2022 Episodes
Episode 100: Vampire Spectacular with The Prophecy Girls: A Buffy Rewatch Podcast!
December 28, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday, y’all! And thank you so, so much for helping us get to 100 episodes of the Left of Skeptic podcast! We are joined by Kara and Steph of The Prophecy Girls: A Buffy Rewatch Podcast to celebrate this momentous occasion. And we’re talking about Vampires, because this is the most perfect subject, obviously. Are these creatures real cryptids? An old folk tale? An excuse for serial killers? Or a lifestyle choice? Join us this week as we discuss it all and hear from the hosts of a fantastic podcast all about fictional vampires!
Find The Prophecy Girls on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite rewatch podcasts.
https://www.prophecygirls.ca
TikTok, Facebook, instagram, and Twitter: @prophecygirlspodcastEpisode 99: “If Krampus can do it, I can do it too.”
December 21, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday and Happy Holidays, dear listeners! We hope you’re staying warm and aren’t snowed in. Time to cuddle up and listen to some spooky tales to keep you cozy this holiday season. First, we’ve got the tale of Krampus. This anti-Santa has gotten more and more popular over the years, offering a creepy option for your Christmas celebrations. A goat head, a forked tongue, and a bundle of sticks for misbehaving children are the reasons for the season this year. And Brittany brings us the cryptid known as the Tatzelwurm. Like Krampus, this creature is famous in the Alpine region, but unlike Krampus, this one may be believable. Is this a paranormal creature related to dragons, or an extinct snake and cat-like creature? We don’t know for sure, but we for sure believe it existed at some point. We end the episode with a short Minnesota UFO tale where we tell you about the 1979 Val Johnson Incident.Episode 98: “I want that tasteless chill tonic”
December 14, 2022
This week Kala talks about the KiMo Theater in Albuquerque, NM. This gorgeous old building has experienced a few disasters in its lifetime. The result? A haunting, of course! The ghost of a boy named Bobby is sure to cause mischief on stage unless he is appeased with donuts and sweets. And Brittany talks about The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, bringing us our very first tale of a Pink Lady! It’s not Rizzo from Grease, it’s the Grove Park Inn's resident and much-loved phantom. She is said to be the spirit of a young woman who fell to her death from a balcony on the fifth floor of the Inn in the 1920s. Both ghosts this week are known for harmless pranks, but that doesn’t mean it’s not freaking visitors out. It also doesn’t mean we don’t want to see it for ourselves.Episode 97: “Soggy bodies”
December 7, 2022
This week we’ve got creepy tunnels and spooky gravesites for you! First Kala talks about the Gold Camp Rail Tunnels near Colorado Springs, CO. These nine tunnels have not stood the test of time, as three of them have collapsed, and the treacherous roads they lie on have resulted in multiple accidents. If you dare venture through them you may find yourself dealing with creepy, giggling children and a figure of a man that wants to push you the heck out of there. And Brittany talks about the Saint Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, LA. This famous resting ground holds the remains of many...from the most famous VooDoo practitioner in history to people cheated into a paupers grave, this location has it all. Maybe that’s why it’s considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States.Episode 96: “I was reborn for this role.”
November 30, 2022
We’ve got a Minnesota ghost and an Egyptian past life for you this week, so basically our stories do not relate to each other at all. First up Kala talks about the Landmark Center in St. Paul, MN. This building is said to be haunted by a man named Jack who got caught up in gangster activity and suffered the consequences. Are the phantom activities that occur in the building the result of this one ghost, or the remnants of others who existed here over the years? And Brittany talks about the past life of Dorothy Eady. This woman, who went by the name of Omm Sety, suffered an injury in her childhood. From that point on the rest of her life was defined by the belief that she lived another life as an ancient Egyptian priestess in the cult of Isis. She knew details that were never published and her information was regarded highly by scholars. Was this real or a lifelong fabrication? While it may be tempting to dismiss the story as a lie, you will be surprised by the details. Episode 95: “No hands. Only arms.”
November 23, 2022
We’re starting this week out with a mystery! Kala talks about the ghost ship Mary Celeste. In the 1870s she was found adrift at sea. Her cargo of alcohol was mostly intact, and the captain's and crew's belongings were in place, but no one was there. None of those who had been on board were ever seen or heard from again. What happened? People have their theories, both realistic and outlandish, but the truth is that no one will ever know for sure. And Brittany talks about Aston Hall in Birmingham, England. There are many ghosts in this large, beautiful building. Most of them seem to be present because of the horrible actions of the Hall’s first resident, Sir Thomas Holte. Whether you’re a non-believer, left of skeptic, or fully bought in, Aston Hall’s stories are sure to shock you. A boy accused of thievery, a daughter locked away for years, and a cook who has never left, are all strong indicators that how you treat people has a long, long-lasting effect.Episode 94: “Death Drawers”
November 16, 2022
This week Kala talks about Bobby Mackey’s Music World in Wilder, Kentucky. This country music club sits on the land that once held a slaughterhouse, possible cult activity, a dumping ground after a murder, illegal drinking and gambling, mob activity, and just general shady behavior. All of that changed when it was purchased by Bobby Mackey in the 70s, but the years of darkness may have left it’s mark in the building. It’s so haunted that it’s had books and television shows about it, and they host weekly ghost tours. Come for the ghosts, stay for the music. And Brittany talks about the Conjure Chest. This is not some kind of treasure chest, it is a chest of drawers that had a tendency to curse whoever stores their clothing in it. This gorgeous mahogany piece of furniture has allegedly responsible for the deaths of seventeen people who have come into contact with it. With the first few people you may think it just karma for being terrible people, but after a while it becomes a bit too much to just be coincidence or karma. Maybe these people should have just gone to IKEA.Episode 93: “Karma or ghosts? I’ll take it either way.”
