National Park After Dark

We have a special Halloween episode for you this month to celebrate spooky season. We’ve decided to release what would have been a subscribers only episode :)  This week we are joined by Patricia, better known as Patches, the creator of The Morbidly Curious Book Club. What began in 2021 as a small online space for readers to share dark and fascinating nonfiction has grown into a worldwide community of more than sixteen thousand members. From plagues and cults to witches, forensics, and haunted places, MCBC celebrates morbid curiosity without limits. Together, Cassie, Danielle, and Patches bring some of their favorite stories and personal book recommendations to you, spanning witchy feminist fiction, eerie survival tales, and historical narratives that forever changed how we see the natural world. We also talk about how the club chooses its titles, the growing network of local chapters, the monthly subscription box, and the MCBC companion podcast that keeps the conversation going with the authors behind the books. We wrap up tackling important literary questions like: • Hardcover or paperback? And what kind of person breaks the spine of their books?  Join the Morbidly Curious Book Club! Follow MCBC on Instagram

Do you believe in goblins and fairies? Do you believe in their the magic? Well, the Fairy Minister Reverend Robert Kirk did. In 1691, he published The Secret Commonwealth of Elves and Fairies, a book that described in detail their habits, appearance, and secrets. The following year, Reverend Kirk was found dead on Doon Hill, the alleged entrance to the realm of the fairies. Coincidence? You decide. Sources: - Aberfoyle - Here. Now. All of us.  - Captive in Fairyland–the Strange Case of Robert Kirk of Aberfoyle  For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Uncommon Goods: Use our link to get 15% off your next gift, Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving. Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you use promo code NPAD. Smalls: For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/NPAD.

Today’s stories include haunted government housing, mystery hair, almost animal attacks, breaking the (leash) law, family trauma bonding and bad shipwreck vibes. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/NPAD and use promo code NPAD today for 10% off your first order! PAKA: Head to go.pakaapparel.com/NPAD and use code NPAD to grab your PAKA hoodie and free pair of alpaca crew socks Soul:  For 30% off your order, head to GetSoul.com and use code NPAD. Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving.

Power. Fame. Obsession. Betrayal. These are more than headlines. They are the forces behind some of the most unforgettable crimes in history. Crimes Of... is a weekly true crime anthology series, hosted by Sabrina Deana-Roga and Corinne Vien of Two Girls One Ghost, that explores a new theme each season, such as crimes of the paranormal, unsolved murders, mysterious disappearances, and more.  For their first season, Sabrina and Corinne are diving into Crimes of: Infamy. The real-life true crime events behind Hollywood’s most iconic horror villains, from cult classics to massive franchises. Norman Bates. Buffalo Bill. Ghostface. Jason Voorhees. The names alone send a shiver down your spine. Now, discover the chilling crimes that brought them to life.  Crimes Of... is a Crime House Original, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.  Listen here: https://www.pavestudios.com/shows/crimes-of

Graveyards are often portrayed as eerie, haunted places. Today, they’re depicted as places of fear and sorrow, where the living rarely go. But historically, cemeteries were central to community life. Far from being hidden or feared, they were embraced as spaces for reflection, creativity, and leisure. They allowed for open religious expression, inspired art and literature, and helped shape landscape architecture. This week we explore cemeteries and appreciate them for all that they have done to shape modern public parks and their roles in conservation and cultural history. Cemetery Scavenger Hunt Info :) Sources: Books: - Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville - Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography Webpages: National Park Service, Chronicling America, Chronicling America (2), Atlas Obscura, Green Burial Council, Mount Auburn, Sleepy Hollow, Green-Wood Cemetery For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Liquid IV: Use our code NPAD at checkout to get 20% off your first order. IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping. BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off. Hello Fresh: Use our link to get up to 10 FREE meals and a free item for life.

Mount Rushmore isn't just a national icon; it's a symbol of controversy. The discussion uncovers the dark history of land seizure and the impact on Indigenous communities. Gutzon Borglum's troubling connections to white supremacy are examined, alongside the ongoing fight for recognition at the Crazy Horse Memorial. Listeners learn about the disparity in narratives presented at these two monuments and the emotional experiences tied to visiting them. The hosts call for a critical reevaluation of U.S. history, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives and justice.

Today’s stories include traumatizing rites of passage, calls for help, wedding dress ghosts, missing friends and anonymous letters. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Ka'Chava: Go to https://kachava.com and use code NPAD for 15% off your next order. Relief Band: For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code NPAD.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, today’s episode is dedicated to George Meléndez Wright, the first Hispanic person to occupy a professional role in the National Park Service. His life was cut tragically short, but his holistic approach to wildlife management in the National Parks has left an indelible mark. To submit a business for the Outsiders Gift Guide, please email assistant@npadpodcast.com by October 22nd :) Sources: Book: George Melendez Wright: The Fight for Wildlife and Wilderness in the National Parks by Jerry Emory Articles/Webpages: National Park Service, George Wright Society, National Park Conservation Association, PBS Documentaries/Videos: Explore Nature, George Wright Society: George Mélendez Wright and The Fight for Wildlife and Wilderness in National Parks For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving. Wildgrain: Go to Wildgrain.com/NPAD and start your subscription to get $30 off the first box, PLUS free Croissants in every box. IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: [SECURE10] #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast  for full disclosures.

When a small Cessna went down in the San Gabriel Mountains in February 1979, eleven-year-old Norman Ollestad was thrust into a fight for his life. Stranded in a blizzard on alpine terrain more than 8,500 feet up, he drew on the skills and grit he’d learned from his father to make his way out. Sources: Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival, by Norman Ollestad (2009). For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! SelectQuote: Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/npad Hello Fresh: Use our link to get up to 10 FREE meals and a free item for life. Smalls: For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order PLUS free shipping when you head to Smalls.com/npad. BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.

Today’s stories include being locked in taxidermy museums, meeting legends, lightning escapes, ghostly hikes and trolling blue butterflies. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers! For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Hello Fresh: Use our link to get up to 10 FREE meals and a free item for life. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: [SECURE10] #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast  for full disclosures. Monsters Among Us: Listen to Monsters Among Us Podcast now  on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Graza: Take your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/NPAD and use promo code NPAD today for 10% off of the TRIO!