Colin Dickey

Colin Dickey, a writer and cultural historian specializing in the paranormal, delves into the eerie legend of the Tommyknockers, mysterious beings linked to mining folklore. He reveals their origins in Cornish lore and discusses their evolution from helpful spirits to sinister figures over time. Colin also explores how these quaint trickster figures reflect cultural anxieties and the peculiar geological sounds that haunt the mines. Plus, learn how these tales transformed with the arrival of miners in the U.S. and continue to captivate visitors today.

Author and columnist at Atlas Obscura, Colin Dickey, discusses the bizarre events in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1955 where a family faced off against small, glowing-eyed creatures believed to be aliens. He explores the legacy of the Hopkinsville goblins incident, Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the story into 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' and the cultural evolution of extraterrestrial beings intertwined with American culture.

Colin Dickey, a writer known for his eerie explorations, dives into the darker side of Christmas traditions. He argues that holiday cheer often hides sinister figures, contrasting Santa with the punishing Krampus. The conversation unveils the complex folklore of Christmas elves and their dual nature while humorously merging Christmas with Halloween. Expect chilling tales, quirky traditions, and a fresh perspective on festive lore that encourages a monstrous twist to holiday celebrations!

Colin Dickey, a writer and expert on folklore, delves into the chilling tale of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon, a series of gas attacks that terrorized a small Midwestern town in 1944. He discusses Aline Kearney's horrifying encounter, which sparked a wave of panic and mass hysteria. The involvement of the Army's Chemical Warfare Division adds a chilling layer to the story. Dickey also explores the psychological factors influencing the community's response, highlighting how fear can warp reality and create urban legends.

Cultural historian Colin Dickey discusses how fear of secret societies shapes American democracy. He explores the origins and shift in perception of conspiracy theories, including the Underground Railroad and the connection between conspiracy theories and bankers. Dickey also delves into the fascination with hidden aspects and the tendency to believe in secret rituals.