Send us Fan Mail
What happens when a university with more than 170 years of history becomes filled with stories of ghosts, unexplained activity, mysterious footsteps, haunted dorm rooms, and an unsolved murder?
In this episode of You Two Scare Me, we head to Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, and explore some of the campus's most famous—and unsettling—ghost stories.
From the legendary Old Coaly, the mule whose preserved skeleton has become part of Penn State history, to the mysterious Ghost Walk, we explore the folklore that has been passed down through generations of students.
Then we visit Schwab Auditorium, one of the university's most talked-about haunted locations. Students have reported apparitions, unexplained footsteps, voices, moving curtains, theater seats folding down on their own, and other strange activity. We'll also look at investigations conducted by Penn State's own paranormal research organization and the stories surrounding the spirits collectively nicknamed "Schwaboo."
Across campus, the stories continue.
At Old Botany, legend says Frances Atherton can sometimes be seen watching over her husband's grave. In Atherton Hall, students have reported mysterious footsteps, doors opening and closing, and the ghostly presence of a former dormitory house mother. And at Runkle Hall, particularly Room 318, stories of Ouija boards, poltergeist-like activity, shaking beds, unexplained noises, and other paranormal experiences have given the dorm a particularly creepy reputation.
But perhaps the most disturbing story takes us to Pattee-Paterno Library.
In 1969, 22-year-old Penn State graduate student Elizabeth "Betsy" Aardsma was murdered in the library stacks. Her case remains unsolved more than five decades later. We discuss what is known about the murder, the theories surrounding the case, and the paranormal experiences students have reported in the same area—including unexplained chills, feelings of being watched, apparitions, screams, shadowy figures, and other strange phenomena.
We'll also explore reported hauntings at Tener Hall, Beam Hall, Hartranft Hall, and Brumbaugh Hall, along with firsthand accounts from members of Penn State's Paranormal Research Society.
Throughout the episode, we take a look at the difference between ghost lore and firsthand paranormal experiences and why certain stories survive from one generation of students to the next. As folklorist and Penn State science writer Matt Swayne points out, sometimes these stories aren't simply about whether a ghost is real—they're about memory, community, caution, and the stories people choose to keep telling.
So…is Penn State haunted?
We'll leave that for you to decide.
Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and join us as we dive into the haunted history of Penn State University.
In This Episode: Penn State hauntings • Penn State ghosts • Haunted college campuses • Schwab Auditorium • Old Main • Old Coaly • Ghost Walk • Old Botany • Frances Atherton • Atherton Hall • Runkle Hall • Ouija boards • Paranormal Research Society • Pattee-Paterno Library • Elizabeth Aardsma • Betsy Aardsma murder • Unsolved murder • Ghost stories • Paranormal activity • Pennsylvania hauntings • State College ghosts • College ghost stories • Haunted dorms
You Two Scare Me Podcast is a paranormal podcast from Key West, Florida, hosted by Andi and Feliz—two spooky friends exploring ghosts, hauntings, cryptids, folklore, unexplained experiences, and the strange stories that refuse to disappear.
🖤 Support You Two Scare Me
Want more spooky content and help us keep exploring haunted places? Find You Two Scare Me Podcast on Patreon for bonus perks and episode shout-outs.
You can also support the show by following, subscribing, sharing the podcast with a fellow paranormal lover, and leaving us a five-star review.
📩 Somebody Told Me
Have a ghost story, cryptid encounter, UFO sighting, childhood urban legend, or other unexplained experience? Send it to [email protected] for a chance to have your story featured in our Somebody Told Me segment.
Until next time, stay curious and beware what lurks beyond the light.
The You Two Scare Me Podcast is hosted by Andi Zyvith and Feliz AndrewsOriginal Music by Stefan Tatka
Disclaimer: The You Two Scare Me Podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and discussions presented in this show are those of the hosts and guests, and should not be considered factual statements, professional advice, or verified accounts. Our content often includes folklore, paranormal stories, urban legends, and speculative material, which may not be historically accurate. Listener discretion is advised, as some episodes may include sensitive themes such as death, violence, or trauma. All stories are shared with respect for the cultures and communities connected to them, and no harm or offense is intended.
Support the show
Support the show
Visit our Socials!
Instagram: @youtwoscareme_podcast
Facebook: You Two Scare Me Podcast
TikTok: @youtwoscaremepodcast
