X-UMED

summary

Explore the dark history of the Paris Catacombs, from medieval burials to modern mysteries, uncovering how a city of bones became a haunting underground labyrinth.

Sources

Paris Catacombs Official Site (Paris Musées)

Inspection Générale des Carrières (Paris Quarry Authority)

History.com — Origins of the Paris Catacombs

The Good Life France — Catacombs History

Paris Unlocked — Catacombs Overview

Paris Tickets — Catacombs History & Layout

Wikipedia — Catacombs of Paris

Philibert Aspairt (Lost in the Catacombs)

Teens Lost in Catacombs (2017 Incident)

Atlas Obscura — Paris Catacombs

Smithsonian Magazine — History of the Catacombs

summary

Explore the bizarre and disturbing story of Carl Tanzler, who kept and rebuilt the body of Elena for years, believing he could revive her with his experimental airship and scientific methods. This episode delves into the psychological, cultural, and moral implications of his actions, revealing a dark tale of obsession and love beyond death.

Sources

• Key West Citizen Archives (1930s–1940s)
  Original newspaper coverage of Carl Tanzler, Elena de Hoyos, and the discovery of the body in 1940.
• Monroe County Public Library (Florida Keys History Center)
  Archival records, photographs, and local documentation related to the case.
• Undying Love: The True Story of a Passion That Defied Death — Ben Harrison
  One of the most detailed narrative reconstructions of the Tanzler case.
• Flesh Collectors: Cannibalism and Further Depravity on the Streets of New York and Beyond — Mark Jacobson
  Contains coverage and analysis of Tanzler’s actions within broader macabre history.
• Smithsonian Magazine — “The Man Who Loved a Corpse”
  Historical overview and cultural analysis of the case.
• Miami Herald Archives
  Regional reporting and follow-up coverage on the case and public reaction.
• Time Magazine (1940 article)
  National coverage capturing how shocking the story was at the time.
• Atlas Obscura — Carl Tanzler entry
  Summary of the case with contextual historical framing.
• Florida Historical Society Records
  Background on Key West during the 1930s and contextual history.
• Find A Grave — Elena de Hoyos Memorial Page
  Burial details and public records tied to Elena’s final resting place.
• Carl Tanzler’s personal written account (1930s–1940s)
  His own explanation of events, including:
  • Claims of visions of Elena before meeting her
  • Justification for removing her body from the tomb
  • Descriptions of his “care” and preservation methods
  • Medical and forensic discussions on corpse preservation techniques (historical embalming practices, wax reconstruction, wire frameworks)
  • Great Depression–era Key West historical records (economic collapse, WPA involvement)
  • Early 20th-century tuberculosis treatment history (sanatorium practices and mortality rates)

summary

Explore the fascinating history, myths, and archaeological mysteries of the Hill of Tara in Ireland, from ancient rituals to modern controversies.

Sources-

• secretireland.ie — “The Hill of Tara: A Gateway to Ireland’s Mythological and Historical Legacy.”
• celtguide.com — “The Hill of Tara: Ireland’s Ancient Seat of Kings and Myths.”
• danielkirkpatrick.co.uk — “The Hill of Tara: History of Ireland’s Seat of High Kings.”
• voicesfromthedawn.com — “The Hill of Tara.”
• worldhistory.org — “Hill of Tara,” by Joshua J. Mark.

summary

Explore the mysterious footprints across Devon in 1855, examining various theories from folklore, science, and the supernatural. Delve into the intriguing details of the footprints, local stories, and the possibility of supernatural or extraterrestrial origins.

Sources-

• Western Times Newspaper Archives (February 1855 reports)
  https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
• Devon County Historical Records
  https://www.devon.gov.uk/archives/
• Research and analysis by Mike Dash
  https://mikedashhistory.com/2010/02/11/the-devils-footprints/
• Fortean Society / Fortean research archives
  https://www.forteantimes.com/
• Fortean Studies Volume 1 (referenced research publication)
  https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/
• Royal Meteorological Society (weather pattern analysis, 1855)
  https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
• Devon Folklore Society archives
  https://devonfolklore.org.uk/
• British Library Newspaper Collection
  https://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/newspapers
• Fortean Times article archive on the case
  https://www.forteantimes.com/articles/the-devils-footprints

summary

Explore the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart, her adventurous life, and the various theories surrounding her fate. This episode delves into her early years, pioneering flights, and the enduring mystery of her final flight over the Pacific.

