

Strange As It Seems
Strange As It Seems
A podcast series about History, Occultism, Espionage, Secret Societies, Conspiracy and High Weirdness. Hosted by Dr. Richard B. Spence and co-host Stephen Austin.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2025 • 2h 29min
Who Killed the Romanovs?
Rick delves into the dark mystery of the Romanov murders.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 2h 7min
Ghost in the Machine: The Techno-Occult
From brazen heads to influencing machines, Rick and Stephen explore the eerie convergence of techne and the occult.
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Mar 13, 2025 • 2h 18min
Flying Saucers and Secret Agents
Rick and Stephen explore the possible links between the UFO phenomenon, espionage and psyops.
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Feb 28, 2025 • 2h 28min
An Introduction to Occult Politics
"Rick delves into the realm of occult politics by exploring the bizarre story of Clotilde Bersone, French Synarchy and the American "Business Plot."
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Feb 10, 2025 • 2h 5min
The Occult Life of Jack Parsons
Rick recounts the shadowy life of visionary rocketeer and devoted occultist, Jack W. Parsons. More importantly, he reveals Parsons’ ties to espionage—connections that may have ultimately sealed his fate.
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Jan 25, 2025 • 2h 29min
The Mysteries of Fred L. Crisman
Rick introduces Stephen to Fred L. Crisman.

Dec 6, 2024 • 3h
Weaponized Magic: Aleister Crowley to MK Ultra
Richard Spence, a historian and expert on intelligence history and the occult, dives into the bizarre connections between magic and espionage. He discusses Aleister Crowley's potential role in British intelligence during WWI, including his influence on U.S. opinion and propaganda. Spence also explores Soviet psi-research, highlighting Alexander Barchenko's mystical pursuits and Andrija Puharich's ties to MKUltra. The discussion reveals the strange interplay between the occult, psychological warfare, and governmental secrecy.

Nov 13, 2024 • 2h 10min
Death in the Adirondacks
Historian Richard B. Spence delves into the mysterious 1925 deaths of two Soviet envoys, Isaiya Hurgin and Efraim Sklyansky, in the Adirondacks. They explore whether their drownings were mere accidents or politically motivated acts in the context of the Trotsky-Stalin power struggle. Spence uncovers the significance of U.S.-Soviet trade relations, the potential for covert meetings, and the surrounding secrecy. Eyewitness accounts raise questions about foul play, suggesting a chilling blend of espionage, conspiracy, and ideological intrigue.

Nov 6, 2024 • 2h 33min
An Introduction to James Shelby Downard
Dive into the enigmatic life of James Shelby Downard, a conspiracy thinker whose ideas challenge reality. Explore his theory linking the JFK assassination to Masonic rituals and uncover the paranoia that shapes his narratives. From tumultuous childhood tales to alleged meetings with historical figures, Downard's life weaves through politics, occult rituals, and forgotten secrets. Examine the blurred lines between fact and fiction in his story, as you ponder whether he was a victim of trauma or merely a fabricator of fantastical claims.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 56min
Lights in the sky: The Utah Airship Mystery
Richard Spence, a former university professor and researcher, dives into the bizarre Utah Airship mystery involving mysterious lights and cults during WWI. He unravels the origins of the tales, connecting them to earlier airship reports and local religious contexts, including ties to Mormonism. The discussion touches on government investigations, anti-gravity claims, and the impact of wartime paranoia. Spence ponders whether these sightings were genuine phenomena, mass hysteria, or clever hoaxes, all while revealing the intricate web of beliefs and motives that fueled the mystery.


