BSP: Believer Skeptic Podcast

The Christmas holidays are upon us once again and we decided to introduce another batch of holiday traditions. History covers pagan winter solstice traditions that many people still practice today. Cody starts us off with the Italian Christmas witch who comes to clean your filthy apartment, La Befana. Chris then shares a tradition that is not for the arachnophobic (like Cody. CODY NOTE: EEEK!). Cody follows that up with a scatalogical figure that appears in the manger. If you remember the poop log from last year, this should be a treat. Finally, Chris tells us about a Mexican tradition that happens after Christmas and involves hiding Jesus in a cake. Instead of believer/skeptic, Cody and Chris play two holiday games. BS weekly is about an old holiday song that is now seen as problematic. Drinks this week are-Blue Moon Winter Wheat and Tisdale Moscato. Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-41s Intro/Topic: 41s-3:56m Drinks: 3:56m-6:35m History: 6:35m-11:00 La Befana: 11:00m-16:42m Christmas Spiders: 16:42m-22:26m El Caganer: 22:26m-29:28m Dia de Los Reyes: 29:28m-34:10m Game 1: 34:10m-41:05m Game 2: 41:05m-43:38m BS Weekly: 43:38m-47:30m Sign Off: 47:30m-48:55m Outro Music: 48:55m-49:26m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Pagan Traditions: https://holidappy.com/holidays/twelve-christmas-traditions-with-pagan-origins https://www.thoughtco.com/christmas-customs-with-pagan-roots-2563021 Ukraine Spiders: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/spider-and-the-christmas-tree-ukrainian-story/ Dia de Los Reyes: http://www.mexonline.com/history-lostresreyes.htm https://www.inside-mexico.com/ya-vienen-los-reyes-magos/ BS Weekly https://ew.com/music/2018/12/02/baby-its-cold-outside-banned-by-cleveland-radio-station/

The holidays are here, and it's time for a month of horrific merriment! In this minisode, Cody and Chris share two very different stories surrounding the Christmas holiday. First, Chris tells of a very modern holiday tradition that, in this story, ends very diabolically (a la Ed Gein - previous episode throwback, holla!). Cody then treats us to a personal story about a more heavenly tradition involving a headless sheep finding Bethlehem.

Welcome to Cody and Chris’s (belated) Thanksgiving Special! In this episode, we discuss Native American cryptids and curses. First, Cody talks about the land the Amityville house is built on. It’s “definitely” on a burial ground. Chris then discusses a witchy cryptid known as Tah-Tah-Kle’-Ah that lives on forever in owls. Next, Cody talks about the short-lived (for good reason) Lake Shawnee Amusement Park where a ruffled pink ghost girl now roams. Chris’s second story is of a creature, the Pukwudgie, that sounds like it comes straight out of Pokemon. BS Weekly is a good lesson on how to survive the holidays with your family. This week's drinks are Storyteller Red Blend and Insurrection Red Blend. Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-41s Topic: 41s-2:11m Drinks: 2:11m-4:18m History: 4:18m-10:38m Amityville: 10:38m-18:47m Tah-Tah-Kle’-Ah: 18:47m-23:11m Lake Shawnee Amusement Park: 23:11m-30:15m Pukwudgie: 30:15m-35:23m Believer: 35:23m-38:19m Skeptic: 38:19m-44:34m BS Weekly: 44:34m-47:25m Sign Off: 47:25m-48:13m Outro Music: 48:13m-48:45m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links: Folklore History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore_of_the_United_States https://www.legendsofamerica.com/native-american-legends/ https://www.britannica.com/art/Native-American-literature Tah Tah Kle Ah: https://25yearslatersite.com/2017/06/11/the-owls-are-not-what-they-seem-the-arm/ http://www.indigenouspeople.net/owlwoman.htm Pukwudgie http://www.ancientpages.com/2018/04/09/pukwudgie-the-trickster-grey-faced-humanoid-creature-in-native-american-beliefs/ https://thoughtcatalog.com/january-nelson/2018/08/pukwudgie/ Believer https://www.wanderingsoulsapp.com/2017/09/28/native-american-burial-grounds-fear-reality/ BS Weekly https://spec.hamilton.edu/5-tips-for-navigating-politics-and-family-over-thanksgiving-break-d0a53cfcea9a