November 9, 2022
This week's episode feels very classic left of skeptic. Just some good ol' haunted buildings, but with a surprising amount of similarities. First up, Kala discusses The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida. This historic building has a fancy mezzanine, tons of seating, great acoustics, and ghosts. A captain, a little girl, and a former manager have taken up residence here in the afterlife, and with the exception of a few temper tantrums and grabby hands by the captain, the spirits are generally regarded as friendly! This venue is still actively used for comedy shows and music, and apparently these ghosts love to be entertained. Next, Brittany talks about the Sequoia Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Bee-Bennett Mansion in Placerville, California (Otherwise known as the Bee Bennett House). Built in the 1800's it is currently a site for weddings, and what is a wedding without a few spirits? The otherworldly guests in the building include the the original owner, his young son, a cook with no legs, numerous children, and your standard ghostly activity such as noises and lights turning on and off. So many similarities from these very different locations. Friendly ghosts, children ghosts, partial apparition ghosts, ghosts that appear shortly after the people passed away... these things have it all!Episode 92: “Scream because I can no longer scream.”
November 2, 2022
This week we have a creepy New Jersey week, but not creepy for the reasons you might associate either the state. Nothing to do with Pauly D or Snooki. First Kala talks about haunted NJ roads: Annie’s Road, Clinton Road, and Shade of Death Road. Each stretch of pavement has their own back stories that result in haunted tales including a woman in white, a coin-retrieving ghost boy, and figure shaped mists. And Brittany talks about the Hotel Macomber in Cape May, which has no less than 9 ghosts. That’s right. More than 8, but maybe not 10? One spirit has been a guest since the 1940s, long past her death, banging her trunk up and down the stairs ever since. Another just wants the poor kitchen staff to take a breather in the walk in freezer. All in all, they seem pretty helpful. We end the episode with a beautiful and touching listener story involving a ghost puppers!Episode 91: “Paranormability”
October 26, 2022
Happy Halloween! This week we recorded our episode live on Facebook and ended our October with a bang! First Kala started out with tales of babysitting gone wrong, sharing stories of ‘the call is coming from inside the house’ and ‘the clown statue in the corner.’ These tales have been told for years, but did you know there is a real-life unsolved murder as their source material? And Brittany tells us two urban legends! First is the tale of the Halloween Massacre. This unsolved mystery is so convincing that Kala thinks it’s real, despite the fact that Brittany continues to point out that there’s no real-life basis behind it. And Brittany finishes with the absolute classic of the murderer in the back seat. What’s the lesson of all these tales, besides them being popular urban legends? Women really need to watch their backs with strangers. Make sure you check in on the kids. And don’t trust any creepy mask or clown statue.Episode 90: "The smell of men keeps away the devil."
October 19, 2022
We’ve got some overseas urban legends for you this week. We’re focusing our episode on tales from Germany! Kala starts out with the legends of The Morbach Monster and The Alp. The Morbach Monster is considered one of the last “real” werewolf stories, with documented sightings as late as the 1980s. And The Alp is a creepy vampiric, demonic, hat-wearing incubus type creature that shows up in peoples’ houses at bed time. Beware of its attack, because it might just sit on you until you die. And Brittany brings us tales of changelings. These fae are known to swap out human babies for their own. Brittany has got the information to let you know how to tell if your baby has been swapped with a changeling, what to do if that happens, and how to prevent it from occurring. But the question remains, we’re these things real, or just an excuse for terrible parenting?Episode 89: "Yummm... drawer blood."
