Edgar Allan Poe's tales of madness, horror, and moral lessons continue to resonate nearly two centuries after their creation. Throughout the episode, we unravel the inspirations behind four iconic Poe stories—The Masque of the Red Death, The Oblong Box, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Cask of Amontillado. Drawing parallels between Poe's life and his fictional narratives, we reveal how real-world events, such as disease outbreaks, murder trials, and personal vendettas, served as the dark muses for his unparalleled tales of terror.
Mentioned in the episode:
An Evening of Haunted Holiday Stories in Ottawa & Toronto
Haunted Holiday Cards
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Episode 94 – The Raven
Ghost Towns transport us to a bygone era, where stories of hope, hardship, and human endeavour are etched into every crumbling brick and faded sign. These towns were once vibrant communities, thriving on the dreams and sweat of people who ventured into the unknown to build a new life. As time passed and circumstances changed, these settlements met their fate – abandoned due to economic shifts, natural disasters, or the beckoning of greener pastures. As night falls, the creaking of wooden beams, the distant howl of the wind, and the ominous silence remind us that we are not alone in these forsaken places. The imagination dances with phantoms of the past, whispers of footsteps in empty corridors, and the faint echoes of laughter that once filled now-deserted places.
In the episode, we take a Haunted Talks road trip to explore some of the most interesting and eerie ghost towns in Canada.
See some recent footage from the incredibly preserved and creepy Kitsault, BC.
The sinking of Titanic continues to captivate our imaginations, but could there have been premonitions of the disaster? In this episode, retired professor Terry Keefe, author of “Premonitions of the Titanic Disaster,” shares some of the over 200 intriguing cases of premonitions and forewarnings related to the ill-fated luxury steamship. Drawing from difficult-to-obtain or out-of-print sources, Professor Keefe presents chilling accounts of people who may have experienced inexplicable phenomena about the looming tragedy. From psychic visions to prophetic dreams, join us as we delve into a mysterious element of the Titanic story and reflect on the possibility of premonitions and their impact on the most famous maritime disaster in history. Get ready for a fresh perspective that will leave you intrigued by the supernatural clues to the Titanic disaster.
Join us as we explore the fascinating lives and careers of John Radclive and Arthur Ellis, two men who were tasked with carrying out the ultimate punishment – the death penalty. With hundreds of hangings between them, both have a claim to the title of Canada’s Hangman. We delve into the complex and often controversial world of capital punishment, and the profound impact it can have on those responsible for administering justice. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about this dark chapter in Canadian history, this is a must-listen episode. Tune in now to learn more about these enigmatic and compelling figures.
Warning: The episode contains graphic descriptions of hangings. Please, take care.
Other Haunted Talks episodes mentioned in the show:
Ep 59 – The Unknown Hangman – Questions surround the identity of an unknown hangman in Alberta.
Ep 129 – Canadian Women & Capital Punishment – We examine the rare occasions when women were executed and the circumstances surrounding those cases.
Alcatraz is a place that uniquely captures the imagination, with stories of the civil war, harden criminals, daring escape attempts and lingering legends. We will be exploring “the Rock” through the eyes of Historian, Haunted Talks contributor and former Haunted Walk tour guide, Brittney Bos, Ph.D, as she visits the infamous island for the first time. While wandering the cellblocks and hallways she will share her thoughts and impressions about this one-of-a-kind site and why it is essential to preserve and visit places of tragedy, loss and suffering.
For more about Alcatraz, hear from a Park Ranger in Haunted Talks Episode 19 – The Fate of the Kingston Pen.
Over 700 people were hanged in Canada before capital punishment was abolished in 1976. Of those, less than 2% were women. We examine the rare occasions when women were executed and the circumstances surrounding those cases. The stories range from acts of senseless violence to domestic disputes to gross miscarriages of justice to botched executions. We delve into this dark and often overlooked aspect of Canadian history.
In the episode, we mention Canada’s Official Executioner Arthur Ellis. To read more about his story and tragic downfall, check out our blog post – “Canada’s Hangman“.
See all of our episodes at: https://hauntedwalk.com/podcasts/
We are going to be talking about death, but not in the usual ways we do on this podcast. There will be little discussion of the paranormal, and no mention of grizzly murders, unsolved or otherwise. Instead, we will be looking into the lives and businesses of those who spend the most time with the dead – Undertakers. Joining us will be a historical researcher and author, Marion Roes, to talk about her new book, Death as Life’s Work, which focuses on Undertakers and Funeral Businesses in the Waterloo, Ontario region from 1850-2020. Marion will be sharing with us some of the practices that have changed in the industry over the years, surprising artifacts she unearthed during her research, and her family’s unique experience of operating a funeral home for over 100 years.
