Just A Story: Urban Legend Podcast

One of the best surviving examples of oral tradition, or passing cultural information by word of mouth, are jokes. The classic story of 'The Baby Train' is definitely an urban legend with a punchline, even if it's a hokey one.  Jaded as we are today, it's still easy to imagine your off-beat uncle recounting the story of a town full of babies, whose conception was inspired by having an unwanted alarm, an early morning train, and nothing better to do than...  You know, make babies. Have there ever been microscopic baby booms? We'll explore one inspired by a dead Canadian millionaire, and take a look at how seemingly trivial things like weather, can effect population growth. Join us as we take a look at the real-life baby trains carrying New York's foundlings across America, and how they compare to this light-hearted legend   Check out our other podcast Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2   Our Guest Story teller is Melanie from Clan of the Cave Horse. For more irreverent discussion, check out their podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/caveman-mafia/id595555054?mt=2

When we think of Hawaii, here on the mainland, we might imagine hula dancers in grass skirts. We might think of movies like Lilo and Stitch or Jurassic Park (it was filmed there, look it up). We might have googled photos of a certain shirtless President on that state's glorious beaches. Maybe, just maybe, we think about Pearl Harbor, and the historical significance the military base on a Pacific archipelago had in shaping history as we know it. But - do you think that's where the history of that 50th star on the flag starts? Hardly, my friend. This week we learn all about why Hawaiian history comes alive on the islands, and how the haunting presence educates new generations on the customs of the past. Join us this week as we take a look at the legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers and its vital role in keeping cultural knowledge and traditions alive.   To listen to our historical story telling podcast, Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

 Mothers are meant to guide, nurture and protect their children. We look to their love as a model for selfless giving and unending devotion. But there are bad Mothers out there. There are women who do the unthinkable to their own children, and subvert everything we expect from the mythical martyr mother. Join us this week as we examine the deep, rich history and cultural context of the patron saint of less than perfect mothers, La Llorana. In this episode we will explore her story's consistent patterns over time, and compare those features to some modern cases maternal filicide.   Also Check out our audio drama Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

The circus is an American institution. It's a carnival of thrills and wonder that crisscrosses the country. The circus coming to town might be the highlight of the year. Breaking the monotony in even the most far-flung towns, the colorful carneys and mind boggling performers brought joy... And maybe something darker and more foreboding. Have circuses ever brought threats to small town America? Or have we imagined monsters where there are none? Join us this week as the circus comes to town, and we examine our perceptions of outsiders.   Check out Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Dolls are symbols of childlike innocence; visions of idealized beauty suspended in time. They are treasured companions, well-loved playthings, sweet mementoes.  Wait. No. What the hell am I saying. Dolls are HELLA creepy. But why?  How did these sweet little toys get wrapped up in all this horror story nonsense? Join us this week as we explore the strong ties between dolls and the macabre, and ask why the hell are dolls so eerie?

The legend of "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs" is one of the most widely circulated, well known urban legends in modern history. This week we ask why this story has such staying power and how it relates to real, documented crimes. We will examine everything from the 1950s Columbia, Missouri murder of a babysitter that may have inspired the legend, to a story of a Washington family being stalked and harassed using their own cell phones within the last decade. We also explore the kinds of calls that have come from killers throughout history, and what they say about the murderers who make them. We hope you will join us for a truly creepy episode, and that you've checked the children...

From the classic pithy one-liners just before the gavel sting on Law & Order to the antics of Andy and Barney in Mayberry, it seems like we, as a culture, have agreed that even when dealing with something as serious as crime and punishment, it never hurts to find a little levity. "The Colander Copier Caper" is an urban legend that plays on the trope of clever cops and credulous criminals. On a more serious note, the story might point out how easily false confessions can be obtained. In this week's episode we'll take a look at ironic history of the lie detector's inventor William Moulton Marston, who is responsible for both the technology and the court decision that still bans it from courtrooms across the country today. Don't worry, we'll discuss his role in creating Wonder Woman, his well hidden polyamorous household, and his absolute allegiance to the feminist agenda, as well. Join us as we explore the history of the lie detector, why we want to believe in the device, and what the use of this technology actually means for the criminal justice system.