October 12, 2022
We’re serving up some more of that hot Ringu Pasta Sauce with an episode made of Creepypasta for Urban Legends October. Brittany starts us off with stories of The Backrooms. This creepy dimension describes an endless maze of randomly generated office rooms characterized by the smell of moist carpet, walls with monochromatic tones of yellow, and buzzing fluorescent lights. As you ascend the floors, get ready for big bad spiders, endless caves, and worse smells… like a Dungeon Master on a power trip. Kala follows up with the tale of the Russian Sleep Experiment. This Creepypasta describes a post-WWII test where soldiers were left to stay awake for over 15 days with terrifying results. And this may spark one of the biggest debates in Left of Skeptic history! Was this real, or exaggeration? Because these two hosts can’t seem to agree.Episode 88: “Ringu Pasta Sauce”
October 5, 2022
We’re back with the beginning of our second annual Urban Legends October. We’re excited to welcome back our special guest, Adam Herman of The Podcostner, The Oddville Revue, and The Slamming Doors. We’re discussing the urban legend of The Elevator Game. This game is meant to lead its players into another dimension! You can find yourself in another world through a sequence of floor visits. But it becomes more complicated when the players encounter challenges such as weird entities that you’re not allowed to talk to, a lack of working technology, and a potential to pass out and end up in a dimension you didn’t even try to reach! Many people have claimed to play, and some have even said this game may be a part of the infamous disappearance and later passing of Elisa Lam. Is this truly a way to enter another world, or is it merely an attempt for humans to find a paranormal excuse for the terrible yet normal occurrences that happen in real life? We’ll let you decide.Episode 87: “That was the most delightful dead… child?… story I’ve ever heard.”
September 28, 2022
We’re going hard this week with a haunted cemetery, a Canadian poltergeist, and creepy-looking headlights. We start out with Kala talking about Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL, and its weird little offshoot, Dead Children’s Playground. DCP features orbs, mists, creepy looming shadows, and swings that move on their own. Is it the spirits of children from the Spanish Flu that ravaged the Huntsville area? Or are these just exaggerated local legends? Either way… it’s oddly adorable and definitely creepy. And Brittany discusses The Great Amherst Mystery from Nova Scotia, Canada. (Featuring Esther Cox… hehehe… Cox) This notorious case of spooky activity, centered around Esther, was investigated and written about by Walter Hubble. Her life was scary. Items went flying, fires were lit, and backs were stabbed. But was this real or an exaggeration? We may never know the truth. And we wrap it up with the NRNNAS known as The Paulding Light in Michigan!Episode 86: “Interactive haunting: the guests are in on it too.”
September 21, 2022
Kala is back with another creepy transportation-related story this week, though this time it’s more mysterious than spectral. In the early 20th century, the Charfield Railway Disaster resulted in many deaths and injuries, but the “Two Unknowns” are two victims still discussed to this day. Who were they? Members of the royal family? Homeless children in the wrong place at the wrong time? Ventriloquist dummies? And who is the woman who visited their graves for decades? And are the ghosts of these two unknowns still hanging out around the tracks? This story almost leaves you with more questions than answers. And Brittany talks about 17Hundred90 Inn in Savannah, GA, which is actually multiple buildings. The oldest was built in the early 1800s, and what have we learned on this podcast so far? Old usually equals haunted. Whether it be the ghost of Anne with her blankets, Thaddeus with his pennies, or any of the other spirits in the building, this Inn is practically bursting with the paranormal! And as a sweet surprise, we end it all with a listener story from our favorite Gina!Episode 85: "You've got a rocking chair? Automatically haunted."
September 14, 2022
We're embracing the beginning of this gorgeous fall spooky season with a classic subject matter: haunted houses. This week Kala talks about The 1889 McInteer Villa in Atchison, Kansas. This home has 10 confirmed deaths in its history, and has the hauntings to prove it! From strange voices, slamming doors, and weird rocking chairs with Raggedy Ann dolls that move on their own, you're sure to get creeped out if you hang out in this house too long. And you can, too! Because the owners of the home now offer self guided tours and overnight stays! Brittany discusses the Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon! This large, gorgeous building is the site where a married couple planned to grow old together. Sadly, they only lived there for about four or five years before passing away. Are the phantom footsteps and hints of rose scented perfume indicating that the lovely couple decided to honor their promise to each other even after death? These two locations are the quintessential haunted houses, and we've got all the details for ya! Episode 84: "Bones, blood, and bodily fluids."
September 7, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday, everyone! This week brings a whole host of ghosts, monsters, witches, and laxative water. First up, Kala gets to talk about two of her favorite topics: a location with a funny name and the weird obsession with mineral springs from the early 1900’s. The French Lick Springs Hotel is considered one of the most haunted places in Indiana. Built to be a place of relaxation and healing, it now features golf courses, fine dining, a casino… and the restless horse riding ghost of the deceased owner. Multiple people have reported strange occurrences here, and we have those reports for you! And Brittany takes us all the way over to Germany to discuss Frankenstein castle. It turns out that there’s a lot more to the story than what Mary Shelly wrote about in her famous novel. Witches and dragons and blood and bones are just scratching the surface of this location that would make George R. R. Martin think, “Hey… maybe I could use that.” And we wrap the episode up with a minty-fresh listener story! Episode 83: "She had bewitched him to walk off the ledge to his untimely demise"
August 31, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! This week, Kala is bringing us to West Virginia to talk about the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. And Brittany tells us the tale of Hannah Cranna. Episode 82: "Let's talk 'Squatch!"
