

National Park After Dark
Audioboom Studios
Hosted by two friends who share a passion for the wilderness and a fascination with what can go wrong there, each week hosts Danielle and Cassie explore the darker side of our National Parks and explore these treasured places in a whole new way - because behind the iconic arches and towering trees lie layered histories, grisly encounters, extraordinary stories of survival, tragic ends and so much more. But it isn’t always chills and thrills. By sharing inspiring tales and their desire for protecting our planet’s wild places, they hope the show will inspire listeners to lace up their own hiking boots and take a walk into the wild to create meaningful adventures of their own.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
237: The Heroine of Niagara Falls.
This week we venture to one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world to talk about the daredevils who have gone over it. Most notably, Annie Edson Taylor, was the first to ever go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive.
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more.
Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Liquid IV: Use code NPAD at checkout to get 20% off you first order.
Resources:
https://dr.library.brocku.ca/bitstream/handle/10464/2537/overfallsannieed00tayluoft.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1
https://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/niagara-falls-history/niagara-falls-tourism-history/daredevils-of-niagara-falls
https://media.syracuse.com/mie/other/FNYXII%2001-13.pdf%2012.10.pdf
https://sistory.co/2017/07/07/dont-go-chasing-fame-in-waterfalls/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/buffalo-courier-express-annie-edson-tayl/25031252/

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
236: On Our Signal. Virgin Islands National Park.
Take to Google, type in “US Virgin Islands” and you’ll be met with photos of turquoise waters and smiling faces sipping on drinks atop sparkling white sand. This destination is among the most popular in the Caribbean for vacationers, but it was once at the core of the transatlantic slave trade. Today we discuss what has gone down in history as the 1733 Akwamu Insurrection, an event in which thousands of enslaved Africans took fate into their own hands as they rose up against their oppressors - an event which was among the first, longest running and bloodiest rebellions in North American history.
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Acorns: Use our link or download the app to start saving and investing in your future.
Lume Deodorant: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with
@lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code NPAD at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod
Prose: Use our link for a free in-depth hair consultation and 50% off your first subscription order.
IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping.
Sources NPS, Libcom, NPS History, VINOW, Caribbean Beat, Virgin Islands History, NPCA, NPS 2, The Guardian, Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade, US Department of State, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, WTJX, Virgin Islands Daily News

Jul 4, 2024 • 56min
235: Trail Tales 50
Today’s stories include unlikely reunions, wild horse chases, dog-sent wolves, lifesavers and Alaskan surfing. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers!
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving.
Lumi Gummies: Use code NPAD50 at checkout for a free jar of gummies
for a limited time.
Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns.

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
234: The Solved Shenandoah Murders with Kathryn Miles
In June of 1996 two women, Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, were found brutally murdered in Shenandoah National Park. Their murderer (or murderers) were never found and the case has remained unsolved, until now.
On June 20, 2024 the FBI announced that the assailant has been identified as Walter Leo Jackson Sr. Today we sit down for the second time, with Kathryn Miles, author and investigative journalist who has dedicated years of her life researching this case and uncovering faults in the investigation. While the FBI has closed the case, she unveils in this interview that there are a lot more questions that need to be answered, including the possibility of more victims. This case might be labeled as closed, but in reality, this new information has just opened up a whole new investigation.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI’s Toll-Free tip line at
1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest
American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at Electronic Tip Form | FBI
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.
Smalls: For 50% off your first order, head to Smalls.com/NPAD and use code NPAD.
Cremo Bodwash: You can find all the new, decadent scents of Cremo Women’s Body Wash at Walgreens, CVS, or CremoCompany.com
Naked Wines: To get Naked Wines’ 6 bottle for $39.99 offer, head to NakedWines.com/NPAD and use code NPAD for both the code AND password.