Thanksgiving is almost here, and in this minisode, Chris and Cody share some tales that may or may not be related to the holiday. First, Chris talks about the cursed Saco river. He actually had two friends fall into it, but luckily, they survived. Barely. Then, Cody shares a story about a woman who lives in an apartment...built on a Native American burial ground. Dun dun dun.... Her tale is the fodder of almost every ghost movie. But it's creepy af nonetheless. See if you can guess next week's theme from the minisode.

In this episode, Cody and Chris talk spoon bending, levitation, and touching yourself with your mind. That’s right, this one is about psychokinesis and telekinesis, that special power Cody still thinks he can get one day (he’s working on it). First, Cody talks about Angelique Cottin, a girl whose doctor “verified” her powers were actually poltergeists. Chris then discusses Nina Kulagina from Russia, a girl they say was quite the heart stopper. Next, Cody shares a tale of the Tibetan Monks who have quite the towel-warming psychic force. Chris’s last story is about Uri Gellar (no relation to Ross or Monica), an Israeli man with the power to bend spoons among other things. This weeks drinks are: Kris Pino Grigio and Baltika Porter. Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-43s Topic: 43s-4:45m Drinks: 4:45m-6:52m History: 6:52m-12:45m Angelique Cottin: 12:45m-19:19m Nina Kulagina: 19:19m-24:45m Gitumo and the Tibetan Monks: 24:45m-29:48m Uri Gellar: 29:48m-35:05m Skeptic: 35:05m-41:04m Believer: 41:04m-44:05m BS Weekly: 44:05m-45:52m Good Byes: 45:52m-46:46m Outro Music: 46:46m-47:17m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links: Telekinesis/Psychokinesis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychokinesis Nina Kulagina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Kulagina http://weekinweird.com/2014/05/14/real-heart-stopper-soviet-psychic-superstar-2/ Believer: https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2016/11/secret-document-may-reveal-humans-with-super-mental-powers/ BS Weekly: https://www.zmescience.com/research/temporary-tattoo-like-electronics-could-make-telepathy-and-telekinesis-a-reality/

Halloween is over, but we still have plenty of crazy things to share. In this minisode, Cody talks about a man who goes to a hardware store and starts moving random things around...with his mind. He even does the incredible and moves a wooden paint stirrer off a dry erase marker! Then Chris shares some special tips that will help all you listeners develop super powers in no time. You won't want to miss it!

In this episode, Chris and Cody team up with the homos from Frigay the 13th to talk about the truth in popular horror movies. It’s the gayest episode this side of Crystal Lake, so check it out for your gaily dose of fun. Andrew starts it off by sharing the true story behind Fire in the Sky. It includes a truly freaky personal tale. Then Cody goes all Candyman on your a**es, but still can’t say the name in a mirror or even text it to his friends. Matty follows this up by discussing the real exorcism of Emily Rose. It'll make you wonder who the real devil is. Finally, Chris talks about Ed Gein, the inspiration behind Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Ed was an, um, interesting guy who liked his mother...a lot. Drinks for this week’s episode include Napa by Napa, a solid red wine, Barefoot Moscato, and Berry Weiss Leinenkugel's. Advisory: 0s-13s Intro Music: 13s-43s Topic: 43s-5:00m Drinks: 5:00m-9:20m History: 9:20m-15:23m Fire In the Sky: 15:23m-23:10m Candyman: 23:10m-32:55m Exorcism of Emily Rose: 32:55m-44:15m Ed Gein: 44:15m-54:16m Game: 54:16m-59:44m Sign Offs: 59:44m-1:01:00h Outro Music: 1:01hrs-1:01:59h Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links: Horror Films https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film Candyman http://www.scaryforkids.com/candyman/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candyman_(film) https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/they-came-in-through-the-bathroom-mirror/Content?oid=871084 https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2014/03/14/how-a-story-about-the-horrors-of-housing-projects-became-part-of-a-horror-movie Ed Gein https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Gein https://allthatsinteresting.com/edward-gein

Halloween month is almost over, but in this minisode, Chris and Cody keep the scary going. Cody talks about the man who may or may not have been the inspiration behind the movie Halloween. He's like Michael Myers but less William Shatnery. Chris then tells the final part of his Killer in the Scream Mask story! You don't want to miss it. And like all good horror movies, it may or may not leave room for a sequel.