August 24, 2022
This week we have a special guest, Corey Gice from The PodCostner podcast, and he's talkin' #Bigfoot! He started out a skeptic, but after some research and some VERY compelling Youtube videos, he's now a believer. Can he sway you? And Brittany brings us a haunted house from New Orleans with a tragic past... mostly tragic because of how many buildings didn't last very long on this plot of land. Welcome to the story of Lafitte’s Guest House. There are storms, there are venereal diseases, there are pirates, and oddly Subway comes into play.Episode 81: “Spiders. Monsters. Demons. Mall Goths.”
August 10, 2022
ITS BRITTANY’S BIRTHDAY WEEK! Happy Spooky Wednesday and Happy Birthday to the beautiful and smart Brittany Lind! She starts us out this week with the creepy tale of The Hat Man. You may have thought this tale was just an urban legend, sleep paralysis, or a fedora-wearing Hot Topic reject, but you were wrong. As hundreds have tales have proven… this entity is very real. And it might just be hanging out in your bedroom or basement. Then, finally fulfilling Brittany’s request, Kala talks about faeries! These mythical creatures have been spoken about for centuries. Are they just legends? Or are they really among us? Stealing children, building mushroom circles, and riding around on livestock. It’s all just a normal day for the Fae. While there may be some scientific explanation for their shenanigans, those that have encountered them know what they saw. This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery. For more information visit https://earthrider.beerEpisode 80: “They were all about them flat bottoms.”
August 3, 2022
Fool me once, shame on you… kill 3 of my relatives, I’m pretty sure this vase is cursed. Happy Spooky Wednesday! This week Kala heads overseas to India for a listener request story! Bhangarh Fort is a 16th-century village of ruins that has been overtaken by wildlife, tourists, and ghosts. These strange noises and paranormal occurrences have led the area to be declared “legally haunted”, so no one is allowed in at night. But that doesn’t mean people won’t try it… and they have some stories to tell. And Brittany tells us about the Basano Vase. Is this object cursed or haunted? That’s up for debate. But what’s not up for debate is the trail of deaths this mystical flower holder leaves in its wake. Why do people keep using it? We have NO IDEA. People need to make smarter choices.Episode 79: "Ancient map makers would have put mermaids there."
July 27, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! We’ve got some salty stories for you this week! Get it? Salty? Ocean? The sea? … **crickets** Anyway, Kala is talking about mermaids! These cryptids have been discussed for thousands of years all across the world. While the legends vary from culture to culture, one question remains unanswered… are they real? Your instinct might be to say no, but wait until you hear the evidence. Brittany takes us out to the #WestCoast to tell us about the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. This building is haunted by a history of isolated lighthouse keepers, fierce weather conditions, and a brief stint of holding dead people’s ashes… are we surprised there are ghosts too?Episode 78: “You’re pushing your faerie narrative onto my UFO experiences.”
July 20, 2022
Happy spooky Wednesday, everyone! It’s a Kala Birthday Takeover this week! She’s telling you all about Skinwalker Ranch in Utah! There is so much information there is no way to do it without using up a whole episode! This 512-acre property has been experiencing UFO visits, strange noises, crop circles, and dead cows since the early 1900s. And they still continue to this day!Episode 77: "Like growl, without the G” **Literally growls** "No."
July 13, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday, y’all! This week Kala tells you about the Littlefield House on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin. This building is over a century old, and is haunted by the ghost of the former lady of the house… and possibly some music majors. And Brittany takes us over to Italy to talk about the Palazzo Dario. It’s a winding tale with a lot of death and a lot of difficult-to-pronounce names. You’re in for a treat with this one! And if you know Italian… send us a message and let us know how to say these names please! Episode 76: The Return of the Black Eyed Kids
July 6, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday, y’all! And this Wednesday is extra spooky for a listener request. Listener Sara (Kala’s seeeeester) makes a special birthday request for more Black-Eyed Children stories, and Kala does not disappoint with three creepy stories that will leave you reluctant to answer the door. Especially for kids. And Brittany, in protest of some of our country's bulls**t, heads over to the UK to talk about The Black Swan Inn located in York, England. This building with centuries of history certainly has the ghosts you would expect, and some you wouldn’t. This entire episode is sure to leave you questioning if you should shut all your lights off tonight.
This week’s episode is sponsored by the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. Visit GLAquarium.org for details.
Episode 75: “That’s my broken bone!”
June 29, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday y'all! We've got three locations from two states we have not yet visited on the podcast! First up Kala takes us to Delaware to discuss two haunted inns. The Addy Sea Inn's beachfront property may be kid-free, but that doesn't mean you'll be undisturbed, especially if you stay in rooms 1, 6, or 11. And if you head further inland to Georgetown to visit The Brick Hotel on the Circle, you'll find a 185-year-old building where restoration activities in 2008 kicked up a lot of ghostly activity. And Brittany heads down to North Carolina to talk about The Mordecai House. This building is the oldest house in Raleigh still in its exact location. As a result, it’s had a long time to build up energy from the generations of the Mordecai family that lived within its walls. Brittany has a lot of evidence to share, including some EVPs that have Kala strongly convinced that the spirits in this house are real.
