Step into the shadows with us as we venture into Houska Castle, nestled deep in the Czech Republic’s enchanting countryside. This isn’t just any old castle—it’s built over what’s rumoured to be a gateway to hell itself. But that’s just the beginning. Houska’s ancient walls also house ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena that have intrigued visitors for centuries. In this episode, we delve into the castle’s fascinating history, from its unusual construction possibly aimed at containing dark forces, to the spooky legends that have emerged from its shadowy corners. Join us on a journey to a place where history and the supernatural converge, in a castle that continues to captivate the imagination with its mysteries and hauntings.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 72 – Haunting of Castle Leap

Our guest, Kim Dennis, is a gifted medium from Calgary, whose remarkable abilities have resonated with individuals seeking spiritual guidance and captivated audiences across the nation. Known for her appearances on radio and television, as well as her regular contributions to Jann Arden’s popular podcast, Kim’s journey into mediumship is one of personal discovery and spiritual enlightenment, making her a source of comfort and clarity for many.

This remarkable conversation with Kim opens up how spirits communicate, the profound messages they share, and the lingering questions about life and death. Kim’s stories of how departed loved ones maintain their connections from beyond are both touching and thought-provoking. Our talk extends into the realms of the paranormal and solving cold cases.

We make a holiday classic creepy! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, originally known as ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas,’ was first published in 1823 in the Troy, New York, Sentinel. While it is well-known for shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, what’s lesser-known — and equally intriguing — is the mystery-shrouded controversy over who truly authored this iconic work. In the episode, we share the story and our special spooky version of the tale – which is not recommended for children or easily frightened adults. Happy Haunted Holidays!

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 116 – House on the Marsh

We’re veering away from our usual tales of ghosts and eerie mysteries to celebrate a milestone so extraordinary, it’s a first in the modern history of ‘The Haunted Walk’. We’re thrilled to sit down with Sheena Bolton, who has just completed a journey that no one else has dared, or perhaps even dreamed of. A legend in her own right, Sheena is easily one of our all-time favourite guests. As she shares her unique insights and reflections, you’ll be transported into the midst of our most haunting paranormal adventures. Join us as we dive into the tale of a true Haunted Walk aficionado.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 169 – Tales From the Tours – Volume 3

The CN Tower is an iconic Canadian landmark. Standing at 553 meters or 1,815 feet, it is one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. Contemplating the Tower, an intriguing idea crossed our minds. Although it is not known as a haunted place, it possesses unique characteristics that could make it a one-of-a-kind site for an experimental paranormal investigation. Our hypothesis was that if the Tower serves as one of the world's largest antennas for earthly signals, such as radio waves, could we also use it as an antenna to make a connection to the other side or beyond? What would happen if we ascended to the very top of the Tower in the SkyPod and started asking questions?

That is precisely what we did during two nights this past October. In this episode, we will reveal the astonishing results of our investigation. It's not too often that we get to break news on this podcast, but today we'll do just that. We'll share the results from the first-ever paranormal investigations of the CN Tower, and as far as we know, the tallest investigation ever attempted. We are becoming convinced that there is more to hauntings than old creepy buildings or spine-tingling ghost stories.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 147 – Paranormal Investigations with Phantoms of Yore
Episode 92 – The Haunting at Home

In 1972, when Dr. Jan L. Perkowski (pictured) published a report on the strange happenings in Wilno, Ontario, it made international headlines and forever tied the small Eastern Ontario community to Vampire stories. The town has been eager to shake this reputation – focusing instead on its history as the first Polish settlement in Canada. But the vampire lore endures and any online search or local mention of “Wilno” will quickly come up with endless references to vampires. But, there is so much more to the story. In the episode, we share the lesser-reported eyewitness accounts that Perkowski gathered from the locals. They are terrifying and odd. Blending old-world superstitions and beliefs with modern life.