Humanity has long been certain that the sky is falling. We've basically been predicting the end of the world since it began. From Nostradamus to Y2K, the doomsday predictions have been as varied as they have been persistent. This week we ask why people are so preoccupied with post apocalyptic propaganda and what happens when the world keeps turning after you've publicly promised catastrophe. Join us as we explore the end of the world as we know it.   Twitter: @justastorypod  Email: justastorypod@gmail.com  

The bond between guest and host is ancient and sacred one. Hospitality has always been considered a virtuous undertaking, in fact, opening your home to travelers and friends was at one time expected, if not demanded. But what happens when you open the door to the wrong person? What is a host to do when their kindness is abused in ways darker and longer lasting than having all their hot water used up, or a visitor putting coffee grinds down the sink? What if the bad guest came back when you weren't home, and began living in your attic? What if they watched you sleep? What if they caused you harm? Such a thing could never happen, could it? This week we take a look at urban legends about people living in the walls. Join as we examine the importance thresholds, boundaries, and home security and ask what happens when those are fundamentally disrespected and ignored.

Thomas DeQuincy first wrote this week's titular essay "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts" in 1827 as satire, but after almost two centuries; it seems old Tom may have been the herald of a genuine cultural phenomenon. There are several well documented cases of quasi-intellectual criminals claiming literature, art or music made them do it. Excluding the persistent worries of each generation of parents that some new form of mass media is brainwashing their precious youngsters, the claims that high culture inspires some to express themselves violently may actually hold some water. Conversely, plenty of heinous acts of violence have inspired artists to create well respected works. So, what's the connection? How do art and murder inspire one another? Join us this week as we explore the urban legend, 'The Suicide Painting' and unravel surreal connections between high art and the infamous Black Dahlia murder.

Charles de Gualle once said, “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” He may have a point. We seem to love stories about dogs, but as we do here on this podcast, we have to ask what does that say about us as humans. This week we take a look at classic urban legends like, "The Choking Doberman" and "The Mexican Pet" and spend a little time getting to know some amazing true stories about man's best friend.

A lot of conspiracy theorists see connections that others cannot; connections most people cannot fathom, or believe to be real. You know who else sees connections like this? People on acid. So what could make for a twisty-er, turny-er kaleidoscopic circus of crazy than conspiracy theories about acid?!? Join us as we seek out the truth behind the 'Blue Star (or Mickey Mouse, or Bart Simpson, etc) Acid' urban legend. This week we explore all things psychedelic and top secret from Project MK Ultra to the origins of the Unabomber. As well as diving in to the lighter side of hallucinogens with top literary talent, like Allen Ginsberg and Ken Kesey It's going to be a long, strange trip, man.

Once upon a time there was a man who was anything but a Prince Charming. From Narcissus, to Bluebeard, to Henri Landrieu history is peppered with tales of guys who are really bad at relationships, and really, really bad for their partners' health. What inspired stories of such toxic lovers? Join us this week as we take a look at the relationship cycles of narcissists, the myth that helped define a disorder, the roots of a fairy tale with a truly terrifying bad guy, and the origins of the term, 'gaslighting'.

You should be safe in your own bed. It should be a place that allows you take refuge, recharge, and find peace. But nightmares, bad dreams and old hags can ruin that for anyone. These self-generated specters can make a prison of a bed, a place that generates anxiety and represents anything but peace. Now take the fear one step further, imagine that not only is your bedroom a place that traps you inside with all the things that go bump in the night, but your body rebels and the trap becomes more menacing. You can't move. You're wide awake, but you can't move. Maybe there's something in the corner of the room, or pressing on your chest. Maybe you're only aware of the feeling that you are not alone. This is sleep paralysis and it's been happening at least as long as people have been recording history. But what is it? Join us this week as we explore the mystery of sleep paralysis and ask whether or not bad dreams are really nothing to be afraid of. Special Guest Story Teller: Dan Foytik of 9th Story Studios, Checkout one of his many great podcasts including 9th Story  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/9th-story-podcast/id707360356?mt=2

How do you remember summer camp? What stands out most for you? Is it the memory of mosquito bites? Winning that year's capture the flag? Promising to write new friends, or your first love (and meaning letters with stamps, and only until school starts again)? Or do you remember the spooky stories told around the campfire, the camp ghosts, and fear of Jason Voorhees? What if those stories told in the dark weren't just imagined to frighten new campers? What if there really was some psychopath hiding in the woods? And what if said psychopath had magical powers? Join us this week as we explore the reasons we go into the woods for 'Lord of the Flies' style fun in the summer, and if there really is anything lurking in the woods right behind your cabin