What is a banshee… and why did people believe her cry meant death was coming?

In this episode of The Violet Hour Podcast, Nicole explores the chilling legend of the banshee—one of the most haunting figures in Irish folklore.

Far from a monster, the banshee was believed to be a messenger of death, warning families when someone they loved was about to pass.

You’ll hear:

• The true meaning of the word banshee (bean sidhe)
• Why only certain Irish families were said to have one
• Real historical encounters, including Lady Anne Fanshawe
• The connection between banshees and Irish keening traditions
• Similar death omens across cultures, from La Llorona to the bean nighe

This isn’t just a ghost story.

It’s about grief, memory, and the strange ways humans try to understand death.

Listen now… and decide for yourself what that sound in the dark really is.

Sources & Further Reading (Chicago author-date style)

• Fanshawe, Lady Anne. The Memoirs of Lady Fanshawe. Edited by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas. London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, 1829. https://amzn.to/3oxoClv
• Wilde, Lady Jane Francesca. Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland. London: Ward and Downey, 1887. https://amzn.to/3BdoTBt
• O'Donnell, Elliott. The Banshee. London: Philip Allan & Co., 1920. https://amzn.to/3zrRHUD
• McAnally, D. R., Jr. Irish Wonders: The Ghosts, Giants, Pookas, Demons, Leprechauns, Fairies, Witches, Widows, Old Maids, and Other Marvels of the Emerald Isle. Boston: Ticknor and Company, 1888. https://amzn.to/3zb57UR
• McGarry, Jim. The Story We Carry in Our Bones: Irish History for Americans. Dublin: The O'Brien Press, 2015. https://amzn.to/3RU31B4

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Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know! 

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales. 

Got a weird story? Email [email protected]. 

Find us:

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Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast 

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

In 1814 London, a 64-year-old servant named Joanna Southcott claimed a virgin pregnancy with the Messiah (Shiloh). Crowds waited months, newspapers ran daily updates, and England held its breath for a miracle. 

When nothing happened, her followers reinterpreted the failure, leaving a sealed box of prophecies that remains unopened to this day. 

From humble beginnings to national spectacle, this is the baffling true story of belief, delusion, and hope that outlasted her death. 

Perfect for fans of strange history, forgotten prophecies, and real-life weirdness.

Sources & Further Reading:

Primary/Contemporary Sources

• The Examiner (January 8, 1815): “Death and Dissection of the Prophetess” – headline and mocking tone post-autopsy.
• The Statesman (November 28, 1814): Detailed health bulletin quoted in the episode.
• The Stamford Mercury (early 1815): Description of followers keeping the body warm and “gone for a while” quote.
• The Morning Chronicle (September 22, 1814): Advertisement for a furnished house to prove legitimacy.
• Joanna Southcott’s own works: A Word in Season to a Sinking Nation (1814) and various pamphlets (1801–1814). The Shiloh prophecy quote is from her recorded communications.
• Autopsy report (December 1814): Performed by 15 physicians, including Dr. Richard Reece; no fetus, swelling from dropsy/flatus.

Secondary & Historical Analysis

• • Harrison, J.F.C. The Second Coming: Popular Millenarianism 1780–1850 (1979) – context on millenarian movements and Southcott’s place in them.
  • Hopkins, James K. A Woman to Deliver Her People: Joanna Southcott and English Millenarianism in an Era of Revolution (1982) – detailed biography and follower dynamics.
  • Taylor, Barbara. Eve and the New Jerusalem: Socialism and Feminism in the Nineteenth Century (1983) – discusses Southcott’s appeal to women and working-class followers.
  • Panacea Society archives (Bedford, UK): Ongoing campaigns, replica cradle, “wrong box” claim after 1927 opening by Harry Price.

Modern Medical/Psychiatric Context

• Pseudocyesis (false pregnancy): Recognized in DSM-5 as a somatic symptom disorder; literature notes strong association with psychological conviction (e.g., O’Grady & Rosenthal, 1990; American Journal of Psychiatry).
• Religious delusions/hallucinations: Possible psychotic-spectrum features (e.g., schizophrenia, delusional disorder, religious subtype); see DSM-5-TR criteria and historical reappraisals (e.g., Pierre, 2001 on “pathological” vs. culturally sanctioned religious experience).

