BSP: Believer Skeptic Podcast

In this holiday special, we discuss those celestial beings usually impaled by the top of your tree - Angels. First, Cody discusses angels that appear at peoples’ deathbeds, including creepy angels of death. Then, Chris talks about a girl who dreamed of her guardian angel - the grandmother she never met. Next, Cody tells a fascinating story in which the writer was given information about his life by an angel… before his birth. Finally, Chris shares the story of Rose Benvenuto, who walked away from a horrible car accident with barely a scratch, and whose angel was captured on film. Drinks this week are Santa Clausthauler and Schilling Hard Cider. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:38s Topic: 0:38s-3:43m Drinks: 3:43m-5:30m History: 5:30m-11:17m Deathbed Angels: 11:17m-17:47m Grandma Angel: 17:47m-23:44m Pre-Birth Angel: 23:44m-26:38m Rose Benvenuto: 26:38m-32:26m Skeptic: 36:26m-37:58m  Believer: 37:58m-40:22m Creep of the Week: 40:22m-42:02m Sign Off: 42:02m-46:00m Outro Music: 46:00m-46:18m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links History- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/what-are-angels/ Deathbed Angels- https://www.learnreligions.com/deathbed-visions-of-angels-123844 https://www.liveabout.com/angel-encounters-true-stories-2593644 Grandma Angel- https://www.yourghoststories.com/real-ghost-story.php?story=22030 Pre-Birth Angel- https://www.liveabout.com/angel-encounters-true-stories-2593644 Rose Benvenuto- https://en.paperblog.com/angel-saves-woman-from-horrific-car-crash-355420/ http://ghoststudy.com/new9/accident_spirit.htm Believer- http://www.oprah.com/spirit/rob-bell-do-angels-exist

As a holiday gift, we made this minisode a bit easier on you (at least we think we did). First, Chris talks about Salyut 7, a Soviet space station, and the bright encounters that the crew members all witnessed. Then, Cody shares three short stories, one with phantom bodyguards, that have a common golden thread. Can you guess next week’s topic?

In this episode, we discuss a crazy supernatural triangle - one of many around the world - called The Bridgewater Triangle, located in Massachusetts. First, Cody talks about Assonet Ledge, a haunted cliff where people are compelled to jump to their deaths. Then, Chris shares the story of a giant black dog that tore the throats of two cute, innocent ponies, and proceeded to terrify the entire area. Next, Cody tells us about Satanic ritualistic occurrences - including a grisly murder - that occurred in the Freetown State Forest. Finally, Chris discusses the different ghosts that haunt the campus of Bridgewater State University. Creep of the Week dives into a few other reasons that the Bridgewater Triangle is famous. This week’s drinks are Triangle Party Punch, and Flora Mead (from Superstition Meadery). Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:38s Topic: 0:38s-3:02m Drinks: 3:02m-5:14m History: 5:14m-10:55m Assonet Ledge: 10:55m-19:10m Demon Dog: 19:10m-24:05m Satanic Rituals: 24:05m-30:54m Bridgewater State University: 30:54m-37:07m Skeptic: 37:07m-40:43m Believer: 40:43m-42:47m Creep of the Week: 42:47m-44:43m Sign Off: 44:43m-46:20m Outro Music: 46:20m-46:42m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links History- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgewater_Triangle https://www.legendsofamerica.com/bridgewater-triangle-massachusetts/ https://www.vortexhunters.com/vortex.html Assonet Ledge- https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/special/2020/10/10/what-is-bridgewater-triangle-anyway-look-at-dark-and-paranormal-tales-of-this-window-area-of-unexpla/114540276/ http://newenglandfolklore.blogspot.com/2016/04/ghosts-of-assonet-ledge.html The Black Dog- https://www.deviantart.com/xxxsoulreaverxxx/art/The-Black-Dog-Of-The-Bridgewater-Triangle-554939480 https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/g8wxzi/the_black_dog_of_abington/ Forest Satanists- https://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20131006/LIFE/310060305

In this week’s minisode, we have tales of boys and bridges. First, Chris tells the story of a 4 and ½ year old boy who goes missing for 24 hours - during an ice storm - only to magically reappear with no recollection of what happened. Then, Cody talks about two haunted bridges, one that screams and one that cries. It’s the stuff of nightmares. See if you can guess next week’s topic from these tales.