This episode is sponsored by Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. For more information visit GLaquarium.org.
Episode 74: “I said it was my dying hill, not that I wanted to die on it"
June 23, 2022
We’ll be the first to admit that unless we. tell you what this description is about, you’re going to have no idea. We’ve got a weird one today where we’re bringing you stairs and butts! Just kidding. First Kala talks about the mysterious stairs in the woods. Apparently, these stairways have no purpose but to creep you out. Are they portals to hell? A place where time stops? A hot spot for demons? No one knows… and we may never know. And continuing with her story from last week, Brittany tells us about Mothman. This extremely popular cryptid from the East coast has been seen around the world. That’s quite the range for a creature. What if it’s not a creature at all? What if this whole time Mothman has been… banshee?!
Episode 73: "Wow. Keening... I have drastically misread that situation."
June 15, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! This week Kala is taking it back to the Midwest with the story of Hotel Hell. No, not the Gordon Ramsey show… the Maribel Caves Hotel in Maribel, WI. Once upon a time, this hotel was a gorgeous building built on a flowing mineral spring, occasionally frequented by gangsters. Hits all the best points. But after a fire and a tornado, it’s now in ruins reminiscent of a creepy, haunted castle. The question is: Is it creepy and haunted? Or just creepy? And Brittany regales us with stories of Banshees! Are they cryptids? Are they ghosts? Turns out it’s neither, and that’s very surprising. Are they what the media has made them out to be? Turns out that they aren’t, and that is not very surprising. Either way, these weeping, scary creatures are not something you hope to encounter.
This week's episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI. For more details visit https://Earthrider.beer.
Episode 72: “Who the f**k is Ed?”
June 8, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday everyone and welcome to episode 72! This episode gets a little goofy... sleep depravation and recording multiple episodes a week will do that to ya. It's all sorts of cursed objects this week!
Kala starts it off with a discussion of The Screaming Skulls. This is not a punk band. It is a legend restricted to England where the skulls of the dead are kept in certain homes and halls, and they have the tendency to protest when being moved from their rightful location. They can be anything from harmful to helpful. Screaming, moaning, causing objects to move, buildings to shake, or just generally being the nice guy in the window looking out for your property: These stories include all sorts of activity, but never leaving the country. So is this a big group scam? Or is there just something about the area?
Next up, Brittany talks about Emily's Bridge (also known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge or Stowe Hollow Bridge) in Stowe, Vermont.
Episode 71: “How dare you use your inheritance powder!”
June 1, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday, folks! This week, in preparation for her trip to New York City, Kala talks about the NYC restaurant One if by Land, Two if by Sea. This romantic little restaurant was once owned by the notorious historical figure, Aaron Burr, sir. And it is haunted by him, his daughter, and many others. And the podcast is haunted by the many Hamilton references this causes Kala to make.
Next, Brittany tells us of La Voisin and The Affair of the Poisons. Catherine Montvoisin was just your modern 1600s entrepreneur trying to make her way in the world the best way she knew how… with poison. You know? Lighting candles, shaving metal, using ceremonial blood… the standard stuff. But every educated entrepreneur has to watch out for those pesky witchcraft accusations! It can be your downfall.
We finish up with a touching Reddit story and Kala talking about how she’s a simp for fighting hockey dudes. This whole episode is a roller coaster, I tell you what.
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI. For more details visit https://earthrider.beer.
Episode 70: "I want to walk into a room and be haunted by happiness.”
May 25, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! This week we've got a birthday request, a listener story, and a haunting that leaves you feeling happy and calm. Does it get any better than this?!
First, Kala covers a listener request for locations out of Annapolis, Maryland. In her search she found two locations that are battling it out for title of most haunted in the city: The James Brice House and The Maryland Inn. The James Brice House is one of the oldest buildings in the city and possibly the country, and it has some skeletons in it's closet (both figuratively and literally). The Maryland Inn is home to the devastating love story of Captain Charles and his bride, one who spends their afterlife pacing in a fourth floor bedroom, and the other who spends their afterlife drinking beer by a fire. Who really gets the best deal here?
Next, Brittany takes us to the opposite side of the country to discuss The Starrett House in Port Townsend, Washington. This beautiful, intricately designed mansion was a labor of love by George Starrett for his wife Ann. Many glorious and happy years were spent by the family in this home. That affection has carried on long past their deaths and leaves the home with a very different kind of haunting: a happy haunting. We can all only hope to be so lucky.
Bonus: WE HAVE A LISTENER STORY THIS WEEK! Man, it just keeps getting better and better!
Episode 69: “Once you go ghost, it’s what you want the most.”