#JoannaSouthcott #WeirdHistory #ReligiousProphecy #StrangeButTrue

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Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

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Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

In this episode of The Violet Hour Podcast, we've gone medieval as we delve into the haunting mystery of the two young princes who were confined within the foreboding walls of the Tower of London in the 15th century, only to vanish without a trace. Join us as we unravel the enigma surrounding the disappearance of these royal siblings, exploring the historical context, intriguing theories, and unsolved questions that continue to shroud this chilling tale.

Michael joins us on the podcast to dive into the Wars of the Roses, the power struggles within the English monarchy, and the key figures involved in this baffling case. Together, we'll examine the compelling theories that range from political intrigue to supernatural intervention, and consider the enduring impact of this unsolved mystery on British history.

Tune in to discover the latest insights, unearthed documents, and contemporary accounts that provide new perspectives on this centuries-old enigma. Whether you're a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or simply curious about the secrets of the past, this episode promises to captivate and intrigue.

Don't miss out on this immersive journey through time, as we unravel the secrets of the vanished princes and explore the enduring legacy of this perplexing historical puzzle. Subscribe now to The Violet Hour Podcast for more fascinating tales from the mysterious to the mundane!

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Villa Paula, located in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida, is a historic mansion with a rich and intriguing history. Built in the early 1920s by consul-general of Cuba, Domingo Milord, the mansion was named after his  wife, Paula. The architecture of Villa Paula's architectural style reflects a blend of Neo-Classical and Cuban influences. Its white facade, graceful columns, and intricate details make it a visual masterpiece that seamlessly merges European elegance with Caribbean flair.

There is a lot of mystery and intrigue surrounding Miami's "Most Haunted House" and we explore whether there is some truth to the stories, or if they're all urban legend. 

Ultimately,  Villa Paula stands as a testament to Miami's diverse cultural heritage and architectural legacy.

Sources: 

• Sources: 
  • https://villapaulamiami.com/about
  • https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/is-miamis-former-cuban-consulate-villa-paula-really-haunted-11297543
  • Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Paula_(Miami)
  • El misterio de Villa Paula - I Parte, AmericaTeVe Miami https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIZ4dQdJGSc
  • The spooky history of Miami’s ‘most haunted home.’ https://nypost.com/2018/05/25/the-spooky-history-of-miamis-most-haunted-home/
  • Villa Paula | Terence Cantarella. https://terencecantarella.com/tag/villa-paula/
  • Villa Paula - Miami Haunts. https://miamihaunts.com/villa-paula/

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Step into the world of Spanish folklore as Denniss, the co-host of The Violet Hour Podcast, delves into his nostalgic recollections of the mythical creatures that peppered stories from his childhood growing up in the Dominican Republic. Creatures  that once fascinated and more often than not  frightened him. This episode sheds light on the timeless tales and supernatural beings that have captured the imaginations of generations of mythical creatures found in Spanish, Hispanic, and Latin American cultures from El Duende to Las Encantadas. 

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Season 2. Episode 01. 

On this episode of The Violet Hour Podcast, we explore the origins of the “witching hour” and delve into the urban legend of La Mala Hora.

Show Notes: 

Resources:

