Of the many haunted object stories we have covered, this might be the most unexpectedly unsettling. In a small Wisconsin town in 1955, the Monroe family stumbled upon an old, forgotten box in their newly purchased home. Inside, they discovered a stunning patchwork quilt radiating with colours from a bygone era. Little did they know that this innocuous find would begin a chilling mystery that would make newspaper headlines. From moving on its own accord and ghostly demands to the bone-chilling encounters with a faceless figure, there is something very unusual about this unique family heirloom.
The Hope Diamond, a mesmerizing blue diamond that weighs a staggering 45 carats, has a strange history that stretches back centuries. But beyond its stunning beauty lies a tale of intrigue, tragedy, and a supposed curse that has fascinated generations. Legends tell us that the origins of this exceptional gem can be traced back to the mines of India. From there, it made its way through a labyrinth of owners and countries, leaving a trail of misfortune in its wake. Some believe that this precious stone carries an ancient curse, bringing tragedy, despair, and even death to those who possess it. Its potential victims include some of history’s most recognizable names. Is it all coincidence? Urban legends manufactured by the press? Or something much more sinister? Join us as we go looking for answers.
For more about cursed objects, check out Episode 26 – Curses!
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Krawczyk, the passionate owner of Little Ghosts Books, a spine-chilling bookstore nestled in the heart of Toronto. We delved into the intriguing world of running a horror-themed bookshop and received a treasure trove of recommendations to spookify our summer reading lists. Topping the list was A Darkness Absolute, a captivating collection of scary short stories crafted by the talented Canadian author, Caitlin Marceau, who joins us to give a special reading of the story that inspired the collection’s haunting title. Once the echoes of Caitlin’s chilling words settle, we’ll be joined by Chris and Caitlin for a conversation that explores the essence of the story, the macabre allure of the entire collection, and the profound experience of being a writer in the world of horror.
An intriguing question from a listener takes us on a wild ride, culminating in the revelation of never-before-heard ghost stories about a US landmark. Haiden Nelson, a collection technician at The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, joins us to share her strange experience and several delightfully eerie tales about the restless spirits that might roam the museum. These stories have never been shared with the public before and we will be among the first people in the world to hear them.
In his book “The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible,” John Geiger explores the mysterious and fascinating phenomenon of individuals experiencing the sensation of a “third man” or presence during moments of extreme stress or danger. From mountain climbers and explorers to prisoners of war and disaster survivors, Geiger examines numerous accounts of people reporting the feeling of an unexplained presence aiding and guiding them through these harrowing experiences.
Listen in on our discussion with John as we delve deeper into the Third Man Factor, exploring the stories of those who have experienced it and the implications for our understanding of the paranormal, human consciousness and resilience in the face of adversity.
John Geiger is the CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He is the internationally bestselling author of seven books, a former chair of the Editorial Board of The Globe and Mail and has been awarded with the Order of Canada.
There are many people who have claimed to be able to contact the dead. Some identify as mediums or seers or psychics, saying they have a special ability to connect to the other side. For the purposes of this episode, we’re not exploring or questioning the practice of séances or the identity of mediums; we’re specifically looking at historical figures who have been exposed as frauds who were in the business solely to make money. Their crimes, which were extremely widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were not victimless and ended up tarnishing the reputation of genuine spiritualists and investigators, still affecting the validity of paranormal research to this day.
Last year around this time, a new horror-themed bookstore opened in Toronto. Little Ghosts Bookstore and Café, with its fittingly eerie name, quickly became a favourite destination for bookworms, horror aficionados, and authors alike. We’re thrilled to have owner, Chris Krawczyk, with us to share what it is like running this unique business. As an added bonus, Chris will also be providing us with some fantastic suggestions for our spooky spring and summer reading lists, which you won’t want to miss.
SPOILER ALERT! – Scroll Down to See Chris’s Top 5 Recommendations
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Little Ghost Books’ Top 5 Books for a Spooky Spring & Summer
# 1. A Blackness Absolute – Caitlin Marceau
# 2. Abnormal Statistics – Max Booth
# 3. Monstrilio – Gerardo Sámano Córdova
# 4. LingHun – AI Jiang
# 5. Tell Me I’m Worthless – Alison Rumfitt
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.