It’s that time of year! We are celebrating Thanksgiving by telling tales of the Wampanoag-the Indigenous tribe whom we can attribute Thanksgiving to. First, Cody talks about Moshop the Giant, a deity who created the northeast, some of it with his butt. Then, Chris shares a story from the Mashpee about a sailor with creepy transparent legs. Next, Cody tells of the Wampanoag boogey man known as Hobomock. Finally, Chris talks about Hockomock Swamp, a place full of sooo many freaky paranormal happenings. Drinks this week are Grasshoppers and Cranberry Pomegranate Fizz. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:38s Topic: 0:38s-3:07m Drinks: 3:07m-5:23m History: 5:23m-10:40m Moshop the Giant: 10:40m-19:43m Sailor Ghost: 19:43m-24:13m Hobomock: 24:13m-30:29m Hockomock Swamp: 30:29m-35:20m Skeptic: 35:20m-38:10m Believer: 38:10m-40:35m Creep of the Week: 40:35m-45:40m Sign Off: 45:40m-46:47m Outro Music: 46:47m-47:08m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links History- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wampanoag https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2017/11/23/everyones-history-matters-and-wampanoag-indian-thanksgiving-story-deserves-be-known/ Moshop the Giant- http://dukescountydeeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Moshups_Footsteps.pdf https://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Moshup-the-Giant-Wampanoag.html https://sites.google.com/a/uconn.edu/conversion-of-native-american-spiritualism/home/the-pristine-native-spirituality/moshup-the-giant http://www.aroundtheworldbanneker.com/Wampanoag_Legends_VH.html https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-New-England-Tribes-1620-1984/dp/0874513723 Sailor Ghost- https://dwcaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/A-Mashpee-Ghost-Story.pdf Hobomock- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED406321.pdf https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874513723/natilangofthe-20

In this Thanksgiving minisode, we are talking about, um, Thanksgiving (no spoiler there). But the stories are pretty different, so guessing next week’s topic could be tough. First, Cody shares some weird and funny Thanksgiving traditions - including dressing turkeys in onesies - in the U.S. and (random) Ghana. Then, Chris discusses a Pennsylvania ghost story that lead to the real-life discovery and uncovering of a mass grave. Can you guess the specific Thanksgiving topic?

In this Dia De Los Muertos special, Cody and Chris look at the mysterious side of death, talking about unexplained (and maybe paranormal) deaths that were never resolved. First, Cody discusses Tamin Shud (aka the Somerton Man), a well-dressed man (with amazing calves) who was murdered (maybe) in Australia. Then, Chris talks about the crazy last week in the life of master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, whose death has yet to be explained. Next, Cody shares the Dyatlov Pass incident, an insane story about a group of Russian hikers that includes tongue-removal, hypothermia, and even radioactive clothing. Finally, Chris talks about a family - complete with their Satanic Bible - that disappeared after possibly encountering some roof ghosts. Creep of the Week is a doozy from Sam from the podcast, Real Horrorshow. This week’s drinks are Watermelon/Mint and Pineapple/Mint agua fresca, and Second Voyage Red Blend. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:38s Topic: 0:38s-3:10m Drinks: 3:10m-4:57m History: 4:57m-10:06m Somerton Man: 10:06m-16:45m Edgar Allan Poe: 16:45m-22:05m Dyatlov Pass: 22:05m-29:53m Jamison Family: 29:53m-35:15m Skeptic: 35:15m-39:00m Believer: 39:00m-41:27m Creep of the Week: 41:27m-46:45m Sign Off: 46:45m-48:04m Outro Music: 48:04m-48:25m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links Death Traditions- https://ideas.ted.com/11-fascinating-funeral-traditions-from-around-the-globe/ https://matadornetwork.com/read/death-rituals-around-world/ Tamin Shud- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-body-on-somerton-beach-50795611/ http://ciphermysteries.com/tamam-shud-somerton-man Edgar Allan Poe- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/still-mysterious-death-edgar-allan-poe-180952936/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Edgar_Allan_Poe https://www.biography.com/news/edgar-allan-poe-death-facts Dyatlov Pass- https://www.livescience.com/55591-unsolved-deaths-and-disappearances.html https://dyatlovpass.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyatlov_Pass_incident The Jamison Family-

In this minisode, we turn to death, and that’s the only clue you get. First, Chris talks about famous Hollywood actress Natalie Wood, and her untimely (and super hella suspicious) drowning at the age of 43. Then, Cody shares some really weird (and unfortunate) ways some people died, including death by beard. Can you guess next week’s topic?