May 18, 2022
Fair warning… this episode is NSFW. It is the Spooky Wednesday that Kala had been waiting for… Episode 69! Kala starts the episode with the concept of spectrophelia, where people just love to bang it out with ghosts. This may sound weird, but it’s much more common than you might think. And if it’s not believable, then the multiple sex puns Kala makes may be enough to convince you. If her story still leaves you questioning, you may want to find a ghost lover for yourself. And Brittany tells everyone the tragic tale of Jean Harlow. This celebrity’s life was filled with tragedy, and as a result, her former home may contain echoes after her death. And between the two stories this week we’re left with one common theme… “Because, men!”
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI. For more information visit https://earthrider.beer.
Episode 68: "Did you just 'yadda yadda yadda' cannibalism?"
May 11, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! We’re comin’ at ya with two very different tales. Brittany tells us about the life and death of Edgar Allen Poe. This man’s strange, sad story has been told many times, but this takes on a slightly new twist. What if he was… a time traveler? Brittany’s got some examples to back that claim up. And Kala discusses the Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Also known as The Black Angel, this statue with a beautiful backstory is said to come alive at night and curse those who dare stare into its eyes at midnight. This story is the inspiration behind Kala’s new term… NRNNAS. Not making much sense? It will if you listen!
Episode 67: “It’s not episode 69, but it is close.”
May 4, 2022
It's not episode 69... but almost.
This Spooky Wednesday, Brittany starts us off by finishing her two part story about Kilkenny, Ireland. Not only does she complete the tale of Dame Alice Kyteler, but she also talks about multiple other locations in Kilkenny that show it is an extremely haunted town. And with all these spooky haunted tales, Kala still seems to be the most bothered by the idea of the punishment via Catholic mass 3 times a day. And Kala takes us back home to Minnesota where she discusses the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, MN. This beautiful, old theater is said to be haunted by a man named Ben who froze to death while working at the theater. This story has hidden ceilings, strange old bottles, and flying plaster. And they use the word "apport" several times, but they're still not sure they're using that word correctly.
EDIT: Through her various connections, Brittany was able to message Tom Campbell, who was the manager of The Fitzgerald for 27 years. She was told, "It wasn't like no one knew the balcony was up there. People used to go up and drink up there. They just covered it over with an office style drop ceiling. As to Ben, the story goes that he was a stage hand back in the vaudeville days and was a heavy drinker. One night after too many drinks he stumbled back to the theater but it was locked so he crashed in the alley next to the theater, where the atrium is now and froze to death. I might be able to find the story about the note, but it's all pretty bogus stuff."
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI. For more information visit https://earthrider.beer.
Episode 66: “Call me maybe”
April 27, 2022
This week Kala continues on her theme of paranormal modes of transportation by telling us all the story of The Bus to Nowhere. This mysterious SEPTA bus, mostly found in Philadelphia, PA, comes to people at the lowest point in their lives and offers them a chance to figure out what they need to do. No one knows where it comes from or where it goes, and it seems like time stands still or even reverses when you’re on it! And Brittany gives us the first half of her story on Kilkenny, Ireland to talk about Dame Alice Kyteler, the first woman to be accused of and tried for witchcraft in Ireland in the early 1300's. Considering the story takes place 700 years ago, it prompts a lot of singing of mid 2000’s pop hits. And we end with a Reddit story that is sure to have you questioning your choice to stay in the office after hours.
Episode 65: “Oh my god! Where is my leprosy gargoyle?”
April 20, 2022
This Spooky Wednesday we’ve got a terrifying train and a haunted hotel! First, Kala discusses the Lincoln Funeral Train, a ghost train that follows the same track every year after the anniversary of the late President Abraham Lincoln’s death. Is the memory of such a well-known political figure enough to keep the echo of the train carrying his corpse traveling across the country every year around the anniversary of his death? Next Brittany tells us all about the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, TX where we learned some amazing facts including why remembering the Alamo is not all that important but remembering Emily Morgan is. She was a badass. And her badassery leads someone to name a hotel after her. A hotel with a ghostly bride, a burning-flesh-smelling basement, and elevators with a mind of their own. Just between us… we think there could have been a better way to honor her memory.
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.
Episode 64: “I’m more confused about an elephant in Loch Ness than a plesiosaur.”
April 13, 2022
We have a haunted location, a famous cryptid, and a lister request of a small-town legend in Wisconsin! First up, Kala tells everyone about the Devil’s Hopyard in Connecticut where strange noises occur underneath the whole park. Is it weird, not well researched geological phenomena, or something more sinister? And it's not just the noises! There are reports of other paranormal activity including voices and laughter, and a history of these tales goes back decades and decades, back to puritanical tales. Next, Brittany talks about the extremely famous Loch Ness Monster. Nessie is a creature so famous that despite being debunked multiple times, more evidence comes forward that seems to invalidate the debunking! Including new sightings as recent as 2021! People try to write it off as logs and debris, or maybe even an... elephant? But either way, we're not buying that. Something fishy is definitely going on here. Finally, we wrap up the episode with a listener request for the Mineral Point Vampire in Mineral Point, Wisconsin!
Episode 63: “You lost me at ‘pink puff stone’.”