• Wigington, Patti. "Witching Hour: A Practical Guide to Witching Hours." Learn Religions. Accessed April 8, 2023. https://www.learnreligions.com/witching-hour-2562471.
• Patterson, Rachel. The Witching Hour: Magic, Rituals and Spells for the Witching Hour. Moon Books, 2020.
• Curott, Phyllis. The Witch's Book of Shadows: The Craft, Lore & Magick of the Witch's Grimoire. Harmony Books, 1998.
• Wikipedia, "Earth religion," last modified May 7, 2023, accessed May 7, 2023,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_religion.
• Scary For Kids, "La Mala Hora," accessed May 7, 2023, https://www.scaryforkids.com/la-mala-hora/. 
• The Guardian, "The guy in the woolly hat," October 28, 2000, accessed April 7, 2023,https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2000/oct/28/weekend7.weekend3.
• Brandeis University, "Wicca and the power of personal spirituality," September 16, 2021, accessed May 7, 2023, https://www.brandeis.edu/now/2021/september/wicca-berger-conversation.html.
• The Divine Mercy. "The Message of St. Faustina." The Divine Mercy. Accessed April 8, 2023.https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/stfaustina.
• Dreher, Rod. "Ever Wake Up in the Middle of the Night for No Good Reason?" National Catholic Register. April 15, 2023. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/ever-wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-for-no-good-reason.
• Mahmod, Omar. "La Mala Hora - Scary Story." Steemit. May 1, 2023.https://steemit.com/story/@mahmod/la-mala-hora-scary-story.
• "The Hour of Great Mercy." The Divine Mercy. Accessed April 7, 2023.https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/hour.

Music: 

Weary Pines. "Birth." Uppbeat, accessed May 8, 2023, https://uppbeat.io/track/weary-pines/birth.

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Were BAAACK! The Violet Hour Podcast is BACK. It’s only been, like a year. 

Ok. So a helluva lot happened in twenty-twenty-two. Some good. Some not so good. We were like really busy. We had one kid graduate high school, one start high school, and one begin Kindergarten. We also started a business, and busted our butts. Also Nicole caught pneumonia and almost died. Needless to say, 2022 was A LOT.  

Anyway, we’ve recovered from all of that and we’re ready to bring you new content for your listening pleasure. 

Thanks for sticking around friends. 

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

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Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the history and origin of Wonder Woman. One of the world's most iconic superheroes, and the surprising family story that birthed this feminist icon and the most popular female superhero of all time.

Sources: 

https://polyinthemedia.wordpress.com/tag/marjorie-huntley/

https://wonder-woman.fandom.com/wiki/Nubia

https://www.vox.com/2014/12/15/7326605/comic-book-censorship

https://www.history.com/news/wonder-woman-origins

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

https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/wonder-woman-origin-story-the-strange-feminist-history.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Moulton_Marston
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_Woman

Intro Music: 
Music from #Uppbeat:
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/broken-doll
License code: TOOIPYBDW9BDKQQ4

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Aaand We're Back! 
We really didn’t mean to disappear. Promise. 

Life has been well life and time does this really crazy thing called pass us by, and that’s what happened. 

Time passed us by while we were figuring our life out. 

Seriously. We’re sorry. Thank you so much for sticking around. 

If you like totally random conversations about nothing, this is the podcast epidsode for you. 

Also, Dennis decided to drink an entire bottle of red wine. Not sure why. 

One moment we’re eating dinner, then we’re out on the porch, and then recording this episode - and by that point he’d consumed the bottle. 

It’s worth listening to just to hear him try to organize his thoughts. 

Cheers! 
__________

Find us: www.violethourpodcast.com

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast 

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

Theme song: “Broken Doll” by Danijel Zambo
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/broken-doll
License code: TOOIPYBDW9BDKQQ4

Support the show

Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

Share with a friend who loves strange-but-true tales.

Got a weird story? Email [email protected].

Find us:

Instagram: @violethourpodcast

Twitter: @TheVioletHour

Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.

Legend has it whoever owns the Hope Diamond also becomes the bearer of a curse. A curse that was placed on the large, blue gem when it was possibly stolen from an idol in India 400 years ago. This curse promises lousy luck and death for the owner and whoever touches it. We’ll share some of its long, storied histories and let you decide if it’s cursed or not.


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Enjoyed this dive into forgotten weird history? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify—it helps more than you know!

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Facebook: @VioletHourPodcast

Support this endeavor: https://www.patreon.com/violethourpodcast

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

Music featured in this podcast, is used under Upbeat's license terms for creators. Music is human-made, rights-cleared for podcasts and content creators.