In this episode, Cody and and Chris continue their Halloween extravaganza by discussing true life horrors that happened during the season. During Chris’s first story, he talks about a man known as the Candy Man (not the Clive Barker one) who ruined Halloween for everyone. Then Cody tells the tale of the Bunny Man, an escaped prisoner who supposedly murdered in Northern Virginia and still haunts the area to this day. Chris then talks about Elmer McCurdy, whose body saw more after death than than while alive. Finally, Cody finishes us off with his much anticipated personal story about The Clownhouse. This week’s drinks are: Shiner Bock Octoberfest and Anderson Valley Chai Solstice. Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-43s Topic: 43s-2:33m Drinks: 2:33m-4:27m Halloween Facts: 4:27m-9:16m Candy Man: 9:16m-16:19m Bunny Man: 16:19m-25:14m Elmer McCurdy: 25:14m-31:07m Clownhouse: 31:07m-40:45m Skeptic: 40:45m-43:00m Believer: 43:00m-44:33m BS Weekly: 44:33m-45:55m Goodbyes: 45:55m-47:00m Outro: 47:00m-47:34m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links: Ronald Clark O’Bryan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Clark_O%27Bryan Elmer McCurdy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_McCurdy Believer: https://fee.org/articles/halloween-is-about-ridiculing-not-celebrating-evil/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrszdBRDWARIsAEEYhre71IHwyBcAycAb_PoIa_2AQHfAzeRvAN5n5YRcE2XTCXtz5g2jah8aAonjEALw_wcB BS Weekly https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2018/10/skull-shaped_asteroid_making_h.html

Halloween month continues, and in this minisode Cody and Chris have two creepy a** stories. Cody scare the s**t out of Chris by preying on his fears of home invasion in what may or may not be true story. Chris tells part two (of three) of the killer in the Scream mask. It ends on a cliff hanger, so you’ll be “dying” to listen to part three!

In this episode, Chris and Cody kick off Halloween month by talking all about traditions. Cody discusses a personal (and quite odd) family tradition having to do with begging and puppets, while Chris discusses an equally strange custom that has to do with kale (yes that kind of kale). Cody then talks about lore surrounding samhain and Chris shares the origins and traditions around Dia de Los Muertos (no, it is NOT Mexican Halloween). This weeks drinks are: Two Hats Beer and a variety of Pumpkin varietals. Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-41s Topic: 41s-2:20m Drinks: 2:20m-4:45m History: 4:45m-10:43m Cody’s Story: 10:43m-20:38m Kale: 20:38m-24:45m Samhain: 24:45m-32:03m Dia de Los Muertos: 32:03m-37:54m Believer: 37:54m-40:30m Skeptic: 40:30m-43:48m BS Weekly: 43:48m-45:51m Sign Off: 45:51m-47:16m Outro Music: 47:16m-47:49m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links History: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween Dia de los Muertos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead https://www.morphsuits.com/blog/the-history-of-dia-de-los-muertos/ All Souls’ Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_cake Samhain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain https://www.free-witchcraft-spells.com/samhain-divination.html Believer: https://wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/19180210p01.html BS Weekly: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/09/20/sexy-handmaids-tale-halloween-costume-sparks-outrage/1375851002/

In this minisode, Chris and Cody kick off a month of Halloween episodes! To start it all off, Cody tells about a childhood Halloween tradition involving dressing as a bum to knock on his mother's bedroom door for candy. But that candy wasn't free! It cost prayers. Then Chris begins the first of a three part Halloween tale about trick-or-treaters being chased down by a creeper. It's chilling and Cody made all the proper "Ooh!" and "Aah!" noises. See if you can guess next week's topic from this minisode. It's harder this time, but Cody's story should help clue you in.