April 6, 2022
We’ve got THREE locations for you! First, Kala talks about the S.K. Pierce haunted mansion in Gardner, MA. Then Brittany brings us to Ogden’s Union Station in Utah. Finally we finish up with a listener request location: Chase on the Lake in Walker, MN! THREE LOCATIONS?! Unheard of! Unless you’re listening to this episode. Then you’ll hear it.
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.
Episode 62: “Swaggy Cattle”
March 30, 2022
What's the biggest takeaway from this episode? It's raining men down in Manville. It's raining men.
This week Kala takes us to Newark, Ohio to talk about the Old Licking County Jail. This jail has had a history of tragedies including deaths of inmates and wardens along with hosting some very odd serial killers. As a result, they've got shadow figures, objects that move on their own, and evidence of disembodied voices captured through EVPs and spirit boxes. This location is yet another example of why you should not destroy historical buildings because ghosts DO NOT like it. And then Brittany travels to Trail End, also known as the John B. Kendrick Mansion, in Sheridan, Wyoming. This location is unintentionally full of laughs in regards to Texas having cattle full of swag, a son named Manville, and a ton of cowboy jokes. This location also has ghosts. Obviously.
If you've been a fan of Kala bursting into song randomly... this is also the episode for you.
Episode 61: “The f**k is Misophonia?!”
March 23, 2022
This week we're heading down south with haunted locations in two different southern states. First, Kala talks about the Read House Hotel in Chatanooga, Tennesee. This location has been around since before the Civil War, and some of the injured soldiers from that time may still be lurking around. And while that on its own is creepy enough, the most popular ghost is a woman who was found murdered in a bathtub. This ghost is so active that the hotel owners decided to dedicate a whole room to her and keep it exactly as it was when she was alive. And Brittany discusses the Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome, Arizona. This hotel got its start as a dynamite-proof hospital. Though it now caters to guests rather than patients, the patients of the past still seem to linger. They are active in several ways, including but not limited to disembodied coughing, voices, and labored breathing from corners, which Brittany really doesn't enjoy.
This episode is sponsored by The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minnesota.
Episode 60: “How she pulled that all together in one night, I do not know. But she did.”
March 16, 2022
This week marks the 60th Spooky Wednesday at Left of Skeptic, and we're visiting two new states to celebrate! First Kala takes us all the way up through Canada into Alaska to discuss the Alaskan Hotel in Juneau. This tiny, slightly dated hotel has a history of shy ghosts who don't seem to like it when people pay too much attention to them. If you're there on a daily basis for work or visiting, you're probably fine, but ghost hunters should beware. You might just end up hitting a few buildings on your way out... and no. We're not going to explain that any further, much to Brittany's frustration. After that, Brittany takes us to Hampton House in Towson, Maryland. This haunted location is technically a National Park and is haunted by a butler named Tom. Not Thomas. Tom. As well as a few others. Despite these documented hauntings, the National Park Service does not want to believe that these ghosts are real. But we know. YOU HEAR THAT, PARKS & REC? We know!
Episode 59: “Sssurreal-real-paranormal-normal-ism”
March 9, 2022
Kala is going to come and write a better description later, but the gist of this week's episode includes the curious tales of Tulpas, as told by Kala. And Brittany is bringing us back to England to talk about a chair that was loved above all other chairs...
Episode 58: “She’s like a ‘Priority Pincher’.”
March 2, 2022
This week Kala tells you about the humorously named Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis, IN. This rockin' restaurant and bar features delicious food and drink, jazz music every night of the week, (maybe) a body buried in the basement, and a variety of ghostly entities. Customers and employees have had experiences on all three floors of this building, but apparently the ghosts are pretty chill because it's had the same owners for decades and shows no signs of anyone leaving. And Brittany will take us on a journey to the other side of the country to tell us about the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, OR. This hotel got it's start during the gold rush era, and don't let this elegant building's fancy window sashes and clock tower fool you. It's got ghosts... including ones that might pinch you if you sit in their favorite chair at the bar.
Kala's also got some podcast recommendations for y'all this week! At the top of the episode she tells you about Sounds Like a Cult, Ghostly, and Believing the Bizarre. If any of these podcasts sound up your alley, check out the "Podcasts We Heart" highlights on @leftofskeptic Instagram for links to their episodes!
This episode is sponsored by The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minnesota.
Episode 57: “Boo! Or should I say ‘Moo’?”
February 23, 2022
This week is an eventful one! We’ve got aliens, ghost cows, ghosts that aren’t cows, project blue book, magical silencing pillowcases, and maybe-sorta crawlers. First Kala talks about the abduction of Betty and Barney Hill in New Hampshire in 1961. This story is one of the first to shape how we see alien abductions and UFOs both in science and in fiction. Next, Brittany takes us back to Austin, TX to discuss the Driskill Hotel, which involves a lot more cattle than you might think. This haunted location has a variety of ghosts including ones that shop, smoke, watch you, like buses, and play with balls. Finally, we end it all with a Reddit story of an encounter that sounds similar to the cryptids we covered in Episode 24. Too similar.