SOURCES (Copy/Paste Ready)

Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last – Mike Campbell
Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved – Elgen Long
East to the Dawn – Susan Butler
Last Flight – Amelia Earhart
Finding Amelia – Ric Gillespie
Amelia Earhart: A Biography – Doris L. Rich

National Archives – Amelia Earhart Search Records
https://www.archives.gov

Library of Congress – Amelia Earhart Papers
https://www.loc.gov

Purdue University Earhart Collection
https://www.lib.purdue.edu

TIGHAR Amelia Earhart Project
https://tighar.org

International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery Reports

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
https://airandspace.si.edu

Lockheed Electra Technical Records

The story of Lake Lanier is a haunting tale of engineered landscapes, racial injustice, and the submerged history of a community. It delves into the dark past of Forsyth County, Georgia, and the tragic events that led to the creation of the lake. The impact of these events is still felt today, with the lake being the site of numerous drownings and holding the submerged remnants of a once-thriving community. The conversation delves into the eerie and haunting history of Lake Lanier, exploring the submerged town, the mysterious deaths, and the folklore surrounding the lake. It also touches on the impact of history and the unresolved tension that lingers in the area.

Takeaways

• Engineered landscapes hold a dark history
• Racial injustice led to the expulsion of a community
• Lake Lanier is a site of tragedy and submerged history Submerged town and graves
• Folklore and haunting
• Impact of history and unresolved tension

Chapters

• 00:00 The Curse of Lake Lanier
• 36:27 The Submerged Town and Graves
• 47:24 Impact of History and Unresolved Tension

Sources-

• Gwinnett County Government – History of Lake Lanier
  https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/about/fast-facts/lake-lanier
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Buford Dam history
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buford_Dam
• Wikipedia – Lake Lanier (history, construction, submerged towns)
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier
• Atlanta History Center – Forsyth 1912: The Forced Removal of Black Residents
  https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/blog/forsyth-1912-examining-the-displacement-of-the-countys-black-residents/
• Teen Vogue – The History of the Black Town Beneath Lake Lanier
  https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lake-lanier-deaths-history-black-town
• All That's Interesting – The Deadly History of Lake Lanier
  https://allthatsinteresting.com/lake-lanier-deaths
• The Environmental Blog – Why Lake Lanier Is So Dangerous
  https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/10/why-lake-lanier-is-so-dangerous/
• AtlantaFi – Unofficial History of Lake Lanier
  https://atlantafi.com/an-unofficial-history-of-lake-lanier

summary

Explore the fascinating history, mysterious disappearance, and numerous theories surrounding the legendary Amber Room, a priceless artifact stolen during World War II and its ongoing quest for discovery.

SOURCES

Gemological Institute of America (Gems & Gemology) — “The History and Reconstruction of the Amber Room” (Russell Shor, 2018).
https://www.gia.edu/doc/GG-WN18-Shor.pdf

HISTORY.com — “WWII Mystery: What Happened to Russia’s Amber Room?” (June 16, 2025).
https://www.history.com/articles/amber-room-mystery

Smithsonian Magazine — “A Brief History of the Amber Room” (July 31, 2007).
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-amber-room-160940121/

The Art Newspaper — “Forty-five years later and they’re still hunting for the legendary Amber Room” (Jan 1, 1992).
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/1992/01/01/forty-five-years-later-and-theyre-still-hunting-for-the-legendary-amber-room

Atlas Obscura — “Russia’s Amber Room Found Fans in Tsars and Nazis. Then it disappeared.” (Feb 14, 2024).
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/amber-room-mystery-russia-nazis

The Guardian (Reuters) — “Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room mystery” (Oct 1, 2020).
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/nazi-shipwreck-found-off-poland-may-solve-amber-room-mystery

Tsarskoe Selo State Museum (tzar.ru) — News note on Amber Room reopening date / reconstruction length (May 31, 2023).
https://www.tzar.ru/en/news/1686062080

summary

Explore the chilling story of the Bell Witch, its historical context, and its impact on folklore and modern culture. Join us as we delve into the legend, its possible origins, and why it continues to fascinate today.