In this episode, Cody and Chris are joined by the amazing women of Spoop Hour as they discuss cursed objects. Sasha starts us off with the Hope Diamond, which Cody thought was The Heart of the Ocean from Titanic. Then, Cody discusses murderer Johnny Frank Garrett, who places a curse upon the world. THE WORLD! Next, Courtney tells us about Archive of the Afterlife in W. Virginia. It holds some creepy ass artifacts, like an armless doll that plays favorites and an electrocution cap. Finally, Chris tells of the curse associated with The Petrified Forest. He visited the area over the summer and quickly learned to take only pictures. Instead of BS Weekly, Chris and Cody play a game of “real or fake haunted artifact” with Sasha and Courtney. This week’s drinks are: Thai-grrr Mead and Provisioner Red Blend Wine. Or something like that. Advisory: 0s-13s Intro Music: 13s-40s Guest Intro/Topic: 40s-3:44m Drinks: 3:44m-5:30m Facts: 5:30m-10:32m Hope Diamond: 10:32m-20:10m Johnny Frank Garrett: 20:10m-27:54m Archive of the Afterlife: 27:54m-35:05m The Petrified Forest: 35:05m-41:17m Skeptic: 41:17m-45:55m Believer: 45:55m-48:43m Real or Fake Haunted Artifact: 48:43m-52:28m Sign Off: 52:28m-54:04m Outro Music: 54:04m-54:37m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Links: Haunted Dinosaur: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Haunted-Dinosaur-Toy-and-Weird-Gems/323404951996?hash=item4b4c6ff1bc:g:8LUAAOSwEVZaUvD2 Archive of the Afterlife: https://archive-afterlife.weebly.com/ Petrified Forest: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-petrifiedcurse/ http://badluckhotrocks.com/archive Believer: https://www.catholic.com/qa/how-demons-can-affect-objects https://www.onlinepsychicchat.org/articles/the-hidden-dangers-of-cursed-objects/

In this minisode, Chris and Cody discuss two evil objects that make you never want to own anything again. Chris talks about James Dean and his beloved car...that tried to murder him and lots of other people! Cody begins telling a story about Pearl Harbor, but it quickly derails into a familiar taboo tiki topic sure to delight anyone who likes fluffy television. That will make sense when you listen, we promise! See if you can guess next week's topic from this minisode. It's not hard this time.

In this episode, Chris and Cody talk alllllll about mind control. Cody dives into MK Ultra, which he thought was a gross light beer, but it's actually a real government program that tried brainwashing subjects using LSD, electroshock, and other crazy a** stuff. Chris discusses a seemingly harmless experiment - where volunteers pretended to be prisoners or guards - that went absolutely bonkers after only six days. Today’s Drinks of Choice are: California Roots wine and water (yep, water). Advisory: 0-13s Intro Music: 13s-42s Topic: 42s-3:13m Drinks: 3:13m-4:02m History/Facts: 4:02m-7:15m MKUltra: 7:15m-20:00m Stanford Prison Experiment: 20:00m-29:15m Hypnosis: 29:15m-35:15m Whitey Bulger: 35:15m-39:23m Debunk: 39:23m-43:05m Believer: 43:05m-44:57m BS Weekly: 44:57m-46:12m Thank you: 46:12m-47:41m Music Outro: 47:41m-48:13m Original Music: “Berghain” by Monkey Warhol Stanford Prison Experiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment Whitey Bulger: https://www.ozy.com/true-story/whitey-bulger-i-was-a-guinea-pig-for-cia-drug-experiments/76409 Believer: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hypnosis-the-power-trance/201509/is-total-mind-control-possible BS Weekly: https://gazette.com/military/conspiracy-theory-claims-schriever-air-force-base-home-to-mind/article_9eccb330-a6fc-11e8-978c-3b510945024d.html