In December 2003, the body of Joyce Carol Vincent was discovered in her London apartment. She had been dead for over two years. When the remains were found, her television set was still on and flickering away in the corner, Christmas presents were wrapped for the big day, and dishes were piled and patiently waiting to be washed in the sink. How did this happen? Who was this woman? How did no one notice that she had vanished from life? As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there were darker forces at play in Joyce’s life, and that her isolation was not entirely by choice.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone and help is available in Canada, the US, and all over the world.
It is the 101st anniversary of one of the most perplexing and haunting true crime cases we have ever examined – the Hinterkaifeck Murders. Even though it has been 5 years since we first released this episode, we still often think about it and wonder what happened on that isolated farmstead on that fateful and dreadful night. Full of terrible twists and unsettling turns, it is 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 strongly advised.
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.
Our guest, Dr. Richard Gallagher, is a well-known psychiatrist, author, and professor who has spent his career studying the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the supernatural. One area of Dr. Gallagher’s expertise that has garnered significant attention is his work with demonic possession and exorcism. He has evaluated and treated many individuals who claim to be possessed by evil entities and has served as a consultant on numerous high-profile cases of alleged possession. In this capacity as the consultant for Exorcists, Dr. Gallagher has undoubtedly seen more cases of possession – many quite disturbing – than any other physician in the world. He has also written extensively on the topic, including his recent book, “Demonic Foes: My Twenty-Five Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal.”
Other Haunted Talks episodes mentioned in the interview:
Ep 124 – The First Ghosts – Dr. Irving Finkle
Ep 146 – Hospital Exorcisms – Dr. Paul Blair
Join us as we delve into the world of paranormal investigation with Elliot and Cory from Phantoms of Yore. We’ve been collaborating with them for 5 years on public investigations at some of the most haunted historic sites in Ontario. Due to their unique and exclusive nature, these events are extremely popular. In the episode, Elliot and Cory share with us their experiences and philosophy in conducting and leading these investigations. They also brought along some spine-chilling EVPs and other audio anomalies captured by themselves and participants at these historic sites. Get ready to be amazed (and spooked!) as you listen to some of these eerie recordings. Tune in to this episode of Haunted Talks to hear all about Phantoms of Yore’s adventures with the paranormal.
Visit our Public Paranormal Investigations page to see all upcoming investigations with Phantoms of Yore. The spring 2023 schedule will be announced in April.
The mere mention of the mysterious practice of “exorcisms” can make us feel uneasy, conjuring up images of demonic possession and a struggle between good and evil beyond human comprehension. Our guest on this episode, Dr. Paul Blair, is a healthcare chaplain at the Riverview Heath Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who recently wrote a doctoral dissertation about exorcisms. We’ll discuss the reasons why exorcisms are needed, the myths and misconceptions surrounding them, and the crucial role of qualified individuals in carrying out these rituals. Paul also shares a few of the eerie experiences of his healthcare colleagues and discusses some of the exorcisms that he has performed in the hospital.
Join us for the gripping conclusion to our three-part mini-series on Edward Bulwer-Lytton's classic gothic tale, 'The Haunted and the Haunters.' After a terrifying night, our protagonist attempts to unravel the mysteries of the haunted house. Was it real or just imagination? In the end, he makes a startling discovery that challenges his perceptions of reality and imagination. This discovery sheds new light on the events of the story and raises more questions about the haunted house and its history. The conclusion is both surprising and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact and adding to the suspenseful and frightening atmosphere of the story.
Be sure to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 before venturing into the finale!
Join us for the second part of our three-part mini-series on Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s paranormal masterpiece, “The Haunted and the Haunters”, published in 1859. The story is a chilling reminder of the dangers of obsession and the power of the past to shape our present and future. In this installment, our unnamed protagonist has a terrifying encounter with something dark that is lurking in the house. Be sure to start with Part 1 to get caught up on the story so far!
Gather in close as we share a reading of a classic Victorian ghost story! Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Haunted and the Haunters is an exceptional example of Gothic fiction, a genre that emerged in the late 18th century and was characterized by its use of supernatural elements, melodramatic plots, and gloomy, often ruined settings. It tells the story of an unnamed protagonist, his servant and his dog, who visit a grand but dilapidated mansion that is rumoured to be haunted. The story follows their experiences as they investigate the truth behind the ghost stories and the eerie occurrences that happen inside the house. It is not only a thrilling and spooky adventure, but it also delves into themes of betrayal, revenge, and the power of the mind, making it not just a spine-chilling journey, but also a thought-provoking one.
New to the case? We recommend starting with Episode 141 – Solving the Somerton Man Mystery first, before listening to this episode.