This episode is sponsored by The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minnesota.
Episode 56: "Jail, but pretty."”
February 16, 2022
We’re going back to spooky basics with two very old buildings! First up, Kala talks about Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany, New York. This 18th Century building is one of the most haunted in the U.S. Highlights include: shadow figures in the halls, disembodied voices in patients' rooms, and a missing graveyard? It doesn’t get more classic than that. Next, Brittany covers the Old Jail in St. Augustine, Florida. This building was meant to look like a beautiful Victorian mansion, but inside it housed male and female inmates in close quarters, in torturous conditions, all while providing them with the scenic view of their own gallows being built. It might have been a pretty jail, but it was still jail. If I was a ghost, I’d be pissed too. The only thing scarier is Florida Man. What a perfect way to start your Spooky Wednesday.
This episode is sponsored by The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minnesota.
Episode 55: "I want to know who handles mergers and acquisitions for cemeteries."”
February 9, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! We’re going full Universal Classic Monsters on y’all with tales of a vampire and a mummy! Brittany takes us over to London to talk about High Gate Cemetery and its resident sharp-toothed fiend. And Kala talked about the case of The Priestess if Amen-Ra, also sometimes referred to as The Unlucky Mummy. This mummy board is rumored to have caused the sinking of the Titanic. What did we learn this week?
1.) Grown men will use vampires as an excuse for a sword and sorcery duel. And they aren’t just LARPing.
2.) White people in the 1800s had absolutely no qualms about desecrating graves.
3.) Even if something is haunted or cursed, people will spend a lot of money to get in or get it.
4.) Kala and Brittany will always find a reason to talk about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it just so happens that this week there is a good excuse.
This episode is sponsored by the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth Minnesota.
Episode 54: "Spill the tea, Bell Witch! Spill the tea!"
February 2, 2022
We’re back to our regularly scheduled programming this Spooky Wednesday with some haunted locations and subjects! First, Kala takes us back to Grand Haven, MI to discuss two haunted restaurants, the Kirby House Restaurant and the Dee-Lite Bar & Grill. Are the ghosts Emily and John actually the same ghost from the demolished Grand Theater? What do you think? And Brittany tells us about the classic tale of The Bell Witch! Which is so much more in-depth than Kala ever realized. The Bell Witch might have been evil, but man, did she have ALL THE HAWT GOSS!* It’s good to be back to normal and we’re excited to continue to share these spooky tales with you!
*Please forgive Kala for this statement.
Episode 53: "That shit was bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S" True Crime January!
January 26, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday! It is the LAST week of True Crime January, and Brittany and Kala are here to tell you the tale of the Salem Witch Trials. While many people attribute this time period to witchcraft and the paranormal, the truth is that these women (and some men) were murdered. Brittany goes into the details of the background and the reasoning behind this tragedy, and then Kala discusses a few of the locations that are still haunted by the ghosts of the towns sordid past. What does it seem to come down to? A bunch of people with hurt feels taking it out on women and the men who didn't want to put up with their bullshit.
This week's episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.
Episode 52: "It’s not funny business, but it’s funny you said it that way." True Crime January!
January 19, 2022
This spooky Wednesday is our third installment of True Crime January, and we’re coming at you with one of the most classic of true crime subjects: H. H. Holmes. This man was one of, if not THE first serial killers. He had a pretty messed up childhood, and he killed a bunch of people, but somehow managed to keep an impressively active dating life. And who can blame the ladies for falling for him? That mustache. That super manipulative and toxic behavior. That ability to steal and mutilate corpses. Isn’t that every woman’s dream? And while he’s most well known for his Chicago murder castle, which no longer stands, we’re gonna tell you about his lesser-known murder house. A small rental cabin in Indianapolis where he murdered a child, and as a result, people who stay there say they encounter dark feelings and haunting occurrences.
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.
Episode 51: "I promise not to kill you… fast or slow." True Crime January!
January 12, 2022
This Spooky Wednesday we continue our true crime January with the tale of the murders from Amityville Horror House in Amityville, Long Island, New York. These murders and the resulting hauntings are so famous that they spawned an incredibly popular book and movie and a slightly less successful movie remake. But what's the real story here? What happened in the home? Is there any proof behind the haunting? Is the real horror that fathers that lived in the home are just really, really shitty?
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.
Episode 50: "I assumed that the killer brought the bacon." True Crime January!
January 5, 2022
Happy Spooky Wednesday to you all! This is our first episode for our first ever True Crime January! Every week this month we will pick a location where a crime has been committed. Brittany will tell you the details of the crimes that were committed, and Kala will follow up with the hauntings that happen as a result of these crimes. Brittany is very, very excited about this month! We're starting things off with the Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa. This case is still unsolved: partially because the killer wore gloves, partially because they had an incompetent investigations crew, and partially because the nosy neighbors couldn't keep their feet out of and hands off of the crime scene. As a result, many people believe the house is haunted not only by the victims but the murderer as well!
This episode is sponsored by Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI.