
Astonishing Legends
The world is more mysterious than most people are comfortable imagining. We cross paths with the mystical from time to time and may not even notice it. If we do, we quickly return to our usually mundane daily existence. But what if we not only acknowledged the unknown, we investigated it and spoke with those in the know? That's what co-hosts Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, and co-executive producer Tess Pfeifle do at Astonishing Legends. Over 100 million downloads and hundreds of thousands of listeners have discovered the thrill of exploring the mysteries of our world, showing that the unknown can be both captivating and intriguing. Welcome to Astonishing Legends!
Latest episodes

12 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 2h 13min
Battle of Los Angeles
The harrowing night of February 25, 1942, saw Los Angeles engulfed in chaos as air raid sirens blared and military guns fired at unseen foes. Eyewitnesses reported strange aerial phenomena, including mysterious objects of varying shapes and numbers. The military's conflicting accounts raised questions, with some alleging extraterrestrial involvement. Psychological impacts of the war amplified community fear, leading to tragic mishaps and confusion among civilians. The event emphasizes the intersection of paranoia and perception in wartime, leaving a lasting enigma in its wake.

Mar 4, 2025 • 40min
19: Not of this Earth
Listeners are treated to a riveting tale connecting a personal narrative to the USS Nimitz Tic-Tac UFO incident. This includes childhood doppelganger encounters and a fascinating story about a son with a 'space dad.' The podcast dives into alien abduction accounts, psychological implications, and the shared nature of these experiences. With a deeper look at recent advancements in space technology, the conversation also extends to human behavior and belief systems, making it a thought-provoking exploration into the realms of the unknown.

Feb 25, 2025 • 25min
18: The Co-Worker's Gift
In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly astonishing story from listener Gus about his daughter Tara. Tara's coworker, on her last shift before college, revealed he could see spirits and described three surrounding Tara – her deceased grandparents and grandmother, accurately detailing their names, causes of death, and even the months they passed. Then he made a startling observation about Gus himself. There are those that think that all psychics are con artists or expert cold readers, but does this story fit that mold?

Feb 23, 2025 • 2h 29min
The Baldoon Mystery with Dr. Rick Fehr
In the fall of 1829, a Scottish settlement was thrown into turmoil by an invisible tormentor whose nightly mischief escalated into arson. Despite constant watch and attempted exorcisms, flames erupted repeatedly in one targeted home until its terrified occupants fled, only to see it burn to the ground. Seeking refuge in a neighboring house, they were again assailed by eerie noises, flickering blue candle flames, strange embers, and the sulfuric scent of brimstone. More disturbingly, unseen forces pelted them with lead balls and slugs—harmless but relentless. Unable to endure the torment any longer, the villagers summoned a witch doctor in hopes of banishing the fiend once and for all. This week, we are joined by local expert Dr. Rick Fehr for a deep dive into the origins of this legend.
Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
17: Peripheral Presence
Listener Chloe shares a chilling tale from Greyfriars Kirkyard and her unnerving experience in the Edinburgh underground vaults during a ghost tour. The discussion intertwines personal ghost-hunting anecdotes, skepticism, and the lore of banshees in Irish culture. The speakers reflect on the podcast's evolution, emphasizing listener engagement and the intriguing intersections of history and the paranormal, all while inviting stories from their audience to enrich the conversation.

Feb 17, 2025 • 2h 15min
Seth Breedlove - Small Town Monster
This week, we’re delving into the world of cryptids and unexplained phenomena again with Seth Breedlove, founder of Small Town Monsters. Celebrating 10 years of documenting America’s legends, 2025 promises to be their most ambitious year yet with four new projects. We'll discuss Dawn of the Dogman, exploring Michigan’s mysterious Dogman, and The Kinderhook Creature, a chilling tale from New York's Hudson Valley. As well as upcoming projects on the eerie Bennington Triangle and the harrowing Siege of Ape Canyon. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these fascinating legends and how Small Town Monsters continues to push the boundaries of cryptid filmmaking. Plus, Seth shares some of the most unusual encounters he's had along the way.
Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Feb 11, 2025 • 15min
16: The Underwater Trip
Dive into a captivating underwater adventure revealing eerie tales from submerged realms. Hear a skeptic's mind-bending DMT experience, where he encounters an omniscient entity, sparking deep discussions about reality and consciousness. Delve into the interplay between skepticism and psychedelics, exploring the risks and revelations of altered states. Uncover the mysteries of archaeological marvels like Gobekli Tepe and the Nazca lines, while quirky anecdotes keep the laughter flowing. Join the exploration of shared experiences and the astonishing unknown!

Feb 4, 2025 • 21min
15: Voices in My Ear
In tonight’s dead letter, listener Nicole recounts a chilling experience of hearing a male voice in her head during a protection ritual. This unsettling event is similar to Tess's experience at the Sallie House, and it highlights the unpredictable nature of opening oneself to the unseen. One must take precautions when engaging with the paranormal without full awareness because whether you believe any of this at all or not, we’ve heard a lot of stories from folks who had lasting side effects from crossing paths with the unknown. Listener discretion is advised due to some explicit language.
The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

Jan 28, 2025 • 11min
14: It's Ok Karl
This week's Astonishing Dead Letter Office features a heartwarming story of a benevolent haunting at their family's camp in Gorham, New Hampshire. After the death of listener Karl’s father's friend Andy, the family began experiencing strange occurrences at the camp, including a deformed screen door that appeared to have Andy's face imprinted on it and a streetlight that would repeatedly go out but turn back on when someone addressed Andy. Not all hauntings are terrifying. Some are comforting.
The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

8 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 55min
The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2
Explore the perplexing disappearance of Ambrose Bierce amid the turbulence of the Mexican Revolution. Was he a casualty of conflict or a victim of Pancho Villa? Theories abound, from academic insights to whimsical tales of crystal skulls. Delve into Bierce's literary legacy, shaped by his Civil War experiences and dark themes that echo in his final journey. Uncover conflicting narratives and hidden agendas that lead to more questions than answers, inviting listeners to ponder the boundaries between life, death, and the extraordinary.
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