivating accounts of Pacific Northwest history, to explore the life and legacy of Marinoff during the Prohibition era. Discover how this notorious figure left an indelible mark on Tacoma’s history, the underground world of bootlegging, and the local culture of the time. Whether you're a history buff, a beer enthusiast, or just curious about Tacoma’s colorful past, this episode is a must-listen! Resources & Links:

• Brad Holden's Website: www.bradholden.org
• Tacoma Beer Week: www.tacomabeerweek.com

Connect With Us:

• www.rainydayrabbitholes.com
• https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
Shea will be participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®! Join the Limitless Studio Team or donate! https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18005&pg=team&team_id=896308 Shea's Tyrannical Takeover! Ever wondered what it would be like to rule your own island? Shea recently joined the Tyrant In Training Podcast to explore her hilariously wild vision! As the newly crowned High Priestess of Felis Supernus Island, Shea kicked all the rich hippies off Vashon Island and transformed it into a paradise for cat worshippers. Her cult reveres the cat god Bastet, and the island is now home to thousands of adored felines. But that's not all! With an army of loyal orcas by her side, Shea has her sights set on conquering a region of the U.S. – all in the name of Felis Supernus, with zero repercussions. On her island, Shea has created a thriving industry of clothing made from cat hair, offering the ultimate in feline fashion. But beware: in her quest for efficient production, she may have done away with pesky child labor laws! Listen in for an unhinged ride filled with laughter as Shea shares her tyrannical plans, including her unique official title and island bans! Check out the episode for a dose of comedy and creativity: Tyrant In Training Podcast: Shea Drury - Rainy Day Rabbit Holes and Cloudy Night Cat Worshipper Don't miss it! https://tyrant-in-training.podcastpage.io/.../shea-drury...https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561701940656 @tyrantintraining

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Step into a Tacoma bar with Jack the Bear, the beer-drinking, 800-pound celebrity of the 1800s, whose larger-than-life story sets the stage for a crucial message. This episode journeys from Jack's amusing antics to the founding of the Tacoma Humane Society and its current, urgent crisis. Today, the Society faces an overwhelming influx of cats, stretching its resources to the breaking point. By exploring Tacoma's unique animal welfare history, we aim to spotlight the critical work of the Tacoma Humane Society and rally our community to action. Listen, learn, and discover how you can make a difference through donations, fostering, or volunteering. Join us in turning this tale of a legendary bear into tangible support for animals in need right now. More at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com https://www.thehumanesociety.org/ways-to-give/ Shea will be participating in the Seattle Walk To End Alzheimer's. Will you help? https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18005&pg=team&team_id=896308 Show Notes: • Introduction to Jack the Bear • The Founding of Tacoma Humane Society (1888) • Jack's impact on Tacoma's animal welfare awareness • Evolution of the Tacoma Humane Society (1888-present) • Current Crisis at Tacoma Humane Society • How listeners can help • Reflecting on Tacoma's unique animal welfare journey • Resources for more information on Tacoma Humane Society and its programs

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