See more family photos of Charles Webb - the Somerton Man.
For over 70 years, investigators have sought to identify the unknown man found dead on an Australian beach in 1948. There were no signs of foul play and an examination of the victim’s stylish clothing strangely revealed that all of the labels had been removed. In his pocket was found a passage from a rare book that eerily translates to: It is ended. Was this a suicide or something much more complicated? We are joined by Dr. Lars Petersen to discuss how newly collected DNA evidence may finally reveal the identity of the Somerton Man.
Ready to learn the identity of the Somerton Man? Join us for Episode 142 – The Somerton Man Mystery: SOLVED!
Shortly after 4am, on July 6th, 2022, an explosion rocked the hilltop pasture on which “America’s Stonehenge” stood for over 40 years. One of the monument’s mysterious columns was destroyed and the capstone on top was badly cracked. The blast caused the remaining columns to become unstable and the entire monument was brought down by county officials later the same day. Who would want to destroy the roadside curiosity that had brought tens of thousands of tourists (and their money) to the rural community each year? We examine the strange history of the monument and explore who may be responsible for the crime.
View the surveillance footage from the site on the night of the explosion.
See the tweets by Kandiss Taylor calling for the Guidestones to be demolished and then celebrating afterwards.
Be sure to get your Haunted Holiday Cards before they sell out!
This October, Jim had an opportunity to do a guest spot on an engineering podcast. The show, called Engineering Legends, is produced by Brown and Caldwell, an engineering consulting firm that works throughout North America and Guam in the environmental sector. Each year around Halloween they do a special episode about haunted infrastructure. Jim was able to share with them the story of Toronto’s Cabbagetown Monster, which lurks in the forgotten tunnels that run beneath the city. The second guest on the show, Nicole Jones, owns a haunted and potentially cursed former dam site in Tennessee. She shares some chilling stories, including the ghost of a young girl who has spiky teeth and an entity that would take on Nicole’s appearance and regularly interact with her staff – a ghostly doppelganger!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 🎃 We celebrate the spookiest day of the year by sharing a story recently published by one of our listeners. Caitlin Mulroney reads “Blood Harvest” from her new book Not That Scary: A Little Collection of Creepy Stories. It touches on many of our favourite topics and themes. Sit back, relax, turn the lights down low and enjoy a chilling tale on Halloween!
Like many old Canadian hotels, the Fort Garry was a railroad hotel built by the Grand Trunk Railroad just before the outbreak of the First World War. While spirits have been spotted throughout the property, the second floor has the highest concentration of activity and is usually the site of the most famous encounters. In fact, there is a specific room that paranormal investigators always wish to book. With ghosts that get in bed with the guests, spirits that cause blood to run down the walls, and a phantom woman in a long white gown, the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most haunted spots. We explore the history and hauntings of this paranormal landmark.
Ghost Tours: https://hauntedwalk.com/ghost-tours/
Virtual Haunted Campfires: https://hauntedwalk.com/virtual-haunted-campfires/
Haunting at Home: https://hauntedwalk.com/experience/the-haunting-at-home/
The epic conclusion of our 3-part Haunted Talks special event! Brittney Bos (Historian & Series Writer) and Margo MacDonald (Haunted Walk Tour Guide and Lead Investigator), join us for a haunted roundtable discussion about the four cases we have shared. It is a fun and thought-provoking conversation that explores the nature of poltergeists, why these cases might be so similar despite decades and great geographical distances between them, as well as additional unsettling details about the cases we have not shared in the first two episodes.
The second episode in a 3-part Haunted Talks special event! We continue our exploration of Canada’s most documented and frightening Poltergeist cases. For this episode, we travel to the Maritimes and explore two stories in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Although nearly 50 years and 200 km separate them, these stories share too many details to ignore. They have all of the hallmarks of the poltergeist stories that we’ve already come to know: the strange noises and aggressive behaviours.
In Amherst, a young woman named Esther Cox became the target of suspicion after her family’s home was tormented by an entity that would start fires, leave writings on the walls, and directly communicate with witnesses by using knocks or a disembodied voice.
In Caledonia Mills, a family was besieged by a relentless series of fires. It seemed anything could catch fire at any moment: wallpaper, wet towels, and the grass in the yard. Nothing was safe from the flames. The family was so worried about the spread of fire that they all took turns keeping watch, worried that there could be an arsonist lurking in their midst.
Join us for the final episode of Canadian Poltergeists on Friday, October 21st, 2022!