Sources-

Tennessee State Library & Archives
https://sos.tn.gov/tsla

Bell Witch Cave Official Historical Site
https://www.bellwitchcave.com

Prairie Ghosts – Bell Witch Case Summary
https://www.prairieghosts.com/bell.html

Adams Tennessee Historical Materials
https://www.adamstennessee.net

American Folklore Society
https://www.afsnet.org

Monahan, Brent.
The Bell Witch: An American Haunting

Price, Charles Edwin.
The Infamous Bell Witch of Tennessee

Norman, Michael & Scott, Beth.
Haunted America

Guiley, Rosemary Ellen.
The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits

Ingram, M. V.
An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch (1894)
Project Gutenberg (Free Full Text):
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31972

Ingram, M. V.
Bell Witch: The Full Account (1894 original printing)

Bell, Richard Williams (attributed manuscript)
“Our Family Troubles” — Included within Ingram’s 1894 publication

Summary

The conversation explores the legend of the Highgate Vampire, a modern vampire myth that emerged in the 1960s in London. The hosts discuss the eerie setting of Highgate Cemetery, its history, and the various ghost stories associated with it. They delve into the vampire sightings that sparked public panic, the rivalry between two eccentric figures, David Ferent and Shawn Manchester, who claimed to be vampire hunters, and the ensuing chaos that followed. The discussion reflects on the absurdity of the situation, the impact of media sensationalism, and the legacy of the Highgate Vampire legend.

Sources-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JPuhT15OwI

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/highgate-cemetery

https://davidfarrantobituary.blogspot.com/

https://darkfrights.com/stories/highgate-cemetery-

legends-lores-and-the-haunting-of-the-highgate-vampire-

by-kathleen-mccluskey/

https://www.grunge.com/402692/the-bizarre-true-story-of-the-highgate-vampire-feud/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/highgate-vampire-history-sean-manchester/

https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/london-vampire-hunt-cemetery-magician-15825289

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/day-3-vampires-magic-duels-and-headless-bodies

Keywords

haunted objects, Robert the Doll, paranormal, ghost stories, Key West, haunted doll, folklore, supernatural, voodoo, tulpas

Summary

This conversation delves into the eerie tale of Robert the Doll, a haunted object with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The hosts explore Robert's origins, his influence on his owner Gene, and the strange occurrences surrounding the doll throughout the years. They discuss the various experiences of visitors to Robert's museum exhibit, the insights of a medium regarding the doll's multiple spirits, and the concept of tulpas in relation to Robert's haunting. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of belief in the supernatural and the consequences of disrespecting haunted objects.

Takeaways

There are haunted houses, places, and objects.

Robert the Doll was gifted to Gene Otto on his fifth birthday.

Gene's obsession with Robert led to strange occurrences.

Robert was believed to have a mind of his own.

Gene's adult life was influenced by his childhood doll.

Robert was kept in the attic for years before being rediscovered.

Visitors to Robert's exhibit must follow strict rules.

Many people have experienced bad luck after disrespecting Robert.

The medium believes Robert is a conduit for multiple spirits.

The concept of tulpas suggests that collective belief can create entities.

Titles

The Haunting of Robert the Doll

Unraveling the Mystery of Robert the Doll

Sound bites

"This is Robert the doll."

"Robert did it."

"I don't want this doll!"

Sources-

Fort East Martello Museum / Key West Art & Historical Society
https://www.kwahs.org/museums/fort-east-martello-museum/

Key West Art & Historical Society (Main Site)
https://www.kwahs.org/

Key West Citizen (Local Newspaper)
https://www.keysnews.com/

Florida Memory — State Archives of Florida
https://www.floridamemory.com/

Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
https://www.keysdiscovery.com/

Monroe County Public Library — Florida Keys
https://www.keyslibraries.org/

Florida Paranormal Research Society
https://www.floridaparanormal.org/

Society for Psychical Research
https://www.spr.ac.uk/

Freud Museum London
https://www.freud.org.uk/