Follow Marion Roes on Twitter and her Facebook Page “Undertakers and Their Businesses in Waterloo Region“.
We examine a dastardly & largely forgotten crime that shocked a small community in Western Quebec & made headlines across North America. As dawn was breaking on a summer’s morning in 1933, five family members were hunted down and brutally murdered on their farmstead. The evidence gathered from the gruesome crime scene unexpectedly pointed the finger at one of their own. We are joined by Canadian crime writer Keith Landry, author of “The Allumette Island Massacre.”
Convicted murderer, John Lee, managed to survive three trips to the gallows. Fulfilling the prophetic dream he had the night before his execution. Was it divine intervention on behalf of an innocent man or only a coincidence? Would the authorities try to hang him again? We conclude the epic and baffling tale of the life of John "Babbacombe" Lee.
Looking for Part 1 of The Man They Couldn’t Hang?
Casey Jones is a railroad legend and an American folk hero. With certain disaster at hand, he sacrificed his own life to save as many others as possible. We explore his life and his final fateful run with destiny.
There are few natural wonders in the world as impressive as Niagara Falls. The incredible sight draws millions of visitors each year. The history and culture are also fascinating. The receding glaciers that created the falls. The indigenous communities that long lived in the area. The daredevils who tempted fate. And the many wax museums, haunted houses and other tourist attractions. On Halloween night though, one of the Falls' most compelling stories took an unexpected turn.
Gary Barrett achieved some every dubious distinctions. He was twice convicted of murder and twice sentence to death. He was the first person executed at a federal penitentiary in Canada. His hanging did not go well. Immediately raising questions about the identity of the unknown hangman.
Read the Warden's letter and see other documents.
Pierre Radisson was a co-founder of The Hudson’s Bay Company. He was also a cannibal. Really. A self-described cannibal. We are joined by Mark Bourrie to discuss his new book, “Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre—Esprit Radisson.” Quite possibly one of the most incredible lives ever lived.
One of the world’s most chilling mysteries! What could explain why a group of expert Russian skiers cut their way out of their own tent in the middle of a freezing cold night and wandered off into the dark without jackets and in bare feet? Avalanche? Animal attack? Military testing? Or…something much more sinister? Join us as we investigate!
Imagine waking up in the middle night to find a strange man standing in you bedroom brandishing an axe. It sounds like the plot of a slasher movie, but for the people of New Orleans in the early 1900s, this was no fictional plot. The city was being terrorized. A deranged monster was repetitively breaking into the homes of Italian grocers. The unsuspecting victims, including children, were maimed or murdered as they slept. As the number of victims grew, so did the apprehension in the city, and the pressure on the police to bring the killer to justice. We explore the shocking turn of events with Miriam C. Davis, author of “The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story”.
Full of terrible twists and unsettling turns, the Hinterkaifeck Murders are one of the world’s most chilling mysteries. What was the motive for such a night of terror? We search for answers with Edward Chilvers, author of, “Footsteps in the Attic: A True Account of the Slayings at the Hinterkaifeck Farmstead". Due to some of the nightmarish elements of the story, listener discretion is advised.
In an unsuspecting field in Northeast Georgia, four massive granite slabs, each 16 feet tall, rise out of the ground. The Georgia Guidestones are often referred to as America's Stonehenge, due the many mysteries that surround them. Who built them? And why? What is the meaning of their strange inscriptions? Why are they repeated in 8 different languages? Buckle up your seat belts as we are taking a road trip to visit one of the strangest monuments in the United States.
Should Canada’s most infamous maximum security prison be preserved, redeveloped or torn down? Our five uniquely qualified guests share their thoughts on the past, present and future of the Kingston Penitentiary. We will also take a trip to Alcatraz Island for a personal tour by one of the longest serving Park Rangers and hear about his experiences working at the world’s most famous prison.
City of Kingston Pen Consultation Page
Guests:
Glen Shackleton, Tour Operator
Janice Nickerson, Genealogist
Geoffrey James, Photographer
Laurie Armstrong, Director of Media Relations – San Francisco Travel Assoc.
John Cantwell, Alcatraz Park Ranger