Astonishing Legends

This week, we welcome master storyteller, podcaster, and comedian Dan Cummins, creator of the hit shows Timesuck and Scared to Death. Known for his deep dives into historical mysteries and the supernatural, Dan brings scholarly research paired with sharp wit. We’ve long admired the quality and depth of his work, which often parallels our own. Our conversation spans his paranormal encounters, the eerie legend of Rasputin, and a bizarre experience he had that mirrors one of Scott’s — with coincidences too strange to ignore. We’ll also explore Dan’s unique path into podcasting, his prolific creative output, and his passion for the unexplained. Plus, Scott shares a story from his recent visit to the Rhine Institute in Durham, where he learned about cutting-edge research into human bioluminescence. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

Dive into the eerie boundary between life and death as a listener shares a chilling phone call from a relative she never met. The unsettling mystery blends personal anecdotes with cinematic references, probing our innate desire for connection with the departed. Explore the psychological impacts of spectral communications and the significance of dreams as we attempt to unravel the mysteries of the afterlife. This intriguing discussion invites reflection on memories, nostalgia, and the whispers of those we've lost.

Due to an error last week, this Dead Letter Office didn't make it to the main feed so here it is now! There's a NEW one tomorrow too!  In tonight’s dead letter, we explore the chilling tales of paranormal activity at a haunted firehouse, as recounted by volunteer firefighter Ken Sanner Jr.  Ken details a series of unsettling events, from flickering lights and moving objects to disembodied voices and unexplained shadows—even a heavy metal door mysteriously opening on a windless day. There’s something more than meets they eye going on at this place, but what?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!