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
233: Parkitecture and the Haunted Tales of National Park Historic Hotels.
Today we dive into the history of National Parks and how America's best idea almost died. Instead of talking about their landscapes, we take a deep dive into the history of their beautiful historic hotels and the ghostly encounters people have experienced there. From Tennessee to Washington, and everywhere in-between, there are plenty tales to tell.
Our Merch Shop is open today!
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns.
Zocdoc: Use our link to download the Zocdoc app for free.
Prose: Use our link for a free in-depth hair consultation and 50% off your first subscription order.
Beam: Use our link and code NPAD for up to 40% off.
RESOURCES:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/mission-66.htm
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/mission-66-modern-architecture.htm
Book: Glacier Ghost Stories by Karen Stevens
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2009/10/chateau-oregon-caves-national-monument-haunted4733

Jun 20, 2024 • 51min
232: Trail Tales 49
Today’s stories include stargazing gods, being naked and afraid, Holocaust surviving mountain climbers, Grand canyon voyeurs, knotty women, finding beauty in the mountains and ghost tricksters. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers!
Merch is coming!
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping.

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 16min
231: Blood in the Water, Blood on Our Hands. Cape Cod National Seashore.
Sharks have swum the world’s waters for millennia – there is a reason they are referred to as living dinosaurs. Their presence globally is not new, but their comeback in certain parts of the world is not celebrated by everyone. In September of 2018, Arthur Medici was killed while recreating in the waters off Cape Cod after sustaining a white shark bite. His death, the first shark related death in state history since 1936, has sparked an intense debate about the sharks, seals and people who live, work and play in the waters of the Atlantic. Arthur’s death prompted the question - what do we do? But also, - haven’t we already done enough?
MERCH
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Vionic Shoes: Use code NPAD to get 15% off your order when you log into your account.
Cremo Bodwash: You can find all the new, decadent scents of Cremo Women’s Body Wash at Walgreens, CVS, or CremoCompany.com
BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.
HelloFresh: Use our link to get free appetizers for life.
Sources
Articles/Webpages: Boston Magazine, NPS, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, NBC Boston, Mass Live, Boston.com, Collins Funeral Home, Cape Cod Times, LOHUD, Boston, NBC Boston (2), BioOne, NOAA Fisheries, NPR, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, Cape Cod Times, NY Times, PEW, Patch, NPS, Live Science, CBS News
Documentary: After the Bite (HBO)
Download the Sharkitivity App (Apple) HERE
Arthur Medici Scholarship HERE

Jun 10, 2024 • 54min
230: The Man Who Came Back. Charley-Yukon Rivers National Preserve.
Lt. Leon Crane survived a devastating plane crash only to be stranded in the remote wilderness of Alaska. When a rescue mission fails to locate him, he spends the next 81 days fighting for his life.
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Murder: True Crime Stories: Listen to new episodes every Tuesday wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns.
Liquid IV: Use code NPAD at checkout to get 20% off you first order.
Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving.
Resources:
http://npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/yuch-fd-overview.pdf
https://www.nps.gov/yuch/learn/historyculture/leon-crane-survival-story.htm
Book: 81 days below by Brian Murphy

Jun 6, 2024 • 60min
229: She Lived Until Morning ft. Jean Muenchrath
Today we sit down for a conversation with Jean Muenchrath. We touch upon her tragic fall off Mount Whitney, but really dive into her story after the accident. Jean brings us through her recovery, her travels and how transforming her mindset changed her life just as much as the incident in the Sierra’s. Jean also sheds light on the importance of mental fortitude and how sharing stories of personal struggle is a strength.
All proceeds of Jean’s book are donated to charity - pick up a copy of If I Live Until Morning HERE and learn more about Jean Muenchrath HERE
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.
Alo Moves: Use code NPAD to get a free 30-day subscription.
Lume Deodorant: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with
@lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code NPAD at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod

Jun 3, 2024 • 54min
228: Survivor(wo)man. Sequoia National Park.
A long awaited 200+ mile trip through the Sierra’s ends in a tragic fall. Jean Muenchrath’s story of survival is an epic one, but also serves as the beginning of an entirely new life.
We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.
Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Earth Breeze: Use our link to get 40% off your subscription.
IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping.
Sources Outside, The Pacific Crest Trail Association, NPS, Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, Recreation.gov
Book - If I Live Until Morning by Jean Muenchrath
All proceeds of Jean’s book are donated to charity - pick up a copy of If I Live Until Morning HERE and learn more about Jean Muenchrath HERE