Want to read Dr. Perkowski’s report for yourself? Download it here from The Canadian Museum of History.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 104 – Vampire Hunting

We have something intriguing for you. Previously, we’ve presented two episodes where our storytellers joined us to share their extraordinary and eerie experiences while leading tours. These episodes were titled ‘Tales from the Tours Vol. 1 & 2.’ We had plans to release a third volume this October when our good friends at the ‘Geist‘ podcast approached us to collaborate on an episode. We proposed a fresh addition to our ‘Tales from the Tours’ series to round out the trilogy.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 23 – Tales From the Tours Vol. 1
Episode 113 – Tales From the Tours Vol. 2

Let’s face it, our pets can be creepy. Cats are notorious for fixating on empty corners of a room, while dogs may bark, howl, or cower in response to unseen entities. Our furry companions also seem to possess an uncanny awareness of things beyond our perception. Some even make unexpected returns from beyond the grave. Although we don’t know what Mr. Whiskers or Spot are trying to communicate to the resident ghosts, we can explore some hair-raising and tail-wagging tales about pets and the paranormal.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Episode 56 – Valentino’s Ghost Dog

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: Ottawa Jail Tours Ending Dec 31. Glen Shackleton, Haunted Walk Founder & CEO, shares the details.

Related Epsiodes:

Ep 84 - Old Ottawa Jail

The legal world and the paranormal, rarely cross paths. When they do, and ghostly testimony is given, it creates some truly remarkable and intriguing situations. Leaving judges and juries, shocked and baffled. We examine 4 murder trials (including the Greenbrier Ghost) where paranormal evidence played a pivotal role in the outcome. It turns out that the supernatural has made more appearances on the stand than we may realize.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

Episode 154 – Fake Mediums: Putting the “Con” in Conjuring
Episode 104 – Vampire Hunting

With Disney’s new Haunted Mansion film opening this weekend, it is the perfect time to step into the darkness and hop aboard a Doom Buggy as we unlock the secrets of the most famous haunted houses on the planet! In this spine-chilling episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Disney’s Haunted Mansions. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of this iconic attraction, exploring the decade-long struggle it took to bring this eerie masterpiece to life. Hold on tight as we reveal the mind-boggling ride mechanics and jaw-dropping special effects that continue to enchant and thrill visitors of all ages. But beware, dear listeners, for within the Haunted Mansion’s shadows lie creepy legends and obscure bits of trivia that will send shivers down your spine.

Go on a video ride-through of the Haunted Mansions at Disneyland, Disney World, and Tokyo Disney.

In this chilling episode, we venture into the mystifying and haunted woods of Hoia Baciu, a forest located in Transylvania, Romania. Join us as we uncover the eerie legends and spine-tingling phenomena that surround this enigmatic woodland. With trees that grow in unnatural ways and countless reports of strange activity, from the supernatural to extraterrestrial, our journey into the deep dark woods will be full of twists and turns. Is there a logical explanation for these phenomena, or is the forest truly a gateway to the otherworldly? Perhaps we should leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind us to find our way back out.

See the overhead view of the circular “dead zone” or Poiana Rotundă on Google Maps.

See the photograph of the UAP taken by Emil Barnea in the clearing of Hoia Baciu on August 18th, 1968.

From his groundbreaking scientific achievements to his fearless exploration of ghostly encounters and psychic phenomena, French astronomer, Camille Flammarion challenged the boundaries of conventional thought. With a unique blend of scientific rigour and an open-minded approach, Flammarion challenged skeptics and ventured where few scientists dared to tread. But Flammarion’s forays into the supernatural weren’t without controversy. We explore how his unconventional beliefs and theories stirred debates within the scientific community, and what he ultimately thought was the best evidence of the existence of the supernatural.

Read Camille Flammarion’s Haunted Houses for free on Google Books.

Other episodes mentioned:

Episode 124 – The First Ghosts with Dr. Irving Finkel – Part 1
Episode 125 – The First Ghosts with Dr. Irving Finkel – Part 2

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.

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

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.

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!