In this special Halloween episode promoting All the Horror (Check them out!), Cody and Chris talk about creepy books based on true events. First, Cody dives into one of the spookiest hotels and the inspiration for The Shining: The Stanley Hotel. Then, Chris fills his true-crime heart with the true story of mass murderer H.H. Holmes, the basis for the book, The Devil In the White City. Next, Cody talks about The Witchfinder’s Sister, a book based on Matthew Hopkins, who goes on a “witch”-hunting rampage in the 1600’s. Finally, Chris discusses the scariest haunted house ever! It was turned into the book, The Uninvited: The True Story of the Union Screaming House. Creep of the Week comes from Mikey at The Descent podcast and Stormy Skies from Real Horror Show podcast. This week’s drinks are 19 Crimes Red Blend and Turn of the Screwdriver mocktail. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:45s Topic: 0:45s-2:58m Drinks: 2:58m-5:05m History: 5:05m-10:09m The Shining: 10:09m-17:55m The Devil In the White City: 17:55m-25:22m The Witchfinder’s Sister: 25:22m-34:45m The Uninvited: 34:45m-41:55m Skeptic: 41:55m-44:25m Believer: 44:25m-46:40m Creep of the Week: 46:40m-56:00m Sign Off: 56:00m-57:14m Outro Music: 57:14m-57:34m Original music “All the Horror” by Sean Faust BSP Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/360972658146154/ Links- History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_fiction https://countryhouselibrary.co.uk/blogs/chl-blog/from-the-dawn-of-darkness-the-history-of-horror-in-literature The Shining: https://nightlyspirits.com/stanley-hotel-ghost-stories/ https://www.outtherecolorado.com/features/the-spooky-story-behind-colorado-s-haunted-stanley-hotel/article_4d27194e-cbf6-51f5-abb3-8011e33f66b3.html https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-haunted-stanley-hotel-4108817 The Devil In the White City: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes The Witchfinder’s Sister: https://www.amazon.com/Witchfinders-Sister-Novel-Beth-Underdown/dp/0399179143/ https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/07/matthew-hopkins-the-real-witch-hunter/134360

This week’s Halloween minisode is brought to you by the letter M (hint: that’s not next week’s topic). First, Chris talks about a real house of horrors, an interactive “haunted” house known as McKamey Manor. Then, Cody tells a story about a decrepit animal that may or may not have returned from the grave. Can you guess next week’s episode?

For our first Halloween episode of the season, we go on an excursion to haunted Scotland with friend and author, Jacqueline E. Smith (link below). First, Cody tells us about the spirit of a girl named Annie and her Harry Styles obsession at Mary King’s Close. Then, Jackie discusses Greyfriars Kirkyard and the spirits that still linger there, namely one who literally scars people. Finally, Chris tells two stories about vampires: a creepy priest vampire and a 7-foot-tall one with metal teeth. In Creep of the Week, Chris gives updates on the Lochness Monster. This week’s drink/food are St. Arnold Oktoberfest and Apricot/Walnut Scones. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:38s Topic: 0:38s-5:15m Drinks: 5:15m-7:40m History: 7:40m-13:20m Abandoned Annie: 13:20m-26:24m Greyfriars Kirkyard: 26:24m-38:00m Scottish Vampires: 38:00m-46:29m Skeptic: 46:29m-50:013m Believer: 50:13-53:08m Creep of the Week: 53:08m-54:55 Sign Off: 54:55m-57:18m Outro Music: 57:18m-57:39m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Jacqueline E. Smith: http://www.windtrailpublishing.com/ Links: History- https://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/history-timeline Mary King’s Close- https://www.scotsman.com/news/edinburghs-most-haunted-abandoned-annie-1522264 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_King%27s_Close https://www.traveldarkly.com/real-mary-kings-close-edinburgh/ https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/hire/paranormal/ https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/the-story-of-annies-doll/ Hunderprest- https://travelthruhistory.com/legend-of-the-hunderprest-vampire-of-melrose-abbey/ The Gorbals Vampire- https://www.davidcastleton.net/gorbals-vampire-glasgow-southern-necropolis/ Believer- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/10/vampires-europe-new-england-halloween-history/#close

In this week’s minisode, we tell two very different stories with interconnecting caves. You read that right. First, Chris shares the history of the Bean Clan, who were incestuous, cannibalistic murders who supposedly killed (and ate) over a thousand people (wtf?). Then, Cody talks about the Blue Men (not to be confused withThe Blue Man Group), a breed of siren-like smurfs that live in undersea caves and control the weather. Can you guess next week’s topic?

In this episode, we spill the tea on Secret Societies (get it?). First, Chris talks about the exclusive club and summer retreat for rich, white, men: The Bohemian Club and Bohemian Grove. Then, Cody dives into Opus Dei, the so-called Catholic Mafia made famous by The DaVinci Code. Next, Chris discusses the Skull and Bones, a society from Yale University that boasts a number of conspiracies, including assassinations and bombs. Creep of the Week goes into some fun and strange traditions from different colleges. This week’s drinks are DaVinci Chianti and Fre Brut. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:39s Topic: 0:39s-3:48m Drinks: 3:48m-5:55m History: 5:55m-10:50m Bohemian Grove: 10:50m-17:35m Opus Dei: 17:35m-31:30m Skull and Bones: 31:30m-37:56m Skeptic: 37:56m-43:43m Believer: 43:43m-45:35m Creep of the Week: 45:35m-47:24m Sign Off: 47:24m-48:37m Outro Music: 48:37m-48:58m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links: History- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_society https://www.businessinsider.com/us-presidents-who-were-in-secret-societies-2017-4 Bohemian Grove- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Grove https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2009/05/bohemian-grove-guide200905 https://allthatsinteresting.com/bohemian-grove Opus Dei- https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2012/12/13/opus-dei-united-states-february-25-1995 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opus_Dei https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-secrets-of-opus-dei/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Opus-Dei https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opus-dei-lets-film-director-in-on-some-of-its-secrets-1699227.html https://truthservedraw.wordpress.com/mattsopusdeifaq/34-what-are-the-cilice-and-discipline-what-are-they-for-who-uses-them/ Skulls and Bones- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skull_and_Bones

This week’s minisode stories are connected, we promise!. First, Chris discusses the tragic and mysterious death of Leighton Mount, a student involved with hazing at Northwestern University. Then, Cody tells a lighter story about The Ghost Club, a group founded by Charles Dickens that explored paranormal activity. See if you can find the common thread and guess next week’s topic!

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., we’ve decided to bring you some urban legends from the Latinx culture. First, Cody talks about El Sombreron, a Guatemalan man who seduces women and is obsessed with braiding hair. Then, Chris shares the legend of the Peruvian Pishtaco and how it was blamed for a murderous gang that killed people for their fat. Next, Cody brings the lighter tale of La Planchada, a comforting spirit with a well ironed uniform. Finally, Chris discusses another horror tale: La Mala Hora, a horrendous lady you encounter at a crossroads. For Creep of the Week, we share some fun and interesting Mexican superstitions. This episode’s drinks are Sidral Mundet and Honey and Hive Riesling. Advisory: 0:00s-0:12s Intro Music: 0:12s-0:39s Topic: 0:39s-3:35m Drinks: 3:35m-6:12m History: 6:12m-14:20m El Sombreron: 14:20m-20:50m Pishtaco: 20:50m-28:02m La Planchada: 28:02m-34:10m La Mala Hora: 34:10m-39:02m Skeptic: 39:02m-42:23m Believer: 42:23m-45:00m Creep of the Week: 45:00m-47:26m Sign Off: 47:26m-48:22m Outro Music: 48:22m-48:44m Original Music: “Halloween Pumpkin” found at https://www.purple-planet.com Links: History- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2758774/ El Sombreron- https://www.thefoodieskitchen.com/en/2010/10/22/tfk-extra-guatemalan-folkore-the-legend-of-el-sombreron/ Pishtaco- https://folklorethursday.com/regional-folklore/the-pishtaco-fat-stealing-ghoul-of-the-andes/ https://slate.com/technology/2009/12/a-mysterious-crime-in-peru-revives-a-vampire-legend-that-s-more-than-400-years-old.html https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/book/peruvian-pishtacos La Planchada- http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/folklore/la-planchada-of-mexico-citys-hospital-juarez/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Thetruthishere/comments/asg69u/my_dad_experienced_the_legendary_mexican_ghost/ https://www.kabbos.com/en/55/articles/la-planchada-the-ghost-nurse La Mala Hora- https://multoghost.wordpress.